Mentha spp. essential oils: toxicity to Alphitobius diaperinus, activity against poultry pathogenic bacteria, and Beauveria bassiana compatibility.

The botanical insecticide market is growing because of limitations placed on the use of certain synthetic chemical insecticides. In this sense, the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is the main poultry pest. The insect causes weight loss and damage to the digestive system of poultry, and it is a vector and reservoir of pathogens. Consequently, this study explored the following hypotheses: (i) essential oils (EOs) derived from Mentha spp. are toxic to A. diaperius; (ii) these EOs are compatible with Beauveria bassiana, the natural enemy of the poultry pest, that parasite A. diaperinus; (iii) these EOs also exhibit activity against bacteria that are pathogenic to poultry. In topical applications and ingestion tests, EOs from Mentha arvensis, Mentha spicata, and Mentha piperita were toxic to A. diaperinus. Chromatographic analyses revealed that menthol is the predominant compound in M. arvensis and M. piperita, whereas carvone is the major compound in M. spicata. Both (-)- and (+)-menthol, along with (-)- and (+)-carvone, underwent testing with A. diaperinus. Nevertheless, their activity was not as potent as those of the EOs, suggesting a possible synergistic and/or additive effect. The EOs did not have any adverse effects on the conidial germination, vegetative growth, or conidia production per colony of the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana. Consequently, these EOs are compatible with this natural enemy. The EO extracted from M. spicata exhibited significant toxicity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), whereas the remaining EOs displayed moderate toxicity against this bacterium. The EOs derived from Mentha spp., as assessed in this study, hold promise for the development of botanical insecticides tailored for the control of A. diaperinus. These insecticides are selective in favor of the natural enemy B. bassiana and can also serve as effective sanitizers, thanks to their antibacterial properties.

Challenges in the Biological Control of Pests in Poultry Production: a Critical Review of Advances in Brazil.

Poultry farming is an important activity in animal protein production worldwide, either by laying hen farming or broilers. Over the last decades, the change in production systems with confinement of large numbers of hens has increased productivity and reduced costs; however, it has also increased sanitary issues. In this setting, arthropods that are adapted to poultry houses have gained great importance. They cause direct damage to hens, either by blood spoliation caused by ectoparasites or lesions in the digestive tract (e.g., lesser mealworm) or by indirect damages, by transmitting pathogens or by affecting egg quality, when they attain pest status. Synthetic chemical products comprise the most frequently used control strategy against these pests, with relative efficacy and many side effects. In Europe, some countries also adopt alternative prevention or control measures. In Brazil, however, although there are some groups of researchers that work on developing alternative control, its use is virtually zero. The present review shows a critical overview of this context in Brazil, based on the alternatives that have already been studied and made available, but have not been implemented, yet, and the potential stumbling blocks created by the very poultry market against these advances.

Hematological changes in dogs fed with Tenebrio molitor larvae meal / Alterações hematológicas em cães alimentados com farinha de larva de Tenebrio molitor

The aim of this study was to evaluate the haematological and biochemical parameters of dogs submitted to different levels of inclusion of mealworm meal (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5%) in their diet. Four adult females aged 5 years, castrated, with an average weight of 15.8 kg were used. A Latin square design was used, with 4 treatments and 4 replications. The base diets were calculated based on the NRC and provided in the proportion of 80% dry food and 20% wet food. The animals were dewormed, clinically evaluated and adapted to the base diet for 10 days prior to the insertion of me. After fitting, blood was collected for evaluation of haematological and biochemical parameters. The experimental period of each treatment was 14 days, with a new blood collection on the 15th day, with the animals in the fasted state. The blood parameters evaluated were blood count and biochemical tests, composed of urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, total proteins and their fractions, glucose, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and immunoglobulin E. The data obtained were subjected to multiple analysis of variance at the 5% significance level. The results showed that none of the mealworm protein inclusion levels showed blood alterations. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of mealworm meal did not harm the health of the animals tested in experiment, showing that it can be an alternative protein source and can be safely included up to a level of 7.5% in dog foods

O estudo objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de cães submetidos à diferentes níveis de inclusão da farinha da larva de Tenebrio molitor (0%, 2,5%, 5% e 7,5%) à sua dieta. Foram utilizadas 4 fêmeas adultas com 5 anos, castradas, peso médio de 15,8kg. Utilizou-se o delineamento em quadrado latino, com 4 tratamentos e 4 repetições. As dietas bases foram calculadas com base no NRC e fornecidas na proporção de 80% de alimento seco e 20% de alimento úmido. Os animais foram desverminados, avaliados clinicamente e adaptados à dieta base por 10 dias que antecederam a inserção da farinha dde Tenebrio. Após a adaptação coletou-se sangue para a avaliação dos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos. O período experimental de cada tratamento foi de 14 dias, havendo nova coleta sanguínea no décimo quinto dia, com os animais em jejum. Os parâmetros sanguíneos avaliados foram hemograma, e exames bioquímicos, compostos por ureia, creatinina, alanina aminotransferase, fosfatase alcalina, colesterol, proteínas totais e suas frações, glicose, triglicérides, proteína C reativa, fibrinogênio e imunoglobulina E. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância múltipla a 5% de significância. Os resultados demonstraram que, em nenhum dos níveis de inclusão da proteína de tenébrio houveram alterações sanguíneas. Portanto, concluir-se que o uso da farinha de Tenebrio molitor não apresentou prejuizos a saude dos animais testados neste experimento, evidenciando que pode ser uma fonte proteica alternativa e ser seguramente incluída até o nível de 7,5% em alimentos para cães

Activity of powdered methylxanthine applied to poultry litter on adults of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) / Atividade da Metilxantina em pó aplicada na cama de frango sobre adultos de Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

One of the pests that most affect and compromise poultry production worldwide is the insect Alphitobius diaperinus, known as the lesser mealworm. This insect is a vector of diseases that compromise not only chicken production but also human health. This study proposes to examine the efficacy and determine the appropriate rate of methylxanthine (MTX), a natural insecticide extracted from cafeine, for the control of an adult population of lesser mealworms in poultry litter. A total of 2,500 adult mealworms were distributed into five treatments in a completely randomized design using 10 replications with 50 insects per replication. The treatments consisted of a control group and four concentrations of MTX (14, 16, 18, and 20 g/m2) spread in plastic boxes containing reused poultry litter and feed, allocated in a broiler shed, to simulate the farm condition. The experimental period was 18 days, and five readings were performed on days 2, 4, 6, 10, and 18. Methylxanthine affected (P<0.05) the mealworms' cumulative mortality rate, with the groups of insects housed in boxes treated with 16 g /m2 MTX showing the highest cumulative mortality (86.6%) at the end of the experimental period. In conclusion, MTX has insecticidal action on adults of lesser mealworm and can be used on chicken litter to control the population of this insect in poultry sheds. The MTX concentration of 16 g/m2 showed the greatest effectiveness.

Uma das pragas que mais afetam e comprometem a produção avícola no mundo é o inseto Alphitobius diaperinus, conhecido como cascudinho. Este inseto é vetor de doenças que comprometem não só a produção de frangos como também a saúde humana. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar a eficácia e determinar a dose adequada de Metilxantina (MTX), inseticida natural extraído da cafeína, para o controle da população adulta de cascudinhos em cama de frango. Foram utilizados 2.500 cascudinhos adultos distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, cinco tratamentos, 10 repetições com 50 insetos por repetição. Os tratamentos consistiram de grupo controle e quatro concentrações 14 g/m2, 16 g/m2, 18 g/m2, 20 g/m2 de MTX espalhadas em recipientes plásticos contendo cama de frango reutilizada e ração, alocados em um galpão de frangos de corte a fm de simular a condição de granja. Período experimental foi de 18 dias e realizadas cinco leituras nos dias dois, quatro, seis, 10 e 18. A MTX afetou (P<0,05) a taxa de mortalidade acumulada de cascudinhos, grupos de insetos alojados em caixas tratadas com 16 g/m2 de MTX apresentaram maior mortalidade acumulada (86,6%) ao final do período experimental. Conclui-se que MTX tem ação inseticida sobre adultos de cascudinho, podendo ser utilizada sobre a cama de frango para o controle da população deste inseto em galpões de criação de frangos, a concentração 16 g/MTX/m2 demonstrou maior efetividade.

Origanum vulgare Essential Oil against Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Composition, Insecticidal Activity, and Behavioral Response.

Tenebrio molitor is one of the main stored product pests. This study characterized oregano essential oil (OEO) by gas chromatography (GC/FID and GC/MS) and assessed its insecticidal properties against T. molitor. Mortality, survival, respiration, and behavioral response in larva, pupa, and adult of this insect were determined. The major components of OEO were carvacrol (25.6%), p-cymene (12.3%), linalool (8.71%), thymol (7.22%), γ-terpinene (7.21%), caryophyllene oxide (4.67%), α-pinene (2.71%), and eucalyptol (2.69%). OEO caused high contact toxicity in larvae (LD50 = 3.03 µg insect-1), pupae (LD50 = 5.01 µg insect-1), and adults (LD50 = 5.12 µg insect-1) of T. molitor. Survival rates were 100% in larvae, pupae, and adults of T. molitor not treated with OEO, declining to 65-54%, 38-44%, 30-23%, and 6-2% in insects treated with LD25, LD50, LD75, and LD90, respectively. Low respiration rates of T. molitor at different developmental stages was observed after OEO exposure. Additionally, OEO exposure affects behavioral avoidance response and causes repellency in larvae and adults. These findings show that OEO exerts insecticidal and repellent effects against T. molitor, suggesting a potent alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling the beetle.

Development of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on Poultry Litter-Based Diets: Effect on Chemical Composition of Larvae.

In order to investigate a low-cost and sustainable food source, the present study evaluated the use of poultry litter for rearing Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The experiment was performed with five diets containing increasing levels of poultry litter (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) replacing the control diet and five replicates with 50 larvae per sample unit. Larval growth and development were evaluated and the chemical compositions of diet and T. molitor larvae were determined. Larval development and reproduction efficiency of T. molitor were similar in all treatments. The sole use of poultry litter to feed T. molitor reduced the crude protein of flour by only 8%. Including 50% or more poultry litter in the standard diet is the best-suited formulation for larvae production and incorporation of minerals in the larvae. Mealworm can be grown successfully on diets composed by poultry litter, the diet did not affect survival, growth, and development; however, studies spanning several insect generations should be performed to determine the effects of diet composition on adult fecundity. The knowledge acquired using poultry litter to feed T. molitor will be useful to carry out new research, in addition to evidencing the possibility of low-cost mass rearing of these larvae.

Effect of cypermethrin on the control of lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) and broiler performance / Efeito da cipermetrina no controle de cascudinho (Alphitobius diaperinus) sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte

This study analysed the effectiveness of using different levels of a product based on 6% cypermethrin and 2% citronella on broiler production and control the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). A total of 648 one-day-old chicks (Cobb®) which were allocated to one of three treatments (no application of the commercial product - control, and two concentrations of the product 2.00 and 3.33g/m2) in eight replicates with 27 birds each. The commercial product, which was based on cypermethrin was applied in the chambers with an atomizer. The lesser mealworm population was sampled weekly (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the experiment) using traps, at three points (front, middle and back) inside the pen. The performance, carcass and cut yields were evaluated. At 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the experiment, the number of lesser mealworm adults and larvae was lower in the treatment groups involving 2.00 and 3.33g/m2 of the product than in the control group. On the first and 14th days of the study, the number of lesser mealworms adults was lower in the group treated with 3.33g/m2 of the product compared to the control group, although the results did not differ statistically from those obtained with 2.00g/m2 of the product. In conclusion, the application of the commercial product at both concentrations (2.00 and 3.33g/m2) was effective in combating Alphitobius diaperinus adults and larvae, and the performance was not influenced by treatments.(AU)

Este estudo analisou a eficácia do uso de diferentes níveis de um produto à base de cipermetrina a 6% e citronela a 2%, na produção de frangos de corte e no controle do cascudinho (Alphitobius diaperinus). Um total de 648 pintos de um dia de idade (Cobb®) foram distribuídos em três câmaras com os tratamentos (sem aplicação do produto comercial - controle, e duas concentrações do produto comercial - 2,00 e 3,33g/m2) em oito repetições com 27 aves cada. O produto comercial a base de cipermetrina foi aplicado nas câmaras com um atomizador. A população de cascudinho foi amostrada semanalmente (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias do experimento) usando armadilhas, em três pontos (frente, meio e fundo) de cada parcela. Foram avaliados o desempenho, rendimentos de carcaça e cortes. Aos 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias do experimento, o número de adultos e larvas de cascudinho foi menor nos grupos de tratamento envolvendo 2,00 e 3,33g/m2 do produto quando comparado ao grupo controle. No primeiro e no 14º dia do estudo, o número de cascudinhos adultos foi menor no grupo tratado com 3,33g/m2 do produto em comparação ao grupo controle, embora os resultados não tenham diferido estatisticamente daqueles obtidos com 2,00g/m2 do produto. A conversão alimentar de 1 a 21 dias de idade foi significativa, com os melhores resultados para essa variável quando aplicado 3,33g do produto por metro quadrado e no tratamento controle. Em conclusão, a aplicação do produto comercial em ambas as concentrações (2,00 e 3,33g/m2) foi eficaz no combate a adultos e larvas de Alphitobius diaperinus e, não influenciou o desempenho.(AU)

Effect of cypermethrin on the control of lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) and broiler performance

ABSTRACT: This study analysed the effectiveness of using different levels of a product based on 6% cypermethrin and 2% citronella on broiler production and control the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). A total of 648 one-day-old chicks (Cobb®) which were allocated to one of three treatments (no application of the commercial product - control, and two concentrations of the product 2.00 and 3.33g/m2) in eight replicates with 27 birds each. The commercial product, which was based on cypermethrin was applied in the chambers with an atomizer. The lesser mealworm population was sampled weekly (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the experiment) using traps, at three points (front, middle and back) inside the pen. The performance, carcass and cut yields were evaluated. At 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the experiment, the number of lesser mealworm adults and larvae was lower in the treatment groups involving 2.00 and 3.33g/m2 of the product than in the control group. On the first and 14th days of the study, the number of lesser mealworms adults was lower in the group treated with 3.33g/m2 of the product compared to the control group, although the results did not differ statistically from those obtained with 2.00g/m2 of the product. In conclusion, the application of the commercial product at both concentrations (2.00 and 3.33g/m2) was effective in combating Alphitobius diaperinus adults and larvae, and the performance was not influenced by treatments.

RESUMO: Este estudo analisou a eficácia do uso de diferentes níveis de um produto à base de cipermetrina a 6% e citronela a 2%, na produção de frangos de corte e no controle do cascudinho (Alphitobius diaperinus). Um total de 648 pintos de um dia de idade (Cobb®) foram distribuídos em três câmaras com os tratamentos (sem aplicação do produto comercial - controle, e duas concentrações do produto comercial - 2,00 e 3,33g/m2) em oito repetições com 27 aves cada. O produto comercial a base de cipermetrina foi aplicado nas câmaras com um atomizador. A população de cascudinho foi amostrada semanalmente (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias do experimento) usando armadilhas, em três pontos (frente, meio e fundo) de cada parcela. Foram avaliados o desempenho, rendimentos de carcaça e cortes. Aos 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias do experimento, o número de adultos e larvas de cascudinho foi menor nos grupos de tratamento envolvendo 2,00 e 3,33g/m2 do produto quando comparado ao grupo controle. No primeiro e no 14º dia do estudo, o número de cascudinhos adultos foi menor no grupo tratado com 3,33g/m2 do produto em comparação ao grupo controle, embora os resultados não tenham diferido estatisticamente daqueles obtidos com 2,00g/m2 do produto. A conversão alimentar de 1 a 21 dias de idade foi significativa, com os melhores resultados para essa variável quando aplicado 3,33g do produto por metro quadrado e no tratamento controle. Em conclusão, a aplicação do produto comercial em ambas as concentrações (2,00 e 3,33g/m2) foi eficaz no combate a adultos e larvas de Alphitobius diaperinus e, não influenciou o desempenho.

Effect of cypermethrin on the control of lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) and broiler performance / Efeito da cipermetrina no controle de cascudinho (Alphitobius diaperinus) sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte

This study analysed the effectiveness of using different levels of a product based on 6% cypermethrin and 2% citronella on broiler production and control the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). A total of 648 one-day-old chicks (Cobb®) which were allocated to one of three treatments (no application of the commercial product - control, and two concentrations of the product 2.00 and 3.33g/m2) in eight replicates with 27 birds each. The commercial product, which was based on cypermethrin was applied in the chambers with an atomizer. The lesser mealworm population was sampled weekly (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the experiment) using traps, at three points (front, middle and back) inside the pen. The performance, carcass and cut yields were evaluated. At 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the experiment, the number of lesser mealworm adults and larvae was lower in the treatment groups involving 2.00 and 3.33g/m2 of the product than in the control group. On the first and 14th days of the study, the number of lesser mealworms adults was lower in the group treated with 3.33g/m2 of the product compared to the control group, although the results did not differ statistically from those obtained with 2.00g/m2 of the product. In conclusion, the application of the commercial product at both concentrations (2.00 and 3.33g/m2) was effective in combating Alphitobius diaperinus adults and larvae, and the performance was not influenced by treatments.(AU)

Este estudo analisou a eficácia do uso de diferentes níveis de um produto à base de cipermetrina a 6% e citronela a 2%, na produção de frangos de corte e no controle do cascudinho (Alphitobius diaperinus). Um total de 648 pintos de um dia de idade (Cobb®) foram distribuídos em três câmaras com os tratamentos (sem aplicação do produto comercial - controle, e duas concentrações do produto comercial - 2,00 e 3,33g/m2) em oito repetições com 27 aves cada. O produto comercial a base de cipermetrina foi aplicado nas câmaras com um atomizador. A população de cascudinho foi amostrada semanalmente (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias do experimento) usando armadilhas, em três pontos (frente, meio e fundo) de cada parcela. Foram avaliados o desempenho, rendimentos de carcaça e cortes. Aos 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias do experimento, o número de adultos e larvas de cascudinho foi menor nos grupos de tratamento envolvendo 2,00 e 3,33g/m2 do produto quando comparado ao grupo controle. No primeiro e no 14º dia do estudo, o número de cascudinhos adultos foi menor no grupo tratado com 3,33g/m2 do produto em comparação ao grupo controle, embora os resultados não tenham diferido estatisticamente daqueles obtidos com 2,00g/m2 do produto. A conversão alimentar de 1 a 21 dias de idade foi significativa, com os melhores resultados para essa variável quando aplicado 3,33g do produto por metro quadrado e no tratamento controle. Em conclusão, a aplicação do produto comercial em ambas as concentrações (2,00 e 3,33g/m2) foi eficaz no combate a adultos e larvas de Alphitobius diaperinus e, não influenciou o desempenho.(AU)

Eficácia in vitro do spinosad contra Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) / In vitro effectiveness of spinosad against Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Com a expansão avícola industrial, Alphitobius diaperinus tem se apresentado mundialmente como uma das principais pragas da avicultura moderna. Destacam-se inúmeros prejuízos, entre eles, redução no ganho de peso e veiculação de agentes potencialmente patogênicos entre as aves. Medidas de controle sanitário envolvendo o manejo correto do substrato utilizado como cama para as aves e tratamento das instalações têm sido pesquisadas e aplicadas. Em busca de novas alternativas para o controle de A. diaperinus, avaliou-se, neste estudo, a ação do Spinosad produto da síntese da fermentação aeróbica de um fungo actinomiceto presente no solo, Sacharopolyspora spinosa. Para tanto, dois experimentos “in vitro” foram conduzidos, o primeiro utilizando-se tratamento direto dos coleópteros em placas de petri e o segundo, em condições simuladas de “cama de aves” utilizando-se a casca de arroz. Os estudos em placas de petri revelaram percentuais de eficácia de 99,67% e 99,33% no controle de adultos 24º dias após tratamento (DPT), bem como 97,0% e 96,0% no controle de larvas (24ºDPT), respectivamente para o tratamento com Spinosad nas concentrações de 400ppm e 250ppm. A aplicação do 250 ppm Spinosad na casca de arroz resultou em percentuais de eficácia superiores (74,39%, 76,92% e 77,82% nos 16ºDPT, 23ºDPT e 30ºDPT, respectivamente) quando comparados ao tratamento com 400ppm (68,51%, 68,18% e 70,55% nos 16ºDPT, 23ºDPT e 30ºDPT, respectivamente), apesar de não ter sido observada diferença estatística significativa entre estes achados (P>0,05). Portanto, verificou-se neste estudo que o Spinosad, nas concentrações de 400ppm e 250ppm, via spray, mostrou-se eficaz tanto aplicado diretamente sobre A. diaperinus (adultos e larvas) ou quando dispersados em casca de arroz parasitada.(AU)

With the expansion of industrial poultry, Alphitobius diaperinus represents one of the main pests of modern for poultry production in the world. Numerous losses stand out, such as: reduction in weight gain and transmission of pathogens among birds.. Sanitary control measures with correct handling of the substrate used as litter and treatment of facilities have been researched and applied. In search of a new alternative for the control of A. diaperinus, in this study, the action of Spinosad, synthesis of the aerobic fermentation of an actinomycete fungus present in the soil, Sacharopolyspora spinosa, was evaluated. For this purpose, two "in vitro" experiments were conducted, the first using direct treatment of the coleoptera in petri dishes and the second, under simulated conditions of "poultry litter" using the rice husk. Petri dish studies revealed 99.67% and 99.33% efficacy percentages for adult control (24DPT), as well as 97.0% and 96.0% for larvae control (24º Days post-treatment- DPT) respectively for treatment with Spinosad in concentrations of 400ppm and 250ppm. The application of 250 ppm Spinosad in the rice husk resulted in higher efficacy percentages (74.39%, 76.92% and 77.82% in the 16ºDPT, 23ºDPT and 30ºDPT, respectively) when compared to the 400ppm treatment (68.51 %, 68.18% and 70.55% in the 16th PDT, 23rd PDT and 30th PDT, respectively), although no statistically significant difference was observed between these findings (P> 0.05). Therefore,it was observed that Spinosad in concentrations of 400ppm and 250ppm, via spray, showed efficacy when applied directly on A. diaperinus (adults and larvae) or dispersed in parasitized rice husks.(AU)

Atividade inseticida do Spinosad sobre Alphitobius diaperinus em fezes de poedeiras comerciais naturalmente infestadas / Insecticidal activity of Spinosad against Alphitobius diaperinus in naturally infested excrements of commercial hens

Objetivou-se neste ensaio experimental avaliar a eficácia do Spinosad contra Alphitobius diaperinus desenvolvendo-se em fezes de galinhas poedeiras de ovos comerciais. Foi avaliada a presença de adultos e larvas de A. diaperinus, presentes no esterco localizado sob as gaiolas, nos dias 2 e 1, 1, 3, 6, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47, 54 e 61 pós-tratamento. O Spinosad, na concentração de 250ppm, quando aplicado na dose de 0,126L/m2 mostrou-se ineficaz contra cascudinhos. As doses de 0,252L/m2 e de 0,504L/m2 (400ppm) mostraram-se igualmente eficazes contra adultos de cascudinhos até o 6ºDPT, atingindo percentuais de eficácia de 91,30% e 90,15%. Contra larvas de A. diaperinus, as diluições de 0,126L/m2 e de 0,252 L/m2 (Spinosad 400ppm) foram eficazes, respectivamente, até o 19ºDPT (96,71%) e 33ºDPT (85,70%). Período mais prolongado de eficácia contra A. diaperinus foi observado com Spinosad a 400ppm, na dose de 0,504L/m2: 19DPT (89,55%) para adultos e 54DPT (92,72%) para larvas, demonstrando o período ativo deste tratamento, confirmando a hipótese de que o Spinosad apresenta potencial inseticida para controle de infestações de A. diaperinus infestando em fezes de poedeiras comerciais, representando uma alternativa para programas sanitários avícolas que utilizem a rotação de princípios ativos como forma de mitigar a seleção de resistência nas populações do coleóptero.(AU)

The objective of this experimental trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Spinosad against Alphitobius diaperinus developing in feces from laying hens of commercial eggs. The presence of adults and larvae of A. diaperinus, present in the manure located under the cages, on days –2 and –1, 1, 3, 6, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47, 54 and 61 was evaluated after treatment. Spinosad, at a concentration of 250ppm, when applied at a dose of 0.126L / m2 was shown to be ineffective against “lesser mealworm”. The doses of 0.252L / m2 and 0.504L / m2 (400ppm) proved to be equally effective against adults of strawberries up to the 6th PDT, reaching efficacy percentages of 91.30% and 90.15%. Against A. diaperinus larvae, the dilutions of 0.126 L / m2 and 0.252 L / m2 (Spinosad - 400ppm) were effective, respectively, up to 19ºDPT (96.71%) and 33ºDPT (85.70%). The longest period of effectiveness against A. diaperinus was observed with Spinosad at 400ppm, at a dose of 0.504L / m2: 19DPT (89.55%) for adults and 54DPT (92.72%) for larvae, demonstrating the active period of this treatment, confirming the hypothesis that Spinosad has potential insecticide to control infestations of A. diaperinus infesting in commercial laying faeces, representing an alternative for poultry health programs that use the rotation of active ingredients as a way to mitigate the selection of resistance in populations of the coleoptera.(AU)

Atividade inseticida do Spinosad sobre Alphitobius diaperinus em fezes de poedeiras comerciais naturalmente infestadas / Insecticidal activity of Spinosad against Alphitobius diaperinus in naturally infested excrements of commercial hens

Objetivou-se neste ensaio experimental avaliar a eficácia do Spinosad contra Alphitobius diaperinus desenvolvendo-se em fezes de galinhas poedeiras de ovos comerciais. Foi avaliada a presença de adultos e larvas de A. diaperinus, presentes no esterco localizado sob as gaiolas, nos dias 2 e 1, 1, 3, 6, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47, 54 e 61 pós-tratamento. O Spinosad, na concentração de 250ppm, quando aplicado na dose de 0,126L/m2 mostrou-se ineficaz contra cascudinhos. As doses de 0,252L/m2 e de 0,504L/m2 (400ppm) mostraram-se igualmente eficazes contra adultos de cascudinhos até o 6ºDPT, atingindo percentuais de eficácia de 91,30% e 90,15%. Contra larvas de A. diaperinus, as diluições de 0,126L/m2 e de 0,252 L/m2 (Spinosad 400ppm) foram eficazes, respectivamente, até o 19ºDPT (96,71%) e 33ºDPT (85,70%). Período mais prolongado de eficácia contra A. diaperinus foi observado com Spinosad a 400ppm, na dose de 0,504L/m2: 19DPT (89,55%) para adultos e 54DPT (92,72%) para larvas, demonstrando o período ativo deste tratamento, confirmando a hipótese de que o Spinosad apresenta potencial inseticida para controle de infestações de A. diaperinus infestando em fezes de poedeiras comerciais, representando uma alternativa para programas sanitários avícolas que utilizem a rotação de princípios ativos como forma de mitigar a seleção de resistência nas populações do coleóptero.

The objective of this experimental trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Spinosad against Alphitobius diaperinus developing in feces from laying hens of commercial eggs. The presence of adults and larvae of A. diaperinus, present in the manure located under the cages, on days –2 and –1, 1, 3, 6, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47, 54 and 61 was evaluated after treatment. Spinosad, at a concentration of 250ppm, when applied at a dose of 0.126L / m2 was shown to be ineffective against “lesser mealworm”. The doses of 0.252L / m2 and 0.504L / m2 (400ppm) proved to be equally effective against adults of strawberries up to the 6th PDT, reaching efficacy percentages of 91.30% and 90.15%. Against A. diaperinus larvae, the dilutions of 0.126 L / m2 and 0.252 L / m2 (Spinosad - 400ppm) were effective, respectively, up to 19ºDPT (96.71%) and 33ºDPT (85.70%). The longest period of effectiveness against A. diaperinus was observed with Spinosad at 400ppm, at a dose of 0.504L / m2: 19DPT (89.55%) for adults and 54DPT (92.72%) for larvae, demonstrating the active period of this treatment, confirming the hypothesis that Spinosad has potential insecticide to control infestations of A. diaperinus infesting in commercial laying faeces, representing an alternative for poultry health programs that use the rotation of active ingredients as a way to mitigate the selection of resistance in populations of the coleoptera.

Eficácia in vitro do spinosad contra Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) / In vitro effectiveness of spinosad against Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Com a expansão avícola industrial, Alphitobius diaperinus tem se apresentado mundialmente como uma das principais pragas da avicultura moderna. Destacam-se inúmeros prejuízos, entre eles, redução no ganho de peso e veiculação de agentes potencialmente patogênicos entre as aves. Medidas de controle sanitário envolvendo o manejo correto do substrato utilizado como cama para as aves e tratamento das instalações têm sido pesquisadas e aplicadas. Em busca de novas alternativas para o controle de A. diaperinus, avaliou-se, neste estudo, a ação do Spinosad produto da síntese da fermentação aeróbica de um fungo actinomiceto presente no solo, Sacharopolyspora spinosa. Para tanto, dois experimentos “in vitro” foram conduzidos, o primeiro utilizando-se tratamento direto dos coleópteros em placas de petri e o segundo, em condições simuladas de “cama de aves” utilizando-se a casca de arroz. Os estudos em placas de petri revelaram percentuais de eficácia de 99,67% e 99,33% no controle de adultos 24º dias após tratamento (DPT), bem como 97,0% e 96,0% no controle de larvas (24ºDPT), respectivamente para o tratamento com Spinosad nas concentrações de 400ppm e 250ppm. A aplicação do 250 ppm Spinosad na casca de arroz resultou em percentuais de eficácia superiores (74,39%, 76,92% e 77,82% nos 16ºDPT, 23ºDPT e 30ºDPT, respectivamente) quando comparados ao tratamento com 400ppm (68,51%, 68,18% e 70,55% nos 16ºDPT, 23ºDPT e 30ºDPT, respectivamente), apesar de não ter sido observada diferença estatística significativa entre estes achados (P>0,05). Portanto, verificou-se neste estudo que o Spinosad, nas concentrações de 400ppm e 250ppm, via spray, mostrou-se eficaz tanto aplicado diretamente sobre A. diaperinus (adultos e larvas) ou quando dispersados em casca de arroz parasitada.

With the expansion of industrial poultry, Alphitobius diaperinus represents one of the main pests of modern for poultry production in the world. Numerous losses stand out, such as: reduction in weight gain and transmission of pathogens among birds.. Sanitary control measures with correct handling of the substrate used as litter and treatment of facilities have been researched and applied. In search of a new alternative for the control of A. diaperinus, in this study, the action of Spinosad, synthesis of the aerobic fermentation of an actinomycete fungus present in the soil, Sacharopolyspora spinosa, was evaluated. For this purpose, two "in vitro" experiments were conducted, the first using direct treatment of the coleoptera in petri dishes and the second, under simulated conditions of "poultry litter" using the rice husk. Petri dish studies revealed 99.67% and 99.33% efficacy percentages for adult control (24DPT), as well as 97.0% and 96.0% for larvae control (24º Days post-treatment- DPT) respectively for treatment with Spinosad in concentrations of 400ppm and 250ppm. The application of 250 ppm Spinosad in the rice husk resulted in higher efficacy percentages (74.39%, 76.92% and 77.82% in the 16ºDPT, 23ºDPT and 30ºDPT, respectively) when compared to the 400ppm treatment (68.51 %, 68.18% and 70.55% in the 16th PDT, 23rd PDT and 30th PDT, respectively), although no statistically significant difference was observed between these findings (P> 0.05). Therefore,it was observed that Spinosad in concentrations of 400ppm and 250ppm, via spray, showed efficacy when applied directly on A. diaperinus (adults and larvae) or dispersed in parasitized rice husks.

Insecticidal efficacy of aqueous extracts of Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera and Chenopodium ambrosioides on adults of Alphitobius diaperinus / Eficácia inseticida de extratos aquosos do Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera e Chenopodium ambrosioides em adultos de Alphitobius diaperinus

Seeking alternative strategies for health management to control mealworm in poultry barns, in vitro study evaluated the insecticide effect of Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera and Chenopodium ambrosioides extracts against adults of Alphitobius diaperinus. The extracts were tested at concentrations of 0, 2, 4 and 8%. To study insecticidal effects was designed an experiment containing groups with 20 adults in 3 replicates for each treatment, evaluating the mortality percentage of 1, 3, 16 and 24 hours after treatment with counting of live and dead adults. Greater insecticidal effect was observed in treated mealworm with 8 % of R. communis aqueous extract (59.0%) compared to C. ambrosioides and B. trimera which had percentages of mortality of 44.6% and 0.0% at the same concentration, respectively. The aqueous extracts of R. communis and C. ambrosioides at 8% showed promising results for the control of adults mealworm. However, pharmacological studies must be designed to determine strategies and formulations for viable application of these extracts in poultry facilities, as well as to determinate the formulations stability, clinical and environmental safety treatments.(AU)

Na expectativa de buscar estratégias alternativas de manejo sanitário para controle do cascudinho em aviários, este estudo avaliou a eficácia inseticida in vitro dos extratos de Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera e Chenopodium ambrosioides em adultos de Alphitobius diaperinus. Os extratos foram testados nas concentrações de 0, 2, 4 e 8%. Para avaliação inseticida foi delineado experimento contendo grupos de 20 adultos de cascudinhos em três repetições para cada tratamento, avaliando-se o percentual de mortalidade 1, 3, 16 e 24 h após o tratamento, com contagem dos adultos vivos e mortos. Foi possível observar maior efeito inseticida na formulação de extrato aquoso 8% do R. communis (59,0%), comparativamente ao C. ambrosioides e B. trimera que apresentaram percentuais de mortalidade de 44,6% e 0,0% na mesma concentração, respectivamente. Os extratos aquosos de R. communis e C. ambrosioides a 8% demonstraram resultados promissores para o controle de adultos de cascudinho. Contudo, estudos farmacológicos devem ser delineados visando determinar estratégias e formulações viáveis para aplicação destes extratos em aviários, assim como, defenir a estabilidade das formulações, segurança clínica e ambiental dos tratamentos.(AU)

Insecticidal efficacy of aqueous extracts of Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera and Chenopodium ambrosioides on adults of Alphitobius diaperinus / Eficácia inseticida de extratos aquosos do Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera e Chenopodium ambrosioides em adultos de Alphitobius diaperinus

Seeking alternative strategies for health management to control mealworm in poultry barns, in vitro study evaluated the insecticide effect of Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera and Chenopodium ambrosioides extracts against adults of Alphitobius diaperinus. The extracts were tested at concentrations of 0, 2, 4 and 8%. To study insecticidal effects was designed an experiment containing groups with 20 adults in 3 replicates for each treatment, evaluating the mortality percentage of 1, 3, 16 and 24 hours after treatment with counting of live and dead adults. Greater insecticidal effect was observed in treated mealworm with 8 % of R. communis aqueous extract (59.0%) compared to C. ambrosioides and B. trimera which had percentages of mortality of 44.6% and 0.0% at the same concentration, respectively. The aqueous extracts of R. communis and C. ambrosioides at 8% showed promising results for the control of adults mealworm. However, pharmacological studies must be designed to determine strategies and formulations for viable application of these extracts in poultry facilities, as well as to determinate the formulations stability, clinical and environmental safety treatments.

Na expectativa de buscar estratégias alternativas de manejo sanitário para controle do cascudinho em aviários, este estudo avaliou a eficácia inseticida in vitro dos extratos de Ricinus communis, Baccharis trimera e Chenopodium ambrosioides em adultos de Alphitobius diaperinus. Os extratos foram testados nas concentrações de 0, 2, 4 e 8%. Para avaliação inseticida foi delineado experimento contendo grupos de 20 adultos de cascudinhos em três repetições para cada tratamento, avaliando-se o percentual de mortalidade 1, 3, 16 e 24 h após o tratamento, com contagem dos adultos vivos e mortos. Foi possível observar maior efeito inseticida na formulação de extrato aquoso 8% do R. communis (59,0%), comparativamente ao C. ambrosioides e B. trimera que apresentaram percentuais de mortalidade de 44,6% e 0,0% na mesma concentração, respectivamente. Os extratos aquosos de R. communis e C. ambrosioides a 8% demonstraram resultados promissores para o controle de adultos de cascudinho. Contudo, estudos farmacológicos devem ser delineados visando determinar estratégias e formulações viáveis para aplicação destes extratos em aviários, assim como, defenir a estabilidade das formulações, segurança clínica e ambiental dos tratamentos.

Susceptibly of Alphitobius diaperinus to Beauveria bassiana extracts.

Alphitobius diaperinus is an important pathogen with worldwide distribution that causes severe economic loss of efficiency in broilers. This study evaluates the potential of organic extracts of two strains entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (CG71 and UNI40) as a biocontrol agent on A. diaperinus and promotes the phytochemical investigation. The effective percentages of mortalities were 95.97% (UNI40 methanolic extract), 69.23, 64.64, and 50.39% (CG 71 methanolic, ethyl acetate and butanol extracts). However, there was a decrease in the lesser mealworms susceptibility in relation to the use of insecticides and extracts. The metabolites 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furanoic acid, dipicolinic acid and monomethyl dipicolinate were isolated from ethyl acetate extract, and ß-adenosine of butanolic extract of B. bassiana CG 71. In addition, the cyclodepsipeptides were identified in methanolic extracts of the two strains. The insecticide activity results indicated that the B. bassiana extracts are an alternative to A. diaperinus control.

Sampling Methodology of Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleptera: Tenebrionidae) Population in Poultry Houses

Abstract This paper describes a methodology to evaluate Alphitobius diaperinus (Darkling beetle) population in order to estimate the effectiveness of control methods, consisting of direct sample collections from the poultry litter in 18 points, counting of adults and larvae, and subsequent comparison of the values obtained before and after of control strategies. It allows estimating the total population, population in a known area, as well to analyze the variations in different points all over the aviary. The method has shown to be very versatile, being indicated for population studies and efficacy evaluations, once it has already been validated in different experimental conditions.

An Invertebrate Host to Study Fungal Infections, Mycotoxins and Antifungal Drugs: Tenebrio molitor.

Faced with ethical conflict and social pressure, researchers have increasingly chosen to use alternative models over vertebrates in their research. Since the innate immune system is evolutionarily conserved in insects, the use of these animals in research is gaining ground. This review discusses Tenebrio molitor as a potential model host for the study of pathogenic fungi. Larvae of T. molitor are known as cereal pests and, in addition, are widely used as animal and human feed. A number of studies on mechanisms of the humoral system, especially in the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides, which have similar characteristics to vertebrates, have been performed. These studies demonstrate the potential of T. molitor larvae as a model host that can be used to study fungal virulence, mycotoxin effects, host immune responses to fungal infection, and the action of antifungal compounds.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil reduces infestation by Alphitobius diaperinus in poultry litter

Background: Even though insecticides are managed and the period of sanitary emptiness in poultry is respected, the elimination of Alphitobius diaperinus may not be successful. The use of essential oils of plant origin presents as a good alternative in the substitution of insecticides with synthetic molecules, since they are easy to obtain, with rapid degradation and without risk of residues for non-target organisms. The main objective of the present study was to examine whether Cinnamomum zeylanicum oil reduces Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) infestations under experimental conditions, without causing toxicity to broilers chicks exposed to treated litter.Materials, Methods & Results: The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications per treatment. The treatments were as follows: solvent control using the diluent Dimethyl Sulfoxide 5% (oil diluent); chemical control using 5 g/m² cypermethrin; one spray of C. zeylanicum 5% oil; and two sprays of C. zeylanicum 5% oil. Each experimental unit was infested with 150 lesser mealworm adults. At 15 days of the broiler chick’s life, blood was collected for biochemical analysis (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides and uric acid), and liver fragments were isolated for histopathological analysis. Using TupeTrap devices, we counted lesser mealworm 40 days after treatment. The treatments did not alter biochemical variables, and did not cause histopathological lesions in liver. The treatments with C. zeylanicum 5% oil with one and two sprays efficiently reduced lesser mealworm infestation compared with solvent control. Cypermethrin treatment had no effect. Discussion: Many of the commercial products present low effectiveness in the control of A. diaperinus, since the target organisms develop resistance to the product.[...]

Insecticidal action of glycerol monolaurate against the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) and its ecotoxicological effect on Enchytraeus crypticus

Background: Alphitobius diaperinus, known as the lesser mealworm, is recognized as a problem for the poultry production sector. Several chemical methods have been employed in an attempt to control it, without successful results. Thus, alternative methods should be considered as an interesting approach to control this type of infestation. A recent study showed that glycerol monolaurate (GML) possesses insecticidal effect against bees. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of GLM against the larval and adult forms of the lesser mealworm in vitro, and to verify whether GLM treated poultry litter used as soil fertilizer exerts any negative effect on its fauna.Materials, Methods & Results: In vitro tests were performed using three concentrations of GLM: 0.2, 0.4 and 1 mg mL-1, and the number of dead larvae and adults of A. diaperinus was counted on days 0, 2, 5 and 8 post-treatment. Poultry litter was pulverized with 1 mg mL-1 of GML, maintained under controlled conditions for 20 days and revolved every two days. Two ecotoxicological tests were performed using Enchytraeus crypticus. In the first test, GML was applied directly into the soil at doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg kg-1 of soil, while the second test used poultry litter as soil fertilizer at concentrations of 0, 2, 4 and 8 tons per hectare. Insecticidal action of GML against larvae and adults of A. diaperinus where only the 1 mg mL-1 concentration showed positive effect. GML caused 100% mortality of larvae two days after the beginning of treatment. Similarly, GML showed high efficacy to control adult forms of A. diaperinus, causing 83 and 90% of mortality on days 5 and 8 post-treatment, respectively.[...]