TOXIC ACTIVITY AND DELAYED EFFECTS OF FIVE BOTANICAL OILS ON THE FOLLOWING GENERATIONS OF AGROTIS IPSILON (HUFNAGEL) (INSECTA: LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) AFTER PARENTS TREATMENT.

The present study is carried out to evaluate the toxic efficiency and delayed effects of five botanical oils on the greasy cut worm Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), as a trial for the attainment of a possible use of an alternative safe and effective phytochemicals against the insect-pest. So as to minimize or prevent the repeated usage of conventional insecticides, then reduce the environmental pollution as well as the occurring hazards to man and domestic animal due to the use of the pesticides alone. Four tested concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.5% v/v) from each of camphor, red basil, menthol, rose and anise oils, were bioassayed by treating the offered castor oil bean leaves, to the 4th instar larvae along 48h, under the laboratory higrothermic conditions of 25±2 °C and 65±5% R.H. The obtained results showed that the five tested oils were found to have more or less toxic activity and drastic effects on the inspected parameters of fitness components of the treated parent generation of the insect, in particular, pupae, emerged adult moths and laid eggs/female. In this respect camphor and red basil oils were highly effective, followed by menthol oil, anise oil and the least effective one was rose oil. Moreover, the assessed unprofitable delayed effects on the going on of the biological performance within the treated insects showed the adverse effects on the fitness components of the consequent generations (fs) post (p) one treatment with each of the bioassyed oils. The prevalence of adverse effects and disturbance in the going on biological performance through the period of (p) generation; which is followed by the distinct failure of insect development in (f1) generation were recorded for each of the tested menthol oil at 0.5 and 1.5% (v/v); camphor oil at 1.5 and 2.5% and red basil oil at 2.5% (v/v). While anise and rose oils were somewhat less efficient causing the distinct failure of the following generations up to the 3rd and/or the 6th ones. That observed distinct failure of the insect development could be attributed to the rapid or/and slow cumulative effect of the induced recessive lethal genes in both influenced sexes along the interval of the following developed generations (fs) after (p) one treatment, causing apparent adverse disturbance of the normal biological performance, which finally appears at the beginning of the failed generation.

EFFICIENCY OF PREPARED BAITS OF LONE OR/AND ADMIXED FOUR BOTANICAL OILS ON THE VIABILITY OF SUCCESSIVE RAISED GENERATIONS OF AGROTIS IPSILON (HUFNAGEL) (INSECTA: LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) AFTER TREATING THE PARENT ONES.

The present study is initiated to determine the toxic and delayed effects of four botanical oils on the greasy cutworm A. ipsilon, aiming to attain an alternative environmentally safe and effective phytochemicals against the insect-pest. Four botanical oils (camphor, red basil, menthol and rose oil) were added at rates of 0.5 and 1.0% (v/w). The tested oils were added alone, and/or admixed at proportional rate of 1:1 in the prepared baits against the exposed 4th instar till the 6th instar larvae of the insect. The study was run under the laboratory higrothermic conditions of 25±2°C and 65±5% R.H. The results showed that the tested baits of camphor, red basil and menthol oils at concentration rates of 0.5 and 1.0% (v/w) adversely affected the inspected parameters of fitness components of the treated individuals of parent (p) generation. They gave more or less fewer numbers of weak unviable adult-moths, which were either sterile or they laid few numbers of infertile eggs and died before the induction of (F1) progeny. That failure could be elucidated by the rapid occurrence of drastic effects on the biological performance of both the influenced sexes of adult-moths along the period of parent's development. Finally it ended by the inhibited induction of (F1) progeny. A delayed effect of the prepared baits of rose oil at 0.5 and 1.0% (v/w), was assessed on the following raised F1, F2, F3 and F4 generations after parent's treatment. The delayed effect was detected as less efficient latent effect on each of these consequently raised generations; characterized by the gradual decrease of the number of alive immatures and adult-moths. The effect was recorded as gradual increase of dead and malformed individuals and adult-moths. In addition to the gradual decrease of deposited and/or hatched eggs up to the 4th generation, which ended by the complete failure of the development. That failure could be also attributed to the cumulated effects of the induced recessive lethal genes in both the influenced sexes during the periods of raised F1, F2 and F3 generations. The recessive lethal genes caused drastic unprofitable effects that appeared at the beginning of the 4th generation that failed. Also, the tested baits (0.5 and 1.0%, v/w) of each of admixed camphor, red basil and menthol oil with rose oil (1:1), greatly affected the developmental parameters of the treated insects. The highest efficient toxicity and an adverse biological performance of the admixed camphor and/or red basil oils with rose oil at 0.5 and 1.0 (v/w), and menthol/rose oil at 0.5% (v/w) on the treated parent generation were detected. The previous treatment gave unviable sterile adults, which died before the induction of (F1) progeny. That recorded failure of (F1) proves the fastest toxic efficiency and a drastic biological performance which were entirely unable to induce (F1) progeny. The tested bait of mixed menthol/rose oils (1.0%, v/w), showed significant reduction in all studied parameters of F1 and F2 fitness components. The tested bait raised sterile unviable adult-moths of (F2) generation which furtherly ended by the distinct failure of (F2) development. This effect may be caused by the cumulative effects of the induced recessive lethal genes in both of the affected sexes through the developmental period of (F1) generation after (P) one treatment, inducing apparent drastic effects, which were revealed at the beginning of (F2) generation. Remarkably, the inspected faster or slower occurred toxicity and drastic biological performance of these admixed botanical oils, may be referred to the synergistic action for most of the evaluated mixtures or/and the additive one for menthol/rose oil (1.0%), which needs further investigation.

Efficiency of guva and lemon grass fine dusts on the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).

The present study was initiated to elucidate the effect of potato tubers treatment using fine dusts of Psidium guajava, Cymbopogon citratus, talc powder and their progressive dilutions(w/w) on the fitness components of raised generations of the potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella. Results showed a direct as well as cumulative delayed effect of the tested plants fine dusts, either alone or admixed with talc powder in progressive dilutions from 5% up to 50% w/w on the viability of developing immatures and potentiality of adult moths. The revealed effects of each of the tested crude plant fine dusts or talc powder alone and/or their progressive dilutions (w/w) could be explained briefly as gradual significant shortening of life span of both sexes, prolongation of larval duration, reduction in number of raised pupae, increase of malformed ones, sharp decrease in the rate of emerged moths, deposited eggs, and developing of immatures; According to lower used dilutions of each tested plant fine dust from 5% to 20%, the complete inhibition of reproductive potential of both adult sexes, the going on metamorphic development of deposited eggs and/or raised immatures of the following generation, after the treatment of parent one, had been revealed the following distinct failure of: a) F1 development after former treatment of parent generation with the higher concentrations of 30-50% of both tested plant fine dusts and the lower prepared dilutions (10% and 20% (w/w)) of both the tested Psidium guajava and (20% (w/w)) Cymbopogom citratus plant fine dusts, resulted in fewer number of the emerged moths that were unviable, weak, sterile and died before induction the F1 progeny, b) F2 development due to the former treatment of the parents with talc powder, Psidium guajava fine dusts alone or its prepared dilutions of (5% (w/w)) and Cymbopogom citratus dilution of (10%(w/w)) gave unviable weak and sterile moths unable to induce the F2 progeny, c) F3 development post former treatment of the parent generations with Cymbopogom citratus dilution of 5% (w/w) induced unviable sterile moths and died after emergence and d) F4 development owing to the former parent treatment with Cymbopogon citratus fine dust alone; The complete failure of each of the above mentioned generations could be attributed to the cumulative effect of induced recessive lethal genes in both sexes along the extended period of each of these following generations, post former treatment of parent one, causing apparent undesirable effects, that appeared at the beginning of each of them.

Efficacy of five volatile oils and their mixtures against the soft scale insect, Saissetia coffeae (Walker) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) infesting the Sago palm, Cycas revoluta in Alexandria, Egypt.

Five tested plant volatile oils and their mixtures were evaluated for controlling the coccid, Saissetia coffeae (Walker) on growing Sago palms Cycas revoluta in Antoniades public gardens, Alexandria, Egypt. The tested volatile oils at concentration rates of 0.5, 1 and 1.5% (v/v) were: Camphor 20%, Dill 20%, Rose 30%, Peppermint 20% and Clove 30% (v/v). Their mixtures were : Camphor/Peppermint, Camphor/Rose at a rate of 1:1, Camphor/Rose/Peppermint at 1:1:2 rate and Camphor/Rose/Dill at 2:1:1 rate. The results, as a general mean of residual reduction percent for the whole inspection intervals of the test lasted 2 days up to 9 days post treatment, indicated that the superior volatile oils in reducing the insect were both Camphor and Rose, followed by Dill, Peppermint and the least efficient one was the Clove oil. The evaluated mixtures of the volatile oils showed that each of Camphor/Rose/Peppermint, Camphor/Rose and Camphor/Peppermint mixtures attained a higher rank of efficiency against that of the assigned soft scale insect.

Efficacy of some oils and chemical compounds on Insignorthezia insignis (Browne) (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae) infesting Lantana camara in Alexandria, Egypt.

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted in March, 2008 in El-Nouzha garden, Alexandria governorate. Pre-and post treatment inspections of the insects were examined and recorded before and after (2,4,8, and 12 weeks). Spraying was applied to evaluate the efficiency of the tested compounds, [Mineral oils (KZ oil and Star oil); IGRs (Chlorfluazuron, lufenuron and pyriproxyfen); Neem oil; emamectin benzoate and thiamethoxam]. Percentages of reduction were calculated. The ensign scale insects Insignorthezia insignis (Browne) were collected from treated Lantana camara shrubs to investigate the effect of the tested chemicals on Aspartate transferase (AST), Alanine transferase (ALT) and Alkaline-phosphatase (ALPK) of the insect enzymes activities. From the obtained results, it could be concluded that the tested materials gave good results for controlling both adult and immature stages of the ensign scale insect Insignorthezia insignis (Browne) that infested Lantana camara shrubs, through affecting enzymes activities of the assigned insect pest.

Comparative analysis of three scale insect species populations (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Diaspididae) and their parasitoid, Aphytis diaspidis(Howard) on pear trees in Burg el-Arab area, Alexandria, Egypt.

The infestation abundance of each of the inspected scale insect species: San Jose scale, Diaspidiotus perniciosus (Comstock), Greedy scale, Hemiberlisio rapax (Comstock) and Olive scale, Parlatoria oleae (Cloveé) on pear trees, more or less varied as the months of each growing season differed. The comparative abundance percentages in both seasons of 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 were (51.80 and 51.40), (41.20 and 40.90) and (7.10 and 7.70) of the counted individuals of the grand total of H. rapax, D. perniciosus and P. oleae, in respect. In other words, the Greedy scale (GS) was the highly abundant scale followed by the San Jose scale (SJS), but the olive scale represented the lowest one. The more or less increased and/or decreased abundance of each of the investigated scale insect species pointed to the existence of three overlapping generations throughout the season which were characterized by fluctuating peaks of population densities of the studied pests during the months of each annual season: autumn, winter, spring and summer.

Efficacy of five volatile oils and their mixtures against the mealybug, Icerya seychellarum seychellarum (Westw.) infesting Sago palm, Cycas revoluta in Alexandria, Egypt.

Five tested plant volatile oils and their mixtures were evaluated for controlling the Margarodid, Icerya seychellarum seychellarum (Westw.) on growing Sago palms in Antoniades public gardens, Alexandria, Egypt. The tested volatile oils at concentration rates of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 % (v/v) were as follows: Camphor 20%; Dill 20%; Rose 30%; Peppermint 20% and Clove 30% (v/v). Their mixtures were Camphor/Peppermint; Camphor/Rose; at a rate of 1:1 Camphor/Rose/ Peppermint at 1:1:2 and Camphor/Rose/Dill at 2:1:1. The calculated results as general mean of residual reduction percent for the whole inspection periods of the test indicated that the superior volatile oils in reducing mealybugs were both Camphor and Rose, followed by Dill, Peppermint and the least efficient was Clove volatile oil. The evaluated volatile oils mixtures showed that each of Camphor/Rose/Peppermint, Camphor/Rose, and Camphor/Peppermint mixtures occupied a higher rank of efficiency against the treated mealybugs.

Ecological studies on San José scale, Diaspidiotus perniciosus (Comstock) (Homoptera: Diaspididae) as a new insect pest on pear trees in Burg El-Arab area, Alexandria, Egypt.

The San José scale, D. perniciosus (Comstock) (Homoptera: Diaspididae) was noticed on pear trees all the year round in Burg El-Arab area (50 km West of Alexandria). Bio ecology and population fluctuations of this serious scale insect were carried out during the two subsequent seasons of September, 2004 until August, 2006. The calculated infestation rates (%) assured the presence of three peaks in both seasons. The estimated densities of fluctuating individuals of D. perniciosus on the inspected pear trees showed two distinctly prominent peaks, in addition to an overlapping one between them. It means, that the San Josè scale, D. perniciosus had three overlapping annual generations on pear trees in Burg El-Arab area under an irrigation system. The individuals of all stages could be found on trees all over the year. The population of the inspected immature stages; adult females and adult males were recorded and discussed as well as the parasitized individuals by the aphilinid parasitoid, Aphytis diaspidis (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). The population density of the San José scale (SJS) reached its maximum during spring, folLowed by summer, winter, whereas the least percentage was recorded in autumn months. The obtained data showed also variable effects of the prevailing abiotic factors on the dynamical oscillation of (SJS) individuals. The daily mean temperature and the dew point were not the dominant efficient physical factors. On the contrary, it has been proved that there were either significant strong negative or positive relationships between daily relative humidity, wind speed, infestation rate, and population density of this studied insect pest.

Scale insects and mealy bugs (Homoptera: Coccoidea) attacking deciduous fruit trees in the western north coast of Alexandria, Egypt.

This investigation covered a survey of scale insects and mealy bugs infesting ten growing species of deciduous fruit trees in three localities in Alexandria govemorate. These localities were Merghem, Burg El-Arab, and El-Nahda about 50 Km. West of Alexandria under both rain-fed and irrigation system conditions. The common inspected fruit trees were fig, white mulberry, pomegranate, apple, pear, apricot, European plum, peach, almond, and persimmon. It was shown that a group of twenty scale insects and meaty bug species pertaining to fifteen genera belonging to six families of the super family: Coccoidea were collected and identified during the elapsing period from January to December, 2004. Among these species, Diaspidiotus perniciosus (Comstock) was recorded for the first time in Egypt. In the present study, many insect and non-insect parasitoids and predators were also found associated with these scale insects and mealy bugs on deciduous fruit trees in the three concerned localities throughout this investigation. These natural enemies were identified and recorded.

Ecological studies on the greedy scale, Hemiberlisia rapax (Comstock) (Homoptera: Diaspididae) on pear trees in burg El-Arab area, Alexandria, Egypt.

The greedy scale, Hemiberlisia rapax (Comstock) causes economic damage on pear trees under irrigation system in Burg El-Arab area (50 Km. West of Alexandria). The infestation rate of H. rapax reached its first maximum rate during August to October, and the second one occurred from January to March. The 1st highest peak of insect population occurred during September and October; the second was during January and February, and the third one corresponded to April for the 1st and the 2nd successive seasons. The statistical analysis was performed to determine the relationship among the weather factors of mean daily temperature, daily relative humidity, wind speed, and dew point in relation to the population activity of Hemiberlisia rapax. The immature stages had two peaks of fluctuation during October to November and July to August. The adult females reached their maximum rates during winter and spring months. Adult males appeared in late March in few numbers. The insect was parasitized by Aphytis diaspidis (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in maximum numbers in June and July. This parasitoid had three overlapping generations all the year round. The first in September-October; the second extended from March to May; while the third one lasted from July to September.

Joint action of quercetin with four insecticides on the cotton leaf-worm larvae, Spodoptera littoralis Boisd. (Lep. : Noctuidae) in Egypt.

The naturally occurring phytoncidal chemical component of some plant- species are responsible for controlling and/or repelling insects from host plants. The use of natural products, readily available in the environment, to control the cotton leafworm, could be of help in reducing the need for applying the synthetic conventional insecticides . Moreover, crude vegetable oils application is quite safer to the non targets and the environment. The use of sex attractant pheromones as predicative tools to forecast pest population and their potential damage levels in specific crops, has significantly been limited because sex attractants are usually directed to one sex only. Thus, identification of plant constituents that attract S. littoralis Boisd. adults, especially females, and that directly affect their feeding or reproductive behaviour, would greatly expand opportunities for manipulation of the biological and environmental events that prevent the establishment, development, and dispersal of the insect-pest under study. Extracted Volatiles from certain parts of cotton plants, attracted both sexes of the cotton leafworm moths instead of attracting one sex only as the pheromones do. Plant flavonoids have been shown by many investigators to have an effect on insect behaviour, growth, and development. Quercetin is one of many bioflavonoids that exists in several fruits and vegetables. The Aim of the present work is to study in vivo the biochemical mode of action of quercetin as a synergist in combination with insecticides. The present results proved the synergistic effect of quercetin when combined with four insecticides, namely, profenofos (organophosphates), deltamethrin (pyrethroid), and tebufenozide et hexaflumuron as insect growth regulators against the studied insect-pest. Quercetin role as a synergist might be attributed to its ability to inhibit certain active oxidases, which may be responsible for in vivo detoxification of the intact insecticides when applied to insect larvae, through glutathione-S-transferase.

Biological performance of quercetin on the cotton leaf-worm larvae, Spodoptera littoralis Boisd. (Lep., Noctuidae) and prevailing natural enemies in the Egyptian cotton fields.

The Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) accounts for 65 % of the world production of long stable cultivars. Taking into consideration the competition of other cotton producing countries, it should be of great importance to control pests, which attack the cotton plants to improve the yield and its quality. The main objective of this study is to develop new approaches for the management of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis Boisd. within an IPM program, that include synthetic insecticides rationalization, and maximiziation the role of the biological control agents. Sunflower plants Helianthus annuus (Asterales: Asteraceae) raised in rows surrounding plots of cotton were used as trap plants to attract some biological agents, which subsequently lead to check the build-up of the cotton leafworm population. This scientific phenomenon was attributed to the main chemical constituent of sunflower plants, which has been proved to be the polyhydroxy flavone "quercetin". Field data of the two successive seasons 2004 and 2005 revealed that: (a) the total number of insect predators, Coccinella undecimpunctata, Paederus alfierli, Chrysopa vulgaris, Orius laevigatus, Scymnus synacus, and true spiders in the cotton plots surrounded by either one or two rows of sunflower plants significantly exceeded the corresponding numbers in the cotton plots without sunflower plants., (b) the least number of cotton leafworm Spodoptera littorolis larvae infestation was recorded simultaneously in the cotton plots surrounded by sunflower plants. Moreover, laboratory studies assured the antifeeding properties of quercetin against the 4th instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis. Quercetin at a concentration rate of 4000 ppm, showed abnormal behaviour represented in feeding stop, growth inhibition and development retardation. Deformation of pupae, moths, and reduction up to 50% in egg laying was also noticed after quercetin application to the larvae.

Efficacy of some plant oils alone and/or combined with different insecticides on the cotton leaf-worm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Egypt.

The present work was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of two essential oils ((Flax or "Linseed" and Sesame ), five volatile plant oils ( Camphor, Red basil, Rose, Menthol and Clove ), four pesticides (Methoxyfenozide; Permethrin; Profenofos and Spinosad) and their mixtures on the cotton leaf-worm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.). This study was also devoted to minimize the usage of conventional insecticides, reduce the environmental pollution, and protect human-beings and domestic animals from hazards due to pesticides applications. In the meantime, the delayed effect of these tested plant oils on the developing immatures and moths of the cotton leaf-worm, Spodoptera littoralis was determined. Most of the evaluated plant oils were found to have an insecticidal effect on the 4th instar larvae of the cotton leaf-worm, S. littoralis. Both the essential Sesame oil and Clove volatile oil showed rather weak toxic effect corresponding to the same concentrations and periods of the bioassay tests. Comparing the toxicity of the tested plant oils, it was affirmed that both Rose and Red basil volatile oils were the highest efficient natural phytocompounds against the treated larvae and alternatively ranked either the 1st and/or the 2nd rank, throughout the different periods of the bioassay tests, followed by the other three tested oils which were more or less efficient phytocompounds. According to the toxicity index, all the tested oils were less toxic than the superior Red basil volatile oil after 48 h. post treatment followed by the gradual decrease in toxicity of Rose, Flax and Menthol, respectively. The development of the treated 4th larval instar was blocked due to treatment with the tested plant oils. With no exception, all the efficiently tested essential and/or volatile oils acted principally as Insect Growth Inhibitors (IGIs) rather than antifeedants causing disruption of the insect development, abnormal larvae, pupae and adults that were lead finally to death. The tested mixtures of Clove and Sesame oils increased the percentage of larval mortality in comparison to their use alone against the treated 4th larval instar.Contrarily, antagonism was revealed for the mixture of Sesame/Flax oils, the calculated value of LC50 greatly increased compared to the corresponding values of their individual evaluation after 48 h. from initiating the treatment. The delayed effect of tested plant oils was inspected on certain parameters of the fitness components of the subject insect and was mainly determined for the rates of hatched eggs and emerged moths. Remarkably, the Methoxyfenozide treated 4th larval instar became passive, or ceased feeding on the treated leaves and were unable to complete normally the moulting process, which partially took place in most'of the other treated individuals. The treated larvae with the tested lower concentrations, hardly succeeded in completing moulting process. The survived larvae failed to complete the next moulting at the end of the treatments. The toxic effect of Spinosad was more apparent against the treated larvae after 72 h from application. The calculated LC50 values indicated the gradual increase of its toxic effect in the subsequent prolonged intervals of the test. Spinosad showed its activity either by contact or ingestion and caused larval characteristic symptoms. Permethrin exhibited superior toxic efficacy overall the other tested chemicals, during the period from 72 up to 96 h post treatment. The gradual increase of the toxic effect of Permethrin indicated an efficient continuous persistence of nervous toxicity. According to the specific properties of Profenofos, results revealed that the toxicity by ingestion was more potential than by contact and explained the reason of developing toxicity with the increase of bioassay inspection period. The comparative toxic efficiency of the tested insecticides proved that Permethrin was the most effective one, giving LC50 values of 2.92 and 1.53 ppm after 72 and 96 h. bioassay, respectively, followed by Profenofos, Methoxyfenozide and Spinosad, successively. In addition, the calculated values of toxicity index also proved that all the tested compounds were less toxic than Permethrin (as a standard compound ). It is worth mentioning that the combined action of the mixed pesticides with four efficient volatile plant oils showed synergistic action against the 4th larval instar of S. littoralis.

The bionomics of the scale insect Eriococcus araucariae (Muskell) (Homoptera: Eriococcidae) on Araucaria excelsa in Egypt.

The eriococcid species, Eriococcus araucariae (Muskell) is considered as an economic pest of Araucaria excelsa at Montazah garden, in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. This study was carried out from June, 1998 till May, 1999. The obtained data revealed that the numbers of this insect were relatively low in autumn and winter months, then increased from the beginning of May to a total number/tree 72.0 +/- 1.60; continued its increase to reach 200.3 +/- 36.9/tree from the 2nd half of May and during June, July and August, with the highest number of inspected individuals (641.3 +/- 76.8/tree) in the 1st half of July. Thereafter, population began to decrease again from the beginning of September up to the end of April, decreased numbers 51.3 +/- 2.5/tree in the 1st half of September and (1.3 +/- 0.1/tree) in the 2nd half of October. Similarly, the occurrence of both immature stages and adults was also month-dependant all the year round. Adult males appeared three times in June, January and late March. There was a positive and significant relationship between the total population of E. araucariae and the daily mean temperature, wind speed and day light. This relation was negatively significant with the relative humidity.

Ecological studies on the snow scale insect, Lineaspis striata (Newstead) (Homoptera: Diaspididae) on Thuja orientalis in Egypt.

The snow scale insect, Lineaspis striata (Newstead) was recorded as an important insect pest of Thuja orientalis in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. The present study revealed that the total individuals were in high numbers, (143.7 +/- 43; 141.8 +/- 20.7 and 149.0 +/- 48.5) during May, June and January, respectively. The fluctuating numbers of the immature stages have two peaks during June and November (6.9 +/- 0.7) and (20.5 +/- 5.0), respectively. The numbers of adult males reached the maximum (73.9 +/- 7.5) in October, while the females reached the maximum (88.7 +/- 2.2) in January. The insect has two annual generations. It is usually parasitized with Encarsia citrina (Aphelinidae), with maximum parasitization rate of 17.8 +/- 2.8 during August.

Survey of insect and non-insect fauna associated with Acacia species in different localities in Egypt.

This study was conducted throughout the period from May, 1997 up to March 1999 to survey the associated insect and non-insect fauna with Acacia species at some localities in Alexandria and Matrouh Governorates, Egypt. The list of identified species associated with Acacia at different localities revealed that there were many species representing 34 families and relating to 11 insect orders. These collected insects could be grouped into five categories according to their feeding habits as destructive insects, true insect pollinators, saprophytic insects, parasitoids and predators and visitors. Regarding the non-insect fauna, three land snails, pseudoscorpion species and earthworms were recorded associated with Acacia trees and litters under the trees.

The population dynamics of Fiorinia fioriniae (Targioni) (Homoptera: Diaspididae) and factors affecting its seasonal abundance in Egypt.

Fiorinia fioriniae (Targioni) was observed attacking Callistemon lanceolatus at the Experimental Farm of the Agricultural Research Station and Ruscus hypoglossum at Antoniades park in Alexandria Governorate; Egypt. The infestation rate on Ruscus hypoglossum, reached its maximum (98.0%) during autumn months, while the minimum rate 68.3%, was recorded during summer months. The fluctuating population density of F. fioriniae showed three distinct peaks. The first peak of 731.0 individuals/10 branches was recorded in October 1998, the second (734.1) in December 1998, and the third, (506.9) in April 1999. The highest number of counted insects (1991.1/plant) was observed during the autumn season, followed by winter (1467.9), spring (978.2) seasons and the least number (271.6/plant) was recorded in summer. On the contrary, the highest rate of infestation by the immature stages was recorded during the winter season, followed by spring, summer and autumn seasons (42.8, 29, 24.6 and 21.9%) of the total counted insects, respectively. The scale insect has been parasitized with the aphelinid species Encarsia citrina (Aphelinidae) with a maximum rate of 28.1 of the total count during August. The statistical analysis was performed for determining the relationship between the prevailing weather factors of daily mean temperature, daily relative humidity, wind speed and day-light in one hand and the population activity of F. fioriniae on R. hypoglossum plants on the other hand.

Survey of scale insects of ornamental plants in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt.

This investigation covers a survey of the scale insects associating with some ornamental plants at three chosen public gardens as well as at the experimental farm of the Agricultural Research Station in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. A total of nineteen scale insect species belonging to sixteen genera related to four families of the super-family Coccoidea were found infesting eighteen ornamental plants during the period from April, 1998 up to March, 1999. These species are: Family: Asterolecaniidae--Represented by one species only The fig scale Russelaspis pustulans; (Cockerell) = (Asterolecanium pustulans Cock). Family: Coccidae--Represented by the seven species Florida wax scale. Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock, Green shield scale. Chloropulvinaria psidii (Maskell), Long brown scale. Caccus elongatus (Douglas), Brown soft scale Coccus hesperidum (Linn.), Tessellated scale. Eucalymnatus tessellatus (Signoret), Hemispherical scale. Saissetia coffeae (Walker), and Olive soft scale. Saissetia oleae (Olivier) Family: Diaspididae--Represented by the ten species: Oleander scale. Aspidiotus hederae (Vallot), Minute cypress scale. Carulaspis minima (Targioni-Tozzetti), Dictyosprmum scale Chrysomphalus dictyospermi (Morgan), Palm fiorinia scale. Fiorinia fioriniae (Targioni), Latania scale Hemiberlisia lataniae (Signoret), Fig scale. Lepidosaphes ficus (Signoret), Snow scale. Lineaspis striata (Newstead), Masked scale. Mycetaspis personata (Comstock), Olive scale. Parlatoria oleae (Colvee), and White peach scale Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni-Tozzetti), Family: Eriococcidae--Represented by one species only Eriococcus araucariae (Maskell). During the same study, many species of natural enemies (nine parasitoids and eight predators), were also noticed to be associated with the aforementioned scale insects.

Effect of sequential applications of foliar nutrients, biofertilizers and sowing dates on the incidence of corn stem borers in Egypt.

In this study either early sown (May 1st) or lately sown (June 2nd) corn plants were treated with Phosphorin & Rhizobactrin as biofertilizers and sprayed with six selected foliar nutrients, i.e. Polymex; Greenzit SP100, Greenzit NPK, Potasin-F, Copper sulphate and Ascorbic acid; in mono-, bi-, and/or tri-sequential applications. Such practices were conducted to show their beneficial effects compared with the chemical treatment in checking the incidence of the stem borers and hence increasing the corn yield. The obtained results could be summarized in the following chief points: (a) the lately sown biofertilized plants showed somewhat higher levels of infestation than the early planted ones., (b) in general, spraying the biofertilized corn plants in both sowing dates with the tested foliar nutrients, significantly decreased the rate of the stem borers infestation than the untreated plants of control., (c) the foliar sprays of Greenzit NPK alone, bi- or tri-sequential applications of Potasin-F, Polymex, Ascorbic acid and Copper sulphate achieved considerable success in reducing larval numbers of the borers species. For example, in case of using the bi-sequential nutrients (Polymex/Ascorbic acid) the numbers were 1.2, 1.5 and 1.2 larvae/5 plants, whereas the numbers were 1.3, 1.0 and 0.7 larvae/5 plants as a result, of the tri-sequential applications (Potasin-F/Ascorbic acid/Polymex) for the pink stem borer, Sesamia cretica, (Led.), the purple lined borer, Chilo agamemnon, (Bels.), and the European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Hb.), in respect, vs. 4.8, 4.5 and 2.9 larvae/5 plants for the same stem borers, respectively, in case of the untreated corn plants. In addition, the other trisequential applications (Polymex/ascorbic acid/Copper sulphate), (Potasin-F/Copper sulphate/ascorbic acid) and (Potasin-F/Copper sulphate/Polymex) reduced the stem borers infestation; (d) from the view point of the interaction effects of sowing dates and the tested foliar nutrients, it was found that the tri-sequential sprayings (Potasin-F/Copper sulphate/Polymex) and/or (Potasin-F/Copper sulphate/Ascorbic acid) have lowered the rate of the stem borers infestation to 3.3 and 3.3 and 5.7 and 4.3 larvae/5 plants for the tri-applications in the 1st and 2nd sowing dates, respectively. Such reductions in the levels of infestation led to an increase in the grain yield up to 6.9 and 7.2 and 5.4 and 5.8 ton/fed, for the early and lately sown corn plants, in respect, and (e) All the foliar nutrients, with no exception, proved to be efficient in managing the stem borers infestation as compared with the insecticide treatment using Polytrin. Although the chemical application had lowered the level of infestation to 2.3 and 5.7 larvae/5 plants in the 1st and 2nd sowing dates as compared with 9.7 and 14.7 larvae/5 untreated plants for the same sowing dates, lesser grain yield of 5.6 and 4.4 ton/fed. was obtained in the first and second dates of planting, successively, in comparison to the grain yield resulted from the tri-applications of Potasin-F/Copper sulphate with either Polymex or Ascorbic acid. The abovementioned results assured the profitable effects of using foliar nutrients as well as the biofertilizers for attaining healthy corn plants, which would be capable of tolerating the injury inflicted by the studied stem borers and compensating for the harmful effects of insects infestation, so high grain yields could be obtained than those of the untreated and/or the insecticide treated plants.

The role of some agricultural practices and fertilizer type on both the incidence of stem borers infestation and corn yield in Egypt.

Maize, Zea mays, L. is one of the most important field crops in Egypt. It is used mainly for human, animal and poultry feeding. Corn plants are usually attacked by several injourious insect pests at different stages of development. Out of them, the pink stem borer, Sesamia cretica (Led.), the purple lined borer, Chilo agamemnon (Bles.), and the European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Hb.); which cause great damage and yield losses. It is profitable to adopt an effective and sustainable strategy for controlling these insect-pests. In this concern, sowing dates, planting spaces, foliar fertilizers (macro and micro-nutrients), mineral and/or biofertilization, were investigated to evaluate their role as tools in the so-called Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program of corn pests. In general, the used planting spaces of 60 and 70 cm apart between furrows insignificantly affected the level of stem borers infestation. It was clearly observed that the sowing dates have a role in the incidence of stem borers infestation throughout the corn growing seasons of 1994 and 1995. Moreover, The biofertilized corn plants were more tolerant to the infestation by the stem borers than the minerally fertilized ones. Application of Polytrin significantly decreased the mean numbers of larvae. The tested nutrients preparations affected to less extent, the infestation levels. Concerning the interaction effect of applied nutrients preparations, used sowing dates and/or fertilizer type on the deduced means of larval numbers, it was revealed that: (i) the application of the nutrients preparations decreased to a great extent the effect of the studied sowing dates on the stem borers infestation; particularly in case of spraying ascorbic acid alone or in sequence with Polymex, coppersulphate & Potasin-F, (ii) the dressing of corn grains with the biofertilizers Phosphorin & Rhizobacterin before sowing, lowered to some extent the levels of infestation by Ch. agamemnon and O. nubilalis, in comparison to the minerally fertilized corn plants, especially in case of spraying Potasin-F, copper sulphate and scorbic acid followed by Polymex for Ch. agamemnon. Spraying Ascorbic acid alone or in sequence with Polymex; Potasin-F followed by Copper sulphate gave promising results for the control of O. nubilalis. In comparison to insecticide treatment, the used foliar nutrients & fertilizer type in both sowing dates gave positive interaction effects in decreasing levels of stem borers infestation and greatly improved the yield and yield characteristics of corn plants. Such agricultural practices enabled corn plants to tackle the going on infestation; thus crop loss due to the attack of the stem borers could be compensated.