Insecticidal plants as trade opportunities and use by small vegetable producers: an example using essential oils to control Diaphania hyalinata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Production and sale of botanical insecticides depend on knowing the potential opportunities for these products. Essential oils from plants secondary metabolism can control pests, especially in agricultural systems where synthetic insecticides are limited, as in organic agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of essential oils to Diaphania hyalinata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and to show regions with the potential to use Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Citrus sinensis, and Syzygium aromaticum in the formulation and commercialization of insecticides to control this insect. The C. zeylanicum oil was more toxic to larvae and pupae and the S. aromaticum to eggs of D. hyalinata. Essential oils are an alternative for the management of D. hyalinata. The production of pesticides from essential oils of C. zeylanicum, C. sinensis, and S. aromaticum to control D. hyalinata has high potential in America. Also, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia can extract these plants to formulate insecticide molecules for the America countries.

Tamarixia radiata global distribution to current and future climate using the climate change experiment (CLIMEX) model.

The phloem-limited bacteria, "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" and "Ca. L. americanus", are the causal pathogens responsible for Huanglongbing (HLB). The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is the principal vector of these "Ca. Liberibacter" species. Though Tamarixia radiata Waterston (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) has been useful in biological control programmes against D. citri, information on its global distribution remains vague. Using the Climate Change Experiment (CLIMEX) model, the potential global distribution of T. radiata under the 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s for Special Report on Emissions Scenarios A1B and A2 was defined globally. The results showed that habitat suitability for T. radiata covered Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. The model predicted climate suitable areas for T. radiata beyond its presently known native and non-native areas. The new locations predicted to have habitat suitability for T. radiata included parts of Europe and Oceania. Under the different climate change scenarios, the model predicted contraction of high habitat suitability (EI > 30) for T. radiata from the 2050s to the 2090s. Nevertheless, the distribution maps created using the CLIMEX model may be helpful in the search for and release of T. radiata in new regions.

Modeling climate change impacts on potential global distribution of Tamarixia radiata Waterston (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae).

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is an efficient vector of "Candidatus Liberibacter" species, the causative agents implicated in citrus greening or huanglongbing (HLB). HLB is the most devastating citrus disease and has killed millions of citrus trees worldwide. Classical biological control using Tamarixia radiata Waterston (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) against ACP has been successful in some regions. Climatic conditions are critical in determining suitable areas for the geographical distribution of T. radiata. However, paucity of information on climate change impacts on the global spread of T. radiata restricts international efforts to manage ACP with T. radiata. We investigated the potential global distribution of T. radiata using 317 native and non-native occurrence records and 20 environmental data sets (with correlation coefficients (|r| > 0.7)). Using the Maximum Entropy model, these data were analyzed for two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) and two time periods (2030s and 2050s). We showed that habitat suitability for T. radiata occurred in all continents except Antarctica. However, the highly suitable areas for T. radiata were found in parts of the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania. The climate suitable areas would increase until the 2050s. The predictions showed that mean temperature of coldest quarter and precipitation of warmest quarter were the most important environmental variables that influenced the distribution of T. radiata. The model reliably predicted habitat suitability for T. radiata, which can be adapted in classical biological control programs to effectively manage ACP in an environmentally friendly manner.

The seasonal dynamic of Tuta absoluta in Solanum lycopersicon cultivation: Contributions of climate, plant phenology, and insecticide spraying.

BACKGROUND: A variety of abiotic and biotic factors promoting seasonal variation in the population of insect pests. Knowledge of the timing and magnitude of these factors is important for the study of population dynamics and the development of efficient pest management programs. Currently, there are few studies regarding Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) seasonal dynamics in tomato cultivation under open field conditions, either with or without insecticide application. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tomato phenology, climatic factors, and insecticide spraying on the seasonal dynamics of T. absoluta in tomato cultivation under open field conditions, using data from monitoring performed for 3 years. RESULTS: Insecticide, host plant, and climatic conditions can affect T. absoluta life cycles directly over time, resulting in shifts of peaks of the pest. Insecticides for T. absoluta control reduced injury caused by larvae; however, this was not enough to reduce the density below economic injury levels (EIL) during periods of climatic conditions more suitable for population growth. Tuta absoluta densities surpassed EIL more frequently during the tomato plant fruiting stage. The highest densities of mines and damaged fruits occurred during periods of August to January and September to January in crops without and with the application of insecticides, respectively. Regarding the climatic factors, the highest densities of T. absoluta occurred during periods of increasing air temperature and low rainfall. CONCLUSION: This study provides relevant insights into the factors that regulate the dynamics of T. absoluta in tomato cultivation and the decision-making process of control of this pest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Assessing the impact of climate change on the worldwide distribution of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong) using MaxEnt.

BACKGROUND: For the first time, a model was applied at the global scale to investigate the effects of climate change on Dalbulus maidis. D. maidis is the main vector of three plant pathogens of maize crops and has been reported as one of the most important maize pests in Latin America. We modelled the effects of climate change on this pest using three Global Climate Models under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) using MaxEnt software. RESULTS: Overall, climate change will lead to a decrease in suitable areas for D. maidis. In South America, climate change will decrease the areas suitable for the pest, especially in Brazil. However, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela will have small areas that are highly suitable for the corn leafhopper. Outside the pest's range, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and South Africa also should be concerned about the risk of corn leafhopper invasions in the future because they are projected to have conditions that are highly suitable for this insect in some areas. CONCLUSION: This study allows the relevant countries to increase their quarantine measures and guide researchers to develop new Zea mays varieties that are resistant or tolerant to D. maidis. In addition, the maize-stunting pathogens for the areas are highlighted in this modelling. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Spatial distribution of beetle attack and its association with mango sudden decline: an investigation using geostatistical tools.

BACKGROUND: Ceratocystis fimbriata recognized among the species that induce mango sudden decline (MSD), causes plant death within a short period. The beetles Hypocryphalus mangiferae and Xyleborus affinis (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are the vectors of MSD. Thorough understanding of the spatial distribution of the pest is crucial to designing control techniques and drawing up sampling plans. This study aimed to identify the beetles and their dispersal pattern in mango trees in MSD-infected commercial orchards, and the association with the severity of the C. fimbriata infestation. RESULTS: Beetle attacks were observed to be maximal on mango tree trunks revealing severe infestation. From the geostatistical analysis, an aggregated pattern was evident as galleries in the trunks and branches of mango trees. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to employ geostatic tools on a plant scale in MSD-infested mango orchards and to study the incidence of beetle attack. The results may prove a highly effective tool for mango growers, with respect to the management of beetles and MSD, as this will facilitate the monitoring of specific sites where the frequency of beetles and MSD is high. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Investigation of the lethal and behavioral effects of commercial insecticides on the parasitoid wasp Copidosoma truncatellum.

Copidosoma truncatellum (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an important parasitoid wasp of the soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens, but its effectiveness can be severely curtailed by the application of certain insecticides. Therefore, to identify insecticides that are potentially compatible with C. truncatellum, the lethal and behavioral effects of nine chemicals used to control the soybean looper were evaluated for their toxicity to the wasp. Chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, flubendiamide, and indoxacarb were the least toxic insecticides to the parasitoid, resulting in mortalities of less than 25%. In contrast, cartap, deltamethrin, and methomyl caused 100% mortality, and acephate and spinosad caused 76% and 78% mortality, respectively. At least one of the detoxifying enzymes (monooxygenase, glutathione S-transferase, and/or esterases) may be involved in the mechanisms underlying the selectivity of chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, flubendiamide, and indoxacarb for the parasitoid based on the results for the insecticide plus synergist treatment. Changes in the behavioral patterns (walking time and resting time) of the parasitoid were found with exposure to acephate, flubendiamide, indoxacarb and methomyl, but behavioral avoidance was not observed. Our results indicate that the insecticides chlorantraniliprole and chlorfenapyr are the most suitable for inclusion in integrated pest management strategies for the control of C. includens.

Assessing the spatial distribution of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) eggs in open-field tomato cultivation through geostatistical analysis.

BACKGROUND: The spatial distribution of insects is due to the interaction between individuals and the environment. Knowledge about the within-field pattern of spatial distribution of a pest is critical to planning control tactics, developing efficient sampling plans, and predicting pest damage. The leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is the main pest of tomato crops in several regions of the world. Despite the importance of this pest, the pattern of spatial distribution of T. absoluta on open-field tomato cultivation remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the spatial distribution of T. absoluta in 22 commercial open-field tomato cultivations with plants at the three phenological development stages by using geostatistical analysis. RESULTS: Geostatistical analysis revealed that there was strong evidence for spatially dependent (aggregated) T. absoluta eggs in 19 of the 22 sample tomato cultivations. The maps that were obtained demonstrated the aggregated structure of egg densities at the edges of the crops. Further, T. absoluta was found to accomplish egg dispersal along the rows more frequently than it does between rows. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the greatest egg densities of T. absoluta occur at the edges of tomato crops. These results are discussed in relation to the behavior of T. absoluta distribution within fields and in terms of their implications for improved sampling guidelines and precision targeting control methods that are essential for effective pest monitoring and management. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synthesis and Study of Fe-Doped Bi2S3 Semimagnetic Nanocrystals Embedded in a Glass Matrix.

Iron-doped bismuth sulphide (Bi2-xFexS3) nanocrystals have been successfully synthesized in a glass matrix using the fusion method. Transmission electron microscopy images and energy dispersive spectroscopy data clearly show that nanocrystals are formed with an average diameter of 7-9 nm, depending on the thermic treatment time, and contain Fe in their chemical composition. Magnetic force microscopy measurements show magnetic phase contrast patterns, providing further evidence of Fe incorporation in the nanocrystal structure. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra displayed Fe3+ typical characteristics, with spin of 5/2 in the 3d5 electronic state, thereby confirming the expected trivalent state of Fe ions in the Bi2S3 host structure. Results from the spin polarized density functional theory simulations, for the bulk Fe-doped Bi2S3 counterpart, corroborate the experimental fact that the volume of the unit cell decreases with Fe substitutionally doping at Bi1 and Bi2 sites. The Bader charge analysis indicated a pseudo valency charge of 1.322|e| on FeBi1 and 1.306|e| on FeBi2 ions, and a spin contribution for the magnetic moment of 5.0 µB per unit cell containing one Fe atom. Electronic band structures showed that the (indirect) band gap changes from 1.17 eV for Bi2S3 bulk to 0.71 eV (0.74 eV) for Bi2S3:FeBi1 (Bi2S3:FeBi2). These results are compatible with the 3d5 high-spin state of Fe3+, and are in agreement with the experimental results, within the density functional theory accuracy.

Tunable dual emission in visible and near-infrared spectra using Co(2+)-doped PbSe nanocrystals embedded in a chalcogenide glass matrix.

Semimagnetic Pb1-xCoxSe nanocrystals were synthesized by a fusion protocol in a glass matrix and characterized by optical absorption (OA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. OA spectra and TEM images strongly indicated the formation of Pb1-xCoxSe magnetic phases in the glass system and the quantum dot size was manipulated by tuning the annealing time. The OA spectra together with crystal field theory indicate that Co(2+) is located in the tetrahedral site (Td) and the PL of the Pb1-xCoxSe nanocrystals presents characteristic recombination in the visible (∼700 nm) and near-IR (1300-1600 nm) electromagnetic spectral range. With temperature decreasing, the PL spectra, in the visible spectral range, indicate an excited-state crossover yielding PL changes from (4)T1(P) → (4)A2(F) broadband emission to (2)E(G) → (4)A2(F) narrow-line emission. This phenomenon was explained on the basis of a configurational energy model. The OA and PL spectra of PbSe:Co(2+) indicate that the localized energy transition of Co(2+) ((4)A2(F) ↔ (4)T1((4)F)) can be tuned from the band-gap energy to the conduction-band energy of PbSe NCs by changing the NC size by increasing the thermal annealing time. In the near-IR spectral range, the temperature-dependent PL spectra show that the process of thermal activation of localized electrons in Co(2+) states can be transferred to the conduction band of the NCs. This process depends on the energy distance between extended and localized states, which can be controlled by the sample annealing time.

Growth kinetic on the optical properties of the Pb(1-x)Mn(x)Se nanocrystals embedded in a glass matrix: thermal annealing and Mn2+ concentration.

Semimagnetic Pb(1-x)Mn(x)Se nanocrystals were synthesized by a fusion method in a glass matrix and characterized by optical absorption (OA), atomic/magnetic force microscopy (AFM/MFM), and photoluminescence techniques. MFM images strongly indicated the formation of Pb(1-x)Mn(x)Se magnetic phases in the glass system. Quantum dot size was manipulated by tuning annealing time. It was shown that Mn(2+) impurity affects nucleation, where Mn(2+)-doped samples present a redshift of the OA peak after a short annealing time and a blueshift after long annealing time compared to undoped PbSe NCs. This behavior was linked to the dependence of band-gap energy and the absorption selection rule on Mn(2+) concentration. Photoluminescence in the Pb(1-x)Mn(x)Se nanocrystals increases as the temperature rises up to a point and then decreases at higher temperatures. Anomalous increases in emission efficiency were analyzed by considering temperature induced carrier-transfer in semimagnetic Pb(1-x)Mn(x)Se quantum dots nanocrystals of different sizes.