Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oils of Piper marginatum , Piper callosum and Vitex agnus-castus.

During grain storage, a considerable amount of product is lost because of insects, such as Zabrotes subfasciatus. Currently, to mitigate these risks, studies are searching for plants with potential for the control of agricultural pests, also known as botanical insecticides. In this study, the fumigant toxicity of the essential oils of Piper callosum (PC-EO), Piper marginatum (PM-EO) and Vitex agnus-castus (VA-EO) against Zabrotes subfasciatus was investigated. The essential oils of PC-EO, PM-EO and VA-EO were analysed by gas chromatography (GC-MS), and the major components were 3,4-methylenedioxypropiophenone (10.4%), bicyclogermacrene (10.1%) and germacrene D (9.9%) for PM-EO; safrol (29.3%) for PC-EO; and 1,8-cineol (23.8%) for VA-EO. In fumigation tests, VA-EO killed 100% Zabrotes subfasciatus at a concentration of 0.004 µL/L air after 24 h of treatment, whereas PC-EO and PM-EO at 0.01 µL/L air caused 100% Z. subfasciatus mortality after 48 h. The VA-EO sample provided the lowest LD50 after 24 h (0.17 µL/L air), followed by PC-EO (0.78 µL/L air) and PM-EO (1.17 µL/L air). These results demonstrate that the essential oils of these species can be an alternative to control pests in stored products. This is the first report of the fumigant potential of these species against Z. subfasciatus.

Baseline Plant-to-Plant Larval Movement of Spodoptera eridania in Bt and Non-Bt Soybean and Its Possible Impacts on IRM.

The widespread use of transgenic technologies has led to the emergence of insect populations resistant to Bt toxins. Some lepidopteran pest species also appear to naturally have some level of tolerance to certain proteins, such as some species of Spodoptera to Cry1Ac. One of the main strategies to manage resistance is the use of refuge areas, the success of which is in part dependent on larval movement of the target pest. Thus, in order to assess the viability of a refuge strategy addressing Spodoptera eridania Stoll (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Bt soybean, it was evaluated the larval movement across plants in Bt and non-Bt soybean, as well as the larval development and mortality on Bt and non-Bt soybean cultivars. We concluded that apparent S. eridania incomplete resistance resulting from high larval mortality and low adaptability on Bt plants, high larval dispersal, nondirectional larval movement, and random larval spatial dispersion suggest that structured refuge is more suitable than mixed refuge for managing resistance in S. eridania populations.

Variable Levels of Resistance of Soybean Genotypes on the Performance of Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

The Neotropical brown stink bug Euschistus heros (Fabr.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is one of the major soybean pests in South America. This species is responsible for high levels of infestation, causes critical damage to seeds, it is associated with leaf retention on plants, and it is extremely difficult to manage. Host plant resistance is a notable technique to assist in reducing the stink bug population in soybean crops. The antibiosis resistance of soybean genotypes to E. heros was evaluated in laboratory. Genotypes L1-1-01, 'IAC 100', 'IAC 23', and 'Coodetec 208' increased the length of nymphal developmental time. PI 274453 and PI 227687 reduced egg viability and also adult body weight. PI 274454, 'IAC 19', PI 227687, and PI 229358 led to low nymphal viability. These results suggest that these genotypes may be useful in soybean breeding programs that focus on the development of genotypes resistant to E. heros.

Economic Injury Levels for Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on the Soybean Aphid Tolerant KS4202 Soybean.

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an invasive species from Asia that has been the major economic insect pest of soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, since 2000. While use of soybeans expressing antibiosis and antixenosis is a well-studied strategy to manage this pest, aphid-tolerant soybeans remain underexplored. This study examined the relationship between cumulative aphid-days (CAD) and yield loss in the tolerant soybean KS4202 during two growing seasons to determine the economic injury levels (EILs) for soybean aphids on KS4202. Soybean aphid infestations were initiated during the soybean reproductive stages. A range of CAD treatments (3,000-45,000 CADs) were applied during the growing seasons. Aphid populations reached 45,000 CAD in 2011 and 38,000 CAD in 2013 in plots that were not treated with insecticides. It was estimated that the population doubling time was 9.4 d. In infested plots, soybean yield was reduced by 1.4-13.3%, equivalent to a 3.1% yield loss for every 10,000 CAD. Overall, most CAD treatments did not affect yield parameters, although CAD > 39,000 caused a significant reduction in most yield parameters. The EILs calculated for KS4202 ranged from 526 to 2,050 aphids/plant, which were approximately 2.5-fold higher when compared to EILs previously calculated for susceptible soybean. The adoption of soybean aphid tolerant soybean with higher EILs may help mitigate treatment delay problems by lengthening the treatment lead-time and possibly reduce the number of insecticide applications.

Battle in the New World: Helicoverpa armigera versus Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The corn earworm Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and the old world bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are allopatric species and occur in important agricultural crops. In maize, both species tend to infest the ear. The introduction of H. armigera in Brazil has created a new scenario, where these Helicoverpa species might cohabit and interact with one another, affecting the prevalence of each species in the agroecosystem, integrated pest management, and insect resistance management. In this study, larval occurrence and proportion of these species in maize was assessed in three regions of Brazil during three crop seasons. Interaction between the species was evaluated in interspecific and intraspecific scenarios under laboratory and field conditions. Helicoverpa zea was predominant in Rio Grande do Sul and the Planaltina, DF (central Brazil). In western Bahia, H. zea was predominant in the first collection, but approximately equal in number to H armigera in the second crop season. Both species exhibit high cannibalism/predation rates, and larval size was the primary factor for larval survival in the interaction studies. Larva of H. zea had higher survival when interacting with H. armigera, indicating that H. zea has an advantage in intraguild interactions with H. armigera in maize. Overall, the results from this study indicate that maize might play a role as a source of infestation or a sink of insecticide or Bt protein unselected H. armigera populations, depending on the H. zea:H. armigera intraguild competition and adult movement in the landscape.

[Parasitism of passion fruit bugs in Brazil by Hexacladia smithii Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)]. / Parasitismo de percevejos-praga do maracujazeiro no Brasil por Hexacladia smithii Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae).

We describe the new association of Hexacladia smithii (Ashmead) parasitizing two passion fruit bugs, Holhymenia histrio (Fabricius) and Anisoscelis foliacea marginella (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae), in Brazil.

Parasitismo de percevejos-praga do maracujazeiro no Brasil por Hexacladia smithii Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) / Parasitism of passion fruit bugs in Brazil by Hexacladia smithii Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

We describe the new association of Hexacladia smithii (Ashmead) parasitizing two passion fruit bugs, Holhymenia histrio (Fabricius) and Anisoscelis foliacea marginella (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae), in Brazil.

[Resistance of squash genotypes to Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)]. / Resistência de genótipos de abobrinha a Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

Field assays were performed to evaluate the attractiveness and the non-preference of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotype B for oviposition on squash genotypes (Cucurbita pepo) and to observe the susceptibility of genotypes (Novita, Sandy, Caserta Cac Melhorada, Novita Plus, Samira, Bianca, AF-2858 and Caserta TS) to silverleaf symptoms. The Sandy genotype was the least attractive to whitefly, while Novita Plus, AF-2858 and Samira were the most attractive. The Caserta Cac Melhorada genotype was the least preferred for oviposition. The Sandy and AF-2858 genotypes were the most productive, with the highest mean of fruits produced. The lowest silverleaf symptoms index was observed for the Sandy and Caserta Cac Melhorada genotypes.

Resistência de genótipos de abobrinha a Bemisia tabaci (Genn. ) biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) / Resistance of squash genotypes to Bemisia tabaci (Genn. ) biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Ensaios foram realizados no campo visando avaliar a atratividade e a não-preferência para oviposição da mosca-branca Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biótipo B por genótipos de abobrinha (Cucurbita pepo) e também observar a sensibilidade dos genótipos (Novita, Sandy, Caserta Cac Melhorada, Novita Plus, Samira, Bianca, AF-2858 and Caserta TS) ao sintoma de prateamento foliar. O genótipo Sandy foi o menos atrativo à mosca-branca, enquanto que Novita Plus, AF-2858 e Samira foram os mais atrativos. O genótipo Caserta Cac Melhorada foi o menos ovipositado. Os genótipos Sandy e AF-2858 foram os mais produtivos, com as maiores médias de frutos produzidos. Os genótipos Sandy e Caserta Cac Melhorada apresentaram os menores índices de sintoma de prateamento foliar.

Field assays were performed to evaluate the attractiveness and the non-preference of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotype B for oviposition on squash genotypes (Cucurbita pepo) and to observe the susceptibility of genotypes (Novita, Sandy, Caserta Cac Melhorada, Novita Plus, Samira, Bianca, AF-2858 and Caserta TS) to silverleaf symptoms. The Sandy genotype was the least attractive to whitefly, while Novita Plus, AF-2858 and Samira were the most attractive. The Caserta Cac Melhorada genotype was the least preferred for oviposition. The Sandy and AF-2858 genotypes were the most productive, with the highest mean of fruits produced. The lowest silverleaf symptoms index was observed for the Sandy and Caserta Cac Melhorada genotypes.

[Occurrence of Dictyla monotropidia Stål (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on Cordia verbenacea Al. DC in Brazil]. / Ocorrência de Dictyla monotropidia Stål (Hemiptera: Tingidae) em Cordia verbenacea Al. DC no Brasil.

Recently, Dictyla monotropidia Stål was observed feeding on plants of black sage (Cordia verbenacea Al. DC). The colonies of this insect were observed on abaxial surface of leaves, with nymphs and adults sucking the phloem sieve, causing spot, yellow aspect and leaf fall. D. monotropidia was already related as pest in other Cordia species in countries of Central and South America. Although, this is the first report of this insect attacking plants of C. verbenacea in Brazil.

Ocorrência de Dictyla monotropidia Stål (Hemiptera: Tingidae) em Cordia verbenacea Al. DC no Brasil / Occurrence of Dictyla monotropidia Stål (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on Cordia verbenacea Al. DC in Brazil

Recentemente, observaram-se plantas de erva-baleeira (Cordia verbenácea Al. DC) sendo atacadas pelo percevejo Dictyla monotropidia Stål. As colônias foram encontradas na superfície abaxial das folhas, onde ninfas e adultos sugavam a seiva do floema, causando encarquilhamento, seguido de amarelecimento e queda de folhas. D. monotropidia já foi relatada como praga de outras espécies de Cordia em países das Américas Central e do Sul, entretanto, este é o primeiro relato do inseto atacando plantas de C. verbenacea no Brasil.

Recently, Dictyla monotropidia Stål was observed feeding on plants of black sage (Cordia verbenacea Al. DC). The colonies of this insect were observed on abaxial surface of leaves, with nymphs and adults sucking the phloem sieve, causing spot, yellow aspect and leaf fall. D. monotropidia was already related as pest in other Cordia species in countries of Central and South America. Although, this is the first report of this insect attacking plants of C. verbenacea in Brazil.

Resistência de genótipos de tomateiro à mosca-branca Bemisia tabaci ( Gennadius ) biótipo B ( Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae ) / Resistance of tomato genotypes to the whitefly Bemisia tabaci ( Gennadius ) biotype B ( Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae )

Visando avaliar os possíveis mecanismos de resistência de diferentes genótipos de tomateiro (Lycopersicon spp.) em relação à mosca-branca Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biótipo B, realizaram-se ensaios em casa-de-vegetação e laboratório. Os genótipos estudados foram 'IAC-Santa Clara' (L. esculentum), PI-127826 (L. hirsutum), PI-134417 e PI-134418 (L. hirsutum f. glabratum), LA-716 (L. pennellii), LA-371 e LA-444-1 (L. peruvianum), LA-1584 e PI-126931 (L. pimpinellifolium). Em casa-de-vegetação, LA-716, PI-134417 e PI-134418 foram os menos atrativos à mosca-branca; o genótipo LA-716 expressou elevado nível de não-preferência; PI-134417, PI-134418, PI-127826 e PI-126931 também foram considerados resistentes, porém em níveis mais baixos. Tomando-se o período total de desenvolvimento (ovo-adulto), os genótipos PI-127826, PI-134417, PI-134418 e LA-444-1 prolongaram o ciclo do inseto, indicando a ocorrência de não-preferência para alimentação e/ou antibiose.

Efeito de temperaturas de armazenamento e de genótipos de feijoeiro sobre a resistência a Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) / Effect of storage temperature and bean genotypes on the resistance to Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Aiming to evaluate the effect of different temperatures of storage and bean genotypes, Phaseolus vulgaris L., on the expression of resistance to the bean weevil, Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say), tests were carried out with the genotypes Arc.1S, Arc.1, Arc.2, Arc.4 and Carioca Pitoco. Grains of Arc.1S and Arc.2 expressed resistance to A. obtectus at 20ºC, 25ºC and 30ºC; the resistance of Arc.1 was reduced as the storage temperature increased from 25ºC to 30ºC. The interaction genotypes x temperatures was significant, indicating that the increase of temperature affects the expression ofresistance. The 20ºC temperature was the most suitable to allow bean genotypes to be discriminate in terms of resistance.

Visando avaliar os efeitos de diferentes temperaturas de armazenamento e de genótipos de feijoeiro, Phaseolus vulgaris L., sobre a expressão da resistência ao caruncho, Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say), realizaram-se ensaios com os genótipos Arc.1S, Arc.1, Arc.2, Arc.4 e Carioca Pitoco. Os grãos de Arc.1S e Arc.2 expressaram resistência a A. obtectus nas temperaturas de 20ºC, 25ºC e 30°C; a resistência do genótipo Arc.1 diminuiu à medida que a temperatura de armazenamento foi elevada de 25ºC para 30ºC. A interação genótipos x temperaturas foi significativa, indicando que a elevação da temperatura afeta a expressão da resistência. A temperatura de 20ºC foi a mais adequada para discriminar os genótipos de feijoeiro, quanto a resistência.