The Effect of Foliar Spray Application with Salicylic Acid and Bacillus subtilis AB1 on The Growth and Protection of Grapevine Bushes from Powdery Mildew Disease Caused by the Fungal Pathogen Uncinula necator
El-Masto1, Z. Hassani1 and M. Abou Shaar2*
(1) Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Aleppo, Syria; (2) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Aleppo, Syria.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received:3/2/2023; Accepted: 7/8/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001244
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar spray with three concentrations of salicylic acid (100, 200 and 300 mg/L), Bacillus subtilis AB1 at a concentration 2×106 cfu/ml, and the combined mutual effect of both, compared with a farmer’s control on vegetative growth, clusters weight, productivity, and reduction of powdery mildew disease spread on grape vines. The growth length was significantly increased (140.7 cm) by applying the foliar spray of the bacteria + salicylic acid (200 mg/L) compared to the two treatments of salicylic acid 100 mg/L and the farmer’s control (55.2 and 82.5 cm, respectively), whereas no significant differences were obtained between them and the rest of the treatments. The foliar spray with the treatment of both components (bacteria + salicylic acid 300 mg/L) was superior to all studied concentrations in relation to the average leaf surface area, clusters weight and productivity. All studied treatments reduced the severity of powdery mildew infection on leaves, except for salicylic acid at 200 mg/L (0.19) and no significant differences were recorded between all treatments (0.11-0.12) except for the two treatments (bacteria alone and farmer’s control (0.15 and 0.14), respectively, in terms of reducing disease the severity of infection on fruit clusters.
Keywords:
Grapevine, salicylic acid, Bacillus subtilis AB1, vegetative growth, productivity, powdery mildew.
Toxicity Investigations and Histological Effects of Clove Buds’ Powder, Syzygium aromaticum Comparing with Neomyl (Methomyl) for the Control of Monacha cartusiana and Theba pisana Snails
S.M. Bayoumi1, N.A. Omar2, A.H. Mohanna2, S.A. Ismail1, A.M. Abed Almajeed1, M.A. Issa1, M. Abed1, F.I. El-Akhrasy1* and E.M. Abd El-Aal3
(1) Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 12311 Dokki, Giza, Egypt; (2) Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Egypt; (3) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt.
*Email addresses of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 7/2/2023; Accepted: 11/8/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001246
Abstract
A series of laboratory and field experiments were designed to evaluate control measures that can be utilized effectively to reduce population density and consequently the damage caused by certain land snail species Monacha cartusiana Müller and Theba pisana Müller. In addition, factors contributing towards safer control measures were investigated. When neomyl 8% and clove powder buds 40% were applied to control M. cartusiana and T. pisana under laboratory and field conditions, the toxicity effect of these applications on the tested land snail’s digestive glands was investigated. The results obtained revealed that the mortality rate increased with the increase in the concentrations and exposure period. Under laboratory conditions, the mortality rate of T. pisana snail reached 100% when 2, 4, and 8% neomyl concentrations were utilized, whereas the mortality rate of the same snail reached 36.3% when clove powder 40% was utilized, 28 days after treatment. Under field conditions, the initial effect of the examined compounds reached 62.89% and 18.83% mortality rate when neomyl and clove treatments were applied, respectively. Furthermore, the residual effect with neomyl treatment gave a high mortality rate of 83.43%, compared to 28.88% for the clove powder treatment. Generally, it could be concluded that neomyl had the most toxic effect against M. cartusiana under field conditions. 8% neomyl treatment resulted in histological degeneration with alterations in the digestive cells’ cytoplasm. Numerous excretory vacuoles were found in the excretory cells. Calcium cells became granulated, cytoplasm vacuoles were abundant, and bizarre nuclei ranged from pyknosis to severe karyorrhexis and complete karyolysis. The results obtained also indicated that the toxicity effects of the 40% concentration of clove buds’ powder, 48 hours after treatment, were approximately the same on both treated land snail species.
Keywords:
Toxicity, histology, clove, neomyl, M. cartusiana, T. pisana.
Hyperspectral Imaging for Determining Reflection Variables in Chili Leaves Infested with Green Peach Aphid
L.A. Atshan1*, K.J. Al-Hussainawy1 and H.A. Ibrahim2
(1) Plant Protection Department, College of Agriculture, Al-Muthanna University, Iraq; (2) Horticulture Department, Technical College of Akre, Akre Duhok Polytechn University for Applied Sciences, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 13/2/2023; Accepted: 21/9/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001256
Abstract
Aphid infestations cause a physiological response detectable by a remote leaf reflectance sensor. Changes in the spectral signature of specific wave bands, measured with hyperspectral imagery (HI), may also relate to the absence, presence and/or level of infestation of aphids. Aphids cause significant damage to crops and yields in the field as well as in greenhouses. Green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) destroy chloroplast cells; this damage can be spectrally detected in the reflectance of the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions. The spectral curve showed that the aphid-infested chili leaves reflectance in the NIR, decreased in time with the increase of aphid population. Although the aphid’s activity occurred on the leaves underside, their damage can be spectrally detected by reflection data from the upper side. Early aphid damage was identified in limited areas of chili leaf and this damage showed to be the only harm inflicted on the plant, also proven by the HI data obtained. Surface reflectance (%) from un-infested chili was lower in the visible and higher in the NIR light 90A spectrum when compared with aphids-infested chili. The overall classification accuracies of 89% for damage detection were achieved. These results indicated that HI can be effectively used to accurately detect and quantify aphid infestation in chili for site-specific aphid management. It can be potentially applied for limited areas as well as fields as an early detection tool for aphid management. This study aimed to spectrally explore the ability to assess the level of aphids damage in a limited area grown with the chili crop.
Keywords:
Hyperspectral imagery, aphids, chili pepper, near-infrared.
First Record of The Cedar Moth Insect, Dichelia cedricola and Its Life Cycle on Lebanese Cedar Trees (Cedrus libani) at The Cedar and Fir Reserve, Slenfeh, Syria
Hasan1*, M. Ali1, A. Ramadan2 and O. Merhej3
(1) Department of Forestry and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Syria; (2) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Syria; (3) General Authority of Remote Sensing, Latakia, Syria. *Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 9/3/2023; Accepted: 31/7/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001243
Abstract
This study was carried out in the Cedar and Fir Reserve, Slenfeh, Syria during the period 2021-2022, where the Lebanese cedar moth, Dichelia cedricola (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) was observed for the first time in Syria on the Lebanese cedar tree, Cedrus libani. Rich. Infestation symptoms were described and the most important biometric measurements of the different stages of the insect were recorded. The average body length of the fourth and fifth larval instars was 12.5±2.6 mm, the average length of the pupa was 9.7±1.2 mm. The average length of the female adult was 11.1±1.3 mm, and the wingspan was 18.7±2.6 mm. The average length of the male adult was 9.4±1.5 mm, and the wingspan was 15.7±2.6 mm. The life cycle of the insect was also investigated in the field, where the insect (in its different stages) was active from April to November. Caterpillars fed on needles and new buds and used needles for nesting and overwintering, which causes the leaves to fall and consequently cause damage to the tree. Control measures need to be investigated.
Keywords:
Cedar moth, Dichelia cedricola, Lebanese cedar. Cedrus libani, cedar and fir reserve, Slenfeh, Syria.
Diversity and Structure of Plant-Parasitic Nematode Communities in Some Olive Nurseries Along the Coastal Region of Syria
Ali
Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.
Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 10/4/2023; Accepted: 25/9/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001258
Abstract
Olive is one of the most important economic crops in Syria. Nurseries are often the main source for pathogens dissemination in olive orchards, especially soil-borne organisms such as Verticillium and plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN), and investigating their occurrence and distribution in olive nurseries seems of great importance. No scientific data on the distribution of PPN in olive nurseries along the Syrian coastal region is available. Therefore, the present study was conducted in order to: (i) explore for the first time the occurrence and diversity of PPN communities distributed in some olive nurseries along the Syrian coastal region, and (ii) compare the nematode diversity and their community structure between two olive varieties. One hundred eight soil samples were collected from different nurseries in Latakia and Tartous governorates, from two common olive varieties Khdiry and Qaissy. Taxonomical and functional indices were calculated and compared between olive varieties and soil mixture used. The community structure was defined by using principal component analysis (PCA). The results revealed the wide distribution of PPN in olive nurseries with a total of 17 genera identified. Aphelenchoides, Aphelenchus, Ditylenchus and Tylenchorhynchus were the most common. Impact of olive varieties or soil mixture on functional diversity was observed, but not on the taxonomical indices. PCA also revealed a distinct structure of communities in each of the two olive varieties as well as in the soil mixture. Economically important genera such as Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus were also recorded with high population densities in some nurseries, suggesting the inevitable introduction of such nematodes to olive orchards. Certification programs for plant propagation materials in nurseries seem extremely important to be adopted in Syrian nurseries to ensure the production and distribution of “healthy” seedlings to growers.
Keywords:
Diversity, nurseries, olive varieties; plant-parasitic nematodes, soil mixture, Syria.
Effects of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus on Some Biological Aspects of the Fig Moth, Ephestia cautella
S.H. Kamil
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Baghdad University, Iraq.
Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 15/4/2023; Accepted: 7/8/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001245
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of lemongrass on the third instar larvae of the date moth Ephestia cautella Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The results obtained showed that there were toxic effects of aqueous extract, which produced the highest mortality rate was 43.35% at 5% concentration72 hours after treatment, whereas the lowest mortality rate 17% was obtained at 0.5% the concentration, 72 hours after treatment. The LC50 was 0.082%. The results indicated that the highest repellency rate of the aqueous extract was 71.33%, two hours after treatment, at 5% concentration, with significant decrease in repellency rate, 4 and 6 hours after treatment. The results also showed that the ethanolic extract gave higher mortality rate of 96.68% at the 5% concentration, and the lowest mortality rate of 43.33% at 0.05% concentration, 72 hours after treatment, with a LC50 of 0.008%. The repellency rates were highest 94.55% at 5% concentration. 2 hours after exposure. In conclusion, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of lemon grass had good toxic and repellent effects that make them potential candidates for insect control of stored dates as they are safe, eco-friendly and economically inexpensive products compared to chemical pesticides.
Keywords:
Plant extract, Lemongrass, control, Ephestia cautella.
Biology of Apricot Bud Gall Mite, Acalitus phloeocoptes Determining the Emergence Time of the First Generation Using the Degree Day Model and Its Control
Nourpour1, S. Aramideh1*, S. Mirfakhraie1 and H. Kamali2
(1) Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University-Pardis, Iran; (2) Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Training Center of Khorasan Razavi, Mashad, Iran.
*Email of the corresponding authors: [email protected]
Received: 1/5/2023; Accepted: 11/9/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001255
Abstract
The plum bud gall mite, Acalitus phloeocopte Nalepa (Acari: Trombidiformes) is one of the important pests of plum trees. The biology and control of this mite during the 2021-2022 period was investigated. The results obtained showed that this mite had four generations a year and spends the winter as adult female mite. The estimated degree days (DD) for the emergence of 50% of wintering mites with two temperature thresholds of 6.2 and 5.8°C degrees were calculated as 68.50 and 88.00 DD in 2021 and 72.00 and 90.50 DD in 2022, respectively. The number of new galls formed by this mite following different treatments such as volck oil (as winter oil), liquid sulfur, propargit, phenpyroxymit, abamectin, tetradifon and sunmite along with water as a control treatment was determined. The results showed that in 2021, the sulfur treatment led to the least number of new galls 14.22±0.53, whereas in 2022 abamectin gave the least number of new galls 17.70±1.32. The integrated pest/crop management including pruning and removing infested branches in winter, a foliar spray with 80% liquid sulfur at the end of winter before budding or spraying with abamectin using degree-days following 50% overwintering mite emergence from galls, gave the best results and is recommended for adoption by farmers.
Keywords:
Biology, degree day, plum bud mite, control, acaricides.
Effect of Temperature and Prey on Biology and Life Table Parameters of Predatory Mite Phytoseius finitimus Reared on Aceria melongena and Tetranychus urticae under Laboratory Conditions
E.H. Walash1, S.Z. Elkholy1 and M.R. El-Aassar2*
(1) Plant Mites Department, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Dokii, Giza, Egypt; (2) Vegetable, Medicinal, Aromatic and Ornamental Pests Research Department, Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), 12618 Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
*Email of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 5/1/2023; Accepted: 11/8/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001247
Abstract
The developmental time, fecundity and life table parameters of the phytoseiid predatory mite Phytoseius finitimus Ribaga fed on immature stages of Aceria melongena (Zaher & Abou-Awad) and Tetranychus urticae Koch were studied in the laboratory at three different temperatures (22, 27 and 32°C), to find out the possibility of using the predator as a biological control component of eggplant phytophagous mites. Total developmental time of P. finitimus female and male was shortest and reached 5.56 and 5.33 days, respectively, on A. melongena at 32°C, whereas the longest period was 12.05 and 10.96 days, respectively, on T. urticae at 22°C. The oviposition period was longest 33.35 days on T. urticae at 22°C. The total egg production rates were the highest on A. melongena (40.37 eggs/female) with daily rate of 2.05 eggs/♀/day at 32°C. A diet of A. melongena showed a higher value of the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) which was 0.230 ♀/♀/day at 32°C. The net reproductive rate was highly affected by temperatures where (R0) values were 23.45 and 19.19; 19.79 and 16.99; 16.98 and 12.72 ♀/♀ at 32, 27 and 22°C for A. melongena and T. urticae, respectively. The predation rates of P. finitimus increased with temperature increase. A significant difference between the three temperatures and two prey diets on the feeding capacity of adult female and male. The lowest life cycle thermal threshold (t0) ranged between 8.55 and 12.41°C. The lower temperature threshold (t0) and thermal constant (K) for the total immature stages of this predator was calculated to be 11.72 and 115.22°C degree-days for A. melongena, and 7.94 and 171.63°C degree-days for T. urticae, respectively. These values suggested that the optimal temperature for the population growth of P. finitimus ranged between 27 and 32°C. Our findings suggest that P. finitimus can successfully complete its life cycle on A. melongena and T. urticae and have excellent potential as a biological control agent for two pests on eggplant under field conditions. Temperatures 22 and 27°C seems to be more suitable for mass rearing of this predator mite fed on two prey diets. The eriophyid mite A. melongena was more favored to the predator mite than T. urticae.
Keywords:
Phytoseiidae, Eriophyidae, Tetranychidae, biological control, predation.
Effect of Magnetic Field on The Toxicity of Triflumuron and Teflubenzuron Pesticides with Special Reference to Some Biological and Histological Parameters of Cotton Bollworm, Earias insulana
R.M. El-Shennawy
Plant Protection Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 18/5/2023; Accepted: 16/8/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001249
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of magnetic field (MF) on the toxicity of two experimental insect growth regulators (IGRs) pesticides Triflumuron (Cancoun 40% SC) and Teflubenzuron (Nomolt 15% SC) against the spiny bollworm; E. insulana larvae under laboratory-controlled conditions (26±1°C and 75±5 % RH), and their implications on different biological and histological parameters. The results obtained showed an increase in the toxicity of pesticides after exposure to magnetic field strength of 180 mT for one hour. The LC50 values were 45.22 and 66.45 ppm for Cancun and Nomult, respectively, as compared to 35.54 and 49.56 ppm, respectively, after exposure to the magnetic field. A high mortality rate and malformation were observed for each of the larvae and pupae after pesticides magnetization, compared to the non-magnetized insecticides, as well as the untreated larvae. The lifespan of both larvae and pupae was significantly prolonged, and thus the total period of immature stages after magnetization was increased. In addition, the treatments caused a decrease in the rates of adult emergence, female fertility, and hatching rate, and with greater efficiency of the magnetized pesticides. Different histological changes were also observed in the epidermis and midgut of the larvae under study, where the treatments caused significant destruction in the epidermal and midgut cells of the treated larvae, with a more pronounced effect of the magnetized insecticide compared to the non-magnetized and the control check.
Keywords:
Spiny bollworm, magnetic field, toxicity, triflumuron, teflubenzuron.
Effect of Some Medicinal Plants Aqueous Extracts on Two Species of Two Plant Pathogenic Bacteria Pseudomonas savastanoi and Xanthomonas campestris
A.M. Mouhanna1,2*, M.A.R. Drakly2, M.A. Abou Hasan2 and H.N.H. Al-Obaydi3
(1) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Syria; (2) Syria Private University, Damascus, Syria; (3) High Graduate Institute for Science and Technology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 26/7/2022; Accepted: 18/12/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001254
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of some medicinal plants naturally present in Jableh region, Latakia governorate on two plant pathogenic bacteria, Pseudomonas savastanoi and Xanthomonas campestris. The inhibitory effect of the bacteria was measured by the diameter length of the inhibition zone around the disc treated with the extract. The aqueous extracts of Ocimum canum, Salvia sclarea, Origamum tytthanthum and Thymus serpyllum showed a significantly higher inhibitory effect on P. savastanoi compared to their effect on X. campestris. Aqueous extracts of Coridothymus capitatus and Majorana syriaca showed similar inhibition effect on the two studied bacteria species. The highest inhibition rate was 99.975 and 99.997% for Coridothymus capitatus and Majorana syriaca extracts against X. campestris and P. savastanoi, respectively, whereas the lowest inhibition rate was for Thymus serpyllum extracts with 25.0 and 16.7% inhibition rate against P. savastanoi and X. campestris, respectively. This indicates the importance of using these aqueous extracts in the control of bacterial plant diseases. However, such laboratory tests need to be confirmed by extended field trials.
Keywords:
Aqueous extracts, plant pathogenic bacteria, Pseudomonas savastanoi, Xanthomonas campestris, inhibitory effect.
Studies on Nutrition, Utilization and Hosts Preference of Feeding Fall Armyworm Larvae, Spodoptera frugiperda on Some Vegetable Crops Leaves
M.I. Ouda
Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Agriculture Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Giza, Egypt.
Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 5/6/2023; Accepted: 25/9/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001259
Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), appeared in 2016 on maize crop in the Americas. Thereafter, it was recorded as an invasive pest in Africa during 2017. In Egypt, this study was conducted during 2022 to investigate the nutritional indices and host preference of the 3rd and 5th instars of FAW larval stage on fifteen vegetable crops under laboratory conditions. Experiments were conducted under constant temperature in an incubator at 27±1°C, relative humidity of 65±5% and a photoperiod of 14:10 hrs (light: dark). The results obtained showed that the hosts Beta vulgaris L., Cichorium intybus L., Fragaria x ananassa L., Brassica rapa L. and Zea mays L. var. everta were significantly favoured as primary hosts for FAW development. These hosts had higher larval and pupal weight and feeding indices: consumption index (CI), approximate digestibility (AD), efficiency of conversion of ingested food into body matter (ECI), efficiency of conversion of digested food into body matter (ECD) and relative growth rate (RGR). Whereas the hosts Vigna unguiculata, Lactuca sativa, Brassica oleracea var. capitata, Brassica oleracear var. botrytis, Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa, Pisum sativum and Vicia faba were favored as secondary hosts for FAW development, with lower values for larvae and pupae weight and feeding indices. However, the larvae did not prefer and did not complete feeding on the hosts Cucumis sativus, Solanum lycopersicum and Phaseolus vulgaris.
Keywords:
Spodoptera frugiperda, biology, nutritional indices, host preference.
The Effectiveness of Some Plant Extracts Against Adults of The Rice Weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. Under Laboratory Conditions
Esber
Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Baath University, Homs, Syria.
Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 14/6/2023; Accepted: 11/8/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001248
Abstract
In this study, the effectiveness of three plant extracts (Schinus molle, Melia azedarach and Thymus vulgaris) against adults of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), using concentrations of 25, 50 and 100% were investigated. Insect mortality was evaluated 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 15 and 20 days after treatment, and corrected mortality rate in addition to the LC50 and LC90 and the LT50 and LT90 values were calculated. The results obtained showed an increase in the mean of corrected mortality rate with increasing concentration and time after treatment, where the values reached 70, 100 and 80% at the concentration of 100% one day after treatment with plant extracts of S. molle, M. azedarach and T. vulgaris, respectively. The extract M. azedarach was superior to the extracts of S. molle and T. vulgaris with significant difference at P=0.01. The LC50 values 4 days after treatment were 54.42% for S. molle, 30.23% for M. azedarach and 39.19% for T. vulgaris. Whereas the LC90 values were 64.68 and 78.89% for M. azedarach and T. vulgaris, respectively. The LT50 and LT90 values at the concentration of 50% were 5.51 and 39.81 days for the S. molle, 1.04; 11.94 days for the M. azedarach; 1.59 and 35.17 days for the T. vulgaris extracts. Whereas the LT50 values at a concentration of 100% were less than one day for the three studied extracts. The highest effectiveness of M. azedarach extract was achieved at concentrations of 25 and 50%, and the values were similar to T. vulgaris extract at a concentration of 100%, when the corrected mortality rate reached 100% three days after treatment, with both extracts being superior to the S. molle extract at the same concentration and time after treatment.
Keywords:
Effectiveness, extracts, Schinus molle, Melia azedarach, Thymus vulgaris, rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae.
Investigation the Spread of Natural Enemies Associated with The Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta in Al-Hasakeh Governorate, Syria
Darwish1*, A. Besheer2 and K. Al-Asas2
(1) Amoda, El-Hasakeh, Syria; (2) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Damascus, Syria.
*Email of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received:18/6/2023; Accepted: 1/9/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001253
Abstract
The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most important pests attacking all parts of the tomato plant, especially leaves, was first recorded in Syria in 2010. Since then, it has become the most important pest affecting tomatoes and causing economic losses to tomato farmers, ranged from 50-100%. Field applied research was conducted in tomato fields at Amuda and Derbasiyah sub-district of Al-Hasake Governorate, Syria, during the seasons 2016 to 2018. Laboratory research under laboratory conditions (25±2ºС, RH 65±5%) and under long daylight (16 hrs light:8 hrs darkness) in the biological control research center, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Damascus, Syria. Five parasitoids and predators were identified on T. absoluta, namely: Hemiptera (Homoptera) predators: Nesidiocoris tenuis (Miridae), Orius sp. (Anthocoridae) and Neuroptera predator Chrysopa sp. (Chrysopidae), Hymenoptera parasitoids; Bracon (Habrobracon) sp. (Braconidae) and Ratzeburgiola sp. (Eulophidae).
Keywords:
Tomato leafminer, parasitoids, predators, Al-Hasake, Syria.
Laboratory Evaluation of the Efficiency of The Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauvaria bassiana as a Biological Control Factor Against the Cucurbit Fly, Dacus ciliates
B.M. Al-Shweily1*, J.B. El-Zidawi2 and M.J. Hinnawi1
(1) Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Wasit, Iraq; (2) Integrated Pest Management Division, Ministry of Science and Technology, Iraq.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 26/6/2023; Accepted: 8/9/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001260
Abstract
The cucurbit fly, Dacus ciliatus is a major pest which attack a wide range of crops and causes significant losses in agricultural production. Due to the high toxicity of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment, scientists focused on developing alternative safe methods to control this insect, including the use of biocontrol agents. Beauveria bassiana is one of the common fungi used as a bio-control agent. This entomopathogenic fungus was cultivated on Petri dishes containing PDA. The spore suspension of this fungus was prepared using sterilized distilled water, and three concentrations were used: 20×106, 10×106 and 5×106 spores/ml. The effectiveness of these three concentrations was tested on larvae and pupae of the studied insect. The larval mortality rate ranged from 73.33% at the highest concentration to 33.33% at the lowest concentration used. Pupal mortality reached 66.66% at the highest concentration and 16.66% at the lowest concentration of spore suspension. Mortality rate was directly proportional to the spore suspension concentration of the entomopathogenic fungus.
Keywords:
Cucurbit fly, agricultural pest, biological control, Dacus ciliates, Beauveria bassiana, entomopathogenic fungi.
The Effect of Chitosan on the Infection of Apple Fruits with Penicillium fimorum and on the Inhibition of Ochratoxin A Production
M.M. Al-Ahmed1*, M.A. Fayyadh1 and W.A. Al-Saad2
(1) Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Basrah University, Iraq; (2) Department of Intelligent Medical Systems, College of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Basrah, Iraq.
*Email of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 5/7/2023; Accepted: 8/9/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001261
Abstract
This study was conducted to test the ability of chitosan micro- and nano-chitosan to inhibit the growth of P. fimorum and its production of Ochratoxin A, and to protect apple fruits from infection. The results obtained showed that the micro- and nano-chitosan inhibited the growth of P. fimorum by 32.33 and 57.91%, respectively. The chitosan treatment reduced the ability of P. fimorum to produce ochratoxin A to 39.40 and 42.10 ng/g with micro- and nano-chitosan, respectively. However, the Ochratoxin A reached 136.50 ng/g in the control treatment. In addition, the concentration of Ochratoxin A decreased in apple fruits (red, yellow, and green) from 121.50, 115.80, and 105.60 ng/g in the control treatment to 53.93, 52.60, and 0.00 ng/g in the micro-chitosan treatment, and to 0.00, 0.00 and 35.10 ng/g in nano-chitosan treatment, respectively.
Keywords:
Ochratoxin A, P. fimorum, apple fruits, chitosan.
Investigation of the Spread of Bacterial Wheat Leaf Blight Caused by Pathotypes of Pseudomonas syringae in Some Wheat Growing Areas in Syria
Abo Bakr1,2*, F. Khatib1, M. Kassem1, S.G. Kumari3, N. Husien2 and N. Asaad2
(1) Faculty of Agriculture Engineering, University of Aleppo, Syria; (2) General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Syria; (3) The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Terbol Station, Zahle, Lebanon.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 19/7/2023; Accepted: 21/9/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001257
Abstract
Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops grown globally, which is affected by several biotic and abiotic stresses, especially in conjunction with the climatic changes that have been evident in the last decade, and among these stresses is the bacterial wheat leaf blight disease caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. The importance and danger of this bacterium is due to its ability to be transmitted by seed, as it negatively affects the quality of grain and the weight of one thousand grains. The study aimed to investigate the spread of bacterial wheat leaf blight caused by P. syringae and its pathotypes in the main wheat growing areas in Syria (Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Tartous and Latakia governorates) during 2022. The results obtained showed that bacterial wheat leaf blight disease was observed in 42 fields out of 59 fields surveyed (71.2%). The lowest incidence (50%) was recorded in Latakia with severity of less than 2, and highest incidence (77.8%) was recorded in Aleppo governorate with severity of 4 based on a 0-5 scale. Symptoms of bacterial wheat leaf blight was observed in all fields, which began as water-soacked leaf spots, and then turned into greenish-gray necrosis and finally a straw color. Symptoms of blackish-brown color nodes were observed only in 4 fields in Aleppo and Tartous governorates. Such symptoms could be caused by the pathotype P. s. pv. japonica. In addition, the bases of wheat chaffs showed blackish-brown watery spots in 6 fields. In Aleppo and Tartous governorates these symptoms were identical to those typical of the pathotype P. s. pv. atrofaciens. Characteristics of 156 isolates, LOPAT tests and fluorescence on King B medium indicated that these isolates belong to the genus Pseudomonas, representing 87.7% of the total number of isolates, whereas 26 isolates (14.3%) were negative for Levan and fluorescence tests and their characteristics indicated that they belong to the genus Xanthomonas.
Keywords:
Wheat, bacterial wheat leaf blight, P. syringae, pathotypes, Syria.
Molecular Diagnosis of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda Isolated from Corn Fields in Karkuk Governorate, Iraq
A.H. El-Jiboory1* and S.Z. Bakr2
(1) Agricultural Directorate, Karkuk, Iraq; (2) Faculty of Agriculture, Tikrit University, Iraq.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 19/7/2023; Accepted: 17/8/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001250
Abstract
This study was conducted in Karkuk Governorate, Iraq, where fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda larvae were collected by the direct manual method from corn fields. The research was conducted during the period July-October 2022 with the purpose of diagnosing FAW species by determining the nucleotide sequence of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) gene. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of the species Spodoptera frugiperda in Iraq.The Iraqi species was conserved in the global GenBank under the code AHM-1 Spodoptera frugiperda isolate K2 under the international number OP557603.1.
Keywords:
Spodoptera frugiperda, Iraq, maize, fall armyworm, molecular diagnosis.
Effectiveness of Some Natural Enemies in Limiting the Spread of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
A.M. Basheer1*, E.M. Mohammed2, S.M. Soliman3 and M.A. Naoof3
(1) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University; (2) General Directorate of Plant Protection – Damascus, Syria; (3) Hama Center for Rearing Natural Enemies, Hama, Syria.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 19/7/2023; Accepted: 30/9/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001251
Abstract
The field work of this study was carried out in corn fields in Hama governorate and the laboratory work was carried out in Hama Center for Rearing Natural Enemies (HCRNE). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma principium and larval parasitoid Bracon hebetor in the control of fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The rates of parasitism on FAW eggs ranged from 25 to 50%. It was found that there was an inverse relationship between the increase in the number of eggs per batch and the rate of parasitism. The study also showed that the parasitoid Bracoon hebetor parasitized the fourth, fifth, and sixth caterpillar instars in varying proportions, and the parasitism rate ranged from 50 to 80%.
Keywords:
Corn, natural enemies, fall armyworm, Syria.
Effect of Mulching Manures and Use of Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora on Strawberry Fruit Yield Temnorhynchus baal and Meloidogyne javanica Under Field Conditions
M.M.M. Abd-Elgawad1*, L.W. Duncan2, M.M.A. Hammam1, F. Elborai3 and I.E. Shehata4
(1) Plant Pathology Department, National Research Centre, El-Behoos St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt; (2) Citrus Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, Florida 33850, USA; (3) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, 14625 CR 672, Wimauma, Florida 33598, USA; (4) Pests and Plant Protection Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received: 7/8/2023; Accepted: 30/9/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001262
Abstract
The importance of safe methods to manage strawberry pests has become more evident with increasing strawberry production and export in Egypt. Root damage by white grubs (Temnorhynchus baal larvae) and root-knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne javanica cause severe losses to strawberry fruit yield. Growers often rely on a few selective chemical pesticides to control these pests and minimizing pesticide residues in order to comply with maximum residue limits for export. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) that invade and kill grubs and reduce RKN population levels in the soil may be as effective as these insecticides in some cases. We evaluated the profitability of mulching strawberry with commonly used cow and/or chicken manure, with and without application of commercial Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in two farms for four consecutive years. All plots received chemical fertilizers. The designed drip irrigation system for EPN delivery in the farms insured efficient and even (P < 0.05) application of EPN in all treatments. Timing of EPN application varied due to import regulatory guidelines. All manure mulch treatments increased strawberry yield each year at a farm in Al-Qalyubia governorate, whereas yield remarkably increased in the fourth season at the farm in El-Beheira governorate. Compared to EPN-treated plots, 70% more (P = 0.06) insects were recovered in soil beneath dead plants in plots that did not receive EPNs. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora boosted fruit yield (P < 0.05) in the second and fourth years at El-Beheira and in all years at Al-Qalyubia. It reduced (P < 0.05) numbers of Meloidogyne javanica galls/egg masses on strawberry roots and juveniles in the soil in both farms. Mulches had no measurable effect on EPN performance, but suppressed pests and boosted plant productivity. The greatest yield enhancement by EPN occurred in the second year at El-Beheira farm when EPNs were applied shortly after planting (October), enabling early season control of the pests, but in the third year at Al-Qalyubia farm where the weather was generally warmer than that at El-Beheira, and therefore more suitable for EPN activity.
Keywords:
Strawberry yield, entomopathogenic nematodes, Meloidogyne, mulching, Egypt.
Virulence of Local Isolates of The Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana on Egg and Adult Stages of Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta
A.H. Hasan1,2*, M. Ahmad1, O. Hamoudi2 and M. Moufleh2
(1) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria; (2) General Authority for Scientific Agricultural Research, Syria
*Email of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Received:22/11/2022; Accepted: 1/9/2023
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001252
Abstract
The efficacy of four local isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales), (b6 isolated from citrus orchard soil (Harisoon), b7 from greenhouse soil (Alkhrab), b8 from palm weevil pupae (Lattakia) and b10 from olive orchard soil (Mengella), were tested on the egg and adult stages of the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta by direct spraying for each stage with three different concentrations of fungal spore suspensions 2×104, 2×106 and 2×108 spores/ml. The results obtained showed that both insect stages were very sensitive to fungal infection to varying degrees and there were significant differences in the hatching rate and adult mortality rate caused by the four isolates in comparison with the control treatment. The b8 and b10 isolates were the most effective on both insect stages at all concentrations tested. Corrected mortality rates at the highest concentration (2×108 spore/ml) were 82.59% for b8 isolate and 86.30% for b10 isolate on eggs and LC50 was 1×106 spores/ml for b8 isolate and 8×105 spores/ml for b10 isolate, whereas the corrected mortality rate for both were 100% on adults, 8 days after treatment, and by using the highest spore concentration. The LT50 was 3.2 days for both isolates and the LC50 was 2×104 spores/ml for b8 isolate and 1×105 spores/ml for b10 isolate under laboratory conditions.
Keywords:
Biological control, Beauveria bassiana, Tuta absoluta, mortality, eggs, adult, LT50, LC50.