Andalasian International Journal of Entomology

Detection and Monitoring of Damage Status and Infestation by Spodoptera frugiperda in Maize Crops in Luxor Region, Egypt

2024-07-27T10:13:42+07:00

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a serious crop pest that destroys maize plants in Egypt and the world, leading to reduced quality and quantity of the maize crop. We conducted this study to monitor and determine the damage status and infestation frequency of S. frugiperda on maize plants in Luxor Governorate, southern Egypt. The sampling date was set with the first observable occurrence of fall armyworm at the study site. Forty randomly selected corn plants (ten plants from each replicate) were evaluated and estimated weekly until harvest. The total number of plants used for sampling was 960 plants during the two seasons. The invasion and damage of maize plants by S. frugiperda started at the age of 16 days after sowing until the time of harvest, i.e. S. frugiperda larvae were detected on maize plants during the period from the third week of June until the maize harvest. In terms of number of larvae, number of plants infested with larvae, percentage of infestation, and percentage of damage intensity, three peaks were recorded in each season, occurring at 30, 58 and 86 days after sowing in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Our study shows that the number of damaged plants was higher than the number of infected plants throughout the season. Thus, the percentage of plants damaged by S. frugiperda increased as the timing of corn plant inspections increased during the two seasons. The results indicate that monitoring plant inspections at key times during the growing season can provide crucial data to help farmers implement timely control measures.

Effectiveness of Wood Vinegar from Tobacco Stalk on Termite Resistance in Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper Backer)

2024-11-10T14:47:40+07:00

Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper Backer) is commonly used as structural material in the tobacco curing barns of PT Perkebunan Nusantara X, where it is installed in the ground as supporting pillars. However, subterranean termites (Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren) pose a significant threat to bamboo, causing brittleness and structural damage. This study aimed to identify the most effective wood vinegar treatment to protect bamboo against termite attacks. This research conducted at February 2022 to July 2023 in Jember, East Java, Indonesia. This study used explanatory research methods. Tobacco stalk-derived wood vinegar was applied to bamboo using seven different treatments (labeled A to G), each replicated three times, and compared with untreated control bamboo. Wood vinegar made from tobacco stems is effective in suppressing subterranean termite attacks on bamboo. After 18 months of observation, treatment E—where bamboo was soaked in wood vinegar for one day, followed by the application of one liter of wood vinegar to the surrounding soil—proved to be the most effective. This treatment reduced termite damage by 29% compared to the control and minimized brittleness to only 12%, outperforming the other treatments. Consequently, treatment E is recommended for bamboo used in curing barns to enhance resistance against subterranean termite attacks.

Assessing Cashew Orchards Management Practices and Infestation rates of Apate terebrans in Orchards in Burkina Faso, West Africa

2024-10-16T14:54:51+07:00

Cashew is a significant export crop in Burkina Faso but suffers substantial damage from the cashew wood borer Apate terebrans Pallas. Despite its economic importance, the population dynamics of this beetle have not previously been studied in Burkina Faso, limiting the development of effective control strategies. This study monitored infestation patterns on 960 cashew trees randomly selected from 8 localities in 4 regions across two agro-ecological zones. The trees were inspected monthly over two consecutive years according to typical producer management practices. As A. terebrans bores inside branches and trunks, direct observation of adults was unfeasible. Therefore, infestation rates were estimated by counting fresh entry holes monthly. Over the study period, infestations began in July, peaked in November–December, and declined to zero by May–June. Infestation rates differed significantly between years (p < 0.001), among regions (p < 0.001) and localities (p < 0.02), and were influenced by cashew tree phenology (p < 0.01), suggesting that A. terebrans preferentially infests uncleaned orchards and trees at more vulnerable phenological stages. These findings underscore the need for targeted orchard sanitation practices to reduce infestations, as well as the importance of sampling plans and population monitoring to support higher cashew yields and economic returns.

Natural Occurrence of Metarhizium rileyi on Darna diducta as a Biological Control for Oil Palm Pests in Poso, Central Sulawesi

2024-10-22T13:06:46+07:00

The nettle caterpillar, Darna diducta, is a significant pest in oil palm plantations, causing damage to palm fronds that impacts overall plant health and yield. Traditionally, synthetic insecticides are used to manage this pest; however, such intensive chemical use has led to adverse effects, including pest resistance, resurgence, and environmental degradation. Entomopathogenic fungi like Metarhizium rileyi (formerly Nomuraea) represent a promising, environmentally friendly alternative for pest control. This study focused on the natural occurrence of M. rileyi infections in D. diducta larvae within oil palm plantations in East Pamona, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi, observed in August 2015. Surveys conducted across several villages found a remarkable 100% infection rate of D. diducta larvae by M. rileyi, with each infected larva exhibiting extensive fungal growth, characterized by white mycelium covering the entire body. The resulting impact on palm frond damage was minimal, with the percentage of plant damage due to D. diducta categorized as mild, ranging from only 0.24% to 0.34%. These findings indicate that M. rileyi effectively suppresses D. diducta populations, reducing pest severity and frond damage. The high infection rate and its impact on pest control underscore M. rileyi’s potential as a natural biocontrol agent, offering a sustainable approach to managing D. diducta infestations. Thus, integrating M. rileyi as a biological control method could significantly benefit oil palm cultivation by minimizing chemical use, promoting ecological balance, and supporting long-term pest management strategies.

The Polymorphism of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Gene in Culex Mosquitoes in Banyuwangi District, Indonesia

2024-11-09T14:41:07+07:00

Culex mosquito is able to act as transmission vector of filariasis and Japanese encephalitis. Both diseases occur in Indonesia and filariasis exists in Banyuwangi district. The Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel (VGSC) gene mutations are related to pyrethroid insecticide resistance, especially L1014F/S mutations have not yet been fully studied in Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the polymorphism of VGSC gene mutation in Culex mosquitoes in Banyuwangi District of East Java Province, Indonesia. Culex mosquitoes were collected using mosquito trap in a two-day collection from Banyuwangi Sub-district and two sub-villages in Cluring Sub-district of Banyuwangi District in August 2023. Culex mosquitoes were identified by morphological examination and Culex DNA was extracted by Chelex100 from each Culex mosquito. The polymorphism of VGSC gene mutations of L1014F/S were determined by Allele Specific-Polymerase Chain Reaction (AS-PCR). A total of 62 Culex mosquitoes were analyzed. The wild type Culex mosquitoes were found predominant (77%, 48/62). Two types of homozygous mutations were identified as 1014F and 1014 S (16%, 10/62 and 2%, 1/62, respectively). The heterozygous mutation was only 1014F/S type with frequency of 5% (3/62). The predominance of wild type Culex mosquitoes indicated that Culex population in the study areas is still susceptible to pyrethroid insecticide. However, the mutant types of Culex are already occurred, so insecticide resistance among Culex mosquitoes is required to be regular monitoring.

Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.) Larval Development as Affected by Different Substrates

2024-10-13T22:38:40+07:00

With the rising demand for sustainable protein sources and effective waste management solutions, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae (Hermetia illucens) have gained attention for their ability to convert organic waste into high-protein biomass. This study investigates the effects of different organic substrates on the growth and nutritional quality of BSF larvae, aiming to identify optimal substrate types for enhancing protein production and supporting sustainable waste management. Conducted in Tomay, La Trinidad, Benguet from January to March 2022, the experiment compared the larval development duration, crude protein content, and associated rearing costs of BSF larvae fed with cabbage trimmings (control), banana peelings, and retrograded rice. The larvae’s development period, from first to sixth instar, ranged from 15 to 17 days under room temperature conditions of 24°C to 30°C and relative humidity levels between 52% and 99%. Results showed that larvae fed on banana peelings achieved the highest crude protein content at 17.81% with a moisture content of 61.11%, followed closely by cabbage trimmings with 17.34% protein and 64.22% moisture, and retrograded rice with 16.82% protein and 63.96% moisture. These differences in protein and moisture content suggest that substrate type significantly influences the nutritional quality of BSF larvae, with implications for their use as a sustainable protein source. In terms of cost, rearing BSF larvae on banana peelings resulted in the highest expenses (PhP3,343.00), followed by cabbage trimmings (PhP3,104.00) and retrograded rice (PhP2,970.00), with total experimental costs amounting to PhP9,509.50. This study highlights that substrate choice affects not only the growth rate and nutrient content of BSF larvae but also the economic feasibility of BSF rearing.

Diversity of Hymenoptera in Indonesian Rice Agroecosystems: A Systematic Review of Species Composition and Ecological Roles

2024-11-14T15:02:07+07:00

Hymenoptera are vital for maintaining ecological balance in rice agroecosystems. These insects provide essential ecosystem services, particularly in biological pest control, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides. Despite their importance, the impact of different agricultural practices on Hymenoptera diversity and their ecological roles in Indonesian rice fields remains underexplored. This systematic review aims to assess the diversity and ecological functions of Hymenoptera in Indonesian rice agroecosystems, evaluate their contributions to natural pest suppression, and examine how various management practices, including organic farming and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), affect Hymenoptera populations. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed studies from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted. Inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting Hymenoptera species diversity, ecological roles, and the effects of different rice farming practices. Data on species composition, pest suppression rates, and management practices were synthesized and analyzed using statistical methods, including regression and ANOVA.The findings reveal significant variation in Hymenoptera diversity across regions, with organic and IPM practices supporting higher species richness than conventional methods. A strong positive correlation was found between Hymenoptera diversity and pest suppression rates, particularly during the reproductive stage of rice growth. Parasitoids and predators played dominant roles in controlling key rice pests.Conserving Hymenoptera diversity through sustainable farming practices is crucial for reducing chemical inputs, improving pest control, and enhancing the resilience of rice agroecosystems. Future agricultural strategies should integrate biodiversity-friendly practices to ensure long-term sustainability in rice production.