Entomology and Plant Pathology

Sesamum indicum L. is an important oil seed in Iran which is cultivated as summer crop in alternation with cereals and cucurbits, playing an important role in sustainable agriculture. Sesame wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. sesami is one of the limiting factors in its cultivation. Application of genetic improvement of disease resistance is one of the effective strategies to solve the disease problems in sesame. In this project, the partial resistance of 24 genotypes including, some commercial cultivars and promising lines were tested against Fusarium wilt disease. The experiments were conducted in three different conditions (greenhouse, micro plot and field). In greenhouse and micro plot experiments, artificial inoculation was used while in field experiment, no artificial inoculum was used. For evaluating results, the infection percentage (wilted plants) was recorded on a scale of 1-6 scoring system. The results showed that in artificial inoculation conditions, none ...

Sesame bacterial leaf spot caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. sesami was observed to cause severe symptoms on sesame crop during the monsoon season in barani areas of Pakistan. Histological study was conducted to elucidate the mode of infection of the causal bacterium by ...

The study was conducted during 2016 main season with the objectives of (i) to identify fusarium and phyllody resistant sesame genotypes in the area, (2) to study the prevalence, incidence and severity of phyllody and fusarium wilt among genotypes in the study area .From each variety 10 random sample plants were taken in each study areas and assessed for phyllody and fusarium wilt. Data showed that phyllody and fusarium appeared at different growth stages: seedling, flowering and capsule formation. Phyllody diseases Incidence and severity was higher at capsule formation this is due to many transmitting agents available during flower initiation and capsule formation. The study indicated that phyllody diseases were 100 percent prevalence, 5%-100%, severity and 0% -30% incidences. HuRC-3 and HuRC-4 were resistant genotypes whereas Setit -1, Hirhir, Humera-1, Land race gumero were highly susceptible (HS). Three varities HuRC-1, Setit-2 and WARC-95 showed moderate susceptible (MS).  Fusar...

Background: Pepper growing fields in the Babil and Wasit governorates in Iraq, are suffering from a decline in production due to the
spread of root rot diseases. The use of biological control techniques, such as the use of beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere and
natural plant extracts, along with chemical fungicides, has recently contributed to reducing the damage of plant pathogens globally.

Methods: In this research, the main cause of root rot disease in pepper plants was isolated and diagnosed using polymerase
chain reaction technology using (TEF-1α) gene, antagonistic activities of 75 rhizobacterial isolates, natural extracts of garlic and
nerium and the fungicides of Promess and Tecto 500 SC were tested in vitro against the pathogen, then the superior bacterial
isolates were identified. The ability of biological and chemical agents to control the disease was tested under greenhouse
conditions according to the completely randomized design (CRD).

Result: The results of isolation showed that the fungus Fusarium solani was dominance and the isolate Fsw45 was the most
virulent. 3 of 75 rhizobacterial isolates outperformed the pathogen in an antagonistic tests and identified as Pseudomonas
mendocina, P. fluorescens and Staphylococcus kloosii also the fungicides and botanical extracts showed significant antagonistic
activities as well in vitro. Under greenhouse conditions, the fungicide treatments excelled in disease control by 100%. As for the
3 bacterial isolates, they achieved a significant reduction in the percentage of disease incidence and disease severity index, their
abilities were higher than the nerium and garlic extracts.

Cucumber plays an important role in the human diet and provides a continuous source of income to the formers. India is a leading cucumber producing country in the world. Presently cucumber cultivation has been estimated to occupy 6.09 million hectares areas with annual production of 84.8 million tons (Anonymous, 2006). According to the Unani system of medicine, the oil from cucumber seeds prevents constipation and also useful for treating people suffering from jaundice and allied diseases (Yawalkar and Ram, 2004). This crop is continuously damaged by a number of pests and diseases. Apart from fungal and bacterial diseases, a number of viral diseases have been reported on cucumber in recent years. Among these, Cucumber mosaic virus and its strain, Squash mosaic virus, Melon mosaic virus and bottle gourd mosaic virus are important because of their wide distribution, severity of symptoms and heavy losses caused to cultivated cucumber (Verma and Giri, 1998, Awasthi and Khan, 2007). Production of crop plant from the ravages of pests and diseases by the use of synthetic pesticides has been the usual practice for many years. The constraints to use chemically synthesized pesticides for pest control presently includes the health and ecological hazards, development of

The electrostatic nursery shelter reported in this work was a transparent film-covered rectangular box with three electric field screens on each of the long sides of the box. This arrangement prevents flying pests and airborne fungal pathogens from entering the nursery space. Insulated conducting wires (ICWs) were used as electrodes to create electric fields. The ICWs were arrayed in parallel, and linked to direct-current voltage sources. The ICW layers were negatively or positively charged with equal voltages to form dipoles; i.e., ICW(-) and ICW(+). The electric field screen consisted of three layers of the ICWs; i.e., an ICW(-) layer on either side of an ICW(+) layer. Four species of major tomato pests were used in a blowing assay: whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), green peach aphids (Myzus persicae) and tomato leaf miner flies (Liriomyza sativae). The ICWs were located to capture test pests that were mechanically blown into the electric-field screen. The electrostatic force to capture the insects was directly proportional to the applied voltage, and at voltages of 1.2 kV or greater, the screen exerted sufficient force to capture all of the test pests. An assay in a pest-infested greenhouse revealed that the ICWs captured all the pests that approached the screen, and the plants within the shelter remained pest-free. In addition, we show that the electric-field-screened shelter remained spore-free in the presence of continuous exposure to the conidia of tomato powdery mildew (Oidium neolycopersici).

In an attempt to control pathogens and insect pests affecting greenhouse tomatoes, we evaluated an electric field screen to create an airy greenhouse condition that successfully excluded insect vectors (whiteflies, green peach aphids, western flower thrips and shore flies) of pathogens and airborne conidia of tomato powdery mildew. The screen consisted of three parts: 1) insulated conductor wires (ICWs) arrayed in parallel at 5-mm intervals, 2) two stainless-steel nets that were grounded and placed on both sides of the ICWs, and 3) a direct current (DC) voltage generator to negatively charge the ICWs. An electric field formed between the negative surface charge of the ICWs and the positive charge on the ICW-side surface of the grounded net. The ICWs captured insects and airborne conidia that entered the field. Insects that contacted the outer surface of the screen net avoided the electric field and flew away from the screen. During continuous 3-month greenhouse operation, the screen was durable and functional in exerting stable pest exclusion and good air penetration for ventilation under changing greenhouse climate conditions. In three experiments examining the occurrence of powdery mildew in www.ccsenet.org/jas

The present study describes an economically efficient method for controlling viruliferous whiteflies in a plastic hoop greenhouse, using a bamboo blind-type electric field screen (Bb-EFS) to create a pest-free space. The Bb-EFS had a layer of insulated round iron conductor bars (IBs) and two electrostatic direct current voltage generators that supplied negative or positive voltage to the IBs. The IBs were placed parallel at 4-mm intervals and were connected alternately to a negative or positive voltage generator. Adult test insects (whiteflies, western flower thrips, and tomato leaf miner flies) were blown at up to 5 m/s towards the IBs to identify the voltage range that would capture all the test insects. The results showed that a force ≥ 5.0 kV was strong enough for the IBs to capture all test insects, despite a wind speed of 5 m/s. The Bb-EFS was practical for a greenhouse that experienced frequent invasion by numerous viruliferous whiteflies. Seedlings grew normally inside the Bb-EFS-installed greenhouse. As a supplementary method, an electrostatic insect sweeper and electrostatic flying insect catcher were used to trap whiteflies that avoided the Bb-EFS. Both pieces of apparatus were convenient and easy to operate onsite in a greenhouse environment and were used to trap whiteflies residing on tomato plants or flying inside the greenhouse during daily plant care. These methods controlled the whitefly population to negligible levels, and nearly all tomato plants produced normal fruits.

In addition to original research papers, also published reviews and scientific notes or short communications on critical issues relevant to plant protection. Subject areas include, but are not restricted to the following fields: Field pests, vegetable, aromatic, medicinal and ornamental plant pests, orchard pests, locust and grasshopper, beekeeping sericulture, spray technology, alternatives methods of control pests, survey and classification of agriculture pests and new biocontrol technology pests

The field survey conducted in Rajasthan, India, unveiled the widespread occurrence of Fusarium wilt in cumin fields that have been continuously cultivated for approximately 4 to 5 years. The incidence of this disease exceeded 30%, affecting cumin plants at all stages of growth, with severe symptoms ultimately resulting in the complete mortality of the plants. In laboratory studies, a bacterial isolate known as Bacillus licheniformis (CSR-D4) exhibited remarkable in vitro effectiveness, significantly inhibiting Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cumnini (FOC) mycelial growth by an impressive 79.85%. In controlled pot experiments, cumin plants treated with B. licheniformis (CSR-D4) displayed milder symptoms than untreated plants, demonstrating a notably higher tolerance level, with only a 15% disease incidence as opposed to 90% in untreated plants. Further analysis of defense enzymes revealed elevated chlorophyll, carotenoid, peroxidase activity levels, and proline content in cumin plants treated with B. licheniformis (CSR-D4). Field assessments confirmed the efÏcacy of this bacterial isolate, as it successfully suppressed wilt incidence by 60%, significantly increased crop yield by 71.16%, and promoted root and shoot growth. Notably, applying B. licheniformis (CSR-D4) did not negatively impact beneficial microorganisms, and no adverse phytotoxic symptoms were observed. This study underscores the considerable potential of B. licheniformis (CSR-D4) in managing Fusarium wilt, offering an environmentally friendly and highly effective solution to enhance the health and productivity of cumin plants.

The field survey conducted in Rajasthan, India, unveiled the widespread occurrence of Fusarium wilt in cumin fields that have been continuously cultivated for approximately 4 to 5 years. The incidence of this disease exceeded 30%, affecting cumin plants at all stages of growth, with severe symptoms ultimately resulting in the complete mortality of the plants. In laboratory studies, a bacterial isolate known as Bacillus licheniformis (CSR-D4) exhibited remarkable in vitro effectiveness, significantly inhibiting Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cumnini (FOC) mycelial growth by an impressive 79.85%. In controlled pot experiments, cumin plants treated with B. licheniformis (CSR-D4) displayed milder symptoms than untreated plants, demonstrating a notably higher tolerance level, with only a 15% disease incidence as opposed to 90% in untreated plants. Further analysis of defense enzymes revealed elevated chlorophyll, carotenoid, peroxidase activity levels, and proline content in cumin plants treated with B. licheniformis (CSR-D4). Field assessments confirmed the efÏcacy of this bacterial isolate, as it successfully suppressed wilt incidence by 60%, significantly increased crop yield by 71.16%, and promoted root and shoot growth. Notably, applying B. licheniformis (CSR-D4) did not negatively impact beneficial microorganisms, and no adverse phytotoxic symptoms were observed. This study underscores the considerable potential of B. licheniformis (CSR-D4) in managing Fusarium wilt, offering an environmentally friendly and highly effective solution to enhance the health and productivity of pea plants.

Cassava whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, directly damages cassava leaves by feeding on phloem,
causing chlorosis and abscission, leading to a yield loss of up to 50%. The pest also causes indirect
damage through sooty mold formation. Most Ugandan cassava varieties resist cassava mosaic disease
(CMD) and tolerate cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), but little is known about their response to
whitefly infestation. The main objective of this study was to identify cassava genotypes with putative
resistance to whitefly in Uganda. This was conducted on 24 improved cassava varieties in three
agro-ecological zones during the second rains of 2016. Monthly data were taken for adult and nymph
counts, whitefly and sooty mold damage, and CMD and CBSD severities from 2 to 9 months after
planting (MAPs). The results show that the whitefly population is highly significantly (p < 0.000)
amongst varieties across the three agro-ecological zones. Mkumba consistently supported the low
adult numbers and nymphs. The findings demonstrate the potential of the improved cassava varieties
as sources of whitefly resistance for sustainable management.
Keywords: cassava varieties; agro-ecological zones; infestation; sustainable management

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop cultivated in various parts of the world. Alternaria sesami is a devastating fungal pathogen that causes significant yield losses in sesame crops worldwide. The survey conducted revealed a maximum disease incidence of 55.00 percent at Namakkal. Alternaria sesami was isolated from the leaf blight-infected sesame leaves. Trichoderma viride recorded significant results against Alternaria sesami in vitro. T1R2 showed the highest percent inhibition over control (PIOC) (77.77%) on mycelial growth of Alternaria sesami. 72.22 and 67.77 percentages of inhibition were recorded in T1R1 and T1R3, respectively.

Six field experiments were carried out during the summers of 1997 to 2003 to evaluate disease progress of soybean brown spot caused by Septoria glycines considering two tillage systems, conventional and no-tillage (wheat was cultivated during winter in all plots). Two logistic models were fitted to the disease progress data: (i) a logistic model with constant disease progress rate r [y=1/(1+(1/y 0-1)exp(-rt)), where y 0 is the initial disease level at time t=0] and (ii) a logistic model with an exponentially increasing progress rate r(t)=r 0 e bt [y=1/(1+(1/y 0-1) exp(r 0 /b(1-e bt))), where r 0 is the initial progress rate at time t=0, b the rate increasing parameter, and y 0 again the initial disease level]. The logistic model with constant rate underestimated disease incidence on the first disease assessment in nine out of twelve epidemics. The logistic model with an increasing rate gave a better fit to all disease progress curves (R 2 between 0.90 and 0.99; no pattern in the residuals). According to this model, y 0 was in most cases (four out of six) significantly smaller in the plots with no-tillage compared with conventional tillage, but no differences were detected in the initial rate parameter r 0 and the rate increasing parameter b (with one exception). It is proposed that these results are due to higher susceptibility of old leaflets compared with young leaflets, as demonstrated by artificial inoculation: In four laboratory experiments the mean brown spot severity was 16.7 % on old leaflets but only 3.9 % on young leaflets.

The total numbers of actinomycetes, fungi and bacteria were lower in the single crop system of soybean or maize at Sakha and Itay El-Baroud Agriculture Research Stations. The most antagonistic microorganisms were selected and identified as Trichderma viride; Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces sp. High numbers of total counted microorganisms were found in the system pattern (2 rows soybean: 2 rows maize) followed by (2 rows soybean: one row free, one row maize (2:1). The total counts of fungi and bacteria were higher under sole cropping condition in maize (soybean 0:4 maize), than sole cropping of soybean (soybean4:0 maize). However, actinomycetes showed some differences than this trend. Generally, the numbers were increased by time from seedling stage to flowering stage, and then decreased or become almost stable at mature stage. The antagonism between the pathogenic fungi and each of bioagents indicated that B. subtilis showed the highest reduction in linear growth followed by T. v...

An electric field screen is a physical device used to exclude pest insects from greenhouses and warehouses to protect crop production and storage. The screen consists of iron insulated conductor wires (ICWs) arrayed in parallel and linked to each other, an electrostatic DC voltage generator used to supply a negative charge to the ICWs, and an earthed stainless net placed on one side of the ICW layer. The ICW was negatively charged to polarize the earthed net to create a positive charge on the ICW side surface, and an electric field formed between the opposite charges of the ICW and earthed net. Th e current study focused on the ability of the screen to repel insects reaching the screen net. This repulsion was a result of the insect's behaviour, i.e., the insects were deterred from entering the electric field of the screen. In fact, when the screen was negatively charged with the appropriate voltages, the insects placed their antennae inside the screen and then flew away without entering. Obviously, the insects recognized the electric field using their antennae and thereby avoided entering. Using a wide range of insects and spiders belonging to different taxonomic groups, we confirmed that the avoidance response to the electric field was common in these animals.

Root rot of grapevine an epidemic disease causing by several soil borne fungi recorded high loss plant growth of productivity. Nine endophytic biocontrol fungal and bacterial isolates of Trichoderma spp, Bacillus spp and Pseudomonas fluorescens were tested against growth of aggressive fungal isolates causing root rot of grapevine i.e. Fusarium spp. and Botryodiplodia theobromae. Results showed that the best antagonistic endophytic isolates were Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis. Trichoderma harzianum isolate significantly reduced mycelial linear growth and conidial sporulation of fungi tested as well as over lapping growth of fungi tested. In addition, Bacillus subtilis recorded high zone inhibition toward all pathogenic fungi tested than another bacterial isolates in this study. Some promising essential oils, organic, antioxidants acids and their combinations were tested on growth of endophytic biocontrol agents of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis. Results obtained indicated that sorbic acid followed by propionic acid were the least effect on mycelial linear growth and conidial sporulation of Trichoderma harzianum. In addition, sorbic acid, propionic acid (0.1%), black seed oil (4.0%) and their combination had no effect negatively on Bacillus subtilis growth. In greenhouse experiment soil drench by propionic + sorbic acids, propionic acid + sorbic acid + T. harzianum + B. subtilis were the best and significantly treatments its completely suppress (100%) root rot disease percentage and disease severity on shoots and roots of grapevine plants followed by T. harzianum as individual or combination with B. subtilis were increased morphological characters of grapevine plant i.e. length, fresh and dry weight of and root size. So, combined soil treatment by propionic acid + sorbic acid or propionic acid + sorbic acid + T. harzianum + B. subtilis as the safe fungicide alternatives for management root rot disease of grapevine.

Chilli (Capsicum annum L.) is a well known commercial crop in the centre of the world. It is an important spice in developed and developing nations because of its pungency and taste it makes even in household. The current research was conducted at College of Agriculture, Shivamogga, during Rabi 2020-2021 to create a prediction model for chilli powdery mildew disease on susceptible cultivar Byadagi Kaddi with suggested package of practises except for powdery mildew disease management. Prediction of powdery mildew was made one week well in advance. The simple regression equation for 2020-21 was ŷ = 8.32 + 0.95x with R = 0.95741 and R2 = 0.9166. However, it is important to note that the disease was influenced by various weather factors. The studies on effect of weather factors on development of disease revealed that, 5 th standard week was highly favourable for initiation and further development of disease and the biggest challenge is to predict the favourable weather conditions and time of appearance of disease and this was employed successfully here.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) an important food security crop, is inflicted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) worldwide, causing direct damage of up to 80% of yield loss. Although resistance to the pest has been associated with antibiosis, changes that occur in metabolite activity, and their effect on the pest have not been fully elucidated. A study was carried out to evaluate changes in peroxidase, tannin and flavonoid activity in cassava genotypes attacked by B. tabaci in order to contribute to knowledge on whitefly resistance in cassava. Five genotypes showing resistance, and three susceptible, were selected based on whitefly count and leaf damage scores, and assayed for peroxidase, tannin and flavonoid activity. There were significant differences among genotypes for leaf damage (P < 0.01) of three to six months plants. Genotypes CS1-144, UG 120133 and NAM 130 showed low damage scores (< 2.00); but a high damage score (> 2.5) was incurred by UG 130068. All genotypes showed significant (P < 0.05) differences for peroxidase activity, with CS1-144 having a high activity rate three months after planting. The lowest activity was observed in UG 120170, a susceptible genotype. A significant (P < 0.01) negative correlation (r =-0.84) was observed between peroxidase activity and cassava leaf damage scores, as well as between tannin and damage (r =-0.57), indicating that peroxidase and tannin play a part in cassava resistance to B. tabaci.

Exclusion nets have been used successfully in France against codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) since the early 2000s. Such a system has been adapted for North American conditions and was tested in an experimental apple orchard ('Honeycrisp') in southern Quebec, Canada from 2012 to 2016. Evaluation of insect and disease damage, as well as physical and physiological damage, was made in complete exclusion plotsdin which the soil is also excludeddand in unnetted control plots. The exclusion system proved to be an effective protection device for the vast majority of key pests of apple fruit in most years. Damage from key insect pests such as the apple maggot Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), the tarnished plant bug Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) and the codling moth was significantly lower in netted plots than in unnetted plots. However, obliquebanded leafroller Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) damage increased over the years to the point of being significantly more important in netted plots in 2015. Minimal or non-significant effects were observed on smaller, foliar pests, while highly significant protection effects were recorded for abiotic damage from frost and hail events that occurred during the study. Nets showed a significant protective effect on diseases such as apple scab Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) G. Wint., Gymnosporangium spp. rusts, and sooty blotch and flyspeck (SBFS) complex, when these were present in our plots.

Cassava resistance to Bemisia tabaci is a result of many plant processes which involve plant biochemical constituents, shown to be affected by genotype and environment. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of genotype × environment interactions on concentrations of tannin, flavonoid, total phenolic content, antioxidative capacity and B. tabaci resistance. Fifteen cassava genotypes were evaluated monthly for tannin, flavonoid, total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity in three locations over two seasons with varying temperatures and rainfall. In addition, data were collected on B. tabaci population density and damage. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance and additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) analyses. Flavonoid, total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity varied significantly (P < 0.001) across seasons with higher concentrations in season one than season two, attributed to different temperature and rainfall readings. Total phenolic content was significantly (P < 0.001) associated to antioxidative capacity (r = 0.83) and temperature (r = 0.91). Leaf damage due to adult whitefly and nymphs was significantly (P < 0.001) negatively correlated (r =-0.67) to antioxidative capacity. Genotypes UG 120257, UG 120291 and UG 120124 were shown to have high antioxidative capacity and more stable performance across environments. Temperature and B. tabaci feeding influenced concentrations of the phenolic content and antioxidative activity, as a result affected cassava resistance.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) an important food security crop, is inflicted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) worldwide, causing direct damage of up to 80% of yield loss. Although resistance to the pest has been associated with antibiosis, changes that occur in metabolite activity, and their effect on the pest have not been fully elucidated. A study was carried out to evaluate changes in peroxidase, tannin and flavonoid activity in cassava genotypes attacked by B. tabaci in order to contribute to knowledge on whitefly resistance in cassava. Five genotypes showing resistance, and three susceptible, were selected based on whitefly count and leaf damage scores, and assayed for peroxidase, tannin and flavonoid activity. There were significant differences among genotypes for leaf damage (P < 0.01) of three to six months plants. Genotypes CS1-144, UG 120133 and NAM 130 showed low damage scores (< 2.00); but a high damage score (> 2.5) was incurred by UG 130068. All genotypes showed significant (P < 0.05) differences for peroxidase activity, with CS1-144 having a high activity rate three months after planting. The lowest activity was observed in UG 120170, a susceptible genotype. A significant (P < 0.01) negative correlation (r =-0.84) was observed between peroxidase activity and cassava leaf damage scores, as well as between tannin and damage (r =-0.57), indicating that peroxidase and tannin play a part in cassava resistance to B. tabaci.

High populations of species in the whitefly complex Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) were reported to cause severe damage to cassava in East and Central Africa. However, reasons for B. tabaci population increases are not well understood. We investigated the effect of cassava morphological traits, temperature, rainfall and relative humidity (RH) on the abundance of B. tabaci. Five cassava genotypes with varying levels of resistance to cassava mosaic disease, cassava brown streak disease, and B. tabaci infestation were planted in three Ugandan agro-ecological zones. The experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 in a randomized complete block design. Across all locations, the tallest genotype Alado alado supported the lowest number of B. tabaci adults. In areas with high B. tabaci prevalence, leaf area, leaf lobe width, and leaf lobe number exhibited significant positive effects (p &lt; 0.001) on B. tabaci adult count. Positive effects of relative humidity and negative...

Cassava resistance to Bemisia tabaci is a result of many plant processes which involve plant biochemical constituents, shown to be affected by genotype and environment. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of genotype × environment interactions on concentrations of tannin, flavonoid, total phenolic content, antioxidative capacity and B. tabaci resistance. Fifteen cassava genotypes were evaluated monthly for tannin, flavonoid, total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity in three locations over two seasons with varying temperatures and rainfall. In addition, data were collected on B. tabaci population density and damage. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance and additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) analyses. Flavonoid, total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity varied significantly (P < 0.001) across seasons with higher concentrations in season one than season two, attributed to different temperature and rainfall readings. Total phenolic content was significantly (P < 0.001) associated to antioxidative capacity (r = 0.83) and temperature (r = 0.91). Leaf damage due to adult whitefly and nymphs was significantly (P < 0.001) negatively correlated (r =-0.67) to antioxidative capacity. Genotypes UG 120257, UG 120291 and UG 120124 were shown to have high antioxidative capacity and more stable performance across environments. Temperature and B. tabaci feeding influenced concentrations of the phenolic content and antioxidative activity, as a result affected cassava resistance.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) an important food security crop, is inflicted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) worldwide, causing direct damage of up to 80% of yield loss. Although resistance to the pest has been associated with antibiosis, changes that occur in metabolite activity, and their effect on the pest have not been fully elucidated. A study was carried out to evaluate changes in peroxidase, tannin and flavonoid activity in cassava genotypes attacked by B. tabaci in order to contribute to knowledge on whitefly resistance in cassava. Five genotypes showing resistance, and three susceptible, were selected based on whitefly count and leaf damage scores, and assayed for peroxidase, tannin and flavonoid activity. There were significant differences among genotypes for leaf damage (P < 0.01) of three to six months plants. Genotypes CS1-144, UG 120133 and NAM 130 showed low damage scores (< 2.00); but a high damage score (> 2.5) was incurred by UG 130068. All genotypes showed significant (P < 0.05) differences for peroxidase activity, with CS1-144 having a high activity rate three months after planting. The lowest activity was observed in UG 120170, a susceptible genotype. A significant (P < 0.01) negative correlation (r =-0.84) was observed between peroxidase activity and cassava leaf damage scores, as well as between tannin and damage (r =-0.57), indicating that peroxidase and tannin play a part in cassava resistance to B. tabaci.

Permethrin (EC, 0.084 kg Al/ha) was applied to soybean by backpack sprayer and eight determinations of leaf residue compartmentalization and insect mortality were made during the 27 days following application. After 6 days, 40% of the initial surface permethrin residue remained; after 27 days, 8% of the initial residue was left. Below-surface residues almost tripled in the first 4 days after application and then remained at about the same level thereafter. The surface residues disappeared with a half life of 7.7 days, whereas total leaf permethrin content persisted with a half life of 13.9 days. The observed insect control correlated with the known feeding habits of the insects. Velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hiibner, which by feeding on foliage is exposed to total leaf insecticide content, was controlled for the entire investigation. Threecornered alfalfa hopper, Spissistilus festinus (Say), which feeds on petioles and peduncles, was controlled for at least the first 4 days after application. The number of southern green, Nezara viridula (L.), and green, Acrosternum hilare (Say), stink bugs, which feed on pods, also stayed below the check for at least 4 days after treatment. Thus the leaf permethrin content appeared to be available for effective control of threecornered alfalfa hopper and the stink bugs for ca. 0.5 half life of the residues on the surface, even though after this time surface residues were still measurable.

Use of mineral particle film to protect 'Okitsu' tangerine and 'Valencia' orange against Anastrepha fraterculus and the effect on fruit quality 1 The particle film technology has been reported as a promising tool in pest control. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of kaolin-based products against the oviposition of South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Dip.:Tephritidae), and its effect on the quality of citrus fruits. The experiment was conducted in orchards of 'Okitsu' tangerine and 'Valencia' orange trees in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 harvests. The treatments were as follows: 1) kaolin 10% + 0.1% Break-Thru ® adjuvant; 2) Surround ® 5% WP; 3) 0.15% phosmet (Imidan ® 500 WP), 75 g. a.i.; 4) without application (control). The sprays were performed every 21 days. At harvest, fruits were individually packed in a greenhouse for inspection after 25 days and infestation was recorded. Fruit samples were evaluated for average diameter, average mass, soluble solids, titratable acidity and peel colorimetry. Infestation of A. fraterculus in tangerines was reduced in plants treated with the two kaolin-based products in the 2017 harvest. In the 2017 and 2019 crops, Surround ® WP reduced the infestation and the number of puparium/fruits in oranges. The mineral films did not alter the physicochemical characteristics of the fruits, representing a promising alternative for the management of A. fraterculus.

Fungal diseases are among the biotic factors limiting the production of faba bean in Ethiopia. The  objective of this study was to isolate and identify seedborne mycoflora associated with faba bean  seed samples, determine their effects on seed germination and disease transmission, and evaluate  the antimicrobial activities of seven plant extracts and four Trichoderma spp. against the pathogen isolated from the seed. Fifty seed samples were collected from different farmers’ saved seeds of five major faba bean-producing varieties of the Ambo district and were tested by agar plate methods as recommended by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). A total of 7 fungal species belonging to 6 genera, viz. Fusarium oxysporum (Schlechlendahl), Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc, Aspergillus spp. Penicillium spp. Botrytis spp. Rhizoctonia solani (Kühn) and Alternaria spp. were isolated and identified. Among these, Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp, and Penicillium spp. were the most predominant fungi in all seed samples. Seed-to-seedling transmission test results confirmed that F. oxysporum, F. solani and R. solani were major causal pathogens that caused root rot and damping-off disease in faba beans and were transmitted from seeds to seedlings. A higher germination rate was observed in Golja-GF2 (97%), and a lower germination rate was observed in Kure Gatira-KF8 (81%). A study on in vitro evaluation of plant extract and Trichoderma spp. against F. oxysporum, F. solani and R. solani revealed that plant extracts at 5%, 10% and 20% concentrations significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of all tested fungi. Inhibitory effects on the three tested fungi (R. solani, F. solani and F. oxysporum) were recorded on T. longibrachiatum (87.91%), T. atroviride (86.87%), Trichoderma virens (86.16%) and T. harzianum (85.45%). The inhibitory effect of the aqueous plant extracts on mycelial growth increased with an increase in concentration, and the hot water extracts showed higher effects compared to the cold water extract in all tested fungi. This study showed that the highest inhibitory effect of Allium sativum L. extracted at a 20% concentration against mycelial growth inhibition of the three test fungi (F. oxysporum, R. solani and F. solani) was 84.60%, 83.61% and 83.47%, respectively. However, Nicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn.) extracts at the same concentration showed the lowest inhibitory effects on the three tested fungi (74.94%, 73.94% and 73.24%)

An electrostatic apparatus was constructed to capture tobacco sidestream smoke. This apparatus consisted of a perforated polypropylene plate with metal spikes and a grounded metal net arrayed in parallel at a defined interval. Spikes were negatively charged to positively polarize the net and an electric field was formed between the opposite charges of the spike tips and the grounded net. Discharge from the spike tips occurred, which depended on the pole distance and the voltage applied to the spikes. At lower voltages (<12.1 kV) that do not cause arc discharge from the tips, a corona discharge occurred with the generation of an ionic wind from the spiked plate to the net. This discharge increased in direct proportion to the applied voltage and relative humidity, while a larger corona discharge generated a stronger ionic wind. The ionic wind involved negative ions and the number of negative ions in the wind increased with increasing applied voltage. The optimal voltage (10 kV) generated sufficient negative ions to ionize smoke particles in the electric field, before the ionized smoke particles were successfully captured by the oppositely charged metal net. Thus, this study provides an experimental basis for the practical application of an electrostatic-based method to prevent the production of tobacco sidestream smoke that leads to passive smoking by non-smokers.

Two types of an electric field screen were used to exclude whiteflies from a greenhouse. Singly charged dipolar electric field screen had insulated conductor iron wires arrayed in parallel (ICW-layer), two earthed metal nets on both sides of the ICW-layer, and a direct current voltage generator. Screens were attached to the lateral windows of the greenhouse to repel whiteflies that approached the nets. To electrostatically guard the greenhouse entrance, doubly charged dipolar electric field screens (DD-screens) were used to capture whiteflies entering through the door. The ICWs, oppositely charged with equal voltages, were arrayed one after the other, and an insulator board or net was placed on one side of the ICW-layer. ICWs captured whiteflies entering an electric field of DD-screens. A small pre-entrance room was constructed at the entrance area, and three DD-screens (with yellow and gray board or gray net) were installed in the pre-entrance room taking into consideration the airflow inside the room, as most whiteflies were brought in by the air when the door was opened. Two DD-screens with the board were useful for directing the wind toward the wall into which the netted DD-screen was integrated. Insects were eliminated by this screen, and the pest-free air was circulated inside the greenhouse. The yellow-boarded DD-screen was highly attractive because of the photo-selective movement of the whiteflies and was effective for trapping the whiteflies when there was no wind. Our electrostatic method is effective at keeping the greenhouse pest-free throughout the entire period of tomato cultivation.

Our greenhouse tomatoes have suffered from attacks by viruliferous whiteflies Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) over the last 10 years. The fundamental countermeasure was the application of an electric field screen to the greenhouse windows to prevent their entry. However, while the protection was effective, it was incomplete, because of the lack of a guard at the greenhouse entrance area; in fact, the pests entered from the entrance door when workers entered and exited. To address this, we developed a portable electrostatic insect sweeper as a supplementary technique to the screen. OPEN ACCESS In this sweeper, eight insulated conductor wires (ICWs) were arranged at constant intervals along a polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe and covered with a cylindrical stainless net. The ICWs and metal net were linked to a DC voltage generator (operated by 3-V alkaline batteries) inside the grip and oppositely electrified to generate an electric field between them. Whiteflies on the plants were attracted to the sweeper that was gently slid along the leaves. This apparatus was easy to operate on-site in a greenhouse and enabled capture of the whiteflies detected during the routine care of the tomato plants. Using this apparatus, we caught all whiteflies that invaded the non-guarded entrance door and minimized the appearance and spread of the viral disease in tomato plants in the greenhouse.

Wilting or damping off disease is caused by a pathogenic fungi ( Fusarium oxysporum ), which considered as as one of the most serious diseases, which lead to a serious threat in the production of one of the most dependent crops in Gaza strip, Capsicum annuum . Two fungi were isolated, Beauveria bassiana which used as biological control agent and F. oxysporum which causes wilt disease. They were cultured and tested in vitro and applied under field conditions. This study approved that the entomopathogenic fungi especially, b. bassiana is safe and significant approach for the biological control of wilt disease caused by F. oxysporum. Evaluation of B. bassiana spores activity, as a biological control agent was carried out using liquid-semi solid fermentation techniques and the entomopathogenic of B. bassiana against growing F. oxysporum was proven. Our results showed a highly significantly effects of B. bassiana against F. oxysporum .

El ajonjoli es un cultivo importante en regiones tropicales, el cual es afectado por hongos del suelo como Macrophomina phaseolina y Fusarium sp. Con el objetivo de identificar y caracterizar a Fusarium spp. como causante de pudricion en plantas de ajonjoli en campo, se obtuvieron diez aislados. Once caracteristicas distintivas a nivel taxonomico se determinaron sobre los diez aislados, y adicionalmente se midio la velocidad de crecimiento en capsulas de Petri. A nivel molecular, la caracterizacion de los diez aislados, se desarrollo utilizando la tecnica molecular de ADN polimorfico amplificado al azar (RAPD) mediante el uso de cinco cebadores o “primers”. Se identificaron tres especies de Fusarium oxysporum (2 aislados), Fusarium solani (7 aislados) y Fusarium semitectum (1 aislado). Investigaciones anteriores al presente trabajo indican que el ajonjoli es solo afectado por F. oxysporum f. sp . sesami , solo un reporte previo indica que tambien F. solani causa la pudricion de Fusa...

Introductions: In many areas, particularly in Asia, the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) causes considerable fruit damage on various plants. The fruit fly causes significant economic losses every year due to reduced fruit quantity and quality as well as export restrictions. This study aimed to examine the potency of minerals in controlling the oriental fruit fly infestation in chili fruits. Methods: Experiments were conducted under laboratory and semi-field conditions using randomized block design. Ten minerals (i.e. kaolin, talc, zinc oxide, bentonite, sulfur, dolomite, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and zeolite) and an untreated control were tested under laboratory conditions. Twenty chili fruits at a green stage were soaked in each mineral suspension (2%, w/v), air-dried, and placed in a trial cage (23-L plastic container) containing 20 female oriental fruit flies. In a semi-field bioassay using a screen cage (100 cm × 70 cm × 120 cm), 20 female oriental fruit flies were exposed to a fruit-bearing chili plant sprayed with mineral suspension. Results: Talc and calcium oxide significantly reduced the numbers of visiting fruit flies, oviposition holes, and eggs laid, as well as the percentage of infested chili fruits in a laboratory bioassay. Calcium hydroxide was substantially better than talc in controlling fruit fly infestation in a semi-field bioassay, although it was not significantly different from calcium oxide and calcium carbonate. Conclusion: Overall, calcium oxide is a viable option for the long-term control of the oriental fruit fly on chili fruits. Calcium oxide could be utilized as the push component of a push-pull strategy to manage oriental fruit fly infestation in chili fruits because of its potential to inhibit the number of visiting fruit flies and oviposition.

El número medio de huevos por planta en el genotipo NahG (carente del gen Mi-1) fue similar al del control susceptible Moneymaker y significativamente mayor que el del control resistente VFN. Sin embargo, en las plantas obtenidas del cruzamiento VFN x NahG (portadoras del gen Mi-1) se observó un número de huevos significativamente mayor que en VFN, sin diferencias significativas con los genotipos carentes del gen (Moneymaker y NahG).

Rhizome rot disease is a serious problem in red ginger cultivation in Indonesia. The development of organic red ginger cultivation to meet the demand for phytopharmaca raw materials requires a method of controlling rhizome rot disease without synthetic pesticides. The application of microbial biopesticides is one of the disease control methods that can be used to control rhizome rot disease in red ginger plants caused by Fusarium oxysporum. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of biofungicide formula containing Trichoderma sp. TBP1 and Bacillus spp. (PBC25 and PBC32 isolates) on plant growth and disease incidence in red ginger. The results of in vitro testing showed that Trichoderma sp. (TBP1) isolate was able to inhibit the growth of F. oxysporum by 83%. The inhibition of F. oxysporum by Bacillus spp. isolates, namely PBC25 and PBC32 were 53.3% and 50%. It was observed that application of several biofungicide formulas containing Trichoderma sp. and Bacillus spp. on ginger rhizome before planting and 30 days after planting enhanced the growth of ginger plants and suppressed the development of rhizome rot disease between 78.57-93.3%.

Our greenhouse tomatoes have suffered from attacks by viruliferous whiteflies Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) over the last 10 years. The fundamental countermeasure was the application of an electric field screen to the greenhouse windows to prevent their entry. However, while the protection was effective, it was incomplete, because of the lack of a guard at the greenhouse entrance area; in fact, the pests entered from the entrance door when workers entered and exited. To address this, we developed a portable electrostatic insect sweeper as a supplementary technique to the screen. OPEN ACCESS In this sweeper, eight insulated conductor wires (ICWs) were arranged at constant intervals along a polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe and covered with a cylindrical stainless net. The ICWs and metal net were linked to a DC voltage generator (operated by 3-V alkaline batteries) inside the grip and oppositely electrified to generate an electric field between them. Whiteflies on the plants were attracted to the sweeper that was gently slid along the leaves. This apparatus was easy to operate on-site in a greenhouse and enabled capture of the whiteflies detected during the routine care of the tomato plants. Using this apparatus, we caught all whiteflies that invaded the non-guarded entrance door and minimized the appearance and spread of the viral disease in tomato plants in the greenhouse.

French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is important in the socio-economic farming systems of East and Central Africa. It is a crop with great potential for addressing food insecurity, income generation and poverty alleviation in the region. Enhanced French bean productivity is hindered by a number of biotic and abiotic constraints as the crop is predominantly grown in open fields. The crop is mostly grown under irrigation and cannot withstand prolonged dry spells. Farmers rely heavily on insecticides to control insect pests. This increases the risk of rejection of their produce due to stringent maximum residue levels (MRLs) in export markets. This study was undertaken in the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Kenya to determine the potential of coloured net covers in improving French bean water use efficiency and insect pest exclusion. The experiment was set in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments replicated four times. French bean ‘S...

Cassava resistance to Bemisia tabaci is a result of many plant processes which involve plant biochemical constituents, shown to be affected by genotype and environment. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of genotype × environment interactions on concentrations of tannin, flavonoid, total phenolic content, antioxidative capacity and B. tabaci resistance. Fifteen cassava genotypes were evaluated monthly for tannin, flavonoid, total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity in three locations over two seasons with varying temperatures and rainfall. In addition, data were collected on B. tabaci population density and damage. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance and additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) analyses. Flavonoid, total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity varied significantly (P < 0.001) across seasons with higher concentrations in season one than season two, attributed to different temperature and rainfall readings. Total phenolic content was significantly (P < 0.001) associated to antioxidative capacity (r = 0.83) and temperature (r = 0.91). Leaf damage due to adult whitefly and nymphs was significantly (P < 0.001) negatively correlated (r =-0.67) to antioxidative capacity. Genotypes UG 120257, UG 120291 and UG 120124 were shown to have high antioxidative capacity and more stable performance across environments. Temperature and B. tabaci feeding influenced concentrations of the phenolic content and antioxidative activity, as a result affected cassava resistance.

This work aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of biological zinc nanoparticles (BIO-ZnONPs) against pathogenic fish bacteria and assess the effect of BIO-ZnONPs on the performance, behavior, and immune response in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as compared to chemical zinc nanoparticles (CH-ZnONPs). Aspergillus niger TS16 fabricated the BIO-ZnONPs were spherical shape with the average size of 45 nm and net charge of À27.23 mV. Generally, the results indicate that BIO-ZnONPs were more effective than CH-ZnONPs in enhancing the performance properties of Nile tilapia. Five experimental groups of Nile tilapia (initial body weight of 20.2 g) were treated with two concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mg L À1 from biological and chemical ZnONPs, while the fifth group was served as a control. After ten weeks of treated water with ZnONPs, the performance, feed efficiency parameters, feeding, and swimming behaviors significantly improved in BIO-ZnONPs treated groups (P < 0.05). The liver function, LYZ activity, and NBT values were significantly enhanced in the 0.5 mg L À1 BIO-ZnONPS group compared to CH-ZnONPs group and control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the lowest cortisol and the highest testosterone and growth hormone levels were recorded in 1 mg L À1 BIO-ZnONPs group. Regarding the antibacterial effects, BIO-ZnONPs displayed the lower total bacterial loads in water and fish tissues (intestine, gills, skin, and muscle) and the maximum antibacterial properties against pathogenic bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aeromonas hydrophila). Our study exemplifies novel findings of BIO-ZnONPs in the promotion of fish health and production and its antibacterial properties in Nile tilapia.

Trichoderma bioagents, i.e., Trichoderma hamatum, T. harzianum and T. viride were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of the healthy pea plants. They were used in combination with the resistance inducing chemicals, Bion and compost for studying their impact on managing pea damping-off and root-rot diseases caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid (the pycnidial stage of S. bataticola Taub.) and Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn (the anamorph stage of Thanatephorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk.). The inhibitory effect of the three bioagents as well as compost and resistance inducing chemicals (RICs), Bion, chitosan and salicylic acid was investigated to determine their inhibitory effect against each of M. phaseolina and R. solani in vitro and in vivo. Data demonstrated significant inhibition to the linear growth of both M. phaseolina and R. solani due to using the tested bioagents, compost and the RICs compared to control treatment. This reduction was gradually increased by increasing the incorporated concentration to PDA medium. In addition, RICs were less efficient in this regard than Trichoderma spp. and compost. The obtained data showed that soaking pea seeds in 50 mM Bion for six hours then pelleting with the inoculum of Trichoderma spp. and sown in soil amended with compost resulted in significant reduction to the incidence of damping-off and root-rot severity caused by each of the tested fungi with significant increase to the produced green pods yield, phenolic compounds, % nitrogen and % protein content compared with control treatment. This research provides alternative and safe compounds to management damping-off and root-rot diseases and consequently reduces environmental pollution as well as improving plant growth and seed yield of pea plants.

Isolation trials from the roots of wilted eggplant plants grown at five governorates yielded many fungal isolates. The isolates of the fungus F. oxysporum were selected to test their pathogenicity and Kalubia isolate was the most virulent one. The fungus was virulent to eggplant and no apparent infection was found in case of the other seven tested plants. Therefore, the fungus F. oxysporum named Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. f. sp. melongenae Fomg. All the tested bioagents and compost tea caused significant reduction to the linear growth of F.o.f.sp. melongenae and the germinated conidiospores compared with control treatment. Adding the two tested bioagents, i.e. B. subtilis and P. fluorescens each alone or in combination to the infested soil with the causal pathogen resulted in significant reduction to eggplant wilt with significant increase to plant height as well as the number of fruits and their weight / plant compared with control treatment. Moreover, amending the soil with compost increased the efficiency of the two bioagents in reducing the disease and increasing the produced fruit yield compared with the clay soil only. In addition, the fungicide Topsin M-70 was the superior treatment in reducing the severity of the disease and increasing plant height and the produced fruit yield followed by the combination of B. subtilis and P. fluorescens. The total phenol compounds were greatly increased in the bacterial treated plants and compost as compared to the control (untreated plants with the bioagents) and those infested with the pathogen only.

Trichoderma bioagents, i.e., Trichoderma hamatum, T. harzianum and T. viride were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of the healthy pea plants. They were used in combination with the resistance inducing chemicals, Bion and compost for studying their impact on managing pea damping-off and root-rot diseases caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid (the pycnidial stage of S. bataticola Taub.) and Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn (the anamorph stage of Thanatephorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk.). The inhibitory effect of the three bioagents as well as compost and resistance inducing chemicals (RICs), Bion, chitosan and salicylic acid was investigated to determine their inhibitory effect against each of M. phaseolina and R. solani in vitro and in vivo. Data demonstrated significant inhibition to the linear growth of both M. phaseolina and R. solani due to using the tested bioagents, compost and the RICs compared to control treatment. This reduction was gradually increased by increasing the incorporated concentration to PDA medium. In addition, RICs were less efficient in this regard than Trichoderma spp. and compost. The obtained data showed that soaking pea seeds in 50 mM Bion for six hours then pelleting with the inoculum of Trichoderma spp. and sown in soil amended with compost resulted in significant reduction to the incidence of damping-off and root-rot severity caused by each of the tested fungi with significant increase to the produced green pods yield, phenolic compounds, % nitrogen and % protein content compared with control treatment. This research provides alternative and safe compounds to management damping-off and root-rot diseases and consequently reduces environmental pollution as well as improving plant growth and seed yield of pea plants.

An electric field screen is a physical device used to exclude pest insects from greenhouses and warehouses to protect crop production and storage. The screen consists of iron insulated conductor wires (ICWs) arrayed in parallel and linked to each other, an electrostatic DC voltage generator used to supply a negative charge to the ICWs, and an earthed stainless net placed on one side of the ICW layer. The ICW was negatively charged to polarize the earthed net to create a positive charge on the ICW side surface, and an electric field formed between the opposite charges of the ICW and earthed net. Th e current study focused on the ability of the screen to repel insects reaching the screen net. This repulsion was a result of the insect's behaviour, i.e., the insects were deterred from entering the electric field of the screen. In fact, when the screen was negatively charged with the appropriate voltages, the insects placed their antennae inside the screen and then flew away without entering. Obviously, the insects recognized the electric field using their antennae and thereby avoided entering. Using a wide range of insects and spiders belonging to different taxonomic groups, we confirmed that the avoidance response to the electric field was common in these animals.

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is a valuable forage and soil stabilisation crop. Perennial crops have long been associated with good environmental performance and ecosystem stability. Vascular wilt diseases caused by Fusarium species are the most damaging plant diseases affecting both woody perennials and annual crops. Therefore, the aim of the present study was the assessment of the preventive and growth-promoting effects of carvacrol against Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, and F. nivale (phylogenetically analyzed on the basis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions) causing vascular wilt of ryegrass in vitro and under greenhouse conditions. To accomplish this aim, various parameters were monitored including coleoptile development, rhizogenesis, the incidence of coleoptile lesions, disease index, the visual appearance of ryegrass health, ryegrass organic matter and soil fungal load. The results obtained showed that F. nivale was highly harmful to ryegrass seedlings comp...