Free-living mesostigmatic mites in Australia: their roles in biological control and bioindication

2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 460 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Beaulieu ◽  
A. R. Weeks
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Mite Species ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Phytophagous Mites ◽  
Successful Control ◽  
Managed Landscapes ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

The taxonomy, biology and ecology of free-living mesostigmatic mites in Australia and their current and potential use in biological control and bioindication is reviewed. Most current research on free-living Mesostigmata in Australia focuses on species with an established role in the biocontrol of crop pests, such as members of the family Phytoseiidae. Three introduced species and at least seven native species of Phytoseiidae are presently used for the control of phytophagous mites in Australia. The introduced phytoseiids are mostly specific to spider mites and have been selected for resistance to some of the common pesticides. Native species provide the advantage of being generalist feeders and are capable of using alternative food in the absence of mite pests. Therefore they can persist more effectively in the environment and contribute to the control of several pests. The reduced and selective use of pesticides, accompanied by scouting services, has allowed the successful control of phytophagous mites by native species in several Australian tree crops, especially grapevine and citrus. In soils, Mesostigmata are extremely abundant, species-rich and play significant ecological roles. They feed on a broad range of invertebrates, including phytophagous pests that spend part or most of their lives on or in the soil or root systems. However, the majority of mesostigmatic mite species are unknown in Australia. Nevertheless, recent research indicates that many species are habitat-specific, and that they may be sensitive to agricultural practices and other land management systems. Mesostigmata have great potential for biological control of pests, and as indicators of soil quality and sustainable agricultural practices. However, the current paucity of research and information on the taxonomy, life-history and ecology of native species in natural and managed landscapes will continue to hinder their use in biological control and as bioindicators.

Biological control: challenges and opportunities

1988 ◽  
Vol 318 (1189) ◽  
pp. 111-128 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Spatial Dynamics ◽  
Classical Biological Control ◽  
Past Century ◽  
New Associations ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Successful Control ◽  
Living Organisms

Biological control, the use of living organisms as pest control agents, has enjoyed varying popularity over the past century, but today is well established as an important component of integrated pest management. We examine some current challenges to the use of biological control and particularly to classical biological control, the introduction of exotic natural enemies. These include conflicts of interest (1) with the conservation of native species and (2) between agricultural lobbies. On a scientific level, we examine two debates over the ecological and genetic basis of successful control. The challenge of Murdoch et al . ( Am. Nat . 125, 344-366 (1985)) to the notion of stability in pest populations under biological control, reveals that the stabilizing mechanisms may differ between pest taxa with different patterns of spatial dynamics. With respect to the hypothesis of Hokkanen & Pimentel ( Can. Ent . 116, 1109 (1984)) on the better chances of ‘new associations’ in biological control, we present an analysis that reaches different conclusions. Finally, we discuss future prospects for the different approaches to biological control, and suggest that longterm control methods, such as introduction and inoculation, will be used increasingly in the future.

Phytoseiidae (Acari: Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata) inhabiting native plants from three biomes in Mato Grosso State, Brazil, with description of a new species

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliziane M. Conceição ◽  
Peterson R. Demite ◽  
José M. Rezende ◽  
Maria A. Carniello ◽  
Antonio C. Lofego
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
New Species ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Native Plants ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Mite Species ◽  
Amazon Forest ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
A New Species

Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) is one of the most studied mite families due to their use in biological control programs. The southwestern region of Mato Grosso State, Brazil remains poorly explored concerning its mite fauna. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a survey of Phytoseiidae mites in the southwestern region of Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Samplings were carried out in three areas, representing the following: Amazon Forest (AF), Cerrado (CE) and Pantanal (PA) biomes. Five species of native plants commonly found throughout the areas were selected, as well as five others exclusive for each area. In total, five individuals from each plant species were collected. Thirty mite species belonging to 16 genera were recorded: AF (14 species), CE (15) and PA (23). The three most abundant species in this study belongs to the genus Amblyseius: A. acalyphus Denmark & Muma, A. aerialis (Muma) and A. chiapensis De Leon. In the AF the most abundant species were A. aerialis, A. chiapensis and Euseius concordis (Chant); in the CE were A. acalyphus, A. chiapensis and Typhlodromips furcus Lofego, Demite & Feres; lastly in the PA were A. acalyphus, A. aerialis and T. furcus. The plants which harbored the highest richness were common to the three biomes: Physocalymma scaberrimum Pohl (Lithraceae) (12), Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (Urticaceae) (11) and Siparuna guianensis Aubl. (Siparunaceae), (11). A new species, Amblyseius matogrossensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated.

scholarly journals Biological Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manisha Arora Pandit ◽  
Jitendra Kumar ◽  
Saloni Gulati ◽  
Neeru Bhandari ◽  
Poonam Mehta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Plant Pathogens ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Great Success ◽  
Modus Operandi ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Pathogen Control ◽  
Environmental Balance ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Food security has become a major concern worldwide in recent years due to ever increasing population. Providing food for the growing billions without disturbing environmental balance is incessantly required in the current scenario. In view of this, sustainable modes of agricultural practices offer better promise and hence are gaining prominence recently. Moreover, these methods have taken precedence currently over chemical-based methods of pest restriction and pathogen control. Adoption of Biological Control is one such crucial technique that is currently in the forefront. Over a period of time, various biocontrol strategies have been experimented with and some have exhibited great success and promise. This review highlights the different methods of plant-pathogen control, types of plant pathogens, their modus operandi and various biocontrol approaches employing a range of microorganisms and their byproducts. The study lays emphasis on the use of upcoming methodologies like microbiome management and engineering, phage cocktails, genetically modified biocontrol agents and microbial volatilome as available strategies to sustainable agricultural practices. More importantly, a critical analysis of the various methods enumerated in the paper indicates the need to amalgamate these techniques in order to improve the degree of biocontrol offered by them.

Increasing Productivity Of Vegetables Through Front-line Demonstrations

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. S. Suman
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Rainfed Condition ◽  
Percent Increase ◽  
Recommended Practices ◽  
High Yielding Varieties ◽  
Climate Parameter ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices ◽  
The Relationship

The highest yield (420 kg/ha) was recorded in the year 2011-12. In Front-Line Demonstration, it was 27.27 percent more over the farmers practice (320 kg/ha), however, the lowest yield (350 kg/ha) was recorded in the year 2010-11 under Front-Line Demonstration and 310 kg/ha in farmers' practice. Increase in the yield (27.27%) under Front-Line Demonstration over farmers practice was obtained during the year 2011-12. The variation in the percent increase in the yield was found due to variation in agro climate parameter under rainfed condition. Under sustainable agricultural practices, with this study it is concluded that the Front- LineDemonstration programme was effective in changing attitude, skill and knowledge of improved / recommended practices of High Yielding Varieties of peas included adoption. This also improved the relationship between farmers and scientist and built confidence between them.

Increasing the Productivity and Profitability of Paddy through Front Line Demonstrations in Irrigated Agro Ecosystem of Kaymore Platue and Satpura Hills

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
DHANANJAI SINGH ◽  
A.K. PATEL ◽  
S.K. SINGH ◽  
M.S. BAGHEL
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Scientific Practices ◽  
Economic Returns ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Yield Increase ◽  
Benefit Cost Ratio ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices ◽  
Improved Technology

Krishi Vigyan Kendra laid down Front Line Demonstration in the year 2010-11 and 2011-12 introducing new, high yielding and scented variety “Pusa Sugandha-3” and applying scientific practices in their cultivation. The FLDs were carried out in village “Dainiha” of Sidhi district in supervision of KVK scientist. The productivity and economic returns of paddy in improved technologies were calculated and compared with the corresponding farmer's practices (local check). Improved practices recorded higher yield as compared to farmer's practices. The improved technology recorded higher yield of 30.83 q/ha and 32.65 q/ha in the year 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively than 22.13 and 24.21 q/ha. The average yield increase was observed 37.15 per cent. In spite of increase in yield of paddy, technology gap, extension gap and technology index existed. The improved technology gave higher gross return (37020 and 39180 Rs./ha), net return (16820 and 18920 Rs./ha) with higher benefit cost ratio (1.83 and 1.93) as compared to farmer's practices. The variation in per cent increase in the yield was found due to the poor management practices, lack of knowledge and poor socio economic condition. Under sustainable agricultural practices, with this study it is concluded that the FLDs programmes were effective in changing attitude, skill and knowledge of improved package and practices of HYV of paddy adoption.

Effects of a Biological Control Introduction on Three Nontarget Native Species of Saturniid Moths

2000 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 1798-1806 ◽  
Author(s):  
George H. Boettner ◽  
Joseph S. Elkinton ◽  
Cynthia J. Boettner
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Control Introduction

scholarly journals Limited host range in the idiobiont parasitoid Phymasticus coffea, a prospective biological control agent of the coffee pest Hypothenemus hampei in Hawaii

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fazila Yousuf ◽  
Peter A. Follett ◽  
Conrad P. D. T. Gillett ◽  
David Honsberger ◽  
Lourdes Chamorro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Classical Biological Control ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Hypothenemus Hampei ◽  
Parasitism Rate ◽  
Limited Host Range ◽  
Parasitoid Development

AbstractPhymastichus coffea LaSalle (Hymenoptera:Eulophidae) is an adult endoparasitoid of the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera:Curculionidae:Scolytinae), which has been introduced in many coffee producing countries as a biological control agent. To determine the effectiveness of P. coffea against H. hampei and environmental safety for release in Hawaii, we investigated the host selection and parasitism response of adult females to 43 different species of Coleoptera, including 23 Scolytinae (six Hypothenemus species and 17 others), and four additional Curculionidae. Non-target testing included Hawaiian endemic, exotic and beneficial coleopteran species. Using a no-choice laboratory bioassay, we demonstrated that P. coffea was only able to parasitize the target host H. hampei and four other adventive species of Hypothenemus: H. obscurus, H. seriatus, H. birmanus and H. crudiae. Hypothenemus hampei had the highest parasitism rate and shortest parasitoid development time of the five parasitized Hypothenemus spp. Parasitism and parasitoid emergence decreased with decreasing phylogenetic relatedness of the Hypothenemus spp. to H. hampei, and the most distantly related species, H. eruditus, was not parasitized. These results suggest that the risk of harmful non-target impacts is low because there are no native species of Hypothenemus in Hawaii, and P. coffea could be safely introduced for classical biological control of H. hampei in Hawaii.

scholarly journals Earthworms drastically change fungal and bacterial communities during vermicomposting of sewage sludge

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Domínguez ◽  
Manuel Aira ◽  
Keith A. Crandall ◽  
Marcos Pérez-Losada
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Community Composition ◽  
Fungal Community ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Fungal Community Composition ◽  
Earthworm Casts ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

AbstractWastewater treatment plants produce hundreds of million tons of sewage sludge every year all over the world. Vermicomposting is well established worldwide and has been successful at processing sewage sludge, which can contribute to alleviate the severe environmental problems caused by its disposal. Here, we utilized 16S and ITS rRNA high-throughput sequencing to characterize bacterial and fungal community composition and structure during the gut- and cast-associated processes (GAP and CAP, respectively) of vermicomposting of sewage sludge. Bacterial and fungal communities of earthworm casts were mainly composed of microbial taxa not found in the sewage sludge; thus most of the bacterial (96%) and fungal (91%) taxa in the sewage sludge were eliminated during vermicomposting, mainly through the GAP. Upon completion of GAP and during CAP, modified microbial communities undergo a succession process leading to more diverse microbiotas than those found in sewage sludge. Consequently, bacterial and fungal community composition changed significantly during vermicomposting. Vermicomposting of sewage resulted in a stable and rich microbial community with potential biostimulant properties that may aid plant growth. Our results support the use of vermicompost derived from sewage sludge for sustainable agricultural practices, if heavy metals or other pollutants are under legislation limits or adequately treated.

scholarly journals Nanobiotechnology for Agriculture: Smart Technology for Combating Nutrient Deficiencies with Nanotoxicity Challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1781
Author(s):  
Gaurav Chugh ◽  
Kadambot H. M. Siddique ◽  
Zakaria M. Solaiman
Keyword(s):  
Targeted Delivery ◽  
Plant Cells ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Nutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Synthesis Of Nanoparticles ◽  
Toxicity Potential ◽  
Stimulate Plant Growth ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Nanobiotechnology in agriculture is a driver for modern-day smart, efficient agricultural practices. Nanoparticles have been shown to stimulate plant growth and disease resistance. The goal of sustainable farming can be accomplished by developing and sustainably exploiting the fruits of nanobiotechnology to balance the advantages nanotechnology provides in tackling environmental challenges. This review aims to advance our understanding of nanobiotechnology in relevant areas, encourage interactions within the research community for broader application, and benefit society through innovation to realize sustainable agricultural practices. This review critically evaluates what is and is not known in the domain of nano-enabled agriculture. It provides a holistic view of the role of nanobiotechnology in multiple facets of agriculture, from the synthesis of nanoparticles to controlled and targeted delivery, uptake, translocation, recognition, interaction with plant cells, and the toxicity potential of nanoparticle complexes when presented to plant cells.

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