scholarly journals Influence of pastoral systems on Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) and the entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
R. M. Pitta ◽  
S. C. Matiero ◽  
J. N. Corassa ◽  
F. T, Rampelotti-Ferreira

The influence of Urochloa brizantha (variety Marandu) grazing systems on Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) and the entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) was studied to understand the benefits of integrated systems in pest management. The pastoral systems studied were: (M) monoculture, (SP) silvopastoral and (ICLF). We assessed the number, per square meter, of alive spittlebug nymphs or infected by M. anisopliae as well as the demanded number of entomopathogen sprays in each pasture system to control the pest. Throughout the experiment period, M. spectabilis was the unique species found. Silvopastoral had a higher number of alive nymphs and a lower percentage of the infected nymphs compared to pasture in monoculture; however, in both systems, only one spray of M. anisopliae was enough to keep the pest below its threshold. In agrosilvopastoral system, there was no spittlebugs infestation, consequently, none sprays was demanded. Thus, intensified production systems such ICLF may be more sustainable, considering pest aspects. 

Author(s):  
J. Hodgson

Recent assessments of the relative importance of stocking rate. stocking policy and grazing management on the output from pastoral systems are used as a starting point to argue the need for objective pasture assessments to aid control of livestock enterprises to meet production targets. Variations in stocking rates, stocking policy and other management practices all provide alternative means of control of pasture conditions which are the major determinants of pasture and animal performance. Understanding of the influence of pasture conditions on systems performance should provide a better basis for management control and for Communication between farmers, extension officers and researchers. Keywords: Stocking rate, pasture condition, pasture cover


2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 486-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beata Feledyn-Szewczyk

Abstract The research was conducted from 2008 to 2010, and compared the influence of different weed control methods used in spring wheat on the structure of the weed communities and the crop yield. The study was carried out at the Experimental Station of the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation - State Research Institute in Osiny as part of a long-term trial where these crop production systems had been compared since 1994. In the conventional and integrated systems, spring wheat was grown in a pure stand, whereas in the organic system, the wheat was grown with undersown clover and grasses. In the conventional system, herbicides were applied two times in a growing season, but in the integrated system - only once. The effectiveness of weed management was lower in the organic system than in other systems, but the dry matter of weeds did not exceed 60 g/m2. In the integrated system, the average dry matter of weeds in spring wheat was 4 times lower, and in the conventional system 10 times lower than in the organic system. Weed diversity was the largest in spring wheat cultivated in the organic system. In the conventional and integrated systems, compensation of some weed species was observed (Viola arvensis, Fallopia convolvulus, Equisetum arvense). The comparison of weed communities using Sorenson’s indices revealed more of a similarity between systems in terms of number of weed species than in the number of individuals. Such results imply that qualitative changes are slower than quantitative ones. The yield of grain was the biggest in the integrated system (5.5 t/ha of average). It was 35% higher than in the organic system, and 20% higher than in conventional ones.


2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Brewer ◽  
Frank B. Peairs ◽  
Norman C. Elliott

Aphid invasions of North American cereal crops generally have started with colonization of a new region or crop, followed by range expansion and outbreaks that vary in frequency and scale owing to geographically variable influences. To improve understanding of this process and management, we compare the invasion ecology of and management response to three cereal aphids: sugarcane aphid, Russian wheat aphid, and greenbug. The region exploited is determined primarily by climate and host plant availability. Once an area is permanently or annually colonized, outbreak intensity is also affected by natural enemies and managed inputs, such as aphid-resistant cultivars and insecticides. Over time, increases in natural enemy abundance and diversity, improved compatibility among management tactics, and limited threshold-based insecticide use have likely increased resilience of aphid regulation. Application of pest management foundational practices followed by a focus on compatible strategies are relevant worldwide. Area-wide pest management is most appropriate to large-scale cereal production systems, as exemplified in the Great Plains of North America.


1996 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 147-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. L. Tawah ◽  
J. E. O. Rege

SUMMARYThe objective of this paper was to compile the available information in the conventional and non-conventional literature on the origin, distribution, ecological settings, utility, husbandry practices and production systems of the Gudali, a West and Central African shorthorned zebu which is similar in conformation, size and origin to the East African shorthorned zebu. These animals are reputed not only for their beef and dairy qualities. but also for their hardiness to the harsh northerly environments. Under the prevailing circumstances in the pastoral systems, natural selection is the primary force affecting any genetic change and, as a result, animals tend to perform relatively poorly. Most of the documented studies have been limited in scope and applicability. Therefore, further studies are needed to adequately characterize these animals under their different production systems.


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1846
Author(s):  
Fernando Ongaratto ◽  
Marcia Helena Machado da Rocha Fernandes ◽  
Erick Escobar Dallantonia ◽  
Lais de Oliveira Lima ◽  
Guilherme Alves do Val ◽  
...  

Pasture intensification through higher stocking rates, nitrogen fertilization and intensified grazing management in beef cattle production optimizes pasture use by increasing the forage harvested. We aimed to assess its effects on the morphogenesis and canopy structure of Urochloa brizantha ‘Marandu’ (marandu palisadegrass) pastures. The treatments consisted of marandu palisadegrass pastures managed under continuous stocking and a canopy height of 25 cm, with different levels of intensification: extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive systems N-fertilized with 0 kg, 75 kg, and 150 kg N ha−1 year−1, respectively, as ammonium nitrate (32% of N), with four replicates (paddocks) in a completely randomized design. Phyllochron (9.8 days) and leaf lifespan (34.7 days) were shorter in intensified pastures, whereas herbage mass was similar among treatments. Extensive pastures had a higher proportion of senescent material; thus, more intensive systems showed higher proportions of leaves and stems, although the leaves-to-stem ratio remained similar across production systems. The defoliation interval was lower in intensive (14.4 days) and higher in extensive (18.7 days) treatments. Thus, pasture intensification accelerates leaf appearance, decreases leaf lifespan, shortens the tiller defoliation interval and increased herbage accumulation rate but does not change herbage mass. The extensive system produces excessive forage losses due to dead material.


Author(s):  
Francisco de Asís Ruiz ◽  
Daniel Grande ◽  
José Nahed ◽  
José María Castel ◽  
Yolanda Mena

Abstract In the Mediterranean Basin, sheep meat production systems are based on grazing, and help to conserve biodiversity, mitigate the greenhouse gases emissions and maintain the population in rural areas. However, the lack of differentiation of pastoral systems, as opposed to the intensive model, puts its continuity at risk. In this sense, organic farming can be an alternative to sustain extensive sheep-cereal production systems in marginal Mediterranean drylands. The aim of this research was to evaluate the conversion possibilities of pastoral meat sheep production systems to the organic production model in the Mediterranean Basin, working with the autochthonous Segureña breed sheep. 46 farms were studied, classified into four clusters by mean of multivariate analysis. In order to determine the degree to which farms approached the organic model, 60 variables, grouped into nine indicators were analyzed to obtain an Organic Conversion Index (OCI). The Nutritional management indicator has a high value of approaching the organic model, as well as Animal welfare and Food safety. Marketing and business management, Breeds and reproduction, Weed and pest control and Sustainable pasture management indicators also reach a good approximation level. Only the Breeds and reproduction indicator presented values with significant differences between clusters. The average value of the OCI for the 46 farms ranges from 63 to 70%, and therefore it can be concluded that extensive meat sheep herds in the region are close to this production model. Among the recommendations that can be made to improve the conversion possibilities to the organic model are: (i) to increase own fodder production or find a way to obtain it easily and economically; (ii) to complete the plant−soil−animal cycle, (iii) to seek greater marketing autonomy and (iv) to achieve closer contact with the final consumer. At the same time, government policy both in Spain and other parts of Europe should persevere to find more ways to support the progress of this type of production, in an effort to address limitations and overcome the lack of alternative markets.


Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Andrew G. S. Cuthbertson

Invertebrate pest control within both agricultural and horticultural production systems continues to present many challenges. Over the past decades the commonly used method for pest control has been the direct application of chemical products. However, in response to environmental, economic, and other problems associated with the over-reliance on chemical insecticides there has been an increasing drive towards the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. Many IPM strategies are now well developed under protected environments. However, within the open field in many situations targeted success is yet to be achieved. This special issue will seek to showcase original articles and reviews by leading research entomologists and associated experts. Articles presented will focus on the development and implementation of IPM strategies against various major arable and horticultural invertebrate pests (both indigenous and invasive species).


Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cabiddu ◽  
Delgadillo-Puga ◽  
Decandia ◽  
Molle

Dairy products from grazing ruminant have numerous positive effects on human health thanks to their higher content essential fatty acids, vitamins, and polyphenols. Compared to livestock fed a conventional maize silage- and/or grain-based diet, grass-fed livestock produce milk with higher levels of n-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, E, carotenoids, and phenols. The effect is even more pronounced if animals are grazing on legume/forbs-rich grasslands. This review argues, based on the available literature, about the effect of grazing ruminant on milk and cheese quality, including the hedonistic aspects, pointing out the link between territory and dairy products quality (Protected Designation Origin; Protected Geografic Origin; namely PDO and PGI labels). Moreover, it points out the main plant biomarkers which can be used to discriminate grazing sourced from stall-fed sourced milk and dairy products. Overall milk and cheese sourced from grazing animals (cows, sheep and goat) showed higher levels (compared to stall system) of FA, vitamins, phenols, putatively beneficial for consumers’ health. FA and plant secondary metabolites can also affect flavor and some nutritional and technological features of dairy products such as their antioxidant protection degree. This would favour a fair pricing of dairy products sourced from grazing systems and the persistence of viable and sustainable extensive production systems.


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