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Maize Fields (maize + field)
Selected AbstractsDispersal capacity in the Mediterranean corn borer, Sesamia nonagrioidesENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 1 2004M. Eizaguirre Abstract Corn (Zea mays L.) borers are the primary target of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) transgenic maize. Management of corn borer resistance to Bt requires information on larval and adult dispersal capacities, a feature that is particularly unknown in Sesamia nonagrioides Lefèbvre (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the most damaging corn borer in Spain. Larval dispersal was studied over a 3 year period by infesting plants with egg masses and dissecting the neighbouring plants 7, 14, and 32 days later to measure larval dispersal at several ages. The number and age of larvae were recorded in the dissected plants. Only mature larvae dispersed in significant numbers; they moved at least to rows adjacent to those containing the infested plant, and down the row five plants. The percentage of larvae that dispersed from the infested plant was density-dependent. Adult dispersal was studied with directional light and pheromone uni-traps over 5 and 3 year periods, respectively. Directional light traps were placed in the margins between Bt and non-Bt maize fields, half oriented towards each of the two kinds of maize field. Pheromone traps were placed in the Bt and non-Bt fields at increasing distances (0,100 m) from the border. The numbers of males and females caught in directional light traps were not different in traps oriented towards Bt or non-Bt fields, but the number of males caught in the third flight in Bt fields was lower than in non-Bt fields. These results suggest that males from adjacent Bt and non-Bt fields mate indiscriminately with females emerging in any of the two kinds of maize fields. However, male movement in the third flight may not be sufficient to randomly distribute males between the two fields. [source] Pheromone blends and trap designs can affect catches of Sesamia nonagrioides Lef. (Lep., Noctuidae) males in maize fieldsJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 1-2 2001A. Ameline Among lepidopteran insects, the female-produced sex pheromones are the most widely used chemical stimuli for pest management by (i) mating disruption, and (ii) monitoring adult insect populations in agricultural crops. Sesamia nonagrioides is one of the main pests on maize crops around the Mediterranean area and monitoring adult populations with synthetic sex pheromone is of great interest. The technique used involved field trapping with synthetic pheromone blend. The reliability of the technique is directly related to the trap shape and pheromone blends. Universal Moth Trap® (UM trap, Biosyste,mes, France) and Service Régional de la Protection des Végétaux (SRPV) traps baited with either synthetic pheromone blend or virgin females were evaluated in two commercial maize fields (var.cecilia) (Belleserre, Tarn. France) to determine the potential use of synthetic lures in monitoring S. nonagrioides populations in maize field. The study showed that SRPV traps baited with synthetic pheromone blend caught significantly more S. nonagrioides males than UM traps baited with the same blend, indicating the efficiency of the SRPV traps in monitoring field population of S. nonagrioides. The study also showed that the synthetic pheromone-baited SRPV trap caught three times less adult males than the same traps baited with virgin females indicating that the synthetic blend was less attractive than the natural blend released by virgin females. However, despite the lower number of catches in the SRPV traps baited with synthetic pheromones, there was a significant and positive relationship between the number of catches in SRPV traps baited with the synthetic pheromone and with the females. This result indicates that synthetic pheromones can be used as baits in SRPV traps to monitor S. nonagrioides adult population in commercial maize crops. Nevertheless, to use the synthetic pheromone to monitor S. nonagrioides population effectively in the field, further refinement and improvement of the synthetic blend should be carried out in order to obtain a blend that is equally as attractive as the natural blend released by virgin females. [source] Dispersal abilities of adult click beetles in arable land revealed by analysis of carbon stable isotopesAGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Nikolaus Schallhart Abstract 1,The dispersal abilities of agrioted beetles, serious pests on a variety of crops, are poorly known under natural conditions. This hampers their control. We used, for the first time, a stable isotope approach to assess dispersal of adult Agriotes obscurus in arable land. 2,After a diet switch from a C3- to a C4-plant, carbon isotope ratios of A. obscurus larvae significantly changed towards the isotopic signature of the new diet. Moreover, the larval ,13C signatures were transferred to the wing covers of the adult beetles with little distortion. 3,To assess the dispersal abilities under natural conditions, pheromone traps, lured for Agriotes sp., were installed at two study sites in Western Austria. Each site comprised a maize field (= C4-plant) and adjacent C3-grasslands with traps established along a transect of increasing distance to the maize. 4,,13C signatures of wing covers revealed that adult male A. obscurus were able to migrate at least 80 m, which was the maximum distance that dispersal could be traced in the present study. The dispersal behaviour might have been influenced by site-specific factors. 5,The results obtained demonstrate a higher potential of adult male Agriotes to disperse than previously assumed. Moreover, the combination of pheromone trapping and stable isotope analysis proved to be an effective approach to study insect movement and dispersal in arable systems harbouring C3- and C4-crops. [source] Evidence for predominant clones in a cyclically parthenogenetic organism provided by combined demographic and genetic analysesMOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 12 2000L. Haack Abstract Aphids are particularly interesting models in the study of genetic and demographic components of plant adaptation because of their breeding system which combines parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction (i.e. cyclical parthenogenesis), and the frequent emergence of host-adapted races reported in this group. In this paper, patterns of host adaptation were assessed on local populations of the aphid Sitobion avenae by following their demographic and genetic structure in a maize field for two consecutive years. The existence of putative generalist (polyphagous) or specialized (host-adapted) genotypes was also investigated by comparing the genotypic distribution of this aphid on maize and other cultivated host plants, using five microsatellite loci. Although population dynamics revealed strong variation in aphid abundance during the colonization period on maize, two genotypes identified at seven additional microsatellite loci were predominant and exhibited stable frequencies over cropping season and between years. Based on present and earlier studies, these two prevalent genotypes were shown to survive on different host plants other than maize, to colonize large geographical zones and to persist parthenogenetically for several years. All these data strongly suggest that these two genotypes are asexual generalist clones that could have been favoured by agricultural practices encountered in western Europe. Besides these two clones, a continual replacement of rare genotypes was observed on maize in both years. Hypotheses involving selection via aphid,plant interactions and natural enemies were proposed for explaining the disappearance of these genotypes on maize. [source] Dispersal capacity in the Mediterranean corn borer, Sesamia nonagrioidesENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 1 2004M. Eizaguirre Abstract Corn (Zea mays L.) borers are the primary target of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) transgenic maize. Management of corn borer resistance to Bt requires information on larval and adult dispersal capacities, a feature that is particularly unknown in Sesamia nonagrioides Lefèbvre (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the most damaging corn borer in Spain. Larval dispersal was studied over a 3 year period by infesting plants with egg masses and dissecting the neighbouring plants 7, 14, and 32 days later to measure larval dispersal at several ages. The number and age of larvae were recorded in the dissected plants. Only mature larvae dispersed in significant numbers; they moved at least to rows adjacent to those containing the infested plant, and down the row five plants. The percentage of larvae that dispersed from the infested plant was density-dependent. Adult dispersal was studied with directional light and pheromone uni-traps over 5 and 3 year periods, respectively. Directional light traps were placed in the margins between Bt and non-Bt maize fields, half oriented towards each of the two kinds of maize field. Pheromone traps were placed in the Bt and non-Bt fields at increasing distances (0,100 m) from the border. The numbers of males and females caught in directional light traps were not different in traps oriented towards Bt or non-Bt fields, but the number of males caught in the third flight in Bt fields was lower than in non-Bt fields. These results suggest that males from adjacent Bt and non-Bt fields mate indiscriminately with females emerging in any of the two kinds of maize fields. However, male movement in the third flight may not be sufficient to randomly distribute males between the two fields. [source] The western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera): a new maize pest threatening EuropeEPPO BULLETIN, Issue 3 2001H. K. Berger The western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera is one of the most dangerous pests in maize in the USA. For many years, US growers have had to control this pest in maize fields by soil treatment or spraying. Ten years ago, this pest was also ,imported' into Europe. It was the job of the plant protection advisers and officials to inform endangered countries about the appearance of this pest, to develop control strategies for Europe and to establish research programmes to prevent further spread. This paper presents the history of this pest in Europe, its biology, the situation in 2001 and corn rootworm management scenarios for the future. [source] Relationship between sampling intensity and precision for estimating damage to maize caused by rodentsINTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2007Loth S. MULUNGU Abstract In this study we aimed to determine the relationship between sampling intensity and precision for estimating rodent damage. We used the systematic row sampling technique to provide data to achieve precision and accuracy in estimations of rodent damage in maize fields at the planting and seedling stages. The actual rodent damage to maize in 15 fields, each 0.5 ha in size, in Morogoro, Tanzania, was established at the seedling stage. These data were used to simulate the sampling intensities that would provide precision and accuracy. The variations between estimates were plotted against the sampling intervals. The results of this study show that the relationship between average standardized variances and sampling intervals is linear. The heterogeneous distribution of damage in some plots caused variations in the accuracy of the estimates between plots, but a sampling interval of five rows consistently produced estimates with a variance of less than 10%. We provide a standard curve that will allow a decision to be made on the sampling intensity as a function of required precision using the systematic row sampling technique in maize fields. [source] Influence of land use on plant community composition and diversity in Highland Sourveld grassland in the southern Drakensberg, South AfricaJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 5 2005T. G. O'CONNOR Summary 1Biodiversity conservation of grasslands in the face of transformation and global climate change will depend mainly on rangelands because of insufficient conservation areas in regions suited to agriculture. Transformed vegetation (pastures, crops and plantations) is not expected to conserve much biodiversity. This study examined the impact of land use on the plant diversity and community composition of the southern Drakensberg grasslands in South Africa, which are threatened with complete transformation to pastures, crops and plantations. 2The main land uses in this high rainfall region are: ranching or dairy production under private tenure using indigenous grassland, pastures (Eragrostis curvula, kikuyu and ryegrass) and maize; plantation forestry; communal tenure (maize and rangelands); and conservation. 3Plant diversity and composition were assessed using Whittaker plots. Transformed cover types were depauperate in species and ranged from kikuyu (1·4 species m,2) and ryegrass (2·9), to pine plantation (3·1), E. curvula pasture (3·1), commercial maize (3·2) and communal maize (7·8). With the exception of pine plantations, these communities supported mostly exotic (50 of 70 species) or ruderal indigenous species and made little contribution to plant species conservation. Abandoned communal cropland reverted to an indigenous grassland almost devoid of exotic species within c. 20 years. 4It was predicted that frequently cultivated sites (maize and ryegrass) would support less diversity than long-lived pastures (kikuyu and E. curvula). This was contradicted by the relatively high species diversity of communal maize fields, which was attributed to a lack of herbicides, and the depauperate communities of kikuyu and of E. curvula pasture, which were attributed, respectively, to a dense growth form and a severe mowing regime. 5Pine plantations harboured fourfold more indigenous species per plot (27) than other transformed types. Species were mostly shade-tolerant grassland relics that had persisted for 12 years since planting, and some forest colonizers. Indigenous species were unlikely to be maintained because of aggressive invasion by the exotic Rubus cuneifolius and severe disturbance associated with tree harvest and replanting. 6The richness of indigenous grasslands was expected to differ in response to grazing pressure but they differed only in composition. Grasslands were dominated by grasses, despite the richness of herbaceous species. The dominance of Themeda triandra was reduced under livestock grazing in favour of more grazing-tolerant species. Exotic species were inconspicuous except for the dicotyledon Richardia brasiliensis, a subdominant under communal grazing. 7Southern Drakensberg grasslands are probably now stocked with livestock six- to 35-fold higher than during pre-settlement times. A grassland protected for c. 50 years supported twofold greater richness (101 species plot,1) than grazed grasslands, suggesting that a 150-year history of increased mammalian grazing had already reduced plant diversity. 8Synthesis and applications. Land acquisition is costly, thus conservation of plant diversity in the southern Drakensberg requires a policy that inhibits transformation of rangelands. This can be achieved by enhancing their economic viability without changing the vegetation composition. Their inherent value must be recognized, such as for water production. The viability of commercial ranches can be improved by increasing their size. Conservation efforts need to be focused on plant taxa that only occur on unprotected rangelands. [source] Population density of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte beetles in Serbian first year and continuous maize fieldsJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 6 2009I. Sivcev Abstract A 5-year field survey examined western corn rootworm (WCR) (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) beetle density in Serbia from 2002 to 2006. First-, second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-year maize fields were sampled; they represented 64.61%, 21.66%, 9.45%, 3.53% and 0.75% of all sampled fields respectively. Results showed that the mean WCR beetle population density from 794 maize fields differed depending on cropping history. Minimum mean WCR/trap/day was 0.0 in the first-year maize fields in 2002 and 2006. Maximum mean WCR/trap/day was registered in the fourth-year and the fifth-year maize fields (27.8 and 21.2 respectively). Mean population density of WCR adults increased with the number of years of continuous maize from 1.17, 4.61, 6.41, 10.30 up to 13.53 WCR/trap/day for first-fifth-year maize fields respectively. Mean WCR/trap/day ± SE exceeded the economic population threshold of >6 WCR/trap/day in third-year continuous maize fields. Out of 794 maize fields, 697 (87.78%) registered a mean population density below the <6 beetles/trap/day threshold. In only 97 fields was WCR population density >6 beetles/trap/day, a finding that predicts a risk of economic damage to a subsequent maize planting. These data are representative of the Serbian situation from 2002 to 2006; they indicate that WCR are well dispersed across commercial maize fields in Serbia. These results provide new insight into the current low WCR population densities in maize fields managed by crop rotation, a finding that can help in creating long-term management strategy. [source] Constructing life-tables for the invasive maize pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Col.; Chrysomelidae) in EuropeJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2006S. Toepfer Abstract:, The western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, Col.; Chrysomelidae) is an alien invasive species in Europe. It is a univoltine species with eggs that overwinter in the soil and larvae that hatch in spring. Three larval instars feed on maize roots, which can cause plant lodging and yield loss of economic importance. Adults emerge between mid-June and early August and can reduce yields through intensive silk feeding. In order to provide a thorough understanding of the population dynamics of this invasive pest species in the invaded European region, complete age specific life-tables were constructed in two maize fields in southern Hungary assessing the significance of natural mortality factors acting on D. v. virgifera populations. This information provides a rational basis for devising sustainable integrated pest management programmes, in particular, by enabling the identification of vulnerable pest age intervals for the timely application of various management tools. The life-table for D. v. virgifera in Europe resulted in a total mortality of about 99% from the egg stage in the autumn to the emergence of adult females in the following year (KTotal = 2.48), which is comparable with North America. The highest reduction of D. v. virgifera numbers resulted from the mortality in first instar larvae (94% marginal death rate) and from the unrealized fecundity (80%). However, only the variation in mortality between years can change the generational mortality and thus influence population growth. High variation in the marginal death rate between fields and years was found in the second and third instar larval stages, and in the overwintering egg stage. These mortality factors therefore have the potential to cause changes in the total generational mortality. Furthermore, the life-table suggested that a high fecundity could compensate for a high generational mortality and would lead to population increase. [source] Pheromone blends and trap designs can affect catches of Sesamia nonagrioides Lef. (Lep., Noctuidae) males in maize fieldsJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 1-2 2001A. Ameline Among lepidopteran insects, the female-produced sex pheromones are the most widely used chemical stimuli for pest management by (i) mating disruption, and (ii) monitoring adult insect populations in agricultural crops. Sesamia nonagrioides is one of the main pests on maize crops around the Mediterranean area and monitoring adult populations with synthetic sex pheromone is of great interest. The technique used involved field trapping with synthetic pheromone blend. The reliability of the technique is directly related to the trap shape and pheromone blends. Universal Moth Trap® (UM trap, Biosyste,mes, France) and Service Régional de la Protection des Végétaux (SRPV) traps baited with either synthetic pheromone blend or virgin females were evaluated in two commercial maize fields (var.cecilia) (Belleserre, Tarn. France) to determine the potential use of synthetic lures in monitoring S. nonagrioides populations in maize field. The study showed that SRPV traps baited with synthetic pheromone blend caught significantly more S. nonagrioides males than UM traps baited with the same blend, indicating the efficiency of the SRPV traps in monitoring field population of S. nonagrioides. The study also showed that the synthetic pheromone-baited SRPV trap caught three times less adult males than the same traps baited with virgin females indicating that the synthetic blend was less attractive than the natural blend released by virgin females. However, despite the lower number of catches in the SRPV traps baited with synthetic pheromones, there was a significant and positive relationship between the number of catches in SRPV traps baited with the synthetic pheromone and with the females. This result indicates that synthetic pheromones can be used as baits in SRPV traps to monitor S. nonagrioides adult population in commercial maize crops. Nevertheless, to use the synthetic pheromone to monitor S. nonagrioides population effectively in the field, further refinement and improvement of the synthetic blend should be carried out in order to obtain a blend that is equally as attractive as the natural blend released by virgin females. [source] Relatedness of Macrophomina phaseolina isolates from tallgrass prairie, maize, soybean and sorghumMOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2010A. A. SALEH Abstract Agricultural and wild ecosystems may interact through shared pathogens such as Macrophomina phaseolina, a generalist clonal fungus with more than 284 plant hosts that is likely to become more important under climate change scenarios of increased heat and drought stress. To evaluate the degree of subdivision in populations of M. phaseolina in Kansas agriculture and wildlands, we compared 143 isolates from maize fields adjacent to tallgrass prairie, nearby sorghum fields, widely dispersed soybean fields and isolates from eight plant species in tallgrass prairie. Isolate growth phenotypes were evaluated on a medium containing chlorate. Genetic characteristics were analysed based on amplified fragment length polymorphisms and the sequence of the rDNA-internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The average genetic similarity was 58% among isolates in the tallgrass prairie, 71% in the maize fields, 75% in the sorghum fields and 80% in the dispersed soybean fields. The isolates were divided into four clusters: one containing most of the isolates from maize and soybean, two others containing isolates from wild plants and sorghum, and a fourth containing a single isolate recovered from Solidago canadensis in the tallgrass prairie. Most of the sorghum isolates had the dense phenotype on media containing chlorate, while those from other hosts had either feathery or restricted phenotypes. These results suggest that the tallgrass prairie supports a more diverse population of M. phaseolina per area than do any of the crop species. Subpopulations show incomplete specialization by host. These results also suggest that inoculum produced in agriculture may influence tallgrass prairie communities, and conversely that different pathogen subpopulations in tallgrass prairie can interact there to generate ,hybrids' with novel genetic profiles and pathogenic capabilities. [source] | ||||||||||