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Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract
The red scale insect, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is a major pest of guava trees. This study investigated the population abundance, preference, and dispersal patterns of A. aurantii in a guava orchard in the Armant district, Luxor, Egypt, over two consecutive years (2022/2023 and 2023/2024). Monitoring was conducted biweekly, revealing that A. aurantii infested guava leaves year-round at varying densities. The pest exhibited a strong preference for the upper surface of leaves in the basal layer of the southeastern quadrant, where population density remained consistently high throughout the study period. Using preference and dispersal indices, we evaluated sixteen canopy quadrant-layer-leaf surface combinations. The upper surface of basal leaves in the southeastern quadrant had the highest quantity ratio, preference index, relative abundance establishment rate, and dispersal index, confirming its suitability for A. aurantii compared to other canopy positions. These findings provide critical insights for optimizing sampling and targeted control strategies, supporting the development of an effective integrated pest management (IPM) program against A. aurantii in guava orchards.
Volume 25, Issue 5 (9-2023)
Abstract
Tomatoes are an important vegetable crop in different parts of the world, where they are grown year-round. Currently, the most important problem facing tomato growers in the world is the devastating damage caused by the invasive tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera). In this study, the efficacy of three bioinsecticides (Bacillus thuringiensis formulations, spinosad and emamectin benzoate, and two chemical insecticides (indoxacarb and chlorpyrifos) against T. absoluta and their adverse effects on predators were conducted in two different governorates in Egypt, based on recommended doses of the tested insecticides. In addition, the residue dissipation of the tested insecticides was determined in tomato fruits. Results indicated that emamectin benzoate was the most effective insecticide, exhibiting the highest reduction in T. absoluta density of 78.05 and 87.11% in Giza and Qualybia governorates, respectively, followed by indoxacarb (77.01%) in Giza and spinosad (80.44%) in Qualybia. In addition, our finding proved that the tested biopesticide formulations, especially Bt formulations, are environmentally friendly to two of the most important predators in tomato cultivation: Nesidiocoris tenuis and Macrolophus pygmaeus Reuter. Moreover, the analysis of insecticide residues on tomato fruits revealed that bioinsecticide residues dissipated faster than conventional insecticide (chlorpyrifos). The results of this research suggested that bioinsecticides could be used for the management of T. absoluta under field conditions.
