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Applied Sciences
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Advances in Non-chemical Control of Plant Pests
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Advances in Non-chemical Control of Plant Pests

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2020) | Viewed by 13130

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Stanislav Trdan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: biological control; biotechnical control; IPM; alternative methods in controlling plant pests

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The fundamental task of agriculture is to ensure sufficient and safe food. Due to the rapid growth of the world population and increasingly stringent requirements for crop production, which also include the diminishing number of authorized active substances of plant protection products, food producers are facing major challenges.

Despite these facts, it is interesting that the global consumption of plant protection products has not decreased in the last 10 years, which means that farmers use the same active substances more than in the past, thus creating conditions for the emergence of resistance of pests, diseases, and weeds to chemical agents. Resistance can be overcome in various ways, including by introducing non-chemical methods of their control.

In this Special Issue of Applied Sciences, we want to introduce alternatives to chemical products for controlling pests of cultivated and wild-growing plants, especially insects, mites, nematodes, and slugs and snails. Contributions whose results have been obtained outdoors (fields, meadows, orchards, and vineyards), in greenhouses, warehouses, and in laboratory conditions are desirable. In this Special Issue, we will publish both original and review scientific articles, as well as short communications.

Prof. Stanislav Trdan
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Biological control (predators, parasitoids, parasitic nematodes, entomopathogenic nematodes, bacteria, and viruses)
  • Biotechnical methods (intercropping, trap cropping, pheromone traps (mass trapping, attract and kill, mating disruption, push and pull, etc.), colored sticky boards, chemical attractants, light traps, etc.)
  • Biofumigation
  • Natural resistance
  • Inert dust (diatomaceous earth, zeolites, quartz sands, etc.)
  • Essential oils
  • Plant extracts and powders
  • Wood ashes
  • biostimulants

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1443 KiB  
Article
Results of the Single Release Efficacy of the Predatory Mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) against the Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) on a Hop Plantation
by Matej Vidrih, Anja Turnšek, Magda Rak Cizej, Tanja Bohinc and Stanislav Trdan
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010118 - 24 Dec 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1940
Abstract
In 2015, we studied the efficiency of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) for suppression of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae in a field experiment at a hop plantation. We randomly arranged four treatments in a three-block experiment. Fungicides were used in [...] Read more.
In 2015, we studied the efficiency of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) for suppression of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae in a field experiment at a hop plantation. We randomly arranged four treatments in a three-block experiment. Fungicides were used in all treatments; insecticides were used in all treatments except the predatory mite treatment and acaricides were used in only two treatments. A single inundative release of the mite N. californicus was carried out on 4 July. On four different dates (10 June, 17 July, 29 July and 9 August), we counted the eggs and the mobile stages (larvae, nymphs and adults) of the two-spotted spider mite in all four treatments. In the treatment with the predatory mite, we established the fewest eggs and mobile stages of T. urticae 14 days after the release of the predator. The selected acaricides in our research acted in a primarily ovicidal manner, but we did not detect satisfactory effects on the mobile stages of the two-spotted spider mite. This result suggests the emergence of resistance of two-spotted spider mites to the acaricides hexythiazox and abamectin. Our research established comparable effects of the predatory mite N. californicus and acaricides, and further improvement of the efficiency would require release of the natural enemy into a hop plantation in mid-June, followed by a second release three weeks later. The costs of acaricide use in our experiment were from 12.7-fold (two sprayings of hexythiazox, and a single spraying with abamectin) to 17.8-fold (single treatments of hexythiazox and abamectin) lower than those of a single release of the biological control agent in question. The results of our study represent a starting point for future research, which could achieve satisfactory results in suppressing two-spotted spider mites on a hop plantation by repeated use of the predatory mite N. californicus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Non-chemical Control of Plant Pests)
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13 pages, 751 KiB  
Article
Contact Efficacy of Different Wood Ashes against Spanish Slug, Arion vulgaris (Gastropoda: Arionidae)
by Žiga Laznik, Ivana Majić, Aleksander Horvat and Stanislav Trdan
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(23), 8564; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10238564 - 30 Nov 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2221
Abstract
The wood ash from seven plant species (sessile oak, European beech, European hornbeam, silver fir, European spruce, common alder, and Spanish chestnut) was tested against Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris) as an environmentally acceptable alternative to chemical bait pellets. We carried out [...] Read more.
The wood ash from seven plant species (sessile oak, European beech, European hornbeam, silver fir, European spruce, common alder, and Spanish chestnut) was tested against Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris) as an environmentally acceptable alternative to chemical bait pellets. We carried out laboratory and semi-field experiments to assess the contact and barrier efficacy of selected wood ash. To demonstrate the contact efficacy, slugs were rolled in the wood ash. Geochemical analysis of wood ash was carried out as well. The highest concentrations of chemical compounds SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO and MnO and elements Ba, Co, Cs, Ga, Cu, Pb and Zn were identified in the most effective ashes (beech, oak, fir, and spruce) compared to the ineffective ashes (hornbeam, chestnut, black ader). The concentration of cobalt was comparably higher, while the concentration of molybdenum was comparably lower in the four most effective wood ashes. The results of our studies revealed that the wood ash of oak and spruce have great contact efficacy. The oak and beech wood ash showed the strongest barrier efficacy against slugs. In the semi-field trials, only 10% of the plants treated with oak wood ash were damaged by slugs. The oak wood ash is an efficient alternative for slug control, however, further studies and biotechnical enhancement are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Non-chemical Control of Plant Pests)
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16 pages, 589 KiB  
Article
The First Evidence of the Insecticidal Potential of Plant Powders from Invasive Alien Plants against Rice Weevil under Laboratory Conditions
by Tanja Bohinc, Aleksander Horvat, Miha Ocvirk, Iztok Jože Košir, Ksenija Rutnik and Stanislav Trdan
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(21), 7828; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10217828 - 04 Nov 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2119
Abstract
In a laboratory experiment, we studied the insecticidal effects of invasive alien plants on the rice weevil. The research was carried out in two parts. In the first part, we studied the insecticidal properties of seven different plant species, namely, Bohemian knotweed ( [...] Read more.
In a laboratory experiment, we studied the insecticidal effects of invasive alien plants on the rice weevil. The research was carried out in two parts. In the first part, we studied the insecticidal properties of seven different plant species, namely, Bohemian knotweed (Fallopia × bohemica), Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), false indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), and giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea). Mixtures of powders and wheat were prepared in two different concentrations, namely, 2.5 w% and 1.25 w%. The experiment was performed at temperatures 20 °C and 25 °C and at two humidity levels, 55% R.h. and 75% R.h. Very low mortality (below 8%) was found when using combinations with the higher relative humidity. No significant differences were observed between the effects of these concentrations. In the second part of the experiment, Norway spruce wood ash and diatomaceous earth (product SilicoSec®) were added to the powder obtained by milling leaves of four different invasive plant species (Canada goldenrod, staghorn sumac, tree of heaven, false indigo). In the independent application, wheat was added to the powder at a concentration 2.5 w%. In the treatments that involved mixtures of powder and wood ash/diatomaceous earth, we applied 1.25 w% plant powder and 1.25 w% wood ash or 1.25 w% plant powder and 450 ppm of a SilicoSec® preparation. The positive control was carried out as two separate treatments with 2.5 w% wood ash of Norway spruce and 900 ppm of the SilicoSec® product, while untreated wheat represented the negative control. The experiment was performed at two temperatures (20 °C and 25 °C) and two R.h. values (55 and 75% R.h.). The mortality of beetles was recorded on the 7th, 14th, and 21st day after the start of the experiment. Higher mortality rates of rice weevil adults were found at the higher relative humidity, and an important factor of mortality was also the day of exposure, as a higher mortality was found when the exposure of individuals to the tested substances was for a longer time period. After 21 days at 25 °C and 55% R.h., the combinations in which the lower concentration of Norway spruce wood ash was added to the powder of invasive alien plants achieved more than 90% mortality of beetles. By adding the plant powder of invasive alien plants to wood ash, we achieved a greater insecticidal efficacy of invasive plants and lower concentrations of wood ash. Nevertheless, the results of our research do not indicate any great usefulness of the plant powder of invasive plants in suppressing the rice weevil. Additional studies should primarily focus on the insecticidal efficacy of powder from the genus Solidago, which in our study, displayed the greatest insecticidal potential among the tested invasive plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Non-chemical Control of Plant Pests)
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13 pages, 1748 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of a Greek Diatomaceous Earth for Stored Product Insect Control and Techniques That Maximize Its Insecticidal Efficacy
by Georgia V. Baliota and Christos G. Athanassiou
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(18), 6441; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10186441 - 16 Sep 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2061
Abstract
Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of a diatomaceous earth deposit from Greece, for a wide range of stored product insects. In this context, populations of five different insect species, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin DuVal, the confused flour beetle; Sitophilus oryzae [...] Read more.
Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of a diatomaceous earth deposit from Greece, for a wide range of stored product insects. In this context, populations of five different insect species, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin DuVal, the confused flour beetle; Sitophilus oryzae (L.), the rice weevil; Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), the lesser grain borer; Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), the sawtoothed grain beetle; Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), the rusty grain beetle, which cover a major spectrum of insects species of stored products worldwide, were used in the bioassays. The different treatment of diatomaceous earth (DE) rocks (grinding, diatomaceous enrichment, powder granulometry) led to the creation of five types of formulations (namely DE1, DE2, DE3, DE5 and DE6) that exhibited significant fluctuations in their insecticidal efficacy when applied on wheat. In general, some of the modified formulations were found to be very effective against species such as R. dominica and T. confusum that may be difficult to control at the current labeled doses of commercial DE formulations. Overall, our data clearly indicate that this specific Greek deposit has considerable insecticidal properties, which can be further utilized in designing commercial formulations for insect control at the postharvest stages of durable agricultural commodities, provided that the deposit will be modified at specific enrichment and granulometry levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Non-chemical Control of Plant Pests)
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11 pages, 2021 KiB  
Article
Feasibility of Using Aeration to Cool Wheat Stored in Slovenia: A Predictive Modeling Approach Using Historical Weather Data
by Frank H. Arthur, William R. Morrison III and Stanislav Trdan
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(17), 6066; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10176066 - 01 Sep 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2049
Abstract
The use of aeration, which refers to cooling of a grain mass using low-volume airflow rates with ambient air, is an under-utilized component of management programs. A model simulation study was conducted for the country of Slovenia by examining historical weather data for [...] Read more.
The use of aeration, which refers to cooling of a grain mass using low-volume airflow rates with ambient air, is an under-utilized component of management programs. A model simulation study was conducted for the country of Slovenia by examining historical weather data for 10 selected sites to determine if sufficient cooling hours <15 °C were available in August and September to cool stored wheat. The weather data were then coupled with a degree-day model to determine if a generation of Sitophilus oryzae (L.), the rice weevil, could be produced in the absence of aeration, using a start date of 1 August. The weather data for September was used to classify Slovenia into different risk zones, depending on the number hours <15 °C. Three sites from each zone, from warmest to coolest, Portorož, Novo Mesto, and Lesce, were further examined using a web-based aeration model and insect population growth model for S. oryzae developed by Texas A&M University Beaumont TX for cooling stored rough rice, to predict bin temperatures and population growth from 1 August to 30 November. The results show that, for most of Slovenia, in the absence of aeration, a complete generation of S. oryzae could occur based on an infestation beginning 1 August. The use of aeration immediately cooled stored wheat in the three selected sites, resulting in a dramatic decrease in predicted populations of S. oryzae in aerated wheat compared to unaerated wheat. The results show that the use of aeration may be expanded in Slovenia for management of stored commodities, and it could help alleviate dependence on insecticides for insect pest management after harvest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Non-chemical Control of Plant Pests)
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Review

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12 pages, 261 KiB  
Review
Thirty Years of Research and Professional Work in the Field of Biological Control (Predators, Parasitoids, Entomopathogenic and Parasitic Nematodes) in Slovenia: A Review
by Stanislav Trdan, Žiga Laznik and Tanja Bohinc
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(21), 7468; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10217468 - 23 Oct 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2159
Abstract
This paper provides the first detailed presentation of research and professional activities in the field of biological control in Slovenia during the period of 1990–2020. It presents information on the important pioneering role of Prof. Dr. Lea Milevoj in biological control research in [...] Read more.
This paper provides the first detailed presentation of research and professional activities in the field of biological control in Slovenia during the period of 1990–2020. It presents information on the important pioneering role of Prof. Dr. Lea Milevoj in biological control research in Slovenia, especially in regard to the inventorying and laboratory rearing of indigenous beneficial organisms, evaluation of the influence of food type on the feeding behaviour of beneficial organisms, participation in the first introduction of a natural enemy within the context of classical biological control in Slovenia, preparation of rules on the biological control of plant pests and publication of the first Slovenian monograph on biological control. The paper also describes the activities of Slovenian researchers in regard to entomopathogenic nematodes, especially related to the assessment of their presence and efficiency in suppressing harmful insects and the identification of indigenous parasitic nematodes associated with economically harmful slugs. The paper also notes some applicative and basic research projects pertaining to parasitoids, especially in terms of their function as natural enemies of aphids, and in regard to predators of harmful insects and mites, especially predatory mites. The main goal of these activities is to implement the use of as many natural enemies as possible in food and ornamental plant production systems to replace the use of plant protection products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Non-chemical Control of Plant Pests)
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