Comparative effect of integrated pest management and farmers' standard pest control practice for managing insect pests on cabbage (Brassica spp.)

Advancing horizons in vegetable cultivation: a journey from ageold practices to high-tech greenhouse cultivation-a review

Vegetable cultivation stands as a pivotal element in the agricultural transformation illustrating a complex interplay between technological advancements, evolving environmental perspectives, and the growing global demand for food. This comprehensive review delves into the broad spectrum of developments in modern vegetable cultivation practices. Rooted in historical traditions, our exploration commences with conventional cultivation methods and traces the progression toward contemporary practices emphasizing the critical shifts that have refined techniques and outcomes. A significant focus is placed on the evolution of seed selection and quality assessment methods underlining the growing importance of seed treatments in enhancing both germination and plant growth. Transitioning from seeds to the soil, we investigate the transformative journey from traditional soil-based cultivation to the adoption of soilless cultures and the utilization of sustainable substrates like biochar and coir. The review also examines modern environmental controls highlighting the use of advanced greenhouse technologies and artificial intelligence in optimizing plant growth conditions. We underscore the increasing sophistication in water management strategies from advanced irrigation systems to intelligent moisture sensing. Additionally, this paper discusses the intricate aspects of precision fertilization, integrated pest management, and the expanding influence of plant growth regulators in vegetable cultivation. A special segment is dedicated to technological innovations, such as the integration of drones, robots, and state-of-the-art digital monitoring systems, in the cultivation process. While acknowledging these advancements, the review also realistically addresses the challenges and economic considerations involved in adopting cutting-edge technologies. In summary, this review not only provides a comprehensive guide to the current state of vegetable cultivation but also serves as a forward-looking reference emphasizing the critical role of continuous research and the anticipation of future developments in this field.

Occurrence and management of two emerging soil-dwelling pests ravaging cabbage and onions in Kenya

Cabbage and Onion production in sub-Saharan Africa face numerous pest constraints that needs to be overcome to feed the rapidly growing population. This study aimed to establish the occurrence, incidence, and severity of soil-dwelling pests of cabbage and onions, and current management practices in five Counties of Kenya. Our findings revealed that most farmers grew hybrid vegetables on a small scale, which were highly dominated by various pest species (Delia platura, Maladera sp., and Agriotes sp. for cabbage and Atherigona orientalis and Urophorus humeralis for onion. The occurrence, incidence and severity of the various pest species on both crops varied considerably. Over 95% of the farmers relied on synthetic insecticides, which were applied weekly or bimonthly with limited success. Our findings demonstrate that invasive and polyphagous A. orientalis and D. platura were the most devastating pests of onion and cabbage without effective control options. Therefore, effective, sustainable, and affordable management strategies are required to control the spread of these pests to other crops in the region.

Economic Benefits from the Use of Mass Trapping in the Management of Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella, in Central America

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), is a worldwide pest of brassica crops, resistant to a large number of insecticides. As an alternative, the use of pheromone-baited traps has been proposed but farmers are yet to be convinced. In the present study, we aimed to validate the benefits of the use of pheromone-baited traps for monitoring and mass trapping in cabbage production in Central America as means of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in comparison to calendarized insecticide sprays, which are the farmers' current practices (FCP). Mass trapping was established in nine selected plots of cabbage in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Average captures of males/trap/night, plant damage and net profits of these IPM plots were compared to simultaneously evaluated or historically reported FCP plots. The results indicate that in Costa Rica, trap captures did not justify the application of insecticides and average net profits increased by more than 11% when the trapping methods were implemented. In Nicaragua, IPM plots were able to reduce insecticide applications to one third of those in FCP plots. These results confirm the economic and environmental benefits of pheromone-based management of DBM in Central America.

Metabolic-based insecticide resistance mechanism and ecofriendly approaches for controlling of beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua: a review

The beet army worm, Spodoptera exigua, is a widely distributed polyphagous pest of economically important crops worldwide. The management of this pest insect continues to face many challenges. Despite synthetic chemicals posing a serious threat to the environment, these remain the conventional approach for controlling S. exigua in the field. An over-reliance on chemical control has not only led to selection for resistance to insecticides and to a reduction of natural enemies, but has also polluted various components of ecosystem. Given these increasing pressures on the ecosystem, there is a need to implement integrated pest management (IPM) approaches exploiting a wider range of tools (biotechnological approaches, microbial control, biological control, cultural control, and use of host plant resistance) for an alternative to chemical control. The IPM approach can not only reduce the hazard of chemical residues in the environment and associated health problems, but may also provide best strategies to control insect pests. This review synthesizes published information on insecticide resistance of S. exigua and explores alternative IPM approaches to control S. exigua.

The Survival and Reproduction of Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Different Plants: Exploring the Possible Host Range for a Serious Wheat Pest

Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) is one of the most economically important pests of wheat worldwide; however, the host ranges of R. padi remain unclear. Particularly, it is unknown which plants R. padi can survive and reproduce on after the harvest of crops. The results revealed that the survival, developmental times, longevity, and fecundity of the aphid varied among the 13 Gramineae weeds, with the life-history parameters significantly differing. The virginoparae could survive long-term and reproduce on 11 of the 13 weeds. Gramineae weeds can possibly play a significant role in the buildup of R. padi populations as reservoirs. The virginoparae could survive long term and reproduce on Iris lactea Pall. var. chinensis (Fisch.) Koidz (Liliflorae: Iridaceae), Iris tectorum Maxim. (Liliflorae: Iridaceae), Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperales: Cyperaceae), and Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata (Rhoeadales: Cruciferae), but not on Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (Polygonales: Polygonaceae), F. tataricum (L.) Gaertn. (Polygonales: Polygonaceae), Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Baker (Liliflorae: Liliaceae), and Ophiopogon japonicas (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl (Liliflorae: Liliaceae). Rhopalosiphum padi can survive and reproduce on non-Gramineae plants of different families. Detailed host range information would be helpful for more effective control of insect pests. The design and implementation of sustainable pest management strategies should consider the aphid population on weeds and other host plants.

Field evaluation of synthetic and neem-derived alternative insecticides in developing action thresholds against cauliflower pests

Synthetic chemical pesticides can enhance crop yields but also have undesired effects. Alternative 'botanical insecticides' may also have non-target effects on pollinators and biocontrol services. Employing action thresholds (ATs) can reduce pesticide (whether synthetic or botanical) use compared to fixed-interval applications. Here the azadirachtin-based botanical formulation NeemAzal and a neem seed extract (NSE) were evaluated in field spraying trials alongside commonly-used synthetics (Voliam Flexi [chlorentraniliprole plus thiamethoxam] and imidacloprid) in developing ATs for the regular and cosmopolitan cauliflower pests Brevicoryne brassicae, Plutella xylostella and Spodoptera litura. We considered the size of the S. litura larvae infesting the crop in order to derive ATs. ATs per plant were higher for NeemAzal (0.55 larvae for P. xylostella and 3 larvae for large-sized S. litura) than for Voliam Flexi (0.30 larvae for P. xylostella and 0.80 larvae for S. litura) but were similar for B. brassicae (50 individuals). Higher ATs when using azadirachtin were associated with the diverse modes of action of botanicals, for instance NeemAzal and NSE deterred oviposition of S. litura. Although the exact values of ATs are likely to have regional limits, our approach can be applied for determining ATs against common lepidopteran and aphid pests in many other vegetable crop agro-ecosystems.

Laboratory Investigation of Cauliflower-Fungus-Insect Interactions for Cabbage Maggot Control

The cabbage maggot (also known as cabbage root fly [CRF]; Delia radicum L.) is a serious pest of brassicas. The pest's soil-dwelling larvae are especially damaging to young brassica transplants. In light of toxic soil insecticide phase-out novel biocontrol management solutions are sought for. Our research is focused on the development of a biological control strategy involving cauliflower plantlet inoculation with insect pathogenic fungi. This article presents the results of a laboratory investigation of cauliflower × microbe × CRF interactions. Seven isolates of fungi (entomopathogenic and rhizosphere-competent fungi and soil saprotrophs) were tested for their pathogenicity to CRF and their effects on cauliflower plantlets. The laboratory experiments were performed in sterilized substrate. Several strains significantly increased CRF mortality, some at par with a commercial bioinsecticide based on B. bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). All strains colonized the rhizoplane, however to varying extent. Some isolates were also reisolated from within healthy plant tissues and thus identified as endophytes. The method of applying conidia had a significant effect on survival and weight of seedlings and rhizoplane and endophytic colonization rates. Two Metarhizium brunneum Petsch (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) isolates exhibited plant growth promotion effects when ungerminated seeds were coated with conidia. The ecological implications of plant × microbe × pest interactions and options for improving the effectiveness of a fungal-based biological CRF management strategy are discussed.

Dissipation kinetics and risk assessment of chlorfenapyr on tomato and cabbage

A field experiment was conducted over two seasons to evaluate the dissipation kinetics and assess the risks of chlorfenapyr in tomato and cabbage following foliar application of chlorfenapyr 10% SC at 100 and 200 g a.i. ha^-1. Samples of tomato, cabbage, and soil were analyzed and quantified by gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of chlorfenapyr were found to be 0.01 and 0.03 mg kg^-1, respectively, in tomato, cabbage, and soil. The dissipation of chlorfenapyr followed first-order kinetics. The compound showed less persistence in both the vegetables and soil as the calculated half-life values of chlorfenapyr ranged between 4.54 and 7.74 days considering two different doses and seasons. The residue was below detection limit in all the untreated plant and soil samples. The pre-harvest interval (PHI) of chlorfenapyr in both the vegetables was determined to be 9-14 days regardless of dose or season. The theoretical maximum residue contribution (TMRC) of chlorfenapyr was calculated for tomato and cabbage and was found to be lower than the maximum permissible intake (MPI) of the compound. Therefore, the application of chlorfenapyr at the recommended dose in tomato and cabbage for crop protection seems to be safe from both environmental contamination and consumer safety standpoints.

Reducing insecticide use in broad-acre grains production: an Australian study

Prophylactic use of broad-spectrum insecticides is a common feature of broad-acre grains production systems around the world. Efforts to reduce pesticide use in these systems have the potential to deliver environmental benefits to large areas of agricultural land. However, research and extension initiatives aimed at decoupling pest management decisions from the simple act of applying a cheap insecticide have languished. This places farmers in a vulnerable position of high reliance on a few products that may lose their efficacy due to pests developing resistance, or be lost from use due to regulatory changes. The first step towards developing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies involves an increased efficiency of pesticide inputs. Especially challenging is an understanding of when and where an insecticide application can be withheld without risking yield loss. Here, we quantify the effect of different pest management strategies on the abundance of pest and beneficial arthropods, crop damage and yield, across five sites that span the diversity of contexts in which grains crops are grown in southern Australia. Our results show that while greater insecticide use did reduce the abundance of many pests, this was not coupled with higher yields. Feeding damage by arthropod pests was seen in plots with lower insecticide use but this did not translate into yield losses. For canola, we found that plots that used insecticide seed treatments were most likely to deliver a yield benefit; however other insecticides appear to be unnecessary and economically costly. When considering wheat, none of the insecticide inputs provided an economically justifiable yield gain. These results indicate that there are opportunities for Australian grain growers to reduce insecticide inputs without risking yield loss in some seasons. We see this as the critical first step towards developing IPM practices that will be widely adopted across intensive production systems.