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Ment D, Levy N, Allouche A, Davidovitz M, Yaacobi G. Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi as Prevention against Early Life Stages of the Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Laboratory and Greenhouse Trials. INSECTS 2023; 14:918. [PMID: 38132592 PMCID: PMC10743579 DOI: 10.3390/insects14120918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a highly destructive invasive pest for palms whose management is mainly by application of synthetic pesticides. As a key pest of date palm plantations, it is necessary to integrate environmentally safe measures for its management. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have been primarily studied as a preventative control measure due to the horizontal transfer of conidia within the RPW population. We previously demonstrated the horizontal transmission of fungal conidia from an egg-laying surface to the female weevil and then to the eggs and larvae. Based on that strategy, this study aimed to evaluate the virulence of commercial EPF products and laboratory EPF preparations to RPW females and their progeny, and their ability to protect palms against infestation. As such, it serves as a screening platform for field experiments. Mortality rates of females and eggs depended on the applied treatment formulation and fungal strain. Velifer®, a Beauveria bassiana product, and Metarhizium brunneum (Mb7) resulted in 60-88% female mortality. Mb7-as a conidial suspension or powder-resulted in 18-21% egg-hatching rates, approximately 3 times less than in the non-treated control. Treating palms with Mb7 suspension or dry formulation significantly inhibits infestation signs and results in protection. These results lay the foundation for investigating the protective rate of EPF products against RPW in date plantations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Ment
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), The Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel;
| | - Noa Levy
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), The Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel;
| | | | - Michael Davidovitz
- Department of Entomology, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), The Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel;
| | - Gal Yaacobi
- Department of Entomology, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), The Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel;
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Naveed H, Andoh V, Islam W, Chen L, Chen K. Sustainable Pest Management in Date Palm Ecosystems: Unveiling the Ecological Dynamics of Red Palm Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Infestations. INSECTS 2023; 14:859. [PMID: 37999058 PMCID: PMC10671898 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The red palm weevil (RPW) poses a significant threat to date palm ecosystems, highlighting the necessity of sustainable pest management strategies that carefully consider the delicate ecological balance within these environments. This comprehensive review delves into innovative approaches to sustainable pest management, specifically focusing on date palm, and seeks to unravel the intricate ecological dynamics underlying RPW infestations. We thoroughly analyze biocontrol methods, eco-friendly chemical interventions, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, aiming to minimize the ecological impact while effectively addressing RPW infestations. By emphasizing the interplay of both living organisms (biotic) and environmental factors (abiotic) in shaping RPW dynamics, we advocate for a holistic and sustainable management approach that ensures the long-term resilience of date palm ecosystems. This review aims to contribute to an ecologically sound framework for pest management, promoting the sustainability and vitality of date palm ecosystems amidst the challenges posed by the RPW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Naveed
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (H.N.); (V.A.)
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Vivian Andoh
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (H.N.); (V.A.)
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Waqar Islam
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China;
| | - Liang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Keping Chen
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (H.N.); (V.A.)
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
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Matveev S, Reingold V, Yossef E, Levy N, Kottakota C, Mechrez G, Protasov A, Belausov E, Birnbaum N, Davidovitz M, Ment D. The Dissemination of Metarhizium brunneum Conidia by Females of the Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, Suggests a New Mechanism for Prevention Practices. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040458. [PMID: 37108912 PMCID: PMC10145998 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct contact between the conidia of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and their host is a prerequisite to successful infection; the host can, therefore, be infected by both direct treatment and by transmission of fungal inoculum from infested surfaces. This unique characteristic makes EPF especially relevant for the control of cryptic insects. In the case of the red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, the eggs and larvae are almost inaccessible to direct-contact treatment. The objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of conidia transmission from a treated surface to host eggs and larvae. Foam pieces infested with Metarhizium brunneum conidial powder, conidial suspension, or distilled water were used as a laying surface for RPW females. The number of eggs laid was not affected by the EPF treatments and ranged from 2 to 14 eggs per female. However, hatching rate and larval survival were significantly reduced in the conidial powder treatment, resulted in 1.5% hatching and no live larvae. In the conidial suspension treatment, 21% of laid eggs hatched, compared to 72% in the control treatment. In both M. brunneum treatments, females' proboscis, front legs and ovipositor were covered with conidia. The females transferred conidia in both treatments to the laying holes, reaching up to 15 mm in depth. This resulted in reduced egg-hatching rate and significant larval mortality due to fungal infection. The stronger effect on egg and larval survival using dry conidia seemed to result from better conidial adhesion to the female weevil in this formulation. In future studies, this dissemination mechanism will be examined as a prevention strategy in date plantations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Matveev
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Victoria Reingold
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Eden Yossef
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel
| | - Noa Levy
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel
| | - Chandrasekhar Kottakota
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel
| | - Guy Mechrez
- Department of Food Science, Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
| | - Alex Protasov
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel
| | - Eduard Belausov
- Plant Science Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel
| | - Nitsan Birnbaum
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Michael Davidovitz
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel
| | - Dana Ment
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel
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Transmission of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana to adults of Kuschelorhynchus macadamiae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from infected adults and conidiated cadavers. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2188. [PMID: 33500474 PMCID: PMC7838307 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81647-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Kuschelorhynchus macadamiae is a major pest of macadamias in Australia, causing yield losses of up to 15%. Our previous studies have shown the weevil is susceptible to Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The aim of this study was to investigate horizontal transmission of both fungal species to healthy weevils from both infected adults and weevil cadavers. In a confined environment the mortality of healthy adults caused by the transmission of conidia from live fungus-infected adults was < 50%. Under similar experimental conditions, the mortality of healthy adults reached 100% when exposed to conidiated cadavers. However, when conidiated cadavers were used in more spacious environments (insect cages), the mortality of adults was < 80%. Using scanning electron microscopy, it was observed that all healthy adults had conidia attached to all external parts of the body. This suggests that although the conidia were readily transferred to the adults, the lower mortality in the larger insect cages could be the result of an unfavourable environmental factor such as low humidity. The presence of conidia attached to all the adults indicated that they did not show any discriminatory behaviour such as avoidance of conidiated cadavers infected by these two fungal species. The results from this study show that there is potential for enhanced control of adult K. macadamiae via transmission from either fungus-infected adults or conidiated cadavers and this could strengthen sustainable pest management in macadamias.
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Burgess ER, King BH, Geden CJ. Oral and Topical Insecticide Response Bioassays and Associated Statistical Analyses Used Commonly in Veterinary and Medical Entomology. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:6. [PMID: 33135745 PMCID: PMC7604874 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Veterinary and medical entomologists who are involved in research on pest control often need to perform dose-response bioassays and analyze the results. This article is meant as a beginner's guide for doing this and includes instructions for using the free program R for the analyses. The bioassays and analyses are described using previously unpublished data from bioassays on house flies, Musca domestica Linnaeus (Diptera: Muscidae), but can be used on a wide range of pest species. Flies were exposed topically to beta-cyfluthrin, a pyrethroid, or exposed to spinosad or spinetoram in sugar to encourage consumption. LD50 values for beta-cyfluthrin in a susceptible strain were similar regardless of whether mortality was assessed at 24 or 48 h, consistent with it being a relatively quick-acting insecticide. Based on LC50 values, spinetoram was about twice as toxic as spinosad in a susceptible strain, suggesting a benefit to formulating spinetoram for house fly control, although spinetoram was no more toxic than spinosad for a pyrethroid-resistant strain. Results were consistent with previous reports of spinosad exhibiting little cross-resistance. For both spinosad and spinetoram, LC50 values were not greatly different between the pyrethroid-resistant strain and the susceptible strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin R Burgess
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
| | - Bethia H King
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
| | - Christopher J Geden
- USDA, ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, FL
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Khun KK, Wilson BAL, Stevens MM, Huwer RK, Ash GJ. Integration of Entomopathogenic Fungi into IPM Programs: Studies Involving Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) Affecting Horticultural Crops. INSECTS 2020; 11:E659. [PMID: 32992798 PMCID: PMC7599691 DOI: 10.3390/insects11100659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Weevils are significant pests of horticultural crops and are largely managed with insecticides. In response to concerns about negative impacts of synthetic insecticides on humans and the environment, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have been developed as an alternative method of control, and as such appear to be "ready-made" components of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. As the success of pest control requires a thorough knowledge of the biology of the pests, this review summarises our current knowledge of weevil biology on nut trees, fruit crops, plant storage roots, and palm trees. In addition, three groups of life cycles are defined based on weevil developmental habitats, and together with information from studies of EPF activity on these groups, we discuss the tactics for integrating EPF into IPM programs. Finally, we highlight the gaps in the research required to optimise the performance of EPF and provide recommendations for the improvement of EPF efficacy for the management of key weevils of horticultural crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Khuy Khun
- Faculty of Agronomy, Royal University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 2696, Dangkor District, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Centre for Crop Health, Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia; (B.A.L.W.); (G.J.A.)
| | - Bree A. L. Wilson
- Centre for Crop Health, Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia; (B.A.L.W.); (G.J.A.)
| | - Mark M. Stevens
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Yanco Agricultural Institute, Yanco, New South Wales 2703, Australia;
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Department of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Wagga Wagga, New South Wales 2650, Australia
| | - Ruth K. Huwer
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute, Wollongbar, New South Wales 2477, Australia;
| | - Gavin J. Ash
- Centre for Crop Health, Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia; (B.A.L.W.); (G.J.A.)
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Dembilio Ó, Moya P, Vacas S, Ortega-García L, Quesada-Moraga E, Jaques JA, Navarro-Llopis V. Development of an attract-and-infect system to control Rhynchophorus ferrugineus with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2018; 74:1861-1869. [PMID: 29427377 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A new Beauveria bassiana-based attract and infect device (AID) to control Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was developed. The virulence and persistence of the fungal formulation used in the AID were evaluated in the laboratory. Semi-field and field trials were carried out to validate the results and establish the potential of this device as a control tool. RESULTS In laboratory conditions, a 50% lethal time (LT50 ) of 4.33 days was obtained when adults (7-10 days old) were exposed to the inoculation tunnel (IT) containing 1 × 1010 conidia g-1 in an oil-based fungal formulation. This formulation maintained conidium viability at 50% for up to 2 months. Moreover, when adults were exposed to 2.5-month field-aged ITs, mortality still reached 50% 40 days after exposure. In addition, no differences were observed between ITs aged in early spring and those aged in summer, suggesting that the fungal formulation is not strongly affected by environmental factors in Mediterranean basin conditions. Semi-field assays showed that the device allowed an easy transit of weevils through the IT, which were effectively attracted and infected. Using the AIDs in 4-ha plot field trials, a reduction of >50% in the percentage of infested sentinel palms was obtained. CONCLUSION Based on the results obtained in terms of the efficacy and persistence of this new AID in the field and its potential in reducing R. ferrugineus populations and palm infestation, this device could become a key tool for the management of R. ferrugineus. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Dembilio
- Universitat Jaume I (UJI), Unitat Associada d'Entomologia Agrícola UJI-IVIA (Institut Valencià d'Investigacions Agràries), Departament de Ciències Agràries i del Medi Natural, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Pilar Moya
- Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto Agroforestal del Mediterráneo, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Vacas
- Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto Agroforestal del Mediterráneo, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Ortega-García
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, ETSIAM, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Enrique Quesada-Moraga
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, ETSIAM, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Josep A Jaques
- Universitat Jaume I (UJI), Unitat Associada d'Entomologia Agrícola UJI-IVIA (Institut Valencià d'Investigacions Agràries), Departament de Ciències Agràries i del Medi Natural, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Vicente Navarro-Llopis
- Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto Agroforestal del Mediterráneo, Valencia, Spain
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Hatting JL, Moore SD, Malan AP. Microbial control of phytophagous invertebrate pests in South Africa: Current status and future prospects. J Invertebr Pathol 2018; 165:54-66. [PMID: 29427636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Invertebrate pests pose a significant threat to food security on the African continent. In response, South Africa has become one of the largest importers of chemical pesticides in sub-Saharan Africa, with several hundred active ingredients registered. To address the over-reliance on such chemicals, the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has eliminated or restricted several pesticides since the late 1970s. The recent launch of the South African National Bio-Economy Strategy and establishment of the South African Bioproducts Organisation (SABO), together with new guidelines for registration of biopesticides in 2015, also support this endeavour. Concurrently, entomopathogen-related research and bioproduct development has increased over the past decade. Currently, 31 products (seven manufactured locally) are registered under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act 36 of 1947. Commercially important microbes include Beauveria bassiana (Cordycipitaceae), Metarhizium anisopliae (Clavicipitaceae), Cydia pomonella granulovirus, Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus, Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus (Baculoviridae) and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki and B. thuringiensis subsp. aizawai (Bacillaceae). Both parasitic and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) show potential for development as bioinsecticides with one commercial EPN product, based on Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Heterorhabditidae), registered under the Act. Rapid scientific progression, supported by a favourable legislative environment, should facilitate further advances in microbial control of phytophagous invertebrate pests in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L Hatting
- Agricultural Research Council-Small Grain, Bethlehem 9700, South Africa.
| | - Sean D Moore
- Citrus Research International, Port Elizabeth 6065, South Africa; Centre for Biological Control, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Antoinette P Malan
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, 7602, South Africa
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Mankin RW, Al-Ayedh HY, Aldryhim Y, Rohde B. Acoustic Detection of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) and Oryctes elegans (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Phoenix dactylifera (Arecales: Arecacae) Trees and Offshoots in Saudi Arabian Orchards. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 109:622-628. [PMID: 26743218 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tov398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) larvae are cryptic, internal tissue-feeding pests of palm trees that are difficult to detect; consequently, infestations may remain hidden until they are widespread in an orchard. Infested trees and propagable offshoots that develop from axillary buds on the trunk frequently are transported inadvertently to previously uninfested areas. Acoustic methods can be used for scouting and early detection of R. ferrugineus, but until now have not been tested on multiple trees and offshoots in commercial date palm orchard environments. For this report, the acoustic detectability of R. ferrugineus was assessed in Saudi Arabian date palm orchards in the presence of commonly occurring wind, bird noise, machinery noise, and nontarget insects. Signal analyses were developed to detect R. ferrugineus and another insect pest, Oryctes elegans Prell (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), frequently co-occurring in the orchards, and discriminate both from background noise. In addition, it was possible to distinguish R. ferrugineus from O. elegans in offshoots by differences in the temporal patterns of their sound impulses. As has been observed often with other insect pests, populations of the two species appeared clumped rather than uniform or random. The results are discussed in relation to development of automated methods that could assist orchard managers in quickly identifying infested trees and offshoots so that R. ferrugineus infestations can be targeted and the likelihood of transferring infested offshoots to uninfested areas can be reduced.
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