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Seed treatment as a method of local application of pesticides in precise agriculture reduces the amount of pesticides used per unit area and is considered to be the safest, cheapest and most ecologically acceptable method of protecting seeds and young plants from pests in the early stages of their development. With the introduction of insecticides from the neonicotinoid group in the mid-1990s, the frequency of seed treatment increased. Due to suspected negative effects on pollinators, most of these insecticides are banned in the European Union. The ban has therefore led to a reduction in the number of active substances approved for seed treatment and to an increased re-use of active substances from the group of pyrethroids as well as other organophosphorus insecticides, which pose potentially very serious risks, perhaps even greater than those of the banned neonicotinoids. The objective of this review is to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of seed treatment and the potential role of insecticide seed treatment in reducing the negative impact of pesticides on the environment. The main disadvantage of this method is that it has been widely accepted and has become a prophylactic protective measure applied to almost all fields. This is contrary to the principles of integrated pest management and leads to an increased input of insecticides into the environment, by treating a larger number of hectares with a lower amount of active ingredient, and a negative impact on beneficial entomofauna. In addition, studies show that due to the prophylactic approach, the economic and technical justification of this method is often questionable. Extremely important for a quality implementation are the correct processing and implementation of the treatment procedure as well as the selection of appropriate insecticides, which have proven to be problematic in the case of neonicotinoids. The ban on neonicotinoids and the withdrawal of seed treatments in oilseed rape and sugar beet has led to increased problems with a range of pests affecting these crops at an early stage of growth. The results of the present studies indicate good efficacy of active ingredients belonging to the group of anthranilic diamides, cyantraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole in the treatment of maize, soybean, sugar beet and rice seeds on pests of the above-ground part of the plant, but not on wireworms. Good efficacy in controlling wireworms in maize is shown by an insecticide in the naturalites group, spinosad, but it is currently used to treat seeds of vegetable crops, mainly onions, to control onion flies and flies on other vegetable crops. Seed treatment as a method only fits in with the principles of integrated pest management when treated seeds are sown on land where there is a positive prognosis for pest infestation.
Milorad Vojvodić; Renata Bažok. Future of Insecticide Seed Treatment. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8792 .
AMA StyleMilorad Vojvodić, Renata Bažok. Future of Insecticide Seed Treatment. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (16):8792.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMilorad Vojvodić; Renata Bažok. 2021. "Future of Insecticide Seed Treatment." Sustainability 13, no. 16: 8792.
Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is an economic pest of potato that has developed resistance to all classes of chemical insecticides, thus requiring alternative control measures. As a potential solution, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have proven effective in suppressing this pest, but their efficacy against overwintering generations of CPB in Croatia has not been sufficiently researched. The aim of this two-year (2018–2019) field study was to determine the efficacy of Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema carpocapsae applied to overwintering CPB adults. EPNs were applied at three doses (7.5 mil./10 m2, 5.0 mil./10 m2 (the recommended dose) and 2.5 mil./10 m2) by watering the soil where the adults were overwintering. The first-year results were satisfactory for both EPNs: the efficacy of S. feltiae ranged from 79.03% to 100.00%, while the efficacy of S. carpocapsae ranged from 77.32% to 96.22%. In the second year, the highest efficacy (69.57%) was obtained using the recommended dose of S. feltiae. Although the results are not consistent across the two years of our study and suggest further research, they indicate that EPNs have great potential in controlling overwintering CPB generations to reduce first generation abundance and damage, and also to prevent the spread of new generations to surrounding potato growing areas.
Maja Čačija; Renata Bažok; Majda Kolenc; Tena Bujas; Zrinka Drmić; Martina Kadoić Balaško. Field Efficacy of Steinernema sp. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) on the Colorado Potato Beetle Overwintering Generation. Plants 2021, 10, 1464 .
AMA StyleMaja Čačija, Renata Bažok, Majda Kolenc, Tena Bujas, Zrinka Drmić, Martina Kadoić Balaško. Field Efficacy of Steinernema sp. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) on the Colorado Potato Beetle Overwintering Generation. Plants. 2021; 10 (7):1464.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaja Čačija; Renata Bažok; Majda Kolenc; Tena Bujas; Zrinka Drmić; Martina Kadoić Balaško. 2021. "Field Efficacy of Steinernema sp. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) on the Colorado Potato Beetle Overwintering Generation." Plants 10, no. 7: 1464.
The western corn rootworm (WCR), is one of the most serious pests of maize in the United States. In this study, we aimed to find a reliable pattern of difference related to resistance type using population genetic and geometric morphometric approaches. To perform a detailed population genetic analysis of the whole genome, we used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers. For the morphometric analyses, hindwings of the resistant and non-resistant WCR populations from the US were used. Genetic results showed that there were some differences among the resistant US populations. The low value of pairwise FST = 0.0181 estimated suggests a lack of genetic differentiation and structuring among the putative populations genotyped. However, STRUCTURE analysis revealed three genetic clusters. Heterozygosity estimates (HO and HE) over all loci and populations were very similar. There was no exact pattern, and resistance could be found throughout the whole genome. The geometric morphometric results confirmed the genetic results, with the different genetic populations showing similar wing shape. Our results also confirmed that the hindwings of WCR carry valuable genetic information. This study highlights the ability of geometric morphometrics to capture genetic patterns and provides a reliable and low-cost alternative for preliminary estimation of population structure. The combined use of SNPs and geometric morphometrics to detect resistant variants is a novel approach where morphological traits can provide additional information about underlying population genetics, and morphology can retain useful information about genetic structure. Additionally, it offers new insights into an important and ongoing area of pest management on how to prevent or delay pest evolution towards resistant populations, minimizing the negative impacts of resistance.
Martina Kadoić Balaško; Katarina Mikac; Hugo Benítez; Renata Bažok; Darija Lemic. Genetic and Morphological Approach for Western Corn Rootworm Resistance Management. Agriculture 2021, 11, 585 .
AMA StyleMartina Kadoić Balaško, Katarina Mikac, Hugo Benítez, Renata Bažok, Darija Lemic. Genetic and Morphological Approach for Western Corn Rootworm Resistance Management. Agriculture. 2021; 11 (7):585.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartina Kadoić Balaško; Katarina Mikac; Hugo Benítez; Renata Bažok; Darija Lemic. 2021. "Genetic and Morphological Approach for Western Corn Rootworm Resistance Management." Agriculture 11, no. 7: 585.
Sugar beet production remains unprotected after the ban on neonicotinoids, while pest pressure is increasing. Although the organic approach to agriculture is highly welcomed, the question remains whether it will be possible to grow sugar beet without pesticides. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of seed treatments with neonicotinoids on the main sugar beet pests, to determine the susceptibility of the pests under the specific climatic conditions and to discuss possible consequences of the ban of neonicotinoids on the future of sugar beet production in southeast Europe. The study was conducted in two different climatic regions in Croatia in two consecutive years. The tested variants were: seed coated with imidacloprid, seed coated with a combination of thiamethoxam and teflutrin and untreated control. Our results showed that seed coatings with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam provided satisfactory protection against wireworms, flea beetles and sugar beet weevils at low population pressure. These pests are regular pests of sugar beet in southern and eastern Europe and therefore need to be controlled. Caterpillars and aphids were present in low populations, so the efficacy of the insecticides tested cannot be determined with certainty. A further research program is needed to find alternative solutions and develop easily implementable strategies for all sugar beet pests. We would propose an authorization of neonicotinoids for seed treatment of sugar beet in the regions with high infestation pressure of the main sugar beet pests.
Helena Viric Gasparic; Darija Lemic; Zrinka Drmic; Maja Cacija; Renata Bazok. The Efficacy of Seed Treatments on Major Sugar Beet Pests: Possible Consequences of the Recent Neonicotinoid Ban. Agronomy 2021, 11, 1277 .
AMA StyleHelena Viric Gasparic, Darija Lemic, Zrinka Drmic, Maja Cacija, Renata Bazok. The Efficacy of Seed Treatments on Major Sugar Beet Pests: Possible Consequences of the Recent Neonicotinoid Ban. Agronomy. 2021; 11 (7):1277.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHelena Viric Gasparic; Darija Lemic; Zrinka Drmic; Maja Cacija; Renata Bazok. 2021. "The Efficacy of Seed Treatments on Major Sugar Beet Pests: Possible Consequences of the Recent Neonicotinoid Ban." Agronomy 11, no. 7: 1277.
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different pre-sowing operations on the abundance and composition of total soil fauna in soybean cultivation, with special attention to carabids as biological indicators of agroecosystem quality. The study was conducted in central Croatia with six different pre-sowing activities (cover crop, mulching, ploughing, glyphosate, fertiliser removal, conventional tillage). Pitfall traps were used to collect soil fauna in April, June and September. After determining the abundance and composition of the fauna, their coenological characteristics were calculated and statistical analysis was performed. During the study, 7836 individuals of soil fauna were collected. The composition consisted of 84% beneficial, 8% harmful and 8% indifferent fauna. Class Insecta was the most numerous with a proportion of 56%, with most members of the family Carabidae (1622 individuals), followed by the class Arachnida (40%). The number of fauna collected was influenced by the interaction between pre-seeding intervention and sampling date. Pre-seeding interventions that did not involve soil activities did not affect the number and composition of soil fauna at the beginning of vegetation. Mechanical interventions in the soil and warmer and drier weather have a negative effect on the number and composition of soil fauna. As the season progresses, the influence of pre-sowing activities on soil fauna in soybean crops decreases. It seems that a reduction in mechanical activities in the shallow seed layer of the soil has a positive effect on species richness or diversity. Of particular note is the large proportion of beneficial insects that currently colonise the study area, characterising soil richness and stable natural equilibrium.
Darija Lemic; Ivana Pajač Živković; Marija Posarić; Renata Bažok. Influence of Pre-Sowing Operations on Soil-Dwelling Fauna in Soybean Cultivation. Agriculture 2021, 11, 474 .
AMA StyleDarija Lemic, Ivana Pajač Živković, Marija Posarić, Renata Bažok. Influence of Pre-Sowing Operations on Soil-Dwelling Fauna in Soybean Cultivation. Agriculture. 2021; 11 (6):474.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDarija Lemic; Ivana Pajač Živković; Marija Posarić; Renata Bažok. 2021. "Influence of Pre-Sowing Operations on Soil-Dwelling Fauna in Soybean Cultivation." Agriculture 11, no. 6: 474.
Western corn rootworm (WCR), or Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, became a very serious quarantine maize pest in Europe in the mid-1990s. Between 1995 and 2010, European countries were involved in international projects to share information and plan common research for integrated pest management (IPM) implementation. Since 2011, however, common efforts have declined, and an overview of WCR population spread, density, and research is in serious need of update. Therefore, we retained that it was necessary to (1) summarize the research activities carried out in the last 12 years in various countries and the research topics addressed, and analyze how these activities have contributed to IPM for WCR and (2) present the current distribution of WCR in the EU and analyze the current population levels in different European countries, focusing on different management strategies. A review of scientific papers published from 2008 to 2020, in addition to direct interviews with experts in charge of WCR management in a range of European countries, was conducted. Over the past 12 years, scientists in Europe have continued their research activities to investigate various aspects of WCR management by implementing several approaches to WCR control. A considerable amount of new knowledge has been produced, contributing to the development of pest management strategies applicable in EU farming systems. Among the 10 EU countries analyzed, there is no country reporting economic damage on a large scale. Thanks to intensive research leading to specific agricultural practices and the EU Common Agricultural Policy, there are crop-rotation-based solutions that can adequately control this pest avoiding insecticide use.
Renata Bažok; Darija Lemić; Francesca Chiarini; Lorenzo Furlan. Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) in Europe: Current Status and Sustainable Pest Management. Insects 2021, 12, 195 .
AMA StyleRenata Bažok, Darija Lemić, Francesca Chiarini, Lorenzo Furlan. Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) in Europe: Current Status and Sustainable Pest Management. Insects. 2021; 12 (3):195.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenata Bažok; Darija Lemić; Francesca Chiarini; Lorenzo Furlan. 2021. "Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) in Europe: Current Status and Sustainable Pest Management." Insects 12, no. 3: 195.
In this study, we review the wide range of alternative control methods used to this day to control the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say), the biggest potato pest globally. We further categorize and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each method by comparing them to conventional insecticides. In a second step, we point out the current knowledge about positive and negative impacts of using alternative control methods. By this, we illustrate how alternative control methods, farmers’ activities, and environmental factors (e.g., biodiversity and ecosystem health) are heavily linked in a cycle with self-reinforcing effects. In detail, the higher the acceptance of farmers to use alternative control methods, the healthier the ecosystem including the pest’s enemy biodiversity. The following decrease in pest abundance possibly increases the yield, profit, and acceptance of farmers to use less conventional and more alternative methods. Overall, we try to balance the positive and negative sides of alternative control methods and combine them with current knowledge about environmental effects. In our view, this is a fundamental task for the future, especially in times of high species loss and increasing demand for environmentally friendly agriculture and environmentally friendly products.
Bastian Göldel; Darija Lemic; Renata Bažok. Alternatives to Synthetic Insecticides in the Control of the Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) and Their Environmental Benefits. Agriculture 2020, 10, 611 .
AMA StyleBastian Göldel, Darija Lemic, Renata Bažok. Alternatives to Synthetic Insecticides in the Control of the Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) and Their Environmental Benefits. Agriculture. 2020; 10 (12):611.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBastian Göldel; Darija Lemic; Renata Bažok. 2020. "Alternatives to Synthetic Insecticides in the Control of the Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) and Their Environmental Benefits." Agriculture 10, no. 12: 611.
Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), in contrast with other asymmetries, is the bilateral asymmetry that represents small, random developmental differences between right and left sides. After nearly a century of using traditional morphometrics in the estimation of FA, geometric morphometrics (GM) now provides new insights into the use of FA as a tool, especially for assessing environmental and developmental stress. Thus, it will be possible to assess adaptation to various environmental stressors as particular triggers for unavoidable selection pressures. In this review, we describe measures of FA that use geometric morphometrics, and we include a flow chart of the methodology. We also describe how this combination (GM + FA) has been tested in several agroecosystems. Nutritional stress, temperature, chemical pollution, and population density are known stressors experienced by populations in agroecosystems.
Hugo Benítez; Darija Lemic; Amado Villalobos-Leiva; Renata Bažok; Rodrigo Órdenes-Claveria; Ivana Pajač Živković; Katarina Mikac. Breaking Symmetry: Fluctuating Asymmetry and Geometric Morphometrics as Tools for Evaluating Developmental Instability under Diverse Agroecosystems. Symmetry 2020, 12, 1789 .
AMA StyleHugo Benítez, Darija Lemic, Amado Villalobos-Leiva, Renata Bažok, Rodrigo Órdenes-Claveria, Ivana Pajač Živković, Katarina Mikac. Breaking Symmetry: Fluctuating Asymmetry and Geometric Morphometrics as Tools for Evaluating Developmental Instability under Diverse Agroecosystems. Symmetry. 2020; 12 (11):1789.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHugo Benítez; Darija Lemic; Amado Villalobos-Leiva; Renata Bažok; Rodrigo Órdenes-Claveria; Ivana Pajač Živković; Katarina Mikac. 2020. "Breaking Symmetry: Fluctuating Asymmetry and Geometric Morphometrics as Tools for Evaluating Developmental Instability under Diverse Agroecosystems." Symmetry 12, no. 11: 1789.
European sugar beet was mostly grown from seeds treated by neonicotinoids which provided efficient control of some important sugar beet pests (aphids and flea beetles). The EU commission regulation from 2018 to ultimately restrict the outdoor application of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin could significantly affect European sugar beet production. Although alternative insecticides (spinosad, chlorantraniliprole, neem) are shown to have certain effects on particular pests when applied as seed treatment, it is not likely that in near future any insecticide will be identified as a good candidate for neonicotinoids’ substitution. The aim of this research is to evaluate residue levels (LC-MS/MS method) of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam applied as seed dressing in sugar beet plants during two growing seasons in fields located in different agro-climatic regions and in greenhouse trials. In 2015, 25 to 27 days post planting (PP) maximum of 0.028% of imidacloprid and 0.077% of thiamethoxam were recovered from the emerged plants, respectively. In 2016, the recovery rate from the emerged plants 40 days PP was 0.003% for imidacloprid and 50 days PP was up to 0.022% for thiamethoxam. There were no neonicotinoid residues above the maximum residue level in roots at the time of harvesting, except in case of samples from thiamethoxam variant collected from greenhouse trials in 2016 (0.053 mg/kg). The results of this research lead to the conclusion that the seed treatment of sugar beet leaves minimal trace in plants because of the complete degradation while different behavior has been observed in the two fields and a glasshouse trial regarding the residues in soil. Dry conditions, leaching incapacity, or irregular flushing can result in higher concentrations in soil which can present potential risk for the succeeding crops. The results of our study could provide additional arguments about possible risk assessment for seed treatment in sugar beet.
Helena Gasparic; Mirela Grubelic; Verica Uzelac; Renata Bazok; Maja Cacija; Zrinka Drmic; Darija Lemic. Neonicotinoid Residues in Sugar Beet Plants and Soil under Different Agro-Climatic Conditions. Agriculture 2020, 10, 484 .
AMA StyleHelena Gasparic, Mirela Grubelic, Verica Uzelac, Renata Bazok, Maja Cacija, Zrinka Drmic, Darija Lemic. Neonicotinoid Residues in Sugar Beet Plants and Soil under Different Agro-Climatic Conditions. Agriculture. 2020; 10 (10):484.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHelena Gasparic; Mirela Grubelic; Verica Uzelac; Renata Bazok; Maja Cacija; Zrinka Drmic; Darija Lemic. 2020. "Neonicotinoid Residues in Sugar Beet Plants and Soil under Different Agro-Climatic Conditions." Agriculture 10, no. 10: 484.
Overwintering success and weather conditions are the key factors determining the abundance and intensity of the attack of the first generation of European corn borers (ECB). The tolerance of maize to the 1st generation of ECB infestation is often considered to be connected with the maize maturity time. The aims of this research were (I) to examine the reactions of different maize FAO maturity groups in term of the damage caused by ECB larvae, (II) to analyze the influence of four climatic regions of Croatia regarding the damage caused by ECB larvae, and (III) to correlate observed damage between FAO maturity groups and weather conditions. First ECB generation damage has been studied in the two-year field trial with 32 different hybrids divided into four FAO maturity groups (eight per group) located at four locations with different climatic conditions. The results showed a lack of correlation between the FAO maturity group and the percent of damage. The percent of damage was positively correlated with the average air temperature in June (r = 0.59 for 2017 and r = 0.74 in 2018, p = 0.0001) within the range from 20 to 24.5 °C and was negatively correlated with the relative air humidity (r = −0.58 in 2017 and r = −0.77 in 2018, p = 0.0001) within the range of 50% to 80%. Our results provide a better understanding of the different factors that influence ECB damage. The obtained data could be used to predict the damage from the first generation of ECB under the weather conditions of different regions.
Renata Bažok; Ivan Pejić; Maja Čačija; Helena Virić Gašparić; Darija Lemić; Zrinka Drmić; Martina Kadoić Balaško. Weather Conditions and Maturity Group Impacts on the Infestation of First Generation European Corn Borers in Maize Hybrids in Croatia. Plants 2020, 9, 1387 .
AMA StyleRenata Bažok, Ivan Pejić, Maja Čačija, Helena Virić Gašparić, Darija Lemić, Zrinka Drmić, Martina Kadoić Balaško. Weather Conditions and Maturity Group Impacts on the Infestation of First Generation European Corn Borers in Maize Hybrids in Croatia. Plants. 2020; 9 (10):1387.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenata Bažok; Ivan Pejić; Maja Čačija; Helena Virić Gašparić; Darija Lemić; Zrinka Drmić; Martina Kadoić Balaško. 2020. "Weather Conditions and Maturity Group Impacts on the Infestation of First Generation European Corn Borers in Maize Hybrids in Croatia." Plants 9, no. 10: 1387.
Colorado potato beetle, CPB (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say), is one of the most important pests of the potato globally. Larvae and adults can cause complete defoliation of potato plant leaves and can lead to a large yield loss. The insect has been successfully suppressed by insecticides; however, over time, has developed resistance to insecticides from various chemical groups, and its once successful control has diminished. The number of available active chemical control substances is decreasing with the process of testing, and registering new products on the market are time-consuming and expensive, with the possibility of resistance ever present. All of these concerns have led to the search for new methods to control CPB and efficient tools to assist with the detection of resistant variants and monitoring of resistant populations. Current strategies that may aid in slowing resistance include gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi, besides providing an efficient tool for gene functional studies, represents a safe, efficient, and eco-friendly strategy for CPB control. Genetically modified (GM) crops that produce the toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have many advantages over agro-technical, mechanical, biological, and chemical measures. However, pest resistance that may occur and public acceptance of GM modified food crops are the main problems associated with Bt crops. Recent developments in the speed, cost, and accuracy of next generation sequencing are revolutionizing the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and field of population genomics. There is a need for effective resistance monitoring programs that are capable of the early detection of resistance and successful implementation of integrated resistance management (IRM). The main focus of this review is on new technologies for CPB control (RNAi) and tools (SNPs) for detection of resistant CPB populations.
Martina Kadoić Balaško; Katarina M. Mikac; Renata Bažok; Darija Lemic. Modern Techniques in Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) Control and Resistance Management: History Review and Future Perspectives. Insects 2020, 11, 581 .
AMA StyleMartina Kadoić Balaško, Katarina M. Mikac, Renata Bažok, Darija Lemic. Modern Techniques in Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) Control and Resistance Management: History Review and Future Perspectives. Insects. 2020; 11 (9):581.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartina Kadoić Balaško; Katarina M. Mikac; Renata Bažok; Darija Lemic. 2020. "Modern Techniques in Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) Control and Resistance Management: History Review and Future Perspectives." Insects 11, no. 9: 581.
The codling moth, Cydia pomonella L., is a serious insect pest in pome fruit production worldwide with a preference for apple. The pest is known for having developed resistance to several chemical groups of insecticides, making its control difficult. The control and management of the codling moth is often hindered by a lack of understanding about its biology and ecology, including aspects of its population genetics. This review summarizes the information about the origin and biology of the codling moth, describes the mechanisms of resistance in this pest, and provides an overview of current research of resistant pest populations and genetic research both in Europe and globally. The main focus of this review is on non-pesticide control measures and anti-resistance strategies which help to reduce the number of chemical pesticides used and their residues on food and the local environment. Regular monitoring for insecticide resistance is essential for proactive management to mitigate potential insecticide resistance. Here we describe techniques for the detection of resistant variants and possibilities for monitoring resistance populations. Also, we present our present work on developing new methods to maintain effective control using appropriate integrated resistance management (IRM) strategies for this economically important perennial pest.
Martina Kadoić Balaško; Renata Bažok; Katarina M. Mikac; Darija Lemic; Ivana Pajač Živković. Pest Management Challenges and Control Practices in Codling Moth: A Review. Insects 2020, 11, 38 .
AMA StyleMartina Kadoić Balaško, Renata Bažok, Katarina M. Mikac, Darija Lemic, Ivana Pajač Živković. Pest Management Challenges and Control Practices in Codling Moth: A Review. Insects. 2020; 11 (1):38.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartina Kadoić Balaško; Renata Bažok; Katarina M. Mikac; Darija Lemic; Ivana Pajač Živković. 2020. "Pest Management Challenges and Control Practices in Codling Moth: A Review." Insects 11, no. 1: 38.
Insect infestations within stored product facilities are a major concern to livestock and human food industries. Insect infestations in storage systems can result in economic losses of up to 20%. Furthermore, the presence of insects and their waste and remains in grain and stored foods may pose a health risk to humans and livestock. At present, pests in commercial storage are managed by a combination of different methods ranging from cleaning and cooling to treatment of the stored material with contact insecticides or fumigation. The availability of pesticides for the treatment of grain and other stored products is decreasing owing, in some cases, to environmental and safety concerns among consumers and society, thus emphasizing the need for alternative eco-friendly pest control methods. One of the potential methods is the use of ozone. Although the mechanism of action of ozone on insects is not completely known, the insect’s respiratory system is a likely the target of this gas. The main goal of this investigation was to determine the efficacy of ozone in the suppression of adult wheat weevils Sitophilus granarius. In the experiments conducted, different durations of ozone exposure were tested. In addition to ozone toxicity, the walking response and velocity of wheat weevils were investigated. The results showed the harmful effects of ozone on these insects. In addition to mortality, ozone also had negative effects on insect speed and mobility. The efficiency of the ozone treatment increased with increasing ozone exposure of insects. The ability of ozone to reduce the walking activity and velocity of treated insects is a positive feature in pest control in storage systems, thereby reducing the possibility of insects escaping from treated objects. The results of this investigation suggest that ozone has the potential to become a realistic choice for suppressing harmful insects in storage systems for humans and livestock, either alone or as a complement to other control methods.
Darija Lemic; Davor Jembrek; Renata Bažok; Ivana Pajač Živković; Pajač Živković. Ozone Effectiveness on Wheat Weevil Suppression: Preliminary Research. Insects 2019, 10, 357 .
AMA StyleDarija Lemic, Davor Jembrek, Renata Bažok, Ivana Pajač Živković, Pajač Živković. Ozone Effectiveness on Wheat Weevil Suppression: Preliminary Research. Insects. 2019; 10 (10):357.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDarija Lemic; Davor Jembrek; Renata Bažok; Ivana Pajač Živković; Pajač Živković. 2019. "Ozone Effectiveness on Wheat Weevil Suppression: Preliminary Research." Insects 10, no. 10: 357.
The codling moth (CM) (Cydia pomonella L.) is the most important apple pest in Croatia and Europe. Owing to its economic importance, it is a highly controlled species and the intense selection pressure the species is under has likely caused it to change its phenotype in response. Intensive application of chemical-based insecticide treatments for the control of CM has led to resistance development. In this study, the forewing morphologies of 294 CM (11 populations) were investigated using geometric morphometric procedures based on the venation patterns of 18 landmarks. Finite element method (FEM) was also used to further investigate the dispersal capabilities of moths by modelling wing deformation versus wind speed. Three treatments were investigated and comprised populations from integrated and ecological (susceptible) orchards and laboratory-reared non-resistant populations. Forewing shape differences were found among the three treatment populations investigated. Across all three population treatments, the movement of landmarks 1, 7, 8, 9, and 12 drove the wing shape differences found. A reliable pattern of differences in forewing shape as related to control practice type was observed. FEM revealed that as wind speed (m/s-1) increased, so too did wing deformation (mm) for CM from each of the three treatments modelled. CM from the ecological orchards displayed the least deformation followed by integrated then laboratory-reared CM, which had the highest wing deformation at the highest wind speeds. This study presents an affordable and accessible technique that reliably demonstrates wing shape differences, and thus its use as a population biomarker to detect resistance should be further investigated.
Ivana Pajač Živković; Hugo Alejandro Benitez; Božena Barić; Zrinka Drmić; Martina Kadoić Balaško; Darija Lemic; Jose H. Dominguez Davila; Katarina Maryann Mikac; Renata Bažok. Codling Moth Wing Morphology Changes Due to Insecticide Resistance. Insects 2019, 10, 310 .
AMA StyleIvana Pajač Živković, Hugo Alejandro Benitez, Božena Barić, Zrinka Drmić, Martina Kadoić Balaško, Darija Lemic, Jose H. Dominguez Davila, Katarina Maryann Mikac, Renata Bažok. Codling Moth Wing Morphology Changes Due to Insecticide Resistance. Insects. 2019; 10 (10):310.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIvana Pajač Živković; Hugo Alejandro Benitez; Božena Barić; Zrinka Drmić; Martina Kadoić Balaško; Darija Lemic; Jose H. Dominguez Davila; Katarina Maryann Mikac; Renata Bažok. 2019. "Codling Moth Wing Morphology Changes Due to Insecticide Resistance." Insects 10, no. 10: 310.
The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is the most serious pest of maize across the US Corn Belt and now Europe. The beetle has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to adapt to pest management strategies through evolution of resistance to conventional insecticides, the cultural practice of crop rotation and now to the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin which is produced by genetically modified maize. In this study, the wing morphology of 358 western corn rootworm adults from Iowa, Indiana and Illinois, USA, was investigated using geometric morphometric procedures. The populations investigated comprised resistant (i.e. soybean–maize rotation and Bt-maize variants) and non-resistant beetle populations. Data analysis was divided into two groups: (1) resistant versus non-resistant and (2) rotation-resistant versus Bt-maize rootworm populations. Results showed that morphological differences exist in the hind-wing shape of both rotation and Bt-maize-resistant versus non-resistant populations and rotation-resistant versus Bt-maize-resistant variants. Across all three types of rootworm variants investigated, the movement of landmarks 8, 9 and 14 drove the wing shape differences found. These landmarks relate to the basal radial vein and are a key anatomical character used to distinguish different wing morphotypes in rootworm. This study demonstrates the utility of hind-wing morphology/shape as an inexpensive and accessible population biomarker for rootworm. With simple equipment (camera mounted microscopes or flatbed scanners) and readily available free software to capture and analyse landmark (shape and size) data, it is possible to effectively monitor pest resistance development and associated field-based population-level differences. The biological implications of the differences in wing shape found and how this relates to rootworm flight and consequently its dispersal and invasion capabilities are also explored.
Katarina M. Mikac; Darija Lemic; Hugo A. Benítez; Renata Bažok. Changes in corn rootworm wing morphology are related to resistance development. Journal of Pest Science 2019, 92, 443 -451.
AMA StyleKatarina M. Mikac, Darija Lemic, Hugo A. Benítez, Renata Bažok. Changes in corn rootworm wing morphology are related to resistance development. Journal of Pest Science. 2019; 92 (2):443-451.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarina M. Mikac; Darija Lemic; Hugo A. Benítez; Renata Bažok. 2019. "Changes in corn rootworm wing morphology are related to resistance development." Journal of Pest Science 92, no. 2: 443-451.
Maize and sugar beet productions are often threatened by various pests, causing high yield losses. Economically, most important maize pest is European corn borer, while sugar beet moth and noctuid moths cause serious damage on the sugar beet. This chapter highlights an introduction to several case studies representing long-term field research results on these pests. Depending on the pest, each study investigated the population level, dynamics of emergence or flight, damage levels and possibilities of forecasting on different localities in Croatia. The results could be of great importance in management of these pests. The European corn borer management depends mainly on timely conducted control, but the damage level also depends on maize hybrid and climatic conditions of investigated area. Damages caused by sugar beet moth depend on the population level and on locality’s specific climate in a particular year. Sugar beet moth population and flight dynamics can be monitored by using pheromones, while pheromone application in forecasting and control showed to be disputable. Noctuid moths feed on the sugar beet foliage, causing high damages, especially on young plants. The damage level depends on the climatic conditions of the research area, and visual inspections of caterpillars are necessary for forecasting and control decision.
Renata Bažok; Zrinka Drmić; Maja Čačija; Martina Mrganić; Helena Virić Gašparić; Darija Lemić. Moths of Economic Importance in the Maize and Sugar Beet Production. Moths - Pests of Potato, Maize and Sugar Beet 2018, 1 .
AMA StyleRenata Bažok, Zrinka Drmić, Maja Čačija, Martina Mrganić, Helena Virić Gašparić, Darija Lemić. Moths of Economic Importance in the Maize and Sugar Beet Production. Moths - Pests of Potato, Maize and Sugar Beet. 2018; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenata Bažok; Zrinka Drmić; Maja Čačija; Martina Mrganić; Helena Virić Gašparić; Darija Lemić. 2018. "Moths of Economic Importance in the Maize and Sugar Beet Production." Moths - Pests of Potato, Maize and Sugar Beet , no. : 1.
The sugar beet weevil (SBW), Bothynoderes punctiventris Germar, 1824, is a significant pest in most of Eastern Europe. Here, the SBW is described and its seasonal activity characterized, in terms of its different developmental stages in relation to Julian days (JDs), degree-day accumulations (DDAs), and precipitation, as a key to improving monitoring and forecasting of the pest. The phenology and population characteristics of SBW were investigated in sugar beet fields in eastern Croatia over a 4-year period (2012–2015). By using the degree-day model (lower development threshold of 5°C, no upper development threshold, biofix 1 January), the first emergence of overwintering adults was determined as becoming established when the DDA reached 20. The adult emergence was completed when the DDA reached 428. SBW males emerged first, following which the females dominated the adult population. Overwintering adults were present in the field until early July. In August, adults of the offspring generation began to appear. The eggs laid by the overwintering generation required, on average, 10–15 days to develop into larvae; however, eggs were found in soil samples over a period of 102 days (between JDs 112 and 214). Larvae were present in the soil samples over a period of a maximum of 143 days (the first larvae were established on JD 122 and the last one on JD 265), and pupae were established in the soil over a period of 102 days (between JDs 143 and 245). This study provides important data for understanding SBW population dynamics and developing potential population dynamic models for pest forecasting on a regional scale.
Z. Drmić; M. Čačija; H. Virić Gašparić; D. Lemić; R. Bažok. Phenology of the sugar beet weevil, Bothynoderes punctiventris Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Croatia. Bulletin of Entomological Research 2018, 109, 518 -527.
AMA StyleZ. Drmić, M. Čačija, H. Virić Gašparić, D. Lemić, R. Bažok. Phenology of the sugar beet weevil, Bothynoderes punctiventris Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Croatia. Bulletin of Entomological Research. 2018; 109 (4):518-527.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZ. Drmić; M. Čačija; H. Virić Gašparić; D. Lemić; R. Bažok. 2018. "Phenology of the sugar beet weevil, Bothynoderes punctiventris Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Croatia." Bulletin of Entomological Research 109, no. 4: 518-527.
Western corn rootworm (WCR) is the worst pest of maize in the United States, and since its spread through Europe, WCR is now recognized as the most serious pest affecting maize production. After the beetle’s first detection in Serbia in 1992, neighboring countries such as Croatia have established a national monitoring program. For more than two decades WCR adult population abundance and variability was monitored. With traditional density monitoring, more recent genetic monitoring, and the newest morphometric monitoring of WCR populations, Croatia possesses a great deal of knowledge about the beetle’s invasion process over time and space. Croatia’s position in Europe is unique as no other European nation has demonstrated such a detailed and complete understanding of an invasive insect. The combined use of traditional monitoring (attractant cards), which can be effectively used to predict population abundance, and modern monitoring procedures, such as population genetics and geometric morphometrics, has been effectively used to estimate inter- and intra-population variation. The combined application of traditional and modern monitoring techniques will enable more efficient control and management of WCR across Europe. This review summarizes the research on WCR in Croatia from when it was first detected in 1992 until 2018. An outline of future research needs is provided.
Martina Mrganić; Renata Bažok; Katarina M. Mikac; Hugo A. Benítez; Darija Lemic. Two Decades of Invasive Western Corn Rootworm Population Monitoring in Croatia. Insects 2018, 9, 160 .
AMA StyleMartina Mrganić, Renata Bažok, Katarina M. Mikac, Hugo A. Benítez, Darija Lemic. Two Decades of Invasive Western Corn Rootworm Population Monitoring in Croatia. Insects. 2018; 9 (4):160.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartina Mrganić; Renata Bažok; Katarina M. Mikac; Hugo A. Benítez; Darija Lemic. 2018. "Two Decades of Invasive Western Corn Rootworm Population Monitoring in Croatia." Insects 9, no. 4: 160.
This study evaluated the use of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of shape, as a bio-indicator developmental stability (DS) in multiple populations of two different agricultural productions a) perennial (orchard) and b) annual (arable) crops on the carabid beetle Pterostichus melas melas (Creutzer, 1799) morphology. Shape variation and FA levels were estimated using geometric morphometrics. The results obtained using geometric morphometric analyses such as regressions (FA scores vs Shape) and partial least squares showed that carabids that inhabited the perennial agro-ecosystem seem to have adapted to the strong anthropogenic influence (i.e. IPM practices) at the phenotypic level, while the carabids inhabiting annual agro-ecosystems experience more unstable environments and their phenotypes seem to have been changed more recently. It was expected that phenotypes of the annual agro-ecosystems would be more variable than the long-established ones. Different IPM practices in agro-ecosystems generate different disturbance degrees in insect communities, and these effects can be successfully quantified by applying geometric morphometric techniques.
Hugo A. Benítez; Darija Lemic; Thomas A. Püschel; Helena Virić Gašparić; Tomislav Kos; Božena Barić; Renata Bažok; Ivana Pajač Živković. Fluctuating asymmetry indicates levels of disturbance between agricultural productions: An example in Croatian population of Pterostichus melas melas (Coleptera: Carabidae). Zoologischer Anzeiger - A Journal of Comparative Zoology 2018, 276, 42 -49.
AMA StyleHugo A. Benítez, Darija Lemic, Thomas A. Püschel, Helena Virić Gašparić, Tomislav Kos, Božena Barić, Renata Bažok, Ivana Pajač Živković. Fluctuating asymmetry indicates levels of disturbance between agricultural productions: An example in Croatian population of Pterostichus melas melas (Coleptera: Carabidae). Zoologischer Anzeiger - A Journal of Comparative Zoology. 2018; 276 ():42-49.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHugo A. Benítez; Darija Lemic; Thomas A. Püschel; Helena Virić Gašparić; Tomislav Kos; Božena Barić; Renata Bažok; Ivana Pajač Živković. 2018. "Fluctuating asymmetry indicates levels of disturbance between agricultural productions: An example in Croatian population of Pterostichus melas melas (Coleptera: Carabidae)." Zoologischer Anzeiger - A Journal of Comparative Zoology 276, no. : 42-49.
Purpose: This study attempts to close the research gap created by the fact that existing studies neglect the problem of how effectively agricultural professors from different European countries communicate. The aim is to identify similarities and differences in the numbers of agricultural professors perceived by students as engaging in verbal and nonverbal immediacy communication. Methodology: An online survey was conducted among students of agricultural universities from Austria, Slovenia and Albania. Findings: The results show that professors of agriculture from Austria, Slovenia and Albania should generally not be satisfied with their own communication patterns and should thus try to improve their communication. The result also reveals cultural differences in the shares of agriculture professors employing different communication patterns in Austria, Slovenia and Albania. Compared to Austrian and Slovenian students, their Albanian peers perceive that most of their professors use nonverbal immediacy communication. According to Austrian students, the majority of their professors use verbal immediacy. On the contrary, Albanian students assessed that some of their professors employ verbal immediacy. Practical Implications: The results show the professors of agriculture should improve the way they communicate to students. In particular, the Albanian professors should improve their verbal communication especially in terms of providing timely and quality feedback to students. Theoretical implications: The study reveals differences in immediacy communication among countries (Austria, Slovenia and Albania) which the scientific literature considers to have a high-context culture. Originality/Value: Given that no study has yet examined how students perceive professors’ communication in different European countries, this research helps understand the characteristics of agricultural professors’ communication.
Marija Klopčič; Renata Bažok; Helena Virić Gašparić; Karmen Erjavec. How students perceive teachers’ nonverbal and verbal communication at agricultural universities in Austria, Slovenia and Albania. The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension 2018, 24, 1 -11.
AMA StyleMarija Klopčič, Renata Bažok, Helena Virić Gašparić, Karmen Erjavec. How students perceive teachers’ nonverbal and verbal communication at agricultural universities in Austria, Slovenia and Albania. The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension. 2018; 24 (5):1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarija Klopčič; Renata Bažok; Helena Virić Gašparić; Karmen Erjavec. 2018. "How students perceive teachers’ nonverbal and verbal communication at agricultural universities in Austria, Slovenia and Albania." The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension 24, no. 5: 1-11.