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Dr. Darija Lemic
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture

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Geometric Morphometrics
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Journal article
Published: 18 August 2021 in Animals
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The Asian ladybird (Harmonia axyridis Pallas), native to Asia, is one of the 100 most invasive species in the world and has spread worldwide. This study aimed to characterize color forms of H. axyridis in Croatia and to analyze the variability of wing shape between populations and indicated forms. Geometric morphometric methods were used to analyze a total of 129 left and right wings in males and 126 left and right wings in females of H. axyridis collected from four different sites in Croatia. The results show a significant difference in wing shapes between the studied forms. Each form had its own specific morphotype that likely originated under the influence of genetic changes in the species. This study demonstrates that the use of geometric morphometric analysis is effective in studying the variability in H. axyridis populations. As this study is the first of its kind, for further clarity, it is necessary to conduct additional studies on a larger number of sites and an equal number of individuals of all forms.

ACS Style

Darija Lemic; Ivana Pajač Živković; Matea Šuliček; Hugo A. Benítez. Exploratory Analysis of Color Forms’ Variability in the Invasive Asian Lady Beetle Harmonia axyridis (Pallas 1773). Animals 2021, 11, 2436 .

AMA Style

Darija Lemic, Ivana Pajač Živković, Matea Šuliček, Hugo A. Benítez. Exploratory Analysis of Color Forms’ Variability in the Invasive Asian Lady Beetle Harmonia axyridis (Pallas 1773). Animals. 2021; 11 (8):2436.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Darija Lemic; Ivana Pajač Živković; Matea Šuliček; Hugo A. Benítez. 2021. "Exploratory Analysis of Color Forms’ Variability in the Invasive Asian Lady Beetle Harmonia axyridis (Pallas 1773)." Animals 11, no. 8: 2436.

Journal article
Published: 24 June 2021 in Agriculture
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

Martina 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 Style

Martina 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.

Journal article
Published: 23 June 2021 in Agronomy
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (7):1277.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Helena 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.

Journal article
Published: 30 May 2021 in Sustainability
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Alternatives and replacements for synthetic chemical-based plant protectants are required. In this study biopolymeric microspheres containing arthropod-derived apitoxin are explored as a possible novel environmentally friendly formulation for plant protection. Here we document the optimization process for microencapsulation of apitoxin into a stable formulation, for ready use in agricultural applications. Efficacy trials were carried out on three different beetle species at various developmental stages (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say, 1824.), Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, 1758.), Sitophilus granarius (Linnaeus, 1758.)). The encapsulated apitoxin has a steady initial and long residual effect, due to the slow release of apitoxin which is one of its main advantages over other conventional control methods. Microspheres loaded with apitoxin have a detrimental effect on insects, of which it is significantly better gastric compared to contact action (due to pH). The results showed that the highest and fastest mortality was obtained when the highest concentrations (0.6%) were applied, chosen to be economically acceptable. These important findings contribute to knowledge on the application and development of encapsulated apitoxin formulations, and their effectiveness, as an alternative eco-friendly control method in agricultural production.

ACS Style

Darija Lemic; Matej Orešković; Katarina Mikac; Marijan Marijan; Slaven Jurić; Kristina Vlahoviček-Kahlina; Marko Vinceković. Sustainable Pest Management Using Biodegradable Apitoxin-Loaded Calcium-Alginate Microspheres. Sustainability 2021, 13, 6167 .

AMA Style

Darija Lemic, Matej Orešković, Katarina Mikac, Marijan Marijan, Slaven Jurić, Kristina Vlahoviček-Kahlina, Marko Vinceković. Sustainable Pest Management Using Biodegradable Apitoxin-Loaded Calcium-Alginate Microspheres. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (11):6167.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Darija Lemic; Matej Orešković; Katarina Mikac; Marijan Marijan; Slaven Jurić; Kristina Vlahoviček-Kahlina; Marko Vinceković. 2021. "Sustainable Pest Management Using Biodegradable Apitoxin-Loaded Calcium-Alginate Microspheres." Sustainability 13, no. 11: 6167.

Journal article
Published: 21 May 2021 in Agriculture
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

Darija 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 Style

Darija 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.

Review
Published: 12 May 2021 in Insects
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Climate change and global warming are of great concern to agriculture worldwide and are among the most discussed issues in today’s society. Climate parameters such as increased temperatures, rising atmospheric CO2 levels, and changing precipitation patterns have significant impacts on agricultural production and on agricultural insect pests. Changes in climate can affect insect pests in several ways. They can result in an expansion of their geographic distribution, increased survival during overwintering, increased number of generations, altered synchrony between plants and pests, altered interspecific interaction, increased risk of invasion by migratory pests, increased incidence of insect-transmitted plant diseases, and reduced effectiveness of biological control, especially natural enemies. As a result, there is a serious risk of crop economic losses, as well as a challenge to human food security. As a major driver of pest population dynamics, climate change will require adaptive management strategies to deal with the changing status of pests. Several priorities can be identified for future research on the effects of climatic changes on agricultural insect pests. These include modified integrated pest management tactics, monitoring climate and pest populations, and the use of modelling prediction tools.

ACS Style

Sandra Skendžić; Monika Zovko; Ivana Živković; Vinko Lešić; Darija Lemić. The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Insect Pests. Insects 2021, 12, 440 .

AMA Style

Sandra Skendžić, Monika Zovko, Ivana Živković, Vinko Lešić, Darija Lemić. The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Insect Pests. Insects. 2021; 12 (5):440.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sandra Skendžić; Monika Zovko; Ivana Živković; Vinko Lešić; Darija Lemić. 2021. "The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Insect Pests." Insects 12, no. 5: 440.

Review
Published: 25 February 2021 in Insects
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (3):195.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Renata 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.

Journal article
Published: 22 February 2021 in Insects
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Morphometrics has been used on Triatomines, a well-known phenotypically variable insect, to understand the process of morphological plasticity and infer the changes of this phenomenon. The following research was carried out in two regions of the inter-Andean valleys and two Chaco regions of Chuquisaca-Bolivia. Triatoma infestans adults were collected from the peridomestic (pens and chicken coops) along a geographic gradient in order to evaluate the morphological differentiation between groups and their pattern of sexual shape dimorphism. Geometric morphometric methods were applied on the wings and heads of T. infestans. The main findings include that we proved sexual dimorphism in heads and wings, determined the impact of environmental factors on size and shape and validated the impact of nutrition on head shape variation. These results show that geometric morphometric procedures can be used to provide key insight into the biological adaptation of T. infestans on different biotic (nutrition) and abiotic (environment) conditions, which could serve in understanding and evaluating infestation processes and further vector control programs.

ACS Style

Carolina Vilaseca; Marco Méndez; Carlos Pinto; Darija Lemic; Hugo Benítez. Unraveling the Morphological Variation of Triatoma infestans in the Peridomestic Habitats of Chuquisaca Bolivia: A Geometric Morphometric Approach. Insects 2021, 12, 185 .

AMA Style

Carolina Vilaseca, Marco Méndez, Carlos Pinto, Darija Lemic, Hugo Benítez. Unraveling the Morphological Variation of Triatoma infestans in the Peridomestic Habitats of Chuquisaca Bolivia: A Geometric Morphometric Approach. Insects. 2021; 12 (2):185.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carolina Vilaseca; Marco Méndez; Carlos Pinto; Darija Lemic; Hugo Benítez. 2021. "Unraveling the Morphological Variation of Triatoma infestans in the Peridomestic Habitats of Chuquisaca Bolivia: A Geometric Morphometric Approach." Insects 12, no. 2: 185.

Review
Published: 08 December 2020 in Agriculture
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (12):611.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bastian 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.

Journal article
Published: 03 December 2020 in Sustainability
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The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål, 1855) is an invasive polyphagous species that threatens fruit growing both in the United States and Europe. Many pesticide active ingredients have been studied in H. halys management, but for sustainable fruit growing, which implies the reduction of chemical harm to the environment, new safe insecticides should be implemented into the practice. For this purpose, novel green insecticide based on natural polyphenols of species Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott 1821 was developed. Stevia leaves (SLE) and Aronia pomace (APE) aqueous extracts were prepared using the ultrasound-assisted extraction method. Optimal extraction conditions for bioactive compounds (total polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and flavan-3-ols, respectively) and antioxidant activity were determined using response surface methodology. Bioactive compounds rich SLE and APE were encapsulated in calcium alginate microparticles by the ionic gelation method. Physicochemical characteristics (morphology, size, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and swelling) of microparticles showed very good properties with especially high encapsulation efficiency. Fitting to simple Korsmeyer–Peppa’s empirical model revealed that the underlying release mechanism of polyphenols is Fickian diffusion. SLE loaded microparticles showed very good pesticidal efficiency against Halyomorpha halys, especially on younger larval stages after both contact and digestive treatment. Microparticles loaded with APE did not achieve satisfactory digestive efficiency, but a certain toxic impact has been observed at contact application on all H. halys growth stages. Microparticles loaded with SLS exhibited prolonged insecticidal action against H. halys and could be a potential candidate as a green insecticide whose application could increase fruit growing safety.

ACS Style

Ivana Živković; Slaven Jurić; Marko Vinceković; Marija Galešić; Marijan Marijan; Kristina Vlahovićek-Kahlina; Katarina Mikac; Darija Lemic. Polyphenol-Based Microencapsulated Extracts as Novel Green Insecticides for Sustainable Management of Polyphagous Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål, 1855). Sustainability 2020, 12, 10079 .

AMA Style

Ivana Živković, Slaven Jurić, Marko Vinceković, Marija Galešić, Marijan Marijan, Kristina Vlahovićek-Kahlina, Katarina Mikac, Darija Lemic. Polyphenol-Based Microencapsulated Extracts as Novel Green Insecticides for Sustainable Management of Polyphagous Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål, 1855). Sustainability. 2020; 12 (23):10079.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ivana Živković; Slaven Jurić; Marko Vinceković; Marija Galešić; Marijan Marijan; Kristina Vlahovićek-Kahlina; Katarina Mikac; Darija Lemic. 2020. "Polyphenol-Based Microencapsulated Extracts as Novel Green Insecticides for Sustainable Management of Polyphagous Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål, 1855)." Sustainability 12, no. 23: 10079.

Review
Published: 29 October 2020 in Symmetry
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (11):1789.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Hugo 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.

Journal article
Published: 19 October 2020 in Agriculture
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (10):484.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Helena 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.

Journal article
Published: 18 October 2020 in Plants
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (10):1387.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Renata 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.

Review
Published: 01 September 2020 in Insects
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (9):581.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Martina 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.

Journal article
Published: 16 August 2020 in Zoologischer Anzeiger
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The Mediterranean fruit fly or medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) is one of the most economically important fruit flies globally. Geometric morphometric methods based on principal component analyses, multivariate regressions and two blocks partial least squares analyses were used in this study to estimate patterns of sexual shape dimorphism and the influence of agroecological factors (weather conditions, soil properties) in two different populations on C. capitata in Croatia. Results shown significant differences in mean shape between C. capitata sexes, nevertheless, females did not modify they wing morphology between populations, in contrast to males where the wing shape differ between island and continent populations. Wing size and shape showed particularly differences between agroecological systems suggesting metapopulation structure of C. capitata which is currently favouring sex-specific plasticity. These results show that geometric morphometric procedures can be used to provide key insight into the biological adaptation of medfly in newly invaded habitats, a significant process that ensures invasion success.

ACS Style

Darija Lemic; Hugo A. Benítez; Mario Bjeliš; Rodrigo Órdenes-Claveria; Pave Ninčević; Katarina M. Mikac; Ivana Pajač Živković. Agroecological effect and sexual shape dimorphism in medfly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) an example in Croatian populations. Zoologischer Anzeiger 2020, 288, 118 -124.

AMA Style

Darija Lemic, Hugo A. Benítez, Mario Bjeliš, Rodrigo Órdenes-Claveria, Pave Ninčević, Katarina M. Mikac, Ivana Pajač Živković. Agroecological effect and sexual shape dimorphism in medfly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) an example in Croatian populations. Zoologischer Anzeiger. 2020; 288 ():118-124.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Darija Lemic; Hugo A. Benítez; Mario Bjeliš; Rodrigo Órdenes-Claveria; Pave Ninčević; Katarina M. Mikac; Ivana Pajač Živković. 2020. "Agroecological effect and sexual shape dimorphism in medfly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) an example in Croatian populations." Zoologischer Anzeiger 288, no. : 118-124.

Journal article
Published: 03 June 2020 in Insects
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The granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius Linnaeus 1875, is a primary pest of stored grains worldwide. Feeding damage and progeny production of S. granarius was estimated to identify the levels of resistance of the insect on different durum wheat cultivars. Insect attack on four different durum wheat cultivars was investigated over a period of 20 weeks. Durum wheats were artificially infected with 20 individuals of S. granarius. Every two weeks the sample weight, hectoliter weight, moisture and the number of live weevils, including their number of progenies, were recorded. Overall findings revealed different levels of resistance of different durum wheat cultivars to S. granarius infestation. The Primadur cultivar had the highest resistance, followed by the Marco Aurelio and Cesare cultivars followed finally by the Tito Flavio cultivar which was highly susceptible to S. granarius. For all cultivars, apart from Primadur, S. granarius metabolism increased humidity and temperature, leading to grain degradation and resulting in the potential complete loss of market value if under field conditions. Evidently, durum wheat characteristics affect the life cycle of S. granarius, primarily their progeny, and thus the damage they undertake to the wheat itself. These findings are important because they enable the strategic selection of wheat cultivars that can be stored for a longer time period, while more sensitive wheat cultivars can be selected for shorter storage time and thus faster delivery to market.

ACS Style

Darija Lemic; Katarina M. Mikac; Matej Genda; Željko Jukić; Ivana Pajač Živković. Durum Wheat Cultivars Express Different Level of Resistance to Granary Weevil, Sitophilus granarius (Coleoptera; Curculionidae) Infestation. Insects 2020, 11, 343 .

AMA Style

Darija Lemic, Katarina M. Mikac, Matej Genda, Željko Jukić, Ivana Pajač Živković. Durum Wheat Cultivars Express Different Level of Resistance to Granary Weevil, Sitophilus granarius (Coleoptera; Curculionidae) Infestation. Insects. 2020; 11 (6):343.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Darija Lemic; Katarina M. Mikac; Matej Genda; Željko Jukić; Ivana Pajač Živković. 2020. "Durum Wheat Cultivars Express Different Level of Resistance to Granary Weevil, Sitophilus granarius (Coleoptera; Curculionidae) Infestation." Insects 11, no. 6: 343.

Journal article
Published: 02 June 2020 in Zoologischer Anzeiger
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Based on a quantitative mathematical revolution, the study of morphology has had an important emphasis by developing statistical shape analysis. This made possible the combination of multivariate statistical methods and new ways to visualize a morphological structure. Patterns of allometry (shape influence on size) in sexual and non-sexual traits were examined in adults of Cicindelidia trifasciata Fabricius collected in north Chilean wetland, using geometric morphometric techniques. Abdomen, mandible and wing shapes were analyzed using 16, 12 and 19 morphological landmarks. Sexual and non-sexual traits differences were found after a principal component analysis, however, most of them were ascribable to sexual size dimorphism. A multivariate regression analysis of shape on size of the abdomen, mandible and wing shapes showed high levels of allometry in C. trifasciata. Static allometry in the sexual traits of C. trifasciata is a common pattern, being the size an important trait that plays an important role during the sexual selection in this species. These differences raise the question of whether sexual dimorphism of sexual traits may be modulated by natural selection.

ACS Style

Sebastián Espinoza-Donoso; Mónica Angulo-Bedoya; Darija Lemic; Hugo A. Benítez. Assessing the influence of allometry on sexual and non-sexual traits: An example in Cicindelidia trifasciata (Coleoptera: Cicindelinae) using geometric morphometrics. Zoologischer Anzeiger 2020, 287, 61 -66.

AMA Style

Sebastián Espinoza-Donoso, Mónica Angulo-Bedoya, Darija Lemic, Hugo A. Benítez. Assessing the influence of allometry on sexual and non-sexual traits: An example in Cicindelidia trifasciata (Coleoptera: Cicindelinae) using geometric morphometrics. Zoologischer Anzeiger. 2020; 287 ():61-66.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sebastián Espinoza-Donoso; Mónica Angulo-Bedoya; Darija Lemic; Hugo A. Benítez. 2020. "Assessing the influence of allometry on sexual and non-sexual traits: An example in Cicindelidia trifasciata (Coleoptera: Cicindelinae) using geometric morphometrics." Zoologischer Anzeiger 287, no. : 61-66.

Journal article
Published: 18 May 2020 in Agronomski glasnik
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The vine thrips feed on vegetative and generative organs of the grapevine and cause damage in production. At the beginning of vegetation it sucks on the grapevine shoots and so they lag behind in growth. Later, it feeds on the leaves, and spotted necrosis is observed at the sucking sites. Later light yellow leaf coloration can be seen. Attack signs can also be noticed on the berries and since there is usually aesthetic damage table grape varieties suffer the most. Although the pest has been present in Croatia since the 1980s, little is known about the flight dynamics and the population size of this species. This study investigated the catch dynamics and population size of vine thrips in two vineyards (Gradunje and Vrškojice) in the area of Sveti Ivan Zelina. The thrips population was monitored during the vegetation season of 2018 by fluorescent yellow sticky traps (Csalomon®). In both vineyards pest presence was established at the beginning of May, and the last catches were recorded in the second half of September. According to the catch dynamics, the pest develops three generations in the investigated vineyards, and the highest number of thrips was recorded in the phase of growth and development of berries. Given the established thrips populations, its control is recommended, and in Croatia for this purpose only insecticide based on the active substance spinetoram has been registered.

ACS Style

Ivana Pajač Živković; Ivana Miklečić; Darija Lemić. Establishing the presence of vine thrips in vineyards of Sveti Ivan Zelina. Agronomski glasnik 2020, 81, 251 -260.

AMA Style

Ivana Pajač Živković, Ivana Miklečić, Darija Lemić. Establishing the presence of vine thrips in vineyards of Sveti Ivan Zelina. Agronomski glasnik. 2020; 81 (4):251-260.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ivana Pajač Živković; Ivana Miklečić; Darija Lemić. 2020. "Establishing the presence of vine thrips in vineyards of Sveti Ivan Zelina." Agronomski glasnik 81, no. 4: 251-260.

Review
Published: 03 January 2020 in Insects
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (1):38.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Martina 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.

Journal article
Published: 18 October 2019 in Insects
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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.

ACS Style

Darija Lemic; Davor Jembrek; Renata Bažok; Ivana Pajač Živković; Pajač Živković. Ozone Effectiveness on Wheat Weevil Suppression: Preliminary Research. Insects 2019, 10, 357 .

AMA Style

Darija 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 Style

Darija Lemic; Davor Jembrek; Renata Bažok; Ivana Pajač Živković; Pajač Živković. 2019. "Ozone Effectiveness on Wheat Weevil Suppression: Preliminary Research." Insects 10, no. 10: 357.