Orientador: Edson Luiz Lopes Baldin / Banca: Arlindo Leal Boica Junior / Banca: André Luiz Lourenção / Resumo: A couve-de-folha, Brassica oleracea (L.) var. acephala, é atacada por diversas pragas, e o curuquerê, Ascia monuste orseis (Godart) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), destaca-se como uma das mais importantes, causando intensas desfolhas às plantas. O principal método de controle deste inseto é feito através da aplicação de inseticidas sintéticos, com reconhecidos prejuízos ao meio ambiente. Considerando-se a importância desse inseto para a cultura da couve-de-folha e também os efeitos indesejáveis decorrentes de aplicações de inseticidas para seu controle, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a resistência de genótipos de couve-de-folha frente A. monuste orseis e estudar os tipos de resistência envolvidos através da realização de ensaios com adultos (atratividade e preferência para oviposição) e lagartas (preferência alimentar e antibiose), sob condições de laboratório e casade- vegetação. Para a instalação dos bioensaios, foi mantida uma criação de A. monuste orseis em casa-de-vegetação. Foram avaliados 29 genótipos de couve-de-folha: Manteiga de Ribeirão Pires I-2620 (MRP I-2620), Manteiga I-1811 (M I-1811), Roxa I-919 (R I-919), Manteiga de São Roque I-1812 (MSR I-1812), Gigante I-915 (G I-915), Manteiga I-916 (M I- 916), Crespa I-918 (C I-918), Manteiga de Ribeirão Pires I-2446 (MRP I-2446), Crespa de Capão Bonito (CCB), Manteiga de Tupi (MT), Couve de Leguminosas (CL), Manteiga de Jundiaí (MJ), Manteiga de Mococa (MM), Manteiga São José (MSJ), Verde-escura (VE), Pires 1 de Campinas (P1C), Pires 2 de Campinas (P2C), Japonesa (J), Hortolândia (H), Orelha de Elefante (OE), Vale das Garças (VG), Comum (C), Introduções do município de Arthur Nogueira: variedades Y (IMAN Y); W (IMAN W); Z (IMAN Z) e comerciais: Cabocla (CS);Couve de folhas Manteiga 900 Legítima Pé Alto (CFMLPA), Couve de folhas Manteiga Tronchuda Portuguesa (CFMTP) Couve Manteiga... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Cabagge (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala), is attacked by several pests, being the caterpillar Ascia monuste orseis (Godart) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), pointed as one of the most important, causing severe defoliation on plants. The main method of controlling this insect was done by the application of synthetic insecticides with recognized damage to the environment. Considering the importance of the insect for the cabagge culture and the undesirable effects arising of the insecticides application for their control, the present research had as objective to evaluate the resistance of cabagge genotypes against A. monuste orseis, and verify the types of resistance involved through the accomplishment of assays with adults (attractiveness and oviposition preference) and caterpillars (feeding preference and antibiosis), in laboratory and greenhouse conditions. A rearing of A. monuste orseis was maintained in the greenhouse in order to instal the bioassays. 29 genotypes of cabagge were evaluated: Manteiga de Ribeirão Pires I-2620 (MRP I-2620), Manteiga I-1811 (M I-1811), Roxa I-919 (R I-919), Manteiga de São Roque I-1812 (MSR I-1812), Gigante I-915 (G I-915), Manteiga I-916 (M I-916), Crespa I-918 (C I-918), Manteiga de Ribeirão Pires I-2446 (MRP I-2446), Crespa de Capão Bonito (CCB), Manteiga de Tupi (MT), Couve de Leguminosas (CL), Manteiga de Jundiaí (MJ), Manteiga de Mococa (MM), Manteiga São José (MSJ), Verde-escura (VE), Pires 1 de Campinas (P1C), Pires 2 de Campinas (P2C), Japonesa (J), Hortolândia (H), Orelha de Elefante (OE), Vale das Garças (VG), Comum (C), Introduções do município de Arthur Nogueira: variedades... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Studies in various animal species have demonstrated that stress during pregnancy can have a detrimental effect on progeny health and development throughout its postnatal life. If this were to apply to dairy cows, minimising stress in pregnant cows could be of critical importance in ensuring offspring health and welfare. However, relationships between maternal health and welfare and offspring performance have not been well investigated in dairy cattle. Traditionally management strategies for cows in late pregnancy (i.e. in the dry period) have focused on maximising milk production whilst minimising impacts on postpartum health. This may include management practices that can have a negative impact on the health and welfare of cows in the dry period itself. This project aimed to identify potential sources of stress associated with management practices in late pregnant cows, and to investigate its effects on offspring health, behaviour and welfare. A survey was conducted to investigate typical dry cow and pre-weaned calf management practices on dairy farms in the United Kingdom (UK). Data from 148 commercial UK dairy farms provided valuable information on dry cow and pre-weaning calf management. Procedures that were commonly practised but potentially stressful for dry cows included the abrupt cessation of milking and frequent changes in diet and social environment. Two experimental studies were conducted to investigate the impact of alternative management practices in late pregnancy on progeny welfare. The first experiment investigated the behavioural, physiological and metabolic responses of dry cows to industry minimum standards (H: high stocking group) compared to a more extensive space allowance (L: low stocking density). The offspring of these cows were monitored until weaning to assess their responses to typical dairy farm procedures. The second experiment was conducted on calves born to heifers from an out-wintering project. Pregnant heifers were kept either indoor or outdoor grazing (on deferred grass or kale) throughout the winter period. The health, growth and behaviour of offspring were monitored for the first 14 days of life. Limited feed-face space resulted in altered feeding patterns and increased competition at the feed-face. There was no association between dry period stocking density and the physiology and metabolism of dry cows. Maternal treatment had no impact on pre-weaned calf birth weight, health, growth, passive immunity, neonatal vigour and the majority of behavioural outcomes. However, H calves made more frequent social contact with companions compared to L calves and showed higher behavioural reactivity to weaning. Maternal high stocking density treatment and previous disease incidence in calves reduced the behavioural reactions to disbudding and the expression of pain-related behaviours. Out-wintering of pregnant heifers on kale showed no negative impact on growth compared to the indoor group, whilst out-wintering on deferred grass resulted in the lowest growth rate. However, out-wintering on deferred grass may have enhanced offspring social motivation and learning ability. This study has demonstrated potential associations between maternal experience during pregnancy, and offspring growth and behaviour. The effect of maternal treatment on offspring behaviour may be more likely to emerge in challenging situations. Further research will be needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to reach definite conclusions, which would have implications for improving the welfare of late pregnant cows and their offspring.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-07T19:20:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-09-04. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2016-03-07T19:24:15Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000858018.pdf: 605379 bytes, checksum: 40137ae2a6d5fde8220b202302e11707 (MD5) / O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a influência do plantio da couve (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC) consorciada com sorgo (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) e feijão-guandu (Cajanus cajan) (L.) e de insetos predadores e fatores meteorológicos sobre os pulgões Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) e Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). A amostragem foi quinzenal, sendo os pulgões amostrados por procura visual em folhas apicais, medianas e basais da couve, enquanto a presença dos insetos predadores foi verificada em toda a parte aérea das plantas e com armadilhas tipo alçapão. O pulgão B. brassicae prefere as folhas medianas e basais da couve solteira e consorciada com sorgo e folhas basais da couve com feijão-guandu. L. erysimi tem preferência pelas folhas medianas e basais dos três tratamentos considerados. O sorgo ou feijão-guandu em consórcio com a couve reduziram a população de B. brassicae e L. erysimi. A couve consorciada com sorgo ou feijão-guandu reduz a ocorrência de B. brassicae e L. erysimi. Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) apresentou especificidade com L. erysimi, o mesmo sendo verificado com Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Meneville, 1842 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) em relação a B. brassicae. Na couve consorciada com sorgo às duas espécies de pulgões apresentaram-se mais relacionadas com os insetos predadores associados ao solo e fatores meteorológicos. Na couve com sorgo ou feijão-guandu verificou-se um potencial de predação entre H. convergens, Polpochila impressifrons (Dejean, 1831) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) e as duas espécies de pulgão. As temperaturas máxima e mínima, a umidade relativa e a insolação foram os fatores físicos que atuaram sobre a ocorrência de B. brassicae e L. erysimi nos consórcios da couve com sorgo ou feijão-guandu. Na couve solteira os fatores meteorológicos e os insetos predadores apresentaram-se menos relacionados com a ocorrência... / The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of planting kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC) intercropped with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) (L.) and predatory insects and factors weather on aphids Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Sampling was fortnightly, with aphids sampled by visual search on upper leaves, middle and basal kale, while the presence of insect predators was observed throughout the shoot and trap traps. The aphid B. brassicae prefer the middle and basal leaves of kale single and intercropped with sorghum and basal leaves of kale with pigeon pea. Lipaphis erysimi is preferred by the middle and basal leaves of the three treatments considered. The sorghum or pigeon pea in consortium with kale reduced the population of B. brassicae and L. erysimi. The kale intercropped with sorghum or pigeon pea reduces the occurrence of B. brassicae and L. erysimi. Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) showed specificity with L. erysimi, as verified with Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, 1842 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in relation to B. brassicae. In kale intercropped sorghum to both aphid species showed to be more related to the associated predatory insects to land and meteorological factors. Kale with sorghum or pigeon pea there was a potential predation among H. convergens, Polpochila impressifrons (Dejean, 1831) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and two species of aphid. The maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity and heat stroke are the physical factors that acted on the occurrence of B. brassicae and L. erysimi in kale intercropped with sorghum or pigeon pea. Kale single meteorological factors and predatory insects had to be less related to the occurrence of B. brassicae and L. erysimi

Orientador: Francisco Jorge Cividanes / Coorientador: Terezinha Monteiro dos Santos Cividanes / Banca: Pedro Luiz Martins Soares / Banca: Raphael de Campos Castilho / Banca: Roberto Botelho Ferraz Branco / Banca: César Freire Carvalho / Resumo: O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a influência do plantio da couve (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC) consorciada com sorgo (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) e feijão-guandu (Cajanus cajan) (L.) e de insetos predadores e fatores meteorológicos sobre os pulgões Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) e Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). A amostragem foi quinzenal, sendo os pulgões amostrados por procura visual em folhas apicais, medianas e basais da couve, enquanto a presença dos insetos predadores foi verificada em toda a parte aérea das plantas e com armadilhas tipo alçapão. O pulgão B. brassicae prefere as folhas medianas e basais da couve solteira e consorciada com sorgo e folhas basais da couve com feijão-guandu. L. erysimi tem preferência pelas folhas medianas e basais dos três tratamentos considerados. O sorgo ou feijão-guandu em consórcio com a couve reduziram a população de B. brassicae e L. erysimi. A couve consorciada com sorgo ou feijão-guandu reduz a ocorrência de B. brassicae e L. erysimi. Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) apresentou especificidade com L. erysimi, o mesmo sendo verificado com Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Meneville, 1842 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) em relação a B. brassicae. Na couve consorciada com sorgo às duas espécies de pulgões apresentaram-se mais relacionadas com os insetos predadores associados ao solo e fatores meteorológicos. Na couve com sorgo ou feijão-guandu verificou-se um potencial de predação entre H. convergens, Polpochila impressifrons (Dejean, 1831) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) e as duas espécies de pulgão. As temperaturas máxima e mínima, a umidade relativa e a insolação foram os fatores físicos que atuaram sobre a ocorrência de B. brassicae e L. erysimi nos consórcios da couve com sorgo ou feijão-guandu. Na couve solteira os fatores meteorológicos e os insetos predadores apresentaram-se menos relacionados com a ocorrência... / Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of planting kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC) intercropped with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) (L.) and predatory insects and factors weather on aphids Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Sampling was fortnightly, with aphids sampled by visual search on upper leaves, middle and basal kale, while the presence of insect predators was observed throughout the shoot and trap traps. The aphid B. brassicae prefer the middle and basal leaves of kale single and intercropped with sorghum and basal leaves of kale with pigeon pea. Lipaphis erysimi is preferred by the middle and basal leaves of the three treatments considered. The sorghum or pigeon pea in consortium with kale reduced the population of B. brassicae and L. erysimi. The kale intercropped with sorghum or pigeon pea reduces the occurrence of B. brassicae and L. erysimi. Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) showed specificity with L. erysimi, as verified with Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, 1842 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in relation to B. brassicae. In kale intercropped sorghum to both aphid species showed to be more related to the associated predatory insects to land and meteorological factors. Kale with sorghum or pigeon pea there was a potential predation among H. convergens, Polpochila impressifrons (Dejean, 1831) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and two species of aphid. The maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity and heat stroke are the physical factors that acted on the occurrence of B. brassicae and L. erysimi in kale intercropped with sorghum or pigeon pea. Kale single meteorological factors and predatory insects had to be less related to the occurrence of B. brassicae and L. erysimi / Doutor

Orientador: Arthur Bernardes Cecílio Filho / Banca: Rogério Falleiros Carvalho / Banca: Roberto Botelho Ferraz Branco / Banca: Renato de Mello Prado / Banca: Antônio Ismael Inácio Cardoso / Resumo: O cultivo consorciado de hortaliças é um sistema de produção alternativo à monocultura, e quando manejado adequadamente pode incrementar o lucro da atividade agrícola e diminuir impactos ambientais. Foi realizado um experimento com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de épocas de transplante do espinafre em consórcio com a couve, sobre a produtividade das culturas e o índice de eficiência do uso da área (EUA). O delineamento utilizado foi de blocos casualizados, com 17 tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos constaram da combinação dos fatores: sistema de cultivo (consórcio e monocultura) e épocas de transplante do espinafre (0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84 e 98 dias após o transplante (DAT)) em relação à couve. Foram utilizadas as cultivares 'Top Bunch' (couve) e 'Nova Zelândia' (espinafre). As produtividades totais (PT) e por colheita (PC) da couve em monocultura não diferiram das obtidas em consórcio, independente da época de transplante do espinafre. A PT do espinafre foi influenciada pela época de transplante, sendo maior quanto mais cedo foi o transplante. A PC do espinafre somente foi influenciada pelo sistema de cultivo, sendo que em cultivo solteiro a PC foi cerca de 27% maior do que em cultivo consorciado. O índice de eficiência do uso da área não foi influenciado pela época de transplante, e teve valor médio de 1,71, indicando a viabilidade do consórcio. Os índices Coeficiente de Competitividade, Agressividade, Perda de Produtividade e Vantagem do Consórcio mostraram que, independente da época em que o espinafre for transplantado, a couve é a espécie dominadora e espinafre a dominada. O custo operacional total de um hectare do consórcio de couve e espinafre 'Nova Zelândia' é de R$ 13.049,23, enquanto um hectare de couve e do espinafre 'Nova Zelândia', em monoculturas, são de R$ 12.797,22 e R$ 10.418,90, respectivamente / Abstract: The intercropping of vegetables is an alternative production system to monoculture, and when handled properly can increase the income of agricultural activity and reduce environmental impacts. An experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of spinach transplant times in consortium with kale on crop productivity and the area use efficiency index (USA). The design was a randomized block with 17 treatments and four replications. Treatments consisted of a combination of factors: cropping system (intercropping and monoculture) and Spinach transplant times (0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84 and 98 days after transplanting (DAT)) relative to kale. The cultivars 'Top Bunch' (kale) and 'New Zealand' (spinach) were used. The total productivity (TP) and productivity per harvest (PH) of kale in monoculture did not differ from those obtained in consortium, regardless of spinach transplant time. The spinach PT was influenced by the time of transplant, the higher the transplante. The Spinach PH was only influenced by the cropping system, and PH was about 27% higher monoculture than in intercropping. The area use efficiency index was not affected by the time of transplant, and had average value of 1.71, indicating the consortium's viability. The Coefficient Competitiveness, Aggressiveness, Productivity Loss and Consortium Advantage showed that, regardless of the time when the spinach is transplanted, kale is the dominant species and the spinach dominated. The total operating cost of one hectare of kale and 'New Zealand' spinach consortium is R$ 13,049.23, while one hectare of kale and 'New Zealand' spinach in monoculture cost R$ 12,797.22 and R$ 10,418.90, respectively / Doutor

No description available.

This investigation was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of ultrasonic energy in removing spray residue from collards, to determine its effect on the content of ascorbic acid and carotene levels in the treated tissues, and to investigate the influence of ultrasonic energy on the respiratory activity and the histological changes of the tissues involved. / Ph. D.

Ethiopia is a country well endowed with a number of development related NGOs who have been involved in socio-economic development at national, regional and grassroots level. In a country like Ethiopia, where natural and man-made hazards persist, NGOs play a crucial role in terms of reducing poverty and other human sufferings. As one of the non-governmental organizations, the Ethiopian Kale Heywot Church Development Program (EKHCDP) has played an important role in supporting and encouraging the development aspirations of local communities in the areas of environmental rehabilitation, water and sanitation, agriculture, health, education, credit and saving schemes.<br /> <br /> The study focused on the Ethiopian Kale Heywot Church community development program in five selected project areas, namely Lambuda, Durame, Shashamane, Debraziet and Nazret. The analysis subsequently examined the nature and extent of community participation in the project planning, implementation and decision-making phases. Thereafter, the study brought into focus general observations gleaned from the investigation and provides recommendation to the EKHC and other stakeholders that have been involved in development activities.<br /> <br /> Quantitative and qualitative methods of research have been applied throughout the investigation. Accordingly, observation, in depth interviews, focus group discussions and structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather information. The qualitative mode was employed to gather socially dynamic information on issues relating to beneficiaries&rsquo / perceptions of processes in order to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play. On the other hand, the quantitative mode was used to test variables related to the research problem. <br /> <br /> The findings indicate that the Ethiopian Kale Heywot Church development program has played a significant role in terms of community development. Moreover, its development approach is responsive to local needs and able to mobilize local and external resources to support the poor, so that through empowerment and participation they will be released from the deprivation trap that they find themselves in. The study also indicates that the EKHCDP has good linkages and networks with other communities and partners. However, the study indicated that the intensity of community participation in decision-making is still low in certain cases. Meanwhile, the beneficiaries did not show a clear understanding of aspects such as project ownership. Finally, this study recommends that genuine community participation should be maintained because it is the core activity contributing to beneficiary empowerment and grassroots institutional capacity building and an essential ingredient for self-reliance and project sustainability.

Orientador: Giuseppina Pace Pereira Lima / Coorientador: Rumy Goto / Coorientador: Igor Otavio Minatel / Banca: Marco Antonio Tecchio / Banca: Pablo Forlan Vargas / Resumo: A Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L. conhecida popularmente como couve-flor, é uma cultura olerícola de grande importância alimentar, por ser excelente fonte de nutrientes e de renda para a agricultura familiar. A aplicação de fungicidas sistêmicos e de bioestimulantes, com efeitos fisiológicos, podem induzir maior produtividade e elevar qualidade final do produto. Diante do exposto, objetivou com este trabalho avaliar características de produção e de pós-colheita na cultura da couve-flor (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.), em duas cultivares (Flamenco e Verona), após aplicação de agroquímicos (fungicidas e bioestimulante). O estudo foi dividido em duas fases de avaliação: no desenvolvimento da cultura e no armazenamento pós-colheita. O experimento foi realizado em uma propriedade rural, no munícipio de Pardinho - SP e o no Laboratório de Bioquímica Vegetal do Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, do Instituto de Biociências, da UNESP, Botucatu - SP. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por diferentes agroquímicos: sem aplicação (T1); Boscalida (T2); Fluxapiroxade + Piraclostrobina (T3); Metiram + Piraclostrobina (T4); Cinetina + Ácido giberélico + Ácido 4-indol-3-ilbutírico (T5) e Metiram + Piraclostrobina + Boscalida (T6). Foram realizadas duas aplicações dos produtos, sendo a primeira aos 18 dias (fase de muda) e a segunda aplicação, no início do florescimento (fase reprodutiva). Na primeira fase do experimento, aos 90 dias após a semeadura, avaliaram-se variáveis re... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L. popularly known as cauliflower, is a crop of great importance for diets, an excellent source of nutrients, and income for family farming. The application of systemic fungicides and biostimulants, with physiological effects, can induce increased productivity and the final quality of the product. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production and post-harvest characteristics of two cultivars (Flamenco and Verona) in the culture of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. Botrytis L.) after application of agrochemicals (fungicides and biostimulant). The study was divided into two stages of evaluation: culture development and post-harvest storage. The experiment was carried out in a rural property, in the Pardinho county - SP, and in the Laboratory of Plant Biochemistry at Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP, Botucatu - SP. The treatments were consisted of different agrochemicals: no application (T1); Boscalid (T2); Fluxapiroxade + Piraclostrobin (T3); Metiram + Piraclostrobin (T4); Kinetin + Giberelic Acid + 4-Indol-3- ylbutyric Acid (T5) and Metiram + Pyraclostrobin + Boscalid (T6). Two applications of the products were carried out, the first one at 18th day (seedling phase) and the second application, at the beginning of plant flowering (reproductive phase). In the first phase of the experiment, 90 days after seeding, variables related to gas exchange were evaluated: CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, CO2 internal concentration, transpiration rate, carboxylation efficiency and water use efficiency, besides the pigments chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids. At harvest, on 106th day after seeding, the productivity, transverse and longitudinal diameter of the inflorescences, height, number of leaves per plant, and fresh leaf mass were evaluated. In the second phase of the experiment (post-harvest), ... / Mestre

The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) is a major pest of crucifer crops worldwide. It is a particularly important problem in Southeast Asia where climatic conditions favor a short generation time and rapid proliferation. In countries such as Thailand, the diamondback moth has apparently become resistant to all classes of insecticides, even the newest ones. The first part of this thesis is the development of a computer database of all the available information on diamondback moth toxicology. About 1,550 records were extracted from more than 235 published or unpublished documents. These records include information on the geographical location of experiments, the insecticide evaluated, the testing method and the results observed. Most records in the database are from the last decade, and are predominantly from Taiwan, Thailand, the USA and Japan. Trends in the use of various classes of insecticides can easily be followed. Thirty three records have been found of insecticide resistance of more than a thousandfold. An the known mechanisms of resistance are found, and the diamondback moth has become resistant to all the classes of insecticides, including Bacillus thuringiensis but excluding abamectin. Case studies made possible by the use of the database showed a rapid succession in the use of 29 insecticides in the last 26 years in a single country (Thailand). Although this rapid succession is usually ascribed to the development of resistance, a case study on the regional differences in resistance to five insecticides showed marked variations in the level of resistance over distances of 20 miles or more. The possibility of managing insecticide resistance at the local level, already suggested by studies in Hawaii, is thus supported by this analysis. In the second part of this thesis, the toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai and of the bacterial toxin abamectin was tested by two bioassay techniques on populations of the diamondback moth from two Chinese kale fields at locations in Thailand at which the highest levels of resistance to most insecticides have been reported. The leaf-dip bioassay was found to be superior to a residue-vial assay or to the FAO-recommended assay. More than 70-fold resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai was observed in the populations of DBM collected from these two fields, suporting the theory that resistance resulted in the control failures reported by growers. Resistance did not explain control failures with abamectin as no resistance to this compound could be detected. The third part of this thesis analyzes the intraplant distribution of the diamondback moth larvae in an effort to explain the control failures with abamectin on Chinese kale. Extensive sampling of the various larval instars of the diamondback moth revealed that a majority of second instar larvae were sheltered on the young folded leaves of Chinese kale. The majority of fourth instar larvae and pupae were found on mature (lower) leaves. Inefficient spraying practices observed in the field with high volume, low pressure hydraulic pump sprayers may allow the young larvae to escape pesticide exposure possibly explaining control failures in the absence of physiological resistance. This study shows that resistance in the diamondback moth is a worldwide problem of major proportions. The rapid development of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis in the field is of practical concern. Resistance management programs in developing countries should include mechanisms to optimize insecticide delivery to the protected habitats of diamondback moth on Chinese kale. / Graduation date: 1992