Pergamasus quisquiliarum Canestini is a polyphagous predatory mite that has been shown to feed on the economically important arthropod, Scutigerella immaculata Newport (Symphyla: Scutigerellidae), Collembola, Diptera larvae, Enchytraeid worms, and miscellaneous other soil organisms. This study examined the feeding behavior of P. quisquiliarum, the effects of cover cropping and tillage practices on P. quisquiliarum populations, the biology and ecology of P. quisquiliarum in agricultural and non-agricultural sites, and the seasonal dynamics of P. quisquiliarum. The interaction of cover crop and tillage treatment was statistically significant for P. quisquiliarum populations (P<0.001). Tillage treatment was the primary factor for P. quisquiliarum populations, as very low densities of P. quisquiliarum were recovered from green manure plots, regardless of the cover crop treatment. Among no-till plots, Monida oats had the greatest densities of P. quisquiliarum, while control (fallow) and white mustard plots had the lowest densities. The two non-agricultural sites had higher densities of P. quisquiliarum than the agricultural site. Among the non-agricultural sites, P. quisquiliarum density was higher in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco) litter than in Oregon white oak litter (Quercus garryana Dougl.), suggesting that the nature of the chemical and physical micro-environment was more suitable under Douglas-fir trees. In all sites, P. quisquiliarum attained it's greatest density in August, with a second peak in October. Minimum P. quisquiliarum densities were observed in January and February. Seasonal P. quisquiliarum densities were significantly synchronized with seasonal dynamics of it's prey items. / Graduation date: 1998

Public tendency, of late, is to reduce liberal use of harmful synthesized chemicals for promoting plant health. Today, biological control is becoming a commonly cited disease control option. Biological control agents (BCAs) not only control disease , but also promote plant growth. Application of biological control is based largely on knowledge of control mechanisms employed by antagonists, as well as the means of application that will ensure that an antagonistic population is established. Knowing the advantages is not the only factor that should be considered before application commences as, the disadvantages must be clearly outlined and explored further before a constructive decision as on implementation of biological control. A literature review was undertaken to provide the necessary technical information about biological control, its potential uses, methods of application, mechanisms of action employed, advantages and disadvantages associated with biological control application, public perceptions and the potential future of biological control. Diseases encountered within the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on pasture and turf grasses were determined by a once-off survey conducted over 1999/2000. The aim of the survey was to determine broadly the management practices of farmers and groundsmen in KwaZulu-Natal and the potential impact of these on the occurrence of weeds, insects and diseases. The survey also addressed the level of existing knowledge about biological control and willingness to apply such measures. In the pasture survey, farmers were questioned about: soil type, grass species common used, irrigation , fertilization and liming, grazing programs and weed, insect and disease occurrences and control measures implemented. The same aspects were addressed in a survey to a representative sample of groundsmen (turfgrass production) , including also: topdressing, greens base used, drainage systems, mowing practices and decompaction principles. The survey showed correlation between pest incidence and management practices implemented. In terms of pest control, both farmers and groundsmen indicated a stronger preference to the use of herbicides , insecticides and fungicides. Use of fungicides for disease control by farmers is considered an often unfeasible expense, rather more emphasis was placed on implementing cultural control methods. At present farmers do not apply biological control strategies, but they did indicate much interest in the topic. Alternatives to current, or lack of current, disease management strategies are important considerations, with two new diseases identified in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands just within the period of this thesis. Biological control strategies are implemented by 8% of the groundsmen surveyed, with emphasis being placed on augmenting the already present natural predators rather than the introduction of microbial antagonists. Although often mis-diagnosed by farmers Helminthosporium leaf spot is a common disease in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu), This disease reduces pasture quality and detracts from the aesthetic appearance and wearability of turfgrasses. Helminthosporium leaf spot is incited by a complex of causal agents , Bipolaris was confirmed as the casual agent of Helminthosporium leaf spot on kikuyu at Cedara. Disease control by two BCAs, Bacillus (B. subtilis Ehrenberg & Cohn.) and Trichoderma (T. harzianum Rifai), as commercial formulations was tested against the fungicide, PUNCH EXTRA®. In vitro, Trichoderma was shown to be aggressive in controlling Bipolaris sp. In vivo, disease control achieved with Trichoderma kd was comparative with PUNCH XTRA® but not statistically different (P>=0.05). Trichoderma and Bacillus provided better disease control in comparison to an untreated control. Improved growth of Lolium sp. was determined in vitro, with Trichoderma kd and Bacillus B69 treatments. The microbe-based treatments accounted for growth stimulation, with significant (P<=O.05) growth differences noted. A microbial activator, MICROBOOST®was added to the treatments to improve microbial efficiency. Improved plant growth with MICROBOOST® applications was shown. Improved growth associated with microbial treatments, Trichoderma harzianum kd; Bacillus subtilis B69 and Gliocladium virens Miller, Gibens, Foster and con Arx. ,was also determined in vivo at Cedara, on L.perenne L., Festuca rubra L. and Agrostis stolonifera L. Establishment of a suppressive soil with antagonistic microbes resulted in significant (P<=O.05) effects on final grass coverage (except G. virens), as well increased root and shoot lengths (P<=O.05). Increased germination rates, as expressed in vitro, were not shown in vivo. Microbial activity with the application of MICROBOOST® showed little effect on germination but increased root and shoot lengths significantly (P<=O.05). Increased weed growth associated with the treatments (except G. virens) was considered a drawback of the microbial-treatments. Microbial treatments were also applied to pasture grasses. An in vitro grazing trial was established at Cedara, using L. multiflorum L. to evaluate the microbe-based treatments Trichoderma kd, Bacillus B69 and G. virens for improved pasture establishment and for increased grazing preference by Dohne Merino sheep. Trichoderma kd was associated with increased dry and wet biomass , but lower dry matter yields in comparison to the control. Only G. virens accounted for a higher dry matter percentage than the control. However, differences between the control and the microbial treatments was very small and not significant (P>=0.05). Of the three grazing observations made, sheep showed no grazing preference to plots with or without microbial treatments In general, the body of this research has shown that microbial treatments have the potential for increased disease control and growth stimulation of grasses. However, lack of significant differences between microbial treatments and controls has raised the question as to effect of external factors on microbial activity and survival, especially in vivo. This raises the question as to the validity of the use of microbial treatments where growth conditions cannot be controlled , remembering that the cost of establishment must be covered by the economic returns from utilization. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

No abstract available. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

Greenhouse and laboratory experiments were conducted on the fungal bioherbicides Colletotrichum graminicola and Gloeocercospora sorghi on shattercane (Sorghum bicolor), to evaluate any potential interactions among and between these two plant pathogens for management of this weed. Intraspecific interactions were evaluated with back to back applications of C. gramincola or G. sorghi, and results indicate additive or no effects. Results indicate that interspecific interactions between C. graminicola and G. sorghi lower expected disease incidence when C. gramincola is applied first, while the opposite effect occurs when G. sorghi is applied first. Tank mixtures were also evaluated, and results indicate that no synergistic relationships occur when both species are applied simultaneously. When using spores in conjunction with the chemical herbicide RoundUp (a.i. glyphosate), applying spores with or before glyphosate results in decreased biomass loss, while applying glyphosate prior to spore application results in increased weed biomass loss. Data from intra- and interspecific interactions evaluated in vitro support these findings. / Department of Biology

Quite a number of important crops have been genetically modified with genes for agronomically important traits, such as insect and viral resistance. As the numbers of genetically modified foods continue to increase on the market, the need for rapid development of GMO detection methods is indispensable. This study was carried out to detect if genetically modified potatoes exist on food market in Turkey. Thirty samples from different places were collected. Using a DNA based PCR method, potato samples were examined for the presence of 35S promoter, Nos terminator, neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) genes, and synthetic cry3A gene which is the general transgene in all approved Newleaf transgenic potato lines. The experimental design of this study was to detect Newleaf insect resistant lines. In 11 samples at least one genetic element was detected. Sample R from Ankara has shown to be belonging to Newleaf insect resistant lines. Since 35S promoter was not detected in samples M3, 14 and F1, it is proposed that they are belonging to Newleaf virus and insect resistant lines (Newleaf plus or Newleaf Y). Although Nos terminator was not detected in samples H2, Z2 and D, cry3A fragments amplified in those samples have been verified that they are from the synthetic cry3A regions of Newleaf lines. The detected synthetic cry3A gene in GM potatoes was amplified by specific primers, which cannot amplify Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis natural cry3A gene. In addition, the authenticity of the synthetic cry3A PCR products were confirmed by both sequencing and restriction digestions. Our results showed that genetically modified Newleaf potatoes exist in food market in Turkey. Further studies by accredited laboratories are strongly recommended.

The work presented in this thesis falls naturally into two parts. The first part (Chapter 2), is concerned with the benefit of perturbing a population into an immediately undesirable state, in order to improve estimates of a static probability which may improve long-term management. We consider finding the optimal harvest policy for a theoretical harvested population when a key parameter is unknown. We employ an adaptive management framework to study when it is worth sacrificing short term rewards in order to increase long term profits. / Active adaptive management has been increasingly advocated in natural resource management and conservation biology as a methodology for resolving key uncertainties about population dynamics and responses to management. However, when comparing management policies it is traditional to weigh future rewards geometrically (at a constant discount rate) which results in far-distant rewards making a negligible contribution to the total benefit. Under such a discounting scheme active adaptive management is rarely of much benefit, especially if learning is slow. In Chapter 2, we consider two proposed alternative forms of discounting for evaluating optimal policies for long term decisions which have a social component. / We demonstrate that discount functions which weigh future rewards more heavily result in more conservative harvesting strategies, but do not necessarily encourage active learning. Furthermore, the optimal management strategy is not equivalent to employing geometric discounting at a lower rate. If alternative discount functions are made mandatory in calculating optimal management policies for environmental management, then this will affect the structure of optimal management regimes and change when and how much we are willing to invest in learning. / The second part of this thesis is concerned with how to account for partial observability when calculating optimal management policies. We consider the problem of controlling an invasive pest species when only partial observations are available at each time step. In the model considered, the monitoring data available are binomial observations of a probability which is an index of the population size. We are again concerned with estimating a probability, however, in this model the probability is changing over time. / Before including partial observability explicitly, we consider a model in which perfect observations of the population are available at each time step (Chapter 3). It is intuitive that monitoring will be beneficial only if the management decision depends on the outcome. Hence, a necessary condition for monitoring to be worthwhile is that control polices which are specified in terms of the system state, out-perform simpler time-based control policies. Consequently, in addition to providing a benchmark against which we can compare the optimal management policy in the case of partial observations, analysing the perfect observation case also provides insight into when monitoring is likely to be most valuable. / In Chapters 4 and 5 we include partial observability by modelling the control problem as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP). We outline several tests which stem from a property of conservation of expected utility under monitoring, which aid in validating the model. We discuss the optimal management policy prescribed by the POMDP for a range of model scenarios, and use simulation to compare the POMDP management policy to several alternative policies, including controlling with perfect observations and no observations. / In Chapter 6 we propose an alternative model, developed in the spirit of a POMDP, that does not strictly satisfy the definition of a POMDP. We find that although the second model has some conceptually appealing attributes, it makes an undesirable implicit assumption about the underlying population dynamics.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniv. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Examensarbete.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, 2004. / A thesis submitted in fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Includes bibliography.

Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Entomology, 2006. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on June 19, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 106-117). Also issued in print.