A irrigação é uma das tecnologias cujo retorno econômico é mais facilmente percebido pelo usuário, apesar do seu alto custo de investimento inicial. Nos últimos anos, com o fim dos financiamentos subsidiados, o agricultor irrigante tem buscado alternativas tecnológicas que lhe permitam o retorno do investimento em prazos cada vez menores. As soluções encontradas vão desde o uso da agricultura intensiva com a semeadura de culturas em sucessão (cultivos anuais), ou de várias safras (perenes), como também a maximização do uso do equipamento de irrigação, que tem sido usado cada vez com maior freqüência para a aplicação de produtos químicos por meio da quimigação. Esse panorama tem gerado, em algumas situações, desequilíbrio no agroecossistema com várias conseqüências, entre as quais destacam-se a explosão de pragas e doenças e a compactação de solos. A quimigação, apresenta uma série de vantagens e desvantagens. Dentre as vantagens, destacam-se o seu baixo custo quando comparado a outros métodos, e o menor tráfego de máquina na área cultivada, o que também favorece o menor dano mecânico às culturas. Entre as limitações, destaca-se o fato de que nem todos os produtos podem ser utilizados, pois esses precisam apresentar determinadas características físico-químicas como baixa solubilidade em água e alta em solventes orgânicos. O presente trabalho visa gerar informações sobre o uso de óleos sem surfactantes para a dissolução de formulações comerciais de clorpirifós (concentrado emulsionável), e sua efetividade no controle da lagarta do cartucho (Spodoptera frugiperda) no milho quando comparado à formulação comercial sem mistura, aplicado por insetigação. Desse modo, espera-se viabilizar a quimigação foliar com possibilidade da redução de dose ou do número de aplicações além de propor uma metodologia para instalação de ensaios de quimigação a campo. Foram instalados durante os anos de 1996 e 1997, três ensaios em três safras distintas, todos com elevada pressão de infestação, em áreas comerciais, onde os tratamentos foram injetados diretamente na base do pivô por meio de uma bomba injetora-dosadora. As parcelas, em forma de cunha, tinham no mínimo 50 m no perímetro de modo a evitar contaminação entre os tratamentos, e uma área mínima de um hectare. Foram amostrados de quatro a seis pontos para cada parcela. Os resultados obtidos mostraram a viabilidade da técnica, uma vez que a metade da dose comercial dissolvida no óleo mostrou a mesma efetividade de controle que a dose comercial, o que sinaliza a possibilidade da redução da dose ou do número de aplicações minimizando os custos para o produtor com menor impacto ambiental, o que favorece o manejo integrado e a sustentabilidade da agricultura. As informações geradas viabilizam a quimigação como método de aplicação de baixo custo, e a metodologia sugerida comprovou-se eficiente para a instalação de ensaios a campo. / Irrigation is perceived by the farmers as the best payback technology, beside its initial investment cost. With the end of subsidized interests for agriculture in the last years, irrigated farmers are more and more looking for shorter paybacks of their investments. The alternatives presented are successive cropping (annual crops) or more that one harvest (perennial crops) per year, and to maximize the use of the irrigation equipment which is more frequently being used to apply chemical which is known as chemigation. This scenario generates in some situations an unbalance at the environment with several consequences like pest and diseases flare and soil compaction. Chemigation has advantages and limitations. Among the advantages is to be highlighted the lower application cost when compared to other methods, and less tracking in the area which reduce soil compaction and also crop losses due to crop damage. The main limitation is that not all products can be used in chemigation. They must attend some physical - chemical properties like low water solubility and high solubility in organic solvents. The present work has the intention to generate information about the feasibility of mixing commercial formulations (emulsifiable concentrate-EC) with oils and no addition of any surfactant and the effectiveness of this mixture in comparison to standard when insectigated to control fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in corn. This way, it is expected to viabilize foliar chemigation, with the possibility of rate or applications number reduction, and also to propose a standardized methodology to install field trials. Three trials were installed during 1996 and 1997 in three different seasons, all of them with high infestation level, in commercial areas, where treatments were injected in the center of the pivots using an injection pump. The plots, in a wedge form, had a minimal lenght at the perimeter to avoid treatments contamination, which provided a minimal area of one hectare each plot. Sampling was done at four to six points for each plot. Data showed the viability of the techniques, since the half of commercial rate diluted in oil without surfactants had shown the same effectiveness that standard (full rate without oil). This sign up the possibility of a rate reduction or perhaps less applications, which will minimizes farmers’ costs with less environmental impact, being favorable to integrated pest management and agriculture sustainability. Generated information shows the workability of chemigation as a low cost application method, as well as the proposed methodology to install field trials had shown to be effective.

Drivers of environmental change in one location can have profound effects on ecosystem services and human well-being in distant locations, often across international borders. The telecoupling provides a conceptual framework for describing these interactions-for example, locations can be defined as sending areas (sources of flows of ecosystem services, energy, or information) or receiving areas (recipients of flows). However, the ability to quantify feedbacks between ecosystem change in one area and societal benefits in other areas requires analytical approaches. We use spatial subsidies-an approach developed to measure the degree to which a migratory species' ability to provide services in one location depends on habitat in another location-as an example of how telecoupling can be operationalized. Using the cotton pest control and ecotourism services of Mexican free-tailed bats as an example, we determined that of the 16 states in the United States and Mexico where the species resides, three states (Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado) are receiving areas, while the rest of the states are sending areas. In addition, the magnitude of spatial subsidy can be used as an indicator of the degree to which different locations are telecoupled to other locations. In this example, the Mexican free-tailed bat ecosystem services to cotton production and ecotourism in Texas and New Mexico are heavily dependent on winter habitat in four states in central and southern Mexico. In sum, spatial subsidies can be used to operationalize the telecoupling conceptual framework by identifying sending and receiving areas, and by indicating the degree to which locations are telecoupled to other locations.

The Telchin licus licus (Drury, 1773) (Lepdoptera: Castniidae) and the Hyponeuma taltula (Schaus, 1904) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Herminiinae) have become important sugarcane puts due to the rapid growth of their populations and the difficulties in controlling both of them. Due to the small amount of information available in literature and to study the interaction between them and other Lepidoptera and natural enemies, a research of a diet for rearing the T.licus licus insect adults was conducted to be able to understand better these two species. Some biological aspects were also observed and the influence of plants attacked by the T. licus licus, the H. taltula and the Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) with the preference of D. saccharalis oviposition and attraction of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron, 1891) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). The investigation of the pathogenicity of Baculovirus Spodoptera isolates was studied in D. flavipennella. The effect of five diets (D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5) on the development of T. licus licus was evaluated, and the characterization of the chemicals substances released by virgin females with 24 and 48 hours old after the emergence. The D1 and D5 diets were disregarded because they promoted high mortality in the larval stage. After the statistical analysis at 5% probability, it was observed that the D3 and D4 diets were well accepted. The larvae fed with these diets showed greater weight gain and shorter duration in days (p <0.05). When the D2 diet was compared to the D4 and D3 diets, it showed higher mortality in the larvae stage. The D3 and D4 diets favored the production of a greater number of pupae and adults (p <0.05). The adults from the D2, D3 and D4 diets fed with 5% sucrose solution showed an average increase of three days in their life. The D3 and D4 diets were considered appropriate for production of adult T. licus licus. The volatile compounds present in the last three segments of the abdomen of virgin females from D3 and D4 diets were similar to those coming from the field virgin females (p <0.05). While evaluating the oviposition preference for D. saccharalis and the attraction of C. flavipes for canes in relation to sugarcane plants infested by different lepidopteran pests, it was possible to observe that D. saccharalis females have oviposition preference for the non-infested sugarcane (p <0.05), while C. flavipes females are attracted by volatile compounds emitted by sugarcane plants infested by D. saccharalis and in a smaller scale by H. taltula (p <0.05). Moreover, it was found that the use of volatile compounds emitted directly by the plants is more efficient than the extracts obtained from the plants (p <0.05). The effectiveness of three isolates (I-6, I-18 and I-19) of the Baculovirus spodoptera in D. flavipennella neonate larvae was verified because there is no information about the use of baculovirus isolated from the biological control of D. flavipennella. Fifty-six D. flavipennela neonate larvae were used per treatment, which were grouped in four repetitions with 14 larvae. The percentage of efficiency of the I-18 and I-6 isolates were the best differing from the I-19 (p <0.05). The I-18 and I-6 isolates can be used as bio-insecticide for D. flavipennella (p <0.05). With the results obtained in this thesis, it can be concluded that the giant borer can be raised in a laboratory to extract the pheromone glands from the adults. There is interaction between healthy plants and oviposition preference by D. saccharalis in relation to plants infested by lepidopterans. There is attraction of the natural enemy C. flavipes by plants attacked by D. saccharalis and in a smaller scale by H. taltula. There is B. spodoptera isolates with potential for being used in the biological control of D. flavipennella. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A Telchin licus licus (Drury, 1773) (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) e Hyponeuma taltula (Schaus, 1904) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Herminiinae) são pragas da cana de açucar cuja importância vem aumentando devido ao rápido crescimento de suas populações e a dificuldades no controle de ambas. Devido ao pequeno número de informações disponíveis na literatura sobre estes insetos, e para estudar a interação entre elas, e outros lepidópteros e inimigos naturais, realizamos o estudo de uma dieta para a criação de insetos adultos de T. licus licus. Alguns aspectos biológicos também foram observados e a influencia de plantas atacadas por T. licus licus, H. taltula e Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) sobre a preferência de oviposição de D. saccharalis e na atração de Cotesia flavipes (Cameron, 1891) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). A investigação da patogenicidade de isolados do Baculovirus spodoptera foi estudada em D. flavipennella. Avaliou-se o efeito de cinco dietas (D1, D2, D3, D4 e D5) sobre o desenvolvimento de T. licus licus, e a caracterização das substâncias químicas liberadas por fêmeas virgens com idade entre 24 e 48 horas após a emergência. As dietas D1 e D5 foram desconsideradas, pois promoveram alta mortalidade na fase larval. Observou-se que as dietas D3 e dieta D4 foram bem aceitas, as lagartas alimentadas com essas dietas apresentaram maior ganho de peso e menor duração em dias (p<0,05). Para a dieta D2, quando comparada às dietas D4 e D3, proporcionou maior mortalidade na fase de lagartas. As dietas D4 e D3 favoreceram a produção de um maior número de pupas e adultos (p<0,05). Os adultos provenientes das dietas D2, D3 e D4 alimentados com solução de sacarose a 5% apresentaram um aumento médio de três dias na longevidade. As dietas D4 e D3 foram consideradas apropriadas para produção de adultos de T. licus licus. Os compostos voláteis presentes nos três últimos segmentos do abdome de fêmeas virgens provenientes da dieta D3 e D4 foram semelhantes aos provindos de fêmeas virgens do campo (p<0,05). Ao avaliar a preferência de oviposição por D. saccharalis e a atração de C. flavipes por canas em relação a plantas de cana-de-açúcar infestadas por diferentes lepidópteros-praga, observou-se que fêmeas de D. saccharalis têm preferência de oviposição pela cana isenta de infestação (p<0.05), enquanto que fêmeas de C. flavipes são atraídas por compostos voláteis emitidos por plantas de cana-de-açúcar infestadas por D. saccharalis e em menor escala por H. taltula (p<0.05). Além disso, foi constatado que a utilização dos compostos voláteis emitidos diretamente pelas plantas é mais eficiente que os extratos hexânicos obtidos das mesmas (p<0.05). Por não existir informações sobre a utilização de isolados de baculovírus no controle biológico de D. flavipennella verificou-se a eficiência de três isolados (I-6, I-18 e I-19) do Baculovirus spodoptera em lagartas neonatas de D. flavipennella. Foram utilizadas 56 lagartas neonatas de D. flavipennela por tratamento, sendo essas agrupadas em 4 repetições de 14 lagartas; as porcentagens de eficiência dos isolados I-18 e I-6 foram às melhores diferindo do I-19 (p<0,05); o isolado I-18 e o isolado I-6 podem ser utilizados como bioinseticida para D. flavipennella (p<0,05). Com os resultados obtidos nesta tese, pode-se concluir que a broca gigante pode ser criada em laboratório a fim de obtenção de adultos para extração de glândulas feromonais; existe interação entre plantas sadias e preferência de oviposição por D. saccharalis em relação a plantas infestadas por lepidópteros; há atração do inimigo natural C. flavipes por plantas atacadas por D. saccharalis e em menor escala por H. taltula; há isolados de Baculovirus spodoptera com potencial de serem utilizados no controle biológico de D. flavipennella.

Drosophila suzukii est une drosophile invasive en Europe, Amérique du Nord et Amérique du Sud. Contrairement aux autres espèces de drosophiles, les femelles parasitent les fruits mûrs que les larves consomment, engendrant d’importants dégâts sur les cultures fruitières. Les stratégies mises en place par cette espèce pour tolérer les températures hivernales sous nos latitudes sont encore peu comprises. Par conséquent, l’objectif de ma thèse était d’acquérir des connaissances fondamentales sur la thermotolérance de cette espèce, en m’intéressant notamment à la plasticité de la tolérance au froid et aux mécanismes physiologiques sous-jacents à l’acclimatation. J’ai évalué la thermotolérance basale de D. suzukii en soumettant des adultes et des pupes à un large panel de températures (froides et chaudes). Ces expérimentations ont permis de confirmer que cette espèce était intolérante au froid et que des températures supérieures à 32°C impactaient grandement sa survie. Par la suite, j’ai évalué la plasticité de sa tolérance au froid. Mes travaux ont permis de confirmer que sa thermotolérance était effectivement plastique, puisque l’utilisation de températures fluctuantes ou l’acclimatation permettaient de réduire sa mortalité lors d’expositions aux basses températures. L’acclimatation chez D. suzukii était corrélée à de nombreuses modifications physiologiques, telles que l’accumulation de cryoprotecteurs, un réajustement de la composition des phospholipides membranaires et des réserves lipidiques, une régulation des gènes liés à l’activité des transporteurs ioniques ainsi qu’un maintien de l’homéostasie métabolique. Ces modifications, également observées chez d’autres espèces d’insectes, pourraient être liées à l’augmentation de la tolérance au froid de D. suzukii, jouant probablement un rôle important dans sa survie hivernale et donc dans le succès de son invasion. Ces connaissances acquises sur sa thermobiologie contribueront sans doute à mieux cerner les limites physiologiques de cette espèce et prédire l’évolution de son invasion, ainsi que sa phénologie et les variations de populations au cours des saisons dans les zones déjà envahies. Mes résultats ouvrent également des perspectives intéressantes pour la mise en place de techniques de lutte intégrée contre D. suzukii. / Drosophila suzukii is an invasive pest in Europe, North and South America. Unlike other drosophilids, females oviposit in ripe fruits that larvae consume, provoking important damages on fruit productions. The overwintering strategies of this fly are yet poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of my thesis was to acquire new fundamental knowledge about the thermal biology of this fly, and more specifically the plasticity of its thermal tolerance and the physiological mechanisms underpinning cold acclimation. In order to define its basal thermal tolerance, adults and pupae were subjected to a large set of high and low temperatures. My data confirmed that this pest was chill susceptible, and showed that survival was greatly compromised during exposures above 32°C. Next, I evaluated its thermal tolerance plasticity. My data confirmed the high plasticity of its cold tolerance, as fluctuating thermal regimes and acclimation were able to decrease the mortality due to cold exposures. Acclimation in this species was correlate with several physiological adjustments, such as: cryoprotectant accumulation, remodeling of membrane phospholipids and lipidic reserves, upregulation of genes linked with activity of ionic transporters and maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. Those modifications (which are shared among temperate insect species) are likely linked with cold tolerance increase provoked by acclimation. Therefore, these physiological adjustments could play an important role in its overwintering success in Europe and Canada, which can facilitate its invasion in these regions. These new data will participate to a better understanding of its physiological limits, and are thus of importance for predicting the evolution of its invasion front and its phenology and demographic variations in invaded areas. My results are also of interest regarding the set-up of integrated pest management strategies against this fly.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, March 2017. / Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an example of an alien invasive plant, threatening ecosystems around the world. Taking into consideration all the negative impacts caused by the proliferation of water hyacinth, many control measures have been implemented to manage this weed. These include mechanical control, chemical control and biological control. But in recent years, the focus has shifted towards natural enemies for control (biological control) of water hyacinth because they have many advantages for environmental safety. However, in South Africa, success is limited in most parts of the country. Factors affecting the success of biological control of water hyacinth in South Africa have been attributed in part to weather conditions. Therefore, further studies and other strategies are needed to reinforce the biological control of water hyacinth. This is why this research investigated the influences of temperature on Neochetina eichhorniae larvae feeding and development on water hyacinth, to contribute to the future management of water hyacinth biological control. To measure the effect of temperature on the feeding and development of Neochetina eichhorniae larva, experiments were conducted at four fixed temperatures (15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C). Larval feeding is expected to be greater and the development faster at warm temperatures compared with cold temperatures. The results of this study confirmed that, both feeding and larval development increased with an increase in temperature. The highest larval feeding damage was recorded at 30°C and the lowest at 15°C. Similar to the feeding of larvae, warmer temperatures were more favourable to the growth of larvae than cold temperatures; all larvae found at 30°C were in their third instars (with 0.72 mm being the biggest headwidth found) while all larvae at 15°C were in the first instars (with 0.28 mm being the smallest headwidth found). Even if the optimal temperature for larval performance took place at 30 °C (with a high amount of biomass removal), it was at 25 °C that the larvae had a larger effect on the growth of water hyacinth. Larval feeding damage reduced the growth of water hyacinth by 30 % at 25 °C and only affected 24 % of water hyacinth growth at iv 30 °C. Therefore, for the biocontrol of water hyacinth, the ideal temperature to slow the progression of the weed will be recommended at between 25- 30 °C. / LG2017

Thesis (PhD (Agric))--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Biological control studies were conducted with isolates of entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarrhizium anisopliae from Ethiopia and South Africa against the spotted stem borer Chilo partellus. The study was conducted from April 2002 to April 2003, at the department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. The objectives were to screen these isolates for pathogenicity and to determine the susceptibility of different larval instars; to study the effect of temperature on fungal development and virulence; to investigate food consumption of fungus treated larvae; to determine compatibility of fungal isolates with insecticides; to study the effect of exposure methods and diets on larval mortality; and to evaluate promising isolates under greenhouse conditions using artificially infested maize plants. Four isolates of B. bassiana and six isolates of M. anisopliae were tested against second instar larvae. Of these isolates, B. bassiana (BB-01) and M. anisopliae (PPRC-4, PPRC-19, PPRC-61 and EE-01) were found to be highly pathogenic inducing 90 to 100 % mortality seven days after treatment. In subsequent assays, the fungal isolates were tested against third, fourth, fifth and sixth instar larvae. Second and sixth instar larvae were more susceptible to these isolates than third, fourth and fifth instar larvae. Conidial germination, radial growth and sporulation of the isolates PPRC-4, PPRC-19, PPRC-61, EE-01 and BB-01 were retarded at 15 and 35 0C. A suitable temperature range for the isolates was from 20 - 30 0C. At 25 and 30 0C the isolates induced 100 % mortality to second instar larvae within four to six days. Second and third instar C. partellus larvae were treated with the isolates PPRC-4 and BB-01, and daily consumption of maize leaf was measured. Treatment with the fungi was associated with a reduction in mean daily food consumption. In in-vitro studies, five concentrations (0.1 ppm, 1 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm, and 100 ppm active ingredients) of the insecticides benfuracarb and endosulfan were tested with the isolates PPRC-4, PPRC-19, PPRC-16, EE-01 and BB-01. Increasing the concentration of the insecticides adversely affected germination, radial growth and sporulation of the isolates. In in-vivo studies combining the fungi, PPRC-4 and BB-01,with low concentrations (1 and 5 ppm a.i.), of the insecticides increased the mortality of third instar larvae from 65 to 100 %. Larvae sprayed directly with conidia, exposed to conidia treated leaves and dipped into conidial suspensions suffered high mortality of 98 to 100 %. Larvae exposed to treated leaves and larvae sprayed directly with conidia produced high numbers mycoses in cadavers. Exposure of larvae to treated leaves yielded high sporulation. At a low conidial concentration (1.25x107 conidia/ml), mycosis and sporulation were high. The optimum temperature was 20 0C for mycosis and 15 0C for sporulation. In greenhouse trails, a conidial suspension of 2 x 108 conidia/ml of the pathogenic isolates was sprayed on 3 to 4 week-old maize plants infested with 20 second instar larvae per plant. This resulted in suppression of foliar damage. Treatment with the fungi also reduced stem tunneling and deadheart. In addition, fungal treatment increased mean plant fresh and dry biomass compared to untreated control plants. In general, results from laboratory and greenhouse studies indicated that there was good potential for the use of these fungal isolates for controlling C. partellus larvae. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Biologiese beheerstudies is uitgevoer met isolate van die insekpatogeniese swamme, Beauvaria bassiana en Metarrhizium anisopliae teen die gespikkelde stamboorder, Chilo partellus. Die doelwitte was om hierdie isolate te evalueer vir patogenesiteit; die vatbaarheid van verskillende larvale instars teenoor hulle te bepaal; die invloed van temperatuur op swamontwikkeling en virulensie te bepaal; die voedsel inname van swambehandelde larwes te ondersoek; die verenigbaarheid van die swamisolate met insektedoders te bepaal; die invloed van blootstellingsmetodes en diëte op larvale mortaliteit; en om belowende isolate in glashuisproewe te evalueer met gebruik van kunsmatig besmette mielieplante. Vier isolate van B. bassiana en ses isolate van M. anisopliae is teen tweede instar larwes getoets. Uit dié isolate is B. bassiana (BB-01) en M. anisopliae (PPRC-4, PPRC- 19, PPRC-16 en EE-01) as hoogs patogenies bevind. Hulle het 90 tot 100 % mortaliteit na sewe dae veroorsaak. In daaropvolgende essays, is die swamisolate teen derde, vierde, vyfde en sesde instar larwes getoets. Tweede en sesde instar larwes was gevoeliger vir die isolate as die derde, vierde en vyfde instar larwes. Spoorkeming, radiale groei en sporulasie van die isolate PPRC-4, PPRC-19, PPRC-61, EE-01 en BB-01, is by 15 en 35 0C vertraag. ‘n Aanvaarbare temperatuurreeks vir die isolate is vanaf 20 tot 30 0C. By 25 en 30 0C het die isolate 100 % mortaliteit teen tweede instar larwes binne vier tot ses dae geïndusseer. Tweede en derde instar C. partellus larwes is met die isolate PPRC-4 en BB-01 behandel en die daaglikse inname van mielieblare gemeet. Behandeling met die swamme is met ‘n afname in die gemiddelde voedselinname geassosieer In in-vitro studies is vyf konsentrasies (0.1 dpm, 1 dpm, 5 dpm, 10 dpm en 100 dpm aktiewe bestandele) van die insekdoders, benfuracarb en endosulfan getoets saam met die isolate PPRC-4, PPRC-19, PPRC-16, EE-01 en BB-01. ‘n Toename in die konsentrasie van die insekdoders het ontkieming, radiale groei en sporulasie van die isolate benadeel. In in-vitro studies het die kombinering van die die swamme, PPRC-4 en BB-01, met lae konsentrasies (1 en 5 dpm a.b.) van die insekdoders mortaliteit van derde instar larwes vanaf 65 tot 100 % laat toeneem. Larwes wat direk met spore gespuit is, aan behandelde blare blootgestel is en in spoorsuspensies gedoop is het tot hoë mortaliteit gelei, (98 tot 100 %). Blootstelling aan behandelde blare saam met ‘n lae konidiakonsentrasie, 1.25x106 spore/ml) en ‘n temperatuur van 15 tot 20 0C het tot hoë swammikose en sporulasie in kadawers gelei. In glashuisproewe, is ‘n spoorsuspensies van 2 x 108 spores/ml van die patogeniese isolate op 3 tot 4 weekoud mielieplante wat met 20 tweede instar larwes per plant besmet is gespuit. Dit het blaarskade onderdruk. Behandeling met die swamme het ook stamtonnels en dooiehart verminder. Boonop het swambehandeling die vars- en droë plantbiomassa laat toeneem in vergelyking met die onbehandelde kontrole plante. Oor die algemeen het resultate van laboratorium- en glashuisproewe getoon dat daar goeie potensiaal is vir die gebruik van hierdie swamisolate vir die beheer van C. partellus larwes.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Paecilomyces Ii/acinus, ras 251 (geregistreer in terme van wet 36 van 1947 as Suid-Afrika se eerste natuurlike nematisiede en kommersieel beskikbaar as PI Plus) is as biologiese beheer agent getoets by aartappels en in geïntegreerde beheer programme by sitrus en wingerd teen respektiewelik Me/oidogyne species, Ty/enchu/us semipenetrans en verskeie ektoparasitiese nematodes. Die swam toon belofte vir die beheer van hierdie nematodes en het terselfdertyd nie 'n nadelige effek op nie-teiken, voordelige organismes in die grond nie. Veral in kombinasie met chemiese middels, as deel van geïntegreerde programme, kan dit lei tot verminderde gebruik van hoogs toksiese middels en dus meer omgewingsvriendelike landboupraktyke. Biological control of plant parasitic nematodes on potatoes, citrus and grapevine with the fungus, Paecilomyces liIacinus. Paecilomyces liIacinus, race 251 (registered in terms of act 36 of 1947 as South Africa's first natural nematicide, commercially available as PI Plus) was tested as a biological control agent on potatoes and in integrated control programs on citrus and grapevine against Me/oidogyne species, Ty/enchu/us semipenetrans and various ectoparasitic nematodes respectively. The fungus shows promise for the control of these nematodes, without having a harmful effect on non-target, beneficial organisms in the soil. Especially in combination with chemical products, as part of integrated programs, this can lead to less use of highly toxic compounds and thus to more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sedert die ontdekking van die swam, Paeci/omyces Ii/acinus (Thom.) Samson as 'n effektiewe eierparasiet van Meloidogyne incognita acrita en Globodera pal/ida (Jatala et al., 1979) het verdere veldproewe in Peru tot die effektiewe beheer van M. incognita en Tylenchulus semipenetrans gelei. Na verskeie suksesse in Peru is die swam onder verskillende klimaat- en grondkondisies in verskeie ander lande beproef. Die sukses behaal in die Filippyne het gelei tot die kommersiële produksie van die swam onder die handelsnaam Biocon. Anders as met chemiese middels vind die werking van biologiese agente stadig oor tyd plaas. Biologiese beheer sal nie chemiese beheer sonder meer kan vervang nie. Dit behoort egter deel te vorm van geïntegreerde nematode bestuur. Inkorporering van die natuurlike organismes, die oordeelkundige gebruik van chemiese nematisiedes, moontlik in kombinasie met die biobeheer agente, weerstand, en ander kulturele praktyke moet ernstig oorweeg word as ons hoop om die steeds groeiende wêreldbevolking te voed (Jatala, 1986). Paecilomyces liIacinus, ras 251, Suid-Afrika se eerste geregistreerde natuurlike nematisiede, kommersieel beskikbaar as PI Plus, is in die Olifantsrivier besproeiingsgebied geëvalueer vir die bestuur van ekonomies belangrike plantparasitiese nematodes by aartappels, sitrus en wingerd. Hierdie gewasse is belangrike bedryfstakke van die streek en is onderhewig aan skade deur nematodes wat die opbrengs nadelig beïnvloed. Chemiese beheer bied slegs 'n korttermyn oplossing vir nematode probleme en skadelike getalle word in 'n kort tyd weer opgebou. Boonop lei dié hoogs toksiese middels tot agteruitgang van die omgewing en sy waterbronne. Die toenemende besorgdheid hieroor en die groot potensiaal van biologiese beheer agente (Jatala, 1986) was die hoofrede vir die werk waaroor hier gerapporteer word.

Les invasions biologiques sont un fardeau économique important si elles affectent des ressources critiques pour l’alimentation, la sante humaine ou les productions agricoles. Les ravageurs de la pomme de terre sont un challenge économique important tant ce tubercule est un aliment clé dans les pays andins. Il est possible de suivre la dispersion récente de la teigne du Guatemala, T. solanivora en Amérique du Sud depuis son introduction au Vénézuela à sa propagation progressive vers le sud. Par ailleurs, les invasions récentes fournissent un modèle unique pour analyser les processus d’adaptation de tout l’écosystème receveur au nouveau venu. Cette introduction de T. solanivora et sa coexistence avec la teigne endémique Phthorimaea operculella, nous offre la possibilité d’étudier l’adaptation de populations virales inféodées à P. operculella au nouvel hôte T. solanivora. Une étude de terrain a été engagée dans les régions productrices de pomme de terre en Colombie. A partir des larves de T. solanivora collectées sur 5 sites distincts, des infections à granulovirus ont été détectées. Tous les isolats viraux sont apparentés au Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhopGV) précédemment décrit. Des différences de pathogénicité envers les deux hôtes ont été observées. Une variabilité a été détectée pour certains isolats au niveau de deux marqueurs génétiques. Les populations présentant une diversité génétique s’avèrent plus pathogènes sur les deux hôtes que des populations génétiquement homogènes. Elles offrent une opportunité pour le contrôle biologique de ces ravageurs. Des populations artificielles ont été construites pour mimer des populations naturelles mélangées. Elles se comportent de la même manière d’un point de vue biologique, mais l’évolution de la fréquence des marqueurs n’est pas liée à l’efficacité biologique, ce qui suggère que des différences non détectées dans le génome pourraient être responsables de l’adaptation de l’hôte. La productivité des infections dans les deux hôtes a été étudiée car elle est la clé de voute du développement d’un agent de contrôle biologique. Les productivités sur P. operculella (1,36 à 2,69 × 108 OBs/ mg) et T. solanivora (0,48 à 3,64 × 108 OBs/mg) ne sont pas très différentes. Les populations génétiquement mélangées ne se distinguent pas des populations homogènes par leur production totale dans l’un ou l’autre des deux hôtes, cependant, les rendements (production virale/inoculum) montrent des différences claires, les populations mélangées (naturelles ou artificielles) sont plus performantes sur les deux hôtes. Aucune réduction de la pathogénicité sur l’hôte d’origine n’a été observée après plusieurs cycles de réplication de la population virale sur l’hôte alternatif. Les populations virales originellement adaptées à P. operculella ont évolué pour infecter T. solanivora. Dans les régions où les deux hôtes sont présents, les populations virales développent une stratégie pour être efficaces sur les deux hôtes. / Biological invasions constitute an important economical burden when they affect key resources for human alimentation, health or agronomic productions. Potato pests are important as this tuber is a key food source in Andean countries. The recent dispersion of the Guatemalan potato tuber moth, T. solanivora in South America can be traced back to the introduction in Venezuela, with progressive dispersion towards the South. Recent invasions provide, in addition, a unique model to analyse the process of adaptation of the whole receiving ecosystem to the new comers. This introduction of T. solanivora and its coexistence with the endemic potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella offer us the possibility of studying the adaptation to T. solanivora of virus populations infeodated to the later. A survey has been carried out in the potato-producing regions of Colombia. From the T. solanivora larvae collected, granulovirus infections were detected in five different locations. All virus isolates are related to the previously described Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhopGV). Differences in the pathogenicity against the two hosts were observed. Variability was detected in some isolates at two genetic markers. Genetically diverse populations appear to be more pathogenic for both hosts than genetically homogeneous populations. They provide a possible solution for the biological control of these insect pests. Artificial populations were constructed to mimic the mixed natural populations. They behave similarly from a biological point of view, but the evolution of the markers frequencies is not related to the biological efficacy, suggesting that undetected differences in the genomes could be responsible of this host adaptation. The productivity of the infections in both hosts has been studied as it constitutes a key point for the development of a biocontrol agent. The productivity in P. operculella (1.36 to 2.69 × 108 OBs/ mg) and T. solanivora (0.48 to 3.64 × 108 OBs/mg) are not very different. Genotypically mixed populations cannot be differentiated from homogeneous populations by their total production in one or the other host, however, the yields (virus output/doses to infect) show clear differences, mixed populations (natural or artificial) perform better in both hosts. No reduction in the pathogenicity for one host was observed after few cycles of replication of the virus population in the second host. Virus populations originally adapted to P. operculella had evolved to infect T. solanivora. In regions where both host are present, the populations developed a strategy to be efficient on both hosts.

Les rongeurs commensaux sont responsables de grands dommages en agriculture et dans les zones urbaines. En tant qu’espèces invasives, elles peuvent mettre en danger les espèces locales et sont porteurs et vecteurs de plusieurs zoonoses importantes. Les méthodes de contrôle sont basées principalement sur l’utilisation des warfarines, lesquelles produisent un grand nombre d’intoxications sur des espèces non ciblées et ont perdu une partie de leur efficacité à cause des résistances génétiques constatées chez les espèces cibles. De plus, ces méthodes sont considérées comme inhumaines parce qu’elles causent une mort lente et douloureuse par hémorragies. L’olfaction est une source principale d’évaluation des risques présents dans l’environnement pour les rongeurs, avec la perception des signaux chimiques des prédateurs ou signaux de toxicité des plants/nourriture. Cette perception olfactive peut être utilisé pour modifier l’utilisation de l’espace des rongeurs. L’objectif de cette thèse était l’identification des réponses comportementales aux messages chimiques importants (par exemple les signaux chimiques émis par les plantes et les prédateurs) dans l’écologie de la souris domestique (Mus musculus), avec l’utilisation de souches de laboratoire comme modèle des animaux sauvages. Nos résultats ont montré que la souris a évité de façon significative les signaux chimiques complexes du furet et un signal chimique ubiquitaire des plantes, lié à la maturation et la pourriture des aliments (l’éthanol). La protéine du chat Fel d 1, laquelle fait partie de la famille des sécrotoglobines et est un allergène majeur du chat, n’a pas modifié le comportement d’exploration de la souris ou son comportement de recherche et de consommation de nourriture. Le composant chimique des fèces de renard, le TMT a induit un évitement clair et des réponses de stress comme cela a été rapporté dans la littérature. De plus, j’ai fait une revue de la littérature pour évaluer et discuter les méthodes de contrôle des rongeurs d’un point de vue éthique, revue qui a démontré que les méthodes actuelles peuvent être considérés inhumaines et ne correspondent pas aux attentes actuelles de la société et aux standards sur le bien-être dans d’autres domaines comme les élevages de production ou les animaux de laboratoire. Ces résultats ouvrent des nouvelles voies de recherche afin d’identifier les composants chimiques du furet et des plantes liés au comportement d’évitement des rongeurs, les prochaines étapes utilisant des animaux sauvages à la fois en laboratoire et sur le terrain. / Rodent commensal species produce great damage in agriculture and urban areas. As invasive species they can endanger local species and are carriers and vectors of several important zoonoses. Control methods rely mainly on the use of warfarins, which can be inadvertently be taken up by untargeted species. Warfarins have also lost their efficacy in rodents due to the development of genetic resistance. In addition, these methods are considered inhumane as they cause a slow and painful death due to haemorrhages. Olfaction is a main source for environmental risk assessment by rodents, and it can be used to modify their use of space. My aim in this thesis was to identify behavioural reactions of the house mouse (Mus musculus), using laboratory strains as models of wild animals, to ecologically meaningful chemical messages, including predator and plant chemical olfactory cues. My results showed that mice avoided complex ferret olfactory cues and ethanol which is a ubiquitous chemical related to fruit rotting and ripening. The feline protein Fel d 1, which belongs to the secretoglobin family and is a major cat allergen in humans, did not elicit significant avoidance or alter foraging behaviour in mice. However, Trimethylthiazoline purified from fox faeces, elicited clear avoidance behaviour and stress responses. I carried out a bibliographic review to evaluate and discuss rodent pest control methods from an ethical standpoint. This literature showed that many of the current methods of pest control are considered inhumane, and do not tally with current society concerns and welfare standards in other domains such as farms or laboratory animals. These results raise new research questions to identify ferret and plant chemical compounds that can induce rodent avoidance, and to carry out next stage of research with wild animals both under laboratory and field conditions.

Percevejos de cama são insetos de importância em saúde pública pela sua hematofagia obrigatória em todos os estágios de vida em que se alimenta. Cimex lectularius é a espécie mais comum, cosmopolita e antropofílica. Apesar de não serem considerados vetores comprovados de patógenos, suas características biológicas podem torná-los potenciais vetores. Esses insetos residem próximo ao hospedeiro e geram grandes infestações. Desde a década de 1990, observa-se aumento nos relatos de infestações em diversas regiões do mundo. No Brasil a literatura sobre esta praga é muito escassa e a ocorrência de infestações não tem sido sistematicamente registradas. Objetivou-se neste estudo atualizar os conhecimentos sobre percevejos de cama, com enfoque na espécie Cimex lectularius e propor um Guia de Vigilância e Controle. Recorrendo-se a uma busca bibliográfica sobre percevejos de cama nas publicações de 1990 a 2017, atualizaram-se dados de sistemática, distribuição, morfologia, bioecologia, infestação e importância médica. Baseando-se em guias e manuais de vigilância de percevejos de cama de programas de vigilância operantes em outras cidades do mundo e em relatos de casos de infestações, foi elaborado o conteúdo para um Guia de Vigilância e Controle de percevejos de cama, a fim de nortear as ações dos órgãos de vigilância em saúde e subsidiar a instalação de um programa de vigilância entomológica desses insetos. / Bedbugs are insects of importance in public health due to their obligatory hematophagy in all stages of life in which they are fed. Cimex lectularius is the most common, cosmopolitan and anthropophilic species. Although they are not considered proven vectors of pathogens, their biological characteristics may make them potential vectors. These insects live near the host and generate large infestations. Since the 1990s, there has been an increase in reports of infestations in several regions of the world. In Brazil the literature on this pest is very scarce and the occurrence of infestations has not been systematically recorded. The objective of this study was to update the knowledge about bedbugs, focusing on the species Cimex lectularius and to propose a Guide for Surveillance and Control. Using a bibliographical search about bed bugs in the publications from 1990 to 2017, systematics, distribution, morphology, bioecology, infestation and medical importance data were updated. Based on guides and manuals for bedbug surveillance of surveillance programs operating in other cities around the world and in reports of cases of infestations, the contents of a Guide to Bedbug Surveillance and Control were developed in order to guide the actions of health surveillance agencies and subsidize the installation of an entomological surveillance program for these insects.