Orientador: José Carlos Barbosa / Coorientador: Luiz Evaldo de Moura Pádua / Banca: Arlindo Leal Boiça Júnior / Banca: Francisco Jorge Cividanes / Banca: Marília Gregolim Costa / Banca: Eulália Maria Sousa Carvalho / Resumo: O controle de pragas da soja representa até 36,50% do custo de produção. As lagartas desfolhadoras podem comprometer a produção de soja causando desfolhas de até 100%. A dificuldade de controle, associada ao aumento populacional e seriedade dos danos causados colocam a subfamília Plusiinae em destaque nacional, sendo mais abundante a espécie Pseudoplusia includens (Walker). Portanto, objetivou-se com este trabalho estudar a distribuição espacial da P. includens em dois sistemas de cultivo de soja, bem como, elaborar um plano de amostragem sequencial para a praga. Para monitoramento dos insetos foram realizadas coletas semanais através do método do pano de batida. Estudou-se a distribuição espacial do inseto, através de índices de dispersão e testes de ajuste às principais distribuições de probabilidade. Testaram-se os ajustes às distribuições de Poisson e binomial negativa. Os valores dos índices de dispersão, para lagartas de P. includens, em sistema de plantio convencional de soja, indicaram distribuição agregada para as duas categorias de lagartas (pequenas e grandes). Os resultados na área com sistema de plantio direto foram semelhantes. Desta forma, é possível afirmar que lagartas de P. includens apresentaram disposição agregada no campo independentemente do sistema de plantio. Lagartas de P. includens apresentam disposição agregada no campo independentemente do sistema de plantio. O ajuste do número de lagartas coletadas à distribuição de probabilidades binomial negativa possibilitou a elaboração de plano de amostragem sequencial para monitoramento da praga independentemente do sistema de plantio. O número mínimo de unidades amostrais necessário para tomada de decisão é quatro / Abstract: The soybean pest control represents to 36.50% of the cost of production. The defoliating caterpillars may compromise the production of soy causing defoliation of up to 100%. The difficulty of control, with increased population and seriously damage the subfamily Plusiinae put into national prominence, being the most abundant species Pseudoplusia includens (Walker). Therefore, the aim of this work was to study the spatial distribution of P. includens in two systems of land use, as well as develop a sequential sampling plan for the pest. The insects were collected weekly by the ground cloth method. The spatial distribution of the insect was studied, using dispersion indices and testing the main probability distributions. Tested the adjustments to the distributions of Poisson and negative binomial. The values of aggregation index to P. includens larvae in conventionally tilled soybean indicated aggregated distribution for the two categories of larvae (small and large). The results in the area with no-tillage system were similar. Caterpillars of P. includens present aggregate provision in the field regardless of tillage system. Adjusting the number of caterpillars collected the negative binomial probability distribution enabled the development of sequential sampling plan for monitoring the pest regardless of tillage system. The minimum number of sample units required for decision making is four / Doutor

Errata and addenda attached. Bibliography: leaves 195-211. This thesis is concerned with the biology of Eriosoma lanigerum (WAA) and its parasitoid (Aphelinus mali), the impact of the pest on the crop and the effects of pesticides used routinely in South Australian orchards on both woolly apple aphid and the parasitic wasp. The study identifies current management practices of apple growers in South Australia. Aspects of the biology of WAA and A.mali are examined. Work is also done on the toxicity against WAA and A.mali of insecticides used in the control of codling moth and phytophagous mites. The effects of WAA infestation on the growth of young trees are investigated. The seasonal activity of WAA on mature trees is determined over a two season period.

Inter-row mechanical cultivation was proposed as a supplement to or substitute for conventional weed control methods currently used in snap bean, carrot and lettuce production. Several types of cultivators were assessed and compared. The effect of mechanical cultivation on crop yield and quality was studied by counting, weighing and grading bean pods, carrot roots and lettuce heads. The effect of mechanical cultivation on disease incidence was studied by surveying fields during the season and by determining the number and weight of diseased pods, roots and heads at harvest. The relationship between the level of Cercospora blight on carrots and potential impacts on yield was also investigated by measuring plant characteristics and the amount of force needed to separate carrot foliage from root. The effect of mechanical cultivation on the phenology of snap bean flowering was studied by determining how long it took for a plant to produce 50% of its flowers and counting how many flowers and pods a plant produced. In general, mechanical cultivation did not affect normal crop production and may be used to replace or complement conventional weed control methods. There was little variation among different cultivators within one season, but cultivator effects differed among crops and from one year to the next.

In South Africa, 2 primate species, Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) and vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), and 2 nocturnal mammals, Cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), are among many species of crop raiders. Currently, cost-effective, non-lethal solutions are lacking. From June through December 2012, I installed novel electronic scarecrows on two commercial citrus orchards and a private reserve and used video-recording remote cameras to assess cropraiders’ reactions to them in Limpopo Province, South Africa. I used focal animal sampling data from treatment and control group animals to examine differences in activity budgets and behaviors of interest between groups. Compared to animals at sites with an inactive or no scarecrow, I hypothesized that animals in the treatment group would have altered activity budgets and rates of behaviors; that they would forage or feed less, run more (as a result of being frightened), be more vigilant and thus scan their surroundings more often, and display a visible startle in response to stimuli from scarecrows. Bushbuck at treatment sites spent a larger proportion of their activity budget running, and were more often startled. However, foraging was never observed, and bushbuck in the control group scanned their surroundings more often. Porcupines at treatment sites spent a larger portion of their activity budget running, though foraging was only observed in 1 control group animal and looking was never observed. For primates, treatment (control, scarecrow) was meaningful in explaining differences in focal animal activity budgets of baboons (F = 5.49, P = 0.001) and vervet monkeys (F = 7.09, P = 0.001) as indicated by a permutational MANOVA in R. In baboons, treatment was positively correlated with running; ratios of baboons that ran to baboons that did not run differed between treatment groups (G = 15.78, P < 0.001). Treatment was negatively correlated with feeding; ratios of baboons that fed or foraged to baboons that did not feed or forage differed (G = 5.39, P = 0.02). Significant differences between groups of vervet monkeys were not found with G-tests for the same behaviors of interest. Electronic scarecrows are promising tools for human-wildlife conflict mitigation, particularly for nocturnal antelopes. For primates, further innovation in design of scarecrows to incorporate a visual stimulus is recommended.

Errata and addenda attached. / Bibliography: leaves 195-211. / xviii, 211 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / This thesis is concerned with the biology of Eriosoma lanigerum (WAA) and its parasitoid (Aphelinus mali), the impact of the pest on the crop and the effects of pesticides used routinely in South Australian orchards on both woolly apple aphid and the parasitic wasp. The study identifies current management practices of apple growers in South Australia. Aspects of the biology of WAA and A.mali are examined. Work is also done on the toxicity against WAA and A.mali of insecticides used in the control of codling moth and phytophagous mites. The effects of WAA infestation on the growth of young trees are investigated. The seasonal activity of WAA on mature trees is determined over a two season period. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Crop Protection, 1997

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) is an important horticultural crop worldwide and in the Western Cape. The income generated from apple and other deciduous fruit production amounts to approximately 25% of the gross total value of horticultural production in the Western Cape. Unfortunately diseases and pests adversely affect fruit production in this region. Woolly apple aphids (Eriosoma lanigerum L. (Hausmann» have a significant effect on the apple industry in the Western Cape. Damage caused is two-fold, occurring aerially and terrestrially. Insects colonise the plants, feeding off the phloem sap. Aphid infestation around the root system results in repeated infestation of the foliage as it serves as a reservoir of aphids. In extreme cases, the apple cores are also infested, thus affecting the sale of apples. In 1962, Northern Spy was identified as a woolly apple aphid resistant rootstock and has since then formed the basis for traditional rootstock breeding programmes. The Er1 gene in Northern Spy confers resistance. According to one report, the natural resistance of Northern Spy was overcome in South Africa in 1968, but this was not confirmed in an independent study. The main objectives of this study was to firstly identify molecular markers more closely linked to the woolly apple aphid resistance gene, Er1, than existing markers, by applying AFLP technology to selected seedlings, identified to be resistant by conventional phenotyping. If identified, these markers can be incorporated into existing breeding programmes. Secondly, previously identified RAPD and SCAR markers were tested to determine their applicability in local populations for use in breeding programmes. Ultimately the segregation of the Er1 gene in South African populations can be determined if tightly linked markers are identified. Three families were derived from crosses of each of three resistant genotypes, namely Northern Spy, Rootstock 5 and Russian Seedling and a susceptible cultivar, Braeburn. For the three successive years of the study, each resistant genotype was allowed to cross-pollinate in isolation with the susceptible parent. Two hand-pollinated families, Russian Seedling x Liberty and Russian Seedling x Northern Spy, were also included in the study. The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique was used in an attempt to identify markers in the resistant and susceptible seedlings. No markers were identified using this technique. Known sequence characterised amplified regions (SCAR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used due to their suitability in marker-assisted selection for woolly apple aphid resistance. Varying results were obtained with these markers and no conclusive information was acquired with regard to the segregation of the Er] gene in any of these rootstocks and crosses. This underlines the need for the development of markers that can readily be applied in local breeding programmes. The identification and integration of such markers will greatly benefit the local and world wide apple industries. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Appels (Malus x domestica Borkh.) is wêreldwyd en in die Wes-Kaap 'n belangrike landbougewas. Inkomste gegenereer deur appels en ander sagtevrugte vorm bykans 25% van die bruto inkomste uit vrugte in die Wes-Kaap. Siektes en insekpeste verlaag egter die produksie van vrugte in hierdie streek. Appelbloedluise (Eriosoma lanigerum L. (Hausmann» het 'n groot invloed op appelproduksie in die Wes-Kaap. Skade word bogronds en ondergronds aangerig. Insekte koloniseer die plant en leef op floeëmsap. Besmetting van die wortels lei tot herhaalde besmetting van bogrondse dele aangesien die insekte aanteelop die wortels. In uiterste gevalle word die vrugte geaffekteer, wat vrug-verkope beïnvloed. 'Northern Spy' is in 1962 geïdentifiseer as 'n onderstam met natuurlike weerstand teen appelbloedluis en het vir lank die basis gevorm vir tradisionele telingsprogramme. Weerstand word verleen deur die Erf geen. Volgens een verslag is die natuurlike weerstand van Northern Spy egter in 1968 in Suid-Afrika oorkom, maar dit is nog nie in 'n onafhanklike studie bevestig word nie. Die hoof doelstellings van hierdie studie was om eerstens deur middel van die AFLP tegniek molekulêre merkers te identifiseer wat nouer gekoppel is aan die appelbloedluis weerstandsgeen, En, as bestaande merkers. Hierdie tegniek is toegepas op saailinge wat deur konvensionele fenotipering geselekteer is. Indien merkers suksesvol geïdentifiseer is, kan dit in bestaande telingsprogramme geïntegreer word. Tweedens is bestaande RAPD en SCAR merkers ook getoets om hul toepaslikheid te bepaal vir gebruik in plaaslike teelprogramme. Oplaas sal die segregasie van die Erf geen in Suid- Afrikaanse populasies ook deur middel van nou gekoppelde merkers bepaal kan word. Kruisings van elk van die drie weerstandbiedende genotipes, naamlik 'Northern Spy', 'Rootstock 5' en 'Russian Seedling', en die vatbare kultivar, 'Braeburn' , het drie families daargestel. Elke weerstandbiedende genotipe is toegelaat om in isolasie te kruisbestuif met die vatbare ouer. Twee hand-bestuifde families, 'Russian Seedling' x 'Liberty' en 'Russian Seedling' x 'Northern Spy', is in 'n latere stadium van die studie ingesluit. Die AFLP tegniek is gebruik vir die identifikasie van polimorfiese merkers tussen vatbare en weerstandbiedende populasies. Geen merkers is egter geïdentifiseer nie. Bestaande SCAR en RAPD merkers is vervolgens gebruik om te bepaal of hulle geskik is vir gebruik in merker-bemiddelde seleksie vir appelbloedluis weerstand. Wisselende resultate is verkry ten opsigte van amplifikasie, herhaalbaarheid van resultate was swak en geen onweerlegbare bewyse oor die segregasie van die Erfgeen is bekom nie. Dit beklemtoon die noodsaaklikheid om merkers wat geredelik in plaaslike teelprogramme toegepas kan word, te ontwikkel. Die identifikasie en integrasie van sulke merkers sal die plaaslike en wêreld-wye appel industrieë aansienlik bevoordeel.

Thesis (MscAgric (Horticulture))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The occurrence of both pre- and postharvest leaf blackening in certain Protea species and cultivars is a problem that severely limits their marketability, vase life and transport options. This research focuses on : (I) The distribution of carbohydrates in inflorescence bearing stems of certain Protea cultivars from harvest, following pulsing with a 10 g.L-1 glucose solution until four weeks postharvest. Stems were held under a variety of postharvest conditions, and (II) The suppression of Protea postharvest leaf blackening with specific focus on the cultivar ‘Sylvia’ (P. eximia x P. susannae).

Four trap crops were tested for their ability to intercept stinkbugs (Heteroptera pentatomidae) in a cucurbit field crop at Waterpoort, Limpopo Province. The experimental trap crops were: Sunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea), okra (Abelmoschus esculentum), mustard mixture (Brassica hirta and Brassica juncea) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). The surveys were based on visual counts of stinkbugs from all the trap crops. Stinkbugs were collected from trap crops in a field crop trial of cantaloupe (Cucumis melo). The correlation between Brassica hirta and Brassica juncea with other trap crops had a great variance. The repeated B. hirta and B. juncea inner row experiment in 2012 interestingly lured the green stinkbug (Nezara viridula) into the cantaloupe field. Amongst the entire trap crops, stinkbugs recovered from Brassica hirta and Bassica juncea, exceeded the average of the other three trap crops. The number of adult N. viridula captured had significantly increased in March 2012 and started to drop on the B. hirta and B. juncea mixture in the first week of April. During this increase, the crops were at the seeding stage. The perimeter trap-cropping system practiced for all four trap crops varied in the attraction of stinkbugs along the perimeter of the field and inner row. B. hirta and B. juncea attracted a high number of N. viridula along the perimeter but fewer in the inner row. The B. hirta and B. juncea recorded the highest number of N. viridula in the inner rows and outer rows, compared to the other four trap crops, followed by V. ungiuculata. This study has demonstrated a significant potential of using trap crops as biological alternative for managing stinkbug pests in cucurbit crops. / Agriculture and  Animal Health / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

Mozambique has potential to boost its banana exports. To fully realise this, agronomic practices in production should be fully developed to combat physiological disorders associated with banana within the region. Currently, lower temperatures are being experienced in some production sites, consequently affecting yield and quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate use of bunch protection covers on banana cultivars Grand Nain and Williams banana cultivars, for performance under different fruit protection materials to determine best fruit protection bag suitable for Metocheria, Nampula. Plants were not selected near plantation borders, drainage canals, cable way and roads, as this would influence the growth pattern of plants and fruit development. Treatments consisted of control (no bag on bunches), white perforated polyethylene, white non-perforated polyethylene, blue perforated polyethylene, blue non perforated polyethylene, green perforated polyethylene, green polyethylene non perforated and cheese cloth bags arranged in a complete randomised block designed CRBD with 26 plants replicated eight times. During 2012/2013, bagging treatments did not considerably improve weight in hands, banana finger weight, total fruit weight, marketable weight and percentage marketable fruit weight and box stem ratio (BSR) of Grand Nain. However there was reduction of fruit defects in all bagging treatments compared to control (no bags). In Williams during the 2013 season bagging treatments improved weight but no significant differences were observed on weight of hands in 2012. Bagging of banana bunches reduce defects in both seasons. Both green and blue perforated bags improved box stem ratio. Bagging treatments increased Williams‟s cultivar yield (per ton) in both seasons / Agriculture and  Animal Health / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-07-27Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:55:59Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 nunes_bm_me_jabo.pdf: 266143 bytes, checksum: f9d63d42205c345e08635a99df4a18df (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / As medidas de controle utilizadas no controle de Sphenophorus levis ainda são consideradas insuficientes e alguns dos inseticidas utilizados tem demonstrado efeito fisiológico na cana. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram avaliar em condições de campo, a eficiência de inseticidas (imidaclorpide, etiprole, - cipermetrina, tiametoxam+ -cialotrina e mistura dos fungos entomopatogênicos Beauveria bassiana+Metarhizium anisopliae) no controle de adultos do S. levis e os efeitos dos inseticidas sobre a qualidade da matéria-prima sadia, analisando-se parâmetros convencionais (Brix, Pureza, Pol, ART, AR, ATR e Fibra) e nãoconvencionais (acidez total e volátil, compostos fenólicos e nutrientes) e a microbiota presente durante a fermentação etanólica. Não foi observada eficiência dos inseticidas no controle de adultos de Sphenophorus levis. O inseticida tiametoxam+ -cialotrina provocou atraso na maturação da cana-de-açúcar, indicada através dos resultados obtidos para os parâmetros convencionais (Pol, Pureza, ART, AR e ATR), não-convencionais (acidez total e teores de nutrientes), e microbiológicos (número de micro-organismos totais, fungos e leveduras no mosto). Os micro-organismos contaminantes não afetaram as leveduras durante a fermentação etanólica. A aplicação do inseticida etiprole na cana-de-açúcar resultou em melhor qualidade da matéria-prima e menor impacto sobre a viabilidade dos brotos durante a fermentação etanólica / The control measures used to Sphenophorus levis are not still enought and moreover, some of the insecticides have demonstrated physiological effect on sugarcane. The objectives of this research were evaluate the insecticides effect (imidacloprid, ethiprole, -cypermethrin and thiamethoxam+ -cyhalotrin and mixing of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana + Metarhizium anisopliae) on S. levis adults under field conditions and the insecticides effects upon sugarcane quality, analyzing conventional parameters (Brix, Purity, Pol, ART, AR, ATR and fiber) and non-conventional (total and volatile acidity, phenolic compounds and nutrients), and microbiota during ethanolic fermentation. The insecticides were not efficient to control adults of Sphenophorus levis. The insecticide thiamethoxam + -cyhalothrin caused delay in sugarcane crop maturity, as shown by the results obtained for the conventional parameters (Pol, Purity, ART, AR and ATR), non-conventional (and total acidity levels nutrients) and microbiological (number of total microrganisms, fungi and yeast in wort). The microbial contaminants found in sugarcane juice did not interfere upon the yeast dynamic during ethanolic fermentation. The sugarcane treated with insecticide etiprole showed higher results for the quality parameters and reduced negative impacts on yeast bud viability present during ethanolic fermentation