This study investigated the potential of companion planting as a strategy to aid in the management of Helicoverpa armigera in tomato and capsicum cropping systems. The investigaitons showed that a companion planting type system is unlikely to confer any benefits to the management of H. armigera in these crops. The project has contributed to the understanding of H. armigera host selection and how the pest responds to a diversified environment. Companion planting and vegetational diversity are strategies for reducing pest incidence on crops. Many theories have been devised to explain how introducing more than one plant species to a cropping space may reduce the incidence of a pest. Five ecological theories formed the basis of experiments in this study: The resource concentration hypothesis - Herbivores are more likely to find and remain on hosts that are growing in dense or nearly pure stands (Root, 1973). Associational resistance/Plant apparency - Crop plants grown as monocultures are more apparent to herbivorous insects than plants in diverse natural systems (Tahvanainen and Root, 1972). Trap cropping – the use of plants within a cropping area to attract oviposition away from the main crop (Banks and Ekbom, 1999). The ability of H. armigera to learn in regard to host seleciton (Cunningham et al., 1998a). The natural enemies hypothesis - generalist and specialist natural enemies are expected to be more abundant in diverse rather than simple systems (Root, 1973) A tall variety of sorghum (the forage variety Chopper) was tested for its ability to disrupt host location. Sorghum was planted around plots of tomatoes to act as a screen to disrupt visual cues for host location by Helicoverpa spp. No difference was found in egg numbers on tomatoes with or without sorghum companions. However, significantly higher numbers of Helicoverpa spp. larvae were found in the sorghum at flowering than in the tomatoes. This suggested the sorghum was acting as a trap crop, diverting oviposition away from the tomato crop. However, due to a short period of flowering and therefore peak attractiveness to H. armigera, sorghum was not considered to be a suitable companion plant for inclusion in commercial tomato production systems. A host preference study was conducted to determine the preferences of H. armigera for crop plants and possible companions in the hope of finding a suitable trap crop species. Tomatoes were shown to be a highly preferred plant making it difficult to find a compatible trap crop species that would be more attractive than the main crop. However, capsicums were less prefered and therefore more suitable for this type of experimentation. Marigolds were also found to be a highly preferred plant and formed the basis for further investigations into trap cropping systems. Field experiments were conducted in successive years in two geographical locations to assess the suitability of marigolds as a trap crop for capsicums in a field situation. However, in both years H. armigera incidence was extremely and unusually low leading to inconclusive results. A glasshouse experiment was performed to assess if the ratio of capsicum plants to marigolds plants had an effect on which species H. armigera would choose for oviposition. It was found that as more capsicum plants were introduced, moths became less likely to oviposit on the supposedly more preferred marigold plant. The diminishing attractiveness of a more preferred host in the presence of other hosts is a new observation of H. armigera behaviour. This result suggests that marigolds would be unlikely to be a successful trap crop in a field situation. The ability of H. armigera to learn in regard to host selection and the influence of this on host selection in the field was investigated. No evidence of learning was found. This was the first study investigating the effect of learning in a field situation; previously the behaviour had only been investigated in a laboratory situation (Cunningham, et al. 1998a). The ability of the Australian assassin bug, Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to predate H. armigera larvae on capsicum plants was investigated. This predator has been sucessfully been used for H. armigera management in cotton (Grundy, 2000b), but had not been investigated in horticultural crops. Significant reductions in larvae were achieved in treatments where assassin bugs were introduced. This predator warrants further investigation for inclusion in commercial integrated pest managment programs for capsicums. Pest repellent plants were also considered. Previous to this study, very little research work had been conducted on repellent plants for H. armigera. The herbs investigated were catnip (Nepta cataria), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), basil (Ocium basilicum) and coriander (Coriander sativum). An olfactometer system was designed and built to test H. armigera moths’ responses to odours from the herbs. Glasshouse experiments were also conducted. No repellent activity was recorded with any of the herbs tested. The results of this study support the theory that Helicoverpa spp. employ a strategy of passive host selection as suggested by Firempong (1986). This means that all available plants in an area may be oviposited on with successful ovipostion and larval development leading to the future utilisation of a species as a host plant. The implication of this finding is that in-field trap cropping is unlikely to be a successful strategy for reducing H. armigera oviposition in tomato or capsicum production systems in Australia. In cotton crops in Australia, trap cropping is used as part of an area wide management strategy and aims to reduce the total Helicoverpa spp. population of a region. Such a strategy may also be successful in horticultural crops but only with the full participation of the growers of all crops that are attractive to H. armigera in a horticultural growing region. Due to the diverse nature of horticultural production this may be a difficult task.

This study investigated the potential of companion planting as a strategy to aid in the management of Helicoverpa armigera in tomato and capsicum cropping systems. The investigaitons showed that a companion planting type system is unlikely to confer any benefits to the management of H. armigera in these crops. The project has contributed to the understanding of H. armigera host selection and how the pest responds to a diversified environment. Companion planting and vegetational diversity are strategies for reducing pest incidence on crops. Many theories have been devised to explain how introducing more than one plant species to a cropping space may reduce the incidence of a pest. Five ecological theories formed the basis of experiments in this study: The resource concentration hypothesis - Herbivores are more likely to find and remain on hosts that are growing in dense or nearly pure stands (Root, 1973). Associational resistance/Plant apparency - Crop plants grown as monocultures are more apparent to herbivorous insects than plants in diverse natural systems (Tahvanainen and Root, 1972). Trap cropping – the use of plants within a cropping area to attract oviposition away from the main crop (Banks and Ekbom, 1999). The ability of H. armigera to learn in regard to host seleciton (Cunningham et al., 1998a). The natural enemies hypothesis - generalist and specialist natural enemies are expected to be more abundant in diverse rather than simple systems (Root, 1973) A tall variety of sorghum (the forage variety Chopper) was tested for its ability to disrupt host location. Sorghum was planted around plots of tomatoes to act as a screen to disrupt visual cues for host location by Helicoverpa spp. No difference was found in egg numbers on tomatoes with or without sorghum companions. However, significantly higher numbers of Helicoverpa spp. larvae were found in the sorghum at flowering than in the tomatoes. This suggested the sorghum was acting as a trap crop, diverting oviposition away from the tomato crop. However, due to a short period of flowering and therefore peak attractiveness to H. armigera, sorghum was not considered to be a suitable companion plant for inclusion in commercial tomato production systems. A host preference study was conducted to determine the preferences of H. armigera for crop plants and possible companions in the hope of finding a suitable trap crop species. Tomatoes were shown to be a highly preferred plant making it difficult to find a compatible trap crop species that would be more attractive than the main crop. However, capsicums were less prefered and therefore more suitable for this type of experimentation. Marigolds were also found to be a highly preferred plant and formed the basis for further investigations into trap cropping systems. Field experiments were conducted in successive years in two geographical locations to assess the suitability of marigolds as a trap crop for capsicums in a field situation. However, in both years H. armigera incidence was extremely and unusually low leading to inconclusive results. A glasshouse experiment was performed to assess if the ratio of capsicum plants to marigolds plants had an effect on which species H. armigera would choose for oviposition. It was found that as more capsicum plants were introduced, moths became less likely to oviposit on the supposedly more preferred marigold plant. The diminishing attractiveness of a more preferred host in the presence of other hosts is a new observation of H. armigera behaviour. This result suggests that marigolds would be unlikely to be a successful trap crop in a field situation. The ability of H. armigera to learn in regard to host selection and the influence of this on host selection in the field was investigated. No evidence of learning was found. This was the first study investigating the effect of learning in a field situation; previously the behaviour had only been investigated in a laboratory situation (Cunningham, et al. 1998a). The ability of the Australian assassin bug, Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to predate H. armigera larvae on capsicum plants was investigated. This predator has been sucessfully been used for H. armigera management in cotton (Grundy, 2000b), but had not been investigated in horticultural crops. Significant reductions in larvae were achieved in treatments where assassin bugs were introduced. This predator warrants further investigation for inclusion in commercial integrated pest managment programs for capsicums. Pest repellent plants were also considered. Previous to this study, very little research work had been conducted on repellent plants for H. armigera. The herbs investigated were catnip (Nepta cataria), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), basil (Ocium basilicum) and coriander (Coriander sativum). An olfactometer system was designed and built to test H. armigera moths’ responses to odours from the herbs. Glasshouse experiments were also conducted. No repellent activity was recorded with any of the herbs tested. The results of this study support the theory that Helicoverpa spp. employ a strategy of passive host selection as suggested by Firempong (1986). This means that all available plants in an area may be oviposited on with successful ovipostion and larval development leading to the future utilisation of a species as a host plant. The implication of this finding is that in-field trap cropping is unlikely to be a successful strategy for reducing H. armigera oviposition in tomato or capsicum production systems in Australia. In cotton crops in Australia, trap cropping is used as part of an area wide management strategy and aims to reduce the total Helicoverpa spp. population of a region. Such a strategy may also be successful in horticultural crops but only with the full participation of the growers of all crops that are attractive to H. armigera in a horticultural growing region. Due to the diverse nature of horticultural production this may be a difficult task.

This study investigated the potential of companion planting as a strategy to aid in the management of Helicoverpa armigera in tomato and capsicum cropping systems. The investigaitons showed that a companion planting type system is unlikely to confer any benefits to the management of H. armigera in these crops. The project has contributed to the understanding of H. armigera host selection and how the pest responds to a diversified environment. Companion planting and vegetational diversity are strategies for reducing pest incidence on crops. Many theories have been devised to explain how introducing more than one plant species to a cropping space may reduce the incidence of a pest. Five ecological theories formed the basis of experiments in this study: The resource concentration hypothesis - Herbivores are more likely to find and remain on hosts that are growing in dense or nearly pure stands (Root, 1973). Associational resistance/Plant apparency - Crop plants grown as monocultures are more apparent to herbivorous insects than plants in diverse natural systems (Tahvanainen and Root, 1972). Trap cropping – the use of plants within a cropping area to attract oviposition away from the main crop (Banks and Ekbom, 1999). The ability of H. armigera to learn in regard to host seleciton (Cunningham et al., 1998a). The natural enemies hypothesis - generalist and specialist natural enemies are expected to be more abundant in diverse rather than simple systems (Root, 1973) A tall variety of sorghum (the forage variety Chopper) was tested for its ability to disrupt host location. Sorghum was planted around plots of tomatoes to act as a screen to disrupt visual cues for host location by Helicoverpa spp. No difference was found in egg numbers on tomatoes with or without sorghum companions. However, significantly higher numbers of Helicoverpa spp. larvae were found in the sorghum at flowering than in the tomatoes. This suggested the sorghum was acting as a trap crop, diverting oviposition away from the tomato crop. However, due to a short period of flowering and therefore peak attractiveness to H. armigera, sorghum was not considered to be a suitable companion plant for inclusion in commercial tomato production systems. A host preference study was conducted to determine the preferences of H. armigera for crop plants and possible companions in the hope of finding a suitable trap crop species. Tomatoes were shown to be a highly preferred plant making it difficult to find a compatible trap crop species that would be more attractive than the main crop. However, capsicums were less prefered and therefore more suitable for this type of experimentation. Marigolds were also found to be a highly preferred plant and formed the basis for further investigations into trap cropping systems. Field experiments were conducted in successive years in two geographical locations to assess the suitability of marigolds as a trap crop for capsicums in a field situation. However, in both years H. armigera incidence was extremely and unusually low leading to inconclusive results. A glasshouse experiment was performed to assess if the ratio of capsicum plants to marigolds plants had an effect on which species H. armigera would choose for oviposition. It was found that as more capsicum plants were introduced, moths became less likely to oviposit on the supposedly more preferred marigold plant. The diminishing attractiveness of a more preferred host in the presence of other hosts is a new observation of H. armigera behaviour. This result suggests that marigolds would be unlikely to be a successful trap crop in a field situation. The ability of H. armigera to learn in regard to host selection and the influence of this on host selection in the field was investigated. No evidence of learning was found. This was the first study investigating the effect of learning in a field situation; previously the behaviour had only been investigated in a laboratory situation (Cunningham, et al. 1998a). The ability of the Australian assassin bug, Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to predate H. armigera larvae on capsicum plants was investigated. This predator has been sucessfully been used for H. armigera management in cotton (Grundy, 2000b), but had not been investigated in horticultural crops. Significant reductions in larvae were achieved in treatments where assassin bugs were introduced. This predator warrants further investigation for inclusion in commercial integrated pest managment programs for capsicums. Pest repellent plants were also considered. Previous to this study, very little research work had been conducted on repellent plants for H. armigera. The herbs investigated were catnip (Nepta cataria), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), basil (Ocium basilicum) and coriander (Coriander sativum). An olfactometer system was designed and built to test H. armigera moths’ responses to odours from the herbs. Glasshouse experiments were also conducted. No repellent activity was recorded with any of the herbs tested. The results of this study support the theory that Helicoverpa spp. employ a strategy of passive host selection as suggested by Firempong (1986). This means that all available plants in an area may be oviposited on with successful ovipostion and larval development leading to the future utilisation of a species as a host plant. The implication of this finding is that in-field trap cropping is unlikely to be a successful strategy for reducing H. armigera oviposition in tomato or capsicum production systems in Australia. In cotton crops in Australia, trap cropping is used as part of an area wide management strategy and aims to reduce the total Helicoverpa spp. population of a region. Such a strategy may also be successful in horticultural crops but only with the full participation of the growers of all crops that are attractive to H. armigera in a horticultural growing region. Due to the diverse nature of horticultural production this may be a difficult task.

This study investigated the potential of companion planting as a strategy to aid in the management of Helicoverpa armigera in tomato and capsicum cropping systems. The investigaitons showed that a companion planting type system is unlikely to confer any benefits to the management of H. armigera in these crops. The project has contributed to the understanding of H. armigera host selection and how the pest responds to a diversified environment. Companion planting and vegetational diversity are strategies for reducing pest incidence on crops. Many theories have been devised to explain how introducing more than one plant species to a cropping space may reduce the incidence of a pest. Five ecological theories formed the basis of experiments in this study: The resource concentration hypothesis - Herbivores are more likely to find and remain on hosts that are growing in dense or nearly pure stands (Root, 1973). Associational resistance/Plant apparency - Crop plants grown as monocultures are more apparent to herbivorous insects than plants in diverse natural systems (Tahvanainen and Root, 1972). Trap cropping – the use of plants within a cropping area to attract oviposition away from the main crop (Banks and Ekbom, 1999). The ability of H. armigera to learn in regard to host seleciton (Cunningham et al., 1998a). The natural enemies hypothesis - generalist and specialist natural enemies are expected to be more abundant in diverse rather than simple systems (Root, 1973) A tall variety of sorghum (the forage variety Chopper) was tested for its ability to disrupt host location. Sorghum was planted around plots of tomatoes to act as a screen to disrupt visual cues for host location by Helicoverpa spp. No difference was found in egg numbers on tomatoes with or without sorghum companions. However, significantly higher numbers of Helicoverpa spp. larvae were found in the sorghum at flowering than in the tomatoes. This suggested the sorghum was acting as a trap crop, diverting oviposition away from the tomato crop. However, due to a short period of flowering and therefore peak attractiveness to H. armigera, sorghum was not considered to be a suitable companion plant for inclusion in commercial tomato production systems. A host preference study was conducted to determine the preferences of H. armigera for crop plants and possible companions in the hope of finding a suitable trap crop species. Tomatoes were shown to be a highly preferred plant making it difficult to find a compatible trap crop species that would be more attractive than the main crop. However, capsicums were less prefered and therefore more suitable for this type of experimentation. Marigolds were also found to be a highly preferred plant and formed the basis for further investigations into trap cropping systems. Field experiments were conducted in successive years in two geographical locations to assess the suitability of marigolds as a trap crop for capsicums in a field situation. However, in both years H. armigera incidence was extremely and unusually low leading to inconclusive results. A glasshouse experiment was performed to assess if the ratio of capsicum plants to marigolds plants had an effect on which species H. armigera would choose for oviposition. It was found that as more capsicum plants were introduced, moths became less likely to oviposit on the supposedly more preferred marigold plant. The diminishing attractiveness of a more preferred host in the presence of other hosts is a new observation of H. armigera behaviour. This result suggests that marigolds would be unlikely to be a successful trap crop in a field situation. The ability of H. armigera to learn in regard to host selection and the influence of this on host selection in the field was investigated. No evidence of learning was found. This was the first study investigating the effect of learning in a field situation; previously the behaviour had only been investigated in a laboratory situation (Cunningham, et al. 1998a). The ability of the Australian assassin bug, Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to predate H. armigera larvae on capsicum plants was investigated. This predator has been sucessfully been used for H. armigera management in cotton (Grundy, 2000b), but had not been investigated in horticultural crops. Significant reductions in larvae were achieved in treatments where assassin bugs were introduced. This predator warrants further investigation for inclusion in commercial integrated pest managment programs for capsicums. Pest repellent plants were also considered. Previous to this study, very little research work had been conducted on repellent plants for H. armigera. The herbs investigated were catnip (Nepta cataria), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), basil (Ocium basilicum) and coriander (Coriander sativum). An olfactometer system was designed and built to test H. armigera moths’ responses to odours from the herbs. Glasshouse experiments were also conducted. No repellent activity was recorded with any of the herbs tested. The results of this study support the theory that Helicoverpa spp. employ a strategy of passive host selection as suggested by Firempong (1986). This means that all available plants in an area may be oviposited on with successful ovipostion and larval development leading to the future utilisation of a species as a host plant. The implication of this finding is that in-field trap cropping is unlikely to be a successful strategy for reducing H. armigera oviposition in tomato or capsicum production systems in Australia. In cotton crops in Australia, trap cropping is used as part of an area wide management strategy and aims to reduce the total Helicoverpa spp. population of a region. Such a strategy may also be successful in horticultural crops but only with the full participation of the growers of all crops that are attractive to H. armigera in a horticultural growing region. Due to the diverse nature of horticultural production this may be a difficult task.

This study investigated the potential of companion planting as a strategy to aid in the management of Helicoverpa armigera in tomato and capsicum cropping systems. The investigaitons showed that a companion planting type system is unlikely to confer any benefits to the management of H. armigera in these crops. The project has contributed to the understanding of H. armigera host selection and how the pest responds to a diversified environment. Companion planting and vegetational diversity are strategies for reducing pest incidence on crops. Many theories have been devised to explain how introducing more than one plant species to a cropping space may reduce the incidence of a pest. Five ecological theories formed the basis of experiments in this study: The resource concentration hypothesis - Herbivores are more likely to find and remain on hosts that are growing in dense or nearly pure stands (Root, 1973). Associational resistance/Plant apparency - Crop plants grown as monocultures are more apparent to herbivorous insects than plants in diverse natural systems (Tahvanainen and Root, 1972). Trap cropping – the use of plants within a cropping area to attract oviposition away from the main crop (Banks and Ekbom, 1999). The ability of H. armigera to learn in regard to host seleciton (Cunningham et al., 1998a). The natural enemies hypothesis - generalist and specialist natural enemies are expected to be more abundant in diverse rather than simple systems (Root, 1973) A tall variety of sorghum (the forage variety Chopper) was tested for its ability to disrupt host location. Sorghum was planted around plots of tomatoes to act as a screen to disrupt visual cues for host location by Helicoverpa spp. No difference was found in egg numbers on tomatoes with or without sorghum companions. However, significantly higher numbers of Helicoverpa spp. larvae were found in the sorghum at flowering than in the tomatoes. This suggested the sorghum was acting as a trap crop, diverting oviposition away from the tomato crop. However, due to a short period of flowering and therefore peak attractiveness to H. armigera, sorghum was not considered to be a suitable companion plant for inclusion in commercial tomato production systems. A host preference study was conducted to determine the preferences of H. armigera for crop plants and possible companions in the hope of finding a suitable trap crop species. Tomatoes were shown to be a highly preferred plant making it difficult to find a compatible trap crop species that would be more attractive than the main crop. However, capsicums were less prefered and therefore more suitable for this type of experimentation. Marigolds were also found to be a highly preferred plant and formed the basis for further investigations into trap cropping systems. Field experiments were conducted in successive years in two geographical locations to assess the suitability of marigolds as a trap crop for capsicums in a field situation. However, in both years H. armigera incidence was extremely and unusually low leading to inconclusive results. A glasshouse experiment was performed to assess if the ratio of capsicum plants to marigolds plants had an effect on which species H. armigera would choose for oviposition. It was found that as more capsicum plants were introduced, moths became less likely to oviposit on the supposedly more preferred marigold plant. The diminishing attractiveness of a more preferred host in the presence of other hosts is a new observation of H. armigera behaviour. This result suggests that marigolds would be unlikely to be a successful trap crop in a field situation. The ability of H. armigera to learn in regard to host selection and the influence of this on host selection in the field was investigated. No evidence of learning was found. This was the first study investigating the effect of learning in a field situation; previously the behaviour had only been investigated in a laboratory situation (Cunningham, et al. 1998a). The ability of the Australian assassin bug, Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to predate H. armigera larvae on capsicum plants was investigated. This predator has been sucessfully been used for H. armigera management in cotton (Grundy, 2000b), but had not been investigated in horticultural crops. Significant reductions in larvae were achieved in treatments where assassin bugs were introduced. This predator warrants further investigation for inclusion in commercial integrated pest managment programs for capsicums. Pest repellent plants were also considered. Previous to this study, very little research work had been conducted on repellent plants for H. armigera. The herbs investigated were catnip (Nepta cataria), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), basil (Ocium basilicum) and coriander (Coriander sativum). An olfactometer system was designed and built to test H. armigera moths’ responses to odours from the herbs. Glasshouse experiments were also conducted. No repellent activity was recorded with any of the herbs tested. The results of this study support the theory that Helicoverpa spp. employ a strategy of passive host selection as suggested by Firempong (1986). This means that all available plants in an area may be oviposited on with successful ovipostion and larval development leading to the future utilisation of a species as a host plant. The implication of this finding is that in-field trap cropping is unlikely to be a successful strategy for reducing H. armigera oviposition in tomato or capsicum production systems in Australia. In cotton crops in Australia, trap cropping is used as part of an area wide management strategy and aims to reduce the total Helicoverpa spp. population of a region. Such a strategy may also be successful in horticultural crops but only with the full participation of the growers of all crops that are attractive to H. armigera in a horticultural growing region. Due to the diverse nature of horticultural production this may be a difficult task.

This study investigated the potential of companion planting as a strategy to aid in the management of Helicoverpa armigera in tomato and capsicum cropping systems. The investigaitons showed that a companion planting type system is unlikely to confer any benefits to the management of H. armigera in these crops. The project has contributed to the understanding of H. armigera host selection and how the pest responds to a diversified environment. Companion planting and vegetational diversity are strategies for reducing pest incidence on crops. Many theories have been devised to explain how introducing more than one plant species to a cropping space may reduce the incidence of a pest. Five ecological theories formed the basis of experiments in this study: The resource concentration hypothesis - Herbivores are more likely to find and remain on hosts that are growing in dense or nearly pure stands (Root, 1973). Associational resistance/Plant apparency - Crop plants grown as monocultures are more apparent to herbivorous insects than plants in diverse natural systems (Tahvanainen and Root, 1972). Trap cropping – the use of plants within a cropping area to attract oviposition away from the main crop (Banks and Ekbom, 1999). The ability of H. armigera to learn in regard to host seleciton (Cunningham et al., 1998a). The natural enemies hypothesis - generalist and specialist natural enemies are expected to be more abundant in diverse rather than simple systems (Root, 1973) A tall variety of sorghum (the forage variety Chopper) was tested for its ability to disrupt host location. Sorghum was planted around plots of tomatoes to act as a screen to disrupt visual cues for host location by Helicoverpa spp. No difference was found in egg numbers on tomatoes with or without sorghum companions. However, significantly higher numbers of Helicoverpa spp. larvae were found in the sorghum at flowering than in the tomatoes. This suggested the sorghum was acting as a trap crop, diverting oviposition away from the tomato crop. However, due to a short period of flowering and therefore peak attractiveness to H. armigera, sorghum was not considered to be a suitable companion plant for inclusion in commercial tomato production systems. A host preference study was conducted to determine the preferences of H. armigera for crop plants and possible companions in the hope of finding a suitable trap crop species. Tomatoes were shown to be a highly preferred plant making it difficult to find a compatible trap crop species that would be more attractive than the main crop. However, capsicums were less prefered and therefore more suitable for this type of experimentation. Marigolds were also found to be a highly preferred plant and formed the basis for further investigations into trap cropping systems. Field experiments were conducted in successive years in two geographical locations to assess the suitability of marigolds as a trap crop for capsicums in a field situation. However, in both years H. armigera incidence was extremely and unusually low leading to inconclusive results. A glasshouse experiment was performed to assess if the ratio of capsicum plants to marigolds plants had an effect on which species H. armigera would choose for oviposition. It was found that as more capsicum plants were introduced, moths became less likely to oviposit on the supposedly more preferred marigold plant. The diminishing attractiveness of a more preferred host in the presence of other hosts is a new observation of H. armigera behaviour. This result suggests that marigolds would be unlikely to be a successful trap crop in a field situation. The ability of H. armigera to learn in regard to host selection and the influence of this on host selection in the field was investigated. No evidence of learning was found. This was the first study investigating the effect of learning in a field situation; previously the behaviour had only been investigated in a laboratory situation (Cunningham, et al. 1998a). The ability of the Australian assassin bug, Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to predate H. armigera larvae on capsicum plants was investigated. This predator has been sucessfully been used for H. armigera management in cotton (Grundy, 2000b), but had not been investigated in horticultural crops. Significant reductions in larvae were achieved in treatments where assassin bugs were introduced. This predator warrants further investigation for inclusion in commercial integrated pest managment programs for capsicums. Pest repellent plants were also considered. Previous to this study, very little research work had been conducted on repellent plants for H. armigera. The herbs investigated were catnip (Nepta cataria), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), basil (Ocium basilicum) and coriander (Coriander sativum). An olfactometer system was designed and built to test H. armigera moths’ responses to odours from the herbs. Glasshouse experiments were also conducted. No repellent activity was recorded with any of the herbs tested. The results of this study support the theory that Helicoverpa spp. employ a strategy of passive host selection as suggested by Firempong (1986). This means that all available plants in an area may be oviposited on with successful ovipostion and larval development leading to the future utilisation of a species as a host plant. The implication of this finding is that in-field trap cropping is unlikely to be a successful strategy for reducing H. armigera oviposition in tomato or capsicum production systems in Australia. In cotton crops in Australia, trap cropping is used as part of an area wide management strategy and aims to reduce the total Helicoverpa spp. population of a region. Such a strategy may also be successful in horticultural crops but only with the full participation of the growers of all crops that are attractive to H. armigera in a horticultural growing region. Due to the diverse nature of horticultural production this may be a difficult task.

Brazil has been experiencing high rates of population growth and increased demand for food, but their production presents losses both quantitative and qualitative, especially the attack of pests during storage. Acanthoscelides obtectus is one of the main pests in stored beans, its control is basically done with chemical pesticides that can leave toxic residues in the grains. For this reason they are sought alternative products such as essential oils. They are a good option for this control, since it does not leave residues in food and are obtained relatively easily by farmers form. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify lead compounds and evaluate the effect of the essential oils of six species of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus benthamii, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus dunnii, Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus viminalis and Eucalyptus grandis) in control of Acanthoscelides obtectus in beans. The insecticide effect for different doses and exposure times, the repellent effect and the time of persistence of the insecticide effect was evaluated. For this purpose insecticide could be observed, based on lethal dose, and the Eucalyptus saligna showed greater efficiency in mortality compared with other species. For the repellent effect it was observed that all species tested showed repellent effect on Acanthoscelides obtectus and the persistence effect the result obtained was that the insecticidal effect of the essential oils is high during the initial period losing its effect quickly. / O Brasil vem apresentando altas taxas de crescimento populacional e aumento na demanda de alimentos, porém sua produção esta sujeita a perdas tanto quantitativas como qualitativas, principalmente pelo ataque de pragas durante o armazenamento. Acanthoscelides obtectus é uma das principais pragas em grãos de feijão armazenados, seu controle é feito basicamente com inseticidas químicos que podem deixar resíduos tóxicos nos grãos. Por esta razão buscam-se produtos alternativos, como os óleos essenciais. Eles são uma boa opção para esse controle, uma vez que não deixam resíduos nos alimentos e são obtidos de forma relativamente fácil pelos agricultores. Desse modo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar os principais compostos e avaliar o efeito dos óleos essenciais de seis espécies de Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus benthamii, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus dunnii, Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus viminalis e Eucalyptus grandis) no controle de Acanthoscelides obtectus em feijão. Foi avaliado o efeito inseticida para diferentes doses e tempos de exposição, o efeito repelente e o tempo de persistência do efeito inseticida. Para o efeito inseticida pôde-se observar, com base na dose letal, que o Eucalyptus saligna apresentou maior eficiência na mortalidade em relação as demais espécies. Para o efeito repelente foi observado que todas as espécies testadas apresentaram efeito repelente para Acanthoscelides obtectus e para o efeito persistência o resultado obtido foi de que o efeito inseticida dos óleos essenciais é alto durante o período inicial perdendo seu efeito rapidamente.

Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2016-11-29T16:49:22Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Sergio Monteze Alves.pdf: 300642 bytes, checksum: fce1237abc75b8072be0d5a98b316b58 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-29T16:49:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Sergio Monteze Alves.pdf: 300642 bytes, checksum: fce1237abc75b8072be0d5a98b316b58 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-01 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The bean species, Phaseolus vulgaris (L.), stands out as the most important of the five cultivated in the world. Among the pests of stored beans in Brazil, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boh.) is considered the major one, whose control is commonly carried out using synthetic protectors and fumigants. New approaches to control have been tested, using less toxic compounds, less expensive, accessible and appropriate to the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The aims of this study were: (i) toxicity test (contact and fumigation) and repellence of dos Eucaliptus staigeriana F. Muell, Eucaliptus citriodora Hook, Ocimum gratissimum (L.) and Foeniculum vulgare Mill essential oils; (ii) identify and quantify the constituting compounds. The analysis by GC/ME indicated the presence of Limonene (28.73%), Geranial (15.20%) and Neral (12.16%), as main constituents of E. staigeriana oil; and for E. citriodora oil, Citronellyl acetate (3.34%), 1,8-Cineole (2.87%) and β-Pineno (0.94%). Among the oils tested at fumigant action, the most effective in controlling Z. subfasciatus were: O. gratissimum (LC50 = 0.9 μL/L air) and E. citriodora (LC50 = 0.9 μL/L air). In contact tests the highlights were: E. staigeriana (LC50 = 2.73 μL/20g) and F. vulgare (LC50 = 2.74 μL/20g). E. citriodora resented repellent effect from the concentration of 7.6 μl/20g of beans seeds, followed by E. staigeriana 8.0 μl/20g. The oviposition reduction of Z. subfasciatus was 96.2%, 96.4% and 57.2%, respectively, for E. staigeriana, E. citriodora and F. vulgare oils. Similar results were found to adult emergence. / A espécie de feijão comum, Phaseolus vulgaris (L.), destaca-se como a mais importante, entre as cinco cultivadas no mundo. Dentre as pragas do feijão armazenado no Brasil, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boh.) é considerada uma das mais significativas, sendo seu controle comumente realizado com inseticidas sintéticos protetores e fumigantes. No entanto, novas alternativas aos inseticidas sintéticos vêm sendo testadas, como os produtos naturais, que são menos tóxicos, de menor custo, biodegradáveis e adequados aos princípios do Manejo Integrado de Pragas (MIP). Os objetivos desse trabalho foram: (i) testar a toxicidade (contato e fumigação) e a repelência dos óleos essenciais de Eucaliptus staigeriana F. Muell, Eucaliptus citriodora Hook, Ocimum gratissimum (L.) e Foeniculum vulgare Mill em Z. subfasciatus; (ii) identificar e quantificar os compostos constituintes. A análise por CG/EM revelou a presença de Limoneno (28,73%), Geranial (15,20%) e Neral (12,16%), como constituintes majoritários do óleo de E. staigeriana; e para E. citriodora, Citronelil acetato (3,34%), 1,8-Cineole (2,87%) e β-Pineno (0,94%). Os óleos mais efetivos com efeito fumigante no controle de Z. subfasciatus foram O. gratissimum e E. citriodora com CL50s de 0,9 μL/L de ar. Nos testes de contato se destacaram E. staigeriana (CL50 = 2,73 μL/20g) e F. vulgare (CL50 = 2,74 μL/20g). E. citriodora apresentou efeito repelente para adultos de Z. subfasciatus, a partir de 7,6 μl/20g de feijão, seguido por E. staigeriana à 8,0 μl/20g. A redução da postura de Z. subfasciatus foi de 96,2, 96,4 e 57,2%, respectivamente, para os óleos de E. staigeriana, E. citriodora e F. vulgare. Resultados semelhantes, também, foram encontrados para a emergência de adultos.

Les répulsifs sont des molécules naturelles ou synthétiques dont le but estd’empêcher l’approche des arthropodes afin de prévenir la transmission demaladies vectorisées. Un exemple type est celui de la transmission de Leishmaniainfantum responsable de la Leishmaniose canine, qui est contractée après la piqûre d’un chienpar un phlébotome. Divers répulsifs d’arthropodes sont commercialisés pour une applicationtopique, ils ont tous une durée d’action courte, imposant des applications répétées deformulations basiques de type solution.La formulation de molécules actives à propriétés répulsives incorporées dans des systèmesnanoparticulaires et présentant une action prolongée dans le temps a été retenue. Lesnanoparticules sont des vecteurs colloïdaux intéressants dans le domaine de la technologiepharmaceutique vu leur capacité à former des complexes avec des molécules hydrophobes,telles que la plupart des molécules répulsives (DEET, Picaridin®, IR3535®…). Le ciblage, laprotection contre la dégradation et le contrôle de la libération sont les avantages principauxapportés par les nanoparticules contenant une matière active.Les caractéristiques physico-chimiques des nanoparticules (taille et potentiel zêta) permettantleur stockage dans les couches supérieures de la peau et une accroche le long des fibrespileuses ont été déterminées. Ainsi des nanoparticules cationiques de 200 nm de diamètre ontété formulées. Cette formulation originale inspirée du procédé de nanoprécipitation a permisl’obtention en une seule étape de suspensions concentrées en matière active (concentrationsupérieure à 10%) et sans ajout d’agents stabilisants. Une corrélation entre les profils delibération et l’efficacité sur insecte modèle (la drosophile) a été vérifiée. De ce fait, lepourcentage en polymère régule la libération de la molécule active encapsulée. Une efficacitérépulsive de formulations nanoparticulaires supérieure à 15 jours a été validéeexpérimentalement. La transposition d’échelle du procédé de nanoprécipitation permetd’envisager un développement industriel pour la formulation d’un répulsif d’arthropodeinnovant à longue durée d’action. / The repellents are natural or synthetic molecules whose aim is to prevent theapproach of arthropods to avoid transmission of vector-borne diseases. A typicalexample is the transmission of Leishmania infantum responsible for canineLeishmaniasis, which is contracted after a sandfly bite on a dog. The arthropod repellentsmarketed for topical application have all a short action duration, requiring repeatedapplications of basic formulations (solution).The formulation of active molecules having repellent properties, incorporated intonanoparticle systems and having a prolonged action in time was selected. Nanoparticles arecolloidal carriers interesting in the pharmaceutical technology field due to their ability to formcomplexes with hydrophobic molecules, such as repellent molecules (DEET, Picaridin®,IR3535®...). Targeting, protection against degradation and control of the release are the mainadvantages provided by the nanoparticles containing an active ingredient.The nanoparticle physicochemical characteristics (size and zeta potential) permitting theirstorage in the upper dog skin layers and a along the hairs were determined. For that reasoncationic nanoparticles of 200 nm in diameter were formulated. This original formulationinspired from the nanoprecipitation process has allowed us to obtain one single stepconcentrated suspensions (above 10% of active molecules in the final product) and withoutstabilizer addition. A correlation between the release profiles and the effectiveness of modelinsect (Drosophila) has been verified. Therefore the percentage of polymer regulates therelease of encapsulated active molecules. Repellent efficacy of nanoparticulate formulationgreater than 15 days has been validated experimentally. The scale transposition of thenanoprecipitation process makes conceivable an industrial development for the formulation ofan innovative arthropod repellent having a long lasting effect.

La réévaluation des impacts toxicologique et environnemental des répulsifs synthétiques conduit à reconsidérer les répulsifs d'origine naturelle pour la prévention des maladies transmises par les insectes (dengue, chikungunya, paludisme,…). Cette étude se rapporte aux structures de type bis(oxazolidine) envisagées comme prodrogues de répulsifs naturels par leur conversion avec le tris(hydroxyméthyl)aminométhane (TRIS). Différents protocoles et voies de synthèse ont été étudiés sur une série représentative d'aldéhydes pour définir l'étendue et les limites de l'approche permettant de concentrer deux unités d'un même principe actif au sein de bis(oxazolidines) symétriques et de reproduire un effet synergique avec deux unités différentes formant des bis(oxazolidines) dissymétriques. La fonctionnalisation des bis(oxazolidines) a été également envisagée pour moduler leur balance hydrophile-lipophile. L'étude de la réaction de cyclocondensation met en évidence l'influence des paramètres structuraux sur le procédé de synthèse des bis(oxazolidines), la stabilité des intermédiaires (monooxazolidines) et la stéréosélectivité de la réaction. L'interprétation des résultats est proposée sur la base des effets (stéréo)-électroniques. Cette étude démontre l'intérêt de cette approche chimique pour la production de prodrogues de répulsifs naturels qui peuvent constituer des atouts pour le développement durable. / The more sensitive human and environmental risk assessments of non natural repellents have encouraged the rehabilitation of botanical-based repellents for the prevention of insect-transmitted diseases (dengue, chikungunya, malaria…). This study is related to bis(oxazolidine) structures envisaged as prodrug derivatives of natural repellents by their conversion with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS). The scope and limitations of various procedures and pathways have been assessed with structurally diverse aldehydes to concentrate two identical units in the symmetrical structures and to reproduce a synergistic effect with two different units in the unsymmetrical ones. Subsequent functionalization of the heterocyclic derivatives has been achieved to modulate their hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. The study of the cyclocondensation reaction shows evidence for the influence of structural effects not only on the chemical process but also on the relative stability of the monocyclic intermediates and the stereochemical outcomes of the reaction. The results are discussed on the basis of (stereo)-electronic effects. Finally, this study confirms the feasibility of this chemical approach to produce prodrugs of natural repellents which could appear as a contributive effort to sustainable development.