We initiated bait station surveys for black bears in southwestern Virginia in 1999. Bait station surveys are intended to be used as an index to follow bear population trend over time. We compared the bait station visitation (black bear visitation) to black bear harvest and mast surveys 1999 = 2002. The mean bait station visitation rate during 1999 - 2002 was 15.3% (SE = 2.89, n = 4). The number of bears harvested in the 3 counties that also had bait station surveys was 48 (31 males, 17 females), 59 (44 males, 15 females), 45 (32 males, 13 females), and 43 (26 males, 17 females) in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002, respectively. Harvest of males and females differed (n = 2, F = 19.44, df = 1, P = 0.0045). Bait station visitation and female harvest had a strong functional relationship with a negative slope (n = 4, r = -0.78, P = 0.22). The strongest relationship was between male harvest and total harvest (n = 4, r = 0.97, P = 0.03). Mean index to mast production for 1999 - 2002 was 2.3 (range 1.5 - 3.1), 2.7 (range 1.8 - 3.4), 2.3 (range 1.6 - 3.6), and 1.6 (range 1.2 - 2.4), respectively. The overall summary for mast production for the same years was described as fair, good, fair, and poor to fair. Mast production was significantly different between years (n = 4, F = 3.44, df = 3, P = 0.0326), and soft and hard mast production appeared to be above average in 2000. This corresponded with the lowest visitation (10.2%) of the 4 years. There was no correlation between bait station visitation and mast production (n = 4, r = 0.11, P = 0.87). Since 1998, the annual bear harvest in Virginia has exceeded 900 individuals (with the exception of 824 in 2001), and peaked in 2000 when 1,000 bears were harvested. Though harvest rates were high, a reliable population estimate did not exist for black bears in Virginia. We estimated population size, growth rate, and minimum viable population size using data collected between 1995-2000. We used Jolly-Seber, direct recovery, and minimum population size methods to estimate population size. The Jolly-Seber method estimate of adult female density was 0.23-0.64 bears/km2, and 0.01 bears/km2 for adult males. We estimated a density of 0.09-0.23 bears/km2 for all sex and age classes using direct recovery data. Using minimum population size, we found adult female density was higher than any other sex or age class (n = 6, t = 2.02, df = 40, P < 0.0001) with an average density of 0.055 adult females/km2. We used mark-recapture data collected from 148 individual bears (96 males:52 females) captured 270 times in program MARK to estimate survival using recapture, dead recovery, and Burnham's combined models. Adult females had the highest survival rate of 0.84-0.86, while yearling males had the lowest with 0.35. Using direct recovery data, adult females again had the highest survival rate with 0.93 (0.83-1.0) and 3-year old males had the lowest with 0.59 (0.35-0.83). We estimated growth rate using population estimates from Jolly-Seber, direct recoveries, and minimum population size methods. The lowest growth rate estimated was for all females (ages lumped) using minimum population size data (λ=0.82). Direct recovery data for all bears (sex and age lumped) during 1995 - 2000 showed the highest positive annual growth rate (λ = 1.24). We developed a population model using Mathcad 8 Professional to determine population growth rate, MVP, and harvest effects for an exploited black bear population in southwestern Virginia. We used data collected during the CABS study (1995 - 2000) in the model including population estimates derived from direct recovery data, age and sex specific survival rates, and cub sex ratios. When we used actual population values in the model, the bear population in southwestern Virginia did not go extinct in 100 years (l = 1.03, r = 0.03). When we reduced adult female survival from 0.94 to 0.89, the probability of extinction in 100 years was 3.0% and l = 0.99 (r = -0.01; Table 3.2). When the survival was reduced by an additional 0.01 to 0.88, the probability of extinction increased to 13.0% (l = 0.99, r = -0.01). Growth rate and extinction probabilities were very sensitive to adult female survival rates. Two-year old and 3-year old females did not impact extinction probabilities and growth rates as much as adult females. Their survival could be decreased by 44.0%, and still be less than the 5.0% extinction probability. / Master of Science

Poison operations are a widely used technique for rodent control in the indigenous forests of New Zealand. This study examined the bait-take and rat monitoring data obtained for continuous poison operations at Boundary Stream Mainland Island (BSMI), Hawke’s Bay, between 1996 and 2007. Since the beginning of the Mainland Island project at BSMI in 1996, 800 ha of indigenous forest have been treated with an ‘Integrated Pest Management’ approach, in which rodents (primarily ship rats) have been targeted by consecutive ground poison operations. The aim of the intensive pest control was to allow the ecosystem to recover and provide a safe environment for threatened native bird species to recover or be re-introduced. Another important aim of this pest control is to provide experience and expert knowledge in management techniques especially applicable to the protection of indigenous habitat on the New Zealand mainland. This research study had two main aims: to identify spatial patterns of the rodent population at BSMI and to determine the efficacy of the different rodenticides applied for their control. The distribution of the rodent population was investigated by spatial analysis of bait-take across the reserve and through time. Visualisation of high and low bait-take areas revealed that there was a noticeable reinvasion from adjacent unmanaged native forests, but not markedly from exotic forest or pasture. Reinvasion from small and isolated adjacent forests ceased to be noticeable consistently after approximately four years of the poison operation, while a large scenic native reserve, as well as a narrow part of the treatment area surrounded by many native bush patches, were continuously affected by reinvasion through the entire project time. Bait-take was visibly higher after the bait had either been removed, or left in the field unserviced, over winter. No consistent areas of no bait-take were identified. Further statistical analysis of bait-take data revealed that bait-take was higher in bait stations within 150 m of the treatment edge than interior bait stations. Bait-take in broadleaf/tawa/podocarp forest was significantly higher than in kamahi/kanuka/rewarewa, beech and cloud-cap forest. The second aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of the various bait types with different active ingredients used during the operation. Rat monitoring data, namely rat tracking indices (RTI) obtained from tracking tunnels, were statistically modelled using Generalised Linear Models. Diphacinone cereal pellets (Pestoff® 50D, 0.05g/kg diphacinone) obtained the lowest RTI, followed by pindone cereal pellets (Pindone Pellets®, 0.5g/kg pindone), brodifacoum cereal pellets (Pestoff® 20p and Talon®, 0.02 g/kg brodifacoum), coumatetralyl paste (Racumin®, 0.375 g/kg) and diphacinone bait blocks (Ditrac®, 0.05 g/kg). Cereal pellet baits worked better than any other bait type used at this location. Season had no statistically significant effect on either RTI or bait-take estimates. The overall goal of the poison operation to decrease rat numbers, and to maintain low levels, has been met. However, the results of this study suggest that baiting needs to be done continuously and over the entire treatment area. Edge bait stations – particularly next to adjacent native forests – should be prioritised to target reinvading rodents. Poisons presented in cereal pellet baits should be preferred to other bait types. Both pindone and brodifacoum showed very good results, as well as diphacinone in cereal pellet baits.

A broca da cana-de-açúcar Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) é uma das pragas mais prejudiciais aos canaviais brasileiros. Atualmente, o controle biológico aplicado é o método mais utilizado para o controle das lagartas. Entretanto, em certos talhões, o parasitóide Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) não tem controlado eficientemente a praga, sendo registrada intensidade de infestação superior a 25%. Nesse contexto, a aplicação da Técnica do Inseto Estéril seria uma ferramenta adicional a ser empregada no Manejo Integrado de Pragas, pois é compatível com outros métodos de controle. A interferência na homeostase dos hormônios envolvidos no processo de ecdise com fontes exógenas de hormônio ou análogos sintéticos (agonistas ou antagonistas) pode resultar na interrupção do processo reprodutivo ou desenvolvimento anormal do embrião dos insetos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de inseticidas do grupo dos reguladores de crescimento de insetos sobre a reprodução de D. saccharalis, fornecidos na forma de isca com atrativo alimentar em condições de laboratório. Foram testados os seguintes inseticidas: clorfluazurom (1,0 e 1,5 g i.a./L), diflubenzurom (3,75; 5,0 e 7,5 g i.a./L), flufenoxurom (1,0 g i.a./L), lufenurom (0,75; 1,0 e 2,0 g i.a./L), novalurom (0,5 e 1,0 g i.a./L) piriproxifem (1,0; 1,5; 1,8 e 2,0 g i.a./L) e teflubenzurom (1,5; 3,0 e 6,0 g i.a./L), fornecidos a mariposas com um dia de idade em algodão embebido com uma solução de melaço a 10%. Todos os tratamentos, com exceção da menor dosagem de lufenurom (0,75 g i.a./L) reduziram a produção de ovos em relação à testemunha. Flufenoxurom (1,00 g i.a./L) e clorfluazurom (1,50 g i.a./L) reduziram a longevidade de ambos os sexos tratados por ingestão; enquanto, lufenurom (2,0 g i.a./L), novalurom (1,0 g i.a./L) e teflubenzurom (3,0 g i.a./L) reduziram a sobrevivência apenas dos machos. Os tratamentos mais eficientes na esterilização foram piriproxifem (1,8 g i.a./L e 2,0 g i.a./L) e lufenurom (2,0 g i.a./L), apresentando eficiências superiores ou próximas a 80%. / The sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an important pest in Brazilian sugarcane crops. Currently, biological control is the most frequently used method for controlling D saccharalis. However, in several locations, the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has not been efective for controlling this pest, and it has been recorded infestation intensity above 25%. In this context, the Sterile Insect Technique could be an addicional control method in Intregrated Pest Management, because it is compatible with other control methods. The use of insecticides that interferes in hormone homeostasis involved in the ecdyse´s process with exogenous hormone sources or synthetic analogues (agonists or antagonists) can result in the interruption of the reproductive process or abnormal development of the insect?s embryo. Then, the objective of this study was to evaluate the insecticides that regulates the insect growth on the D. saccharalis reproduction. The insecticides tested were: chlorfluazuron (1,0 and 1,5 g a.i./L), diflubenzuron (3,75; 5,0 and 7,5 g a.i./L), flufenoxuron (1,0 g a.i./L), lufenuron (0,75; 1,0 and 2,0 g a.i./L), novaluron (0,5 and 1,0 g a.i./L) pyriproxyfen (1,0; 1,5; 1,8 and 2,0 g a.i./L) and teflubenzuron (1,5; 3,0 and 6,0 g a.i./L). Each insecticide was provided to 1-day moths on soaked cotton with a sugar solution at 10% as a bait. All treatments, except to of the lowest concentration of lufenuron (0,75 g a.i./L) decreased the egg production in relation to the control. Flufenoxuron (1,00 g g a.i./L) and chlorfluazuron (1,50 g a.i./L) decreased the lifespan of both sexes treated by ingestion. Lufenuron (2,0 g a.i./L), novaluron (1,0 g a.i./L) and teflubenzuron (3,0 g a.i./L) decreased the male´s lifespan. The most effective treatments for sterilization were pyriproxyfen (1,8 g a.i./L and 2,0 g a.i./L) and lufenuron (2,0 g a.i./L), witch showed efficiencies greater or close to 80%.

Avaliou-se a bioatividade de derivados do nim (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) como componente de isca para adultos e como regulador de crescimento de Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) e Anastrepha fraterculus (Wied.), determinando-se, ainda, o efeito de concentrações subletais de extratos de nim e o efeito deterrente de oviposição do extrato metanólico de folhas sobre C. capitata. Utilizando o extrato aquoso de amêndoas de nim, estimou-se a CL50 para adultos e imaturos, cujos valores foram 7.522 e 1.368 ppm para os adultos e 13.028 e 9.390 ppm para os imaturos de A. fraterculus e C. capitata, respectivamente. Subsequentemente, o óleo de amêndoas, os extratos de folhas, de ramos e de amêndoas de nim em diferentes solventes (água, metanol, diclorometano e hexano) foram comparados com base nas CL50 obtidas para adultos e para imaturos. Posteriormente, foram estimadas concentrações subletais (CL15 = 39 ppm, CL30 = 225 ppm e CL45 = 888 ppm) do extrato aquoso de amêndoas para adultos de C. capitata e avaliouse nessas concentrações o efeito do extrato aquoso de amêndoas, de folhas em metanol e de ramos em diclorometano sobre a reprodução e a longevidade dessa espécie. A deterrência de oviposição do extrato metanólico de folhas de nim em diferentes concentrações (10.000, 18.000, 32.000 e 56.000 ppm) para C. capitata foi avaliada tratando bagas de uva, que foram expostas às fêmeas com chance e sem chance de escolha. Verificou-se que os derivados do nim na concentração de até 7.522 e 1.368 ppm não afetaram os adultos de A. fraterculus e C. capitata, respectivamente. Já para a fase imatura, os extratos de amêndoas e de ramos em diclorometano na concentração de 13.028 ppm causaram mortalidade de A. fraterculus e na concentração de 9.390 ppm o extrato de amêndoas em metanol e em diclorometano causaram mortalidade de C. capitata. Houve redução da fecundidade total e da fertilidade no 8º dia quando os insetos foram alimentados com extrato de ramos em diclorometano a 888 ppm. A longevidade de machos e fêmeas e o período de pré-oviposição não foram afetados pelos tratamentos. O extrato de folhas em metanol provocou deterrência de oviposição para C. capitata em situação de chance de escolha, porém, em confinamento, o referido extrato não afetou o comportamento dessa espécie. A experiência recente de C. capitata não alterou a sua resposta em relação a bagas de uva tratadas. A atividade biológica dos derivados do nim em relação às moscas-das-frutas é discutida. / The bioactivity of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) as adult bait and as larval growth regulator for Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) and Anastrepha fraterculus (Wied.) was evaluated. Besides, the effect of sublethal concentrations of neem extracts and the oviposition deterrency of the methanolic extract from leaves on C. capitata was evaluated. The estimated LC50 of aqueous extract from seed kernels were 7,522 and 1,368 ppm for adults and 13,028 and 9,390 ppm for immatures of A. fraterculus and C. capitata, respectively. In addition, the oil from seed kernels and the extracts from leaves, branches and seed kernels in different solvents (water, methanol, dichloromethane and hexane) were compared based on the LC50 obtained for adults and immatures. After that, sublethal concentrations from aqueous extract from neem seed kernels for C. capitata adults were estimated (LC15 = 39 ppm, LC30 = 225 ppm and LC45 = 888 ppm) and the effects of such concentrations on the reproduction and logenvity of this species were also accessed. Oviposition deterrency of C. capitata to grapes treated with leaf methanolic extract at different concentrations (10,000; 18,000; 32,000 and 56,000 ppm) was evaluated in free-choice or no-choice test. It was verified that the neem extracts on the concentrations up to 7,522 and to 1,368 ppm did not affect the adults of A. fraterculus and C. capitata, respectively. On the other hand, the extract from seed kernels and branches in dichloromethane at 13,028 ppm provoked mortality in A. fraterculus larvae and the seed kernel extract in methanol and dichloromethane at 9,390 ppm provoked high mortality in C. capitata larvae. The total fecundity was reduced significantly and the fertility decreased on the 8th day when the insects were fed on branch extract in dichloromethane at 888 ppm. The longevity of males and females and the pre-oviposition period were not affected by treatments. The leaf extract in methanol provoked oviposition deterrency for C. capitata in free-choice test, but did not affect its behavior in no-choice test. The C. capitatas early experience did not affect its answer to the grapes treated in free-choice and no-choice situations. The biological activity of the neem extracts to fruit flies is discussed.

i ABSTRACT I investigated aspects of the management of subterranean termites in the field by evaluating the protective values of preservative treated softwoods and evaluating the potential of softwoods conditioned by decay fungi or heat to produce termite monitoring and aggregating devices. As part of the investigation, it was necessary to: · develop assay techniques suitable for research into the natural resistance of timbers, the efficacy of wood preservatives and termite biology and foraging behaviour; and quantify variation in termite responses to untreated softwoods in various situations in the field using these techniques. Field bioassays were conducted with two Australian Coptotermes species to determine protection of pine sapwood afforded by borate compounds (Chapter 2). Coptotermes lacteus (Froggatt) was examined in winter and C. acinaciformis (Froggatt) in winter, spring and summer at two localities in Queensland. Hoop-(Araucaria cunninghamii Ait ex D. Don) and slash-pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.)-sapwood blocks were placed in plastic containers and attached to termite mounds or infested trees. Termite response was determined by mass losses over five weeks and modelled. Coptotermes lacteus was relatively benign in winter and for 1.0 and 2.5% mass losses of hoop-pine sapwood, borate retentions of 0.20 and 0.06% mass/mass (m/m) boric acid equivalent (BAE), respectively, were derived. With C. acinaciformis, for 1.0 and 5.0% mass losses of hoop-pine sapwood, borate retentions ranged from 0.49 and 0.25% BAE, respectively, in winter to 0.76 and 0.47% BAE, respectively, in late summer. For 1.0 and 5.0% mass losses of slash-pine sapwood in summer, borate retentions of 0.58 and 0.14% BAE, respectively, were derived for C. acinaciformis. These results support conclusions from earlier laboratory studies conducted elsewhere. Prevention of damage by field populations of termites was not achieved. Marked intercolony variation in response to borate compounds was demonstrated, highlighting the usefulness of this rapid technique. The need for long-term field exposure trials to calibrate the lunch-box technique and to facilitate technology transfer to industry, is indicated. For comparison, termite response to white cypress (Callitris glaucophylla Thompson and Johnson), a naturally termite resistant timber, is also reported. A field bioassay was conducted to evaluate responses of C. acinaciformis to untreated southern-yellow-pine (Pinus spp.), hoop-pine and slash-pine blocks (Chapter 3). Sapwood blocks were placed in plastic containers and attached to trees infested with the termites during summer. Containers with a test block of each of the timber species were prepared. These and other containers were exposed to termites for 10 weeks. Termite feeding response (“voracity”) was assessed for all blocks by determining the mass of wood consumed. Termite voracity differed among trees. Variation in termite responses to individual hoop-pine feeder-blocks within a container was appreciable and consistent between containers. Variation in termite responses to the test blocks was appreciable, with hoop pine being significantly more susceptible to termite attack than either slash pine or southern yellow pine. Southern yellow pine is a generic name for five species of pine which are difficult to separate reliably. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using “southern yellow pine” to ensure that samples are at least from the same species of pine and preferably from the same length of timber. The sensitivity of both the bioassay and the statistical tests was demonstrated. Of particular interest was the similar level of termite response to the test timbers in the two sections of the experiment. The usefulness of feeder-blocks to initiate reliable attack rather than to promote sustained attack, is worth further attention. Sapwood stakes of Australian-grown hoop pine, slash pine, radiata pine and North American-grown southern yellow pine were exposed to subterranean termite attack in an in-ground bioassay (Chapter 4). Stakes in bait containers and bare stakes were attacked by C. acinaciformis and Schedorhinotermes intermedius (Brauer). Susceptibility of these timbers was evaluated with regard to potential for termite monitoring and aggregation. Variation between timbers and difference between termite species are described. The relevance of these data to suppressing foraging populations of subterranean termites, in Australia, using insect growth regulators, is discussed. Four field bioassays were conducted using two species of Australian subterranean termites, C acinaciformis and C. lacteus (Chapter 5). Hoop-pine blocks decayed using 14 fungi for four weeks and for 10 weeks were subsequently conditioned using dry heating, freezing or moist heating, and then exposed to termites. Blocks decayed by Gloeophyllum abietinum [Persoon: Fries] Murrill, Trametes lilacino-gilva (Berkeley) Wright & Deschamps, Schizophyllum commune Fries and Rigidoporus undatus (Persoon) Donk and subsequently oven dried, were attacked the most. Oven drying generally enhanced termite feeding responses in these two field bioassays. In a third bioassay, blocks of five softwood timber species conditioned with two high temperature regimes were exposed to C. acinaciformis. Slash pine was attacked the least. Mean mass losses for hoop pine, Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea Morelet), radiata pine and the interspecific F1 hybrid between Caribbean and slash pine were not significantly different. For C. lacteus, slash and hoop-pine blocks were attacked the least while radiata pine was attacked the most. Additional heating at 105°C increased the susceptibility of most timber species. Relationships between heating duration and the consumption of hoop-pine-sapwood blocks were determined using results from a fourth bioassay. Heating the timber increased feeding responses for both termite species. The selective and rapid response of the termites highlights the usefulness of this field technique for multiple-choice bioassays. The cyclodiene termiticides were withdrawn from use, in Australia, as from 30 June 1995. Implications for the management of subterranean termites in Queensland are discussed. Community perceptions of the use of chemical pesticides and cost do not favour the widespread use of preservative treated timber in buildings. An integrated pest management approach to termite control is the likely direction for the future in Australia. A range of building techniques, regular inspections, and attention to factors that predispose existing buildings to termite attack can reduce the risk of damage from termites, but do not eliminate that risk. There will be an increased need for reliable preventative and remedial treatments involving bait technology. Much more work is needed on termite biology, foraging behaviour and bait toxicants before a baiting system can be confidently commercialised in Australia. Directions for research in Queensland are discussed.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-08T16:44:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PGPV15MA162.pdf: 485003 bytes, checksum: 8cc8cd108640c8beeeb156ffd3c9c91a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-24 / The oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a pest of apple orchards in southern Brazil. The use of mating disruption technique (MD), through the use of sex pheromones aims to reduce the use of insecticides for pest control. However the technology has not been used massively by the productive sector in Brazil. The success of the technology depends on several factors, such as the synthetic sex pheromone, the level of emissions of volatile substances, the number of dispensers per area, the pest population density, speed and wind direction, one of the main the absence of reliable monitoring tools in the treated areas. This may result in pest damage increasing insecurity of technicians and producers in relation to the use of technology by malicultores. The aim of this study was to conduct an assessment of the perception of the grower against the management of G. molesta with sex pheromone in the orchards and provide information for safe monitoring of adult insects in commercial apple orchards treated with MD. The work was conducted in São Joaquim, SC. The survey of the perception of fruit farmers regarding the use of mating disruption was conducted through face to face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The effect of different types of traps and attractions in the monitoring was conducted through experiments in apple orchards treated with MD as G. molesta control method evaluating the McPhail, Ajar and Pot traps, baited with sugarcane molasses (25%) , grape juice (25%) and brown sugar solution (8.69%) with terpinyl acetate (0.05%) (TAS). Weekly was held to exchange food baits and evaluated the number of adults (males and females) of virgin and mated females of G. molesta and non-target insects captured. A second experiment was conducted evaluating the period for exchange of attractions. After obtaining the best trap + attractive set an experiment was conducted in orchards with and without synthetic sex pheromone to control in order to obtain a more efficient food trap when compared to standard trap. With the queries made, it is observed that fruit growers are performing late application of sex pheromone (December), enabling high population densities of the pest, and it is not perceived by conventional monitoring. There is a need for a monitoring these areas that captures females, and the best diffusion occurs correct time information from the application of emitting pheromone for the grower, so that higher doses of pheromone already in the area preventing the 1st matings occur. Attractive sugarcane molasses proved inefficient in G. molesta capture in all evaluated orchards and, combined with the three tested traps. The attractive TAS in the traps Pot and Ajar captured the highest number of adults in the moth-eastern tested orchards. With regard to selectivity, the set Ajar + TAS proved to be the most selective capturing the smallest number of nontarget insects as compared to the other sets. TAS attractive exchange can be performed approximately 14 days after preparation of the solution. The Ajar trap can be efficient to capture females in the orchards with MD and can be used to monitor these sites / A mariposa oriental Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) é uma das principais pragas da cultura da macieira na região Sul do Brasil. O emprego da técnica da interrupção do acasalamento (TIA), mediante o uso de feromônios sexuais tem como objetivo reduzir o uso de inseticidas para o controle da praga. Entretanto a tecnologia não tem sido utilizada de forma massiva pelo setor produtivo no Brasil. O sucesso da tecnologia depende de vários fatores, como a formulação do feromônio sexual sintético, o nível de emissão das substâncias voláteis, o número de liberadores por área, a densidade populacional da praga, a velocidade e a direção do vento, sendo um dos principais, a ausência de ferramentas confiáveis de monitoramento nas áreas tratadas. Esse fato pode resultar em danos da praga aumentando a insegurança dos técnicos e produtores em relação ao emprego da tecnologia pelos malicultores. O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar um diagnóstico sobre a percepção do fruticultor frente ao manejo de G. molesta com feromônio sexual nos pomares e disponibilizar informações para o monitoramento seguro de insetos adultos em pomares comerciais de macieira tratados com TIA. Os trabalhos foram conduzidos no município de São Joaquim, SC. O levantamento da percepção dos fruticultores em relação ao uso da interrupção do acasalamento foi realizado através de entrevistas presenciais utilizando um questionário semiestruturado. O efeito de diferentes tipos de armadilhas e atrativos no monitoramento foi realizado através de experimentos em pomares de macieira tratados com TIA como método de controle de G. molesta avaliando-se as armadilhas McPhail, Pote e Ajar iscadas com melado de cana (25%), suco de uva (25%) e solução de açúcar mascavo (8,69%) com acetato de terpenila (0,05%) (ATAM). Semanalmente foi realizada a troca dos atrativos alimentares e avaliado o número de adultos (machos e fêmeas), de fêmeas virgens e acasaladas de G. molesta e insetos não alvo capturados. Um segundo experimento foi realizado avaliando-se o período para troca dos atrativos. Após a obtenção do melhor conjunto armadilha + atrativo foi realizado um experimento em pomares com e sem feromônio sexual sintético para controle, visando obter a eficiência da armadilha alimentar quando comparada a armadilha padrão. Com os questionários realizados, observa-se que os fruticultores estão realizando aplicações tardias de feromônio sexual (dezembro), possibilitando altas densidades populacionais da praga, e isso não é percebido pelo monitoramento convencional. Há a necessidade de estabelecer um monitoramento nessas áreas que capture fêmeas, e que ocorra a melhor difusão da informação do momento correto da aplicação dos emissores de feromônio para os fruticultores, de modo que as altas doses de feromônio sexual já estejam na área evitando que os primeiros acasalamentos ocorram. O atrativo Melado de Cana mostrou-se pouco eficiente na captura de G. molesta em todos os pomares avaliados e, combinado com as três armadilhas testadas. O atrativo ATAM nas armadilhas Pote e Ajar capturou o maior número de adultos da mariposa-oriental nos pomares testados. Em relação à seletividade, o conjunto Ajar + ATAM mostrou-se o mais seletivo, capturando o menor número de insetos não alvo quando comparado com os demais conjuntos. A troca do atrativo ATAM pode ser realizada aproximadamente 14 dias após o preparo da solução. A armadilha Ajar demonstrou ser eficiente na captura de fêmeas nos pomares com TIA e pode ser utilizada para o monitoramento nesses locais

A broca da cana-de-açúcar Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) é uma das pragas mais prejudiciais aos canaviais brasileiros. Atualmente, o controle biológico aplicado é o método mais utilizado para o controle das lagartas. Entretanto, em certos talhões, o parasitóide Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) não tem controlado eficientemente a praga, sendo registrada intensidade de infestação superior a 25%. Nesse contexto, a aplicação da Técnica do Inseto Estéril seria uma ferramenta adicional a ser empregada no Manejo Integrado de Pragas, pois é compatível com outros métodos de controle. A interferência na homeostase dos hormônios envolvidos no processo de ecdise com fontes exógenas de hormônio ou análogos sintéticos (agonistas ou antagonistas) pode resultar na interrupção do processo reprodutivo ou desenvolvimento anormal do embrião dos insetos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de inseticidas do grupo dos reguladores de crescimento de insetos sobre a reprodução de D. saccharalis, fornecidos na forma de isca com atrativo alimentar em condições de laboratório. Foram testados os seguintes inseticidas: clorfluazurom (1,0 e 1,5 g i.a./L), diflubenzurom (3,75; 5,0 e 7,5 g i.a./L), flufenoxurom (1,0 g i.a./L), lufenurom (0,75; 1,0 e 2,0 g i.a./L), novalurom (0,5 e 1,0 g i.a./L) piriproxifem (1,0; 1,5; 1,8 e 2,0 g i.a./L) e teflubenzurom (1,5; 3,0 e 6,0 g i.a./L), fornecidos a mariposas com um dia de idade em algodão embebido com uma solução de melaço a 10%. Todos os tratamentos, com exceção da menor dosagem de lufenurom (0,75 g i.a./L) reduziram a produção de ovos em relação à testemunha. Flufenoxurom (1,00 g i.a./L) e clorfluazurom (1,50 g i.a./L) reduziram a longevidade de ambos os sexos tratados por ingestão; enquanto, lufenurom (2,0 g i.a./L), novalurom (1,0 g i.a./L) e teflubenzurom (3,0 g i.a./L) reduziram a sobrevivência apenas dos machos. Os tratamentos mais eficientes na esterilização foram piriproxifem (1,8 g i.a./L e 2,0 g i.a./L) e lufenurom (2,0 g i.a./L), apresentando eficiências superiores ou próximas a 80%. / The sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an important pest in Brazilian sugarcane crops. Currently, biological control is the most frequently used method for controlling D saccharalis. However, in several locations, the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has not been efective for controlling this pest, and it has been recorded infestation intensity above 25%. In this context, the Sterile Insect Technique could be an addicional control method in Intregrated Pest Management, because it is compatible with other control methods. The use of insecticides that interferes in hormone homeostasis involved in the ecdyse´s process with exogenous hormone sources or synthetic analogues (agonists or antagonists) can result in the interruption of the reproductive process or abnormal development of the insect?s embryo. Then, the objective of this study was to evaluate the insecticides that regulates the insect growth on the D. saccharalis reproduction. The insecticides tested were: chlorfluazuron (1,0 and 1,5 g a.i./L), diflubenzuron (3,75; 5,0 and 7,5 g a.i./L), flufenoxuron (1,0 g a.i./L), lufenuron (0,75; 1,0 and 2,0 g a.i./L), novaluron (0,5 and 1,0 g a.i./L) pyriproxyfen (1,0; 1,5; 1,8 and 2,0 g a.i./L) and teflubenzuron (1,5; 3,0 and 6,0 g a.i./L). Each insecticide was provided to 1-day moths on soaked cotton with a sugar solution at 10% as a bait. All treatments, except to of the lowest concentration of lufenuron (0,75 g a.i./L) decreased the egg production in relation to the control. Flufenoxuron (1,00 g g a.i./L) and chlorfluazuron (1,50 g a.i./L) decreased the lifespan of both sexes treated by ingestion. Lufenuron (2,0 g a.i./L), novaluron (1,0 g a.i./L) and teflubenzuron (3,0 g a.i./L) decreased the male´s lifespan. The most effective treatments for sterilization were pyriproxyfen (1,8 g a.i./L and 2,0 g a.i./L) and lufenuron (2,0 g a.i./L), witch showed efficiencies greater or close to 80%.

Avaliou-se a bioatividade de derivados do nim (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) como componente de isca para adultos e como regulador de crescimento de Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) e Anastrepha fraterculus (Wied.), determinando-se, ainda, o efeito de concentrações subletais de extratos de nim e o efeito deterrente de oviposição do extrato metanólico de folhas sobre C. capitata. Utilizando o extrato aquoso de amêndoas de nim, estimou-se a CL50 para adultos e imaturos, cujos valores foram 7.522 e 1.368 ppm para os adultos e 13.028 e 9.390 ppm para os imaturos de A. fraterculus e C. capitata, respectivamente. Subsequentemente, o óleo de amêndoas, os extratos de folhas, de ramos e de amêndoas de nim em diferentes solventes (água, metanol, diclorometano e hexano) foram comparados com base nas CL50 obtidas para adultos e para imaturos. Posteriormente, foram estimadas concentrações subletais (CL15 = 39 ppm, CL30 = 225 ppm e CL45 = 888 ppm) do extrato aquoso de amêndoas para adultos de C. capitata e avaliouse nessas concentrações o efeito do extrato aquoso de amêndoas, de folhas em metanol e de ramos em diclorometano sobre a reprodução e a longevidade dessa espécie. A deterrência de oviposição do extrato metanólico de folhas de nim em diferentes concentrações (10.000, 18.000, 32.000 e 56.000 ppm) para C. capitata foi avaliada tratando bagas de uva, que foram expostas às fêmeas com chance e sem chance de escolha. Verificou-se que os derivados do nim na concentração de até 7.522 e 1.368 ppm não afetaram os adultos de A. fraterculus e C. capitata, respectivamente. Já para a fase imatura, os extratos de amêndoas e de ramos em diclorometano na concentração de 13.028 ppm causaram mortalidade de A. fraterculus e na concentração de 9.390 ppm o extrato de amêndoas em metanol e em diclorometano causaram mortalidade de C. capitata. Houve redução da fecundidade total e da fertilidade no 8º dia quando os insetos foram alimentados com extrato de ramos em diclorometano a 888 ppm. A longevidade de machos e fêmeas e o período de pré-oviposição não foram afetados pelos tratamentos. O extrato de folhas em metanol provocou deterrência de oviposição para C. capitata em situação de chance de escolha, porém, em confinamento, o referido extrato não afetou o comportamento dessa espécie. A experiência recente de C. capitata não alterou a sua resposta em relação a bagas de uva tratadas. A atividade biológica dos derivados do nim em relação às moscas-das-frutas é discutida. / The bioactivity of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) as adult bait and as larval growth regulator for Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) and Anastrepha fraterculus (Wied.) was evaluated. Besides, the effect of sublethal concentrations of neem extracts and the oviposition deterrency of the methanolic extract from leaves on C. capitata was evaluated. The estimated LC50 of aqueous extract from seed kernels were 7,522 and 1,368 ppm for adults and 13,028 and 9,390 ppm for immatures of A. fraterculus and C. capitata, respectively. In addition, the oil from seed kernels and the extracts from leaves, branches and seed kernels in different solvents (water, methanol, dichloromethane and hexane) were compared based on the LC50 obtained for adults and immatures. After that, sublethal concentrations from aqueous extract from neem seed kernels for C. capitata adults were estimated (LC15 = 39 ppm, LC30 = 225 ppm and LC45 = 888 ppm) and the effects of such concentrations on the reproduction and logenvity of this species were also accessed. Oviposition deterrency of C. capitata to grapes treated with leaf methanolic extract at different concentrations (10,000; 18,000; 32,000 and 56,000 ppm) was evaluated in free-choice or no-choice test. It was verified that the neem extracts on the concentrations up to 7,522 and to 1,368 ppm did not affect the adults of A. fraterculus and C. capitata, respectively. On the other hand, the extract from seed kernels and branches in dichloromethane at 13,028 ppm provoked mortality in A. fraterculus larvae and the seed kernel extract in methanol and dichloromethane at 9,390 ppm provoked high mortality in C. capitata larvae. The total fecundity was reduced significantly and the fertility decreased on the 8th day when the insects were fed on branch extract in dichloromethane at 888 ppm. The longevity of males and females and the pre-oviposition period were not affected by treatments. The leaf extract in methanol provoked oviposition deterrency for C. capitata in free-choice test, but did not affect its behavior in no-choice test. The C. capitatas early experience did not affect its answer to the grapes treated in free-choice and no-choice situations. The biological activity of the neem extracts to fruit flies is discussed.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since its introduction in 1898 into South Africa, the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile [Mayr 1868 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)], has invaded human-occupied areas (i.e. urban and agricultural areas) and natural areas characterised by few, if any, anthropogenic disturbances. However, compared to other countries in which the Argentine ant has been recorded, and until the past few decades, very little research had been done on this invasive ant in South Africa. Consequently, several issues concerning its ecological and social effects are still under-researched. The first of these issues concerns the lack of knowledge about the distribution of the Argentine ant in the natural areas, particularly the protected areas (PAs), of South Africa. In order to determine how many PAs are occupied by this invasive ant, a study was conducted in the Western Cape Province (WCP). It was found that, of the 614 PAs documented for WCP, ten have a known presence and nine known absence records of the Argentine ant. The remainder of the PAs have no known occupancy records for this ant. A second issue concerns the seasonal bait preference of the Argentine ant in a fynbos habitat. Six bait treatments (two carbohydrate and protein baits, a mixture of the carbohydrate and protein treatments, and a control) were applied in a fynbos habitat across a sampling grid in four different Latin Square designs, i.e. once for every season. Based on these experiments, it was determined that the Argentine ant prefers the mixture of carbohydrate and protein treatments, and that this preference does not change according to season. Furthermore, previous studies conducted in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve [JNR (in WCP)] determined the existence of a distribution boundary of Argentine ants in an area known as Swartboschkloof. Therefore, the third issue concerned the exact location of the distribution boundary and possible reasons for its establishment. This distribution boundary of the Argentine ant was found to be present 450 m from Swartboschkloof hiking trail. A combination of several explanatory variables may contribute to the maintenance of this boundary, i.e. a change in the horizontal and vertical vegetation distribution, as well as in the slope and aspect across the distribution boundary. With these explanatory variables, the increasing presence of an indigenous ant species, Anoplolepis custodiens, from this boundary may also have contributed to the distribution boundary. In addition, the short-term effect of a fire that swept through this area was also assessed, which revealed that Argentine ants are severely negatively affected by fire (at least over the short-term), i.e. their abundance decreased considerably after the fire and their local distribution range contracted. The final issue concerns the public perceptions of invasive alien species (IAS) in general and the Argentine ant specifically, at JNR. This study revealed that the majority of visitors to JNR were aware of the presence of IAS in South Africa and in its PAs, while very few visitors knew about the Argentine ant. This study also revealed that future research concerning South Africans perceptions of IAS might play a strong contributing role in conservation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sedert die Argentynse mier, Linepithema humile [Mayr 1868 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)], in 1898 in Suid-Afrika ingevoer is, het dié mier mens-bewoonde gebiede (soos stedelike en landbou gebiede) en natuurlike gebiede, gekenmerk deur min, indien enige, antropogeniese versteuringe, binnegedring. Nietemin, in vergelyking met ander lande waar die Argentynse mier opgeteken is, en tot die onlangse paar dekades, is min navorsing oor hierdie indringermier in Suid-Afrika onderneem. Gevolglik is daar verskeie kwessies rondom die mier se ekologiese en sosiale uitwerkinge wat nog nie nagevors is nie. Die eerste kwessie het betrekking op die gebrek aan kennis oor die Argentynse mier se verspreiding in die natuurlike gebiede, veral die beskermde gebiede (BG), van Suid-Afrika. Om te bepaal hoeveel BG deur hierdie indringermier beset word, is ʼn ondersoek in die Wes-Kaapprovinsie (WKP) uitgevoer. Daar is bevind dat, van die 614 BG gedokumenteerd in die WKP, het tien bevestigde aanwesigheid- en nege bevestigde afwesigheidrekords van hierdie mier. Die oorblywende BG het geen bekende besettingsrekords van hierdie mier nie. ʼn Tweede kwessie het betrekking op die seisoenale lokaasvoorkeur van die Argentynse mier in ʼn fynbos habitat. Ses lokaas-behandelings (twee koolhidraat en proteïen lokaas, ʼn mengsel van die koolhidraat en proteïen behandelings, en ʼn kontrole) is aangewend in ʼn fynbos habitat, oor ʼn steekproefruitgebied, in vier verskillende Latyns-kwadraatpatrone (“Latin Sqaure designs”), d.i. een vir elke seisoen. Op grond van hierdie eksperimente is vasgestel dat die Argentynse mier die mengsel van koolhidrate en proteïne verkies, en dat hierdie voorkeur nie seisoenaal verander nie. Boonop, vorige ondersoeke wat in die Jonkershoek Natuurreservaat [JNR (in die WKP)] uitgevoer is, het ʼn verspreidings-grens van Argentynse miere ontdek in ʼn gebied bekend as Swartboschkloof. Gevolglik het die derde kwessie betrekking op die presiese ligging van hierdie grens en moontlike redes waarom dit gevestig het. Dié verspreidings-grens van die Argentynse mier is 450 m vanaf die Swartboschkloof voetslaanpad gevind. ʼn Kombinasie van verskeie verklarende veranderlikes kon tot hierdie grens bygedra het, d.i. ʼn verandering in die horisontale en vertikale plantegroeiverspreiding, sowel as in die helling en ligging oor die verspreidings-grens van die Argentynse mier. Tesame met hierdie verklarende veranderlikes, kon die toenemende teenwoordigheid van ʼn inheemse mier, Anoplolepis custodiens, vanaf hierdie grens ook tot die verspredings-grens bygedra het. Daarbenewens is die korttermyn-effek van ʼn vuur wat deur die area beweeg het, ook bestudeer. Die ondersoek het getoon dat die Argentynse mier (ten minste oor die korttermyn) erg negatief deur vuur beïnvloed is, d.i. hul volopheid het ná die vuur aansienlik verminder en hul plaaslike verspreidings-grens het gekrimp. Die finale kwessie het betrekking op openbare persepsie van uitheemse indringerspesies (UIS) oor die algemeen en spesifiek die Argentynse mier, by JNR. Hierdie ondersoek het aan die lig gebring dat die meerderheid van besoekers aan JNR bewus was van die teenwoordigheid van UIS in Suid-Afrika en in dié se BG, terwyl baie min egter van die Argentynse mier geweet het. Hierdie ondersoek het ook aan die lig gebring dat toekomstige navorsing rakende Suid-Afrikaners se persepsie van UIS ʼn sterk bydra tot bewaring kan maak.

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