Determining the efficacy of visual inspections at detecting non-biosecurity-compliant goods.

Examination of imported commodities by trained inspectors searching for pest organisms is a common practice that phytosanitary regulatory agencies use to mitigate biosecurity risks along trade pathways. To investigate the effects of target size and color on the efficacy of these visual assessments, we affixed square decals to polystyrene models of mandarins. Sample units of 100 model fruit containing up to 10 marked models were examined by inspectors.

Exploring the Nature of Arhopalus ferus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Spondylidinae) Pheromone Attraction.

Cerambycid species of the Spondylidinae subfamily are distributed worldwide and are known for being prolific invaders that infest conifers. In New Zealand, Arhopalus ferus (Mulsant), the burnt pine longhorn beetle, is well-established and requires monitoring at high-risk sites such as ports, airports, and sawmills as part of the requirements to meet pine log export standards set by the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). Currently, its surveillance relies on traps baited with host volatiles (i.

Correction: Wang et al. Current and Potential Future Global Distribution of the Raisin Moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under Two Different Climate Change Scenarios. 2023, , 435.

In the original publication [...

Current and Potential Future Global Distribution of the Raisin Moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under Two Different Climate Change Scenarios.

Global trade facilitates the introduction of invasive species that can cause irreversible damage to agriculture and the environment, as well as stored food products. The raisin moth () is an invasive pest that poses a significant threat to fruits and dried foods. Climate change may exacerbate this threat by expanding moth's distribution to new areas.

Reproduction of Black Soldier Fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Under Different Adult Densities and Light Regimes.

The black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) has been recognized as a promising insect species for sustainable management of organic waste and by-products. Indoor breeding of BSF with artificial lighting has been proved successful, but efforts are still needed to optimize BSF reproductive output.

Mating success of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), under four artificial light sources.

Larvae of the black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) are promising organisms to be used for organic waste bioconversion. Breeding BSF indoors has been suggested as a cost-effective approach for countries with long winters or low sunlight levels through the year.

Bioconversion of Three Organic Wastes by Black Soldier Fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Larvae.

This study aimed to determine the suitability of several organic waste substrates to be processed by the larvae of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) (BSFL) in a value-added bioconversion system. Three types of organic waste (brewer's waste, solid phase of pig manure, and semidigested grass) were tested and compared with a standard larval diet, broll (wheat middling).

Sorption and desorption characteristics of methyl bromide during and after fumigation of pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) logs.

Background: The sorption and desorption characteristics of methyl bromide (MB) were determined during and after fumigation of recently harvested pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) logs. The effects of dose (48 or 120 g m ), degree of bark cover (0, 50 or 100%) and end-grain sealing (sealed or unsealed) on sorption and desorption were determined over time.

Plant acclimation to elevated CO₂ affects important plant functional traits, and concomitantly reduces plant colonization rates by an herbivorous insect.

Plants growing under elevated CO₂ concentration may acclimatize to this environmental change by modification of chemical, physiological, and/or morphological traits. As a consequence, not only plant functioning but also plant-insect interactions might be altered, with important consequences particularly for agricultural systems. Whereas most studies have focused on the plant acclimation effects of elevated CO₂ with regard to crop growth and productivity, acclimation effects on the behavioral response of insects associated with these plants have been largely neglected.

The microbial flora of Aphis gossypii: patterns across host plants and geographical space.

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, has a worldwide distribution and causes damage to numerous economically important crops. The bacterial symbionts associated with cotton aphids, sampled mainly from malvaceous and cucurbitaceous plants within Japan and Australia, were characterised using molecular profiling approaches. The goal was to document the aphid symbionts present and determine if patterns of microbial diversity are consistent with the existence of host plant related cryptic species in A.

The efficacy of a petroleum spray oil against Aphis gossypii Glover on cotton. Part 2: indirect effects of oil deposits.

The primary mode of action of petroleum spray oils (PSOs) on pest insects is through direct contact. Indirect effects are, however, also possible, and deposits of the oils may influence pest populations by killing insects and/or by influencing their behaviour. The indirect effects of deposits of a new nC24 oil against the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, were therefore determined.

The efficacy of a petroleum spray oil against Aphis gossypii Glover on cotton. Part 1: mortality rates and sources of variation.

Petroleum spray oils (PSOs) kill insect pests on contact, and the composition of modern PSOs is substantially different from the ones introduced earlier. The effects of direct application of a new nC24 PSO on the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, were therefore determined. This covered not only aphid mortality rates but also the way in which the oils affected aphid behaviour at the time of contact with the oil.