Dynamics of canopy-dwelling arthropods under different weed management options, including glyphosate, in conventional and genetically modified insect-resistant maize.

The use of genetically modified varieties tolerant to herbicides (HT varieties) and resistant to insects (Bt varieties) in combination with application of a broad-spectrum herbicide such as glyphosate could be an effective option for the simultaneous control of weeds and pests in maize. Nevertheless, the possible impact of these tools on nontarget arthropods still needs to be evaluated. In a field study in central Spain, potential changes in populations of canopy-dwelling arthropods in Bt maize under different weed management options, including glyphosate application, were investigated.

Field evaluation of 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone and ethanol as attractants for the cerambycid beetle pest of vineyards, Xylotrechus arvicola.

Background: The beetle Xylotrechus arvicola (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a serious pest of vineyards in the Iberian Peninsula. In previous work, the male beetles, but not females, were shown to produce (R)-3-hydroxy-2-hexanone, and female beetles were attracted to this compound in a laboratory bioassay. In this study, release rates of 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone from different dispensers were measured in the laboratory, and the attractiveness of these to X.

Laboratory evaluation of alternative control methods against the false tiger, Monosteira unicostata (Hemiptera: Tingidae).

Background: Monosteira unicostata is an important pest of almond tree in the Mediterranean region requiring control methods alternative to synthetic pesticides. The efficacy of kaolin, azadirachtin and potassium salts of fatty acids combined with thyme essential oil against adults and fourth instar nymphs of this tingid was evaluated in laboratory assays.

Results: In no choice assays with adults, kaolin significantly increased mortality compared to control (42.

Laboratory tests of insect growth regulators as bait sprays for the control of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Background: Insect growth regulators (IGRs) act specifically on arthropods. This selectivity makes them an interesting alternative to traditional insecticides for pest control. The aim of this work was to test the IGRs azadirachtin, cyromazine, flufenoxuron, lufenuron and pyriproxyfen as useful pesticides for the control of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), a key pest of olive crops.

Bioaccumulation assessment via an adapted multi-species soil system (MS.3) and its application using cadmium.

This paper presents an experimental design for quantifying the transfer of chemicals at low trophic levels of terrestrial ecosystems. The soil microcosms, MS.3(foodchain) (food chain multi-specie soil system) covered the transfer from soil to earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and from soil to plant (Triticum aestivum), then to phytophagus (Rhopalosiphum padi) and finally predator (Chrysoperla carnea) species.