Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, is an important food grain legume in Niger facing production losses due to insect pests. This study aims to determine the efficiency of non-chemical methods for managing these pests....Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, is an important food grain legume in Niger facing production losses due to insect pests. This study aims to determine the efficiency of non-chemical methods for managing these pests. A trial was conducted during the 2020 and 2022 cropping seasons at the INRAN station in the Maradi region. A Fischer experimental design with 6 repetitions was used to compare 4 treatments: synthetic chemical pesticide;the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana;aqueous extracts of neem seeds, and control. Observations were carried out every three days. The cowpea pod-sucking bug, pod borer, and thrips were the main insect pests recorded. In terms of effectiveness, the synthetic pesticide was the best treatment. It reduced insect pest densities by 71.35% to 90.40% in 2020 and by 35.11% to 42.13% in 2022. Grain yields varied between treatments. Neem seed extract followed the synthetic pesticide and significantly reduced insect infestations in both years. The synthetic pesticide and neem seed extract resulted in yields 3 to 5 times higher than the control treatment in 2020. By contrast, B. bassiana 115 and neem seed extract produced similar yields in 2022. Therefore, the results of this study showed that B. bassiana 115 and neem seed extract have insecticidal potential and could be used as an ecological alternative for managing cowpea insect pests in the Sahel.展开更多
Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is an economically important seed legume that helps combat food and nutrition insecurity in the Sahel, particularly Niger. However, its yield remains low due to insect pest attacks...Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is an economically important seed legume that helps combat food and nutrition insecurity in the Sahel, particularly Niger. However, its yield remains low due to insect pest attacks. This study was conducted at a station and in seven villages in the Maradi and Tahoua regions. It aimed to test the effectiveness of neem seed biopesticides [Azadirachta indica A. Juss] and sanitized human urine for integrated insect pest management. The cowpea variety UAM09 1055-6 was used for the experiments. The experimental trial was a Fisher block design consisting of five treatments: neem oil, neem seed extract (NSE), hygienized human urine (HHU), chemical pesticide, and a control, replicated five times at the station and twice in farmers’ environments. The study shows that Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom, Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stål and Maruca vitrata Fabricius are the main insect pests. Plots treated with synthetic pesticides were the least infested by C. tomentosicollis. They were followed by neem seed extract and HHU treatments, which recorded an infestation level of 2.44 and 20.5 times lower than controls at the station and in farming environments. The density of thrips was 1.06 to 32.6 times lower in treated plots compared to controls. The proportion of pods damaged by M. vitrata was 1.95, 2.55, and 2.77 times lower in plots treated with HHU, NSE, and synthetic pesticide, respectively, compared to controls. Grain yields were 1.80 and 2.62 times higher in UHH and NSE treatments compared to control plots, both at the station and in farmers’ environments. A yield increase of 44.58% and 61.92% was noted for these treatments at the station and in farmers’ environments, respectively. These results may promote the dissemination of NSE and HHU biopesticide technologies in rural areas as an alternative method for integrated pest management of cowpeas.展开更多
Tephritid fruit flies are considered one of the world’s most notorious pests of horticultural crops, including mango (Mangefera indica L.) in Sierra Leone, causing extensive direct and indirect damage. A survey was c...Tephritid fruit flies are considered one of the world’s most notorious pests of horticultural crops, including mango (Mangefera indica L.) in Sierra Leone, causing extensive direct and indirect damage. A survey was conducted among 60 mango farmers in 7 districts in Sierra Leone between June and August, 2022, to assess their perceptions regarding fruit fly pest status and the current management options adopted for the control of this pest. Semi-structured questions designed in an open and closed-ended fashion were used for the study. The majority (83%) of the farmers were already aware of the fruit fly problem in the country with 62% perceiving it to be very severe. The majority (60%) of farmers, however, demonstrated poor knowledge of identifying fruit fly species, especially Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis capitata, and Ceratitis cosyra. Farmers were more conversant about the direct damage symptoms to host fruits and the economic impact of fruit flies. A total of 32% of growers took no action to control fruit flies on their farms. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of the farmers adopted cultural control measures, like practicing prompt harvesting, collection and disposal of infested fruits, and weeding to maintain better sanitary conditions on their farms. Recommended fruit fly management strategies such as the use of botanicals and resistant varieties were either unknown or inaccessible to growers. A total of 52% applied chemicals that were not recommended for the control of fruit flies without considering their environmental and health risks. It is important to train fruit growers to improve their capabilities for fruit fly management through extension agents that are appropriate for helping them acquire basic knowledge of fruit fly pests and their management.展开更多
Peste des Petits ruminants (PPR) is considered as one of the major constraints to the productivity of small ruminants in Sudan. Presently, control measures for PPR are primarily reliant on vaccination using an attenua...Peste des Petits ruminants (PPR) is considered as one of the major constraints to the productivity of small ruminants in Sudan. Presently, control measures for PPR are primarily reliant on vaccination using an attenuated PPR strain Nigeria 75/1 that has been produced in monolayers of Vero cells grown in static flasks. This study investigates the potential for scaling up PPR vaccine production using roller bottle technology, a more advanced method. A live, homologous vaccine against PPR in sheep and goats was successfully produced on a large scale in roller culture bottles, with DMEM supplemented with ten percent fetal bovine serum serving as the growth medium. The cells were infected with a multiplicity of infection of 0.01, and the vaccine was harvested when the cytopathic effect reached 80%. The vaccine was then freeze-dried to preserve its stability. A series of tests were conducted to ensure the safety and quality of the vaccine. Using PCR, the identity of vaccine was confirmed. It was found to be safe in both single and 100-times dose inoculations in sheep, with the produced batches showing a high titre of 6.4 ± 0.11 log10 TCID50/ml. All batches met the criteria of sterility, passing tests for bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasma. Furthermore, the vaccine proved effective in small ruminants, with antibodies persisting for over a year post-vaccination. The residual moisture content remained below 2.5%, and the vaccine successfully passed vacuum testing. Stability tests indicated that the vaccine has a shelf-life of at least one year when stored at temperatures of 2˚C - 8˚C and −20˚C. These results demonstrate the potential for applying roller bottle culture technology to PPR vaccine production, significantly streamlining the existing process and enhancing its efficiency. Further research is warranted to address the economic analyses of adopting roller bottle technology with existing PPR control program.展开更多
Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) antibodies were studied in Sudanese sheep and goats (n = 855) before and after vaccination with a locally produced Nigeria 75/1 vaccine using a commercial competitive ELISA (cEL...Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) antibodies were studied in Sudanese sheep and goats (n = 855) before and after vaccination with a locally produced Nigeria 75/1 vaccine using a commercial competitive ELISA (cELISA) kit. Animals were kept healthy under field conditions, in four states: Blue Nile (n = 250), North Kordofan (n = 189), South Darfur (n = 225) and the Northern State (n = 191). Before vaccination, the overall sero-prevalence of PPRV antibodies was 54.6% (53.2% - 56%, 95% CI);high (64.8% - 76.4%, 95% CI) in Blue Nile State, medium (50.5% - 61.9%, 95% CI) in North Kordofan State and South Darfur State and low (28.6% - 35.2% 95%, CI) in Northern State. In high-risk areas (high sero-prevalence), Blue Nile (70.4%) and North Kordofan (57.7%), middle age groups (7 - 12 and 13 - 18 months) were identified as high-risk age. Middle age groups showed lower sero-prevalence than preceding (3 - 6 months) and subsequent (>18 months) age groups while the risk of exposure increased with age. Current and previous findings suggested a transmission pathway of PPRV involving the South Eastern border (Blue Nile) and neighbouring Central Sudan to North Kordofan. One month after vaccination 88.4% (343/388) of sero-negative animals were sero-converted suggesting the efficacy of the locally produced Nigeria 75/1 vaccine. Even if only individuals in the high-risk age group (7 - 18 months) were vaccinated, the overall population immunity (OPI) in high-risk areas (the Blue Nile and North Kordofan) would have surpassed the threshold of 70%, which is indicated for blocking PPRV transmission. However, lower vaccination coverage is expected in wider vaccination programmes. These findings primarily justified the targeting of PPR control in Sudan through the vaccination of high-risk age groups in high-risk areas.展开更多
Agricultural intensification has led to an increase in monoculture and the use of chemical pesticides,resulting in a decline in biodiversity and a reduction in ecosystem services,particularly biological pest managemen...Agricultural intensification has led to an increase in monoculture and the use of chemical pesticides,resulting in a decline in biodiversity and a reduction in ecosystem services,particularly biological pest management.However,studies have shown that agroforestry can not only improve land productivity and biodiversity but also regulate some ecosystem services.This study reviews the impacts of physical and biological factors on herbivorous pests,parasites,and predatory natural enemies in fruit-crop agroforestry systems.Fruit-crop agroforestry systems provide high spatial heterogeneity by altering crop layouts,regulating the microclimate and soil quality,and offering food resources and shelter for natural enemies,thus promoting biological pest control.This enhances biological control and makes the agrocomplex system an effective tool for sustainable agriculture.Our research shows that volatile plant substances attract or repel pests and natural enemies based on the characteristics of the insects themselves.When scientifically designed,fruit-crop agroforestry systems provide high spatial heterogeneity and favorable microclimatic conditions,which enhance biological pest control and make the agroforestry system an effective tool for sustainable agriculture.Our research shows that fruit-crop agroforestry systems can provide richer food resources and habitat,enhancing biological pest control and improving pest management.展开更多
This paper systematically introduces the extraction process of the active components from the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia,elucidates the biological functions of these active components,and summarizes their...This paper systematically introduces the extraction process of the active components from the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia,elucidates the biological functions of these active components,and summarizes their applications in agricultural pest control.Furthermore,the paper examines the future developmental directions of M.alternifolia essential oil in pest control,along with the current challenges associated with its application.The aim is to offer insights for future research on botanical essential oils,particularly regarding their biological functions and applications in agricultural pest control.展开更多
文摘Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, is an important food grain legume in Niger facing production losses due to insect pests. This study aims to determine the efficiency of non-chemical methods for managing these pests. A trial was conducted during the 2020 and 2022 cropping seasons at the INRAN station in the Maradi region. A Fischer experimental design with 6 repetitions was used to compare 4 treatments: synthetic chemical pesticide;the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana;aqueous extracts of neem seeds, and control. Observations were carried out every three days. The cowpea pod-sucking bug, pod borer, and thrips were the main insect pests recorded. In terms of effectiveness, the synthetic pesticide was the best treatment. It reduced insect pest densities by 71.35% to 90.40% in 2020 and by 35.11% to 42.13% in 2022. Grain yields varied between treatments. Neem seed extract followed the synthetic pesticide and significantly reduced insect infestations in both years. The synthetic pesticide and neem seed extract resulted in yields 3 to 5 times higher than the control treatment in 2020. By contrast, B. bassiana 115 and neem seed extract produced similar yields in 2022. Therefore, the results of this study showed that B. bassiana 115 and neem seed extract have insecticidal potential and could be used as an ecological alternative for managing cowpea insect pests in the Sahel.
文摘Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is an economically important seed legume that helps combat food and nutrition insecurity in the Sahel, particularly Niger. However, its yield remains low due to insect pest attacks. This study was conducted at a station and in seven villages in the Maradi and Tahoua regions. It aimed to test the effectiveness of neem seed biopesticides [Azadirachta indica A. Juss] and sanitized human urine for integrated insect pest management. The cowpea variety UAM09 1055-6 was used for the experiments. The experimental trial was a Fisher block design consisting of five treatments: neem oil, neem seed extract (NSE), hygienized human urine (HHU), chemical pesticide, and a control, replicated five times at the station and twice in farmers’ environments. The study shows that Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom, Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stål and Maruca vitrata Fabricius are the main insect pests. Plots treated with synthetic pesticides were the least infested by C. tomentosicollis. They were followed by neem seed extract and HHU treatments, which recorded an infestation level of 2.44 and 20.5 times lower than controls at the station and in farming environments. The density of thrips was 1.06 to 32.6 times lower in treated plots compared to controls. The proportion of pods damaged by M. vitrata was 1.95, 2.55, and 2.77 times lower in plots treated with HHU, NSE, and synthetic pesticide, respectively, compared to controls. Grain yields were 1.80 and 2.62 times higher in UHH and NSE treatments compared to control plots, both at the station and in farmers’ environments. A yield increase of 44.58% and 61.92% was noted for these treatments at the station and in farmers’ environments, respectively. These results may promote the dissemination of NSE and HHU biopesticide technologies in rural areas as an alternative method for integrated pest management of cowpeas.
文摘Tephritid fruit flies are considered one of the world’s most notorious pests of horticultural crops, including mango (Mangefera indica L.) in Sierra Leone, causing extensive direct and indirect damage. A survey was conducted among 60 mango farmers in 7 districts in Sierra Leone between June and August, 2022, to assess their perceptions regarding fruit fly pest status and the current management options adopted for the control of this pest. Semi-structured questions designed in an open and closed-ended fashion were used for the study. The majority (83%) of the farmers were already aware of the fruit fly problem in the country with 62% perceiving it to be very severe. The majority (60%) of farmers, however, demonstrated poor knowledge of identifying fruit fly species, especially Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis capitata, and Ceratitis cosyra. Farmers were more conversant about the direct damage symptoms to host fruits and the economic impact of fruit flies. A total of 32% of growers took no action to control fruit flies on their farms. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of the farmers adopted cultural control measures, like practicing prompt harvesting, collection and disposal of infested fruits, and weeding to maintain better sanitary conditions on their farms. Recommended fruit fly management strategies such as the use of botanicals and resistant varieties were either unknown or inaccessible to growers. A total of 52% applied chemicals that were not recommended for the control of fruit flies without considering their environmental and health risks. It is important to train fruit growers to improve their capabilities for fruit fly management through extension agents that are appropriate for helping them acquire basic knowledge of fruit fly pests and their management.
文摘Peste des Petits ruminants (PPR) is considered as one of the major constraints to the productivity of small ruminants in Sudan. Presently, control measures for PPR are primarily reliant on vaccination using an attenuated PPR strain Nigeria 75/1 that has been produced in monolayers of Vero cells grown in static flasks. This study investigates the potential for scaling up PPR vaccine production using roller bottle technology, a more advanced method. A live, homologous vaccine against PPR in sheep and goats was successfully produced on a large scale in roller culture bottles, with DMEM supplemented with ten percent fetal bovine serum serving as the growth medium. The cells were infected with a multiplicity of infection of 0.01, and the vaccine was harvested when the cytopathic effect reached 80%. The vaccine was then freeze-dried to preserve its stability. A series of tests were conducted to ensure the safety and quality of the vaccine. Using PCR, the identity of vaccine was confirmed. It was found to be safe in both single and 100-times dose inoculations in sheep, with the produced batches showing a high titre of 6.4 ± 0.11 log10 TCID50/ml. All batches met the criteria of sterility, passing tests for bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasma. Furthermore, the vaccine proved effective in small ruminants, with antibodies persisting for over a year post-vaccination. The residual moisture content remained below 2.5%, and the vaccine successfully passed vacuum testing. Stability tests indicated that the vaccine has a shelf-life of at least one year when stored at temperatures of 2˚C - 8˚C and −20˚C. These results demonstrate the potential for applying roller bottle culture technology to PPR vaccine production, significantly streamlining the existing process and enhancing its efficiency. Further research is warranted to address the economic analyses of adopting roller bottle technology with existing PPR control program.
文摘Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) antibodies were studied in Sudanese sheep and goats (n = 855) before and after vaccination with a locally produced Nigeria 75/1 vaccine using a commercial competitive ELISA (cELISA) kit. Animals were kept healthy under field conditions, in four states: Blue Nile (n = 250), North Kordofan (n = 189), South Darfur (n = 225) and the Northern State (n = 191). Before vaccination, the overall sero-prevalence of PPRV antibodies was 54.6% (53.2% - 56%, 95% CI);high (64.8% - 76.4%, 95% CI) in Blue Nile State, medium (50.5% - 61.9%, 95% CI) in North Kordofan State and South Darfur State and low (28.6% - 35.2% 95%, CI) in Northern State. In high-risk areas (high sero-prevalence), Blue Nile (70.4%) and North Kordofan (57.7%), middle age groups (7 - 12 and 13 - 18 months) were identified as high-risk age. Middle age groups showed lower sero-prevalence than preceding (3 - 6 months) and subsequent (>18 months) age groups while the risk of exposure increased with age. Current and previous findings suggested a transmission pathway of PPRV involving the South Eastern border (Blue Nile) and neighbouring Central Sudan to North Kordofan. One month after vaccination 88.4% (343/388) of sero-negative animals were sero-converted suggesting the efficacy of the locally produced Nigeria 75/1 vaccine. Even if only individuals in the high-risk age group (7 - 18 months) were vaccinated, the overall population immunity (OPI) in high-risk areas (the Blue Nile and North Kordofan) would have surpassed the threshold of 70%, which is indicated for blocking PPRV transmission. However, lower vaccination coverage is expected in wider vaccination programmes. These findings primarily justified the targeting of PPR control in Sudan through the vaccination of high-risk age groups in high-risk areas.
文摘Agricultural intensification has led to an increase in monoculture and the use of chemical pesticides,resulting in a decline in biodiversity and a reduction in ecosystem services,particularly biological pest management.However,studies have shown that agroforestry can not only improve land productivity and biodiversity but also regulate some ecosystem services.This study reviews the impacts of physical and biological factors on herbivorous pests,parasites,and predatory natural enemies in fruit-crop agroforestry systems.Fruit-crop agroforestry systems provide high spatial heterogeneity by altering crop layouts,regulating the microclimate and soil quality,and offering food resources and shelter for natural enemies,thus promoting biological pest control.This enhances biological control and makes the agrocomplex system an effective tool for sustainable agriculture.Our research shows that volatile plant substances attract or repel pests and natural enemies based on the characteristics of the insects themselves.When scientifically designed,fruit-crop agroforestry systems provide high spatial heterogeneity and favorable microclimatic conditions,which enhance biological pest control and make the agroforestry system an effective tool for sustainable agriculture.Our research shows that fruit-crop agroforestry systems can provide richer food resources and habitat,enhancing biological pest control and improving pest management.
基金Supported by Undergraduate Training Programs for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of Guangdong Province(202310580005)Youth Project of Zhaoqing University(QN202443)China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-26).
文摘This paper systematically introduces the extraction process of the active components from the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia,elucidates the biological functions of these active components,and summarizes their applications in agricultural pest control.Furthermore,the paper examines the future developmental directions of M.alternifolia essential oil in pest control,along with the current challenges associated with its application.The aim is to offer insights for future research on botanical essential oils,particularly regarding their biological functions and applications in agricultural pest control.
