Pub Date : 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107511
Jesse J. Murray, Germán V. Sandoya
Fusarium wilt of lettuce (FWL) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae increasingly threatens major lettuce producing regions globally. As lettuce production practices may differ regionally, discovering how locally adapted practices such as soil amendments, crop rotation, and flooding impact FWL may help growers diversify their disease management options. Therefore, this research was conducted in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in south Florida, USA to determine how locally recommended applications of pH amendments, phosphorus fertilizer rates and soil flooding impact FWL in artificially infested histosol soils. Similar to previous research, applying sulfur increased FWL symptoms, whereas applying lime and phosphorus fertilizer tended to reduce root discoloration compared to the untreated control. As a result, EAA lettuce producers should consider foliar nutrient applications, as opposed to band-applying sulfur, in fields infested with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae. Lime applications should only be considered when soil pH < 5.2, whereas recommendations are not warranted for adjusting phosphorus fertilizer rates. Soil amendments had the greatest impact on FWL symptoms for partially resistant cultivars, highlighting the need for optimal management in preserving their durability. Flooding soil reduced the pathogen inoculum by 64 % after 90 days, showing that flooding Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae-infested soil has potential to reduce inoculum faster than previous studies testing fallowing alone. Despite the reduction in CFUs, FWL symptoms persisted when planting a susceptible lettuce cultivar, indicating further testing is needed for implementing this practice.
由莴苣枯萎病（Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae）引起的莴苣枯萎病（Fusarium wilt of lettuce）日益威胁着全球主要莴苣产区。由于莴苣的生产方式可能因地区而异，因此发现当地适应的做法（如土壤改良剂、作物轮作和洪水影响FWL）可能有助于种植者多样化其疾病管理选择。因此，本研究在美国佛罗里达州南部的Everglades农业区（EAA）进行，以确定在人工侵染的组织土壤中，当地推荐的pH修正、磷肥施用量和土壤洪水对FWL的影响。与之前的研究类似，施用硫增加了FWL症状，而施用石灰和磷肥与未处理的对照相比，倾向于减少根变色。因此，EAA莴苣生产者应考虑叶面养分施用，而不是带施硫，在枯萎镰刀菌侵染的田地。只有当土壤pH值为5.2时，才应考虑石灰的施用，而调整磷肥用量的建议则没有根据。土壤改良剂对部分抗性品种的FWL症状影响最大，强调了保持其耐久性的最佳管理的必要性。土壤淹水90天后病原菌的接种量减少了64%，表明土壤淹水比单独试验更快地降低了乳酸镰刀菌的接种量。尽管CFUs减少了，但在种植易感生菜品种时，FWL症状仍然存在，这表明需要进一步的测试来实施这种做法。
{"title":"Soil amendments and flooding practices for mitigating Fusarium wilt of lettuce on Florida histosols","authors":"Jesse J. Murray, Germán V. Sandoya","doi":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107511","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107511","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fusarium wilt of lettuce (FWL) caused by <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> f. sp. <em>lactucae</em> increasingly threatens major lettuce producing regions globally. As lettuce production practices may differ regionally, discovering how locally adapted practices such as soil amendments, crop rotation, and flooding impact FWL may help growers diversify their disease management options. Therefore, this research was conducted in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in south Florida, USA to determine how locally recommended applications of pH amendments, phosphorus fertilizer rates and soil flooding impact FWL in artificially infested histosol soils. Similar to previous research, applying sulfur increased FWL symptoms, whereas applying lime and phosphorus fertilizer tended to reduce root discoloration compared to the untreated control. As a result, EAA lettuce producers should consider foliar nutrient applications, as opposed to band-applying sulfur, in fields infested with <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> f. sp. <em>lactucae</em>. Lime applications should only be considered when soil pH < 5.2, whereas recommendations are not warranted for adjusting phosphorus fertilizer rates. Soil amendments had the greatest impact on FWL symptoms for partially resistant cultivars, highlighting the need for optimal management in preserving their durability. Flooding soil reduced the pathogen inoculum by 64 % after 90 days, showing that flooding <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> f. sp. <em>lactucae</em>-infested soil has potential to reduce inoculum faster than previous studies testing fallowing alone. Despite the reduction in CFUs, FWL symptoms persisted when planting a susceptible lettuce cultivar, indicating further testing is needed for implementing this practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10785,"journal":{"name":"Crop Protection","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 107511"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145657270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107514
Matthias Schumacher, Veronika Klimeck, Roland Gerhards
Climate change effects, such as rising temperature, carbon dioxide levels and extreme weather events, impact agriculture directly by reduction of crop yields and indirectly by increasing damage of crop pests. Therefore, preventive methods of plant protection, like cover cropping in integrated weed management, gain in importance. Their performance, however, depends on soil moisture and temperature in late summer. This study examined the effects of elevated temperature (+5 °C) and increasing drought levels (no, mild and severe drought) on four commercial and two self-composed cover crop mixtures and their weed suppression performance in a split-plot greenhouse experiment from 2020 to 2022. Cover crop (CC) and weed biomass were assessed, along with weed control efficacy (WCE) and soil coverage. A canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was performed to identify drought and temperature tolerant species. Both, elevated temperature and increasing drought level, reduced CC biomass and soil cover by 50 %, severe drought even by more than 80 %. Weed biomass was affected similarly, only severe drought reduced it by more than 90 %. Nevertheless, CC mixtures, and the self-composed mixtures in particular, reduced weed biomass further and showed consistently WCE of more than 80 % and up to 98 %. The CCA revealed that Sorghum bicolor, Brassica carinata and Camelina sativa are promising species for future CC mixtures. Even though their biomass and soil coverage were reduced drastically by the examined climate change effects, CC mixtures still showed a high weed control ability. This resilience might be improved further by adjusted sowing dates and establishment methods and in turn improve CC performance under adverse climate change conditions.
{"title":"Climate change effects on the weed suppressive ability of several cover crop mixtures","authors":"Matthias Schumacher, Veronika Klimeck, Roland Gerhards","doi":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107514","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107514","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change effects, such as rising temperature, carbon dioxide levels and extreme weather events, impact agriculture directly by reduction of crop yields and indirectly by increasing damage of crop pests. Therefore, preventive methods of plant protection, like cover cropping in integrated weed management, gain in importance. Their performance, however, depends on soil moisture and temperature in late summer. This study examined the effects of elevated temperature (+5 °C) and increasing drought levels (no, mild and severe drought) on four commercial and two self-composed cover crop mixtures and their weed suppression performance in a split-plot greenhouse experiment from 2020 to 2022. Cover crop (CC) and weed biomass were assessed, along with weed control efficacy (WCE) and soil coverage. A canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was performed to identify drought and temperature tolerant species. Both, elevated temperature and increasing drought level, reduced CC biomass and soil cover by 50 %, severe drought even by more than 80 %. Weed biomass was affected similarly, only severe drought reduced it by more than 90 %. Nevertheless, CC mixtures, and the self-composed mixtures in particular, reduced weed biomass further and showed consistently WCE of more than 80 % and up to 98 %. The CCA revealed that <em>Sorghum bicolor</em>, <em>Brassica carinata</em> and <em>Camelina sativa</em> are promising species for future CC mixtures. Even though their biomass and soil coverage were reduced drastically by the examined climate change effects, CC mixtures still showed a high weed control ability. This resilience might be improved further by adjusted sowing dates and establishment methods and in turn improve CC performance under adverse climate change conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10785,"journal":{"name":"Crop Protection","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 107514"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145657151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107510
Jacson Ferreira , Marcos Vinicius Silva de Andrade , Eduardo Silva Gorayeb , Lilian Katiany Castello Rabello Zinger , Daian Marcos Savaris , Monalisa Cristina de Cól , Emerson Medeiros Del Ponte , Fábio Nascimento da Silva , Leandro do Prado Ribeiro , Maria Cristina Canale
Regular and large-scale outbreaks of the diseases of the corn stunt and virus complex have been reported in Brazil since 2015, including Santa Catarina (SC) State. The pathogens are vectored by the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and the resulting epidemics result in substantial impacts on maize production. In this study, it is reported the abundance of D. maidis and its infection with corn stunt mollicutes [maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) and corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS)], and maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) in Santa Catarina during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 growing seasons. Monitoring was conducted from July to April (40 weeks) comprising both early and late planting seasons in various maize fields across the State. Each week, insect traps were inspected and brought to the laboratory where leafhoppers were counted, and molecular detection was performed for MBSP and CSS, as well as MRFV. Approximately 3000 collections were made during each growing season. Corn leafhopper counting varied in 37 % between the two seasons, being generally lower during the vegetative stage, with a marked increase during the reproductive phase. CSS was found to be more prevalent than MBSP, and MRFV was more prevalent than either of those mollicutes. Infection of D. maidis with MBSP, CSS, and MRFV fluctuated throughout maize development and across the forty weeks of monitoring. Moreover, the MBSP detection in corn leafhopper was inversed related with altitude. These results can serve as a decision-support tool within a translational epidemiology framework, enabling practical, field-level interventions to prevent or mitigate yield losses in maize production systems.
{"title":"Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) spatio-temporal dynamics and infection prevalence with the corn stunt mollicutes and virus in Santa Catarina, Brazil","authors":"Jacson Ferreira , Marcos Vinicius Silva de Andrade , Eduardo Silva Gorayeb , Lilian Katiany Castello Rabello Zinger , Daian Marcos Savaris , Monalisa Cristina de Cól , Emerson Medeiros Del Ponte , Fábio Nascimento da Silva , Leandro do Prado Ribeiro , Maria Cristina Canale","doi":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107510","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107510","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Regular and large-scale outbreaks of the diseases of the corn stunt and virus complex have been reported in Brazil since 2015, including Santa Catarina (SC) State. The pathogens are vectored by the corn leafhopper <em>Dalbulus maidis</em> (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and the resulting epidemics result in substantial impacts on maize production. In this study, it is reported the abundance of <em>D. maidis</em> and its infection with corn stunt mollicutes [maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) and corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS)], and maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) in Santa Catarina during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 growing seasons. Monitoring was conducted from July to April (40 weeks) comprising both early and late planting seasons in various maize fields across the State. Each week, insect traps were inspected and brought to the laboratory where leafhoppers were counted, and molecular detection was performed for MBSP and CSS, as well as MRFV. Approximately 3000 collections were made during each growing season. Corn leafhopper counting varied in 37 % between the two seasons, being generally lower during the vegetative stage, with a marked increase during the reproductive phase. CSS was found to be more prevalent than MBSP, and MRFV was more prevalent than either of those mollicutes. Infection <em>of D. maidis</em> with MBSP, CSS, and MRFV fluctuated throughout maize development and across the forty weeks of monitoring. Moreover, the MBSP detection in corn leafhopper was inversed related with altitude. These results can serve as a decision-support tool within a translational epidemiology framework, enabling practical, field-level interventions to prevent or mitigate yield losses in maize production systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10785,"journal":{"name":"Crop Protection","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 107510"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145614011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107502
Luis F. Aristizábal , Melissa A. Johnson , Mark G. Wright
Pruning is a cultural practice conducted by coffee farmers to increase production and facilitate the management of insect pests and diseases. This field study assessed the impact of different pruning styles on the regulation of coffee berry borer (CBB, Hypothenemus hampei), widely considered the most damaging insect pest of coffee worldwide. For each pruning system (block-stumping, Kona style, topping, and Beaumont-Fukunaga), 3–4 coffee lots were selected on Hawaiʻi Island and CBB infestation, bean damage, and harvesting efficacy was evaluated in 2023 and 2024. Yields, sale price, and pruning costs were also recorded to calculate the benefit cost ratio of each pruning style. Block-stumping resulted in significantly lower CBB infestation (0.6 % and 2.6 %, year one and two of harvest) relative to Beaumont-Fukunaga (6.3 %), topping (8.6 %) and Kona style (10.0 %). Block-stumping also resulted in significantly lower bean damage (2.6 %) compared to topping (24.3 %) and Kona style (25.6 %). The most effective harvesting was done in lots that were block-stumped (≤6.7 berries left per tree), while Beaumont-Fukunaga (10.9), topping (14.5), and Kona style (15.7) resulted in low harvesting efficacy. While there was no significant difference among pruning styles, the benefit cost ratio was higher in lots that employed block-stumping (2.29) or Beaumont-Fukunaga (2.29) compared to topping (2.18) and the traditional Kona style (2.04). Our findings suggest that block-stumping is the optimal pruning style for reducing CBB infestation and bean damage, and results in improved harvesting efficacy and a higher benefit cost ratio relative to other pruning styles that are commonly used in Hawaiʻi.
{"title":"Block-stumping as an effective and cost-efficient style of pruning to reduce coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) infestation and damage in Hawaiian coffee farms","authors":"Luis F. Aristizábal , Melissa A. Johnson , Mark G. Wright","doi":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107502","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107502","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pruning is a cultural practice conducted by coffee farmers to increase production and facilitate the management of insect pests and diseases. This field study assessed the impact of different pruning styles on the regulation of coffee berry borer (CBB, <em>Hypothenemus hampei</em>), widely considered the most damaging insect pest of coffee worldwide. For each pruning system (block-stumping, Kona style, topping, and Beaumont-Fukunaga), 3–4 coffee lots were selected on Hawaiʻi Island and CBB infestation, bean damage, and harvesting efficacy was evaluated in 2023 and 2024. Yields, sale price, and pruning costs were also recorded to calculate the benefit cost ratio of each pruning style. Block-stumping resulted in significantly lower CBB infestation (0.6 % and 2.6 %, year one and two of harvest) relative to Beaumont-Fukunaga (6.3 %), topping (8.6 %) and Kona style (10.0 %). Block-stumping also resulted in significantly lower bean damage (2.6 %) compared to topping (24.3 %) and Kona style (25.6 %). The most effective harvesting was done in lots that were block-stumped (≤6.7 berries left per tree), while Beaumont-Fukunaga (10.9), topping (14.5), and Kona style (15.7) resulted in low harvesting efficacy. While there was no significant difference among pruning styles, the benefit cost ratio was higher in lots that employed block-stumping (2.29) or Beaumont-Fukunaga (2.29) compared to topping (2.18) and the traditional Kona style (2.04). Our findings suggest that block-stumping is the optimal pruning style for reducing CBB infestation and bean damage, and results in improved harvesting efficacy and a higher benefit cost ratio relative to other pruning styles that are commonly used in Hawaiʻi.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10785,"journal":{"name":"Crop Protection","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 107502"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145619681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107499
K. Sharma , E. Atieno , S. Nyawade , A. Kumar , E. Schulte-Geldermann
Potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans imposes persistent yield and income losses in sub-Saharan Africa, requiring fungicide strategies tailored to agroecological and varietal contexts. This study assessed the efficacy, profitability, and environmental toxicity of three fungicides—metalaxyl-M + mancozeb (Ridomil Gold MZ®), mono- and di-potassium phosphite (phosphonate), and ametoctradin + dimethomorph (Orvego®). Metalaxyl-M + mancozeb (Metalaxyl-M + mancozeb) served as the commercial standard, with a no-spray control included as a baseline. Trials were conducted in Kenyan highland (>2100 m a.s.l.) and midland (1800–2000 m a.s.l.) zones, using 19 potato cultivars classified by susceptibility as Susceptible, Moderate, or Resistant. Fungicides were applied every 7 days, averaging 11 and 9 sprays per season at the highland and midland sites, respectively. Disease was quantified using the relative area under the disease progress curve (rAUDPC), environmental toxicity using the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ), and profitability through net returns and benefit–cost ratios (BCRs). Ametoctradin + dimethomorph achieved the greatest rAUDPC reduction over no spray (−0.738), followed by metalaxyl-M + mancozeb (−0.598) and phosphonate (−0.491). Compared to metalaxyl-M + mancozeb, ametoctradin + dimethomorph was more effective (−0.140), while phosphonate showed near-identical efficacy (+0.001). Yield gains over no spray were +24.4 t/ha with ametoctradin + dimethomorph, +20.7 t/ha with phosphonate, and +17.8 t/ha with metalaxyl-M + mancozeb. Against commercial standard, ametoctradin + dimethomorph yielded a significant +7.1 t/ha gain, but a non-significant yield loss (−1.1 t/ha) with phosphonate. Net returns ranged from USD 7950–9500/ha (ametoctradin + dimethomorph), 6100–8600/ha (phosphonate), and 5500–8000/ha (metalaxyl-M + mancozeb), with BCRs of 19.8–20.8, 12.7–13.7, and 9.2–10.2. Phosphonate had the lowest environmental impact (150–183 EIQ/ha), cutting toxicity by 253–310 units relative to metalaxyl-M + mancozeb and 156–127 compared to ametoctradin + dimethomorph. Phosphonate showed a zone-specific response relative to metalaxyl-M + mancozeb, with reduced efficacy in the Highland (−14.76 %, p = 0.0071) and increased efficacy in the Midland (+12.91 %, p = 0.0282). These findings position phosphonate as a cost-effective, eco-safer option and ametoctradin + dimethomorph as more effective but costlier, with a moderate environmental impact. The zone-specific performance of phosphonate highlights trade-offs in its effectiveness and suitability across locations, shaping both farmer and policy decisions.
马铃薯晚疫病在撒哈拉以南非洲地区造成了持续的产量和收入损失，需要根据农业生态和品种情况量身定制杀菌剂策略。本研究评估了三种杀菌剂——甲酰基- m +代森锰锌（Ridomil Gold MZ®）、单亚磷酸钾和二亚磷酸钾（膦酸盐）和氨曲霉素+啶霉啉（Orvego®）的功效、盈利能力和环境毒性。Metalaxyl-M +代森锰锌（Metalaxyl-M +代森锰锌）作为商业标准，包括无喷雾控制作为基线。试验在肯尼亚高地（海拔2100米）和中部（海拔1800-2000米）地区进行，使用19个马铃薯品种，按易感程度分为易感、中等和抗性。杀真菌剂每7天施用一次，在高原和中部地区平均每季分别喷洒11剂和9剂。采用疾病进展曲线下的相对面积（rAUDPC）对疾病进行量化，采用环境影响商（EIQ）对环境毒性进行量化，通过净回报和效益成本比（bcr）对盈利能力进行量化。与无喷雾相比，氨曲霉霉素+啶虫啉对rAUDPC的降低效果最大（- 0.738），其次是甲乙基- m +代森锰锌（- 0.598）和膦酸盐（- 0.491）。与甲酰基- m +代森锰锌相比，氨曲霉肽+啶菊酯更有效（- 0.140），而膦酸盐的疗效几乎相同（+0.001）。与不喷相比，氨曲霉素+啶虫啉的产量增加+24.4 t/公顷，膦酸盐的产量增加+20.7 t/公顷，甲酰基- m +代森锰锌的产量增加+17.8 t/公顷。与商业标准相比，氨氯氰胺+吡虫啉的产量显著增加+7.1吨/公顷，但磷酸盐的产量损失不显著（- 1.1吨/公顷）。净收益范围为7950-9500美元/公顷（氨氯杀菌素+吡虫啉）、6100-8600美元/公顷（膦酸盐）和5500-8000美元/公顷（甲酰基- m +代森锰锌），bcr分别为19.8-20.8、12.7-13.7和9.2-10.2。膦酸盐对环境的影响最小（150-183 EIQ/ha），与甲酰基- m +代锰锌相比毒性降低253-310个单位，与氨曲霉素+啶菊酯相比毒性降低156-127个单位。与甲酰基- m +锰锌相比，膦酸盐表现出区域特异性反应，高原地区的疗效降低（- 14.76%,p = 0.0071），中部地区的疗效增加（+ 12.91%,p = 0.0282）。这些研究结果表明，膦酸盐是一种成本效益高、生态安全的选择，而氨曲霉素+啶虫啉更有效，但成本更高，对环境的影响也较小。膦酸盐的特定区域性能突出了其在不同地点的有效性和适用性之间的权衡，从而影响了农民和政策决策。
{"title":"Phosphonate balances cost and eco-safety, matching conventional fungicide efficacy in potato late blight management, but with agroecology-specific response","authors":"K. Sharma , E. Atieno , S. Nyawade , A. Kumar , E. Schulte-Geldermann","doi":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107499","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107499","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Potato late blight caused by <em>Phytophthora infestans</em> imposes persistent yield and income losses in sub-Saharan Africa, requiring fungicide strategies tailored to agroecological and varietal contexts. This study assessed the efficacy, profitability, and environmental toxicity of three fungicides—metalaxyl-M + mancozeb (Ridomil Gold MZ®), mono- and di-potassium phosphite (phosphonate), and ametoctradin + dimethomorph (Orvego®). Metalaxyl-M + mancozeb (Metalaxyl-M + mancozeb) served as the commercial standard, with a no-spray control included as a baseline. Trials were conducted in Kenyan highland (>2100 m a.s.l.) and midland (1800–2000 m a.s.l.) zones, using 19 potato cultivars classified by susceptibility as Susceptible, Moderate, or Resistant. Fungicides were applied every 7 days, averaging 11 and 9 sprays per season at the highland and midland sites, respectively. Disease was quantified using the relative area under the disease progress curve (rAUDPC), environmental toxicity using the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ), and profitability through net returns and benefit–cost ratios (BCRs). Ametoctradin + dimethomorph achieved the greatest rAUDPC reduction over no spray (−0.738), followed by metalaxyl-M + mancozeb (−0.598) and phosphonate (−0.491). Compared to metalaxyl-M + mancozeb, ametoctradin + dimethomorph was more effective (−0.140), while phosphonate showed near-identical efficacy (+0.001). Yield gains over no spray were +24.4 t/ha with ametoctradin + dimethomorph, +20.7 t/ha with phosphonate, and +17.8 t/ha with metalaxyl-M + mancozeb. Against commercial standard, ametoctradin + dimethomorph yielded a significant +7.1 t/ha gain, but a non-significant yield loss (−1.1 t/ha) with phosphonate. Net returns ranged from USD 7950–9500/ha (ametoctradin + dimethomorph), 6100–8600/ha (phosphonate), and 5500–8000/ha (metalaxyl-M + mancozeb), with BCRs of 19.8–20.8, 12.7–13.7, and 9.2–10.2. Phosphonate had the lowest environmental impact (150–183 EIQ/ha), cutting toxicity by 253–310 units relative to metalaxyl-M + mancozeb and 156–127 compared to ametoctradin + dimethomorph. Phosphonate showed a zone-specific response relative to metalaxyl-M + mancozeb, with reduced efficacy in the Highland (−14.76 %, p = 0.0071) and increased efficacy in the Midland (+12.91 %, p = 0.0282). These findings position phosphonate as a cost-effective, eco-safer option and ametoctradin + dimethomorph as more effective but costlier, with a moderate environmental impact. The zone-specific performance of phosphonate highlights trade-offs in its effectiveness and suitability across locations, shaping both farmer and policy decisions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10785,"journal":{"name":"Crop Protection","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 107499"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145614102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study examines farmers' knowledge and perceptions of damage caused by fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda), reports their estimated production losses in southern Benin between 2020 and 2022, and investigates the factors that influenced pest management decisions. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 242 farmers across two agroecological zones of southern Benin from September to December 2023. About 93 % of farmers had broad knowledge of FAW, and 95 % believed they had been affected by infestations and considered the pest dangerous. However, 41 % misinterpreted the timing of FAW attacks, believing that the insect emerged and caused damage only at the mature stage of maize. As a result, synthetic insecticides were frequently applied after significant damage had already occurred. Infestation levels varied across zones: farmers in the Guinean zone reported relatively low infestation (20 %), while those in the Sudano-Guinean zone reported higher levels (40 %), especially in 2021. Yield losses were estimated at 20–40 % during this period. In terms of management, 73 % of farmers relied on synthetic insecticides, 2.5 % adopted cultural practices, 11.6 % used no control methods, and only 1.2 % applied botanical extracts. Further analysis revealed that the choice of FAW control measures was significantly influenced by years of maize farming experience (P < 0.002), financial means (P < 0.001), and to a lesser extent, perceptions of control method effectiveness (P < 0.068). These findings showed that although farmers are aware of FAW, misperceptions about its biology and timing of insecticide application remain problematic. To reduce yield losses, extension programs should prioritize training on the biology of FAW, timing of chemical applications, and consider the aforementioned factors when promoting management practices for FAW control in Benin and similar agroecological contexts.
{"title":"Farmers' knowledge and perceptions of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) damage and factors affecting control method choices in Benin, West Africa","authors":"Tamegnon Hospice Tossou , Jan-Henning Sommer , Cyriaque Agboton , Razack Adeoti , Manuele Tamò , Florian M.W. Grundler , Christian Borgemeister","doi":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107509","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107509","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines farmers' knowledge and perceptions of damage caused by fall armyworm (FAW, <em>Spodoptera frugiperda</em>), reports their estimated production losses in southern Benin between 2020 and 2022, and investigates the factors that influenced pest management decisions. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 242 farmers across two agroecological zones of southern Benin from September to December 2023. About 93 % of farmers had broad knowledge of FAW, and 95 % believed they had been affected by infestations and considered the pest dangerous. However, 41 % misinterpreted the timing of FAW attacks, believing that the insect emerged and caused damage only at the mature stage of maize. As a result, synthetic insecticides were frequently applied after significant damage had already occurred. Infestation levels varied across zones: farmers in the Guinean zone reported relatively low infestation (20 %), while those in the Sudano-Guinean zone reported higher levels (40 %), especially in 2021. Yield losses were estimated at 20–40 % during this period. In terms of management, 73 % of farmers relied on synthetic insecticides, 2.5 % adopted cultural practices, 11.6 % used no control methods, and only 1.2 % applied botanical extracts. Further analysis revealed that the choice of FAW control measures was significantly influenced by years of maize farming experience (<em>P</em> < 0.002), financial means (<em>P</em> < 0.001), and to a lesser extent, perceptions of control method effectiveness (<em>P</em> < 0.068). These findings showed that although farmers are aware of FAW, misperceptions about its biology and timing of insecticide application remain problematic. To reduce yield losses, extension programs should prioritize training on the biology of FAW, timing of chemical applications, and consider the aforementioned factors when promoting management practices for FAW control in Benin and similar agroecological contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10785,"journal":{"name":"Crop Protection","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 107509"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145619680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107501
Stefanos Pentsidis , Maria Sakka , Christos Rumbos , Ioannis Vagelas , Christos G. Athanassiou
The coexistence of fungi and insects in stored grains often results in synergistic effects that accelerate grain deterioration and increase mycotoxin contamination. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is widely used as inert dusts for insect control, but their efficacy on grains already infested by fungi has not yet been evaluated. In this study, the effect of a commercial DE formulation was examined on wheat kernels that were either fungus-free or infected by fungi (mainly Fusarium graminearum with minor proportions of Aspergillus and Penicillium). Bioassays were conducted with the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and the granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.), under two DE concentrations (500 and 1000 ppm). Results indicated that DE completely suppressed progeny production of S. oryzae and S. granarius in fungus-free wheat, but the presence of fungi moderated this effect, with even low levels of fungal infestation supporting progeny survival. Conversely, kernels fully infected by fungi (100 %) resulted in complete mortality of both Sitophilus species, suggesting a threshold beyond which fungal development dominates over insect survival. For R. dominica, progeny production was limited regardless of treatment. These findings demonstrate that fungal presence strongly influences DE efficacy, highlighting the complex interactions between fungi, insects, and inert dusts in stored grain ecosystems. Considering that fungi can both reduce and enhance insect survival depending on their prevalence, the integration of DEs in pest management should also take into consideration fungal infestation levels to optimize efficacy.
{"title":"Insecticidal effect of diatomaceous earth on grains infected with fungi","authors":"Stefanos Pentsidis , Maria Sakka , Christos Rumbos , Ioannis Vagelas , Christos G. Athanassiou","doi":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107501","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107501","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The coexistence of fungi and insects in stored grains often results in synergistic effects that accelerate grain deterioration and increase mycotoxin contamination. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is widely used as inert dusts for insect control, but their efficacy on grains already infested by fungi has not yet been evaluated. In this study, the effect of a commercial DE formulation was examined on wheat kernels that were either fungus-free or infected by fungi (mainly <em>Fusarium graminearum</em> with minor proportions of <em>Aspergillus</em> and <em>Penicillium</em>). Bioassays were conducted with the lesser grain borer, <em>Rhyzopertha dominica</em> (F.), the rice weevil, <em>Sitophilus oryzae</em> (L.), and the granary weevil, <em>Sitophilus granarius</em> (L.), under two DE concentrations (500 and 1000 ppm). Results indicated that DE completely suppressed progeny production of <em>S. oryzae</em> and <em>S. granarius</em> in fungus-free wheat, but the presence of fungi moderated this effect, with even low levels of fungal infestation supporting progeny survival. Conversely, kernels fully infected by fungi (100 %) resulted in complete mortality of both <em>Sitophilus</em> species, suggesting a threshold beyond which fungal development dominates over insect survival. For <em>R. dominica</em>, progeny production was limited regardless of treatment. These findings demonstrate that fungal presence strongly influences DE efficacy, highlighting the complex interactions between fungi, insects, and inert dusts in stored grain ecosystems. Considering that fungi can both reduce and enhance insect survival depending on their prevalence, the integration of DEs in pest management should also take into consideration fungal infestation levels to optimize efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10785,"journal":{"name":"Crop Protection","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 107501"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145614012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107500
Denis Waiswa , Beatrice Wambui Muriithi , Alice Warukira Murage , Dave Mwangi Ireri , Fredah Maina , Fahri Yavuz
This study examines the timing to adoption and dis-adoption, as well as the key drivers influencing these transitions, for Push-Pull Technology (PPT) in East Africa using household-level panel data from extensive surveys conducted in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. Using discrete-time proportional hazard models, we estimate the hazard functions for PPT adoption and dis-adoption and complement this with machine learning–based survival analysis through Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) to evaluate and enhance predictive performance. Both approaches consistently identify peer networks measured by the number of known PPT adopters, frequent extension contact, and farmer group membership as the most influential drivers of adoption and long-term retention. Farmers' positive perceptions of PPT's pest-control effectiveness (against stemborer, Striga, and fall armyworm) significantly accelerate uptake and reduce exit risk. Access to diverse information sources also speeds adoption, while participation in PPT training programs and repeated training sessions are essential for sustaining use over time. These findings suggest that complementary to ongoing efforts to improve input access, enhancing farmers' perceptions through targeted education, visible adopter clusters, and evidence-based demonstrations, together with embedded extension services, repeated interactive training, and country-tailored strategies, offer a roadmap for accelerating uptake and securing the sustained use of PPT across East Africa.
{"title":"Adoption and dis-adoption of push-pull technology in East Africa: Evidence from survival analysis and machine learning","authors":"Denis Waiswa , Beatrice Wambui Muriithi , Alice Warukira Murage , Dave Mwangi Ireri , Fredah Maina , Fahri Yavuz","doi":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107500","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107500","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the timing to adoption and dis-adoption, as well as the key drivers influencing these transitions, for Push-Pull Technology (PPT) in East Africa using household-level panel data from extensive surveys conducted in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. Using discrete-time proportional hazard models, we estimate the hazard functions for PPT adoption and dis-adoption and complement this with machine learning–based survival analysis through Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) to evaluate and enhance predictive performance. Both approaches consistently identify peer networks measured by the number of known PPT adopters, frequent extension contact, and farmer group membership as the most influential drivers of adoption and long-term retention. Farmers' positive perceptions of PPT's pest-control effectiveness (against stemborer, Striga, and fall armyworm) significantly accelerate uptake and reduce exit risk. Access to diverse information sources also speeds adoption, while participation in PPT training programs and repeated training sessions are essential for sustaining use over time. These findings suggest that complementary to ongoing efforts to improve input access, enhancing farmers' perceptions through targeted education, visible adopter clusters, and evidence-based demonstrations, together with embedded extension services, repeated interactive training, and country-tailored strategies, offer a roadmap for accelerating uptake and securing the sustained use of PPT across East Africa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10785,"journal":{"name":"Crop Protection","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 107500"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145611910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107497
Xin Jiang , Jing Tian , Gang Li , Guy Smagghe , Zhong-Yi Li , Dao-Chao Jin , Zhou Li , Rui Dong , Xin-Yao Gu
Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854, a major pest of alfalfa, causes severe crop damage not only through direct feeding but also, and more critically, as a vector for devastating plant viruses, causes severe crop damage due to its rapid reproduction and high resistance to pesticides. This study aimed to identify alfalfa cultivars with natural resistance to A. craccivora and to elucidate the underlying resistance mechanisms by testing the hypothesis that specific plant nutrients and secondary metabolites are key drivers of aphid resistance. To evaluate the suitability of alfalfa cultivars for cultivation in southern China in terms of their resistance to A. craccivora, life tables were constructed for aphids reared on different cultivars. In addition, the nutrient and secondary metabolite contents of the alfalfa were quantified, and their correlations with aphid life-history parameters were analyzed. The results showed that alfalfa cultivars significantly influenced the life history of A. craccivora, with the Algonquin cultivar exhibiting the strongest negative effects. Integrating life table parameters with chemical profiling revealed that tannins and total phenols are key biomarkers for resistance. Elevated levels of these compounds were strongly associated with a cascade of detrimental effects on A. craccivora, including reduced adult longevity, shortened oviposition periods, and a decreased net reproductive rate, ultimately leading to suppressed population growth. Algonquin was identified as a cultivar with strong natural resistance to A. craccivora, while also elucidating the physiological and biochemical characteristics underlying resistance among alfalfa cultivars. These findings provide a theoretical basis for breeding insect-resistant alfalfa and for developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
{"title":"Evaluation and characterization of aphid (Aphis craccivora) resistance in selected alfalfa genotypes","authors":"Xin Jiang , Jing Tian , Gang Li , Guy Smagghe , Zhong-Yi Li , Dao-Chao Jin , Zhou Li , Rui Dong , Xin-Yao Gu","doi":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107497","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107497","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Aphis craccivora</em> Koch, 1854, a major pest of alfalfa, causes severe crop damage not only through direct feeding but also, and more critically, as a vector for devastating plant viruses, causes severe crop damage due to its rapid reproduction and high resistance to pesticides. This study aimed to identify alfalfa cultivars with natural resistance to <em>A. craccivora</em> and to elucidate the underlying resistance mechanisms by testing the hypothesis that specific plant nutrients and secondary metabolites are key drivers of aphid resistance. To evaluate the suitability of alfalfa cultivars for cultivation in southern China in terms of their resistance to <em>A. craccivora</em>, life tables were constructed for aphids reared on different cultivars. In addition, the nutrient and secondary metabolite contents of the alfalfa were quantified, and their correlations with aphid life-history parameters were analyzed. The results showed that alfalfa cultivars significantly influenced the life history of <em>A. craccivora</em>, with the Algonquin cultivar exhibiting the strongest negative effects. Integrating life table parameters with chemical profiling revealed that tannins and total phenols are key biomarkers for resistance. Elevated levels of these compounds were strongly associated with a cascade of detrimental effects on <em>A. craccivora</em>, including reduced adult longevity, shortened oviposition periods, and a decreased net reproductive rate, ultimately leading to suppressed population growth. Algonquin was identified as a cultivar with strong natural resistance to <em>A. craccivora</em>, while also elucidating the physiological and biochemical characteristics underlying resistance among alfalfa cultivars. These findings provide a theoretical basis for breeding insect-resistant alfalfa and for developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10785,"journal":{"name":"Crop Protection","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 107497"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145598554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107496
Aarthi Nekkanti , Jagadeesh Patil , Sonia Soni , Raghubir Kumar Patidar , Priyank Hanuman Mhatre , Manjunatha T. Gowda , Vijaykumar R , B.S. Gotyal , S.N. Sushil
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are important biological agents used to control various insect pests and can be applied in conjunction with different insecticides. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the survival of infective juveniles (IJs) of two EPN species, Heterorhabditis indica and Steinernema carpocapsae, after exposure to fipronil and imidacloprid. The combination of these nematodes and insecticides at different rates for controlling the white grub Holotrichia serrata was evaluated both in the laboratory and in sugarcane fields. In laboratory assays, two insecticides, fipronil and imidacloprid, at different concentrations had no effect or a negligible effect on the survival of both nematode species, with mortality rates below 4.0 %. The combinations had a synergistic or additive effect on the third-instar grubs of H. serrata and caused faster and greater mortality than either an EPN species or an insecticide alone. Mortality and speed of kill were significantly increased in the combinations of H. indica–fipronil, H. indica–imidacloprid, and S. carpocapsae–imidacloprid, but nematode reproduction was also unaffected by these insecticides. However, both in the laboratory and in sugarcane fields, the degree of interaction varies with nematode species, being synergistic for H. indica–fipronil, H. indica–imidacloprid, and S. carpocapsae–imidacloprid against grubs. These three nematode–insecticide combinations produced significantly (P < 0.05) greater percentage reductions in Holotrichia serrata than did the chlorpyrifos treatment. We conclude that H. indica at 6.1 × 108 IJ ha−1 combined with imidacloprid or fipronil is a practical strategy for the management of H. serrata in sugarcane production.
{"title":"The combined application of entomopathogenic nematodes and insecticides: A strategy for the management of Holotrichia serrata (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in sugarcane","authors":"Aarthi Nekkanti , Jagadeesh Patil , Sonia Soni , Raghubir Kumar Patidar , Priyank Hanuman Mhatre , Manjunatha T. Gowda , Vijaykumar R , B.S. Gotyal , S.N. Sushil","doi":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107496","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107496","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are important biological agents used to control various insect pests and can be applied in conjunction with different insecticides. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the survival of infective juveniles (IJs) of two EPN species, <em>Heterorhabditis indica</em> and <em>Steinernema carpocapsae</em>, after exposure to fipronil and imidacloprid. The combination of these nematodes and insecticides at different rates for controlling the white grub <em>Holotrichia serrata</em> was evaluated both in the laboratory and in sugarcane fields. In laboratory assays, two insecticides, fipronil and imidacloprid, at different concentrations had no effect or a negligible effect on the survival of both nematode species, with mortality rates below 4.0 %. The combinations had a synergistic or additive effect on the third-instar grubs of <em>H. serrata</em> and caused faster and greater mortality than either an EPN species or an insecticide alone. Mortality and speed of kill were significantly increased in the combinations of <em>H. indica</em>–fipronil, <em>H. indica</em>–imidacloprid, and <em>S. carpocapsae</em>–imidacloprid, but nematode reproduction was also unaffected by these insecticides. However, both in the laboratory and in sugarcane fields, the degree of interaction varies with nematode species, being synergistic for <em>H. indica</em>–fipronil, <em>H. indica</em>–imidacloprid, and <em>S. carpocapsae</em>–imidacloprid against grubs. These three nematode–insecticide combinations produced significantly (P < 0.05) greater percentage reductions in <em>Holotrichia serrata</em> than did the chlorpyrifos treatment. We conclude that <em>H. indica</em> at 6.1 × 10<sup>8</sup> IJ ha<sup>−1</sup> combined with imidacloprid or fipronil is a practical strategy for the management of <em>H</em>. <em>serrata</em> in sugarcane production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10785,"journal":{"name":"Crop Protection","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 107496"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145598555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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