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Agriculture
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Sustainable Crop Production and Pest Control
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Sustainable Crop Production and Pest Control

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (16 October 2023) | Viewed by 7606

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Leandro Bacci

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Sao Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil
Interests: agricultural entomology, with an emphasis on integrated pest management; toxicology of bioinsecticides; essential oils; and ecology applied to agricultural pest management Photo:
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jefferson Elias da Silva

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Engenharia Agronômica, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Sao Cristovão, Brazil
Interests: integrated pest management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, the need to produce safe and quality food and fiber has increased significantly, mainly due to the pandemic and war. In 2022, the world population reached a significant new milestone of 8 billion people. To meet the demand associated with this number, it is estimated that it will be necessary to increase food and fiber production by around 70%. The challenges to be faced in innovation are enormous, mainly due to phytosanitary problems caused by damage from the attack of insect pests. Currently, chemical control is the most used method; however, the search for more sustainable alternatives has intensified. In this context, the use of extracts and essential oils from bioactive plants has shown potential for the management of important pests of cultivated crops, with high efficiency and rapid degradation in the environment. In addition to these, the use of alternative measures such as behavioral control, the use of resistant varieties, and biological control using beneficial microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes and viruses, in addition to predatory insects and parasites, constitutes a promising sustainable alternative to pest control. Therefore, this Special Issue focuses on the role of alternative control measures in the management of agricultural and forestry pests. Thus, quality articles and reviews in the most diverse areas of research, such as agriculture, agroforestry, and the environment, are invited.

Prof. Dr. Leandro Bacci
Dr. Jefferson Elias da Silva
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainability
  • integrated pest management
  • biopesticide
  • alternative control
  • biological control
  • behavioral control
  • plant essential oils
  • plant extracts
  • toxicity
  • resistant varieties
  • natural enemies
  • pollinators

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 1542 KiB  
Article
Behavioral and Physiological Adaptation to Soil Moisture in the Overwintering Larvae of the Rice Stem Borer in the Subtropics
by Changgeng Dai, Yuqi Zhong, Jing Yu, Yiyu Cheng and Maolin Hou
Agriculture 2023, 13(12), 2177; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13122177 - 21 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1136
Abstract
Diapausing larvae of the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker, overwinter in rice stubble. During overwintering, the larvae may move to sites with suitable moisture and undergo physiological changes to prepare for the declining temperature. This study measured the behavioral and physiological adaptation [...] Read more.
Diapausing larvae of the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker, overwinter in rice stubble. During overwintering, the larvae may move to sites with suitable moisture and undergo physiological changes to prepare for the declining temperature. This study measured the behavioral and physiological adaptation to soil moisture (25%, 50%, and 75% of saturated soil water content) in the diapausing larvae at 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment. The results showed that the diapausing C. suppressalis larvae behaviorally exhibited hygrotaxis and distributed mainly (65%) in the lower part (0–10 cm above the soil level) of the rice stem where the moisture was higher. Physiologically, the insects showed significantly decreased glycogen content and weight whereas increased trehalose content with decreasing soil moisture. In the subtropics where this study was conducted, the supercooling points of the insects were lower than the lowest ambient temperature, and the soil moisture had no significant effects on the cold hardiness (supercooling point) and survival of the diapausing C. suppressalis larvae. The decreased larval weight at low soil moisture may reduce the post-diapause reproductive potential of the larvae, which may open the potential of developing agronomic measures-based management of the overwintering C. suppressalis population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production and Pest Control)
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15 pages, 1892 KiB  
Article
Synthetic Carvacrol Derivatives for the Management of Solenopsis Ants: Toxicity, Sublethal Effects, and Horizontal Transfer
by Jaciele O. Dantas, Sócrates C. H. Cavalcanti, Ana Paula A. Araújo, Arie F. Blank, Jefferson E. Silva, Marcelo C. Picanço, Eraldo Lima, Valfran S. Andrade, Thaysnara B. Brito and Leandro Bacci
Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 1988; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101988 - 13 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1174
Abstract
Ants belonging to the genus Solenopsis are highly significant invasive pests worldwide. The control of these insects has historically relied on the use of synthetic insecticides, which, unfortunately, has led to a range of ecological repercussions. In light of these challenges and the [...] Read more.
Ants belonging to the genus Solenopsis are highly significant invasive pests worldwide. The control of these insects has historically relied on the use of synthetic insecticides, which, unfortunately, has led to a range of ecological repercussions. In light of these challenges and the limited availability of registered products for managing these pests, our study set out to synthesize and assess the insecticidal properties of carvacrol derivatives. The lethal and sublethal effects caused by these derivatives were compared to the essential oil of Lippia gracilis (50.7% carvacrol) and to the base molecule—carvacrol. Carvacryl benzoate was the most toxic derivative to Solenopsis sp., with an LD50 of 3.20 μg/ mg. This compound was about 2 and 7.6 times more toxic than carvacrol at the doses needed to kill 50 and 90% of populations, respectively. The workers of Solenopsis sp. showed a rapid reduction in survival when exposed to carvacrol (LT50 = 8.43 h) and carvacryl benzoate (LT50 = 8.87 h). Insects treated with sublethal doses of the compounds did not show significant effects on self-cleaning, allogrooming and aggregation, with the exception of those treated with L. gracilis essential oil. The oil increased self-cleaning and reduced allogrooming and aggregation. Ants treated with carvacrol and carvacryl benzoate travelled greater distances and had higher movement speeds when compared to the control. These compounds exhibited decreased meanders and angular velocities. When live workers were exposed to dead individuals at the LD90 of the compounds, carvacryl benzoate was the derivative that most reduced survival due to horizontal transfer. These findings underscore the considerable potential of carvacrol derivatives, specifically carvacryl benzoate, as an alternative approach to managing ants of the Solenopsis genus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production and Pest Control)
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10 pages, 1911 KiB  
Communication
Lethal and Sublethal Effects of an Essential Oil-Based Emulsion of Patchouli, Pogostemon cablin (Lamiaceae), on the Tomato Leafminer
by Thiago Leandro Costa, Renata Cordeiro dos Santos, Abraão Almeida Santos, Emílio de Souza Pimentel, Eraldo Lima, Claudio Vieira Batista, Leandro Bacci, Damaris Rosa de Freitas and Marcelo Coutinho Picanço
Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1540; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081540 - 2 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1421
Abstract
There has been an excitement toward novel eco-friendly alternatives to pest management, particularly formulations based on essential oils (EOs). Here, the biological activity of an EO-based emulsion derived from patchouli, Pogostemon cablin, was assessed against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a devastating and [...] Read more.
There has been an excitement toward novel eco-friendly alternatives to pest management, particularly formulations based on essential oils (EOs). Here, the biological activity of an EO-based emulsion derived from patchouli, Pogostemon cablin, was assessed against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a devastating and invasive pest in tomato crops worldwide. Laboratory bioassays were carried out to determine and compare lethal doses, lethal times, oviposition of treated individuals, and oviposition of T. absoluta on treated leaves of tomato to pure patchouli essential oil or its emulsion containing 18% of oil. The LD50 were 10.06 and 2.57 µg of patchouli per mg of insect for the EO and emulsion, respectively. Oviposition was reduced in adults derived from the second instar treated with LD10 by 78.5% (EO) and 85.4% (emulsion). The EO and its emulsion conferred similar avoidance to adults when sprayed on tomato leaves. Therefore, both formulations present similar lethal and sublethal effects against T. absoluta. This study demonstrated a remarkable potential of an emulsion containing 18% of P. cablin oil to be employed for T. absoluta management on tomato crops. Further studies are needed to assess and guarantee open field applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production and Pest Control)
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17 pages, 6573 KiB  
Article
Formicidal Potential of Thymol Derivatives: Adverse Effects on the Survival and Behavior of Acromyrmex balzani
by Jaciele O. Dantas, Sócrates C. H. Cavalcanti, Ana Paula A. Araújo, Jefferson E. Silva, Thaysnara B. Brito, Valfran S. Andrade, Heloisa S. S. Pinheiro, Swamy R. S. A. Tavares, Arie F. Blank and Leandro Bacci
Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071410 - 16 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1387
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants are important pests of agricultural and forest crops. Currently, few insecticides are registered for the control of these insects. Natural bioactive molecules can serve as models for the synthesis of new insecticidal compounds. Such ant killer products must be sustainable and [...] Read more.
Leaf-cutting ants are important pests of agricultural and forest crops. Currently, few insecticides are registered for the control of these insects. Natural bioactive molecules can serve as models for the synthesis of new insecticidal compounds. Such ant killer products must be sustainable and efficient, considering not only lethal effects, but also sublethal effects, which can interfere with behavior and communication between colony members. In this study, we analyzed the toxicity of the monoterpene thymol and its derivatives, as well as the sublethal effects of these compounds on the behavior of the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex balzani. These effects were compared with the conventional synthetic insecticide deltamethrin. Although deltamethrin showed higher toxicity (LD50 = 0.87 × 10−5 µg/mg), all other tested compounds increased ant mortality, with thymyl chloroacetate being the most toxic derivative (LD50 = 1.41 µg/mg), followed by thymol (LD50 = 2.23 µg/mg). These three most toxic compounds interfered differentially in the behavior of ants. Thymyl chloroacetate caused increased self-cleaning and reduced allogrooming, which may be related to an attempt to avoid contamination between nestmates. In general, thymol caused greater avoidance among ants, reduced walking speed and caused disorientation in workers. On the other hand, thymyl chloroacetate (LD30) considerably increased the walking speed of the group, without changing the orientation of the individuals. Such changes may interfere with basic activities such as foraging and altering colony cohesion via different mechanisms. Thus, despite the desirable effects of deltamethrin on ant control, this insecticide is highly toxic and should be discontinued soon. Our results show that thymol and its structural modification in thymyl chloroacetate may represent potential ant killers to be used in the management of A. balzani. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production and Pest Control)
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13 pages, 1850 KiB  
Article
Sampling Methodology of a Key Pest: Technique and Sampling Unit for Evaluation of Leafhopper Dalbulus maidis Populations in Maize Crops
by Cleovan Barbosa Pinto, Daiane das Graças do Carmo, Juliana Lopes dos Santos, Marcelo Coutinho Picanço Filho, Juliana Magalhães Soares, Renato Almeida Sarmento, Eraldo Lima, Leandro Bacci and Marcelo Coutinho Picanço
Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1391; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071391 - 13 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1747
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) is the most consumed food in the world. The leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis, (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is one of the most important maize pests, and due to its direct and indirect damage, it can cause losses of up to [...] Read more.
Maize (Zea mays) is the most consumed food in the world. The leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis, (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is one of the most important maize pests, and due to its direct and indirect damage, it can cause losses of up to 100%. Sampling plans are essential components for integrated pest management programs. The first two components to be determined in these plans are the sampling unit and the sampling technique. The sampling unit consists of determining the plant organ to be evaluated in the sampling and the techniques are the devices used to sample populations of pests in crops. Thus, the objective of this work was to select the unit and technique to be used in the sampling of D. maidis in maize crops. For this purpose, pest populations in plants at stages V4, V6, V8, and V10 were monitored in 16 commercial crops in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes over two years. The sample units studied were the leaves at different positions in the canopy of the plants. The techniques studied were direct counting, shaking the apex of the plants in a plastic tray and using a beating cloth. In the process of selecting the unit and technique to be used in sampling populations of pests in crops, adequate criteria must be used. These criteria include precision, representativeness, sampling time and that the use of these components in the sampling plans should not cause damage to the plants. The most suitable sampling unit for evaluating these pest populations was the whorl leaves and the best technique was the direct counting. Therefore, the unit and technique selected in this work can be used in sampling plans for D. maidis in maize crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production and Pest Control)
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