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[Importance of Tarebia granifera in the control of a population of Biomphalaria peregrina introduced in Cuba].

It was observed that the Tarebia granifera plays a significant role in the control of a Biomphalaria peregrina population introduced in a permanent water body. The densities of this planorbid, which had reached high levels, were notably reduced by two important events: an increase of the water level due to heavy rains, and the introduction of the competitor, whose effectiveness had been tested in a different habitat. Knowledge on the ecology and biology of the competitor and the host in permanent water bodies helped to elaborate the measures of control which led to the reduction of the host densities while those of the competitor increased.

Animals↗

Are the Mediterranean ascoglossan molluscs Oxynoe olivacea and Lobiger serradifalci suitable agents for a biological control against the invading tropical alga Caulerpa taxifolia?

The Mediterranean ascoglossan Oxynoe olivacea and Lobiger serradifalci, which are scarce in meadows of their usual food the alga Caulerpa prolifera, have become adapted to feeding on the invading tropical alga Caulerpa taxifolia. Grazing rates are low (O. olivacea destroys only a 5-cm C. taxifolia frond in 3-7 d). The grazing rates are a function of temperature. Despite a high spawning frequency (0.25 egg-mass.day-1) and a large number of eggs released per spawning event (O. olivacea: from 2,545 to 29,128 eggs.spawning-1; L. serradifalci: from 12,112 to 48,448 eggs.spawning-1), the recruitment on Caulerpa meadows is usually low due to the hazardous pelagic development of the larvae. The possible use of these molluscs as agents of biological control against C. taxifolia appears to be possible only through an artificial enhancement of their populations after cultivation of the veligers and release of juveniles during the winter season. This means of control is discussed and compared with the possible use of tropical ascoglossan species.

Animals↗

The future of mosquito-borne diseases in the world.

The future of mosquito-borne diseases will depend on the improvements and implementation of chemotherapy and vaccination, as well as on biological and integrated control measures. Bacillus thuringiensis H-14, B. sphaericus, Lagenidium giganteum and other fungi are promising biological mosquito control agents. Other control measures include parasitoids, nematodes, larvivorous fish, Toxorhynchites mosquitoes, insect viruses, growth hormones, sex attractants, natural products, sanitation, and water management. Vector control should be combined with training of personnel and carried out on an international scale.

Animals↗

Genetic variation in Drosophila melanogaster pathogen susceptibility.

Genetic variation in susceptibility to pathogens is a central concern both to evolutionary and medical biologists, and for the implementation of biological control programmes. We have investigated the extent of such variation in Drosophila melanogaster, a major model organism for immunological research. We found that within populations, different Drosophila genotypes show wide-ranging variation in their ability to survive infection with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Furthermore, striking divergence in susceptibility has occurred between genotypes from temperate and tropical African locations. We hypothesize that this may have been driven by adaptation to local differences in pathogen exposure or host ecology. Genetic variation within populations may be maintained by temporal or spatial variation in the costs and benefits of pathogen defence. Insect pathogens are employed widely as biological control agents and entomopathogenic fungi are currently being developed for reducing malaria transmission by mosquitoes. Our data highlight the need for concern about resistance evolution to these novel biopesticides in vector populations.

Animals↗

Control of Oesophagostomum dentatum and Hyostrongylus rubidus in outdoor-reared pigs by daily feeding with the microfungus Duddingtonia flagrans.

An investigation of pasture-reared pigs experimentally infected with Oesophagostomum dentatum and Hyostrongylus rubidus showed that daily doses in the feed with the microfungus Duddingtonia flagrans over a 2-month period led to lowered herbage larval infectivity of both species. This was further substantiated by low worm recoveries in initially parasite-naive tracer pigs that were later introduced to the pasture plot. The control setup comprised the release of similarly infected but nondosed pigs on a plot of the same area, followed by a group of tracer pigs. This paper discusses the potentials for using this biological control principle in the pig industry and emphasizes the research required, primarily regarding production technology and elaboration of feasible epidemiology-based dosing regimens, before such control can be implemented in practice.

Animal Feed↗

Some effects of pre-release host-plant on the biological control of Panonychus ulmi by the predatory mite Amblyseius fallacis.

Amblyseius fallacis Garman has been selected for pyrethroid resistance and mass reared for experimental release as a biological control agent for tetranychid mites on a number of crops in Canada. Several releases of this predator onto apple and peach trees have failed to result in the establishment of A. fallacis, or in the biological control of Panonychus ulmi Koch. Here, we test the hypothesis that the change of host-plant at the time of release is a critical factor in the establishment of A. fallacis for biological control of P. ulmi. Functional and numerical response studies were undertaken on two populations of A. fallacis: a wild strain collected from the canopy foliage of an apple orchard near Vineland, Ontario; and a second strain reared on bean plants in a commercial insectary with Tetranychus urticae as prey. Each population consumed significantly more P. ulmi and produced significantly more eggs when on leaf disks from the plant species they were reared on, than on leaf disks from the novel host plant. A further experiment was conducted to determine if establishment and biological control of mass-reared A. fallacis could be affected by rearing a population for a short term on apple leaves prior to release on apple trees. Three release treatments were made into potted apple trees in a glasshouse, using predators commercially mass-reared on bean and T. urticae: A. fallacis released directly; A. fallacis reared in the laboratory for four weeks on bean and T. urticae; A. fallacis reared on apple leaves and T. urticae for four weeks. They were compared with a control treatment lacking predator release. Contrary to results of the functional and numerical response studies, no difference was observed between release treatments. All release treatments adding A. fallacis resulted in a similar, if limited, degree of biological control of P. ulmi. These results indicated that there may be short-term effects of host plant on the establishment of A. fallacis and biological control of P. ulmi, which in our study were observed as an initial reduction of the predatory response. However, in a test, the predators appeared to overcome these short-term effects and successfully established on the new host-plant to control P. ulmi.

Animals↗

Macrotetrolide antibiotics produced by Streptomyces globisporus.

Macrotetrolides isolated from a new producer, Streptomyces globisporus, were identified as nonactin, monactin, dinactin and trinactin. Spectroscopic characterization of these compounds was extended by 13NMR spectra. Chemical ionization with ammonia as reactive gas was proposed for mass-spectroscopic characterization of their mixtures. Their biological activity was confirmed by using larvae of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) as a new test model.

Animals↗

Carnivore-livestock conflicts: effects of subsidized predator control and economic correlates on the sheep industry.

Despite the importance of carnivores in terrestrial ecosystems, many nations have implemented well-coordinated, state-funded initiatives to remove predators, largely because of conflicts with humans over livestock. Although these control efforts have been successful in terms of the number of carnivores removed, their effects on the viability of the industries they seek to protect are less understood. I assessed the efficacy of long-term efforts by the U.S. government to improve the viability of the sheep industry by reducing predation losses. I used regression analysis and hierarchical partitioning of a 60-year data set to explore associations among changes in sheep numbers and factors such as predator control effort, market prices, and production costs. In addition, I compared trends in the sheep industry in the western United States, where predator control is subsidized and coyotes (Canis latrans) are abundant, with trends in eastern states that lack federally subsidized predator control and that were (1) colonized by coyotes before 1950 or (2) colonized by coyotes between 1950 and 1990. Although control efforts were positively correlated with fluctuations in sheep numbers, production costs and market prices explained most of the model variation, with a combined independent contribution of 77%. Trends in sheep numbers in eastern and western states were highly correlated (r > or = 0.942) independent of the period during which they were colonized by coyotes, indicating either that control has been ineffective at reducing predation losses or that factors other than predation account for the declines in both regions. These results suggest that government-subsidized predator control has failed to prevent the decline in the sheep industry and alternative support mechanisms need to be developed if the goal is to increase sheep production and not simply to kill carnivores.

Animal Husbandry↗

[Some problems in the study of mermitids for the purpose of the biological control of midges].

The method of "flooding" with mermitids, which was successfully used against mosquitoes, is unreal for biological control of black flies because of difficulties and unprofitableness of their laboratory maintenance and reproduction. A more probable way of solving the problem is the untroduction of effective forms of parasites. In perspective the cultivation of the adipose tissue of the host and biochemical overcoming of its protective reactions are necessary.

Animals↗

Degradation of acyl-homoserine lactone molecules by Acinetobacter sp. strain C1010.

A bacterium C1010, isolated from the rhizospheres of cucumbers in fields in Korea, degraded the microbial quorum-sensing molecules, hexanoyl homoserine lactone (HHSL), and octadecanoyl homoserine lactone (OHSL). Morphological characteristics and 16S rRNA sequence analysis identified C1010 as Acinetobacter sp. strain C1010. This strain was able to degrade the acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) produced by the biocontrol bacterium, Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6, and a phytopathogenic bacterium, Burkholderia glumae. Co-cultivation studies showed that the inactivation of AHLs by C1010 inhibited production of phenazines by P. chlororaphis O6. In virulence tests, the C1010 strain attenuated soft rot symptom caused by Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovora. We suggest Acinetobacter sp. strain C1010 could be a useful bacterium to manipulate biological functions that are regulated by AHLs in various Gram-negative bacteria.

4-Butyrolactone↗

State of the art and future prospects of the biological control of postharvest fruit diseases.

Synthetic fungicides are the primary means to control postharvest diseases of fruits. Biological control has emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to chemicals. During the last 20 years, several biological control agents have been widely investigated for use on different pathogens and fruit crops. Many biological control mechanisms have been suggested for use on fruit including antibiosis, parasitism, induced resistance in the host tissue and competition. With the aim of extending the use of the biofungicides, there have been many studies on the application of various combinations of control agents, and on the application integrated with chemical and physical means of protection. The formulation and application methods are key issues for the efficacy and successful outcome of the commercial product. Genetic engineering may provide a useful tool in the enhancement of the biological control efficacy. Since biofungicides are usually not as effective as pesticides, this approach should be viewed as an important component of an integrated disease management scheme given that a significant and permanent reduction of pesticide use is our goal.

Antibiosis↗

Carl Freiherr von Tubeuf: pioneer in biological control of plant diseases.

Carl von Tubeuf, a founder of plant pathology in Europe, pioneered biological control of a major plant disease and introduced the term "biological control" to plant pathology. His book on plant diseases was one of the first to be published in English. He was proficient in many areas, and his interests included plant diseases, mycology, forest insects, white pine blister rust, the mistletoes, plant protection laws, and nature conservation.

Europe↗

[Laboratory examination of the effectiveness of new biological preparations for reducing populations of cockroaches (Blattella germanica L.)].

The usefulness of new commercial products of biological origin (Biobit, Novo Skeetal and Novodor) was tested in cockroaches (Blattella germanica L.) control. Biobit proved to be the most effective in reduction of cockroaches population. Its higher activity against cockroaches was observed in all concentrations tested. Females were more sensitive for all tested products than males.

Animals↗

[Introduction to biology and control of mosquitoes].

Mosquitoes systematics, life cycle as well as morphology and bionomics of developmental stages, mosquitoes borne diseases, ecology and reemergence, vectorial capacity of some domestic species were presented with regard to mosquitoes control by the integrated methods and ecological prophylaxis.

Animals↗

V-ATPase-energized epithelia and biological insect control.

Background is provided for the experimentally detailed contributions concerning the structure, distribution and function of V-ATPase-based ion pumps in insect epithelia. The mode of action of an insecticidal bacterial protein, which is dependent upon the V-ATPase-energized state in larval lepidopteran midgut for activity, is discussed.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Simultaneous P-solubilizing and biocontrol activity of microorganisms: potentials and future trends.

Phosphate (P)-solubilizing microorganisms as a group form an important part of the microorganisms, which benefit plant growth and development. Growth promotion and increased uptake of phosphate are not the only mechanisms by which these microorganisms exert a positive effect on plants. Microbially mediated solubilization of insoluble phosphates through release of organic acids is often combined with production of other metabolites, which take part in biological control against soilborne phytopathogens. In vitro studies show the potential of P-solubilizing microorganisms for the simultaneous synthesis and release of pathogen-suppressing metabolites, mainly siderophores, phytohormones, and lytic enzymes. Further trends in this field are discussed, suggesting a number of biotechnological approaches through physiological and biochemical studies using various microorganisms.

Bacteria↗

Molecular and insecticidal characterization of a Bacillus thuringiensis strain isolated during a natural epizootic.

A new Bacillus thuringiensis strain belonging to the serovar aizawai was isolated from a dead larva of the lepidopteran Mythimna loreyi collected in a corn crop in Spain during a natural epizootic. This strain, which was named Leapi01, was compared with the kurstaki and aizawai strains isolated from Dipel(R) and Xentari(R), by electron microscopy, SDS-PAGE, plasmid pattern, PCR and insecticidal activity. This strain showed similar morphological and biochemical characteristics to the standard strains. The content in cry genes of Leapi01 was analysed with a set of general and specific primers recognizing most of the cry genes reported to date. DNA amplification was obtained with primers corresponding to six genes and, to clearly determine the identity of the genes, the amplified fragments were sequenced and corresponded to cry1Aa, cry1Ab, cry1Ca, cry1Da, cry2Ab and cry1Ia. However, the proteins encoded by two of these genes, Cry2 and Cry1I, were not detected in the SDS-PAGE of the purified parasporal bodies. The insecticidal activity of Leapi01 was determined by bioassays against two Lepidoptera species, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera littoralis, that were found to be very susceptible to Leapi01 purified crystals. Since two of the cry genes identified in Leapi01 appear to be silent, other factors may be involved in the toxicity of the strain. As a result of this study, the potential of Leapi01 as biological control agent is discussed, with special emphasis on the high toxicity and relatively broad spectrum activity compared with two B. thuringiensis strains that are the active ingredients of commercial preparations commonly used as bioinsecticides.

Animals↗

[The biological control of Fossaria cubensis, the intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica, in 2 localities with different control agents].

A control was carried out on Fossaria cubensis, intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica, in two localities, by means of 2 different control agents. In one of them Helisoma duryi was used due to its ecological advantages as compared with the intermediate host (higher growth rhythm and lower generational time), and in the other Tarebia granifera was used, which has biological and ecological advantages upon most mollusks (ovoviviparous, parthenogenetic, longer life cycle and higher growth rhythm). In both localities an effective control was seen with the remarkable decrease of the host density after the introduction of the competitive agent.

Animals↗