Recent fears of terrorism have provoked an increase in delays and denials transboundary shipments radioisotopes. This represents a serious constraint to sterile insect technique (SIT) programs around the world as they rely on use ionizing radiation from radioisotopes for sterilization. To validate novel X ray irradiator, series studies Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) were carried out, comparing relative biological effectiveness (RBE) between rays...

The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), was recently introduced in Brazil. During the 2012-2013 harvest, producers reported reduced yields up to 35% on major crops. economic losses reached US$ 1 billion only western Bahia, triggering a phytosanitary crisis. deficiencies existing taxonomic keys deal with morphologically indistinct larvae of H. and native zea (Boddie) constrained detection new incursions this heliothine invader. This study explored identity that were found...

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) such as deep learning in the quality control grains has potential to assist analysts decision making and improving procedures. Advanced technologies based on X-ray imaging provide markedly easier ways insect infestation stored products, regardless whether features are visible surface grains. Here, we applied contrast enhancement algorithms peripheral equalization calcification emphasis images improve detection Sitophilus zeamais maize In...

Modern techniques that enable high-precision and rapid identification/elimination of wheat seeds infected by Fusarium head blight (FHB) can help to prevent human animal health risks while improving agricultural sustainability. Robust pattern-recognition methods, such as deep learning, achieve higher precision in detecting using more accessible solutions, ordinary RGB cameras. This study used different deep-learning approaches based on images, combining hyperparameter optimization,...

In 2013, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was officially declared as present in Brazil and, after two years, the species detected Caribbean and North America. Information on genetic features accurate distribution of pests is basis for agricultural protection policies. Furthermore, such knowledge imperative to develop control strategies, understand geographical range, patterns this Americas. Here, we carried out widest sampling H. South American continent Puerto Rico,...

Abstract For almost a decade, natural populations of the South American fruit fly have been targeted for control through Sterile Insect Technique projects. To ensure sustainable supply competitive sterile flies this approach, it is essential to understand effects domestication when strains pest are initially brought into laboratory establish colonies as well changes occurring after multiple generations adaptation conditions used mass rearing. Using one colony established from wild population...

The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is an autocidal control method that relies on inundative releases of sterilized mass-reared insects. This technology has been used in several area-wide programmes for the suppression/eradication fruit fly populations. Choosing optimum sterilizing dose and sterile release density essential step SIT. Considering unsolved issues related to application this technique against Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann), study aimed define accurately central target both...

Helicoverpa armigera , the cotton bollworm moth, is one of world’s most important crop pests, and spreading throughout New World from its original range in Old World. In Brazil, invasive H. has been reported to hybridize with local populations zea . The correct identification armigera-H. hybrids understanding origin, spread future outlook for regions that are affected by outbreaks, given hybridization can potentially facilitate pesticide resistance host plant via introgression genes. Here,...

Abstract In cases where a pest that is target of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) campaign member cryptic species complex, it necessary to know in advance whether the sterile mass‐reared males are sexually compatible with wild females, otherwise releases would result failure induce sterility population. The South American fruit fly, commonly known as Anastrepha fraterculus , represents such complex at least 8 different morphotypes. From northern Argentina southeastern areas Brazil, “Brazil‐1”...

The sublethal effect of extracts Azadirachta indica on Ceratitis capitata was evaluated. Two pairs flies were treated in plastic tubes with cotton placed cages. An artificial diet (hydrolyzed protein + sugar) provided ad libitum. affected significantly the longevity C. capitata. pre-oviposition period not by extracts. A. branches extracted dichloromethane (888 ppm) fecundity and fertility, reducing number eggs laid to approximately 80 % egg hatching 30 at 8th day. Therefore, neem reproduction

The sanitary quality of seed is essential in agriculture. This because pathogenic fungi compromise physiological and prevent the formation plants field, which causes losses to farmers. Multispectral images technologies coupled with machine learning algorithms can optimize identification healthy peanut seeds, greatly improving quality. objective was verify whether multispectral artificial intelligence tools are effective for discriminating tropical seeds. For this purpose, dry seeds infected...

The behavioral inhibitory effect of methanol extracts from neem leaves (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) at different concentrations (0, 10,000, 18,000, 32,000 and 56,000 ppm) was evaluated using naïve experienced medflies (Ceratitis capitata (Wied.)) ovipositing on the fruits grape cv. 'Italia'. grapes were immersed in specific treatments exposed for 24 h to 3 pairs female male medflies, both experienced, a choice test. At 18,000 ppm, extract that applied inhibited oviposition. previous...

This study aimed to determine whether broiler chickens display a preference for Tenebrio molitor larvae (TM) meal by evaluating ingredient acceptability and birds' performance. Sixty 14-day-old male were assigned into two treatment groups (5 birds/pen, n = 6) in cafeteria-type study: the control (C) group, TM group. Each pen was equipped with one bell drinker four through feeders allocated side side; all of C group contained complete standard diet whereas each feeder following ingredients:...

As the incidence of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) has increased in Southern Brazil past 3 yr, an initiative to release sterile flies and parasitoids started. In order make feasible mass-rearing parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmed), this study investigated suitability A. larvae derived from irradiated eggs as host for D. Two different ages (24 48 h old) were analyzed hatchability after exposure a range radiation doses. The 48-h-old was not affected by radiation, no fly...

Toxic effects of neem seed cake on the larval-pupal (prepupal) stage Mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), remains one of the most damaging parasites livestock in South America, causing millions dollars annual losses to producers. Recently, American countries demonstrated interest controlling this pest using Sterile Insect Technique, and a pilot-project was conducted near Brazil-Uruguay border 2009. Since molecular studies have suggested existence C. regional groups, crossing tests were evaluate mating competitiveness, preference reproductive...

The existing rearing protocols for Anastrepha fraterculus must be reviewed to make economically viable the production of sterile flies their area-wide application. Additionally, evidence sexual incompatibility between a long-term mass-reared Brazilian strain and wild populations has been found. To address these issues, this study aimed refine assess suitability an A. mass flies. A series bioassays were carried out evaluate incubation times eggs in bubbling bath temporal variation egg from...