Accuracy and precision of phytonematode sampling plans

Sampling accuracy and precision are basic to nematode research and rational management decision. Taylor's Power Law is used to determine sample size. The published power law parameters are used here differently to define levels of reliability associated with a fixed, cost-determined, sample size. Such levels may provide the decision-maker with more informative data on sampling methods and their reliabilities. Instead of solving for unknown sample number, the rearranged equation to solve for sampling accuracy permitted the use of exact Student’s t-values. The t-values for confidence limits and standard normal variate were used. Both statistical techniques resulted in identical confidence band, in terms of being below, at, or above the economic threshold level, in the majority of cases. Reckoning with new trends in collecting and processing samples, a 99% confidence interval above action threshold of Tylenchulus semipenetrans population with mean = 2500 at a precision of 80% or more would be attainable

Postharvest application with propolis for controlling white rot disease of green bean pods

White rot is the most severe disease attacking green bean pods during pre and postharvest stages. Ethanol extracted propolis (EEP) at four concentrations i.e. 0, 5, 10 and 15% was tested to study its effect on growth inhibition zone of the causative fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Results indicated that all tested concentrations of EEP significantly increased the inhibition zone of S. sclerotiorum growth. The highest increase was obtained with at 15% where complete reduction in sclerotia germination occurred. At EEP 10%, the sclerotia germination was reduced by 91.6%.  When the same concentrations were tested to study their effect on white rot disease of green bean pods during storage, all EEP significantly reduced the percentage of white rot incidence and severity. The highest reduction was obtained with EEP at 15%; reducing the disease incidence and severity by 90 and 91.8% respectively, followed by EEP at 10% which reduced the incidence and severity by 78 and 82% respectively. EEP at 5% showed moderate effect. EEP is suggested as good biosystem within integrated management of pathogens and safe alternative for controlling postharvest diseases of green bean pods