The Role of Investment in Human Capital: Evolution Between Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Approach

It has been acknowledged for a long time that labour factor quality plays a significant role in the process of economic growth. The human capital theory that gained prominence notably with the works of Schultz (1961) and Becker (1964) underline that the knowledge gained by people is crucial to society, for education is an investment and a tool for improving productivity. The objective of this paper is to propose, in the neoclassical vision, a critical analysis of the developments and controversies surrounding human capital investmen

Managing Spider Mites in corn: A review

Corn is one of the three most important cereal crops in the world. The mites that attack maize belong to the family Tetranychidae, and the species Tetranychus urticae. Koch TSM and Oligonychus pratensis BGM (primary pests of cereals) are particularly formidable. Although high populations of spider mites frequently cause significant damage to corn (grain, silage, and sweet), the level of economic loss varies from season to season. Several factors influence population dynamics from year to year, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, soil type, pesticide applications, proximity to the host, and natural enemies. High temperatures and drought stress usually accelerate the accumulation process of high mite populations. This is compounded by the application of neonicotinoid pesticides, dust accumulation on corn leaves, and sandy soils as these soils are typically drought stressed, even with irrigation. Mites are responsible for severe yield losses of up to 40% of dry matter for silage. With the extensive and unsustainable use of pesticides, including acaricides and insecticides, management of mites currently commercially available miticides has become increasingly difficult, as these arthropods have developed resistance to over 95 active ingredients. The use of drought-tolerant corn plants can help reduce spider mite outbreaks and losses associated with these pests. Natural enemies, including predatory mites of the phytoseiidae family (Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias, Neoseiulus californicus), thrips (Scolothrips sexmaculatus), the tiny pirate bug (Orius sp), and the small black lady beetle (Stethorus punctillum) can keep spider mite numbers below the economic damage threshold. However, the effectiveness of these natural enemies is reduced by hot, low humidity conditions, pesticide use and dust accumulation on leaves. Proper irrigation can help reduce the risk of plant drought and the environment in which spider mites thrive. Eliminating alternate hosts for grasses can reduce their population potential. These biological and cultural control practices can be beneficial but often unreliable, which is why spider mite management on corn relies heavily on synthetic chemicals. New active ingredients such as etoxazole, dimethoate and fenpyroximate have been recentlyintroduced in the market to control spider mites more effectively. Preventive treatments at the beginning of the season can bring significant economic advantage. This effectiveness is greatly enhanced by aerial treatments.  Electrostatic nozzles, for example, have been shown to be 3 times more effective than conventional hydraulic nozzles in controlling corn spider mites. Keywords: Phytophagous mites, maize, natural enemies, synthetic chemicals, aerial treatmen