Pasture Yield and Sward Intake by Suckler Cows in the Extended Grazing Season

Recent advancements in grazing management have shown opportunities to extend the grazing season in late autumn (Hennessy et al. 2006). The increase in the grazing season length will have profound effect on the overall system through reducing the quantity of slurry to be stored, reduction in the quantities of silage and hay required for winter feeding and reductions in the energy associated with sward harvesting and conservation. Also, in Central Europe the extending of grazing season has become highly desirable in the recent years (Opitz v. Boberfeld et al. 2006; Skladanka et al. 2010), because it can reduce the cost of cattle keeping. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of late autumn and early winter grazing of suckler cows on pasture yield, residual mass, sward utilization rate and sward intake

Effect of water extracts from Artemisia absinthium L. on feeding of selected pests and their response to the odor of this plant

Celem przeprowadzonych badań było określenie oddziaływania wodnych wyciągów ze świeżej i suchej masy bylicy piołunu (Artemisia absinthium L.) na żerowanie wybranych szkodników roślin uprawnych. Ponadto przy użyciu olfaktometru zbadano ich reakcje na zapach wyżej wymienionej rośliny. Ocena intensywności żerowania oprzędzika pręgowanego (Sitona lineatus L.) została przeprowadzona poprzez mierzenie powierzchni wyżerek powodowanych przez imago. W przypadku mszycy grochowej (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) zbadano kontaktowe oddziaływanie wyciągów na śmiertelność osobników dorosłych i larw. Określając wpływ wyciągów z bylicy piołunu na stonkę ziemniaczaną (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say.) ustalono masę pokarmu zjedzonego przez dorosłe chrząszcze i larwy oraz zmiany masy ciała larw. W badaniach nad reakcją olfaktometryczną wspomnianych owadów wykorzystano szklany olfaktometr „Y-tube” w przypadku chrząszczy oprzędzika pręgowanego oraz stonki ziemniaczanej, natomiast w przypadku samic uskrzydlonych mszycy grochowej użyto 4-ramiennej areny olfaktometru. Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań stwierdzono, że wyciąg z suchej masy bylicy piołunu o stężeniu 10% w największym stopniu ograniczał żerowanie oprzędzików. Największą śmiertelność samic i larw mszycy grochowej odnotowano w obiektach, w których zastosowano wyciągi z suchej i świeżej masy o najwyższych stężeniach (odpowiednio 10% i 30%). Wyciąg ze świeżej masy o stężeniu 30% w największym stopniu przyczynił się do ograniczenia żerowania chrząszczy stonki ziemniaczanej, z kolei wyciąg sporządzony z suchej masy roślin o stężeniu 10% istotnie przyczynił się do zmniejszenia masy pokarmu zjedzonego przez larwy tego szkodnika. Badania z wykorzystaniem olfaktometru wykazały silną reakcję odstraszającą substancji zapachowych pochodzących od bylicy piołunu w stosunku do chrząszczy oprzędzików (samców i samic) i samców stonki ziemniaczanej.The aim of this study was to determine the effect of water extracts from fresh and dry matter of Artemisia absinthium L. on the feeding of selected pests. Moreover their reactions on the smell of this plant by using the olfactometer were examined. Beetles feeding intensity assessment was carried out by measuring the surface of feeds caused by Sitona lineatus L. In the case of Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris contact poisoning on mortality of adults and larvae were tested. In determining the effect of extracts of A. absinthium L. on Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say. food weight eaten by adult beetles and larvae and changes in larvae body weight were established. In studies on the olfactory reaction of above mentioned insects, for S. lineatus and L. decemlineata glass olfactometer "Y-tube" was used and for winged A. pisum females - 4-armed arena olfactometer. The results of the experiment showed that extract from dry matter of A. absinthium L. at concentration of 10% greatly reduced feeding of Sitona lineatus L. The highest mortality of A. pisum Harris was observed in objects in which extracts from dry and fresh matter of the highest concentrations (10% and 30% respectivelly) were applied. Extract from fresh matter in concentration of 30% made the greatest contribution to reduce feeding of L. decemlineata Say, while extract made from the dry matter at concentration of 10% significantly contributed to reduce the weight of food eaten by the larvae of this pest. Studies using the olfactometer showed a strong deterring reaction of odors derived from A. absinthium L. in relation to S. lineatus (both males and females) and males of L. decemlineata Say

EFFECT OF WATER EXTRACT FROM CHAMOMILE ON BLACK BEAN APHID AND COLORADO POTATO BEETLE

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of aqueous extracts of dried chamomille (Matricaria chamomilla L.), in concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10%, and fresh parts of this plant, in concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30% on survival of black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.) on the leaves of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) variety "Bartek" and on feeding of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say.) on the leaves of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) variety “Bellarosa”. In these researches on impact of water extracts from chamomille on mortality of wingless females and larvae of black bean aphid, 15 laboratory’s observations in the 8-hour intervals was made. In the studies of the effects of aqueous extracts of chamomille on the dynamics of Leptinotarsa decemlineata feeding on the potato leaves, 4 laboratory’s observations in 12-hour intervals was made. Observations were carried out in 6 replicates divided into L2 and L4 larvae stages. Aquatic extracts of chamomile limited the survival of black bean aphid larvae and wingless females – the higher the concentration, the stronger the effects of the extract, where young insects were found to be more susceptible. Extracts of the dried plant whose concentration was below 5% and extracts of the fresh plant whose concentration was below 20% were found to be ineffective against black bean aphids. In all the analysed concentrations the aquatic extracts of chamomile were found to be ineffective against L2 and L4 larvae of Colorado potato beetle

EFFECT OF WATER EXTRACT FROM MINT ON SELECTED CROP PESTS FEEDING AND SURVIVAL

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of aqueous extracts of dried mint (Mentha piperita L.) in concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10%, and fresh parts of this plant, in concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30% on feeding of pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus L.) and survival of black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.) on the leaves of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) variety "Bartek". In the studies of the effects of aqueous extracts of mint on the dynamics of Sitona lineatus feeding on the beans leaves, 9 laboratory’s observations in 12-hour intervals was made. Leaves injuries on their edge surface caused by adult individuals were measured. Observations were carried out in 6 replicates divided into males and females. In these researches on impact of water extracts from mint on mortality of wingless females and larvae of black bean aphids, 14 laboratory’s observations in the 8-hour intervals was made. Aqueous extracts of dry and fresh peppermint significantly limited the feeding of pea leaf weevil females, and the extracts from dried material were more effective. Extracts from peppermint to a greater extent caused mortality of black bean aphid larvae compared to wingless females, and the higher the concentration of the extract the more beneficial effect was observed. An extract from dried material at a concentration of 2% was too weak to effectively combat the larvae of A. fabae, while in the case of aphid females, an effectiveness was only demonstrated for the extracts at the highest concentrations, i.e., 10% of dried and 30% of fresh peppermint

EFFECT OF SELECTED PETROLEUM-DERIVED SUBSTANCES ON BRUCHUS RUFIMANUS BOH. FEEDING AND ON SELECTED MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PLANTS

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of petrol, used engine oil and diesel oil on Bruchus rufimanus Boh. feeding and on selected morphological characteristics of plants. In addition, the effect of bioremediation process on the above mentioned features was examined. Pest’s feeding intensity assessment was carried out by determining the number of damaged seeds and their weight. Assessment of morphological characteristics of plants was made in the technological maturity of broad bean seeds. The results of the experiment showed that all substances used in the experiment had no significant effect on B. rufimanus Boh feeding. Diesel oil most adversely affected the analyzed morphological characteristics. Applied bioremediation caused a decrease the mass of seeds developed by plant and the number of damaged seeds in the object contaminated with petrol and contributed to the increase in the number and weight of pods and the number of seeds per one plant in the object contaminated with diesel oil

THE EFFECT OF WATER EXTRACTS FROM WINTER SAVORY ON BLACK BEAN APHID MORTALITY

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of water extracts prepared from fresh and dry matter of winter savory (Satureja montana L.) on mortality of wingless females and larvae of black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.). The experiment was conducted in the laboratory, in six replicates. Dry extracts were prepared at concentration of 2%, 5% and 10%, while the fresh plant at concentration of 10%, 20% and 30%. Stomach poisoning of extracts was determined by soaking broad bean leaves in the respective solutions, and then determining mortality of wingless female and larvae feeding on leaves thus prepared at 12 hour intervals. The results of the experiment showed that the extract prepared from dry matter at the highest concentration (10%), as well as the extracts from fresh matter at concentration of 20% and 30% contributed to an increase in mortality of wingless female of black bean aphid. Meanwhile, extracts prepared from both dry and fresh matter at two highest concentrations caused an increase in mortality of larvae of this pest. Furthermore, with increasing concentrations of analysed extracts prepared from both fresh and dry matter of winter savory, their negative effect on wingless females and larvae usually increase

EFFECT OF SAGE WATER EXTRACTS ON REDUCTION OF FEEDING OF PEA LEAF WEEVIL

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of aqueous extracts of dried sage (Salvia officinalis L.) in concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10%, and the fresh parts of the plant in concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30% on the feeding of Sitona lineatus L. on the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) leaves. The olfactometry response of the pest (response to olfactory stimuli) was also determined in relation to the sage. Extracts of dry and fresh parts of sage reveal the inhibitory effect on feeding of both males and females of pea leaf weevil, the stronger, the higher their concentrations, however, no apparent differences were registered between the analysed sexes. Dry plant extracts in 10% concentrations and 30% extracts of fresh sage parts caused 2–3 time reduction of Sitona lineatus feeding after 4 days of the experiment. An apparent repellent response of aroma substances originating from sage towards weevil beetles (both males and females) was registered, which suggests potential applications of this plant as a neighbouring plant in mixed stands or, e.g., as a component of border belts

EFFECT OF FENNEL WATER EXTRACTS ON REDUCTION OF FEEDING OF PEA LEAF WEEVIL

The objective of the study was to examine the effect of aqueous extracts from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seeds at 2%, 5%, 10% and 20% concentrations on the feeding of peal leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus L.) on broad bean (Vicia faba L.). The experiment was conducted in the laboratory, in six replicates. Feeding intensity assessment was conducted by dipping leaves of broad bean in respective solutions of the extracts and determining the area of broad bean leaves, eaten by pea leaf weevil beetle in the 12 hour intervals. In addition, absolute deterrence index and palatability index were calculated. As a result of the observation no significant limiting effect of fennel seed aqueous extracts on the feeding of the pea leaf weevil females was shown. All of the used fennel extracts had inhibitory effect on the feeding of male S. linetaus and the strongest effect of extracts was observed in the first 36 hours of the experiment. The high values of the palatability index (particularly for the females) with relatively low absolute deterrence index, indicate limited possibilities of the use of aqueous extracts from fennel seeds for the protection against the feeding of the beetles from the genus Sitona

EFFECT OF SELECTED PETROLEUM-DERIVED SUBSTANCES ON BRUCHUS RUFIMANUS BOH. FEEDING AND ON SELECTED MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PLANTS

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of petrol, used engine oil and diesel oil on Bruchus rufimanus Boh. feeding and on selected morphological characteristics of plants. In addition, the effect of bioremediation process on the above mentioned features was examined. Pest’s feeding intensity assessment was carried out by determining the number of damaged seeds and their weight. Assessment of morphological characteristics of plants was made in the technological maturity of broad bean seeds. The results of the experiment showed that all substances used in the experiment had no significant effect on B. rufimanus Boh feeding. Diesel oil most adversely affected the analyzed morphological characteristics. Applied bioremediation caused a decrease the mass of seeds developed by plant and the number of damaged seeds in the object contaminated with petrol and contributed to the increase in the number and weight of pods and the number of seeds per one plant in the object contaminated with diesel oil

THE INFLUENCE OF NON-CHEMICAL METHODS OF PLANT PROTECTION ON THE PRESENCE OF HERBIVOROUS BEETLES IN BROAD BEANS GROWING

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of accompanying plants: sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima L.) and white mustard (Synapis alba L.), on the incidence of pests of the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) variety Bartek, in the intercropping system. The observations of the number of the beetles of Bruchus rufimanus Boh. and Sitona spp were made. The broad bean was grown along with two other plants in varying spacing (the distances between rows were 50, 65 and 80 cm) and in homogeneous cultivation (the distances between rows were 50 cm). Broad bean in a homogeneous cultivation served as a control. In addition, the broad bean from homogeneous cultivation subjected to a standard protection by chemical insecticides was also analyzed. The measurements were carried out in field conditions, by using an entomological bucket, through the shedding of insects from randomly selected 30 plants per plot. The sweet alyssum as an accompanying plant showed no significant influence on the occurrence of herbivorous beetles of Bruchus rufimanus Boh. and Sitona spp., regardless of the spacing between the rows. The white mustard as a companion plant showed a significant impact on increasing the number of Bruchus rufimanus Boh. beetles in the middle row spacing (65 cm). The impact of white mustard on other beetles has not been detected