Seasonal Variations of Spodoptera frugiperda Host Plant Diversity and Parasitoid Complex in Southern and Central Benin

Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was recorded for the first time in 2016 attacking maize fields in central and west Africa. Soon after, several other regions and countries have reported the pest in almost the entire sub-Saharan Africa. In the present study, we assumed that (i) a variety of alternative plant species host FAW, especially during maize off-season, (ii) a wide range of local parasitoids have adapted to FAW and (iii) parasitoid species composition and abundance vary across seasons. During a two-year survey (from June 2018 to January 2020), parasitoids and alternative host plants were identified from maize and vegetable production sites, along streams and lowlands, on garbage dumps and old maize fields in southern and partly in the central part of Benin during both maize growing- and off-season. A total of eleven new host plant species were reported for the first time, including Cymbopogon citratus (de Candolle) Stapf (cultivated lemon grass), Bulbostylis coleotricha (A. Richard) Clarke and Pennisetum macrourum von Trinius (wild). The survey revealed seven parasitoid species belonging to four families, namely Platygastridae, Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, and Tachinidae associated with FAW on maize and alternative host plants. The most abundant parasitoid species across seasons was the egg parasitoid Telenomus remus (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae). These findings demonstrate FAW capability to be active during the maize off-season in the selected agro-ecologies and provide baseline information for classical and augmentative biocontrol efforts.Seasonal Variations of Spodoptera frugiperda Host Plant Diversity and Parasitoid Complex in Southern and Central BeninpublishedVersio

Updated pest risk assessment of Phytophthora ramorum in Norway

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has asked the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment for an updated pest risk assessment of Phytophthora ramorum in Norway. The previous risk assessment of P. ramorum for Norway is from 2009. Since then, the pathogen has been detected repeatedly in Norway, primarily in parks, garden centres, and nurseries in southwestern Norway. The knowledge base concerning P. ramorum has changed since the last pest risk assessment, with increased genetic knowledge about different populations, lineages, and mating types. The risks associated with P. ramorum have also changed, since the disease has become epidemic in new host plants, such as larch trees in England. This updated pest risk assessment will provide important input to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s efforts to develop the Norwegian plant health regulation.Updated pest risk assessment of Phytophthora ramorum in NorwaypublishedVersio

Risk assessment of Psychrobacter sp. as plant protection product - Nemaslug

Helse- og miljørisiko ved bruk av bakterien Psychrobacter sp. i plantevernmiddelet Nemaslug® Helserisikoen for mennesker ved bruk av Nemaslug® anses som lav, men man kan ikke utelukke risiko for svært infeksjonsutsatte pasientgrupper. Det er ingen bevis for helseproblemer som oppstår ved inntak av matvarer behandlet med Nemaslug®. Vitenskapskomiteen for mat og miljø (VKM) har, på oppdrag fra Mattilsynet, utført en risikovurdering av bakterien Psychrobacter sp. som inngår i plantevernmiddelet Nemaslug®. Plantevernmiddelet Nemaslug®, som er godkjent for bruk i Norge siden 2005, inneholder nematoden Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita. Nematoden bærer en symbiotisk bakterie som fungerer som den aktive biokontrollorganismen ved å produsere giftstoffer som dreper snegler ved infeksjon. Bakgrunnen for oppdraget er at det ble avdekket at bakterien i Nemaslug® ikke er Moraxella osloensis, som den tidligere godkjenningen er basert på. Den er i stedet blitt identifisert som en art i bakterieslekten Psychrobacter, mest sannsynlig Psychrobacter faecalis, alternativt Psychrobacter pulmonis. Denne vurderingen skal danne grunnlag for Mattilsynets beslutning om hvorvidt Nemaslug® skal beholde sin godkjenning for bruk i Norge eller ei. Resultater Det er begrenset informasjon om helsefarene ved Psychrobacter sp. hos mennesker. Kunnskap om antibiotikaresistens og patogenisitet i slekten Psychrobacter er i stor grad mangelfull. Det er lite informasjon om forekomsten av Psychrobacter sp. i Norge. Potensialet for spredning og etablering av Psychrobacter sp. i miljøet under norske forhold vurderes som lavt. Risikoen Nemaslug® utgjør for ikke-målorganismer, spesielt bløtdyr, er usikker og krever videre forskning. Videre taksonomisk analyse og fullstendig genomsekvensering er nødvendig for å bekrefte artstilhørigheten til bakterien i Nemaslug®. Konklusjoner Selv om informasjonen om helsefarene knyttet til Psychrobacter sp. hos mennesker er begrenset, betraktes den generelt som et lavrisikopatogen. Helserisikoen for mennesker ved bruk av Nemaslug® anses derfor som lav, men risiko for pasientgrupper som er svært mottakelige for infeksjoner kan ikke utelukkes. Det er ingen bevis for helseproblemer som oppstår ved inntak av matvarer behandlet med Nemaslug®. Metode VKM har hentet data og informasjon fra søkeren via Mattilsynet og VKMs forrige rapport om Nemaslug®. Et grundig litteratursøk ble gjennomført for å innhente ytterligere relevant informasjon. ​Vurderingen er godkjent av VKMs faggruppe for plantehelse.Risk assessment of Psychrobacter sp. as plant protection product - NemaslugpublishedVersionsubmittedVersionpublishedVersio

Harnessing data science to improve integrated management of invasive pest species across Africa: An application to Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

After five years of its first report on the African continent, Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is considered a major threat to maize, sorghum, and millet production in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the rigorous work already conducted to reduce FAW prevalence, the dynamics and invasion mechanisms of FAW in Africa are still poorly understood. This study applied interdisciplinary tools, analytics, and algorithms on a FAW dataset with a spatial lens to provide insights and project the intensity of FAW infestation across Africa. The data collected between January 2018 and December 2020 in selected locations were matched with the monthly average data of the climatic and environmental variables. The multilevel analytics aimed to identify the key factors that influence the dynamics of spatial and temporal pest density and occurrence at a 2 km x 2 km grid resolution. The seasonal variations of the identified factors and dynamics were used to calibrate rule-based analytics employed to simulate the monthly densities and occurrence of the FAW for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Three FAW density level classes were inferred, i.e., low (0–10 FAW moth per trap), moderate (11–30 FAW moth per trap), and high (>30 FAW moth per trap). Results show that monthly density projections were sensitive to the type of FAW host vegetation and the seasonal variability of climatic factors. Moreover, the diversity in the climate patterns and cropping systems across the African sub-regions are considered the main drivers of FAW abundance and variation. An optimum overall accuracy of 53% was obtained across the three years and at a continental scale, however, a gradual increase in prediction accuracy was observed among the years, with 2020 predictions providing accuracies greater than 70%. Apart from the low amount of data in 2018 and 2019, the average level of accuracy obtained could also be explained by the non-inclusion of data related to certain key factors such as the influence of natural enemies (predators, parasitoids, and pathogens) into the analysis. Further detailed data on the occurrence and efficiency of FAW natural enemies in the region may help to complete the tri-trophic interactions between the host plants, pests, and beneficial organisms. Nevertheless, the tool developed in this study provides a framework for field monitoring of FAW in Africa that may be a basis for a future decision support system (DSS).Harnessing data science to improve integrated management of invasive pest species across Africa: An application to Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)publishedVersio

Harnessing nature-based solutions for smallholder plant health in a changing climate

The impacts of climate change on resource-poor farmers are especially severe and include increased challenges with food security and food safety. This report explores how linking the frameworks of nature-based solutions, integrated pest management (IPM), and One Health can facilitate the design of climate-resilient plant health systems, with particular benefits for reduced pesticide use and exposure. Climate-smart approaches to IPM are proposed as a means to reduce emerging risks from pest insects, nematodes, weeds, and diseases under climate change. We elaborate the main climate change threats – and adaptation options – for five key nature-based solutions central to IPM: host plant resistance and tolerance, habitat manipulation, biological control, semiochemical control, and the use of biopesticides. We conclude by laying out a road map for ‘climate-smart IPM’, which outlines the types of support required for practical implementation, such as climate-informed advisory services, information and communication technology, and policy. While emphasis throughout is placed on smallholder production systems – particularly for sub-Saharan Africa – the principles of climate-smart IPM can be considered relevant to crop production generally

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Urban and Peri-Urban Horticulture in Bénin, 2015

Urban and peri-urban (UPU) horticulture provides an increasingly important source of income in many African countries. A major factor driving the importance of UPU gardening is an increasing marketing opportunity for a growing population of unemployed and unskilled youths in the cities. However, the potential of UPU gardening is severely undermined by a number of production constraints. Recent field diagnoses in southern Benin identified severe pest problems and revealed alarming pesticide practises in th e UPU areas. We estimate that many of the major pest problems are direct consequences of pesticide abuse that 1) destroys indigenous biodiversity required for natural/biological pest control, 2) causes pesticide resistance and pest resurgence and 3) poses personal and environmental hazards. The project aims to generate new knowledge through basic and applied research on emerging vegetable IPM problems, and to develop IPM options against key insect pests. Insecticide misuse due to ignorance of the health hazards/pollution problems will be targeted, and viable alternatives (biological control agents & bio-pesticides) will be developed with the farmers. Basic research on biology/ecology/population dynamics of pests and associated natural enemies to support the applied research will be a major activity. Primary beneficiaries are small-scale farmers in Benin, however pests targeted are of global economic and environmental importance. We believe that the strength of the proposed project is the way it combines n atural and social sciences. To ensure sustainable use of the interventions developed, we have taken into account that the nature of IPM technology is both a technical and a social process. Through participatory technology a joint farmer-researcher implementation agenda based on agreed farmer concerns will lead to credible farmer experimentation to validate plant production and plant protection technologies

National Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programme in Nepal (NPL 2945) : a mid term review report [executive summary]

This Noragric Report was commissioned by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) to Noragric.The main purpose of this Mid Term Review (MTR) is to assess the progress of the National Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programme (NPL 2945) in relation to its planned outputs, and to analyse constraints and achievements in programme implementation in order to provide guidance to both the funding agent (Norwegian Government) and the implementing agent (FAO and HMG Nepal) for possible amendments or rectifications that may be needed for the remainder of the programme period. As indicated in the Terms of Reference (ToR), assessment of the progress of the programme towards fulfilling its two main objectives has been emphasised during the review process. The objectives stated in the programme document are: (1) To contribute to institutionalise a sustainable national Integrated Pest Management Programme (IPM) by strengthening the capacity of the Plant Protection Directorate (PPD), collaborating national, regional and district level training and extension institutions in the governmental and non-governmental sector strengthened to integrate IPM training and support programmes for smallholder farmers; and (2) To empower farmers to increase production and productivity efficiently while protecting environment, conserving the bio-diversity and avoiding health hazards for betterment of their livelihood. Based on information collected through individual discussions, key-contact interviews, group discussions and direct field observations with 13 IPM Farmers Field School (FFS) and 2 Farmers & Science groups as well as the review of supplied reports and documents, the MTR Team has come up with the following principle findings and recommendations

National Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programme in Nepal (NPL 2945) : a mid term review report [executive summary]

The main purpose of this Mid Term Review (MTR) is to assess the progress of the National Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programme (NPL 2945) in relation to its planned outputs, and to analyse constraints and achievements in programme implementation in order to provide guidance to both the funding agent (Norwegian Government) and the implementing agent (FAO and HMG Nepal) for possible amendments or rectifications that may be needed for the remainder of the programme period. As indicated in the Terms of Reference (ToR), assessment of the progress of the programme towards fulfilling its two main objectives has been emphasised during the review process. The objectives stated in the programme document are: (1) To contribute to institutionalise a sustainable national Integrated Pest Management Programme (IPM) by strengthening the capacity of the Plant Protection Directorate (PPD), collaborating national, regional and district level training and extension institutions in the governmental and non-governmental sector strengthened to integrate IPM training and support programmes for smallholder farmers; and (2) To empower farmers to increase production and productivity efficiently while protecting environment, conserving the bio-diversity and avoiding health hazards for betterment of their livelihood. Based on information collected through individual discussions, key-contact interviews, group discussions and direct field observations with 13 IPM Farmers Field School (FFS) and 2 Farmers & Science groups as well as the review of supplied reports and documents, the MTR Team has come up with the following principle findings and recommendations

A farmer participatory research approach to assess the effectiveness of field sanitation and regular trapping on banana weevil populations

Introduction. Small-scale banana producers in Tanzania are facing constraints caused by the destructive activities of the banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus Germar). Many currently used methods of addressing the problem are ineffective or too expensive for local farmers to implement. Materials and methods. A combination of two integrated pest management (IPM) tools (regular trapping in combination with field sanitation) was tested at two farmer-managed sites (Bujela and Kyimo) and one researcher-managed site (SUA-Morogoro). Treated areas were surrounded by untreated control areas where no trapping and limited sanitation was done. Changes in population densities were estimated by the mark-recapture procedure and the Lincoln index. Results and discussion. After eight months, weevil populations in the cleaned and trapped areas had been reduced by 33% (Bujela), 33% (Kyimo) and 74% (SUA). The change in population sizes in the control areas differed greatly, possibly due to discrepancies in field management between farmers’ and researchers’ practice. Trap types, areas and sites affected the number of weevils captured. Disc-on-stump (DOS) traps captured more weevils than corm disc (CD) and pseudostem (PS) traps. Weevils responded more strongly to traps in the clean area at SUA compared with the other two sites, probably because the more rigid sanitation practices at SUA meant that volatiles from the traps were less likely to be masked by volatiles from surrounding residues. Conclusion. Regular trapping with field sanitation can greatly reduce populations of banana weevils, but strict adherence to method execution is required in order to gain favourable results

A farmer participatory research approach to assess the effectiveness of field sanitation and regular trapping on banana weevil populations

Fruits, 2013, vol. 68, p. 83–93 © 2013 Cirad/EDP SciencesSmall-scale banana producers in Tanzania are facing constraints caused by the destructive activities of the banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus Germar). Many currently used methods of addressing the problem are ineffective or too expensive for local farmers to implement. Materials and methods. A combination of two integrated pest management (IPM) tools (regular trapping in combination with field sanitation) was tested at two farmer-managed sites (Bujela and Kyimo) and one researcher-managed site (SUA-Morogoro). Treated areas were surrounded by untreated control areas where no trapping and limited sanitation was done. Changes in population densities were estimated by the mark-recapture procedure and the Lincoln index. Results and discussion. After eight months, weevil populations in the cleaned and trapped areas had been reduced by 33% (Bujela), 33% (Kyimo) and 74% (SUA). The change in population sizes in the control areas differed greatly, possibly due to discrepancies in field management between farmers’ and researchers’ practice. Trap types, areas and sites affected the number of weevils captured. Disc-onstump (DOS) traps captured more weevils than corm disc (CD) and pseudostem (PS) traps. Weevils responded more strongly to traps in the clean area at SUA compared with the other two sites, probably because the more rigid sanitation practices at SUA meant that volatiles from the traps were less likely to be masked by volatiles from surrounding residues. Conclusion. Regular trapping with field sanitation can greatly reduce populations of banana weevils, but strict adherence to method execution is required in order to gain favourable results