Control ofAgrotis ypsilon (Hufn.) (Lep., Noctuidae) on some vegetable crops in Egypt using the microbial agentBacillus thuringiensis
The effective threshold rate of application of Dipel 2X was 250g/f. Incorporation of some chemical additives such as calcium sulphate (CaSO4) or calcium oxide (CaO) significantly potentiated the effectiveness of Dipel 2X on larval population. The addition of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) to Dipel 2X greatly reduced the larval population and led to a significant increase in the yield of some vegetable crops. Dipel 2X baits at 250g/f were almost as effective as the chemical insecticide Hostathion when used at 1.5l/f in controllingA. ypsilon larvae attacking vegetable crops.Control of the greasy cutwormAgrotis ypsilon population was better achieved when the biological control agent Dipel 2X was used as baits.ZusammenfassungDie Wirksamkeits-Schwelle desBac. thuringiensis-Präparats Dipel 2X betrug 250g/f(eddan). Eine Hinzugabe von CaSO4 oder CaO erhöhte die Wirkung von Dipel 2X auf die Raupen signifikant. Die Hinzugabe von CaCO3 und ZnSO4 zu Dipel 2X führte zu starker Reduzierung der Raupenpopulation und zu signifikanter Steigerung der Ernte bei einigen Gemüse-Arten. Dipel 2X-Köder in einer Dosierung von 250g/f waren fast so wirksam wie das chemische Insektizid Hostathion (1,5l/f). Die Bekämpfung der Raupen vonAgrotis ypsilon ist somit in biologischer Form mittels Gebrauchs von Dipel 2X-Ködern sehr gut möglich.
Influence of Adult Meadow Spittlebug Feeding on Forage Quality
Adult meadow spittlebugs, Philaenus spumarius (L.), were placed in several densities on potted caged alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil. and red clover plants. The effect of spittlebug feeding on quality was determined by analyzing (or protein, fat, crude fiber, ash, and nitrogen-free extract (simple sugars)

Alfalfa was considerably more susceptible to damage at the infestation rates tested than either red clover or birds-foot trefoil. It was shown that heavy infestations of adult meadow spittlebugs may cause serious damage to forage legume quantity and quality. In general there was a reduction of protein, fat, and moisture content.
Investigations on the rôle of organic matter in plant nutrition
1. As the result of decomposition of green manure in a swamp soil, the coarse fractions (including coarse and fine sand) of the surface layer (first 3 inches) decreased by 11·2 per cent. while the fine ones (silt+clay) increased by 9·8 per cent. in the course of 43 days. The effect was less pronounced in the manured soil maintained at 60 per cent. saturation, while no alteration was to be noticed in the case of the unmanured specimens. 2. Treatment with dilute hydrochloric acid prior to dispersion had no appreciable effect on the estimates of mechanical composition obtained in the different cases. Loss in solution was also comparatively small. 3. The silica-sesquioxide ratio increased slightly as the result of decomposition of green manure in swamp soil. The composition of the fine fractions was also altered, the total percentages of the oxides of iron, aluminium and silicon increasing from 90·5 to 99·3 in the course of 71 days. 4. The practical significance of the above and related observations has been discussed.