Rhammatocerus schistocercoides locust outbreaks in Mato Grosso (Brazil): A long-standing phenomenon
Evidence obtained orally or from publications clearly indicate that Rhammutocerus schistocercoides Rehn, 1906 (Orthoptera: Acrididae Gomphocerinae) outbreaks in Mato Grosso (Brazil) are a long-standing phenomenon, both in terms of their extent and nature. Current theories on the origins of these outbreaks therefore must be drastically revised, especially those that blame the accelerated agricultural development that has occurred in these regions since 1980.
Field Trial with the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum against Bands of the Grasshopper Rhammatocerus schistocercoides in Brazil
The efficacy of a mycoinsecticide formulated in vegetable oil was tested in Brazil against the grasshopper Rhammatocerus schistocercoides . A set of experiments was conducted in the Chapada dos Parecis region (Mato Grosso state), a permanent zone of outbreaks for this pest. Experiments were performed in zones of natural vegetation, against grasshopper bands in the third nymphal instar. Three nymphal bands were treated with a mycoinsecticide formulation based on conidia of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum ( =M. flavoviride ), strain CG 423. Three non-treated bands were used as control. The application was made with the aid of a hand-held ULV sprayer adjusted to deliver 2 l of the formulation ha -1 , each containing 1 2 10 13 conidia. Treatments were limited to the surface of the grasshopper bands and their immediate borders (5-10 m). The efficacy of the mycoinsecticide was evaluated through band survival after treatment (grasshopper numbers, surface, density, behaviour and daily movement of the band), allowing the insects to move freely in their natural environment. Insects were regularly surveyed and maintained in the laboratory, allowing estimates of the infection rate. Field and laboratory studies showed a clear effect of the product 10 days after treatment. At 14 days post-spraying, mortality caused by the mycoinsecticide in the field was approximately 88%.
Simple, robust and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography method for the analysis of several anthelmintics in veterinary formulations
A simple, specific and accurate reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method to assay several anthelmintics in veterinary products is reported. The drugs analysed included albendazole, fenbendazole, niclosamide and oxyclozanide. This method afforded rapid and efficient separation, good resolution and identification of all the examined compounds, alone or combined. Method validation included range, linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity and recovery. The method was used to quantify these drugs, alone or in combination, in tablet, powder and liquid formulations.