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.
Nonchemical based integrated management package for live-wood eating termites in tea plantations of north-east India
Live wood eating termites are responsible for considerable damage to young and mature teas throughout North-East India. Termite infestation leads not only to economic loss but also to the failure of several years of effort to grow tea plants. This study reveals the efficacy of various non-chemical approaches to control the termite problem in Assam tea plantation. Two multiplication field trials consisted of twelve non-chemical treatments were conducted following randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The trials revealed that Metarhizium anisopliae , Beauveria bassiana , Heterorhabditis indica and Ipomea carnea were effective in controlling the termites in tea compared to the check (thiamethoxam, a commonly used chemical pesticide against termites in conventional tea estates) as well as to control (untreated- water spray for both organic and conventional tea estates). Along with these non-chemical treatments, an integrated management package for termite control is discussed.
Effect of Aeration and Agitation Regimes on Lipase Production by Newly Isolated Rhodotorula mucilaginosa–MTCC 8737 in Stirred Tank Reactor Using Molasses as Sole Production Medium
The influence of media and process parameters (aeration and agitation) on fermentation broth rheology and biomass formation has been studied in 1.5-l stirred tank reactor for lipase production using Rhodotorula mucilaginosa MTCC 8737. Molasses, as sole production medium, is used for lipase production by varying aeration (1, 2, and 3 vvm) and agitation speeds (100, 200, and 300 rpm). Maximum lipase activity of 72 U/ml was obtained during 96 h of fermentation at 2 vvm, 200 rpm, pH 7, and 25 ± 2°C temperature. Lipase production kinetics with respect to dry cell weight of biomass showed YP/S of 25.71 U/mg, specific product formation of 10.9 U/mg DC, and YX/S 2.35 mg/mg. Maximum lipase activity (MC 2) of 56 U/ml was observed at 1% molasses, and a further increase in the molasses concentration of (%) 1.5 and 2 inhibited the product formation of lipase with 15 and 8.5 U/ml, respectively. The production kinetics of molasses media showed YP/X was 14 U/mg DC, YP/S 16 U/mg, and YX/S 1.14 mg/mg during 96 h of bioreactor operation. The kLa values for all batches (MC 1–MC 4) at 96 h of fermentation were 32, 28, 21, and 19/h, and the |oxygen transfer rate were 54.4, 56, 35.7, and 17.29 mg/l h, respectively. Increase in molasses concentration resulted in decreased lipase activity by increase in viscosity of the fermentation broth.