Progress 11/15/14 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Research outcomes were presented to the farmers, county Extension agents and high school students and other interested clientele in agricultural field days andvegetable crop certification programsin Lorman, MS, Preston, MS and Mound Bayou, MS. Fact sheets were distributed. Research outcomes were presented to the scientific community in 65th Annual Meeting of Entomological Society of America in Denver, CO and 18th Biennial Research Symposium. Atlanta, GA. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Research activities and outcomes provided the training and educational opportunities to the Agricultural students, farmers, county Extension agents and other interested clientele in Alcorn agricultural Extension field days. New biological compounds were isolated and identified. Laboratory and field trials with new potential insecticides were conducted against insect pests of economic importance. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The research data was presented to the scientific community in professional conferences for further input. Fact sheets on scientific information related to project activities in using reduced risk pesticides in IPM activities were prepared and distributed in agricultural field days andvegetable crop certification programs. Agriculture students were provided experiential learning opportunities by field and laboratory experiments. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project seeks the identification and evaluation of biological activity of ant derived compounds against insect pests of vegetables. The outcome will encourage the use of non-chemical insect pest management tactics, such as use of reduced risk compounds thus preserving biological control agents of insect pests that are integral part of sustainable ecosystem. The proposed research is directly related to the mission of ASU, which includes, improving the quality of life of small limited resource farm families by enhancing income potential through agricultural research and extension programs. Field Trials:Toxicity of two rates (5 mL/L and 2.5 mL/L) of 2-tridecanone was compared with Talstar GC - Flowable (bifenthrin) at recommended rate of 0.2ml/L in individual fire ant mound drench treatments. Control mounds were treated with water only. Each treatment consisted of six replications (mounds). Each mound received 1 gal of treatment solution. Ant activities were measured 1, 3, 8, and 14 days after treatment. Each mound was probed for ant activity by inserting a wood stick into the center of the mound to a depth of 10 cm.At application rate of 5.0ml/L at 14 days after treatment a 90% control was achieved with2-tridecanone,whereas, a 100% control was achieved with Talstar treatment at the same interval. This comparable efficacy of2-tridecanone againstfire ants and the low mammalian toxicity and relatively low cost may make these compounds promising alternatives to commercial insecticides available for fire ant mound drench treatments. Lab Bioassays:Various benzoate analogs were assessed in laboratory bioassays for their contact and fumigation toxicities to the red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). For contact toxicity the solution was topically applied using a 0.779 μl capillary tube. Only large workers were used for a purpose of relatively uniform body weight and ease of handling. Acetone was used as a solvent. The mortality was measured at a dose of 77.9 ug/ant for all benzoate analogs. The LD50values were established for the top 9 most toxic benzoate analogs. For fumigation toxicity bioassays a 250-ml glass flask was used to house worker ants. Two microliter of acetone solution of the tested compound was applied onto a paraffin film, which was used to seal the flask with ants. The treated spot of the paraffin film faced the inside of the flask. The upper part of the flask was coated with Fluon to prevent ants from contacting the test material. Mortality was observed 24 hours after treatment. Polo Plus (Version 2.0, LeOra Software, Petaluma, California, USA) was used to estimate LD50and LC50values, with 95% confidence interval (CIs). The most bulky analog, benzyl benzoate, caused 100% mortality and three other analogs, including n-hexyl benzoate, n-pentyl benzoate, and n-butyl benzoate, resulted in comparable results. The result indicated that the contact toxicity of non-substituted benzoate analogs was significantly affected by alkyl chain length/alcohol dimension. Increase in carbon numbers of alcohol in benzoate molecule from 1 to 3 (from methyl benzoateton-propyl benzoate), significantly enhanced mortality (from 7.67% to 45.5%); whereas, with an increase from 1 to 5 (from methyl benzoateton-pentyl benzoate), mean mortalities were increased from 7.67% to 99.26%. Contact toxicities of methyl benzoate were significantly affected by aromatic substitution, although it was not as strong as alkyl chain length. LD50values were established for the top 9 most toxic benzoate analogs selected from above experiment. Among 11 benzoates, benzyl, pentyl, and hexyl benzoates had the smallest LD50values. For non-substituted methyl benzoateanalogs, LD50values were negatively correlated with the carbon numbers of alcohol in benzoate molecule, indicating a positive correlation between acute toxicity and carbon numbers of alcohol. The R2value (coefficient of determination) of 0.7981 indicated that 79.81% variation in LD50values can be explained by carbon numbers of alcohol in benzoate molecules. In Fumigation toxicity experiment, methyl benzoate, vinyl benzoate, methyl 3- methylbenzoate, methyl 3-methoxybenzoate, and ethyl benzoate exhibited potent fumigant toxicities and resulted in ~100% mortalities. Three analogs, methyl 2-chlorobenzoate, n-propyl benzoate, and methyl 2-methylbenzoate, caused approximately 70-80% mortalities and all others were not effective. On the contrary to contact toxicities, fumigant toxicities were reduced with increasing the carbon numbers of alcohol in benzoate molecule.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Rashid, T. and McLeod, P. 2018. Toxicity of pyrethroid insecticides to squash bug. Adv. in Entomology.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Experiential Learning: A stimulant to Teaching Integrated Pest Management to Undergraduate Students at Alcorn State University. T. Rashid and D. Collins. 65th Annual Meeting of Entomological Society of America in Denver, CO.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Insect Damage to Sweetpotatoes in Organic Production System. T. Rashid, Q. Xia and R. Luttrell. Association of Research Directors, 18th Biennial Research Symposium. Atlanta, GA.
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Research outcomes were presented to the farmers, county Extension agents and high school students and other interested clientele in agricultural field days in Lorman, MS, Preston, MS and Mound Bayou, MS. Fact sheets were distributed. A Research presentation was made to the scientific community in 80th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting inHattiesburg, MS. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Research activities and outcomes provided the training and educational opportunities to the Agrucultural students, farmers, county Extension agentsand other interested clientele in Alcorn agricultural Extension field days. New biologicalcompounds were isolated and identified. Laboratory and field trials with new potential insecticideswere conducted against insect pests of economic importance. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The research data was presented to the scientific community in professional conferences for further input. Fact sheets on scientific information related to project activities in using reduced risk pesticides in IPM activities were prepared and distrubuted in agricultural field days. Agriculture students were provided with practical training in field and laboratory research techniques. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Laboratory bioassays will continue with new compounds. Biological active compounds will be tested in field trials. Field demonstration trials will be conducted to provide practical training to interested clientele. Research outcomes will be disseminated to the scientific community by presenting in professional conferences and through farm demonstrations to vegetable growers and Extension agents. Agriculture students will be trained in field and laboratory research methods.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project seeks the identification and evaluation of biological activity of ant derived compounds against insect pests of vegetables. The outcome will encourage the use of non-chemical insect pest management tactics, such as use of reduced risk compounds thus preserving biological control agents of insect pests which are integral part of sustainable ecosystem. The proposed research is directly related to the mission of ASU which includes, improving the quality of life of small limited resource farm families by enhancing income potential through agricultural research and extension programs. Insecticidal activity of 2-tridecanone, which is a major constituent of the defensive secretion of tawny crazy ant, Nylanderia fulva was tested against imported fire ants Solenopsis invicta. The imported fire ant may cause significant problems in cultivated fields, especially their nests can potentially damage the harvesting equipment and their stings are health threat to the field crew. The efficacy of two 2-tridecanone formulations were assessed in laboratory and field trials. Two emulsifiable concentrates of 2-tridecanone were prepared by adding other ingredients, the vegetable oil as a solvent and polyoxyethylene tridecyl ether as a surfactant. Piperonyl butoxide was used as a synergist in one formulation. For lab study the fire ant colonies were collected from the field and separated from soil by water dripping method. The ant colonies were reared in plastic trays in a rearing room at 25 °C, 80% R.H. with a 12:12 (L:D) photoperiod. The social form of the ant colonies was determined using PCR on Gp-9 alleles. All ants used in laboratory bioassays were from monogyne colonies; however, social form of colonies in field mound drench treatment was not determined. In laboratory the toxicity of 2-tridecanone formulations was determined in soil treatment bioassays and in immersion treatment where test ants were immersed in water solution of the test insecticide. In soil treatment bioassay the soil was collected from a fire ant mound, dried in oven under 100 °C for 24h, and then sieved through a #35 sieve to remove debris and large particles. About 10 g of dry soil was placed in a 20-mL glass scintillation vial and mixed with 0.8 ml water. Twenty ants of mixed sizes were then placed in the vial. Glass vials were capped and then placed in a 30 °C water bath. Dead ants were counted 24 h after treatment. The concentrations included 0.50%, 0.25%, 0.14%, 0.06% and 0.03% (emulsifiable concentrate dissolved in water w/v). Water was used as a control. In this experiment more than oneant colonieswereused. In field experiment both 2-tridecanone formulations were tested as mound drench treatments with 3 applications rates. Ant activities were measured at 1, 2, 7, and 14 days after treatment. Both 2-tridecanone formulations were toxic in the laboratory bioassays. In the field trial the formulation containing Piperonyl butoxide was more effective than the one without this synergist.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Insecticidal effect of two ant-derived oleochemicals. T. Rashid, J. Chen and P. McLeod. 80th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting. Hattiesburg, MS. February, 2016.
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Progress 11/15/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Research outcomes were presented to thefarmers, county Extension agents and high school students and other interested clientelein agricultural field daysin Lorman, MS and Mound Bayou, MS. Fact sheets were distributed.A Research presentation wasmade to the scientific community inAnnual Meeting (2015) of SE branch of Entomological Society of America in Biloxi, MS. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Research activities and outcomes provided the training and educational opportunities to thefarmers, county Extension agents and high school students and other interested clientelein Alcorn agricultural Extension field days. New Monomoriumant defense compounds were identified and successfuly evaluated against insect pest of economic importance. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The research data was presentedto the scientific community inprofessional conference for further input. Fact sheets on scientific information related to project activities in using reduced risk pesticides were prepared and distrubuted in agricultural field days. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will investigate the toxicity andrepellencyof decylamine and dodecylamine against other insect pests of economic importance and the field persistence and any phytotoxicity of these compounds.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project seeksthe identification and evaluation of biological activity of ant derivedcompounds against insect pests of vegetables.Theoutcomewill encourage the use of non-chemical insect pest management tactics, such as use of reduced-risk compounds thus preserving biological control agents of insect pests which are integral part of sustainable ecosystem. The proposed research is directly related to the mission of ASU which includes, improving the quality of life of small limited resource farm families by enhancing income potential through agricultural research and extension programs. Initial Experiments:In an insecticidedosage-mortality response studytoxicity evaluation protocol was devised by comparingpyrethroid toxicity against squash bug nymphs and adults. Different squash bug stages collected from the pumpkin field were subjected to various treatmentconcentrations. Test arenas included 5-cm diameter pumpkin leaf disks placed in plastic petri dishes containing moist filter paper. Five squash bugs were placed in each dish and held in the laboratory refrigerator for up to two h until testing. The insecticide formulationwas applied directly to the dorsal surface of each test insect. After treatment, dishes were covered with the lid and held in the environmental chamber. Mortality was assessed at 24 h. Biopesticide Efficacy Trials:The efficacy of two defensive compoundsfrom Monomorium minimum, decylamine and dodecylamine was determined against sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari) adults and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) larvae in laboratory bioassays. Both insects are economically important insect pests. The sugarcane aphid has been reported as a key pest on sorghum and sugarcane with wide geographical distribution worldwide. The corn earworm, also known as the tomato fruitworm, sorghum headworm and the cotton bollworm, has a wide host range with significant economic impact. The host plants include cotton, corn, soybeans, sorghum, tomatoes and others. The ant defensive compounds consisting of fatty amines were collected by agitating adults and dissolved into 200 µl 100% hexane. Toxicity of these fatty amines, decylamine and dodecylamine, was evaluated against sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari) and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) larvae in laboratory bioassays. Each compound was dissolved in acetone. The LD50 values were determined against corn earworm third instar larvae by topical application. The 0.928 μl of insecticidal solution dissolved in acetone was applied to individual larva with a pre-calibrated capillary tube. Each of two replications consisted of 19 to 20 insects. Mortality was observed at 24, 48 and 72 hours after treatment. For sugarcane aphids, LC50 values were determined by spraying host grass leaves with 200 μl of insecticidal solution with a fine nozzle at 4 different dosages. The treated leaf was placed on a filter paper inside a petri dish and 19 to 51 adult sugarcane aphids were introduced into the arena. Mortality was observed 24 hours after treatment. Insect Source: Monomorium ant colonies were collected from the field and reared in plastic trays with distilled water, 10% w/w sugar water, and fed crickets under laboratory conditions at 28oC and 45%RH.Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) larvae were obtained from laboratory colony reared on artificial diet. The sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari) adults were collected from the field on Johnsongrass (Sorghum halapense). Identification of M. minimum defensive secretions: Chemical identification of decylamine and dodecylamine in the defensive secretions of M. minimum was performed using Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Synthetic decylamine and dodecylamine were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, MO to use in these toxicity tests. Toxicity Bioassays: The LD50 values were determined against H. zea larvae by topical application in replicated trials. The 0.928 μl of the insecticidal solution was applied to individual larva with a pre-calibrated capillary tube. Acetone was used as solvent. Mortality was observed at 24, 48 and 72 hours after treatment. For M. sacchari, LC50 values were determined by spraying Johnsongrass leaves with 200 μl of insecticidal solution with a fine nozzle at different dosages. The treated host grass leaf was placed on a filter paper inside a Petri dish and adult M. sacchari were introduced into the arena. Mortality was observed 24 hours after treatment. Data were analyzed with Proc Probit (SAS 9.1, SAS Institute, Cary, NC). In dosage-mortality response study bifenthrin was highly toxic to squash bug adults and each tested nymphal stage. But adults were significantly less susceptible than nymphs that illustrates the importance of targeting insecticide applications at small stage nymphs as opposed to adult squash bugs. Percent mortality significantly increased with increasing dosages of both decylamine and dodecylamine against H. zea and M. sacchari . Dodecylamine caused higher percent mortality in M. sacchari in all dosages as compared with decylamine (Figs. 1 & 2). Similar trend was observed between both treatments against H. zea where comparable dodecylamine dosages (37.12 and 55.68 µg) caused much higher mortality than did decylamine. The LD50 values of decylamine against H. Zea were calculated as 116.6, 112.0 and 104.3 µg after 24, 48 and 72 hour, respectively and for dodecylamine these values were 40.0, 32.5 and 39.9 µg after 24, 48 and 72 hour, respectivelywhich were approximately one third of decylamine indicating higher toxicity of dodecylamine. Both compounds showed similar trend against M. sacchari where LC50 values were 1.11 and 0.65 mg/ml for decylamine and dodecylamine, respectively. The high and rapid mortality of H. zea and M. sacchari indicates that these alkaloids may provide an environmentally safe method to control these insect pests. Further research will investigate the toxicity of decylamine and dodecylamine against other insect pests of economic importance and the field persistence and any phytotoxicity of these compounds.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Toxicity of Pyrethroid Insecticides to Squash Bug, Anasa tristis (De Geer). T. Rashid, and P. McLeod. Invited talk. Annual Meeting of SEB of Entomological Society of America in Biloxi MS. March, 2015.
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