bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic changes and the demands on agricultural landscapes: Reflections on a new research topi
Authors: Müller Klaus , Artner Astrid , Knierim Andrea
Published: April 2009

Demographic change suggests substantial effects on future societal demands on agricultural landscape use and thus on rural areas. Demographic change is thereby defined as both the decrease of the population and the shift in the age distribution ("aging") and in the spatial distribution ("rural flight" particularly of young people). The exploration of the research object is based on the starting hypothesis that the demands and preferences of an aging and urbanizing population are changing and have effects on the controlling state interventions, which are also reflected in the agricultural use of landscapes. After a short description of demographic change, a conceptual politico-economic model, which describes the transmission of demographic change on land use, through the analysis of group (age groups, groups of residences) demands on agrarian landscape use is presented. The focus is on the demand for land use related non-commodity outputs (NCO). The starting hypothesis is then examined using selected studies. The literature suggests that urban-rural dichotomy is likely to be greatly diminished. In addition, the urbanization of preferences is expected while preferences differentiated against heterogeneous cultural lifestyles seem to become even more important. However, without further research on the related topics, the basic issues cannot be clearly dealt with. Assumptions are finally made regarding changing societal demands for agrarian landscapes due to demographic change. The limitations of the selected approach and the identification of further research needs will be discussed in closing.
Effect of mother bulb size and planting time on growth, bulb and seed yield of onion
Authors: Ud-Deen Md Mosleh
Published: April 2009

Onion bulbs of different sizes (20g, 15g and l0 g) were planted at different dates viz., 30 October and 15 and 30 November to observe their effects on growth, bulb and seed yield of onion. The mother bulb size and planting dates showed significant influence on growth, bulb and seed yield of onion. The large mother bulb and early planting were favourable for getting higher bulb and seed yields. The treatment combinations of large mother bulb (20 g) and 30 October planting time gave the highest bulb (17.52 t1ha) and seed (402.80 kg1ha) yield. Â  Key words: Onion, mother bulb size, planting time, growth, yield. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2285 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 531-537, December 2008 Â
Microspore culture and the performance of microspore derived doubled haploid in Brassica juncea (L.)
Authors: Ali MM , Mian MA Khaleque , Custers JBM , Khurram MMH
Published: April 2009

The experiment was conducted at the Tissue Culture Laboratory as well as in the net house of Oilseed Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Joydebpur, Gazipur on microspore culture and the performance of microspore derived doubled haploid (DH) in Brassica juncea (L.). The variety BARI Sarisha II of B. junccea was used for microspore culture and 8 DH genotypes viz., BJDH 01, BJDH 05, BJDH ii, BJDH 12, BJDH 14, BJDH 17, BJDH 18, and BJDH 20 along with their parent Rajat collected from the Plant Research International, the Netherlands were used for performance evaluation. Four-day cold treatment at 6 Â°C along with bud size 3.0-3.1 mm of BARI Sarisha II showed better response in the embryonic development. Significant variation was observed for the different yield contributing characters among the DH genotypes along with their parent Rajat. All the DH genotypes were late both for days to flower and days to maturity compared to the parent. Most of the DH genotypes produced higher seed yield than the parent. The genotypes BJDII 14 (7 g) and BJDH 01(7 g) were bold seeded and almost double or more in 1000-seed weight compared to the parent. Total oil content of the DH genotypes (40.64-42.28) were significantly different from the parent (3 g). Oil content of BJDH 01 was almost 3% higher than the parent could be selected to incorporate in the future breeding program. Key Words: Microspore culture, doubled haploid, Brassica juncea. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2290 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 571-578, December 2008
Profitability level of mungbean cultivation in some selected sites of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam QM Shafiqul , Miah MA Monayem , Alam QM , Hossain S
Published: April 2009

The study was conducted at Barisal and Jhalokati districts during 2007 to estimate the profitability and resource use efficiency of rnungbean production. The study was confined to randomly selected 100 mungbean farmers. It revealed that mungbean production is profitable to the farmers. The productivity of munghean at farm level was 928 kg/ha, which vas higher than national average of 680 kg/ha. Mungbean farmers received Tk. 24236 as gross margin per hectare. The net benefit received per kilogram of mungbean was Tk. 26.45. Benefit cost ratios were estimated at 2.53 and 3.56 on variable and cash cost basis. Functional analysis showed that human labour, urea and insecticides had positive significant contribution to mungbean cultivation. Mungbean farmers encountered various problems like untimely rainfall, lack of quality seed and disease and insect infestation, and needs immediate attention to reduce these problems. Key Words: Profitability, mungbean, resource use efficiency. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2292 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 587-595, December 2008
Productivity of rainfed mustard in relation to tillage and mulching
Authors: Mondal NA , Hossain SMA , Bhuiya SU , Jahiruddin M
Published: April 2009

Field experiments were conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Jessore during rabi (winter) seasons of 1999-2001 to study the tillage and mulching effects on conservation of residual soil moisture, yield attributes and yield of mustard (cv. Daulat.). Three different tillage methods, namely minimum, reduced and conventional tillage were used in the main plots and three different mulch materials, namely rice straw, water hyacinth, black polythene including no mulch were used in the sup-plots. It was observed that reduced tillage and polythene mulch or rice straw mulch conserve more moisture than other tillage methods and mulch application. Tillage practice significantly influenced the dry matter, yield and yield components of mustard. Reduced tillage gave consistently the highest seed yield (969 kg/ha), while minimum tillage gave the lowest seed yield (92 kg/ha). Mulching also resulted in better crop growth and increased yield. Significantly higher seed yield (1164 kg/ha) was recorded from black polythene mulch followed by rice straw mulch (1089 kg/ha). The yield of mustard was obtained due to the interaction effects on reduced tillage and polythene mulch followed by conventional tillage and polythene mulch, which was found superior to all other treatments. Results revealed that polythene mulch or rice straw mulch accompanied by reduced tillage was economically profitable for mustard cultivation/production under rainfed condition. Key Words: Rainfed mustard, tillage, mulching. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2303 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 597-606, December 2008
Study on genetic diversity of pointed gourd using morphological characters
Authors: Khan ASMR , Rabbani MG , Siddique MA , Hossain MI
Published: April 2009

The genetic diversity among 64 pointed gourd genotypes were assessed through multivariate analysis from an experiment conducted in Regional Agricultural Research Station, lshurdi, Pabna during the growing season 2002-2003. The genotypes were grouped into twelve clusters. The cluster V consisted of highest number of genotypes and it was nine, the cluster VI and cluster VIII contained the lowest number of genotypes and it was two in each. The clustering pattern of the genotypes under this study revealed that the genotypes collected from the same location were grouped into different clusters. The genotypes of Jessore were distributed in different clusters. The highest inter genotype distance as 366.3 observed between the genotypes P0022 and P0007 and the lowest 2.6 as observed between the genotypes P0043 and P0044. Cluster V had the highest cluster mean value for internode length, fruit weight per plant and yield the highest inter-cluster distance was noticed between cluster III and II (45.71) and the lowest between cluster VII and VI (3.33). âThe highest intra cluster distance was computed for cluster III and that was lowest for the cluster II. The first five axes accounted for 77.65% of the total variation among the 13 characters describing 64 pointed gourd genotypes. Fruit weight, seeds per fruit and fruit weight per plant contributed maximum to the total divergence. The results obtained by D2 analysis were confirmed by canonical analysis. Key Words: Diversity pointed gourd, morphological characters. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2304 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 607-616, December 2008
A Self-Supported Direct Borohydride-Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Cell System
Authors: Khadke Prashant S. , Sethuraman Pitchumani , Kandasamy Palanivelu , Parthasarathi Sridhar , Shukla Ashok K.
Published: April 2009

A self-supported direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell system with internal manifolds and an auxiliary control unit is reported. The system, while operating under ambient conditions, delivers a peak power of 40 W with about 2 W to run the auxiliary control unit. A critical cause and effect analysis, on the data for single cells and stack, suggests the optimum concentrations of fuel and oxidant to be 8 wt. % NaBH4 and 2 M H2O2, respectively in extending the operating time of the system. Such a fuel cell system is ideally suited for submersible and aerospace applications where anaerobic conditions prevail.
Potential of Penicillium Species in the Bioremediation Field
Authors: Leitão Ana Lúcia
Published: April 2009

The effects on the environment of pollution, particularly that caused by various industrial activities, have been responsible for the accelerated fluxes of organic and inorganic matter in the ecosphere. Xenobiotics such as phenol, phenolic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals, even at low concentrations, can be toxic to humans and other forms of life. Many of the remediation technologies currently being used for contaminated soil and water involve not only physical and chemical treatment, but also biological processes, where microbial activity is the responsible for pollutant removal and/or recovery. Fungi are present in aquatic sediments, terrestrial habitats and water surfaces and play a significant part in natural remediation of metal and aromatic compounds. Fungi also have advantages over bacteria since fungal hyphae can penetrate contaminated soil, reaching not only heavy metals but also xenobiotic compounds. Despite of the abundance of such fungi in wastes, penicillia in particular have received little attention in bioremediation and biodegradation studies. Additionally, several studies conducted with different strains of imperfecti fungi, Penicillium spp. have demonstrated their ability to degrade different xenobiotic compounds with low co-substrate requirements, and could be potentially interesting for the development of economically feasible processes for pollutant transformation.
Perchlorate: Health Effects and Technologies for Its Removal from Water Resources
Authors: Srinivasan Asha , Viraraghavan Thiruvenkatachari
Published: April 2009

Perchlorate has been found in drinking water and surface waters in the United States and Canada. It is primarily associated with release from defense and military operations. Natural sources include certain fertilizers and potash ores. Although it is a strong oxidant, perchlorate is very persistent in the environment. At high concentrations perchlorate can affect the thyroid gland by inhibiting the uptake of iodine. A maximum contaminant level has not been set, while a guidance value of 6 ppb has been suggested by Health Canada. Perchlorate is measured in environmental samples primarily by ion chromatography. It can be removed from water by anion exchange or membrane filtration. Biological and chemical processes are also effective in removing this species from water.
Barriers to Exercise in Younger and Older Non-Exercising Adult Women: A Cross Sectional Study in London, United Kingdom
Authors: El Ansari Walid , Lovell Geoff
Published: April 2009

A survey of 100 women in the south of London, United Kingdom (UK) compared exercise barrier intensities between non-exercising younger (20-27 years) and older (28-35 years) adult women; and examined childcare duties as perceived barriers to exercise. Perceived barriers to exercise were examined using an Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) comprising four subscales (exercise milieu; time expenditure; physical exertion; family discouragement). Participants’ number of children was also noted. Non-exercising older women reported significantly higher total exercise barriers, as well as across three barrier subscales: exercise milieu, time expenditure, and family discouragement. For both age groups, significant correlation existed between number of children and women’s total exercise barrier scores. Number of children explained »25% and »30% of the variance of younger and older women’s total barrier scores respectively. For both women groups, the strongest correlation between exercise barrier and number of children was for the time expenditure subscale. Broad grouping of 20-35 year old non-exercising women does not reflect a homogenous sample. Age categories employing narrower age brackets are recommended. Issues surrounding family responsibilities e.g. childcare duties may be shared between these groups and require further research and policy attention.
Correction: Singh, M.P., et al. Cytoskyrins and Cytosporones Produced by Cytospora sp. CR200: Taxonomy, Fermentation and Biological Activities. Mar. Drugs 2007, 5, 71-84.
Authors: Singh Maya P. , Janso Jeffrey E. , Brady Sean F.
Published: April 2009

We found an error in Figure 1 in our paper published in the Marine Drugs [1]. The structure of Cytosporones A and B are corrected as follows: [..]
Pseudo-cyclic Face-to-face Rigid Structure Caused by the Intramolecular Ion Pair Effect
Authors: Zhang Sheng-Ling , Huang Zhi-Shu , Gu Lian-Quan
Published: April 2009

Six 3-methylpyridine zwitterions and six quinoline zwitterions were synthesized through the reaction of 4-hydroxycoumarins, p-benzoquinone and the corresponding N-aromatics. The novel pseudo-cyclic face-to-face rigid structure of the zwitterion was elucidated by 1H-NMR at different temperatures, and assumed to be caused by both the intramolecular ion pair attraction and the steric interaction.
Biotelemetric Monitoring of Brain Neurochemistry in Conscious Rats Using Microsensors and Biosensors
Authors: Calia Giammario , Rocchitta Gaia , Migheli Rossana , Puggioni Giulia , Spissu Ylenia , Bazzu Gianfranco , Mazzarello Vittorio , Lowry John P. , O’Neill Robert D. , Desole Maria S. , Serra Pier A.
Published: April 2009

In this study we present the real-time monitoring of three key brain neurochemical species in conscious rats using implantable amperometric electrodes interfaced to a biotelemetric device. The new system, derived from a previous design, was coupled with carbon-based microsensors and a platinum-based biosensor for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA), O2 and glucose in the striatum of untethered, freely-moving rats. The miniaturized device consisted of a single-supply sensor driver, a current-to-voltage converter, a microcontroller and a miniaturized data transmitter. The redox currents were digitized to digital values by means of an analog-to-digital converter integrated in a peripheral interface controller (PIC), and sent to a personal computer by means of a miniaturized AM transmitter. The electronics were calibrated and tested in vitro under different experimental conditions and exhibited high stability, low power consumption and good linear response in the nanoampere current range. The in-vivo results confirmed previously published observations on striatal AA, oxygen and glucose dynamics recorded in tethered rats. This approach, based on simple and inexpensive components, could be used as a rapid and reliable model for studying the effects of different drugs on brain neurochemical systems
Non-Contact Detection of Breathing Using a Microwave Sensor
Authors: Dei Devis , Grazzini Gilberto , Luzi Guido , Pieraccini Massimiliano , Atzeni Carlo , Boncinelli Sergio , Camiciottoli Gianna , Castellani Walter , Marsili Massimo , Lo Dico Juri
Published: April 2009

In this paper the use of a continuous-wave microwave sensor as a non-contact tool for quantitative measurement of respiratory tidal volume has been evaluated by experimentation in seventeen healthy volunteers. The sensor working principle is reported and several causes that can affect its response are analyzed. A suitable data processing has been devised able to reject the majority of breath measurements taken under non suitable conditions. Furthermore, a relationship between microwave sensor measurements and volume inspired and expired at quiet breathing (tidal volume) has been found.
A Peristaltic Micro Pump Driven by a Rotating Motor with Magnetically Attracted Steel Balls
Authors: Du Min , Ye Xiongying , Wu Kang , Zhou Zhaoying
Published: April 2009

In this paper, we present a membrane peristaltic micro pump driven by a rotating motor with magnetically attracted steel balls for lab-on-a-chip applications. The fabrication process is based on standard soft lithography technology and bonding of a PDMS layer with a PMMA substrate. A linear flow rate range ~490 μL/min was obtained by simply varying the rotation speed of a DC motor, and a maximum back pressure of 592 Pa was achieved at a rotation speed of 43 rpm. The flow rate of the pump can also be adjusted by using steel balls with different diameters or changing the number of balls. Nevertheless, the micro pump can also work in high speed mode. A high back pressure up to 10 kPa was achieved at 500 rpm using a high speed DC motor, and an utmost flow rate up to 5 mL/min was reached.
The Challenge to Revert Unsustainable Trends: Uneven Development and Water Degradation in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Area
Authors: Ioris Antonio A. R. , Costa Maria A. M.
Published: April 2009

The search for water sustainability requires not only a combination of technical and managerial responses, but also firm action against socioeconomic injustices and political inequalities. The recognition of the politicised nature of water problems deserves particular attention in areas marred by long-term trends of environmental degradation and social exclusion. A case study of the Baixada Fluminense, an urbanised wetland in the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro, illustrates the challenge to reverse unsustainable practices in situations where water problems have been politically and electorally exploited. The research made use of an interdisciplinary approach to assess past and present initiatives that have attempted, but systematically failed, to restore river ecology and improve water services. The empirical results have important implications for water policy making and urban planning.
Scaling relations for a functionally two‐dimensional plant:Chamaesyce setiloba(Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Koontz Terri L. , Petroff Alexander , West Geoffrey B. , Brown James H.
Published: April 2009

Many characteristics of plants and animals scale with body size as described by allometric equations of the formY =βMα, whereYis an attribute of the organism, β is a coefficient that varies with attribute,Mis a measure of organism size, and α is another constant, the scaling exponent. In current models, the frequently observed quarter‐power scaling exponents are hypothesized to be due to fractal‐like structures. However, not all plants or animals conform to the assumptions of these models. Therefore, they might be expected to have different scaling relations. We studied one such plant,Chamaesyce setiloba, a prostrate annual herb that grows to functionally fill a two‐dimensional space. Number of leaves scaled slightly less than isometrically with total aboveground plant mass (α ≈ 0.9) and substantially less than isometrically with dry total stem mass (α = 0.82), showing reduced allocation to leaf as opposed to stem tissue with increasing plant size. Additionally, scalings of the lengths and radii of parent and daughter branches differed from those predicted for three‐dimensional trees and shrubs. Unlike plants with typical three‐dimensional architectures,C. setilobahas distinctive scaling relations associated with its particular prostrate herbaceous growth form.
Validating and Assessing the Sensitivity of the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index-derived Short Form-6D in Patients with Early Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: AMJADI SOGOL S. , MARANIAN PAUL M. , PAULUS HAROLD E. , KAPLAN ROBERT M. , RANGANATH VEENA K. , FURST DANIEL E. , KHANNA PUJA P. , KHANNA DINESH ,   for the Western Consortium of Practicing Rheumatologists
Published: April 2009

Objective.

New methodologies allow the scores for the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) to be translated into preferences/utility scores. We evaluated the construct validity of the HAQ-DI-derived Short Form-6D (SF-6D) score and assessed its responsiveness to change over 6- and 12-month followup periods in patients with early aggressive rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Patients (n = 277) participating in an RA observational study completed self-reported measures of symptoms and the HAQ-DI at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Total Sharp scores, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were assessed along with clinical data. Construct validity was assessed by examining the association between SF-6D score and patient-reported and clinical measures using Spearman correlation coefficients. The responsiveness of SF-6D to change was assessed using patient and physician assessments of the disease as clinical anchors. The magnitude of responsiveness was calculated using SF-6D effect size (ES).

Result.

Mean SF-6D scores were 0.690, 0.720, and 0.723 at baseline and 6 and 12-month followup, respectively. Baseline patient-reported measures had moderate to high correlations with baseline SF-6D (r = 0.43 to 0.52); whereas clinical measures had negligible to low correlations with SF-6D (r = 0.001 to 0.32). ES was moderate for the groups that were deemed to have improved (ES 0.63–0.75) but negligible to small for those that did not (ES 0.13–0.46).

Conclusion.

Our data support the validity and responsiveness of the HAQ-DI derived SF-6D score in an early RA cohort. These results support the use of the HAQ-DI derived SF-6D in RA cohorts and clinical trials lacking preference-based measures.
The Uses of Disease Activity Scoring and the Physician Global Assessment of Disease Activity for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rheumatology Practice
Authors: HARRINGTON J. TIMOTHY
Published: April 2009

Objective.

To evaluate the uses of quantitative disease activity scoring and a physician global assessment of disease activity for managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in rheumatology practice.

Methods.

The Global Arthritis Score (GAS) and a physician global assessment (Physician Global) were determined during each office visit for a community practice RA population. The GAS was calculated from patients’ self-reported pain, functional assessment, and tender joint count. The Physician Global was recorded on a 10-point visual analog scale. The correlation of these 2 disease activity measures was determined for the most recent office visit of 185 patients with RA, and the reasons for discordant results were identified by chart review.

Results.

The GAS and Physician Global were concordant for active or inactive disease in 126 of 185 patients (68%) and were discordant in 59 (32%). Forty-five of these discordant patients had a high GAS while their Physician Global indicated inactive disease. Their GAS values were high because of osteoarthritis, back pain, soft tissue rheumatism, and/or prior joint damage rather than active RA. The other 14 patients had a low GAS with an uncontrolled Physician Global for a variety of reasons.

Conclusion.

(1) An RA disease activity score and a quantitative Physician Global can be measured during rheumatology office visits to document patients’ disease status. (2) Disease activity scoring contributes valuable information, but should not replace the Physician Global in guiding RA patient management or reimbursement decisions.
Revision ofCardiophorus(Coleoptera: Elateridae) species of eastern Canada and United States of America
Authors: Douglas Hume
Published: April 2009

AllCardiophorusspecies found in Canada and the United States of America east of the Rocky Mountains are keyed and all but those with the majority of their ranges west of the Rocky Mountains are revised. Eleven species are recognized, three of which are new to science (C. catskillensissp. nov.,C. destinensissp. nov., andC. panamapolissp. nov.).Cardiophorus floridaeCandèze andC. angustatusBlanchard are synonymized underC. convexus(Say). All 11 are described and taxonomically important characters are presented. Distribution maps are presented for each species. The following lectotypes are designated for species that were described from more than one specimen without former holotype designation:C. angustatus,C. floridae,C. erythropusErichson,C. gagatesErichson,C. togatusHorn,C. robustusLeConte,C. convexulusLeConte, andC. amictusMelsheimer. The following neotypes were designated to replace destroyed type specimens:C. cardisce(Say) andC. convexus.
The Colorado potato beetle in movement
Authors: Boiteau G. , Alyokhin A. , Ferro D.N.
Published: April 2009

The recent introduction of the concept of refuge areas for the management of the Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Say) (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae), on resistant potato highlighted the existence of important gaps in our knowledge and understanding of this pest's movement within and between habitats. The objective of this review is to synthesize the information available for the benefit of crop managers and to identify subject areas in need of additional research. A traditional, somewhat encyclopedic, review of the old and recent literature on research methods, basics of flight and walking, as well as abiotic and biotic conditions for dispersal, revealed a considerable volume of information accumulated since the early 1900s. There is a consensus on the role of abiotic factors on flight and walking, but a better understanding of the biotic factors will be required before the variability of the dispersal response can be fully explained or predicted. Cybernetic models of orientation proposed in the literature were pulled together into a schematic representation of the orientation process in walkingL. decemlineata. The model begins the integration of the different conditions and underlying suggested mechanisms responsible for the orientation of the walking beetle. There is remarkably little information on the orientation of potato beetles during flight. Finally, the seasonality of walking and flight dispersal is reviewed in relation to the host habitat and overwintering sites.
Influence of habitat and microhabitat on carabid (Coleoptera: Carabidae) assemblages in four stand types
Authors: Pearce J.L. , Venier L.A. , McKee J. , Pedlar J. , McKenney D.
Published: April 2009

Studies based on presence/absence of a species may provide insight into habitat associations, allowing the distribution of species to be predicted across the landscape. Our objective was to characterize the carabid fauna in three mature boreal forest types (conifer, mixedwood, and deciduous) and a disturbed habitat (clearcut) to provide baseline data on the carabid species inhabiting the major forest types of boreal northwestern Ontario. Only spring-active carabids were considered for logistical reasons. We further identified the coarse woody debris structure and microhabitat characteristics within these stand types to try to refine our ability to predict the within-stand occurrence of carabids. We found the carabid composition of deciduous stands (mixedwood and aspen) similar and typical of the carabid fauna found in mixedwood forest in other nearby studies. The important feature of these forest types may be the presence of a deciduous leaf litter layer. In contrast, spruce stands contained fewer species and individuals and a distinct carabid fauna. As predicted, the clearcut habitats were dominated by open habitat species, although the fauna was dissimilar to what was recorded in clearcut habitats in other studies within northwestern Ontario. Coarse woody debris appeared to be an important habitat attribute for several carabid species in clearcut habitats.
Species of Telenomus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) associated with the hemlock looper (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in Canada
Authors: Pelletier Georges , Piché Céline
Published: April 2009

Three species of Telenomus Haliday are egg parasitoids of the hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria (Guenée), in Canada. Telenomus coloradensis Crawford and Telenomus droozi Muesebeck are redescribed and Telenomus flavotibiaesp.nov. is described and illustrated from material collected in Quebec. Telenomus coloradensis was found to be the predominant egg parasite, followed by T. droozi. Telenomus flavotibiae was found to be an uncommon parasite of hemlock looper eggs. All three species are recorded from Newfoundland to British Columbia. Keys to species of Telenomus associated with the hemlock looper, including two closely related species previously confused in the literature, are also given.
Epicuticular wax on pea plants decreases instantaneous search rate of Hippodamia convergens larvae and reduces attachment to leaf surfaces
Authors: Rutledge C.E. , Eigenbrode S.D.
Published: April 2009

Crop cultivar can affect the ability of natural enemies to control pest populations. Peas, Pisum sativum L. (Fabaceae), with a reduced epicuticular wax bloom have reduced pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), populations in the field than peas with a normal-wax bloom. In this paper we use the functional response to examine predation by Hippodamia convergens Guérin de Méneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) larvae foraging on pea plants with a normal- and a reduced-wax bloom. We found that Hippodamia convergens shows a Type II functional response on both phenotypes of peas. Hippodamia convergens consumed significantly more pea aphids on reduced-wax plants than on normal-wax plants. The instantaneous search rate, a, was higher for predators on reduced-wax plants, but the handling time, Th, was similar for predators on both wax phenotypes. In addition, we tested the ability of H. convergens larvae to attach to the surface of normal-wax and reduced-wax pea leaves. We found that H. convergens larvae attach more strongly to reduced-wax peas than to normal-wax peas. These results suggest that predation of pea aphid by H. convergens is enhanced on reduced-wax peas due to increased ability of predators to attach to these plants, and as a result, search for and find aphids.
Actual and potential distribution of an invasive canola pest, Meligethes viridescens (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), in Canada
Authors: Mason P.G. , Olfert O. , Sluchinski L. , Weiss R.M. , Boudreault C. , Grossrieder M. , Kuhlmann U.
Published: April 2009

Meligethes viridescens (Fabricius), bronzed or rape blossom beetle, is a widespread and common pest of oilseed rape [Brassica napus L. and Brassica rapa L. (Brassicaceae)] in the western Palaearctic subregion. The establishment of M. viridescens in eastern North America has raised concern that its presence is a potential risk to the Canadian canola industry, especially to the prairie ecozone of western Canada where up to 4 million ha of summer canola (B. napus and B. rapa) are grown annually. Study of museum specimens indicated that M. viridescens was first recorded in Nova Scotia in 1947. Field surveys indicated that, as of 2001, M. viridescens was established as far west as Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. A CLIMEXTM model for M. viridescens in Europe was developed and validated with actual distribution records. In Canada the model predicted that once introduced, M. viridescens would readily survive in the canola-growing areas. The actual distribution of M. viridescens in eastern Canada matched the predicted distribution well. The westward dispersal to and establishment of M. viridescens in canola-growing areas of Ontario and western Canada, particularly southern Manitoba, appear to be inevitable. Establishment in these areas presents the risk of substantial production losses to canola producers.
A new genus and two new species of Hybosoridae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) from Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia
Authors: Ocampo Federico C.
Published: April 2009

The new genus Totoia Ocampo and two new species, Totoiasplendida Ocampo from Costa Rica and Panama and Totoiabrachycarina Ocampo from Panama and Colombia, are described. Diagnostic characters of the genus and male genitalia of both species are illustrated.
Variation in response to insecticides in two species of univoltine leafrollers (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Smirle Michael J. , Lowery D. Thomas , Zurowski Cheryl L.
Published: April 2009

Populations of fruittree leafroller, Archips argyrospila (Walker), and European leafroller, Archips rosana L., were obtained from eight sites in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, and assayed for their responses to five insecticides using a leaf-disk bioassay and neonate larvae. Lethal concentration ratios (LCR values) were calculated for all populations compared with the most susceptible strain, and significant variation was detected in both species. LCR values ranged from 1.04 to 9.06 for azinphosmethyl, from 1.29 to 53.15 for tebufenozide (Confirm®), from 1.85 to 24.69 for methoxyfenozide (Intrepid®), from 1.59 to 2291.4 for indoxacarb (Avaunt®), and from 1.92 to 1.98 for spinosad (Success®). Methoxy fenozide was approximately 100-fold more toxic to neonate leafrollers than was tebufenozide, and spinosad was the most toxic of all materials tested. Correlation analysis indicated that there was cross-resistance between azinphosmethyl and tebufenozide. At the LC50 level, the responses of the two species were not significantly different for each insecticide. Analysis of equivalency and parallelism of dose-response lines revealed that A. argyrospila and A. rosana had equivalent responses to azinphosmethyl. LC50 values for the response of A. argyrospila to azinphosmethyl were not different from values obtained almost 20 years earlier. Cross-resistance between azinphosmethyl and tebufenozide suggests that resistance management for these two species of univoltine leafrollers should not include rotation of azinphosmethyl and benzoylhydrazine insect-growth regulators. The high level of resistance to indoxacarb found in one population indicates that baseline tolerance screening is desirable before indoxacarb is introduced for use in Canadian orchards.
Survey of the genus Leucophenga (Diptera, Drosophilidae) from Iriomote-jima, Japan, with descriptions of three new species
Authors: Chen Hong-wei , Aotsuka Tadashi
Published: April 2009

Thirteen species of the genus Leucophenga were found from Iriomote Jima of Ryukyu Islands, Japan, including three new records and three new species: L. argentata (de Meijere), L. confluens Duda, L. digmasoma Lin et Wheeler, L. concilia Okada, L. maculata (Dufour), L. meijerei Duda, L. ornata Wheeler, L. orientalis Lin et Wheeler, L. regina Malloch, L. umbratula Duda, L. iriomotensissp. nov., L. multipunctatasp. nov., and L. obscurasp. nov.Leuco phenga regina is redescribed and the three new species are described. A key to all species from Iriomote Jima is provided.
Receptor characterization of nontarget butterflies for risk assessment of biological control with the egg parasitoidTrichogramma minutum(Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Bourchier R.S.
Published: April 2009

Receptor characterization (i.e., identifying what will be affected by an activity) is the first step in a risk assessment of biocontrol agents for insects. Development of a representative list of species at risk, based on ecological vulnerability, enables host-range screening of potential biocontrol agents on a manageable group of nontarget insects. A database of 153 species was used to characterize the butterflies potentially at risk from an inundative release of the egg parasitoidTrichogramma minutumRiley. Risk criteria for butterfly species included North American, Canadian, and Ontario geographic distributions; oviposition phenology; number of generations per year; overwintering stage; host-plant preferences; and egg mass type and location. Ecological vulnerability lists of butterfly species were generated for northern and southern Ontario; areas where there have been recent experimental inundative releases ofT. minutumfor the suppression of forest pests. Based on the above criteria, 2 species and a maximum of 27 species would be potentially at risk, and thus requiring host-range testing if an inundative release were considered for northern and southern Ontario, respectively. The number of species on the ecological vulnerability list for southern Ontario could be reduced to 12 species depending on the specific geographic location in southern Ontario of the inundative release. The six criteria used for receptor characterization forT. minutum, associated primarily with host-habitat location and host-location, can also be used for other parasitoids. They are components of any target host's biology, and thus will affect the scale and impact of any parasitoid attacking eggs, larvae, or pupae. Additional criteria for receptor characterization may also be added that will relate to the specifics of a parasitoid's biology and are associated with host acceptance and host suitability. Development of ecologically based vulnerability lists should become standard practice in determining which nontarget species require host-range testing, for both inundative and classical biocontrol agents targeting insects, and for the potential impact of invasive species.
Abundance of some native coccinellines (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) before and after the appearance ofCoccinella septempunctata
Authors: Turnock W.J. , Wise I.L. , Matheson F.O.
Published: April 2009

The seven-spotted lady beetle,Coccinella septempunctataL., was first reported in Manitoba in 1988. The effect of this introduced species on the relative abundance of the more common native coccinellines was determined from D-Vac Insect Net®and sweepnet samples in alfalfa in 1983–2001, by sweepnet and visual sampling in field crops and other vegetation in 1989–2001, and by transect sampling of aggregations of coccinellines in spring and autumn on the shore of Lake Manitoba from 1989 to 2001. The trends of annual changes in the abundance of six species in southern Manitoba were similar, whether based on the mean density per 200 sweeps in alfalfa or on their relative abundance in alfalfa, on other vegetation, and in aggregations on the beach. Before 1988,Hippodamia tredecempunctata tibialis(Say),Coccinella transversoguttata richardsoniiBrown, andHippodamia convergensGuerin were the most abundant species, followed byHippodamia parenthesis(Say) andCoccinella trifasciata perplexaMulsant. By 1992,C. septempunctatahad become the dominant species, butH. tredecempunctatahas since been the dominant species in most collections. The relative abundance ofC. transverso guttata,H. convergens,H. parenthesis, andC. trifasciatahas decreased since the establishment ofC. septempunctata. The decline in abundance of these species seems to be caused by their competitive displacement byC. septempunctata. Their displacement also might be a contributing factor in the slight increase in abundance ofH. tredecempunctatabecauseC. septempunctatamay compete less directly with this species than with other native coccinellines.
Establishment of Platygaster tuberosula, an introduced parasitoid of the wheat midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana
Authors: Olfert O. , Doane J.F. , Braun M.P.
Published: April 2009

Wheat midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), was first detected as early as 1901 in Western Canada. The first major outbreak in Saskatchewan was recorded in 1983. In 1984, Saskatchewan wheat midge populations were found to be parasitized by the egg parasitoid Macroglenes penetrans (Kirby). Parasitism levels vary from year to year but, on average, 33% of wheat midge populations are parasitized by M. penetrans. In 1993 and 1994, Agriculture Canada and the International Institute of Biological Control in Delémont, Switzerland, collaborated to release Platygaster tuberosula Kieffer into Saskatchewan to augment biological control of wheat midge. Platygaster tuberosula individuals were recovered at low numbers in follow-up monitoring programs in each of the last 5 years. In 2001, the parasitoid population density increased fivefold at the release site and showed signs of migrating into the surrounding area.
Substrate-borne vibrational signals of the Consperse stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: McBrien Heather L. , Millar Jocelyn G.
Published: April 2009

There is increasing evidence that short-range reproductive behaviors of phytophagous pentatomid bugs are mediated by vibrational signals. These signals have not yet been examined for bugs in the genus Euschistus, which contains several species native to the Americas. Substrate-borne vibrational signals (songs) were recorded from both sexes of the Consperse stink bug, Euschistus conspersus Uhler, an economically important agricultural pest in western North America. Females produced two songs (FS-1 and FS-2), each consisting of a series of frequency-modulated pulses with a pulse duration of 352 ± 105 (mean ± SD) and 163 ± 36 ms, respectively. Males produced four distinct songs, two composed of frequency-modulated pulses (MS-1 and MS-3), one consisting of narrowband pulses (MS-2), and one composed of a series of 1–6 short pulses, many of which were fused to form distinct pulse trains (MS-4). For both males and females, songs consisting of very short, frequency-modulated pulses (FS-2 and MS-3), with a mean pulse duration <170 ms, were emitted when the other member of the pair was silent. Songs made up of longer, frequency-modulated pulses (FS-1 and MS-1) were produced spontaneously and in response to songs from conspecifics. Pulses of MS-2 were produced by a male once a duet with a female had been initiated. This song had no frequency modulation and a longer mean pulse repetition time than MS-1. The two female songs and three of the male songs (MS-1, MS-2, and MS-3) were produced during the calling phase of mating behavior. Pulse trains of MS-4 were emitted during close-range courtship. During copulation males produced intermittent pulses of MS-1, the function of which is unknown. Dominant frequencies of all songs ranged from 102 to 136 Hz, comparable with those of other pentatomid songs. Although there were superficial similarities in the song structures of E. conspersus when compared with those of other pentatomid species, the song repertoire of E. conspersus was distinct and unique.
Field trials of Trichomalopsis sarcophagae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in cattle feedlots: a potential biocontrol agent of filth flies (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Floate K.D.
Published: April 2009

A field study was performed in southern Alberta, Canada, to assess the native wasp, Trichomalopsis sarcophagae (Gahan), as a potential biocontrol agent for house fly, Musca domestica L., and stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). The wasp was readily reared in large numbers, which allowed for the cumulative release of an estimated 4.63 million wasps into three commercial feedlots during the 2-year study. Each of several releases predictably and repeatedly enhanced parasitism of sentinel house fly pupae, whereas parasitism remained low in three paired control feedlots where wasps were not released. Releases every 2nd week had a disproportionately greater effect than releases every 2nd month. In 1998, 1.2 million wasps were released into treatment feedlots resulting in the recovery of 3 952 T. sarcophagae from 31 500 sentinel pupae (0.13 wasps/pupa). In 1999, 3.43 million wasps were released into treatment feedlots, with the recovery of 37 763 wasps from 47 720 sentinel pupae (0.79 wasps/pupa). Hence, a 2.8-fold increase in the number of wasps released in 1999 resulted in a 6.1-fold increase in the recovery of wasps. This result supports industry recommendations of regular, repeated releases of wasps every 2nd or 4th week versus one or infrequent releases throughout the summer. There was no evidence that releases augmented overwintering populations of the wasp in subsequent years. These results provide proof-of-concept for the mass-rearing and release of T. sarcophagae as an inundative biocontrol agent for the control of pest flies in cattle confinements. Further studies will be required to assess the effect of T. sarcophagae releases on natural populations of pest flies.
Key to genera of the tribe Tropidocephalini (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Delphacidae) from the People's Republic of China, with description of a new genus
Authors: Chen X-S
Published: April 2009

A new genus, Mirocaudagen. nov., and a new species, Mirocauda albilineanasp. nov., are described and illustrated. Because of the nature of the post-tibial spur, this genus belongs to the tribe Tropidocephalini. A key to the 17 Chinese genera (including 3 subgenera) of the tribe Tropidocephalini is provided. Two new synonymies are reported: Malaxa aurunca Yang et Yang, 1986 is a junior synonym of Malaxella flava Ding et Hu, 1986 and Specinervures liquida Yang et Yang, 1986 is a junior synonym of Specinervures interrupta Ding et Hu, 1986. A checklist of genera in the tribe Tropidocephalini from the People's Republic of China is appended.
Attraction of Hylastes opacus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) to nonanal
Authors: de Groot Peter , Poland Therese M.
Published: April 2009

Hylastes opacus Erichson is a recently introduced bark beetle in North America (Bright and Skidmore 1997; Hoebeke 1994; Rabaglia and Cavey 1994; Wood 1992). It is widely distributed in the Palearctic region, where it usually breeds in stumps and roots of dead or dying pines (Pinus) and occasionally other conifers (Hoebeke 1994). Like many species of bark beetles, H. opacus uses host volatiles as cues to search for suitable host material for feeding and establishment of broods. Hoebeke (1994) reported the attraction of H. opacus to ethanol-baited logs of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) in New York, United States of America. In Sweden, Schroeder and Lindelöw (1989) observed H. opacus responding to (−)-α-pinene and to ethanol released separately, but a synergistic increase in response did not occur when these two compounds were released together. In later experiments, Lindelöw et al. (1993) found that traps baited with ethanol alone, ethanol + (−)-α-pinene, and spruce turpentine caught significantly more H. opacus than unbaited traps. In these experiments, (−)-α-pinene alone was not attractive, and when (−)-α-pinene was combined with spruce turpentine and ethanol, it reduced catches of H. opacus. In 2002, while investigating attractants for the pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda (L.) (TM Poland, P de Groot, S Burke, D Wakarchuk, RA Haack, and RW Nott, unpublished data), we unexpectedly found significant numbers of H. opacus in one of our experiments. Here we report that H. opacus is strongly attracted to nonanal.