bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response of the parasitoids of stored-product moths, Habrobracon hebetor, Trichogramma evanescens and Venturia canescens (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Trichogrammatidae, Ichneumonidae), towards three types of funnel traps.
Authors: Schöller M. , Prozell S. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The response of the parasitoids of stored-product moths, H. hebetor [Bracon hebetor], Trichogramma evanescens and Venturia canescens, towards funnel traps was tested under semi-field conditions. Three types of differently coloured traps were tested: dark green traps; traps with a green top, yellow funnel and white cup; and traps with a green top, green funnel and transparent cup. The spectral reflection of the colours of the traps was determined. The traps were baited with the synthetic main component of the female sex pheromone, ZETA. In additional trials conducted with V. canescens, traps were provided exclusively with ZETA (i.e. without water) or exclusively with water (i.e. without ZETA). Most individuals of T. evanescens and V. canescens were caught with the yellow/white funnel/cup combination followed by the green/transparent combination. The fewest parasitoids were caught with the green traps. Traps baited exclusively with water and those with water and ZETA caught about the same number of parasitoids (32%). The present study suggested that the colour of the funnel traps is responsible for the attractiveness towards the tested parasitoids. Depending on the colour of the traps, they can be used to trap both moth pests and naturally occurring parasitoids. Moreover, funnel traps were identified that attract the moths, but not the beneficial organisms. Monitoring can therefore be integrated with mass releases of parasitoids.
Responses of house mice (Mus musculus musculus L.) to different bait stations: the role of size, shape, material and odour.
Authors: Volfová R. , Stejskal V. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Currently, baiting is the most common method used to control mice populations, and the form of the bait station may affect acceptance of baits. Therefore, the aim of our work was to compare the preference of house mice (M. musculus musculus, collected from Prague, Czech Republic) for different bait stations in a new environment. We explored the behaviour of male and female mice in three types of experiments conducted under semi-natural conditions. In the first experiment, six different types of empty bait station were simultaneously offered to mice. In the second experiment, the mice could choose between two bait stations made of different material. The third trial tested the response of mice to the odours of different conspecific located in two identical stations. The results showed that house mice introduced into a new environment significantly preferred the largest plastic box: they are probably searching not only for food but also for a safe shelter ("bed and breakfast strategy"). If mice had an opportunity to select between two stations of the same size and shape but different materials, they much more frequently entered a metal station than a paper one. In the third experiment, adult males visited most frequently those stations scented with the odour of adult - sexually and socially experienced - females and males. Conversely, they took only a little notice of the odour of sexually naive individuals. Female preference for some specially scented bait stations was not observed. Our results showed that, to control house mice, careful attention should be paid to selecting the correct type of bait station.
Comparing insect infestation patterns in stored corn for three temperature management methods: summer 2001 pilot bin trials.
Authors: Ileleji K. E. , Maier D. E. , Woloshuk C. P. , Szabela D. A. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The primary objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of using three temperature management strategies (no aeration, ambient aeration and chilled aeration) to control insect pest densities in stored maize during the warm spring and hot summer months. From the spring through the summer of 2001, these three strategies were implemented in 11 pilot bins with approximately 9.1 tonnes (362 bushels) of shelled maize at the Purdue University Post-Harvest Education and Research Center (PHERC). Probe traps and pheromone-baited sticky flight traps were installed in the bins to monitor crawling insects in the grain bulk and flying insects (primarily the Indian meal moth) in the bin headspace, respectively. Temperatures in the bins with no aeration and ambient aeration were above 64°F (18°C) for most of the sampling period - the lower developmental threshold for most stored-product pests. However, the target temperature set at 60°F (15.6°C) for the bins with chilled aeration was maintained by the chiller for most of the storage period. The average moisture content of the stored maize bulk was within the safe storage limit to maintain quality and prevent moulding. A wide variety of insects in the order Coleoptera (beetles) were found in the probe traps. Insect density per day estimated from probe trap catch in the grain bulk indicated that insect density increased as temperature increased from spring into the summer months. Insect density in the bins with no aeration was significantly higher than in bins with ambient and chilled aeration between July and September. Chilled aeration indicated better control of insect pests than ambient aeration. Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) density per day estimated from pheromone-baited sticky flight traps indicated an increase as a function of head-space air and grain surface temperatures in all three pest management strategies. The Indian meal moth population density was not significantly different between the three management strategies for most of the sampling periods. The radiation from the bin roof created similar headspace conditions, and hence dissipated the effects of any cooling of the grain mass. Nevertheless, the chilled aeration strategy provided the lowest Indian meal moth density overall.
Using new tools to track the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae).
Authors: Tigar B. , Waldron S. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We used natural markers to investigate dispersal by P. truncatus between rural stores and natural environments. Insects were collected in Mexico and Ghana using pheromone-baited flight traps, and from infested maize in Mexico. We applied three techniques to track the insects remotely: stable isotope analysis (SIA), to detect food use; molecular genetics, to reveal population mixing and relatedness; and trace-element profiling, to identify geographic origin. The δ13C signatures of candidate and known foods of P. truncatus were also determined. Foods were isotopically distinct, with δ13C signatures typical of either C4 or C3 plants (maize grains -11.6 per mil, Spondias purpurea -26.1 per mil), while δ13C and δ15N varied with region and habitat for P. truncatus. Rural stores in central western Mexico (Michuacán) were heavily infested, and P. truncatus δ13C signatures were consistent with maize consumption (mean δ13C -11.3 per mil) with one intermediate value, suggesting that natural areas were not reservoirs for infestations. Beetles from natural environments in Michuacán had a predominantly C4 δ13C signature (mean δ13C -11.5 per mil). This may indicate dispersal out of stores, or the use of field maize or other C4 foods. Ghanaian beetles from a teak forest were the most 13C-enriched (mean δ13C -9.3 per mil), indicating dependence on a C4 plant, though not necessarily maize. In northwestern Mexico (Sonora), beetles were highly 13C-depleted and had not consumed maize even when captured close to stores and field maize. In northern Mexico, the only beetle captured had a δ13C of -10.7 per mil (C4 plant) and the highest δ15N (-17.5 per mil). The δ15N was highly variable and will be discussed elsewhere. Genetic fingerprinting using amplified fragment length polymorphism suggested a high level of polymorphism in P. truncatus at local, regional, and national scales. Preliminary trace element profiling suggested that sulfur, chromium, and manganese were possible elements for tracking P. truncatus. We discussed future work and further development of the techniques for tracing dispersal.
Multiplication of stored-product mites on Canadian wheat and oilseed cultivars.
Authors: White N. D. G. , Demianyk C. J. , Jayas D. S. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to determine the infestation potential of wheat and oilseeds to stored-product mites. In the first experiment, 10 adults of either Acarus siro or Acarus farris were placed into ventilated glass vials containing whole or crushed seed of 1-3 cultivars of each of wheat, sunflower, flax, soyabean, rape, and mustard. After 15 weeks incubation at 20°C and 75% RH, populations were assessed. All wheat cultivars, both whole and crushed, were highly susceptible to Acarus siro and barely susceptible to Acarus farris, indicating a strong difference in the reproductive requirements of the two closely related species. On wheat, mean multiplication rates for Acarus siro ranged from 11× to 296× on whole cultivars of Neepawa and Glenlea, respectively, and from 617× to 862× on crushed cultivars of Glenlea and Columbus, respectively. This indicates that the seed coat of whole seed provides marginal protection to feeding larvae. Acarus farris multiplied only 6× on whole Glenlea wheat, with all other treatments failing to sustain the original population. Acarus farris did poorly on all the cultivars of both whole and crushed oilseeds; the only population to increase above the original numbers was on whole Sundak sunflower, which had a mean increase of 2.5×. Similarly, Acarus siro did not reproduce on crushed oilseeds but showed an increase of 646× on whole Sundak sunflower, 114× on whole Domo mustard and 83× on whole Linott flax. A second experiment of similar design was conducted to determine the infestation rate on Columbus and Neepawa hard red spring wheat by the two Acarus species and three additional species of stored-product mites, Aeroglyphus robustus, Lepidoglyphus destructor, and Tyrophagus putrescentiae. Crushed seed of both cultivars sustained high populations of Acarus siro and T. putrescentiae, which increased 1059-1202× and 974-1963×, respectively. Lepidoglyphus destructor increased 147× on crushed Columbus but for the most part L. destructor, Aeroglyphus robustus and Acarus farris populations remained at low levels, increasing not more than 2-27× on whole and crushed seed of both cultivars. It appears that the stored-product mites tested here can all survive on whole stored cereals and oilseeds to varying degrees, but special consideration should be given to stocks that become infested with Acarus siro and T. putrescentiae. These two species take best advantage of damaged cereals, where nutrients are readily available, resulting in large population increases. Conversely, the crushing of oilseeds appears to inhibit mite propagation, probably because of excessive oil content (45%, dry weight) within the meal.
How to decide whether the presence of storage mites in food and feedstuffs actually matters.
Authors: Chambers J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Many species of storage mite are found on various food products. This paper considers how to estimate the threats they pose to health. It reviews evidence for the exposure of humans and animals to mites in terms of their species, prevalence and abundance, and the different health effects they have been reported to cause. Mites have been found along the food-supply chain from farms to the home but the evidence is limited and cannot predict daily intake of mites or their source. Mites need to be considered as vectors of mycotoxins and pathogens, but there is insufficient information to establish the severity of this possible problem. Dermatitis has been reported after occupational exposure by surface contact with various mite-infested foods. Allergy to storage mites by inhalation is recorded in at least 7 countries after occupational exposure and is now being considered as a contributor to allergy in the home. Potentially severe consequences of mite allergy arise by ingestion, shown by five reports of anaphylactic reactions. Cooking did not destroy the allergens. In the most recent example, the level of mite infestation may have been very low, suggesting that the risk of clinical symptoms from ingesting mite infested food is higher than previously thought. There is evidence that mite infestation reduces the palatability of cattlefeed and the growth rate of pigs. A risk assessment to estimate the damage storage mites cause by these different effects would depend on imprecise estimates. Obtaining the information to establish safe thresholds for exposure to storage mite allergens would be difficult. The presence of mites in food is avoidable, so the best strategy must be to prevent infestation occurring. This approach is applicable to human food and animal feed and there is evidence that it works.
Occurrence of ochratoxin A in cereals and coffee in Hungary in 2001.
Authors: Fazekas B. , Tar A. K. , Zomborszky-Kovács M. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a carcinogenic and nephrotoxic secondary metabolite of several Aspergillus and Penicillium species. It forms during the storage of cereals and other products of plant origin. The aim of this work was to determine the ochratoxin content of foods and feeds posing a possible health hazard to humans and animals. One hundred and eight human foodstuff samples (baking wheat, wheat flour, maize coarse meal, roasted coffee) and 82 animal feedstuff samples (feeding wheat, feeding maize, feeding barley) were analysed by clean-up by immunoaffinity column followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (IAC-HPLC). Cereal samples were taken after 6-12 months of storage periods after harvest, and the roasted coffee samples were obtained from retailers. The limit of detection was 0.1 ng/g OTA. Of the wheat samples intended for human consumption, 8.3% tested positive for OTA, with levels ranging from 0.12 to 0.5 ng/g. The mean value of the positive samples was 0.29 ng/g OTA. The OTA levels in wheat flour and maize coarse meal samples were in a similarly low range. Ochratoxin A contamination was found in 66% of the roasted coffee samples. The highest and the mean levels of the positive samples were 1.3 ng/g and 0.57 ng/g, respectively. The proportion of feedstuff samples testing positive for OTA was 26.7%, 15.6% and 35% for feeding wheat, feeding maize and feeding barley, respectively. The mean values of positive samples and the OTA ranges, respectively, were: 12.2 ng/g and 0.3-62.8 ng/g for wheat; 4.9 ng/g and 1.9-8.3 ng/g for maize; and 72 ng/g and 0.14-212 ng/g for barley. Our results show that the OTA contamination of wheat intended for human consumption was very low, which can be explained by good weather conditions during the harvest and the use of adequate storage facilities. According to our calculations from the experimental data, the average daily OTA intake was only 6.7 ng from wheat and 4.1 ng from coffee. High contamination of feedstuffs raises the question of whether this poses a possible health hazard to animals, and increases the occurrence of OTA-contaminated animal-derived products. Since the relatively highly contaminated cereals were submitted by small animal holdings and feed-growing farms known to have obsolete storage facilities, our results emphasise the importance of good storage practices.
Impact of essential oils on growth and ochratoxin A production by Penicillium verrucosum and Aspergillus ochraceus on a wheat-based substrate.
Authors: Cairns V. , Magan N. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

An in vitro initial screen of twenty-four essential oils for inhibition of spore germination and mycelial growth of mycotoxigenic strains of Penicillium verrucosum and Aspergillus ochraceus was made at 25°C and 0.99 water activity (aw). Based on a measurement of clearing zones, six essential oils were found to be effective in inhibiting growth: bay leaf (west Indian), cinnamon leaf, clove bud, clove leaf (cleaned), lemongrass and thyme. Based on those giving clearing zones greater than 5 mm, three were chosen for a more detailed study (clove leaf, cinnamon and bay leaf). The detailed screen was at 0-500 ppm on a 2% milled wheat agar modified to 0.99-0.90 aw for 56 days at 15°C and 25°C for isolates of both species. Generally, growth of the A. ochraceus and P. verrucosum was slower at 15°C than 25°C. Generally, regardless of temperature or aw there was significant (>90%) inhibition of growth with 500 ppm of these essential oils. However, at suboptimal concentrations, especially 50 ppm, some essential oils stimulated growth of both A. ochraceus and P. verrucosum by up to 10-15%. Analysis of the impact on ochratoxin A (OTA) production supported these findings. At 50 ppm there was stimulation of OTA production regardless of aw or temperature. However, at 500 ppm significant control of OTA production by A. ochraceus was observed with the best essential oil treatments. OTA production by P. verrucosum was completely inhibited at the maximum concentration and under the environmental conditions used.
Multitarget environmental approach for control of growth and toxin production by Fusarium culmorum using essential oils and antioxidants.
Authors: Hope R. , Jestoi M. , Magan N. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Twenty-three essential oils and six antioxidants were screened for control of growth of the mycotoxigenic species Fusarium culmorum. Of these, three essential oils (bay, clove and cinnamon oil) and two antioxidants (propyl paraben and hydroxymethylanisole) were found to be effective in controlling growth in the at concentrations of 50-200 ppm at 15°C and 25°C over the range 0.995 to 0.955 water activity (aw). More detailed studies were carried out to examine the efficacy of interactions between water activity aw (0.955, 0.995), temperature (15°C and 25°C) and these control treatments (100 ppm; 500 ppm) on growth and both deoxynivalenol and nivalenol mycotoxin production by F. culmorum on irradiated wheat grain. Higher concentrations of these control treatments (500 ppm) were needed to reduce or inhibit growth significantly on wheat grain when compared to that in vitro. Growth of F. culmorum was significantly affected by temperature, aw and antifungal treatment. At 100 ppm concentration the essential oils/antioxidants stimulated growth under some of the experimental conditions. Growth was significantly inhibited by 500 ppm concentration. Cinnamon and clove essential oils were the most effective inhibitors of growth regardless of temperature or aw level used. The control treatments had a variable effect on the production of mycotoxins by F. culmorum. Butylated hydroxy anisole and clove oil inhibited nivalenol and deoxynivalenol production at both 100 and 500 ppm concentration on wheat grain. However, propyl paraben and cinnamon oil enhanced nivalenol production at 100 ppm and intermediate aw levels.
Phosphine: an alternative for controlling fungal growth and to avoid mycotoxin production in high-moisture stored grains.
Authors: Castro M. F. P. M. de , Mills K. A. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Phosphine, a fumigant widely applied for insect control, may be an alternative for controlling fungi and mycotoxins in high-moisture stored grains. Published papers have demonstrated that the fumigation conditions for fungal control (concentration and exposure time) have to be established according to the type and moisture content of the grain as well as the species to be controlled. With respect to fungal control, recent studies with corn have shown that water activity (aw) is critical in determining the maximum "protective period", due to the growth of Fusarium verticilloides and yeasts and yeast-like fungi, which appear to be more tolerant to phosphine. The effect of phosphine on the production of mycotoxins has, so far, only been studied for aflatoxins in peanuts and corn grains, where very promising results were obtained. Studies on more toxigenic moulds and other mycotoxins are needed in order to fully evaluate the use of this technique to control fungi and to avoid production of mycotoxins in other commodity-mould interactions. Problematic situations exist where grains can be re-wetted by condensation during shipment or when grains with high m.c. are kept in storage for long periods prior to drying to a safe level. Phosphine can be carefully applied in order to guarantee the correct dosage in most situations. These include in-transit fumigation in good gastight and pressure-tested freight containers; bagged commodities in well-sealed and vacuum-tested sacks; and bulked grains in bins, silos or floor stores, with positive pressure systems or recirculation of the atmosphere. Conventional phosphide formulations or cylinderised formulations can be used as appropriate.
Is Kashin-Beck disease related to the presence of fungi on grains?
Authors: Chasseur C. , Begaux F. , Suetens C. , Mathieu F. , Nolard N. , Malaisse F. , Wang Z. , Haubruge E. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic osteochondropathy that affects primarily children in Asia. More than 30 million people living in endemic areas are at direct risk of developing KBD, and approximately 2 million people are affected in China alone. Its unknown aetiology represents a continuing challenge to agroenvironmental and medical sciences. Currently, severe contamination of cereals by mycotoxin-producing fungi has been proposed as one of the major environmental causes of the disease. Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxic chemical compounds produced by fungi infesting agricultural crops during both crop growth and storage. Such secondary metabolites, when ingested, can produce toxic syndromes in humans. Since it has been hypothesised that the presence of fungi on barley grains might be involved in the development of KBD, we have undertaken a survey of barley and wheat grain of KBD-affected and non-affected families in the Autonomous Region of Tibet and in Shaanxi Province (China).