Impact Of Adoption Of Fall Armyworm And Stemborer Pest Control Practices On Maize Yields In Rwanda: A Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression Approach,
2025
University of Nairobi
Impact Of Adoption Of Fall Armyworm And Stemborer Pest Control Practices On Maize Yields In Rwanda: A Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression Approach, Vincent Gadamba Misango, Jonathan Makau Nzuma, Patrick Irungu, Menale Kassie
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
The use of push-pull technologies (PPT) as an alternative control method for fall armyworms and stemborer pests amongst maize farmers has recently received considerable global attention. However, the impact of adoption of PPT on the maize productivity remains largely unexplored. This study used a multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) to evaluate the impact of adoption of PPT on smallholder maize farmer's yields in Rwanda. The MESR model was estimated on a sample of 398 households operating 967 maize plots selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Overall, 25, 20, and 14 percent of the households used traditional methods, PPT and …
Investigating The Impact Of Psychoactive Plant Alkaloids On Bumblebee Behavior,
2025
East Tennessee State University
Investigating The Impact Of Psychoactive Plant Alkaloids On Bumblebee Behavior, Skylar Mathieson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The relationship between plants and their pollinators is often framed as a food-for-service exchange in which plants provide pollinators with nutrients in exchange for transport of their gametes. However, in addition to essential nutrients, many floral rewards (nectar, pollen) also contain defensive toxins such as alkaloids, with largely unexplored consequences for plant-pollinator interactions. I investigated how three psychoactive and addictive plant alkaloids — caffeine, nicotine, and morphine — affect foraging behavior in generalist bumblebees (Bombus impatiens) using robotic flowers. Each of these chemicals affected pollinator foraging behavior, influencing the number and duration of their visits to flowers in …
A Note On Psoloessa Texana And Achurum Sumichrasti (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Acridinae) From Louisiana,
2025
Mississippi State University
A Note On Psoloessa Texana And Achurum Sumichrasti (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Acridinae) From Louisiana, Jovonn G. Hill
Midsouth Entomologist
During a 2024 survey in Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana, Psoloessa texana and Achurum sumichrasti were collected, representing new state records. No prior records of P. texana exist for Louisiana, and while A. sumichrasti has been observed and reported online, no specimens were previously documented. These findings extend the known range of P. texana by ~320 km and suggest a broader distribution for A. sumichrasti. Their presence in xeric savannas may reflect Pleistocene-era disjunctions. With these additions, Louisiana’s documented grasshopper fauna increases to 41 species.
Bioassay To Evaluate Resistance Levels In Tarnished Plant Bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) Populations In Alabama To Common Cotton Insecticides,
2025
Auburn University
Bioassay To Evaluate Resistance Levels In Tarnished Plant Bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) Populations In Alabama To Common Cotton Insecticides, T. J. Douglas, K. Kesheimer, A. Jacobson, S. Brown, F. R. Musser, L. S. Catchot, S. H. Graham
Midsouth Entomologist
The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), has emerged as the major insect pest of cotton in the mid-southern United States following the eradication of the boll weevil and the introduction of genetically modified Bt cotton for caterpillar pests. The objective of this study is to evaluate tarnished plant bug resistance to the five most common insecticides used for control across six distinct growing regions. Glass-vial bioassays were used to evaluate resistance of field populations in a laboratory setting. Elevated levels of resistance of tarnished plant bug to bifenthrin and, to a lesser degree, imidacloprid have been reported …
Developing Targets To Control Multiple Pest Fly Species: Violet Polyester Targets Effectively Attract Tsetse (Diptera: Glossinidae), Stable Flies (Diptera: Muscidae), And House Flies (Diptera: Muscidae),
2025
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Developing Targets To Control Multiple Pest Fly Species: Violet Polyester Targets Effectively Attract Tsetse (Diptera: Glossinidae), Stable Flies (Diptera: Muscidae), And House Flies (Diptera: Muscidae), Michael N. Okal, Sheillah J. Akinyi, Roger D. Santer
All Peer-Reviewed Publications
Tsetse (Glossina spp.), stable (Stomoxys spp.), and house flies (Musca domestica L.) impact humans and animals through bites and/or disease transmission. Tsetse are controlled using insecticide-coated fabric targets that are traditionally blue and/or black, but a violet polyester has now been engineered for greater attractiveness. Here, we investigate whether violet targets are also effective against stable and house flies. We sampled flies by electrocution at 1.0 (H) × 0.5 m (W) targets in Kenya, comparing catches at violet targets, and blue and black targets made from polyesters used in commercial traps and targets. Catches of female but not male Glossina …
A Technique For Estimating The Number Of Shoots On Pole-Sized Red Pine: The Relationship Of Selected Tree Parameters To Number Of Shoots In Central Wisconsin Sand Plains Plantations,
2025
University of Wisconsin
A Technique For Estimating The Number Of Shoots On Pole-Sized Red Pine: The Relationship Of Selected Tree Parameters To Number Of Shoots In Central Wisconsin Sand Plains Plantations, J. H. Hainze, D. M. Benjamin
The Great Lakes Entomologist
Diameter at breast height (dbh) , of ten tree parameters tested, was most highly correlated with the number of shoots per tree in six red pine plantations in the central Wisconsin sand plains. Tree height, frequently used as an estimator of shoot number in young conifers, was not highly correlated with shoot number. A strong, nonlinear correlation existed between branch diameter and number of shoots per branch. Multiple regressions using several tree parameters yielded the highest R2 values, however, dbh was judged the simplest and most practical estimator of shoot number for central Wisconsin red pine plantations.
Effect Of Artificial Defoliation On Broccoli Yield,
2025
Colorado State University
Effect Of Artificial Defoliation On Broccoli Yield, W. S. Cranshaw, R. J. Default
The Great Lakes Entomologist
Broccoli plants were artificially defoliated at varying plant growth stages and defoliation intensities to determine bases for control decisions with lepidopterous defoliators. Low levels of defoliation (<25%) did not significantly depress head weight at any treatment date. Higher levels of defoliation severity (50%) depressed head weight when inflicted following the development of small (<2 cm) heads. Only complete defoliation (100%) consistently affected head weights. Because of the great ability of broccoli plants to compensate for leaf loss, most pre heading insecticide applications should be able to be eliminated in Minnesota without yield losses.
Sewage Sludge Application Linked To Increase In Eastern Tent Caterpillar Populations (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae),
2025
USDA Forest Service
Sewage Sludge Application Linked To Increase In Eastern Tent Caterpillar Populations (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), Louis F. Wilson, John H. Cooley, William J. Mattson
The Great Lakes Entomologist
Numbers of Malacosoma americanum caterpillar tents were positively correlated with average numbers and biomass of cherry trees as well as with amount of sludge applied. The enhancing effect of sewage sludge on amounts of black cherry biomass and foliar nitrogen may have been the principal factors leading to higher tent caterpillar populations on fertilized plots.
Record Of Michigan Mosquito Species (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected In A Natural Focus Of Jamestown Canyon Virus In 1984,
2025
University of Notre Dame
Record Of Michigan Mosquito Species (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected In A Natural Focus Of Jamestown Canyon Virus In 1984, Paul R. Grimstad, Michael J. Mandracchia
The Great Lakes Entomologist
Data are presented on the seasonal succession of 22 species of mosquitoes collected at the Houghton Lake Wildlife Research Area, Missaukee County, in northcentral Michigan during a three-month period in 1984. Nine species represent new county records.
Observations On The Nesting And Unique Cachement Behavior Of Calicurgus Hyalinatus (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae),
2025
State University of New York
Observations On The Nesting And Unique Cachement Behavior Of Calicurgus Hyalinatus (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae), Frank E. Kurczewski, Margery G. Spofford
The Great Lakes Entomologist
The components of the nesting and provisioning behavior of Calicurgus hyalinatus are delineated chronologically. The unique cachement of the prey, whereby the spider is suspended from vegetation by its own silken threads, is described. The nesting and provisioning components we observed are compared with those described in the Nearctic and Palearctic literature.
Cleptes Speciosus In The Great Lakes Region (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae: Cleptinae),
2025
University of Michigan
Cleptes Speciosus In The Great Lakes Region (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae: Cleptinae), Mark F. O'Brien
The Great Lakes Entomologist
Cleptes (Melanocleptes) speciosus Aaron is newly recorded from Michigan, with records from five counties in the Upper and Lower peninsulas. A New York record from near Lake Ontario suggests this western species also has a Great Lakes distribution.
Nearctic Epiblema: A New Synonymy, A Revised Identity, And Two New Species (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae),
2025
University of Minnesota
Nearctic Epiblema: A New Synonymy, A Revised Identity, And Two New Species (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), William E. Miller
The Great Lakes Entomologist
New findings are reported for four species: Epiblema naoma Clarke is a junior synonym of E. iowana McDunnough; E. numerosana (Zeller) is currently misidentified; E. chromata, currently identified as the preceding, is described from Texas and differentiated from E. grossbecki Heinrich by maculation and female genitalia; and E. arctica, recently discovered in the Alaskan tundra, is described and differentiated from the boreal E. lyallana McDunnough by maculation and male genitalia.
Winter Wheat Cold Hardiness And Fructan Reserves Affected By Rhopalosiphum Padi (Homoptera: Aphididae) Feeding,
2025
Michigan State University
Winter Wheat Cold Hardiness And Fructan Reserves Affected By Rhopalosiphum Padi (Homoptera: Aphididae) Feeding, S. G. Wellso, C. R. Olien, R. P. Hoxie
The Great Lakes Entomologist
The cold hardiness of 'Winoka' and 'Genesee' winter wheats was each significantly less (P = 0.05) when fed upon by bird-cherry oat aphids, Rhopalosiphum padi, than non-infested seedlings. Aphid feeding also reduced the amount of fructans in crown tissue ca. 20% compared to extracts from crowns of non-infested seedlings. It appears that the cold hardiness of these wheat cultivars may have been reduced because of fructan depletion by insect feeding.
Control Of Hyadaphis Tataricae (Homoptera: Aphididae) On Honeysuckle Including Observations On Host Plant Resistance,
2025
University of Illinois
Control Of Hyadaphis Tataricae (Homoptera: Aphididae) On Honeysuckle Including Observations On Host Plant Resistance, Philip L. Nixon, Carolyn Peet Nixon, James E. Schuster
The Great Lakes Entomologist
llyadaphis tataricae causes witches-brooming to the growing tips of Zabelii and other large bush-type honeysuckles in the north central states. Insecticide tests show that acephate (Orthene), dimethoate (Cygan), or oxydemeton-methyl (Metasystox-R) sprayed monthly in June and July will reduce witches-brooming. Malathion was not effective in reducing damage. Host plant resistance observations indicate that Lonicera x notha, L. x muendeniensis, L. x amoena 'Alba', L. x ).;ylosteoides, and L. tatarica 'Arnold Red' are ll. tataricae resistant. These large bush-type honeysuckles would appear to be good replacements for Zabelii and other susceptible honeysuckles in ornamental plantings.
Vulnerability Of Hybrid Populus Nursery Stock To Injury By The Tarnished Plant Bug, Lygus Lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae),
2025
USDA Forest Service
Vulnerability Of Hybrid Populus Nursery Stock To Injury By The Tarnished Plant Bug, Lygus Lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae), Louis F. Wilson, Lincoln M. Moore
The Great Lakes Entomologist
The tarnished plant bug injured 21 Populus clones in the clonal nursery of the Packaging Corporation of America in Michigan. Degree of injury ranged from 0.5 to 81.09<. Clone 'Wisconsin 5' sustained the heaviest attack, followed by Imperial Carolina poplar. 'Wisconsin 5' was salvaged by changing the standard and accepting shorter cutting stock for outplanting.
Interspecific Interactions Between Orchelimum Nigripes And Orchelimum Volantum (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae),
2025
North Carolina State University
Interspecific Interactions Between Orchelimum Nigripes And Orchelimum Volantum (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), Marianne Niedzlek Feaver
The Great Lakes Entomologist
[Excerpt] Interspecific interactions are relatively rare among coinhabiting Orthoptera. Most records are of overzealous males courting females not of their species or, for that matter, inanimate objects. Less frequent are reports of two signalling males interacting, yet these are of interest. Calling songs are used to distinguish species (Alexander 1956). The possibility then exists that the "interference" or, more correctly, the competition for broadcast space that occurs when two closely related species with similar songs interact, may have been influential in shaping aspects of song delivery or pattern.
State Records And Confirmations Of Odonata From Illinois And Missouri,
2025
Southern Illinois University
State Records And Confirmations Of Odonata From Illinois And Missouri, T. E. Vogt, J. E. Mcpherson
The Great Lakes Entomologist
The occurrence of several species of Odonata in Illinois and Missouri is reported for the first time including Telebasis byersi Westfall, Tachopteryx thoreyi (Hagen), Aeshna mutata Hagen, Celithemis fasciata Kirby, fodona deplanata (Rambur), and Dythemis fugax Hagen for Illinois; and Cordulegaster obliqua (Say), Gomphus quadricolor Walsh, Helocordulia uhleri (Selys), C. fasciata, and C. verna Pritchard for Missouri. Also, the presence of several species is confirmed including Archilestes grandis (Rambur), C. obliqua. Hagenius brevistylus Selys, and Anax longipes Hagen for Illinois; and Lestes eurinus Say, H. brevistylus, Stylogomphus albistylus (Hagen), Arigomphus villosipes (Selys), A. longipes, and L. deplanata for Missouri.
Systematics Of Anepeorus (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae),
2025
Purdue University
Systematics Of Anepeorus (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae), W. P. Mccafferty, A. V. Provonsha
The Great Lakes Entomologist
The enigmatic genus Anepeorus has a confused and complex taxonomic history that is discussed and clarified. The genus is redefined and described in the adult stage. Although laryae have been assigned to Anepeorus, these larvae cannot be shown at the present to be Atnepeorus. Two North American species are known from a total of 10 adult specimens . . -tnepeorus rusticus McDunnough and A. simplex (Walsh) are redescribed, and a neotype is designated for the latter species. Genitalic differences are diagnostic, but the penes may be found in different states of inflation and rotation that should not be interpreted as …
Environmental, Social, And Molecular Regulation Of Foraging Behavior In The Formosan Subterranean Termite,
2025
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Environmental, Social, And Molecular Regulation Of Foraging Behavior In The Formosan Subterranean Termite, Arjun Khadka
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Foraging is a critical activity in social insects, essential for resource acquisition and colony sustenance. In termites, this behavior is shaped by environmental, social, and genetic factors, yet the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined how environmental food and moisture availability, and the age of termites affected foraging activities, along with the molecular regulation of foraging in the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, using a combination of behavioral assays, transcriptomics, and molecular biology approaches. First, we demonstrate that food and moisture deprivation (FMD) significantly affects foraging, with termites under deprivation conditions exhibiting increased foraging …
Evaluation Of Diy Pest Management Strategies For The German Cockroach (Blattella Germanica) In The Presence Of Vitamin K Precursors And Synthetic Amorphous Silica,
2025
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Evaluation Of Diy Pest Management Strategies For The German Cockroach (Blattella Germanica) In The Presence Of Vitamin K Precursors And Synthetic Amorphous Silica, Mohamed S. Shaik
LSU Master's Theses
The German cockroach, Blattella germanica (Linnaeus) is a globally distributed indoor dwelling pest of medical concern. Insecticides are the preferred method of cockroach management due to their low cost, quick action, and availability. However, after continuous use, the development of insecticide resistance has emerged as a challenge for the pest management industry to effectively eliminate German cockroaches. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable framework which includes the use of glue board traps, vacuuming, in combination with different insecticide formulations such as sprays, gel or dust baits, and insecticide rotation has been successful for the management of German cockroaches. This …
