جهانشیر شاکرمی

The red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)) (Tenebrionidae) is one of the main pests of stored products, especially cereal crops, all over the world. In recent years, to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, plant essential oils have gained attention. But despite their good potential, essential oils are unstable, and their toxicity decreases in a short time after use. Nanocapsule formulations can improve the efficiency of plant essential oils on stored product pests by increasing their toxicity and durability. This study was carried out with the aim of preparing nanocapsule formulations of essential oils of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and comparing their fumigant toxicity effects and non-formulated essential oils on T. castaneum adults.

 Eucalyptus leaves were collected from the Zaghmarz Eucalyptus research station in the south of Behshahr city, Mazandran Province, in July 2018. The collected dried leaves of Eucalyptus were hydrodistilled using a Clevenger-type apparatus. Identification of the constituents of essential oils was performed using GC-MS. Sodium alginate nanocapsules were prepared using basic hydrophilic surfactants. The survey of the surface and wall morphology of nanocapsules was conducted using a transmission electron microscope. The particle size distribution of nanocapsules was also determined. Fumigant toxicity testing was performed separately for each essential oil and nano-capsulated essential oil in four concentrations and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after applying the treatments, along with the control at 25°C and a relative humidity of 65% in darkness. PoloPlus software was used to estimate the LC10, LC25, LC50, and LC95.

 According to the results, the number of compounds in the essential oils of E. globulus was higher. The most important compounds of the essential oils of the two Eucalyptus species were terpenes, and 1,8-cineole, limonene, and pinene-α were the most important terpenes in the essential oils of E. globulus and E. camaldulensis, respectively. The results obtained from the transmission electron microscope images showed that nanocapsules containing Eucalyptus essential oil have nanoscale dimensions. The average particle size distribution for E. globulus and E. camaldulensis essential oil nanocapsules was determined to be about 150 and 100 nm, respectively. The essential oil of E. globulus was more toxic than the essential oil of E. camaldulensis. The values of LC50 at 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment for essential oil nanocapsules of E. globulus and E. camaldulensis were 5.9, 4.63, 3.8, and 9.5, 8.67, 6.7, respectively, and LC50 for raw essential oils of E. globulus and E. camaldulensis were 10.93, 9.63, 5.7, and 15.09, 12.86, 8.2 ml per liter of air, respectively. Based on the results, the nanocapsule formulation of the essential oils of both species, compared to the raw essential oil, showed a decrease in LC50, and the durability of the encapsulated essential oil also increased.

 Based on our results, nanoencapsulation of Eucalyptus essential oil increased the fumigant toxicity of the essential oils by enhancing toxicity and the controlled release of effective compounds in controlling this pest. Therefore, this nanocapsule formulation is recommended for further toxicity tests and eventually its use in storage.

This study was carried out in order to investigate the effect of chemical fertilizers application on the amount of rapeseed infestation by wax aphid and the agricultural characteristics of rapeseed. Experiment was conducted as a three-factor factorial based on a randomized complete block design in three replications. The experimental factors include the application of nitrogen fertilizer at three levels (175, 250 and 325 kg.ha-1) from the source of urea fertilizer, phosphorus fertilizer at three levels (70, 100 and 130 kg.ha-1) from the source of triple superphosphate fertilizer and sulfur fertilizer in There were two levels (25 and 50 kg.ha-1). The results showed that increasing the application rate of nitrogen fertilizer led to a decrease in the pollution index, the percentage of infected plants and the length of the infected stem, as a result of which the grain yield and biological performance increased. The results showed that the use of higher amounts of chemical fertilizers led to an increase in the components of rape seed yield, so that the highest number of seeds per pod in the treatment of application of 100 kg.ha-1 phosphorus along with 25 kg.ha-1 sulfur and the highest 1000 seed weight was obtained in the application treatment of 130 kg.ha-1 of phosphorus along with 50 kg.ha-1 of sulfur. The increase in the amount of grain yield components led to an increase in grain yield and biological yield, so that the highest amount of grain yield and biological yield was 3804 and 12836 kg.ha-1, respectively, in the treatment of application of 325 kg.ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer. Based on the results of this study, it was found that the application of 325 kg.ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer reduced the rate of contamination of canola with wax aphid and increased the grain yield, which can be recommended for the farmers of the region in the cultivation of canola

Iranian false spider mite, Cenopalpus irani is one of main pests on apple trees and some fruit trees in Iran. The life table parameters of C. irani were determined on four apple cultivars (Kohanz Golab, Imperial Gala, Lebanon Red, and Granny Smith) under laboratory conditions at 25±1ºC, 60±5% RH, and a photoperiod of 16: 8 h (L: D). The longest and shortest developmental time of immature stages was observed in Kohanz Golab (46.02 days), and Granny Smith (22.60 days), respectively. The lowest and highest survival rate for whole immature stages was 82.85% and 90.00% on Kohanz Golab, and Granny Smith, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) ranged from 0.041 day-1 on Kohanz Golab to 0.089 day-1 on Granny Smith. The mean generation time (T) on the above-mentioned cultivars was 66.04, 55.28, 48.10, and 34.99 days, respectively. The fecundity was also affected by the cultivars; it was the lowest on Kohanz Golab (29.55 eggs/female) and highest on Granny Smith (37.93 eggs/female). The results of the data analysis of different apple cultivars based on some demographic parameters of C. irani mite showed that Granny Smith and Kohenz Gulab cultivars are the most sensitive and resistant hosts to this pest, respectively. The findings of the present study provide new information to design a more comprehensive IPM program for this pest in apple orchards.

 Myzus persicae (Sulzer) is one of the severe pests of Capsicum annuum L.Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), is an important predator in both the larval and adult stages. In this study, effect of foliar application of micronutrient fertilizers included iron, zinc, copper and manganese were investigated on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, amount of antioxidant non-enzymatic compounds and storage-macromolecules (protein, glycogen and triglyceride) of the third and fourth instar larvae of H. variegata fed on M. persicae. Results showed that the higher amount of protein, glycogen and triglyceride of the third and the fourth instar larvae of H. variegata were obtained on micronutrient fertilizers. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate-peroxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and the amount of non-enzymatic compounds (malondialdehyde and thiol) significantly decerased in the third and the fourth instar larvae of H. variegata on the micronutrient treatments compared to control. The increase of superoxide dismutase activity can indicate the occurrence of oxidative stress in the body of the third and the fourth instar larvae of predator H. variegata could be assigned to the accumulation of H2O2 in the body of M. persicae under the influence of the defensive secondary metabolites, which led to increase the activity of catalase and peroxidase. Thus, use of biological control agents along to use of micronutrients fertilizers in the integrated management programs of M. persicae could be effective by increasing of the amount of storage macromolecules and decreasing oxidative conditions, which can affect the vital processes of the predator.

The green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the severe pests of bell pepper Capsicum annuum L. in the greenhouse. Ladybird, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), is an important general predator in both larval and adult stages to various aphid species, including, M. persicae. In this study, the effect of nutritional interaction among plant-herbivore-natural enemy under the influence of foliar application of iron, zinc, copper and manganese in bell pepper on the activity of digestive enzymes of the third and fourth instar larvae of H. variegata fed on M. persicae was examined.

 The experiments were performed as a completely randomized design with four replicates per treatment during 2020-2021 in the greenhouse and laboratory of the Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Lorestan University. The foliar application of micronutrient carried out at four-to six-leaf stage with a certain amount of each micronutrient fertilizer. Then, sufficient number of the third and fourth instar larvae of H. variegata were randomly collected from each treatment and replication. The samples transferred to 1 mL of distilled water, and homogenized with a hand pestle. Then, the samples centrifuged at 13000 g for 15 min at 4°C. The supernatants as the enzyme source were collected and reserved at −20°C for starting biochemical assays. The activity of digestive enzymes was measured according to the standard protocols.

The results showed that the amount of digestive enzymes activity of the third and the fourth instar larvae of H. variegata fed on M. persicae reared on the different micronutrient treatments were higher than the control treatment. The total protease and the trypsin activity were higher in the third instar larvae H. variegata reared on manganese (0.583 and 19.296 U/mg protein) and iron (0.574 and 18.426 U/mg protein), respectively. The highest and lowest activity of chymotrypsin, aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase were found in the third instar larvae in manganese (15.518, 8.95 and 7.536 U/mg protein) and control (7.353, 2.139 and 2.665 U/ mg protein) treatments, respectively. The highest (18.952) and lowest (9.139 U/ mg protein) elastase activity were found in the third instar larvae on iron and control, respectively. The higher activity of α-amylase (25.20 U/mg protein) was observed in the third instar larvae of H. variegata in iron treatments then the other treatments. The total protease (0.183 U/ mg protein) and the chymotrypsin (10.396 U/ mg protein) of the fourth instar larvae predatory had higher activities with iron treatment and these enzymes had lower activities on control (0.036 and 6.763 U/ mg protein) and copper (0.059 and 6.655 U/ mg protein) treatments. The highest activity of trypsin and aminopeptidase were observed in the fourth instar larvae of H. variegata fed on M. persicae reared on iron (6.893 and 2.317 U/ mg protein) and the highest activity of elastase was found on iron (2.486) and zinc (2.251 U/ mg protein, respectively). Also, the lowest activity of trypsin, aminopeptidase and elastase were found on control. The carboxypeptidase activity was higher in the fourth instar larvae H. variegata fed on the all micronutrients than the control. Also, the highest and lowest activity of α-amylase were observed in the fourth instar larvae H. variegata fed on micronutrients of copper and iron (17.64 and 15.04 U/ mg protein) and control (9.160 U/mg protein), respectively.Discussion The results showed that the amount of digestive enzymes activity of the third and the fourth instar larvae of H. variegata fed on M. persicae reared on different micronutrient treatments were higher than the control treatment. Based on the results, the foliar application of plants with micronutrient fertilizers has a positive effect on the performance of predator of H. variegata through nutritional interaction and improving of the growth quality. Thus, the quality of host plants, as the first level of nutrition, has an important effect on the physiological characteristics of the predator on the third level of nutrition and show the positive effect of prey nutrients on the physiological performance of H. variegata that can be used in M. persicae management programs.

Using different micronutrient fertilizers along with biological control agents such as ladybird H. variegata could be effective in integrated management programs of M. persicae through the growth quality improvement of the host plants.

Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella, is one of the most critical storage pests with a wide range from the hosts in Iran and worldwide. Excessive consumption of chemical insecticides leads to developing the resistance to chemical insecticides, environmental pollution, and the emergence of new pests. Therefore, we have decided to reduce the risk of the environment in pest’s control via plant essential oils.

In the current study, to examine the environment- friendly pesticides, effects of three plant essential oils from the families Mentha longifolia L., Thymus daenensis Celak (Lamiaceae), and Artemisia aucheri Boiss (Asteraceae) compared to dichlorvos (DDVP®,as a positive control) an organophosphate insecticide were studied. Antioxidant enzymes, including: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation marker on the fourth instar larvae of S. cerealella after 24 hours were examined. The essential oils were prepared using the water distillation method. Essential oils were used in five concentrations and three replications. The concentration was selected based on the primary experiment for each essential oil. Insects were exposed to fumigant toxicity of the essential oils and insecticide in laboratory conditions (25±1 °C, 70±5% in 12 hr light/12 hr dark).

The results showed that LC50 for the essential oils of M. longifolia, T. daenensis, and A. aucheri were recorded 0.04, 0.68 and 6.47 μL/Lair, respectively. The highest mortality rate increased with high concentrations (0.09, 3 and 9 μL/Lair) of M. longifolia, T. daenensis and A. aucheri essential oil were 84, 80.67, and 77.33 %, respectively after 24h. Enzymatic activity increased with essential oil high concentrations. Data indicated a significant increase in the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase enzymes and the concentration of malondialdehyde as peroxidation lipid indicator in treated larvae with essential oils of M. longifolia, T. daenensis and A. aucheri compared with the untreated (negative control), and DDVP® (positive control) on treated 4th instar larvae of S. cerealella after 24h. 

 Conclusion

It seems that different essential oils of M. longifolia, T. daenensis and A. aucheri with the effect on the enzymatic activities of antioxidants, including catalase, superoxide dismutase enzymes and malondialdehyde as lipid peroxidation indicator of the fourth instar larvae of S. cerealella via the disruption of physiological processes and survival. Regarding the existence of different aromatic plants in Iran, we can use the species with higher toxicity that would be more economical to produce the botanical insecticides and use in the integrated pest management programs for this pest control.

The quality of host plants as the first level of nutrition and a key effective factor affect the biological ability of herbivorous pests. Green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), is an important pest of agricultural crops with the wide host range and the high ability to transmit important viral pathogens. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar application of micronutrient fertilizers of Alpha Fe, Zinc sulfate, Copper sulfate and Manganese sulfate on some physiological and phytochemical characteristics of Capsicum annuum L., as well as some biological parameters of M. persicae under greenhouse conditions. Duration of different developmental stages of the aphid and estimation of biological parameters were recorded using the two-sex life table procedure. The results showed that the amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids in plants treated with micronutrient fertilizers was increased. Also, the foliar application of micronutrient significantly was increased the activity of plant antioxidant enzymes during the nutritional interaction between the treated plants and the aphid compared to the control and the treated plants before aphid infestation. On the other hand, the plants treated with different micronutrients effected the biological parameters of aphid and the lowest life span and reproductive period, fecundity and longevity of adults were observed in plants treated with manganese micronutrient. According to the results, the foliar spraying of bell pepper with micronutrients can induce antibiotic resistance in it and possibly other plants hosting of M. persicae and be used in integrated management programs of this pest.

Peach twig borer (PTB), Anarsia lineatella Zeller, is the most critical pest of peach and other stone fruits in different parts of the world. The objectives of this study were to determine adults’ seasonal activity and damage caused by PTB on different peach cultivars (Zafarani, Kardi, Elberta, Red top, and GF677) under natural conditions. The seasonal flight of the adults using pheromone traps indicated that PTB completed three generations per year in peach orchards, Saman, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, Iran. The accumulated degree-days throughout the pest activity from April to October were 1916 and 1803 DD in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The ratio of twig and fruit infestation and the number of larval galleries/fruit were studied among the cultivars using a completely randomized block design in four replicates. According to the results, the highest ratio of twig infestation was observed on GF677 followed by Zafarani, whereas the lowest on Elberta followed by Kardi cultivar. The longest larval galleries (68.44 ± 1.28 and 56.80 ± 1.24 mm) was observed on GF677, whereas the shortest on Elberta cultivar (39.20 ± 1.64 and 32.40 ± 1.36 mm in 2014 and 2015, respectively). The highest ratio of fruit damage and larval galleries/fruit were observed on Kardi, whereas the lowest was on Red top cultivar. According to the results, the cultivars with hard tissues of twigs and early maturing fruits significantly reduced PTB damage and are recommended for pest management in the infested regions.

 There is a shortage of animal feed and water resources in many countries around the world. Numerous agricultural by-products are produced annually in all countries, thus their proper use is often a useful means of overcoming this problem. Large proportions of these materials are important feeds for ruminant animals and can be used as a potentially significant source of energy. However, the use of these materials as ruminant feed is limited because of their complex structure, low protein and high lignin content. Different physical and chemical methods have been used to increase the nutritive value of such by-products. Although these methods have advantages, they are costly, relatively ineffective and environmentally unfriendly and require the application of technology. Recently, biological processing of lignocellulosic biomass has been considered as an alternative approach. Three groups of organisms are able to biodegrade lignin namely, white rot fungi, some soil microbes and termites. In recent years, increased attention has been given to the role of bacteria in lignin degradation in agricultural by-products. Insects that utilize wood as a food source are beetles, cockroaches and termites. Termites are especially well known for their ability to break down the lignin barrier and digest carbohydrate polymers. Researcher has isolated 3 bacterial species from the Anacanthotermes vagans termite gut, including Bacillus sp., Enterobacter sp., and Ochrobacterium sp. These bacteria could grow on different media containing lignin and lignocellulosic materials prepared from water extracted wheat straw and sawdust as a sole source of carbon and energy. In another study three bacteria include Bacillus licheniformis, Ochrobactrum intermedium and Microbacterium paludicola were isolated by culturing the gut contents of the termite Microcerotermes diversus on different media containing lignin and lignocellulose as a sole source of carbon and energy. Isolates could partially change the chemical composition of the wheat straw and date leaves, while nutrient digestibility increased. However, Zeuzera pyrina L. is also another insect which degrade lignocellulose. Larval tunnels in the wood and girdling burrows under the bark are visible at the ends of broken stems. Numerous partly broken branches with dead brown foliage hanging in tree crowns are characteristic of heavy infestations. In our knowledge, little work has been done on the isolation of lignin and lignocellulose-degrading bacteria from gut of Zeuzera pyrina. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to isolate and identify symbiotic lignocellulosic degrading bacteria from the Zeuzera pyrina L. gut, and to investigate their effects on the nutritive value of wheat straw and sugarcane tops as ruminant feed.

 This experiment was conducted in animal house and laboratories of Lorestan University. Two Lori cows (about five years old) with permanent rumen fistula were used as rumen liquor donor in present study. A two-week diet adaptation period was followed by collection of the rumen contents from each cow before the morning feeding. The aim of the present study was investigate nutritive value of wheat straw (WS) and sugarcane tops (ST) treated with bacteria isolated from gut of Zeuzera pyrina. For this purpose, first, based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, 3 bacteria including Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus sciuri and Brevibacterium sp., with lignin and lignocellulose-degrading potential were isolated from gut of this insect. Thereafter, each of WS or ST were processed with these isolated individually or with mix of them (totally 4 treatment group for each substrate) in liquid medium. Chemical composition, in vitro gas production (IVGP) and fermentation parameters of these two processed by-product were determined compared to control treatment.

 Results showed that highest amount of dry matter (DM) loss, crude protein, in vitro DM digestibility and metabolizable energy was observed in both substrates (i.e., WS and ST) treated with bacterial mixture of Zeuzera pyrina compared to control. Highest volume of IVGP and potential of GP (b) were observed after processing by bacterial mixture of Zeuzera pyrina compared to control treatment (P>0.05). Highest volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, acetate, acetate to propionate ratio and ammonia-N concentration were observed in substrates inoculated with bacterial mixture in comparison with control treatment (P<0.05).

 In this experiment, we isolated three bacteria including Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus sciuri and Brevibacterium sp., with lignin and lignocellulose-degrading potential from the gut of Zeuzera pyrina. Processing WS and ST with these individual bacteria, especially media containing their mixture improved their nutritive value as ruminant feed via increasing DM digestibility and VFA production.

Cotton bollworm and corn stem borers are the most significant pests in the Middle East countries. Habrobracon hebetor is one of the most important parasitoid of some agricultural pests. In this study, we investigate the effect of cold storage on the biological parameters of Habrobrac wasp including percentage parasitism, reproduction, male generation in temperature 5 storage on the within 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 days in laboratory condition on the flour moth 30 days Anagasta kuehnilla (Zeller) that the experiments were conducted at 26ºc, 60 ± 5 % humidity  and 16:8 lightdark ratio. Based on these results, the most percentage parasitism (97.67%), reproduction (28.20 wasps) and adults longevity (7.60 days) were obtained in storage on the within 5 days that show significant difference in comparison with other storages. Also the obtained results show that time saving does not effect on the breeding but mass production of H. hebetor is improved and greatly enhances the performance of this biological agent in pest control.

Gut bacterial symbionts have an essential role in the nutrition and fitness of xylophagous insects. These bacteria produce several enzymes like cellulase and laccase which are important in industrial applications. In this study, laccase-producing bacteria were isolated and identified from the gut of the wood borer leopard moth. Four novel laccase positive strains were isolated using guaiacol-containing agar plates. Among the strains of dc4f, le2f, lc2, and lb8, the strain le2f displayed high laccase activity of 0.059 U ml-1 toward syringaldazine as a typical laccase substrate. The isolates were identified based on biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses. Nucleotide BLAST analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequence exhibited that the strains of dc4f, lb8, lc2, and le2f, had the most similarity (with more than 98% identity) with Enterobacter sp. strain W-6 16S (ACCN: MK505390), Serratia liquefaciens strain N112 (ACCN: MK629784), Brevibacterium sp. strain 773 (ACCN: MH777897) and Staphylococcus sciuri strain KSI 708 (ACCN: KC113150), respectively. Overall, the current study is the first research on alkaliphilic bacterial strains from the gut of leopard moth with laccase activity.

Plant essential oils are secoundary metabolites that protect the plants against wide range of arthropods and plant pathogens. Encapsulation of essential oils can improve their stability and efficacy for pest control. In this study, the essential oil of Thymus daenensis Celak. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) was extracted using hydro-distillation, and urea-formaldehyde nanocapsule of the essential oil was then prepared using in situ polymerization technique. In addition, the effects of sublethal concentrations (LC25) of pure and nanocapsulated formulations of T. daenensis essential oil on the life-table parameters of Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hem.: Aphididae) were examined using leaf-dipping method under laboratory conditions. According to the obtained results, the intrinsic rate of increase (r) was 0.16, 0.21, 0.29 and 0.29 day-1 for nanocapsulated formulation, pure formulation, 1st control (distilled water + Tween 80 (0.5%)) and 2nd control (distilled water), respectively. The finite rate of increase (λ) was also significantly lower for aphids treated by nanocapsulated formulation (1.17 day-1) than aphids in pure formulation treatment (1.24 day-1), and 1st (1.34 day-1) and 2nd (1.33 day-1) control groups. Furthermore, the net reproductive rate (R0) was 5.24 and 9.84 nymphs for nanocapsulated and pure formulations, respectively, which were significantly lower than that for controls. The greatest and lowest mean generation time (T) were observed for the 2nd control (11.25 days) and nanocapsulated formulation (10.32 days), respectively. According to findings of this study, the nanocapsulated formulation of T. daenensis essential oil is recommended for use in the integrated pest management of B. brassicae.

Given the compatibility of Beauveria bassiana and plant extracts, it is feasible to increase efficacy of the fungus in microbial control of date storage pests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction of plant extracts and B. bassiana on sawtoothed beetle populations. The vegetative and reproductive parts of myrtle, mugwort, mentha, yarrow, and neem plants were evaluated. The fungal mycelium growth and spore germination were evaluated to checking the consistency of extracted from plants by extract medium mixing method. Then, the compounds toxicity were evaluated individually and conjunction with B. bassiana by bioassay on the adult and larvae of sawtoothed beetle. Studies have shown that mycelial growth and spore germination of B. bassiana occur only in artemisia and neem. The spore germination rate of B. bassiana in neem was higher than artemisia in all concentrations. A concentration equivalent to 1949.4 microliters/liter of neem was required to reduce 50% of the germination of the fungus. The lowest and highest mycelial growth reduction (3.1% and 20.1%) were observed in 250 microliters/liter of neem and 1000 microliters/liter of artemisia, respectively. So, the concentration of neem equivalent of 36679.4 microliters/liter was required for 50% reduction of mycelial growth. The highest compatibility index (T) was 76.89 for 500 microliters/liter in combination with neem and the lowest level consistent with artemisia in 1000 microliters/liter. Both plant extracts had synergistic effect on the pathogenicity of B. bassiana on adult and larva of sawtoothed beetle. However, synergistic effect of neem extract was higher.

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), is a polyphagous insect that can cause damage on a lot of crops in the field and greenhouse conditions. In this research, the effect of five treatments of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) including Glomus caledonium, G. etanicatum, G. geosporum, G. intradicese and G. mosseae together with control treatmenton total amount of phenol content in bell pepper and also their impact on biological parameters of M. persicae were investigated. Based on the results, the highest amount of the total phenolic compound in the plant infested with aphid was observed on G. mosseaeandG. intradicese (686.1 and 664.3 mg/mL, respectively) and the lowest amount was on control (410.8 mg/mL).The shortest and longestadult longevity of the green peach aphid were observed on G. mosseae(16.00 days)and control (22.35 days), respectively. The net reproductive rate (R0) varied from 37.54 to 53.34 offspring/individual, with the lowest and highest values obtained on G. mosseae and control, respectively.Also, the lowest intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) of the aphid were recorded on G. mosseae treatment (0.2867 and 1.3320 day-1, resp.) compared to other treatments. The results of this study showed that G. mosseae treatment significantly reduced the population growth of M. persicae. Therefore, G. mosseae can be used to produce induced resistance in bell pepper to this aphid, which can be useful in the IPM program of this pest.

Nowadays, nanoemulsions are considered by many researchers because of their unique physiochemical properties such as small particle size, long-term physical stability and transparency. In this research, fumigant toxicity of Mentha longifolia L. essential oil and its nanoemulsion against Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) has been studied. The experiments were conducted at laboratory conditions at 27±2°C temperature, 65±5% relative humidity and darkness. Essential oil of M. longifolia had higher fumigant toxicity than nanoemulsion, during early hours after treatment. The LC50 values of oil and nanoemulsion for the adults of the pest were 10.1 and 16.1 µl/l, respectively. The values of LC50 were 4.9 and 9.4 µl/l for oil and nanoemulsion during incubation period, respectively. In concentration of 25 µl/l, LT50 of M. longifolia essential oil and nanoemulsion were 2.2 and 11.1 days, respectively. In concentration of 10.1 µl/l, essential oil did not have durability, but this parameter of nanoemulsion is good (LT50= 9.04 days). At 9 µl/l of essential oil, the average time for the mortality of 50% eggs was 4.7 days. The LT50 of nanoemulsion at this concentration was 17.09 days. At 4.9 µl/l of nanoemulsion, the LT50 was 12.8 days, while essential oil did not have durability. The average diameter of nanoemulsion particles has been estimated about 10-36 nm by using transmission electron microscope (TEM). By using laser light scattering (SEMATech), this value was 234 nm. Considering obtained results, using nanoemulsion form of M. longifolia essential oil increase its fumigant toxicity and durability.

One new species of eriophyoid mite, Notallus phlomicosae Lotfollahi & Bahirai sp. nov., associated with Phlomis fruticosa L. (Lamiaceae) is described and illustrated from Lorestan province of Iran. It is the first record of a Notallus species on plants of Lamiaceae. In addition, a key to the known Notallus mite species worldwide, table of morphological comparison among them and figures of their prodorsal shield patterns are provided.

Increasing the production of products with greater diversity through mixed cultivation can be effective in improving ecosystem services and functions. One of the most important functions of the mixed crop system is the reduction in the population of pests and, consequently, the increase of crop yields. This research is aimed at effects of the intercropping system of soybean and corn on abundance of insect pests, pollinators and natural enemies, an experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research field of Lorestan University, Iran. The experiment was carried out in the randomized complete block design on five treatments with four replications. The experimental treatments were sole soybean 100:0, sole corn 0:100 and 50:50, 75:25 and 25:75 soybean: corn combinations, respectively. Different sampling methods such as pit fall trap, sieve, yellow and blue sticky cards, striking, sweep netting and local counting were applied to collect insects. Sampling was taken five times at interval of 14 days. Total of 7,395 insects were collected during the sampling period belonging to 10 orders and 39 families. Results showed that the population of the collected insect including pests, pollinators and natural enemies were significantly influenced by the intercropping system. The maximum number of natural enemies and the minimum number of pests were also observed in the 50:50 soybean: corn treatment. The maximum number of pollinating insects was found in 75:25 soybean: corn treatment. However, the highest rate of pests and subsequently the lowest pollinating and natural enemy insects were found in the sole corn treatment. On the other hand, a negative relationship between natural enemies and pests as well as soybean yield and pest insects was obtained. The population of some pest families influenced by the system showed an increase in abundance of insects in intercropping system compared to that of the control treatment (i.e., sole cropping). Results showed that, some mixed treatments of soybean: corn proved to have more efficient biological control and more yielding than their sole cultures.

In this study, the nanoemulsion containing Mentha longifolia essential oil was produced by using high-pressure homogenization method and its fumigant toxicity was compared with ordinary M. longifolia essential oil on different stages of Ephestia kuehniella. Experimental conditions were as follows; 27±1 °C, 70± 5% relative humidity in total darkness. Concentrations of 111.1-1111.1 and 62.9-92.6 µl/l air of oil have been used to control larva and eggs, respectively. Nanoemulsion concentrations were studied at 122.2-1111.1 µl/l air for larvicide experiment and 81.4-114.8 µl/l air for ovicidal stage. PT50 value at 1111.1 µl/l air as a larvicide for nanoemulsion and oil was estimated about 15.18 and 3.69 days, respectively. This value, at 92.6 µl/l air on egg was 14.44 and 2.58 days, respectively. The relative median potency parameter (RMP) showed that there was significant difference between PT50 values of essential oil and its nanoemulsion on both of the two stages of pest. Results showed that nanoemulsion containing M. longifolia oil can release slow properties lead to durability of fumigant toxicity of oil in the long term. Therefore, this new formulation could be considered as a new and ecofriendly biopesticide in pest control.

In recent years, different formulations such as nanoemulsions have been widely used for the target delivery, and enhanced biological functions of pesticides combinations. In this study, contact toxicity of Mentha longifolia L. essential oil compared with its nanoemulsion on Ephestia kuehniella Zeller has been investigated. The experiments were conducted and executed at 27 ± 1 °C, and 75 ± 5% relative humidity under dark conditions. Chemical composition of this plant extract was also studied. The main constituents were pulegone (28.84%), 1,8-cineol (19.6%), p-menthan-3-one-cis (8.2%), β-pinene (6.46%) and p-menthan-3-one-trans (5.86%). Results indicated that the mortality rate of 5th instar larva of E. kuehniella increased with rising concentrations (10000-40000ppm) for oil and (8000-20000 ppm) for nanoemulsion, respectively. The essential oil LC50 was 21352ppm, while this value for nanoemulsion was 14068ppm. According to the results, nanoemulsion was more effective than essential oil. M. longifolia oil had lower durability and the 50% persistent time (PT50) was 2.39 day compared to the nanoemulsion (PT50 = 17.13 day) in the highest concentration of essential oil. The nanoparticle size was 14-36 nanometers (nm) when the transmission electron microscope (TEM) was applied. The surface morphology of nanoemulsion was also studied by TEM. The average size of the particles was estimated 234nm by using laser light scattering apparatus. The overall results of this study show that by using nanoemulsion formulation, the effect of essential oil contact toxicity and its durability increases. Hence, the nanoemulsion slow-release formulation may represent a new category of biopesticides and this should be considered in the integrated pest management program.

A large number of farmers exposed to pesticides in a long time and consequently, acute and chronic health problems created for them. Therefore, to avoid the negative effects on farmer's health, serious attention must be paid to the adoption of protective measures by farmers. The Health Belief Model is one of the most functional model of behavior for the prevention and control of diseases. Therefore, this study carried out to assess constructs of the health belief model in adopting protective behaviors of farmers in use of pesticides. The population of the study consisted of farmers in Khoram Abad Township. According to Krejcie & Morgan table, the sample size was determined 375 farmers. A questionnaire used to collect data. To analyze the data structural equation modeling used, applying AMOS24. The results showed that knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers and self-efficacy effected protective behaviors of farmers in the use of pesticides. Perceived barriers and awareness had the most direct effect on adopt protective behaviors of farmers. So, it is recommended to plann based on the health belief model with emphasis on reducing barriers and increasing knowledge, to improve protective behaviors of farmers.

Insect pests of stored products are responsible for considerable economic losses to stored grains. In many storage systems, fumigants are the most economical and convenient tool for managing stored-grain pests not only for their ability to kill a broad spectrum of pests but also for their easy penetration into the commodity while leaving minimal residues. There are major setback to use the synthetic insecticides including the risk to the consumer, high cost of procurement, effects on non-targeted, as well as development of pest resistant strains and toxic residue in crops. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop economic, safe and environmental friendly fumigant alternatives. Recent studies has been indicated that plant secondary metabolites that may significantly affect plant resistance to parasites. Many researchers have studied insecticidal and oviposition deterrent effects of plant materials and have reported some compounds as appropriate agents in controlling pest infestation in stored products. In comparison with chemical pesticides, plant materials are less harmful not only to the environment but, in most cases, to humans and at times, may be used in treating human diseases as well. The present study was performed to evaluate the fumigant toxicity of dried leaf powders from nine medicinal plants against cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae).
The individuals of C. maculatus was obtained from laboratory stock cultures maintained in the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran. The beetles were reared on cowpea seeds and one to three- day- old male and female adults were used for bioassay tests.
Plant materials: The fresh leaves of Chamaemelum nobilis L., Thymus serpyllum L. and Ferulago angulate (Schlecht) Boiss. were collected from Sephid Kouh in west Khorramabad. The aerial parts of Achillea millefolium L., and Mentha pulegium L. were collected from 30km north of Khoramabad and Anethum graveolens L. and Ocimum basilicum L. were collected from Serab-Changai farms, Khoramabad. Collected leaves were shadow dried under good ventilation and milled into fine powder using electric blender. Powders of two common spices, Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume and Zingiber officinale Rosc were purchased from local market in Khorramabad.
Inhalation toxicity- Tests: Fumigant toxicity of the botanical powders was tested against 1-3 days old adults of C. maculatus. 10 adults of C. maculatus was placed inside glass vials (volume: 100 ml) without considering the sex ratio. Since, according to the trial experiment, fumigant toxicity of the studied botanical powders significantly differed, therefore, different concentrations were prepared. This experiment was carried out in completely randomized design with five replicates incubated in the dark at 30±2°C and 65±5% RH. After 48 h of exposure period, the number of dead and live insects in each bottle was counted. Insects were considered whether they were dead if they could not move their appendages. Insect mortality percentage was calculated using the Abbott correction formula for natural mortality in untreated controls. Data were transformed to reduce variance heterogeneity. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan test to estimate statistical differences between means. Based on the mortality data obtained from different concentrations, LC50 values were determined using POLO-PC program.
Oviposition deterrence was studied with two pairs of new adults beetles treated with different concentrations of botanical powders. After five days, number of eggs was recorded in treatments and control and oviposition deterrence was calculated as follows:Oviposition deterrence = (1–NEt / NEc)100
Where: Nt = Number of eggs in treatment
Nc = Number of eggs in control
Results showed that all the tested plant powders showed insecticidal and oviposition deterrent activity against C. maculatus. M. pulegium powder showed the strongest insecticidal activity against cowpea weeviland at the concentration of 1 g/lair caused 96% mortality of this pest. The LC50 values estimated for the plants, M. pulegium, C. zeylanicum, Z. officinal and O. basilicum were 0.31, 2.47, 4.01 and 4.81 g/lair, respectively. Powders of M. pulegium, Z. officinale and C. zeylanicum at concentration of 1 g/lair caused 91.74, 90.08 and 90.25% oviposition deterrent of C. maculatus, respectively. Overall, the powder of these plants, especially M. pulegium, could be recommended as low-risk and inexpensive pesticides in rural areas.
The results demonstrated that all the botanical powders exhibited insecticidal activity and oviposition deterrent against the C. maculatus. The results indicated that the powder of M. pulegium (LC50 = 0.34 μL/Lair) is the most toxic plant powder against C. maculatus.

To search for re-cycleable and environment-friendly pesticides the ovicidal and larvicidal effects of nine botanical powders includingChamomile(Chamaemelum nobilis L.),Yarrow(Achillea millefolium L.),Breckland wild thyme(Thymus serpyllum L.), Squaw mint (Mentha pulegium L.), Ferulago angulata (schlechat.) Boiss,Dill(Anethum graveolens L.),True cinnamon(Cinnamomum zeylanicum L.),Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)andginger(Zingiber officinal R.)were tested againstCallosobruchus maculates (Fabricius). The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design at 30±2 °C and 60±5% relative humidity(RH) under dark conditions. Results showed that all tested plant powders had ovicidal and larvicidal effect on C.maculatus. Based on the results in the concentration of 1 g/100g, plant powders of Z. officinal, O. basilicum, T. serpyllum, C. zeylanicum,M. pulegium and A. millefolium caused 88, 87.55, 86, 84, 82 and 80% egg mortalities, respectively. The results showed that in the concentration of 1 g/100g M. pulegium powder represented the most potent efficient larvicidal agent (95.77%) followed by O. basilicum (90%), C. zeylanicum (90%), T. serpyllum (86%) and A. millefolium (84%). Also results indicated thatpowders of Z. officinal (LC50 = 0.36 g/100g) and M. pulegium (LC50 = 0.30 g/100g) had the highest larvicidal and ovicidal activity against C. maculatus, respectively. It was found that these botanical powders can be used as a cheap and safe pesticide to control storage pests in rural areas.

Aphis gossypii Glover is one of the major pests of cucumber in Iran. The effects of different concentrations of nitrogen (N1 = 0, N2 = 30, N3 = 60, N4 = 90 and N5 = 120 kg/ha), phosphorus (P1 = 0, P2 = 15 and P3 = 22.5 kg/ha) and silicon (Si1 = 0, Si2 = 100 and Si3 = 200 kg/ha) on life table parameters of apterous morph of A. gossypii were studied. This study was conducted as factorial experiment based on RCD with nine replications in a growth chamber at temperature of 25 ± 3 °C, 60 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) and a photoperiod of 16: 8 h (light: dark). The experiments were carried out using clip-cages that were fixed on leaves of cucumber growing in pots. According to the results, total fecundity of A. gossypii significantly was different among treatments and it was the highest on N1P2Si2 (64.33 offspring) and the lowest on N3P2Si1 (22.67 offspring). The lowest and the highest values of R0 were observed on N3P2Si1and N4P2Si2, respectively. The shortest mean generation time (T) was found on N4P1Si3 and the longest was on N5P3Si1. Furthermore, the lowest and the highest values of r were obtained on N5P3Si2 (0.27 day-1) and N5P1Si1 (0.41 day-1). Our results showed that in simultaneous application, the phosphorus had a more impact on life history and performance of cotton aphid.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is a destructive pest of crucifers in different parts of the word. Cotesia vestalis(Hym.: Braconidae) is one of the best agents for application in biological control programs of this pest. In order to examine the quality control of C. vestalis including: parasitism rate, survival rate, offspring sex ratio, adult longevity and progeny fecundity in different mass-rearing conditions, an experiment was conducted with three different treatments. Allexperiments were conductedin the laboratory at 26±2°C, 75±5%RHand 16L:8D hphotoperiod. The treatments including (1) (SLD) a big cage (55×70×100 cm), 12 cabbage plants, 240 pest larvae and 30 female parasitoid (2) (BMD) a smaller cage (50×55×70 cm), 6 cabbage plants, 120 pest larvae and 15 female parasitoid (3) (BMU) a big cage, 12 cabbage plants and a natural population of pest larvae. Results showed that in treatments of BMD and SLD, adult's survival rate of C. vestalis were 62.8±4.2 and 69.8±3.2, adult's longevity were 13.5±0.04 and 13±0.03, progeny fecundity were 200.4±6.2 and 195.9±5.7 and production of pupae were 57.2±0.02 and 56±0.02, respectively. Results show that there was a significant difference between BMD and SLD compared to BMU for mass production of C. vestalis.