Pest control

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

PEST CONTROL

January/February 2008 Volume 50 Number 1

ISSN 0020-8256 (Print) ISSN 1751-6919 (Online)

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CROP AND STOCK PROTECTION PUBLIC HEALTH, WOOD PRESERVATION

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 Background news  Defending cotton from two pests naturally

 Cedars of Lebanon saved from Sawfly

 Cryptosporidium and Giardia in drinking water

 New nonchemical

approach to curbing mosquitos

 Agro-dealer

networks for rural farmers in Africa

 Helping farmers

export 'forgotten' crops by addressing pesticide data gaps

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Fifty ye ar 1958 - 2 s 008

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 Application

innovation to rescue vegetable growers from weeds

 International advances in pesticide application

 Pest control

developments

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INTERNATIONAL PEST CONTROL

January/February 2008 Volume 50 No.1 Editor: Rebecca Murphy B.A. ISSN 0020-8256 (Print) ISSN 1751-6919 (Online)

CROP & STOCK PROTECTION PUBLIC HEALTH, WOOD PRESERVATION Technical Consultants Clive Boase, B.Sc (Hons), FRES, MAE Martin Redbond, B.Sc T. Mabbett, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. Graham Matthews, B.Sc., ARCS, Ph.D., D.Sc.

The official publication for

Confederation of European Pest Control Associations

Advertising Manager Ras Patel Tel: +44 (0)1628 600499 Fax: +44 (0)1628 600488 Publishing offices: Research Information Ltd Grenville Court, Britwell Road, Burnham, Buckinghamshire SL1 8DF, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1628 600499 Fax: +44 (0)1628 600488 [email protected] www.researchinformation.co.uk Subscription Rates: £148 (US$310) Institutional £85 (US$170) Personal £60 (US$120) CEPA/FAOPMA Member No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, or used in any information storage or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as follows: (1) Subscribers may reproduce, for local internal distribution only, the highlights, topical summary and table of contents pages unless those pages are sold separately; (2) Subscribers who have registered with The Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd., 90 Tottenham Court Road, London W1P 9HE, UK or, The Copyright Clearance Center, USA and who pay the fee of US$2.00 per page per copy fee may reproduce portions of this publication, but not entire issues. The Copyright Clearance Center is located at 222, Rosewood Drive, Danvers, Massachusetts 01923, USA; tel: +1 978 750 8400. No responsibility is accepted by the Publishers or Editors for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of product liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions or ideas contained in this publication. Advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, but inclusion in this publication must not be construed as being any guarantee of quality, value or safety, or endorsement of any claims made by the advertiser.

Federation of Asian & Oceania Pest Managers Associations

CONTENTS 5

BACKGROUND NEWS

14

FAO PUTS ORGANIC FARMING IN CONTEXT

16

DEFENDING COTTON FROM TWO PESTS - NATURALLY Sharon Durham

20

PROVIDING FARMERS WITH ACCESS TO INFORMATION

22

CEDARS OF LEBANON SAVED FROM SAWFLY Mala Al-Azar

24

IMPACT OF REDBILLED QUELEA CONTROL OPERATIONS ON WETLANDS IN SOUTH AFRICA Lianda Lötter

26

PEST CONTROL RESEARCH SPANS TASMAN SEA

27

ECOLOGICIAL RAT MANAGEMENT

28

NEW ZELAND LOOKS AT HOW TO MANAGE MULTIPLE PESTS

29

CRYPTOSPORIDIUM AND GIARDIA IN DRINKING WATER Lucy Robertson

30

NEW NONCHEMICAL APPROACH TO CURBING MOSQUITOS Sharon Durham

37

HELPING FARMERS EXPORT 'FORGOTTEN' CROPS BY ADDRESSING PESTICIDE DATA GAPS

39

APPLICATION INNOVATION TO RESCUE VEGETABLE GROWERS FROM WEEDS Terry Royston & Dr Terry Mabbett

41

BIOPESTICIDES: THE REGULATORY CHALLENGE Bryony Taylor

43

INTERNATIONAL ADVANCES IN PESTICIDE APPLICATION Graham Matthews

45

AGRO-DEALER NETWORKS FOR RURAL FARMERS IN AFRICA

47

BIOTECHNOLOGY NEWS BRIEFS

51

PESTICIDE / COMPANY NEWS

54

PEST CONTROL DEVELOPMENTS

60

INDEX VOLUME 49 - 2007

COVER Spraying whitefly. Photo by Eric Boa. See article on page 37.

Three decades as Editor International Pest Control was established in 1957 by a publisher already active in technical publishing. In the 1970s it was sold to McDonald Publications when David McDonald became Editor. In 1994, Research Information acquired International Pest Control, and retained the services of David McDonald as editor, ably assisted by his wife, Margaret. When the journal was established there were already several pest control journals in existence but this was the only international journal and remains so to this day. It quickly established itself as a journal of repute and developed a readership in over 90 countries. The worldwide readership includes crop protection professionals, public health professional pest controllers, researchers, consultants and environmental health officers. There are print and online subscribers in all the developed markets, but significantly, there are subscription copies mailed to the islands of Kiribati, St Helena, and Mauritius – demonstrating one of David’s

favourite comments “that the journal is ‘international’ because the pest recognises no boundaries”. Its aim has been to provide technical solutions for professionals seeking to control, monitor, and eradicate pests. The aims and scope of International Pest Control are perhaps even more relevant today with the evolution of various pest threats due to climate change. There have been many changes down the years: whereas the issue size of International Pest Control used to be 32 pages long it is now 56, with many new sections. We have also made the move from monochrome to colour, while 2006 saw the launch of the fully searchable online edition, available free of charge to all current subscribers. The online archive, covering all issues from January 2004 to date, is a valuable resource for everyone in the industry. Having given so much of his energy and commitment to International Pest Control over his three decades in charge, David, who is now well into his eighties and has suffered health

David McDonald -- three decades in charge

problems, decided that the time has come to hand over the reins to a new editor. We are pleased to report that his health has improved over the last few months, and take this opportunity of wishing David and wife Margaret a happy and healthy future.

The new face It is daunting to be taking over the Editor’s role from a well-known and respected Editor like David McDonald. When David became Editor of International Pest Control, I was beginning my editing career. The transformation in the publishing industry since then, when I could invariably be found with a red pen in one hand and Tippex in the other, has been phenomenal: editing and production processes are now largely electronic, and editors are in touch with people around the world at the click of a mouse. Over time (broken by some years in East Africa) and in recent years as a freelance editor, I have worked on everything from newsletters and reports, through abstract, research and review journals, to the odd book, covering a range of agricultural and environmental areas. Since 1997, I have been News and Reviews Editor of CABI’s Biocontrol News and Information (which I took over from the Founding Editors, so the present challenge is familiar). I welcome the opportunity to edit International Pest Control for the greater breadth of subjects and perspectives it allows me to address. I am looking forward to developing new

areas of expertise – and welcome suggestions from you, the readership, on topics to cover. With International Pest Control entering its fiftieth year, I was minded how profound the changes in pest control have been since it began. When the first issues of this journal were rolling off the presses, Silent Spring was still a few years away and science seemed to promise all the answers for modern pest control; integrated pest management, invasive species and climate change were unfamiliar concepts, and ecology was considered (at least in my family) the preserve of the trendy Left; the first satellites were being launched and the first microchip had been manufactured by Texas Instruments; the world was locked in the Cold War, a fledgling European Economic Community was being established in a Europe divided by the Iron Curtain, and countries around the world were emerging from the colonial era and gaining independence. Over coming issues of International Pest Control, we plan to look at how developments in the past 50 years have affected pest control, beginning, in this issue, with an article from

International Pest Control’s new editor, Rebecca Murphy

my colleagues at CABI illustrating how information and communications technology, together with changing attitudes to knowledge transfer, have transformed farmers’ access to information.

International Pest Control

Biotech sector at odds with international assessment on agriculture An editorial in Nature, 17 January*, reports a setback for the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD; www.agassessment.org), with the withdrawal of Monsanto and Syngenta, who have been part of the initiative from its inception. This, Nature comments, could be both “a blow to the credibility of an important scientific assessment” and undermine “public confidence in the biotech industry and in its ability to engage with its critics.” Although there have been no public statements, a spokesman for CropLife International, quoted in Nature, calls it “a most reluctant decision,” explaining Monsanto and Syngenta have withdrawn because the draft report fails to back biotechnology as a tool to reduce poverty and hunger – more space in the summary report is given to the risks of GM crops and the problems they could pose for the developing world than their benefits. The companies are not alone in being unhappy. An open letter from Marc van Montagu, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Public Research and Regulation Initiative (PRRI)** says that the chapter on biotechnology is written “from a perspective that is so fundamentally different from what we believe should have been the perspective of such an evaluation…” and argues on the basis of a “genetic ‘glass ceiling’,” that there are “challenges for agricultural production that cannot be solved by conventional techniques alone.” IAASTD is an ambitious, three-year, US$10-million international undertaking, involving some 4000 experts in the writing and review process, which aims to map out the future of agricultural development in the developing world. At its core is a question: “How can we reduce hunger and poverty,

January/February 2008

improve rural livelihoods, and facilitate equitable, environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development through the generation, access to, and use of agricultural knowledge, science and technology [AKST]?” To answer this, it is reviewing past, present and potential uses of AKST, policy and institutional arrangements to produce five separate assessments for global sub-regions, and an over-arching global assessment. The strength of the process so far has been its inclusiveness, with scientists, government officials, representatives from seven United Nations’ agencies, farmers’ groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and industry all involved. For its final report it promises to outline how science, technology and good farming practice can be used to reduce hunger and improve quality of life for rural people in developing countries. Nature quotes the CropLife spokesman as saying it “remains open to rejoining the assessment if the other team members are willing to be more even-handed.” However, Nature notes that “the views outlined in the draft chapter on biotechnology, although undoubtedly over-cautious and unbalanced, nonetheless do not represent the rantings of a fringe minority. The idea that biotechnology cannot by itself reduce hunger and poverty is mainstream opinion among agricultural scientists and policy-makers.” On the other hand, Nature continues, the IAASTD need to ask themselves some questions: “For starters: how come these founding members of the assessment got to the point of walking out?” It points out that there are precedents in other initiatives that managed to find common ground between NGOs and industry on major issues relating to science and public

policy, and some of these have had farreaching impacts. A meeting to agree the final report is now scheduled for Johannesburg, South Africa, in April. The Nature editorial ends by pointing out that if Monsanto and Syngenta do not rejoin the process, “believing as they do that biotechnology is an essential response to hunger, the two companies will be letting down those that they most want to help.” PRRI says that a representative of its Steering Committee will participate in the Johannesburg meeting. In the meantime all involved could reflect on their commitment to “those that they most want to help”. It is simplistic to believe that any one technology will either secure, or play no part in securing, the future of agriculture and the world’s food supply, so the focus should be on the problem, not on the technology. Further information: *Deserting the hungry? Editorial in: Nature 451, 223–224 (17 January 2008). DOI: 10.1038/451223b. **PRRI is a world-wide initiative offering public researchers involved in biotechnology a forum through which they are informed about, and involved in, relevant international discussions; Web: www.pubresreg.org

Crop Protection Association names next CEO Dominic Dyer has been appointed chief executive of the UK Crop Protection Association (CPA), from 1 January 2008. He joins the CPA from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), where he has worked since 2000, and is credited with playing a key role in establishing new industry groups for the organic, vegetarian and functional food manufacturing sectors. Dyer is the founder and executive director of the American European Institute, a fellow and director of the British American Project, and chairman of the animal conservation charity Care for the Wild International.

Before joining FDF, he spent 13 years with the then Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, working in several key food policy areas within both the UK and the European Commission. Dyer succeeds Peter Sanguinetti, who retired at the end of January 2008. Further information: CPA, 20 Culley Court, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6WA, UK; Tel: +44 1733 367213; Fax: +44 1733 367212; Email: info@ cropprotection.org.uk

Professor Peter Mills joins BCPE Board British Crop Production Enterprises (BCPE), the operating arm of BCPC and a leading technical publisher and events organizer, has announced the appointment of Professor Peter Mills of the University of Warwick to the BCPE Board. A plant pathologist by training, he held three senior roles at Horticulture Research International and is now a professor at Warwick HRI, University of Warwick. He has also held the post of President of the British Society for Plant Pathology. Professor Mills is currently involved in identifying projects that will help growers adapt to the onset of climate change. Under the title of 'Innovation Network' the scheme is focusing on projects such as how geo-thermal heat exchange can be used to cool packhouses and how farmers can improve their water management for crop irrigation. "It's important that we also continue to find partners in the industry for us to work with and help fund these projects," he said. Professor Mills said he was delighted to be working with BCPC – an organization he believes provides an ideal platform for experts from across the industry to discuss and provide independent opinion on crop production and crop protection matters. "Professor Mills has a distinguished and relevant background," said BCPE's Chairman and Exhibitions Director, Dr Colin Ruscoe, welcoming him to the Board. "His applied biology and management experience will clearly enable him to contribute significantly to BCPC's expanding range of crop production and protection publications and events." Further information: Chris Todd, BCPC, Tel: +44 1420 593200 or Andrew Kendall, Tel: +44 1394 610022; Web: www.bcpc.org/

Indian pest control company receives national award Pest Control (India) Private Limited, Bangalore (PCI), who established India's first and so-far only fullyfledged commercial pheromone synthesis facility, was awarded the 2007 National Award for R&D Efforts in Industry in the area of agro and food processing industries by DSIR (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India). The award, for their work on pheromones, was presented by the Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research at a function organized jointly by DSIR and FICCI (Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) in Delhi on 15 November. The pheromone facility was established at PCI’s Bio-Control Research Laboratories (BCRL), which themselves broke new ground when first built in 1981 as India’s first commercial biocontrol laboratories. PCI was the first company in India to commercially introduce pheromone technology for agricultural use when in 1987 they launched sex pheromone lures and traps for monitoring Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura. BCRL actively promoted the adoption of pheromones as monitoring tools to provide

cost-effective and simple techniques to time application of biological control agents and biopesticides in IPM. However, their pheromone technology for four species of sugarcane pests, which the citation for the award singles out, now provides a stand-alone and environmentally friendly method of pest management. The award citation also notes PCI’s collaboration with national and international organizations in the synthesis and supply of pheromone lures for a range of noxious pests including white stem borer of coffee, coconut beetles and cocoa pod borer. PCI now sells its products and traps both within India and abroad. Further information: Dr K.P. Jayanth, Vice President, Bio-Control Research Laboratories, A division of Pest Control (India) Pvt. Ltd., 36/2, Sriramanahalli, Nr. Rajankunte, Dodballapur Road, Arakere Post, Bangalore 561 203, India; Tel.: +91 80 2846 8839 42; Direct: +91 80 2846 8843; Fax: +91 80 2846 8838; Email: jayanth.kp@pcil. in / [email protected]; Web: www. pcil.in

Mr N. S. Rao, PCI's Chairman Emeritus (left) and Dr K.P. Jayanth (right), receiving the 2007 Award for R&D Efforts in Industry in the area of agro and food processing industries from the Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research


SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON URBAN PESTS 2008 13-16. July 2008, Budapest, Hungary

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM Sunday (13 July 2008) at Hunguest Hotels Europa Congress Center, Registration Budapest Evening program: Welcome reception at Europa Congress Center Monday (14 July 2008) Forenoon: Opening remarks Keynote address Plenary session General session Afternoon: Scientific sessions Tuesday (15 July 2008) Forenoon: Scientific sessions Afternoon: Scientific sessions Evening program: Conference dinner at Lázár Equestrian Park in Domony valley, 35 km far from Budapest. Equestrian show and Hungarian special dishes (optional) Wednesday (16 July 2008) Forenoon: Scientific sessions Afternoon: Workshops Report on Workshops Closing ceremony Topics of the scientific sessions: − Ants − Bedbugs − Cockroaches − Insect Control − Medical & Veterinary Pests − Mosquitoes & Flies − Other Insects − Rodents & Rodenticides − Termites

Topics of the workshops: − Workshop on Bedbugs − Workshop on Mosquito Borne Diseases − Workshop on Termites

76 presentations and 24 posters will be introduced during the Conference. For the detailed Preliminary Program please visit: www.icup2008.com January/February 2008

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Entomological Society of America 2007 awards Recipients of professional awards presented on 9 December 2007 at the Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting in San Diego included:  Dr. William (Bill) D. Hutchison – Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension for outstanding contributions in extension entomology. Hutchison is a professor of entomology and extension entomologist at the University of Minnesota. His outreach and research focus includes the development of ecologically based IPM for vegetables and grapes, with a goal of reducing economic and environmental risk. In 1996, Hutchison and several graduate students developed the VegEdge web site to support timely access of research-based vegetable IPM results for growers, vegetable processors, crop consultants and extension staff in the Midwest Region. VegEdge is home to factsheets, realtime monitoring data for several insect pests, and the Minnesota Fruit & Vegetable IPM News, a joint effort with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture IPM Program. During the summer months, VegEdge receives more than 2500 requests a day. Hutchison has been very responsive to the needs of vegetable producers in the North Central Region. He recently led a multi-state effort to better understand migratory behaviour and insecticide resistance in Helicoverpa zea, an effort that combines traditional research with data from multiple cooperators, to assist growers and IPM field representatives with realtime and strategic decision making.  Dr Peter A. Follett – Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticultural Entomology for contributions to the American horticulture industry. Follett is a research entomologist with USDAARS (US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service) at the US Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, Hawaii. His research programme focuses on developing new or improved pest management methods and postharvest treatments for quarantined pests that restrict the export of tropical fruits and vegetables from Hawaii. He is nationally and internationally recognized for his research on tropical

invasive pests, pest risk management, and high temperature and irradiation quarantine treatments.  Dr Robert Davis – Distinguished Service Award to the Certification Program. Davis is a market development specialist for BASF Specialty Products. His graduate degree work focused on testing and evaluating termite control techniques. He has worked in the pest control industry since 1984, providing services, technical support and research & development.  Dr Mark Hoddle – Recognition Award in Entomology (sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection) which recognizes entomologists who have made or are making significant contributions to agriculture. Hoddle is an extension specialist in biological control in the Entomology Department at the University of California, Riverside, and he is Director of the Center for Invasive Species Research. His research has focused on invasive arthropod pest species and their control with natural enemies. He is one of the principle organizers of the bi-annual California Conference on Biological Control and the International Symposium on the Biological Control of Arthropods.  Dr Michael R. Kanost – Recognition Award in Insect Physiology, Biochemistry, & Toxicology (sponsored by Bayer CropScience) which recognizes and encourages innovative research in insect physiology, biochemistry and toxicology. Kanost is currently at Kansas State University, where he is now University Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Biochemistry and an ancillary member of the Department of Entomology faculty. Kanost’s research includes investigating how proteins in insect haemolymph function in innate immune responses and the biochemistry involved in formation of the insect exoskeleton. Further information: Richard Levine, ESA Society Relations Officer; Tel: +1 301 731 4535, ext. 3009; Email: [email protected]; Web: www. entsoc.org

Another national award for pioneering Monsanto scientist The US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Council has awarded Robert T. Fraley, chief technology officer and executive vice president for Monsanto, the NAS Award for the Industrial Application of Science. One of the fathers of agricultural biotechnology, he leads Monsanto’s integrated seed, traits and chemistry research and development activities. The prize is awarded every three years for original work of intrinsic scientific importance and with significant, beneficial applications in industry – in this case, the improvement of crops through biotechnology. The NAS council awarded Fraley for his development of: “technologies which enabled the production of the world's first transgenic crops. These plants have increased productivity, reduced chemical use and profoundly changed global agriculture.” Hugh Grant, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Monsanto, noted: “It was Robb's leadership that brought the first products developed through biotechnology to market in the 1990s.” Further information: Media Relations Department, Monsanto Company, 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63167, USA; Tel: +1 314 694 6000; Web: www.monsanto.com

2008 is the International Year of the Potato The International Year of the Potato (IYP) will focus on the importance of the potato in providing food security and alleviating poverty The IYP, officially launched at United Nations headquarters in New York on 18 October 2007, was proposed at the biennial Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in November 2005 by the Permanent Representative of Peru. Peru lies in the Andean centre of domestication and diversity of the potato, and is also host to the World Potato Center (CIP). CIP, together with FAO are organizing many of the year’s events. CIP holds the largest collection of potato biodiversity in the world, in-trust in its genebanks. Two potato conferences being organized as part of the IYP are:  ‘Potato Science for the Poor – Challenges for the New Millennium’ This conference on the future of the potato will be held in Cuzco, Peru on


25–28 March 2008, hosted by CIP and FAO. More information: International Potato Center, c/o Ms. Martha Huanes, Avenida La Molina, 1895, Apartado Postal 1558, Lima 12, Peru; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.cipotato.org/Cuzco_conference  ‘Improving International Potato Production’ This one-day conference on 8 August 2008 in Dundee, Scotland, hosted by the Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI), will be addressed by some major figures in the international potato research sector. SCRI is the guardian of the Commonwealth Potato Collection (CPC). More information: Phil Taylor, Head of Communications, SCRI, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, Scotland; Tel: +44 1382 562731; Email: [email protected] Web links for the IYP: www.potato2008.org/en/index.html; www.cipotato.org/pressroom/iyp.asp; www.scri.ac.uk/news/yearofthepotato

Syngenta and the Royal Society of Chemistry launch African initiative Syngenta and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) launched the ‘Pan Africa Chemistry Network’ in London, UK, on 21 November 2007. The new network, which was launched by Professor Calestous Juma of Harvard University, a lead author on the United Nations Millennium Project, represents an innovative approach to working with universities, schools, scientists, teachers and students in Africa. Established initially in Kenya and with plans eventually to span the whole continent, its purpose is to connect African chemists more effectively and to enable them to achieve greater levels of innovation and scientific development. Syngenta is supporting the launch with a UK£1 million grant. A prime focus of the Pan Africa Chemistry Network will be agricultural development including food security and

Pest-Ventures 2008 focuses on ‘Taking Control’ ‘Taking Control’ is the theme for the 2008 Pest-Ventures events. The two one-day programmes addressing, ‘Developing Control Strategies’ and ‘Pest Control on the Front-line’ will be held on 15 and 16 April 2008 at The Best Western Yew Lodge Hotel, Kegworth, Nottinghamshire, UK. The programmes, put together by Adrian Meyer and John Simmons of Acheta, draw on expert speakers from the industry who will offer the latest thinking as well as give practical advice on pest control problems. Day one takes ‘Developing Control Strategies’ as its theme. The morning session is devoted to the thorny topic of resistance. Dr Alan McNicoll from Central Science Laboratory will lead the discussion on rodenticide resistance and then Clive Boase of The Pest Management Consultancy will tackle bedbug resistance to insecticides. In the afternoon, the emphasis switches to bird management with a series of bird experts presenting the latest information on bird-borne infections, the use of predatory birds, and gull and feral pigeon control strategies. On Day two, Pest-Ventures will visit ‘Pest Control on the Front-line’ (and the fringe). The front-line sessions will begin with Mike Lole from ADAS who will cover fly control on landfill


sites. David Oldbury, Manchester City Council will then consider the National Pest Advisory Panel (NPAP) standard operating procedure for rodent control, whilst the pest implications of changes to refuse collection will be addressed by Dr Stephen Battersby of Surrey University. Oliver Madge will conclude the morning session with a look at pest control from the professional, amateur and general public points of view. In the afternoon there are two themes, ‘Are pest control contractors meeting the needs of their customers?’ and ‘Rodent control on the fringe’, which takes a look at innovative technologies such as electromagnetic pulse technology to repel rodents, and powdered corn cob: laboratory studies and rodenticide mode of action. The 2008 Pest Ventures brochure can be downloaded now from www. pestbusiness.com Places can be booked now by contacting Moira Hart; Tel: +44 1664 822678; Fax: + 44 1664 820062; Email: moira@ activesolutions.uk.com. Delegate rates have been held for 2008. The cost for attending one of the days is UK£174 + VAT or for booking both days £304 + VAT. There are also a limited number of places for companies wishing to exhibit at the event.

sustainability, clean water and disease prevention. Academics will meet through a programme of seminars, conferences and workshops. Fellowships and grants will be awarded to enable active participation in these events and to further enhance networking, technology transfer and skills development by facilitating international mobility of key scientists. An essential platform of the network will be an educational outreach programme, encouraging children and their teachers to learn first hand about practical applications of chemistry through an annual schools science competition. Syngenta Chief Executive Michael Pragnell said: "Agriculture is an essential stepping stone to economic development and improving livelihoods in rural African communities and the eradication of poverty, one of the millennium development goals. Building networks based upon science and innovation is essential to this process. We are delighted to be partnering the Royal Society of Chemistry in the creation of the first hub." Dr Simon Campbell, Immediate Past-President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: "The RSC is delighted that Syngenta has embraced so enthusiastically and generously our vision for the Pan Africa Chemistry Network that will help build the chemical science capacity that is vital for social and economic development across the Continent. We are looking forward to partnering with Syngenta and our African colleagues to build a network of local and national chemical science communities that will address such fundamental challenges as food security, disease control and biodiversity.” RSC chief executive Dr Richard Pike said: "Built upon the success of the RSC Archives for Africa which was launched in Ethiopia last year and thanks in large part to the grant from Syngenta, the Pan Africa Chemistry Network is an innovative approach to develop science education in Africa." Further information: Brian Emsley, Media Relations Manager, Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA, UK; Tel: +44 20 7440 3317 or +44 7966 939257; Fax: +44 20 7437 8883; Email: [email protected]; Web: www. rsc.org/Membership/Networking/ InternationalActivities/PanAfrica/ index.asp

New BCPC website

New potato magazine

In February, the British Crop Production Council (BCPC) launched a brand new website: www.plantprotection. co.uk, which replaces the annual e-UK Pesticide Guide but offers far more facilities to subscribers than the previous CD-ROM version. The core database for the site is that of The UK Pesticide Guide 2008, which was published in January this year (see p. 57). However, the website’s key feature is that it will evolve continuously throughout the year so keeping pace with industry changes and new product introductions. At launch, www.plantprotection. co.uk provides detailed information on over 1300 pesticide products in active use. Details of new actives will be uploaded to the site as soon as they are announced. Richard Whitehead, Editor of The UK Pesticide Guide since 1994, welcomed this new initiative: “As technology has improved and there is now widespread access to broadband we have been able to respond to customer demand and offer a valuable online product. Logging onto www.plantprotection.co.uk will ensure that users are never more than a few key strokes away from being able to access the information that they need to plan their product use on-farm. “We hope that the site will be the first place that people will go to find out about the latest pesticide news and product developments, and for farmers and growers wanting to keep up-to-date with the latest information during the main spraying season,” he added. Subscribers to www.plantprotection. co.uk will find the powerful search functionality easy-to-use ensuring that answers to on-label and off-label problems can be found quickly and easily. More detailed queries can be performed by adding LERAP category, chemical type, supplier or harvest interval to the search. There are also direct hyperlinks to the relevant SOLA notices on the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) website, as well as to the PSD online database of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). Mode of action codes, published by the Fungicide, Herbicide and Insecticide Resistance Action Committees, are available to help farmers and advisers make effective and sustainable product choices to prevent the development of resistance. There is also a wealth of background information about the legislation covering approvals, storage of products, the sale and use of pesticides,

A new print magazine for the potato industry will launch in March 2008: Global Potato Seed News. The magazine will be published twice a year and distributed globally to individuals active in the seed and variety sectors of the potato industry. Editorial content will focus on current issues related to potato seed and varieties, including news about new products, variety reviews, research briefs, breeding issues, agronomy related matters, and much more. The company also plans to publish a 'Seed Directory' containing contact details of companies dealing in potato seed and varieties in many countries around the world Further information: Lukie Pieterse, President, Global Potato Focus Inc.; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.potatofocus.com

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as well as guidance on environmental protection and the latest developments following the conclusion of the first five years of the Voluntary Initiative. BCPC and CABI, are the joint publishers of www.plantprotection.co.uk. Subscription costs UK£75 + VAT, with a 25% discount offered to purchasers of the e-UK Pesticide Guide CD-ROM from 2005 onwards. To subscribe, log onto www.plantprotection.co.uk Further information: BCPC Publications Sales, 7 Omni Business Centre, Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QD, UK; Tel: +44 1420 593 200; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.bcpc.org/bookshop

The Environmentalist special issue The 2008 first issue of The Environmentalist, 28(1), is a special issue devoted to ‘New Pesticide Formulations and Applications for Reduced Environmental Impact’, with Guest Editors Karel de Raat and Alan Knowles. Further information: www.springerlink. com/content/100165/

Soybean rust symposium proceedings The proceedings from the third US National Soybean Rust Symposium have been posted on the Plant Management Network’s publicly available Soybean Rust Information Center at: www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/ infocenter/topic/soybeanrust/2007 Organized by The American Phytopathological Society (APS), the symposium was held on 12–14 December 2007 in Louisville, Kentucky. A diverse audience of more than 250 attendees participated in the event, coordinated by Raymond Schneider, Louisiana State University, and a technical programme planning committee.

Professional Pest Controller goes digital Professional Pest Controller, the magazine of the BPCA (British Pest Control Association), is now available in digital format on the Web. The magazine aims to provide unbiased, high quality and professional content relevant to the pest control industry for its readers – and not only in the UK; 13% of copies go to overseas subscribers in more than 60 other countries. Each issue contains a mix of technical features and shorter news items plus at least one in-depth feature article written by a guest author. Organizations are encouraged to contribute news of new products, company achievements, future events or news items. Further information from: www.professionalpestcontroller.org

Rentokil welcomes the Year of the Rat The Chinese Year of the Rat commenced on 7 February, representing a period of wealth and prosperity. Nonetheless, Rentokil does not want this to be a case of rodents gaining at householders’ expense. It issued a timely reminder to UK home-owners that winter months are the peak season for an increase in rodent populations, with recent cold weather and severe flooding encouraging them to enter homes from cracked sewer pipes and drains, in search of warm nesting places and regular food supplies. It gave advice on preventing infestations through hygiene – the dan-


ger points to check and clean up, and on how to make homes ‘rodent-proof’.

The issue of the harlequin ladybird The biocontrol world is understandably concerned about the spread and impact of the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis. Introduced from Asia to first North America and then Europe as a biocontrol agent, it has since been dubbed ‘the most invasive ladybird on earth’. It has spread widely and rapidly on both continents, and in the process become both a nuisance pest and a threat to biodiversity. A leading research journal, BioControl, devotes the whole of its first issue of 2008 (Volume 53, No. 1) to this agent turned pest. Following a foreword that considers ‘From biological control to invasion: the ladybird Harmonia axyridis as a model species’, 19 further papers deal variously with its spread, distribution and impact (historical, current and potential) in the USA and Europe; research on aspects of its biology, phenology, ecology and population genetics; and current control measures and research relevant to its future management.

LEISA looks at pest management

And finally: volcanic control In December 2007, reports emerged of an unexpected and beneficial side-effect of a volcanic eruption on Halmahera island in Indonesia's North Maluku province. According to the local news agency, Anatara News, farmers living on the slopes of Gamkonora volcano were thanking the mountain for getting rid of Sexava long-horned grasshoppers that had been devastating their coconut palms. The pests feed voraciously on the fronds of the coconut tree, greatly reducing the yield of nuts. Coconuts processed into copra are a major source of livelihood for islanders here. The volcano erupted last July, prompting thousands to flee their homes as it spewed out rocks, ash and smoke. Eventually the area was blanketed with ash. A farmer told the news agency that before the eruption almost all their coconut trees had been ruined by the grasshoppers, but that since the volcano had blanketed the area with ash they were free of the pest. In contrast, other areas of the island that had not been inundated with ash are continuing to be affected by the pest. Source: Anatara News;1 www.antara. 13-07-2007 10:47 Pagina co.id/en

The Netherlands-based organization ILEIA (Centre for Information on Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture) and its partner organizations document and publish experiences with low external input and sustainable agriculture for agricultural small-scale farmers in the developing world. The December 2007 (Volume 23, No. 24) issue of their LEISA Magazine, which is available by subscription or online, was devoted to ecological pest management. The articles cover development of IPM, and training and knowledge dissemination (using a variety of methods) for a range of pests, in the widest sense of the word, largely in developing countries. One of the articles, on ecologically-based rodent management, is featured on p. 27 of this issue. Further information: ILEIA, Zuidsingel 16, 3811 HA Amersfoort, The Netherlands; Tel: +31 33 4673870; Fax: +31 33 4632410; Email: ileia@ ileia.nl; Web: www.leisa.info/

Pubblicita

Appropriate Technology “If you are working in a developing country and can only afford one journal, this is the one to get” Appropriate Technology Sourcebook Wherever you live in the world, you will find lots to interest you in. Concentrating on reallife experiences and problems, the magazine deals with practical development in a clear, straightforward way, and the lessons learned can be applied in any part of the globe. Each issue provides practical technologies, policies and ideas addressed to the elimination of poverty and hunger, with articles and case studies giving a full range of viewpoints and perspectives. View a sample copy on our website:

www.appropriate-technology.org


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Well on track to the future It is well known in the pest management industry worldwide that CEPA, the Confederation of European Pest Control Associations, has been going through a renaissance over the last couple of years. In this feature Rob Fryatt, CEPA Director General and Senior Associate at Xenex Associates Ltd, reviews some of the key activities that have contributed to the recent positive developments at CEPA, as it develops the role of European Pest Management Industry Association. In Europe the pest management industry is estimated to be growing and to have reached a service level value in excess of €2000 million. This is delivered through over 7000 individual companies, providing employment for over 38,000 individuals across the continent. For the 40 years that CEPA (Confederation of European Pest Control Associations) has existed, it has operated as the only pan-European organization for the pest management industry. Until recently it was constituted through 16 individual national pest control associations ranging from the developed markets of Germany and France to the emerging markets of the Czech Republic and Bulgaria. As such it could not claim to represent all sectors of the industry in all markets, as each of its national affiliates has its own constitution. Some constitutions permitted only service companies to be full members, such as ANECPLA in Spain, others such as the BPCA in the UK actively encouraged membership from all sectors of the industry – manufacturers to service companies, distributors and consultants. With the resources historically

available CEPA it had limited ability or mandate to represent the industry effectively with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission to ensure effective awareness and promotion of the industry, dissemination and communication of information from within the industry or to raise the skills and professionalism of the industry. For the benefit of the industry, this situation had to change and so it has. The process started with the appointment of Robert Stuyt of the NVPB (Dutch industry association) as President in 2004. His first step was to set up a system of rapporteurs from within the member organizations with special responsibility for key policy areas such as Economic, Legal and Professional policy, Training and Communications. The goal was to build specialist knowledge and to have clear focal points for development projects. The second was to create a small core Leadership Group which included the officers and rapporteurs to identify key activity areas and continue to drive the Confederation forward between each annual General Assembly. The final key change was to establish a dedicated CEPA European Office in Brussels and to appoint a part-time Director General who was recognized and respected within the industry. The office in the Centre d’Affaires Artemis is well into its second year of existence, and the demands on my part-time role as Director General continue to grow daily as CEPA finds itself more and more involved in the development of the industry.

The Executive Committee in discussions at the CEPA European Office in Brussels.

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By 2006 with a clear focus of the future and the changes in play, the next step was to consult widely within the industry and develop a strategic plan for the new CEPA. This is developing under the theme ‘To Unify and Lead the Industry’ and operating through a number of key change initiatives. The first initiative was to open direct membership and representation to international manufacturers, distributors and service companies. This has ensured that discussion is focused on European issues in support of the national associations. The structure has been established through three ‘industry colleges’; manufacturers, distributors and service companies, led respectively by Patrick Vernie (Bayer Environmental Science), Serge Simon (Edialux France) and Alain van Lidth de Jeude (Rentokil Initial). As a continuation of this policy, CEPA is now actively seeking Associate members from emerging markets and national distribution and manufacturing companies from across Europe to ensure that it is inclusive of all the industry. The second step was to increase the level of engagement with international organizations and the European Commission through an increased presence within the ‘Brussels Community’. This is being delivered through additional contracted resources, using the CEPA European Office in Brussels as the base. CEPA now represents the industry on an increasing number of WHO and European Commission workgroups, is an active player in the key Brussels based European Business Services Round Table and has opened direct dialogue with appropriate government departments in many countries. Indeed the opening up of services across Europe through the new European ‘Service Directive’ may be of even more critical significance in the future to the pest management industry than the much talked about Biocidal Products Directive. Finally the strategy called for CEPA to take a lead in the communication and effective dissemination of information within the industry and to contribute to raising the skills and professionalism of the industry. To deliver this CEPA is establishing two unique annual European industry events. The first is CEPA European Pest Management Day (EPMD). To be held annually each November in Brussels, the home of the European Commission, the focus is to the ‘external environment’ that potentially influences the industry such as the European Commission, international organizations and the global customer base of the industry. The first EPMD last November in Brussels, reported extensively in the November/December issue


Alain van Lidth de Jeude – Managing Director Pest Control Europe for Rentokil Initial in conversation with Robert Stuyt – CEPA President at European Pest Management Day

of International Pest Control, brought together over 100 industry professionals from across Europe to hear speakers, both internal and external, covering the two key European Directives impacting on the industry: Biocidal Products Directive and Service Directive and presentations


focused on the future of the industry and the future role of the new CEPA. The next ‘EPMD’ will be on 27–28 November 2008 at the Hotel Silken Berlaymont in Brussels. The second event is ‘CEPA Europest’ which is expected over time to devel-

op into the annual spring event for the European industry. CEPA Europest will always be allied to an existing national event. The goals are to raise industry skills and professionalism and to establish an annual European industry information forum for discussion and challenge. CEPA Europest will also include the CEPA General Assembly. This year’s event will be held in collaboration with the annual meeting of ANID, the Italian national industry association, in Rome on 1–3 April (see page 44 for further information.). CEPA is now better placed than ever to support the challenges to an industry firmly focused on providing a healthy and clean environment for the ever increasing expectations for the European citizens of the 21st Century. CEPA is now not only able to say that it is a Confederation of National Pest Control Associations, but that it has metamorphosed into the European Pest Management Industry Association. Further information: Email www.cepaeurope.org or [email protected] International Pest Control is proud to be the official publication of CEPA and to offer its members a preferred subscription rate.

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FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE

FAO puts organic farming in context Dr Jacques Diouf, Director-General of FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) declared in December 2007 that FAO has no reason to believe organic agriculture can substitute for conventional farming systems in ensuring the world’s food security. He explained that FAO’s view was that organic agriculture can contribute to fighting hunger, but chemical fertilizers are needed to feed the world. Dr Diouf was commenting on recent media reports suggesting FAO endorses organic agriculture as the solution to world hunger. “We should use organic agriculture and promote it,” he said. “It produces wholesome, nutritious food and represents a growing source of income for developed and developing countries. But you cannot feed six billion people today and nine billion in 2050 without judicious use of chemical fertilizers.” Nearly 31 million hectares, or roughly 2% of the world’s farmland, was farmed organically in 2005, and the sector generated sales of some US$24 billion in the European Union, the USA, Canada and Asia in 2006. In May 2007, FAO hosted an international conference on organic agriculture. One of the papers presented for discussion – not an FAO document – argued that organic agriculture could produce enough food for the current world population. FAO disagree, pointing out that data and models regarding the productivity of organic as opposed to conventional farming show that the potential of organic agriculture is far from large enough to feed the world. Organically grown products generally attract higher prices than conventionally grown ones and therefore represent a good source of income for farmers. However, they must meet certain farming and quality standards and require capacity-building, large investments and efficient organization along the production and marketing chains, which puts them beyond the reach of most resource-poor farmers of developing countries. In Dr Diouf’s view, judicious use of chemical inputs, especially fertilizers, could help significantly boost food production in subSaharan Africa, where farmers use less than one-tenth of the fertilizer applied by their Asian counterparts. Much of Africa’s soil suffers from

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constraints such as acidity and lowered fertility and is greatly in need of soil amendments and nutrients. Indeed, in its annual World Development Report in 2007, the World Bank noted, that “low fertilizer use is one of the major constraints on increasing agricultural productivity in Sub-Sahara Africa”. Malawi, for years a recipient of food aid, has recently boosted its maize production after adopting a policy of providing small-scale farmers with seeds and fertilizers. “However, chemical inputs must be used with care,” Dr Diouf said. “You have to choose the right inputs, right amounts, and apply them in the right way and at the right time." Higher productivity with lower inputs can be obtained

from such systems as integrated pest management (IPM) and conservation agriculture (CA), he noted. IPM can reduce pesticide use by 50% in the case of cotton and vegetable production and up to 100% with rice. CA and no-tillage agriculture reduces labour requirements by doing away with ploughing and can use 30% less fertilizer and 20% less pesticide. The key elements in feeding the world now and in the future will be increased public and private investments, the right policies and technologies, knowledge and capacity building, grounded in sound ecosystem management. “There is no one solution to the problem of feeding the world’s hungry and poor,” Dr Diouf concluded. Further information: Christopher Matthews, Media Relations, FAO, Rome; Tel: (+39) 06 570 53762; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.fao.org

Carbon footprints for weed control in conventional vs organic production The carbon footprint of weed control in organic production for two of the UK’s major crops – winter wheat and potatoes – is greater than that in conventional production, says a new study commissioned by the British Crop Production Council (BCPC) Weeds Group and undertaken by the University of Nottingham. Moreover, the results show that the carbon footprint and financial costs of weed control per tonne of output in organic production far exceed that in conventional production. Dr Paul Wilson, associate Professor of Management and Director of Agriculture and Environmental Science at the University, and Dr Debbie Sparkes, Lecturer in Agronomy in the same department, told the BCPC ‘Annual review of weed control’ that the carbon footprint of weed control in conventional wheat production lies in the range 16.25–16.78 kg CO2/tonne in comparison with 48.95–58.68 kg CO2/ tonne for weed control in organic wheat production (inclusive of cultivations in each system). For weed control in conventional potatoes (exclusive of cultivations), carbon emissions range from 0.74–1.11 kg CO2/tonne, while in organic potatoes, weed control emissions range from 3.81 kg CO2/tonne (inter-row cultivation) to 10.03 kg CO2/tonne (flame weeding).

“Financial costs of weed control in conventional wheat were approximately UK£15/tonne, while in organic production comb weeding (inter-row cultivation) cost approximately £27/tonne (£41/tonne),” said Wilson. “In potatoes, weed control costs in conventional production range from £0.75–£1.50 per tonne, and in organic production costs range from £3.25/tonne (inter-row cultivation) to £4.75/tonne (flame weeding).” When examined on a per hectare basis, Wilson said that the difference in environmental and financial costs is less extreme, though remains substantial. “Increasing yields offers the greatest opportunity to reduce the environmental cost of weed control in organic production,” he added. While the results will make interesting reading for both conventional and organic growers in the UK, Wilson said that they do contrast with previous findings that suggest that the environmental consequences of organic and conventional production are similar. “The paper has been intentionally narrow in its focus; however, the environmental consequences of other inputs in production, their impact on the environment (e.g. nitrate losses) and the environmental impacts of food importation in place of lower yields in organic production


must be borne in mind when considering the wider aspects of agricultural and food production and consumption.” “Future research should encompass the totality of the production process and hence capture the fuller environmental costs of organic and conventional production. In addition, analysis

should consider the wider environmental, financial and economic consequences of these different production systems in meeting our food needs,” he said. Further information: Chris Todd, BCPC: Tel +44 1420 593200; Or Andrew Kendall: Tel +44 1394 610022; Web: www.bcpc.org/

England’s Environmental Stewardship scheme hits rough ground Record investment of UK£3.9 billion over seven years for rural development, confirmed in early December by UK Environment Secretary Hilary Benn, was not received with overwhelming enthusiasm by England’s farming community, despite the fact that funding under the government’s England Rural Development Programme (ERDP) in 2007–2013 will be more than double the previous budget. Around £3.3 billion of the total budget will be allocated to agri-environment and other land management schemes, of which £2.9 billion will be delivered by Natural England through Environmental Stewardship (ES) to farmers and land managers. However, getting agreement from the European Commission and European Union meant making some changes, and struck out some options for the Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) part of this scheme. The ES scheme is an agri-environment initiative launched under the ERDP 2000–2006 in March 2005, with the first Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) and Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS) agreements commencing in August 2005 and the first Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreements in February 2006. It has its roots in the report of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food, led by Sir Donald Curry (2002), which recommended a single new agri-environment scheme, to replace various ones in operation, which would incorporate a ‘broad and shallow’ scheme as the lower tier (i.e. the ELS), plus an upper tier consisting of rationalized elements of the existing schemes. The ELS represents a new concept in agri-environment support within the UK, designed to encourage simple environmental management above existing cross-compliance requirements. The ELS requires farmers to enter into a five-year agreement and commit to a number of different environmentally sensitive management options for which they are awarded points, and they need at


least 30 points to be entitled to UK£30/ ha in environmental payments. The NFU (National Farmers’ Union) is concerned that dairy and arable sectors will be particularly badly affected by the announced changes and may struggle to engage in the scheme. The Voluntary Initiative for pesticides will be significantly impacted by this decision. One of its keystone projects promoting sustainable pesticide management encourages farmers to use their own crop protection management plans, with over 11,000 ELS agreements currently containing them. Natural England estimates around a third, or 1800, of provisional ELS agreements (i.e. those made this year) will be affected by the decision to remove soil, nutrient, manure and crop protection management options. A further 780 will have lost their safety margin over the 30-point threshold. Previous agreements will not be affected until they come up for review after five years (i.e. 2010 and 2011), but as management plans within ELS are part of virtually all agreements, a far larger number will be affected. Natural England says it aims to help affected farmers take on other options, and if that is not possible they can opt out without penalty. However, the NFU President Peter Kendall said: “Obviously this enables the Rural Development Programme to now go ahead but this risks the very spirit of the scheme that was first envisaged by Sir Don Curry. The removal of these plans, especially those covering pesticide stewardship and soil management, is deeply regrettable and difficult to believe. This change undermines the very spirit of the scheme and it severely compromises two key industry projects, the Environmental Plan for dairy farming and the Voluntary Initiative.” He added, “Farmers and growers are rightly being challenged to minimize their impact on the environment and as such tens of thousands have taken up this challenge via their Entry Level Scheme agreements, with ELS management

plans an integral part of their individual response. ELS management plans have allowed many farms to enter the scheme and now this option is being taken away – it simply defies logic.” The NFU has met with Defra, Natural England and FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group) to consider the implications of the changes, to minimize the impact on those with provisional agreements, and to identify ways of capturing the benefit of ELS management plans in the current review of Environmental Stewardship and to do so as soon as possible.

Evaluation of the ES scheme The CSL (Central Science Laboratory) carried out a comprehensive evaluation of the Environmental Stewardship (ES) scheme on behalf of Defra during 2007. A core element was a survey of some 500 participants, non-participants and wider stakeholders across all regions and farm types to provide detailed insight into factors such as levels of awareness of ES and reasons for applying/not applying to the scheme, through to attitudes to the application process and the how different aspects of the scheme are viewed. The report is accessible at: www2. defra.gov.uk/research/Project_Data/ More.asp?I=MA01028&M=CFO&V= CSL

Improved pest database to protect Australian agriculture An important tool for protecting Australia’s natural environment and agricultural industries has been updated and improved. A CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) team at the Tasmanian ICT Centre has recently completed a comprehensive upgrade of the Australian Plant Pest Database (APPD), a national online database of pests and diseases of Australia's economically important plants: www.planthealthaustralia.com. au/our_projects/display_project. asp?category=4&ID=1 Dr Ian Naumann of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry says that the APPD is a powerful tool for decision making: “The APPD provides information on the existence and geographic location of plant pests and diseases and provides a capability vital to the national economy.” He adds, “It provides critical support to decision making during emergency management

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Defending cotton from two pests – naturally Sharon Durham, USDA Agricultural Research Service

The Balaustium mite – Balaustium medicagoense has been regarded as a beneficial predator in southern Australia but is emerging as a potentially damaging pest of cereal and pasture crops (Photo: CSIRO)

of incursions by exotic species and is a powerful tool for evaluating proposals for new imports and supporting measures to exclude potentially harmful organisms.” The initial phase of the project, completed in April 2002, allowed searching across a number of reference collections that include pest and disease records held by a large number of organizations across the country. Previously, only a relatively small number of these collections had transferred information into databases that were accessible to agencies and organizations involved in plant health. The linking of these to create a larger, Internet-based, national database was achieved through a partnership of CSIRO and Plant Health Australia. “Part of the current upgrade has been to convert the current distributed APPD system into a central data warehouse with automated refresh of the information from source databases,” says Michael Kennett of the Tasmanian ICT Centre. “The upgrade has also made the APPD more efficient, secure and powerful, and improved its ease of use.” The new system has been deployed nationally after comprehensive testing. The project builds on a data management capability being developed within the Tasmanian ICT Centre. The administration and hosting of the APPD is performed by Plant Health Australia as part of the Company’s ‘National system of plant health information’ programme. The Tasmanian ICT Centre is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the Intelligent Island Program and CSIRO. The Intelligent Island Program is administered by the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development. A large number of partner organizations including universities, state and federal government departments and CSIRO contribute to the APPD.

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US cotton growers used to be bedevilled by boll weevils. Now, thanks to a successful large-area eradication programme, the weevils are no longer a problem in most cotton fields. But stink bugs have filled the void boll weevils left in parts of the southeastern USA; stink bug infestations cost Georgia farmers about 3% of their cotton in 2003. Entomologist Patricia Glynn Tillman in the US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (USDAARS) Crop Protection and Management Research Unit at Tifton, Georgia, and entomologist Ted Cottrell in ARS’s Fruit and Nut Research Laboratory at Byron, Georgia, are exploring use of trap crops in combination with pheromone traps to control two troublesome members of the family Pentatomidae: brown stink bugs (Euschistus servus) and southern green stink bugs (Nezara viridula). Trap crops are small plots specially planted to attract various pests away from cash crops or to concentrate the pests in a small area for more efficient disposal. During five years of study, the researchers conducted on-farm tests to determine the usefulness of combining a sorghum trap crop with pheromonebaited capture traps to keep stink bugs out of cotton.

Peanut–cotton and corn–cotton farming configurations, or ‘farmscapes’, are common in the southeastern USA. Stink bugs appear to prefer corn [maize] and peanuts [groundnuts] but will move to adjacent cotton fields when their food supply runs low. However, the pests are ravenous for sorghum! So, Tillman and colleagues planted sorghum in a strip along the entire length of a peanut–cotton interface. Pheromone-baited capture traps were placed about 45 to 50 feet (3 feet ≈ 1 metre) apart in various rows. The researchers found that the E. servus population was significantly lower in cotton fields that had the two management strategies than in cotton fields without them. They also studied N. viridula populations in a corn–cotton farmscape, again planting a trap crop of sorghum at the interface of the two crops. The density of N. viridula was lower (0.12 bug per 6-foot row) in cotton fields with the sorghum trap crop than in cotton fields without it (1.16 bugs per 6-foot row). “We proved that sorghum could also serve as a trap crop for N. viridula adults in a corn-cotton farmscape,” says Tillman. “And by dispensing traps baited with the aggregation pheromone for Euschistus species, we were also able to capture E. servus in the field and control their populations in cotton.

Entomologist Patricia Glynn Tillman (centre), technician Kristie Graham (right), and student technician Brittany Giles evaluate a sorghum trap crop being used to control stink bugs in adjacent fields of peanuts and cotton (Photo: Stephen Ausmus)


We got a two-part action,” she adds, “The sorghum attracted E. servus and N. viridula, and the pheromone-baited traps captured E. servus as well as some N. viridula.” As an added benefit, the sorghum served as a refuge for stink bugs’ natural insect enemies, such as the tachinid fly Trichopoda pennipes, further helping to protect the cotton plants. “These encouraging results demonstrate that biologically intensive practices can be effective in controlling stink bugs and can assist farmers in providing quality crops to consumers,” says Tillman. This research is part of Crop Protection and Quarantine, an ARS national program (#304) described at: www.nps.ars.usda.gov Contact: Patricia Glynn Tillman, USDA-ARS Crop Protection and Management Research Unit, 2747 Davis Rd., Tifton, GA, USA; Tel: +1 229 387 2375; Fax +1 229 3872321; Email: [email protected] Source: ‘Defending against two cotton pests – naturally’ was published in the January 2008 issue of Agricultural Research magazine; www.ars.usda.gov/ is/AR/archive/jan08/

Housefly parasitoid raises cheers in vineyards Muscidifurax raptor, a hymentopteran parasitic wasp used as one of a suite of parasitoids for biological control of nuisance flies in poultry houses, etc., has found a new use: against Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) in vineyards – and potentially other fruit crops. Jean Pierre Kapongo and Peter Kevan of the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, and J. H. Giliomee of Stellenbosch University, South Africa, have published results of a study investigating the use of Muscidifurax raptor to control fruit flies in vineyards*. Until recently, fruit flies were usually controlled with chemical insecticides and selected natural enemies. Kapongo explains that these traditional control methods were not popular with farmers because of the adverse effects of chemicals and the unreliability of biological control. “Now we have discovered a parasitoid that is easily produced and effective in controlling fruit flies”, he says. In field and laboratory trials comparing its activity against C. capitata and the housefly, Musca domestica, the parasitoid, which lay eggs in fly pupae, laid eggs indiscriminately, irrespective


of the host species. In a vineyard, numbers of attacked pupae of both hosts increased with the number of parasitoids released, and the parasitoid laid numbers of eggs equivalent to those it lays when released in poultry houses for the control of houseflies. Kapongo said that insectaries, where parasitic insects are commercially produced and sold, are ready to increase production of the insects in response to market demands from vineyard owners. *Kapongo, J.P., Kevan, P.G. & Giliomee, J.H. (2007) Control of Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) with the parasitoid Muscidifurax raptor (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in vineyards. HortScience 42, 1317–1501. Web: http://hortsci.ashspublications. org/cgi/content/abstract/42/6/1400/

ARS licenses purple bacteria to battle crop pests A bacterium discovered by US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) scientists, which is toxic to a variety of crop pests, has been licensed as a technology to Marrone Organic Innovations, Inc., of Davis, California and Natural Industries, Inc., of Houston, Texas. This follows a patent granted in July 2007 for use of the bacterium as a biocontrol agent. A team at the ARS Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, led by Phyllis Martin, discovered a species of Chromobacterium from soil rich in decomposed hemlock leaves collected from the Catoctin Mountain region in central Maryland. It was later described as C. subtsugae. The bacterial colonies are initially cream in colour but turn deep purple in 24–48 hours in the presence of oxygen. The bacterium proved lethal to immature Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Tests with the isolated pigment responsible for the colour, violacein, showed it was not involved in C. subtsugae’s toxicity. Subsequently, the team showed C. subtsugae to be active against a wide range of formidable crop pests in laboratory assays; it was lethal to Diabrotica corn rootworm beetle adults, southern green stink bugs (Nezara viridula) and small hive bees (Aethina tumida), it suppressed feeding in the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) and the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), and it also showed activity against the silverleaf

whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii) and diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). The bacterium is stable in the environment, and readily ingested by most of the insect targets. Laboratory tests suggested that C. subtsugae produces multiple toxins responsible for its effects on the range of pests. Results from field tests confirmed the effects found in the laboratory. Additional studies will be conducted to determine potential toxicity to non-target insects. Source: From an article by Sharon Durham, USDA Agricultural Research Service; www.ars.usda.gov/is/ pr/2007/071213.htm

Thrips pheromone from Biobest A new pheromone from Biobest facilitates more timely control of western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). ThriPher lures contain a sexual aggregation pheromone which is active for a period of 4–6 weeks, attracting both male and female adults. The pheromone is specific to western flower thrips; so harmless thrips and beneficial insects are unaffected. The use of ThriPher in combination with blue BUG-SCAN® sticky traps allows thrips to be detected at an early stage because the pheromone lure attracts two to three times more thrips to the sticky trap than the trap alone. This gets over the common problem of thrips being present in a crop for some time with their population increasing before they are detected by sticky traps. Early detection allows earlier and therefore more effective control of thrips populations by either natural enemies or chemical crop protection products. The pheromone in ThriPher lures will disperse over an area of approximately 100 m², and they need to be replaced as soon as they are completely covered with thrips. ThriPher is delivered in a sealed aluminium package containing ten lures and can be stored at –18°C for two years. Further information: BioBest Belgium NV, Ilse Velden 18, B-2260 Westerlo, Belgium; Tel: +32 14 25.79.80; Fax: +32 14 25.79.82; Email: info@biobest. be; Web: www.biobest.be/

New hope for bananas in sub-Saharan Africa Scientists at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have concluded a five-year US$4 million project

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that improved plant breeding techniques and developed new cultivars to increase yields of Musa (banana and plantain) crops. The project also developed new methods for deploying the varieties in a way that preserves traditional varieties while offering additional value-adding processing options. Banana and plantain output has suffered from declining yields in subSaharan Africa, in part through diseases. Despite increases in areas planted to Musa among small-scale farmers over several decades, yields have fallen behind those of commercial growers and against internal benchmarks. IITA’s research was funded by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the government of Belgium (DirectorateGeneral of Development Cooperation, DGDC). Aided by historical data and backed by new research in Belgium, the five-year IITA project targeted three goals: (1) maintaining breeding capability for plantain (West and Central Africa) and banana (East Africa); (2) evaluating and delivering varieties demonstrating high post-harvest value and resistance to disease and pests; and (3) strengthening the research capabilities of national agricultural research systems (NARS). The project has produced superior plantain and banana cultivars with higher fruit quality, shorter stature and greater resistance to setbacks such as nematode infestation. As a result, declining banana and plantain productivity has been turned around in two countries representative of different Musa varieties and habitats: plantain in the western lowlands (Nigeria) and cooking bananas in the central and eastern highlands (Uganda). IITA scientists are encouraged by initial progress in technology transfer and human resource development by NARS and development partners but stressed the need for further national support to ensure availability of plant-stock and adoption by Musa farmers. Further information: Anthony Whittingham (Corporate Communications Manager); Tel: +234 2 2412626 ext. 2773; Fax: +234 2 2412221; Email: [email protected]; Web: www. iita.org

Striga-resistant cowpea varieties available for Africa A three-year study by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) resulted in the development of three new

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cowpea varieties with genetic resistance to Striga (S. gesneroides) or witchweed, a plant-parasitic weed – and more are under development Cowpea serves an important role in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Comprising over 25% protein, it provides food, sales income and residual biproducts for use as livestock feed. As a droughttolerant crop, it is adapted to dry or arid environments where rainfall is low and erratic, soils less fertile and other crops habitually fail. Cowpea also contributes to soil fertility through its ability to fix nitrogen, vital to rotational cropping systems in marginal areas. However, on-farm studies and estimates suggests Striga infestation is responsible for losses to legume – or bean – crops, especially cowpea, of more than 40% annually in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, for example, cowpea yield was reduced annually from 2–3 tonnes to 0.37 tonnes per hectare. The research, supported by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Generation Challenge Program (GCP) of The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USA is a longstanding effort to alleviate infestations of cowpea by the parasite. The three new cowpea varieties – and those under development – will benefit farmers in drought-prone savannah areas of the West and Central African countries Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin, and Cameroon. Further information: Anthony Whittingham (Corporate Communications Manager); Tel: +234 2 2412626 ext. 2773; Fax: +234 2 2412221; Email: [email protected]; Web: www. iita.org

Exosex CM performs well in trials with English organic apples Exosect’s active mating disruption technology, Exosex CM, reduced fruit damage from the codling moth by over 85% compared with standard organic sprays in orchard trials in southeast England. The trials, conducted by the specialist English top fruit marketers Norman Collett Ltd, tested the efficacy of Exosex CM on a range of new, more disease-resistant varieties of organically grown apples. The trials were carried out over 8 ha in total, at farms in Kent and East Sussex owned by Janet and Eric Rowlands,

with 4 ha treated under an organic spray regime and 4 ha devoted to Exosect CM alone. The organic spray regime resulted in 7.7% fruit damage whereas the Exosex CM plot received only 1.1% fruit damage. With the rainfall this summer, spray regimes have proved difficult to administer; in comparison the Exosex CM solution remained unaffected by the weather. Growers, Janet and Eric Rowlands commented, “We have been very impressed with the Exosex CM solution for controlling the codling moth pest. Whilst picking, we have seen large numbers of moths around the Exosect dispensers and can see easily from the trial results the significant effect that How Exosex CM works Exosex CM requires 25 dispensers per hectare, each containing a synthetic female codling moth pheromone formulated with Exosect's Entostat powder. The system works by luring males into the dispensers using the female pheromone; once they enter, the Entostat powder adheres strongly to their bodies. The sensors of the coated moths are overwhelmed which means that they are unable to detect females, and therefore do not mate. They also act as a false lure for other moths and the mating cycle is disrupted, resulting in fewer caterpillars emerging to cause apple and pear damage. The technique is simple and helps to reduce the use of chemical spraying. Exosex CM is registered to date for commercial use in the UK the USA, New Zealand and South Africa. Its has been granted organic status with IFOAM affiliated organic certification bodies, The Soil Association, Organic Farmers & Growers Ltd, OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) and BioGro New Zealand Ltd. Further information: Norman Collett: Web: www.normancollett.org.uk Exosect: Graham Thatcher or Spencer Butt, Exosect Press Office at MCC International Ltd; Tel: +44 (0)1962 888 100; Fax: +44 (0)1962 888125; Email: [email protected]; Web: www. mccint.com or www.exosect.com


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Providing farmers with access to information Rural communities often feel isolated from the rest of the world and find it difficult to receive accurate, up-to-date information. Whether it is access to news, keeping in touch with family and friends or finding out the best ways to deal with a destructive pest threatening their crops, a lack of local resources and poor communication infrastructures can leave many feeling cut off. In the past, agricultural development focused on new technologies such as crop varieties, pest control technologies and introducing high-input, highoutput systems which involve taking successful farming approaches from one country/region and mirroring them in another. We have learned that these

‘top-down’ approaches are not always successful for resource-poor farmers as many cannot afford the necessary irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides needed to make the practices successful in their farming environments. Over the last 50 years, it has been increasingly recognized that local knowledge and local approaches are equally valid, but sharing this knowledge has been constrained because of geographical factors. New communication technologies such as the internet, mobile phones, television and video have made a real difference in the speed by which knowledge can be shared. And it is now recognized that integrating local knowledge with

Attending a plant clinic: a farmer family present a fungus for diagnosis in Bangladesh (Photo: Paula Kelly, CABI)

global knowledge is the most effective approach for bringing benefits to poor farmers. These constraints and the opportunities for redressing them are areas that CABI – an international not-for-profit science and information provider – recognizes well. To such an extent, in fact, that for the past 15 or so years, CABI’s scientist and information specialists have dedicated much of their time to developing farmers’ knowledge and improving their access to information – believing it essential to keeping thousands above the poverty line. With more than 70 staff working on projects in 16 countries, CABI works directly with smallholder farmers, farmer organizations, NGOs and governments to improve farmers’ access to essential information and extend their knowledge. And the type of projects undertaken by CABI reflect its strong desire to get to grips with exactly what problems rural people face and what are the gaps in their knowledge. Elizabeth Dodsworth, Global Director Knowledge for Development, CABI explains: “We work closely with farmers on the ground as well as with local governments and NGOs to identify the type of information they need to improve their business prospects. This can be anything from commodity price information, information on managing pests and diseases, to how best to deal with ever-changing environmental conditions. We can then establish how best to provide them with the right type of information; be it through use of information technologies such as mobile phones and computers, hands-on training or local information clinics.” Bringing access to technology to rural communities: Telecentres Telecentres, which are community-style centres where computers, scanners, phones and photocopiers are available to local people, is one example of providing the rural poor with access to essential information. Telecentres are physical spaces which not only enable individuals and communities to access information and communications technologies (ICT) but also act as information centres providing access to health, educational, agricultural and other information literature published in local languages in newspapers, leaflets, CDs and videos, as well as access to this type of information on the internet. Local people can use services such as email,

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of their rice seed. The project proved very effective in using a communication technology to illustrate the best ways of drying and storing seeds effectively. The videos – which were made for women farmers by women farmers and in the local language – have now reached over one million growers via TV broadcasts. Women from food insecure households who have watched the video twice or more have been able to reduce the amount of rice seed needed per acre and reduced their food deficit by an average of four weeks due to increases in grain yield.

The Good Seed Initiative: women farmers voting on the best seed drying practices (Photo: CABI)

photocopying, CD-writing, type-setting, phone, fax, scanning, and information searches and downloads from the internet. They can also participate in ICT training, knowledge-sharing groups and question-and-answer sessions. CABI has been working with Telecentres in Kenya and Sri Lanka to provide agricultural information including agricultural databases and other accredited internet resources. These resources provide farmers with validated information on crop-related issues including pests and diseases, the effects of climate change, new invasive species and the emergence of new crops which could potentially increase farmer income. Helping farmers help themselves: the Good Seed Initiative CABI believes strongly in working with farmers to develop their knowledge and tools, which they can use to help themselves in their farming practices and also to train others. One example is the Good Seed Initiative which is underway in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Bangladesh. The project works with local scientists, NGOs and farming organizations to produce communitybased, high-quality seed of local food crops which results in higher yields and fewer problems with seed-transmitted diseases. The project focuses on empowering farmers to grow and sell good quality seeds in order to generate income. One aspect of the Good Seed Initiative was a video project aimed at educating women farmers in Bangladesh on improving the quality


Advising local communities on plant pests and diseases: Plant Clinics Plants with pest and disease problems are a major source of concern for farmers in developing countries, and farmers will often turn to their peers or seek advice from pesticide dealers on managing their crop problems. Although the help they find here can be useful, if it is inaccurate they run the risk of losing their crops and potentially jeopardizing their livelihoods. To provide farmers with the most accurate, up-to-date plant health information, a network of plant clinics has been established in developing countries. These CABI-led plant health clinics advise farmers on crop pests and diseases the way a medical health centre does for human health. Consultations take place once a week in public places, such as markets or the village place (a central meeting area). The farmers bring samples of their diseased plants for ‘plant doctors’ to diagnose and prescribe safe, affordable and locally available pest management solutions. Staff from the Global Plant Clinic support partner organizations such as the Rural Development Academy, who want to run plant clinics. They offer training courses to staff on how to set up and run clinics, and courses on how to produce guidance leaflets on the control of key pests and diseases. When visiting the plant doctors in the clinics, the team also provides expert guidance on diagnosing the more challenging disease specimens and how to control problems. In Bangladesh, plant health clinics are in operation in the districts Bogra, Natore and Jessore. From October 2005 to August 2006, over 1000 farmers visited the clinics in the Bogra district alone. The majority of plant problems were resolved on the spot; a testament to the high level of knowledge and expertise held by the plant doctors.

A young farmer, Mr Abdur Rahim, was having trouble with the harvest of his bean crop after the branches of the plants began to rot. On attending a plant health clinic, plant doctors diagnosed a fungal infection and recommended a successful treatment. Rahim returned to the clinic a month later, carrying a large bag full of freshly harvested beans from his first harvest, which he presented to the plant doctors as a thank-you gesture. The clinics have proved to be an invaluable source of plant health information for farmers in Bangladesh, and as a result are now an integral part of the culture in rural communities. Increased knowledge has enabled farmers to treat their plants using more targeted and efficient methods and become less reliant on expensive chemical inputs. Not only is this improving crop production, but it is also providing a much needed boost to farmer incomes. Including those in Bangladesh, a total of 50 locally run clinics now operate regularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Nicaragua and Uganda, with pilots being run in another six countries. In 2007 the Global Plant Clinic will continue to support local organizations who want to set up clinics; currently new clinics are being planned for Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Rwanda and Peru. Further information: Web: www. cabi.org or contact: Lynsey Sterrey PR and Corporate Communications Manager; Tel: +44 1491 829361; Email: [email protected]

Attending a plant clinic: woman farmer with onions (Photo: Eric Boa, CABI).

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FORESTRY

Cedars of Lebanon saved from sawfly Maha Al-Azar, AUB A team of scientists led by the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon has succeeded in unravelling the causes of an outbreak of a cedar needle-eating sawfly, Cephalcia tannourinensis, which had threatened to wipe out the cedar forests of Lebanon with its emergence in 1997. The pest, which was identified in 1998 and occurs only in Lebanon, first attacks cedar spring buds and then chews on them, leaving them a burnt reddish-brown. AUB scientists Dr Nasri S. Kawar and Dr Nabil Nemer, the project director and assistant project director, respectively, studied C. tannourinensis from when it first appeared, in collaboration with a technical expert from Europe, Guy Demolin, a forest entomologist from INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), France. During several years of study, the team found that the pest outbreak was caused by changes in soil humidity and temperature. “This was a direct result of climatic changes and global warming,” said Nabil Nemer. Between 1997 and 2003, the Tannourine-Hadath el-Jebbeh Cedar Forest was subjected to aerial spraying with a biopesticide, as scientists started studying the pest. Scientists were able to identify the sex pheromones of this particular species of

Close-up of the damage by Cephalcia tannourinensis (Photo: AUB)

Cephalcia, something which would later help them disrupt the sawfly's reproductive cycle, thus controlling future outbreaks. The sex pheromones of the insect were identified in cooperation with INRA. Funded by the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Environment Programme, a followon project was launched in 2004 on ‘Integrated Management of Cedar Forests in Lebanon in Cooperation with other Mediterranean Countries.’ Implemented by AUB, in collaboration with the Ministry

The Tannourine Forest showing major signs of damage. Reddish-brown cedar needles are proof that Cephalcia tannourinensis has been in this forest (Photo: AUB)

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of Environment, the US$1.2-million project concluded at the end of 2007, with a closing ceremony in Tannourine on 1 December. Its main aims were to identify the cause of the pest outbreak, improve the management of the biodiversity of the cedar forests, and protect them from serious insect pests. Under the project, new monitoring tools have been developed and an action plan for the management of C. tannourinensis has been developed. The tools utilize both colour traps and pheromone traps. The management plan outlines the steps to be followed on an annual basis to monitor the insect. Biological control agents including a local strain of Beauveria bassiana found in the soil of Tannourine were studied for possible applications in the future. The project has also funded four graduate scholarships for students majoring in forest entomology and ecology. A management plan for the Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve has been drawn up. The forest soil profiles were studied and a soil map was prepared. A GIS database and maps were produced. A flora monitoring study was also accomplished. These activities provided important baseline information about the forest for future monitoring for any changes that might occur.


A series of workshops were conducted, targeting primarily the rural sector at Tannourine, with the purpose of training various groups in the local community in activities that would have financial benefits (e.g. preparing traditional food for selling to visitors to the reserve). The project also published a diversity of outputs, from scientific articles to outreach publications including a DVD, booklets, brochures, bird cards, posters – and a website for the Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve (www.arztannourine.org). Further information: Dr Nabil Nemer; Email: nabil.nemer@gmail. com; Dr Nasri S. Kawar; Email: [email protected]; Maha AlAzar, Media Relations, Office of Information and Public Relations, American University of Beirut, Lebanon; Email: [email protected]

The colour of climate change Do fall colours in North America’s forests seem to show up later and later—if at all? It now seems possible that increasing amounts of CO 2 in the atmosphere may be responsible for prolonging the growing season of the trees. And while it may detract from the famous fall colours that draw the tourists, it may actually be good news for forest industries. Writing in Global Change Biology, a team from two continents presented evidence that rising CO 2 levels in the atmosphere act directly to delay the usual autumn spectacle of changing colours and falling leaves in northern hardwood forests. “Basically, this is a good-news story for our region’s forests,” said Michigan Technological University Professor David F. Karnosky. “It suggests that they will become a bit more productive due to the extra carbon being taken up in the autumn, along with the increased photosynthesis throughout the growing season.” The team, from Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin in the USA and Belgium, Italy, Estonia and the UK, collected and analysed data over two years on autumnal senescence: the changing of colours and falling of leaves as photosynthesis decreases. They studied forests in Germany’s Rhineland, Italian Tuscany, and Wisconsin. They found that the


forests on both continents stayed greener longer as CO 2 levels rose, independent of temperature changes. However, the experiments were too brief to indicate how mature forests may be impacted over time. Also, Karnosky’s research in Wisconsin suggested that other factors, such as increasing ozone levels in the part of the atmosphere closest to the ground, can negate the beneficial effects of elevated CO 2. The study’s results are another example of an expanding body of scientific evidence that global climate change is affecting the world’s forests. There has been plenty of evidence gathered previously to show that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is causing tree growth to begin earlier in the spring, but until now, most scientists believed that other factors, such as temperature and length of day, were the primary elements influencing autumnal senescence. *Taylor, G.†, Tallis, M.J., Giardina, C.P., Percy, K.E., Miglietta, F., Gupta, P.S., Gioli, B., Calfapietra, C., Gielen, B., Kubiske, M.E., Scarascia-Mugnozza, G.E., Kets, K., Long, S.P. & Karnosky, D.F. (2008) Future atmospheric CO 2 leads to delayed autumnal senescence. Global Change Biology 14(2), 264–275. doi:10.1111/ j.1365-2486.2007.01473.x [†Email: [email protected]] Source: Michigan Technological University, USA

US Forest Service launches web-based forest threats viewing tool

“The forest threats summary viewer is an excellent tool for individuals concerned about environmental threats to healthy forests, or how these threats affect trees in their backyard,” says Danny C. Lee, EFETAC Director. The viewer is a user-friendly, web-based tool searchable by forest threat (e.g. hemlock woolly adelgid) or by state. Threats are categorized by today’s familiar forest concerns, including invasive plants, insects and diseases, loss of open space, climate change, and wildland fire. The user is also provided with links to other federal, state, and local resources offering additional in-depth information. This initial version of the multi-phased tool will be continually updated. Karin Lichtenstein, NEMAC project manager and research associate said: "This new collaboration allows students to work directly on applied research projects and create real products for the public that help the environment." EFETAC and NEMAC joined forces in June 2006 to create user-friendly tools that share the latest research and expertise concerning threats to forest health. These tools will assist forest landowners, managers, policy makers, scientists, and general audiences make sound land management decisions. Further information: Perdita Spriggs, EFETAC Communications Director, USDA Forest Service Station Headquarters, 200 W.T. Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804, USA; Tel: +1 828 259 0542; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.srs. fs.usda.gov/

The Forest Service's Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center (EFETAC) has launched its forest threats summary viewer, a tool that will provide images, threat distribution maps, additional forestry contact information, and brief descriptions about forest threats throughout the eastern USA. EFETAC partnered with the University of North Carolina (UNC) Asheville's National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC) to develop the tool, which is available on EFETAC’s website (www.forestthreats.org). NEMAC is a joint effort of the Forest Service’s Research and Development, the National Forest System, and State and Private Forestry.

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PEST ANIMALS

Impact of Redbilled Quelea control operations on wetlands in South Africa Lianda Lötter, ARC-PPRI, South Africa* Redbilled Quelea – an agriculturally important migratory bird pest For those who are not familiar with Redbilled Quelea (Quelea quelea sp.) (Figure 1), this bird species is an agriculturally important migratory pest to small grain crop-producing farmers of southern Africa comprising South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique and other neighbouring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. They are highly nomadic, with complex migration patterns in southern Africa that are dictated by changes in seed availability which, in turn, are driven by changes in rainfall patterns. Redbilled Quelea are extremely sociable birds, and feed, drink, roost, and breed in large flocks. The Quelea found in southern Africa seasonally reach plague proportions in agricultural crop areas 1 and can have severe economic impacts by causing extensive damage to food crops such as wheat, sorghum, manna, and millet. The feeding behaviour of the large flocks of Redbilled Quelea birds can result in significant crop losses to commercial and subsistence small grain farmers and severely affect food security. South African legislation The policy for managing the Quelea problem was established in 1994 under Act 36 of 1983. The South African Department of Agriculture, via its Directorate: Land Use and Soil Management (DoA: DLUSM) enforces this Act, and is therefore responsible for providing the required infrastructure and expertise to manage Quelea control operations efficiently, implement moni-

*Lianda Lötter, Environmental Impact: Wetlands and Redbilled Quelea, Agricultural Research Council, Plant Protection Research Institute, Private bag X 134, Queenswood, Pretoria, 0121, South Africa; Email: [email protected]

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toring systems, collect, collate, and store data, and facilitate and fund research. Quelea control in South Africa is only undertaken against those population densities identified as posing an imminent and substantial threat to crops. Special measures must be taken to ensure that Quelea control has a minimal impact on sensitive ecosystems e.g. wetlands, as well as the number of non-target species killed. Redbilled Quelea control operations Habitats preferred by Quelea, whether for breeding or roosting, include natural areas such as reeds, shrubs, and thorny acacia trees. These areas also provide the highest and a relatively stationary concentration of Quelea, presenting the best opportunity for control, usually after sunset. Quelea control is undertaken for crop protection and although various alternative methods of Quelea control have been investigated in South Africa, the more successful methods remain (a) chemical control by aerial application of an organophosphate avicide (terrestrial habitat), and (b) ground-based fuel-air explosion control (terrestrial and aquatic habitat) (Figure 2). Why make such a big fuss about Redbilled Quelea control in wetlands? Current research results indicate that Quelea explosion control operations in wetland habitats should be treated with circumspection and should not only be performed in accordance with Act 36 of 1983, but also in accordance with the relevant sections of the South African National Water Act (NWA, Act no. 36 of 1998). The NWA mandates the control of land-based activities which may pollute water sources. It governs the protection of aquatic and associated ecosystems and their biodiversity in reducing and preventing pollution (defined as any alteration that renders the water less fit for use,

Figure 1: Redbilled Quelea, ♂ (Photo: South African Department of Agriculture)

or harmful, or potentially harmful), and degradation of water sources. In South Africa, wetlands tend to be strongly seasonal. Many wetlands are only temporary features of the landscape, and may undergo change, and eventually disappear. New wetlands are often created elsewhere, and wetlands of no apparent importance may become significant at certain times of the year for migratory birds which exploit these seasonally available resources. The building of farm dams and the location of cultivated land in close proximity to rivers and environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands has not only increased the number of drinking points, but also provided ideal Quelea roosting and breeding sites. The Redbilled Quelea, which breeds and roosts in reedbeds in natural areas such as wetlands, annually causes extensive damage to the small grain crops cultivated nearby. Although control of Redbilled Quelea using groundbased fuel-air explosions in wetlands is an accepted and standardized method used by the Department of Agriculture in South Africa, ongoing research is being undertaken to monitor the impact and recovery of wetlands following fuel-air explosions in wetland systems. A multi-disciplinary task team was established to investigate the


possible biological and ecological impacts to amphibians, birds, terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, small mammals, and vegetation, and to assess the impact on, and recovery of, the wetland system following ground-based fuel-air explosion control. Impact of fuel-air explosions on wetlands and non-target organisms The results obtained from the preand post-Quelea explosion control impact assessments on amphibians, birds, terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, small mammals and vegetation, indicate that species which are closely associated with the water habitat and surrounding areas are likely to suffer the highest impact and mortality from these explosion control activities. Although incidental mortality of non-target animals may occur as a result of the explosion control operation, results of the long-term effects of the Quelea explosion control actions indicate that the wetland ecosystems were still productive after the explosion control operations. This was evidenced by increased butterfly species richness and abundance that occurred three months after the control operations took place. Results also suggest that long-term effects of explosion control actions on anuran and butterfly populations were insignificant.

habitat. These are all factors that need to be considered when undertaking a Quelea explosion control operation in wetland areas, and the model will assist the user to make informed decisions about pending explosion Quelea control actions in wetland ecosystems. Environmentally acceptable alternative control measures, e.g. relocating the Quelea and non-target bird species, or mechanical control of the reedbeds will also be considered as part of wetland Quelea control operations.

Agricultural Research Council and Department of Agriculture. Special thanks go to the Principal Investigators and Team Members for their dedication and commitment to this research project, and to the Quelea Resource Conservation Officers for assisting with site access and collaboration on Quelea information. References 1 Maclean, G.L. (1993) Roberts’ Birds of Southern Africa. John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town.

Acknowledgments We gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the

Figure 2: Layout for ground-based fuel-air explosion control in a wetland area: 20-litre plastic drums containing fuel are spaced at 7–10 m intervals depending on the density of the foliage of the roosting and/or breeding site. Individual drums are connected with detonation cord, and the fuel is detonated using boosters and detonation fuses (Photo: Riaan Robbeson)

Good news for future explosion control operations in wetlands The good news is that the Pesticide Science Division of the Agricultural Research Council, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and various other Governmental organizations, are designing a Wetland Geo-processing model. This model will be a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based decision information support system which incorporates various variables such as the climatological conditions (seasonal effects); the potential destruction of the wetland vegetation; wetland delineation, legislation, management and rehabilitation; the pollution of the water and soil; the presence of Red Data Book species; the utilization of the wetland by Palaearctic and intra-African migratory birds and waterfowl species; the value of the wetland for feeding, roosting, breeding and refugia; and the value of the wetland as faunal


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Pest control research spans the Tasman Sea The New Zealand wild animal pest control specialist Connovation Ltd, based in Auckland, is developing new, fast acting and humane products to control wild dogs and pigs in Australia, using investment of just over NZ$200,000 from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST). Chief Executive Duncan MacMorran explained, “The funding from FRST enabled us to develop a product that has export potential for our company (and New Zealand), and this was one of the reasons that FRST funded this work. The program also covered the development of a cyanide bait for feral pigs (again looking at primarily the Australian market).” He added that Connovation “specialises in providing innovative, humane, environmentally responsible and practical solutions. We have a highly skilled research department, strong collaborations with other researchers and universities, and the ability to successfully commercialise our research.” At the heart of the R&D programme, which has received investment through the Foundation’s Technology for Business Growth (TBG) scheme is the development of a targeted PAPP-based bait (paraaminopropiophenone). This is rapidly absorbed into the body and effective in killing larger animals such as wild dogs. Trials of the bait have focused on its use with wild, introduced foxes in Australia, which attack and kill farmers’ stock. Early trials of the product were carried out in Tibet where wild dogs, which frequently carry hydatids [tapeworms], are a problem in many Buddhist monasteries. “They were looking for a humane way to control the dogs which our product offers,” said MacMorran. He said the product is unique and is likely to attract a lot of interest internationally once it has been registered for use in Australia, a milestone likely to be reached within the next 12 months. “A lot of companies around the world have tried unsuccessfully to develop PAPP-based toxins, but no one else has yet been able to make it work. We’ve already had interest from the United Kingdom and expect a lot more once the product is available.”

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As well as being on target to deliver new weapons to deal with Australia’s wild dog and feral pig problem, the project has connected Connovation with Tasmanian state government authorities looking for more humane alternatives to 1080 to control possums and wallabies. Although possums are a protected species in much of Australia, some control is permitted in Tasmania in areas where possums are damaging crops. As a result, Connovation has been awarded $300,000 of an Au$1.4 million research grant from the Tasmanian Government and is hopeful its core Feratox® product – encapsulated cyanide pellets – will be selected to control the pests. Encapsulation prevents animals from detecting the odour or taste of the cyanide. The pellets do not leave any cyanide residues in the environment or in the dead possums, which can be safely eaten by scavengers or left to decompose. MacMorran says Connovation is also carrying out further work on another of its core products – Skunk Shot – to determine its potential use in Tasmania. Skunk Shot is a synthetic and non toxic version of the skunk smell which was developed by scientists at Victoria University

of Wellington as a repellent for cats and dogs in the lawn or garden. Robin Hyde, an investment performance manager with FRST, says Connovation’s success illustrates that the value of doing research and development frequently extends far beyond the potential revenue from the final, developed products. “Connovation has encountered a wealth of spin-off benefits, including new, first class academic linkages, skills in attaining regulatory approval, as well as new customer and partner channels,” he says. Further information: Duncan MacMorran, CEO, Connovation Limited; Tel: +64 9 273 4333; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.connovation.co.nz/

Connovation CEO Duncan MacMorran (right) and leading toxicologist and Connovation Director Dr Charles Eason (left) with a tray of their core Feratox® product (Photo: Fairfax Media/Trevor Coppock)


Ecological rat management An issue of LEISA Magazine, published by ILEIA (Centre for Information on Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture), devoted to ecological pest management includes an article on ecologically based rodent management (EBRM)*. Research has been taking place in many countries in Asia and Africa in which research and extension institutions work in collaboration with farming communities. The article focuses on work conducted in villages in Bangladesh involving the villagers, a local NGO (Association for Integrated Development, Comilla), the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Australia’s CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), and NRI (Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, UK) to illustrate how EBRM can be developed in practice. The author, Steven Belmain of NRI, says that failure to tackle rodent problems in such communities has several causes. Knowledge of the impact of rats tends to be anecdotal and not quantified. Traditional methods of rodent control are frequently not used properly and are not adapted to local conditions, so have little impact on rodent populations. In consequence people believe they must simply live with the problem. This mindset can be changed if people come to understand the true costs of rodents to them, at which point they can decide how much they are willing to invest to try and reduce this. At the outset, therefore, it is essential to acquire and share knowledge of the true impact of rats on livelihoods. In Bangladesh, this was achieved through research and interviews to quantify loss and damage to crops in the field and in stores. Interviews also revealed the effectiveness of existing management activities – and revealed some non-food losses including damage to houses, possessions, roads and fields. Once the size of the problem is understood, developing an ecologically based strategy involves three steps:  Find out what rodent species are involved and their habits. Rodent species are highly adaptable. Knowing where they live, to what (crops, stored food and health) they cause damage – when and where, and its type and extent – is important for targeting control measures.  Understand the end-users. Developing a locally acceptable strategy means taking into account people’s financial and


time constraints, cultural attitudes (e.g. rodents can be an important source of dietary protein as well as pests) and knowledge levels (e.g. acute poisons are often used because people like to see a quick kill while chronic poisons may often be seen to be ineffective).  Evaluate how effective different measures are likely to be in specific circumstances, and select the most appropriate. This also entails considering how chosen technologies should be implemented to maximize impact. While rodenticides are a powerful tool in urban situations and large-scale agriculture, in the Bangladesh villages in this study, typifying many rural and peri-urban situations, poisons were less suitable. The focus was on trapping and environmental management. Given the huge range of foraging rats, EBRM calls for communities to work together, which presents difficulties, but also reduces costs for individual farmers. Intensive trapping is labour-intensive but is usually familiar – a number of local trap designs may be available. The key is to choose effective ones (if they are not available locally, this needs to be addressed at market and policy levels) and have them deployed on an areawide basis. In the Bangladesh project, communities managed a system of daily trapping, with about 50% of households deploying 1–2 good quality traps (positions of traps were moved as responsibility rotated so all households took a turn). Largely as a consequence of this, rodent populations were reduced by more than 80% in two months – and remained low as long as the trapping continued. Another technology developed for small-scale agriculture is the trap barrier system, which relies on planting a lure (early maturing) crop inside a rodentproof fence and trapping the rodents attracted inside it in multiple-capture live traps. There are constraints, insofar as other crops in the area should be grown at about the same time, but the system can clear rodents from a large area. Environmental management – changing the availability of food, water and nesting sites – can be a particularly effective way of discouraging rats near human habitation and stored food. Measures include rodent-proofing food stores, covering stored water (which also prevents contamination) and sanitary activities (e.g. keeping housing areas free from refuse).

Not all pest species are the same. Knowing your enemy is the first step of a successful pest management approach (Photo of Bandicota bengalensis: Steven Belmain/ University of Greenwich)

Lastly, good hygiene practices can reduce exposure to rats. Promoting this varies from encouraging hand-washing with soap, to introducing hygienic butchering and food preparation practices where rodents are eaten as food. The idea of EBRM is often greeted with scepticism because of people’s poor experience with previous attempts at rodent management. The final challenge is therefore to encourage communities to assess the impact of the measures they have implemented on their lives and livelihoods. This calls for education and extension with a focus on demonstration and community participation. By comparing intervention and non-intervention villages using various criteria, the Bangladesh project found a reduction in rodent impact through EBRM of 60–80%. Farmer assessments indicated the new measures cost about the same (both time and money) as what they were doing before, but with far larger benefits. The three-step approach to rodent management is now being extended to southern Africa through the Ecorat project (www.nri.org/ecorat). *Belmain, S.R. (2007) Rats: an ecologically-based approach for managing a global problem. LEISA Magazine 23(4), December 2007, pp. 18–20. Web: www. leisa.info Further information: Steven R. Belmain, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK; Email: [email protected]

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New Zealand looks at how to manage multiple pests Effective management of invasive vertebrate pests requires an understanding of the pests’ ecology, and development of effective strategies and tactics (tools) to control them. Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, New Zealand's foremost environmental research organization, has a Pest Control Technologies Team, which focuses on providing improved pest management through new and improved management strategies, tools and techniques – ranging from biological control to traps and toxins. The key pest targets are possums, rodents, stoats, ferrets and invertebrates (wasps, ants). Research is undertaken for central and local governments, national and international agencies, and private companies. The team currently has three interrelated 4-year research programmes, funded by the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, based around the control of vertebrate pests, two of which will provide information for developing improved strategies (i.e. of where, when, and what species to control), and one that will provide improved tactics (i.e. more-costeffective solutions) for implementing those strategies. All three programmes focus on possums, rats and stoats as the highest priority pests, but are independently dealing with a subset of these species for experimental purposes. The research is just over halfway through, and it is envisaged that in another two years, results from all three programmes will be used in bioeconomic models to develop more-cost-effective strategies for dealing with multiple pests over a range of spatial scales. The first programme (Multi-Species Dynamics, led by Wendy Ruscoe) examines how different mammal pest species interact when one or others change in abundance, mainly as a result of single-species control. Such information will ensure there are no perverse outcomes such as an increase of rats that pose a greater threat to biodiversity than possums when the latter are controlled; that only critical pest species are targeted; and that the timing and frequency of control can be optimized by taking account of any time lags in population responses and differences in speciesspecific rates of recovery. The second programme (Spatial Ecology & Modelling, led by Andrea Byrom) examines how possum, rat and

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stoat distributions are influenced by local habitat characteristics, how these may influence recovery rates of their populations, and how dispersal and immigration influence the size of control buffers and control strategies. Such information will enable control strategies to be optimized by providing information on how control can be better aligned with natural spatial patchiness of pest populations; providing information on where pre-emptive control might be targeted to prevent predicted population increases; and enabling the costs of low-frequency buffer control to be compared with the alternative highfrequency in situ control. The third programme (Multi-Species Pest Control, led by Bruce Warburton and Graham Nugent) focuses on new and improved tools for detecting, monitoring and controlling possums, rats and stoats, with the aim of achieving local eradication of all three species and developing perimeter control strategies that minimize subsequent immigration. The results from this programme will enable pests to be controlled over large areas at lower costs, with lower risks to non-target species, lower environmental contamination, and minimal animal welfare concerns.

Advertise in International Pest Control and get targeted results To discuss your advertising requirements contact Ras Patel. Tel: +44 (0)1628 600499 Fax: +44 (0)1628 600488 raspatel@researchinformation. co.uk Research Information Ltd Grenville Court, Britwell Road, Burnham, Buckinghamshire SL1 8DF, United Kingdom IPC_July 06_w

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Further information: Andrea Byrom ([email protected]), Wendy Ruscoe ([email protected]), Bruce Warburton ([email protected]) or Graham Nugent ([email protected]);

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Cryptosporidium and giardia in drinking water: not just a problem for industrialized countries Lucy Robertson*, posted on the CABI Blog ‘Hand-picked and carefully sorted’ A speaker at the 8th Central American and Caribbean Congress on Parasitology and Tropical Medicine 2007, Dr Robertson pointed out that as countries strive to improve their standards of public health, we should find it intolerable to accept the transmission of these infections via drinking water anywhere. Of the parasitic infections with a global impact, both cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis come relatively low on the list. However, acute infections with both can be extremely debilitating in the shortterm, the paucity of chemotherapy for cryptosporidiosis can mean that it may be a fatal infection for the immunocompromised, and refractory giardiasis can be associated with prolonged morbidity, even after apparent recovery from the infection. Both infections most surely contribute to the global death toll from diarrhoeal infections, particularly in children. Currently this stands at 2.2 million children annually; one every 14 seconds. The high excretion rate, low infective dose, and robust transmission stages of both parasites lend themselves to dissemination by drinking water, and there have been many extensive waterborne outbreaks of both parasites in which hundreds or thousands of individuals have been infected. On the whole, outbreak reports are usually from industrialized countries1. For example, in 1993 over 400,000 people developed cryptosporidiosis in Milwaukee, USA, due to contamination of the drinking water supply2 and, more recently, in 2004, in Bergen, Norway, over 1500 people suffered from giardiasis due to water supply contamination3. At the 8th Central American and Caribbean Congress on Parasitology and

*Seksjon for Parasittologi, Institutt for mattrygghet og infeksjonsbiologi, Norges veterinærhøgskole, PO boks 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway; Tel: +47 22 96 49 66; Fax: +47 22 96 49 65; Email: Lucy.Robertson@ veths.no. For original blog see: cabiblog. typepad.com/hand_picked/2008/01/ cryptosporidi-2.html


Tropical Medicine** in Havana, Cuba (4–7 December 2007), various groups gave presentations concerning different aspects of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, but only one plenary session was devoted to the detection of these parasites in water and other environmental matrices. YET many of the delegates come from countries or regions in which drinking water supplies are more vulnerable to contamination, or where water treatment is minimal: these populations are obviously at greater risk from these diseases, and, in addition, the exposed populations are often more likely to be susceptible to more severe symptoms from both infections. Though drinking water transmission must occur, for these communities cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are rarely seen as a pressing problem and outbreaks go unreported. There are various possible reasons for this situation, including:  Where drinking water infrastructure is poor, both infections could be so widespread that outbreaks cannot be identified against background infections.  Persistent exposure has resulted in some degree of immunity amongst the adult populations in such communities. Nevertheless, as countries strive to improve their standards of public health, we should find it intolerable to accept the transmission of these infections via drinking water anywhere. Over 490 delegates attended the Congress, 290 from Cuba, and 202 from other countries, particularly Latin America, but also including Japan, Europe, Africa and Central Asia, in an impressive programme organized by the Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine in Havana. In my presentation I was attempting to describe the reasons for assessing water and food as vehicles for these infections, and the various methods and approaches by which this could be accomplished. By illustrating the web of interactions between

water, food, parasites, and human health, I hoped to demonstrate that by having knowledge of contamination, suitable strategies could be implemented to reduce or eliminate these routes of transmission. The enthusiasm and dedication of the many delegates at the Congress was notable, but from the questions after my talk it was clear that to many of them the technical and political aspects of analysing water supplies for parasites seemed insurmountable. This is understandable; as the parasites cannot be cultured like bacteria, detection of both parasites in drinking water involves separating the individual transmission stages from the water. It is a costly procedure with multiple steps, including immunomagnetic separation and detection by immunofluorescent microscopy. Nevertheless, identification and interruption of transmission routes for these parasites is essential in their control, and with the 2015 Millennium Development Goals deadline approaching (MDG 4, 6 & 7 indicators are relevant here, see 4), the time is ripe for global players to step in and ensure that drinking water supplies everywhere are parasite-free. 1 Karanis, P., Kourenti, C. & Smith, H. (2007) Waterborne transmission of protozoan parasites: a worldwide review of outbreaks and lessons learnt. Journal of Water Health 5(1), 1–38. 2 MacKenzie, W.R., Hoxie, N.J., Proctor, M.E., Gradus, M.S., Blair, K.A., Peterson, D.E., Kazmierczak, J.J., Addiss, D.G., Fox, K.R., Rose, J.B. & Davis, J.P. (1994) A massive outbreak in Milwaukee of Cryptosporidium infection transmitted through the public water supply. New England Journal of Medicine 331(3), 161–167. 3 Robertson, L.J., Hermansen, L., Gjerde, B.K., Strand, E., Alvsvåg, J.O. & Langeland, N. (2006) Application of genotyping during an extensive outbreak of waterborne giardiasis in Bergen, Norway during autumn and winter 2004. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 72, 2212–2217. 4 UN MDG progress chart, indicators for MDG 4, 6 and 7: namely reducing under 5 child mortality by 2/3, the combat of malaria, HIV/AIDS and other diseases, halving the proportion without improved drinking water. ** The Central American and Caribbean Congress on Parasitology and Tropical Medicine is a biennial event: Cuba 2007 included 32 plenary sessions, and over 350 poster presentations, as well as four pre-congress workshops, 11 symposia, and nine roundtable discussions. The next Congress is scheduled for 2009 in Costa Rica.

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New nonchemical approach to curbing mosquitoes By Sharon Durham, USDA Agricultural Research Service Most pesticides are toxic to insects and humans alike, but a molecular pesticide developed by US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) scientists may provide a new way to deal with mosquito pests without causing a risk to human health. The molecular pesticide technology would also overcome the mosquito's ability to develop resistance to particular pesticides. A molecular pesticide has nucleic acid, such as DNA or RNA, as its active ingredient. The technology also has potential to be used against other insect pests. The technology was developed by ARS entomologists Julia W. Pridgeon and James J. Becnel, in the ARS Mosquito and Fly Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida. Their technology prevents mosquitoes from producing essential proteins necessary for their survival. Although other approaches to nonchemical pest control are being pursued, this ARS invention has certain advantages.

 The molecular pesticide concept allows scientists to design each pesticide specifically for the targeted individual pest species. It interrupts genes essential for insect survival, causing the insect to die. This recently discovered technology maximizes safety and minimizes environmental impact on beneficial insects.  Molecular pesticides should be effective against pest species that are resistant to conventional chemical pesticides.  Chemical pesticides often have an impact on the physiological systems shared by humans, but this new method targets only specific genes of the pest species.  Molecular pesticides can be easily administered—by contacting the insect externally.  This technology would reduce the time and costs associated with obtaining regulatory approval of new products and would also serve as a

A molecular pesticide, in which nucleic acid is the active ingredient, prevents a mosquito from making proteins necessary for survival. Above, a mosquito gets a blood meal (Photo: ARS)

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model system for developing novel insecticides.  Successful development and transfer of molecular pesticides could represent a quantum leap in developing new toxicants for pest control. A patent application for this technology has been submitted and ARS is seeking a cooperative research and development partner to develop appropriate formulations that can be marketed and sold commercially. This research was partially funded by the Deployed WarFighter Protection Research Program funded from the US Department of Defense. Source: www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2007/ 071220.htm

Metarhizium with a sting Trials have previously shown Metarhizium anisopliae can impact on adult mosquito populations, but efficacy and cost considerations diminish prospects for its use. A possibility for overcoming these impediments has been highlighted by recent research in which M. anisopliae, genetically modified to express a scorpion toxin, showed increased fungal toxicity to and speed of kill of Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue and yellow fever. Killing mosquitoes at lower spore concentrations could lower costs. The work signposts a novel ‘paratransgenic’ method, whereby pathogens could deliver molecules to control insects – or even microbes and viruses they carry. While Metarhizium is already used in agriculture (notably against locusts), it is seen as a ‘green’ product: a GM biopesticide would rule itself out of organic agriculture, for example. The health sector may provide an alternative opportunity for GM Metarhizium. If it were able to rapidly deplete mosquito populations in urban settings, for example, it would be likely to gain acceptance by people in malariaendemic areas. Wang, C. & St Leger, R.J. (2007) A scorpion neurotoxin increases the potency of a fungal insecticide. Nature Biotechnology 25, 1455–1456. Thomas, M.B. & Read, A.F. (2007) Fungal bioinsecticide with a sting. Nature Biotechnology 25, 1367–1368.


Bed nets being deployed against malaria across Africa The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the world's largest international financier of the fight against malaria, announced in late November 2007 that programmes it supports have so far delivered 46 million bed nets to families at risk of contracting malaria, a 155% increase over last year's result of 18 million. With approved financing for 146 programmes fighting malaria in 78 countries, worth more than US$3.6 billion over five years, the Global Fund also provided the financing for effective drugs to treat approximately 44 million people suffering from malaria. Insecticide-treated bed nets are one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent malaria transmission. Recently published studies show that a combined programme of bed nets and treatment can reduce transmission by as much as 90% in areas with high coverage rates. Since insecticide-treated nets kill mosquitoes, they also help reduce malaria transmission community-wide. "The international community is rising to the challenge of malaria. The encouraging results released today show that more people are accessing bed nets and malaria treatment than ever before. Malaria-related sickness and death are falling in a number of key countries. This is due to the hard work of the countries implementing Global Fund-supported programmes and the invaluable help of technical partners such as the World Health Organization and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership," said Dr Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund. "But malaria still claims more than a million lives a year. Our challenge is to make bed nets available for everyone at risk of malaria, especially children and pregnant women, and to expand access to the latest treatment." Ethiopia, which has two Global Fund malaria grants worth more than US$214 million over five years, almost quadrupled the number of bed nets delivered to people living in malaria endemic regions: from 2.5 million at the end of 2006 to 9.4 million to date. Other countries that witnessed a dramatic scale up of bed net delivery through Global Fund financing are Kenya and Rwanda with 3.3 million and 2.4 million bed nets delivered, respectively. "These figures are very positive. Insecticide-treated bed nets are one of


the key tools to prevent malaria and it is important that everybody living in malaria endemic regions has access to one," said Dr Awa Marie Coll-Seck, Executive Director of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership. "The Global Fund is fueling the engine of the global fight against malaria. We are proud of the increasing gains being made by endemic countries. This must continue." These new results come just a few weeks after a malaria conference organized by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, where leading scientists and health experts discussed the possibility of increasing malaria prevention targets and potentially eliminating the disease as a global public health problem. While the Global Fund provides the largest amounts of money against

malaria, efforts by national governments and a number of organizations, such as UNICEF, many Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies, the Canadian government, Population Services International, the US President's Malaria Initiative, the World Bank, and others, are together driving down malaria deaths in large parts of Africa leading to the optimism voiced in Seattle. At the Global Fund Board Meeting, held in China earlier this month, the Board approved a seventh round of funding of 73 new grants worth more than US$1.1 billion over two years. The scope and quality of malaria proposals was especially strong, representing 38% of all approved proposals. Further information: Jon Lidén, Head, Communications Office; Tel: + 41 22 791 17 23; Email: jon.liden@ theglobalfund.org; Or Nicolas Demey, Communications Officer; Tel: + 41 22 791 59 57; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.theglobalfund.org/

European–African partnership trial compares four new antimalarial treatments Late 2007 saw the start of a multicentre clinical trial, coordinated by the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine in Belgium, to determine the safety and the efficacy of four new antimalarial treatments, so called artemisinine-based combination therapies (ACTs). The study, called 4ABC, will be carried out in seven African countries (Burkina Faso, Gabon, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia). Financial support comes from the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trial Partnership (EDCTP) and the Belgian, British and German governments. Such a ‘head-to-head’ comparison of ACTs has never been conducted before and will provide essential information to help malaria-endemic countries choose the most appropriate treatment. Every year between one and two million people, mainly African children, die of malaria. Following the spread of resistance of the malaria parasite to chloroquine and other common antimalarial drugs, childhood mortality in Africa has

been increasing since the 1980s. Artemisinin derivatives are the most potent antimalarials available today. They can rapidly cure malaria but their action is short and therefore a combination with another antimalarial drug with a longer persistence in the blood is necessary. The use of ACTs should also prevent or slow down the emergence of drug-resistant malaria parasites. Two of the tested ACTs have already been registered (Coartem, Coarsucam) while others are about to be registered (dihydroartemisinpiperaquine, chlorproguanildapsone +artesunate). Previous clinical trials were relatively limited in scale and did not test all these treatments at the same time. Further information: Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Tel: +32 3 2476666; Fax:+32 3 2161431; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.itg. be/itg/

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AGROCHEMICALS EU pesticide news Kept in suspense... Political agreement on the EU Thematic Strategy on Pesticides was reportedly reached on 17 December but, as this issue went to press, details of the agreement had not been made public. The new strategy includes two bills: a regulation governing approval and marketing of pesticides (to replace Directive 91/414 and a new directive on the sustainable use of pesticides. Two frequently opposing camps are united in suspense. Following the meetings of the EU Agriculture Council on 17–19 December 2007, the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) restated that unless the Agricultural Council amends the existing draft Regulation for placing pesticides on the market, farmers will be left with few solutions for protecting important crops. ECPA is urging the Agricultural Council to decide against hazard-based criteria, as proposed by the European Parliament in October, which could lead to a loss of 80% of insecticides and 70% of fungicides, severely reducing the tools for sustainable plant protection in Europe. In many cases, they say, farmers will lose their last lines of defence against pests and disease which is ultimately to the detriment of European consumers. Environmental groups, meanwhile, are concerned that concessions over pesticide use may have watered down the draft regulations. It seems agreement was reached to allow national authorities to designate “appropriatelysized” buffer zones around water bodies where pesticide use is prohibited, for restricting or banning pesticide use in some public areas, and for banning aerial pesticide spraying (with certain exceptions for Bulgaria and Romania). But the Council reportedly discarded some stricter measures passed by the European Parliament during its first reading on 23 October, and in particular those relating to national reduction targets to halve the use of high risk and highly toxic pesticide by 2013. ...but not over PIC The European Parliament has voted to relax restrictions on exporting chemicals where importing countries have not given prior informed consent (PIC), saying this will open export opportunities without compromising environmental safety. In the absence of replies within two months to requests for authorization

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from the proposed importing country, European Union (EU) companies will receive 12-month export approvals, so long as the chemicals concerned are already licensed in the importing country. This is the latest attempt to untangle complications that began in 2003, when the EU became party to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. This stipulates that exporting countries must receive explicit consent from importing countries before they can export certain chemical substances. Problems with PIC were soon exposed as EU companies encountered delays, sometimes stretching into years, in obtaining PIC. In February 2006, the EU Court of Justice annulled the EU's implementing regulation of the Rotterdam Convention citing a faulty legal basis. Later the same year, the European Commission proposed a new regulation with an amended legal basis, also recommending more lenient procedures for approving exports so that opportunities to export safe chemicals were not lost because of administrative delays. Main source: www.EurActive.com

Saskatchewan farmers CleanFARMS of obsolete pesticides Farmers in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan brought in 124,516 kg of unwanted and obsolete pesticides for safe disposal to 45 designated ag-retail collection sites during the Obsolete Pesticide Collection Campaign on 23– 25 October 2007. The collection programme is part of CropLife Canada's commitment to environmental responsibility and its StewardshipFirst™ programme, which promotes safe and responsible use of crop protection products from development through to disposal. “This program provided a safe, effective and cost-free way for farmers to properly dispose of obsolete products,” said Lorne Hepworth, President, CropLife Canada. “Together with farmers, government, stakeholders and industry, we have continued to demonstrate our industry's commitment to the environment and the safety of our communities.”

The Obsolete Pesticide Collection Campaign is an industry-led stewardship programme aimed at collecting and safely disposing of obsolete agricultural pesticides. CropLife Canada partnered with the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan Inc. through the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Saskatchewan (ACAAFS) Program provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The programme was also supported by Saskatchewan Ag Retailers, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, Saskatchewan Environment and the Canadian Association of AgriRetailers. “Stewardship has and will always be our number one priority. These types of programs build upon our industry's commitment to environment and public health,” says Hepworth. To date, more than 1.2 million kilograms of obsolete pesticides have been collected throughout Canada, highlighting both the need and support for this initiative. Further information: Kristina Fixter, Communication & Member Services, CropLife Canada; Tel: +1 416 622 9771, ext. 224; Email: [email protected]

Green laws and lawns under discussion in Ontario In Canada, the Government of Ontario announced a toxins reduction strategy in November 2007. As part of this, it plans to introduce legislation to ban cosmetic use of pesticides in the spring of 2008. While this was welcomed by some organizations – for example, Janet Kasperski, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario College of Family Physicians said, "We need to choose the health of our children over the odd weed" – Canada’s plant science industry called for science evidence to be the foundation for discussions. "We understand that various organizations – and individual Ontarians – have questions and concerns about the responsible use of pest control products to maintain properties, and we look forward to taking part in those discussions," said Peter MacLeod, Vice President, CropLife Canada. "However, it's important that the well-established scientific standards used by Health Canada and other regulatory agencies around the world on these matters be the benchmarks for discussion about possible changes to rules governing the use of pest control products."


In January 2008 the Government of Ontario issued a policy proposal notice, which clarified the scope of the legislation: “The ban would apply to cosmetic uses, such as ‘lawns, private gardens, parks and school yards’ with a focus on ‘small towns and cities, not on restrictions for rural residents’,” adding that agriculture and golf courses would be exempt (although the latter would need to develop plans to limit the environmental impact of pesticides). The statement emphasized that the Government would ensure pesticides can still be used where it is warranted to ensure public health (e.g. to fight West Nile virus). It added, “The focus of our efforts will be on outreach and education on alternatives to pesticides on lawns. Enforcement will be a last resort.” The Government also declared it would look at other places (including neighbouring Quebec) where use of some pesticides has been banned. In Ontario, the public has the opportunity to provide feedback on specific aspects of the proposal until 17 February. Further information: Robert Bilyea, Senior Policy Advisor, Ministry of the Environment, Integrated Environmental Planning Division, Strategic Policy Branch, 135 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 11, Toronto Ontario, M4V 1P5, Canada; Phone: +1 416 314 5605; Fax: 416 314 2976; Web: www.ebr. gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/ (EBR Registry No.: 010-2248). Kristina Fixter, Communication & Member Services, CropLife Canada; Tel: +1 416 622 9771, ext. 224; Email: [email protected]

Cause-marketing pesticide labels: more time to comment The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended by 90 days (until 27 March 2008) the deadline for public comments on its controversial proposal to allow pesticide product labels with third-party endorsements and cause-marketing claims. In a letter dated 28 December 2007 to the organization Beyond Pesticides it said, “The Agency is particularly interested in assuring that its State partners in pesticide regulations, as well as organizations such as yours, have adequate opportunity for comments.” The issue of cause-marketing on pesticide labels emerged last year when Clorox petitioned EPA to allow it to display the Red Cross logo on some of its products, including pine-sol and bleach products.


Beyond Pesticides pointed out in March 2007 “the significance of allowing the use of a symbol that implies safety,” and stressed that, “The bottom line is that misleading information on pesticide labels can contribute to pesticide misuse.” Some government agencies have agreed – such as the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) who in April 2007 said that, “The America Red Cross as an organization and the red cross as a symbol are well understood to mean (at least) safety, and it is MDA’s opinion and position that inclusion of such a symbol and organization name on a pesticide label would constitute misbranding.” Further information: EPA Pesticides; www.epa.gov/pesticides/index.htm; Beyond Pesticides; www.beyondpesticides.org/

TOPPS for water quality New advice for operators to keep pesticides out of water has recently been published by UK and European experts. The initiative, Training the Operators to Prevent Pollution from Point Sources, or ‘TOPPS’, is the first of its kind to collate and define best management practice from 15 European countries. The initiative is funded under the European Commission’s Life Programme and by ECPA, the European Crop Protection Association and 12 other partners across Europe. TOPPS aims for a sustainable improvement of water quality through education and training with the key messages being published in a supporting leaflet entitled ‘Best Practice, Better Water Protection’. Research suggests that a significant proportion of pesticides reaching water come from point sources and that a few drops of spilt pesticide can break water quality standards. The best management practice recommendations focus on six stages in the pesticide management process – including transport, storage, before, during and after spraying, and remnant/waste management – where improvements in operator practice will have a positive impact on reducing pesticide losses. Following a few simple rules can help stop pesticides reaching water. Simon Cooper at Harper Adams University College and the UK Partner Co-ordinator of TOPPS emphasizes, “Everyone who uses pesticides has a responsibility to ensure that they use them safely, correctly and effectively. TOPPS strives to re-enforce this message and disseminate consistent

advice, training and information across Europe. Following a few simple rules can help stop pesticides reaching water. Whenever you are using pesticides it is essential to adopt best practice to protect water.” The TOPPS best practice guidelines outlined in the leaflet have been developed in conjunction with the Voluntary Initiative. In addition, a communications network has been established, along with informative publications, training material and the identification of demonstration farms. The Farm at Harper Adams University College is a Demonstration Farm for TOPPS and venue for training events, demonstrations, talks, training days and conferences. Advice includes simple procedures and tips on operational check-lists, transportation, storage, equipment calibration, travelling to the field, mixing and loading, avoiding contamination, drift and run-off, cleaning, container disposal, and management of unwanted stocks, leftover spray solutions and solid remnants. Further information: TOPPS is a virtual network of partners, stakeholders and experts; Email: info@topps-life. org; Web: www.TOPPS-life.org

US crop protection industry pushes container recycling regulation CropLife America is calling on the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to proceed on a definitive schedule with a rule to require the recycling of empty, disposable plastic pesticide containers used in agricultural and professional applications in the USA. “Voluntary efforts taken by the industry since the early 1990s to collect and recycle such containers have demonstrated the clear benefit to the environment and public health; now it is time to have a regulatory requirement placed on all affected pesticide registrants to both expand the reach of the current voluntary programs and spread the financial responsibility among all the benefiting pesticide companies,” said Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CropLife America. “Without such a rule, the voluntary program is headed for collapse, so it is urgent that EPA act to preserve and expand this important stewardship initiative.” Vroom met with EPA Administrator Steve Johnson in late October to urge action on the association’s request to EPA and followed that meeting with a letter calling on EPA to publish such a

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proposed rule “on or before January 15, 2008” which could lead to a finalized rule by 15 July 2008. “CropLife America members have invested more than $50 million in supporting voluntary collection and recycling programs since the early 1990s, and that cash investment has been supported with the sweat equity of farmers, other professional pesticide users, dealers and many others in proper collection of empty containers,” Vroom continued. “But our efforts to get all pesticide registrants to pay their fair share of the cost of voluntary programs have failed, and the only way to keep our progress in place and growing is to require all registrant companies to support recycling if they benefit from access to the market via disposable, one-way HDPE plastic containers.” During the meeting with Administrator Johnson, CropLife America presented copies of more than 50 grassroots letters addressed to EPA this year which endorse the Agency proceeding with such a recycling regulation. “The support is clear and in writing from state governors, state pesticide regulators, state departments of agriculture, commodity and farm groups and registrants—everyone wants to see the success of the voluntary programs preserved and extended. We know of no one who stands in opposition to EPA moving forward,” Vroom concluded. CropLife America has emphasized that a new pesticide regulatory requirement would only apply to pesticide containers. “The proposed rule would be done under the auspices of the US pesticide law, thereby focusing this recycling requirement only on such containers,” Vroom said. “Further, such a regulation can be effective because it would be monitored by EPA in two ways – first, by requiring annual reporting by registrants of their individual support of recycling programs, commensurate with their marketing of pesticides in disposable plastic containers, and secondly, by way of checking on the proper rinsing of all empty containers—as currently required under existing pesticide regulation.” EPA has been asked for a prompt response by CLA so that the association can, in turn, assess its full legal and policy options should the Agency deny the request for regulatory extension of the current voluntary recycling system. Source: www.croplifeamerica.org/

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Criticisms emerge of plan to merge UK PSD with the HSE Defra (the UK Department of Food and Rural Affairs) has proposed merging the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD), which controls and monitors the use of pesticides in the UK, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), but some of the scientific and policy advantages it cites are questioned by the RELU (Rural Economy and Land Use) research team working on the environmental and regulatory sustainability of biopesticides at the University of Warwick. Defra say its proposals would allow PSD to retain its distinct identity within a single UK chemical regulator for pesticides, biocides, chemicals and detergents, while strategic policy responsibility for pesticides would remain with Defra. It argues that its proposals are in line with the recommendations of the 2005 Hampton Review, which aimed to make Government’s inspection and enforcement functions simpler and more customer focused and recommended consolidating the 31 national regulatory bodies into seven thematic regulators. Professor Wyn Grant of RELU questions the “preoccupation with the number and size of regulatory bodies”, suggesting that, “In time a regulatory body which is focused on a particular task and attentive to stakeholders may come to be seen as more appropriate than a larger and possibly more unwieldy body.” He suggests that if the merger must go ahead, relocating the biocides group within HSE to York would be a logical development. Retaining PSD staff at the York location, as is proposed, is essential if specialized staff are to be retained. This is particularly critical in view of the importance of European representation, argues Professor Grant, who points out that at present it is unclear how the claimed gains from merger are to be secured but that safeguarding and nurturing PSD expertise will be essential. The RELU team are sceptical about whether the HSE will be able to draw effectively on the consumer and organizational focus of the smaller PSD, which is implicit in Defra’s claim of a low risk approach to implementation to mitigate loss of business continuity, focus and expertise. They also put a question mark over the wisdom of retaining strategic pesticides policy in Defra. While recognizing that there needs to be a (very small) capacity within Defra to advise ministers on strategic issues, Professor Grant notes that: “This is an aspect of

the overall culture of PSD, the ability to understand the broader picture and have effective engagement with stakeholder organisations that needs to be retained within a merged organisation. Otherwise, the focus of its work could be unduly technical and narrow.” On the role of the Pesticides Forum, Professor Grant acknowledges the difficulty of getting a balance between a body that is broadly representative and one that is too unwieldy to effectively discharge its business, and suggests that, while: “On the whole, that balance is probably about right, the criteria for membership should perhaps be made more explicit.” Finally, the RELU team note that while much is made of the broad chemical focus of PSD, its pioneering work in the area of biopesticides is not mentioned in the proposition but should not be neglected. They fear there is a risk that the greater focus on chemicals strategy within the merged organization might lead to less attention being paid to the contribution of biological agents to the achievement of sustainability objectives. Professor Grant stresses that: “The features of the Biopesticides Scheme need to be safeguarded, in particular the reduced fee structure for biologicals.”

UK sprayers encouraged to be good neighbours The UK farmer organization, NFU (National Farmers’ Union), launched a ‘Good Neighbour Initiative’ in November 2007, which aims to minimize inconvenience to the public from pesticide spraying operations near residential areas. The scheme was launched through a farmers’ leaflet, ‘Spraying responsibly – best practice when spraying near to residential areas’, which was included as the centre section of December’s issue of the NFU publication British Farmer and Grower read by more than 100,000 subscribers. A spray operator guide was also being distributed to some 14,000 spray operators via the annual training roadshow, ‘Slug, Solids and Safety’, supported by AIC (Agricultural Industries Confederation) and run by the National Proficiency Training Council. The initiative is a joint effort of the NFU, AIC, AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association), CLA (Country Land and Business Association), CPA (Crop Protection Association) and NACC (National Association of Agricultural Contractors) with advice from the UK Pesticides Campaign.


NFU Vice President Paul Temple said: “We believe this initiative shows how the voluntary approach, based on communication and agreed solutions, is an effective way of dealing with the small number of problems that arise from spraying alongside residential areas.”

West African agriculture ministers recommend pesticide regulation On 8 November 2007 in Ouagadougou (Mali), ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) Ministers of Food and Agriculture approved the establishment of a regional committee to oversee the implementation of regulations regarding the production, importation and application of pesticides in West Africa so as to protect the environment and the population from hazardous chemicals. The West African Committee for Pesticides Approval will be a committee of experts from Member States that have ratified the common regulation on pesticides and external experts. The committee’s operations will be centrally coordinated but operate from two zones - the sahelian and humid zones, which will cater for the agricultural divide of West Africa. In particular, the committee will facilitate trade in pesticides among Member States through the enforcement of regionally agreed principles, facilitate farmers’ access to quality pesticides in a timely and convenient manner, ensure their rational and judicious use, contribute to the creation of an environment conducive for private sector investment in the pesticides industry and promote private/public partnership. The ministers also agreed on an ECOWAS supplementary act for the harmonization of rules for pesticides registration in the region as well as a regulation on the harmonization of rules governing the quality control, certification and marketing of seeds and planting materials. The comprehensive regulation will ensure access to quality seed to West African farmers: it will facilitate local production of quality seeds as well as intra-Community trading to facilitate the creation of the common market envisaged under the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP). ECOWAP focuses on the three pillars of improving agricultural productivity and competitiveness, integrating production and markets and improving access to international markets. A liberalized market for seeds


suitable for the region will also help contribute to improved food security and the capacity of regional farmers to compete in the global environment. In addition, the ministers adopted a five-year action plan for the development of biotechnology and biosafety in the region to enable regional agriculture benefit from new agricultural technologies. The plan is articulated around three key areas: the development of biotechnology to improve agricultural productivity, competitiveness and the sustainable management of genetic resources; the development of a regional approach to bio-safety. It also has a mechanism that will guide, coordinate and follow up on the implementation of the action plan. Source: http://news.ecowas.int/

USA reduces critical use of methyl bromide for 2008 The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in December 2007 its methyl bromide critical use exemptions for 2008, indicating it was reducing the amount from 5356 tonnes to 4813 tonnes. Approved uses include strawberry and tomato production, as well as commodity fumigation. In 2008, production or import of methyl bromide in the USA will be almost 88% less than 1991 levels. After an October 2006 meeting of the Montreal Protocol parties, which authorized the use of 5,355,946 kg, EPA adjusted the authorized amount to account for the increased use of alternatives among methyl bromide users, and unused methyl bromide from previous years, effectively reducing more than 500,000 kg of potential methyl bromide releases. Further information: epa.gov/ozone/ mbr

Sri Lanka phases out paraquat The use of paraquat is to be phased out in Sri Lanka within the next three years, according to a report in the Daily News (29 December 2007), and regulatory measures will be put in place until phase out is complete. The Pesticide Technical and Advisory Committee functioning under the Control of Pesticides Act No. 33 of 1980 made the decision because of the high death rate from paraquat poisoning, the Assistant Director of Agriculture (Media), K.B. Gunarathne, announced. There are some 400–500 deaths each year in Sri Lanka from

paraquat poisoning. In an attempt to reduce the death rate, in October 2006 the Pesticide Registrar reduced the permitted paraquat concentration from 20% to 6.5% and restricted bottle size, but preliminary reports suggested poisonings will remain unacceptably high.

News from FAO Pesticide Management Group FAO and WHO joint meeting The first session of the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Management and the third session of the FAO Panel of Experts on Pesticide Management were held at FAO, Rome, on 22–26 October 2007. The aim of the joint initiative is to provide a platform through which advice, guidance and standards can be developed for all pesticides, regardless of whether they are used for public health or agricultural purposes. The first session of the FAO/WHO Meeting addressed various topics in support of sound management practices for pesticides through the implementation of the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides. A number of guidelines, some of which will become joint FAO/WHO guidelines, were finalized and/or developed. It further provided guidance regarding Highly Hazardous Pesticides through a description of this term and in support of Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). FAO will focus its initial SAICM activities following the recommendation of the FAO Council, that “in view of the broad range of activities envisaged within SAICM, the Council suggested that the activities of FAO could include risk reduction, including the progressive ban on highly hazardous pesticides.” Further information: www.fao.org/ ag/agp/agpp/pesticid/Code/expmeeting/ Raccomandations07.pdf Pesticide residues The annual Joint Meeting of the FAO Panel of Experts on Pesticide Residues in Food and the Environment and the WHO Core Assessment Group on Pesticide Residues was held in Geneva, Switzerland on 18–27 September 2007, following FAO Panel of Experts Preparatory Sessions on 13–17 September. The Meeting evaluated 31 pesticides, of which six were new compounds, and ten were re-evaluated within the periodic review programme of the Codex

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Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR). It established acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) and acute reference doses (ARfDs). The Meeting estimated maximum residue levels, which it recommended for use as maximum residue limits (MRLs) by the CCPR. It also estimated supervised trials median residue (STMR) and highest residue (HR) levels as a basis for estimation of the dietary intake of residues of the pesticides reviewed. Other general items discussed related to the principles applied for the evaluation of pesticide residues in food and feed. Further information: www.fao.org/ag/ AGP/AGPP/Pesticid/JMPR/Download/ 2007AnnexIFinal.pdf

 A list of a.i.s for which manufacturers either provided appropriate methods, or indicated the submission of data for the development of FAO specifications under the new procedure: www. fao.org/ag/AGP/agpp/PesticidSpecs/ Meetings/2007/Methodsok.pdf

Pesticide specifications With the passing of the 31 October 2007 deadline for supplying methods of analysis for impurities in active ingredients (a.i.s), the following are now available:

ECPA congratulates Spanish environmental police on illegal pesticide seizure

 A list of nine active ingredients where the methods for analysis of impurities were not made available; the a.i.s are hence proposed for withdrawal: www. fao.org/ag/AGP/agpp/Pesticid/Specs/ Meetings/2007/Impurities.pdf

The latest specification for pesticides and their related formulations, based on the recommendations made at the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Specifications (JMPS), was published in December 2007, and is for alphacypermethrin. Further information: www.fao.org/ ag/AGP/AGPP/Pesticid/p.htm

The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) congratulated the Spanish Environmental Police (Seprona) in December 2007 for its successful operation, ‘Don Limpio’, which resulted in the detention of eleven suspects and the seizure of 2200 kg of illegal pesticides in Almería in southeast Spain. The pesticide industry reiterated

its demand for improved enforcement and policing operations to reprimand those who sell and use illegal pesticides. Since the illegal pesticide, isofenphosmethyl, was found on exported Spanish peppers throughout Europe earlier this year, Seprona has detained more than 15 people and seized about 4000 kg of illegal pesticides. ECPA’s Spanish member association, AEPLA, has been campaigning since 2003 against the use of counterfeit and illegal pesticides and, most recently, launched a nationwide awareness raising campaign against such products. AEPLA will continue to work with Seprona to stamp out the illegal trade in pesticides. ECPA’s Anti-Counterfeit Project Manager, Rocky Rowe, commended this most recent development in Spain: “The fight against the growing problem of illegal pesticides urgently needs to be intensified and requires increased political attention, as well as human and financial resources. Those responsible and affected need to lead – governments, farmers, the food value chain, international and European organisations and the plant protection industry.”

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Shaping the Future of the Pest Management Industry

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Helping farmers export ‘forgotten’ crops by addressing pesticide data gaps A meeting of over 300 crop safety and pesticide management officials and other experts on 3–7 December 2007 in Rome discussed challenges associated with pesticide use on ‘specialty crops’ like garlic, ginger and chillies. The Minor Use Summit was organized by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) in partnership with the US Department of Agriculture and its IR-4 Project (see Box), and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Commenting on the meeting, Jay Vroom, President and CEO of CropLife America and a member of the Summit Advisory Committee, highlighted the importance of the meeting which would, “– for the first time ever – provide a worldwide focus on the complex issues which converge at the intersection of hundreds of unique crops, unique pest threats, thousands of pesticide products, utilized across hundreds of countries – all involving millions of farmers.” It would, he added, “Provide representatives from industry, government, grower organizations, and NGOs multiple opportunities to learn from each other’s experience within dozens of countries – and to discover synergistic solutions from such dialogue.”

Unlike large-area crops such as maize, wheat, cotton or rice, specialty crops have traditionally been produced in relatively small amounts. As a result, studies on the proper use of pesticides in their cultivation have not been as systematic or widespread as they have been for major cash crops. This poses problems for producers, many of them in the developing world, who are struggling to export their goods to overseas markets with strong safety standards for imports. International trade in specialty crops is booming, thanks to increased levels of human migration that have spread once-regional tastes to all corners of the globe and modern preservation and transportation techniques that permit retailers to cater to the tastes of these new consumer markets. FAO data show that trade in non-traditional agricultural exports is worth more than US$30 billion a year. Developing countries have a 56% share of that trade. “For some countries and crops, like green beans in Kenya and exotic fruits in Malaysia, these 'minor crops' aren't minor at all – national economies depend on them,” according to Gero

Spraying beans in Bolivia (Photo: Eric Boa)

The IR-4 Project The Project is a cooperative programme of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the state agricultural experiment stations (SAES), with the principal goal of developing data to support and expedite regulatory clearances of newer, reduced risk pest control products for specialty crop growers. It is a model partnership between USDA (Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service [CSREES] and Agricultural Research Service [ARS]) and SAES of the nation’s universities, with headquarters at Rutgers University, four Regional State University Offices, an ARS coordinating office in Beltsville, Maryland, and research laboratories and field research centres in 25 states. The Project provides the field trial and laboratory residue data necessary for EPA clearance of minor crop


Vaagt, a specialist with FAO's Plant Production and Protection Division. But as import standards aimed at protecting human health become increasingly strict, producers can run into trouble. One major problem is that there are gaps at the international level in terms of registered uses for pesticides on speciality crops. “There is little financial incentive for studies of pesticide use for minor crops, and as a result accepted MRLs [maximum residue limits] are lacking, especially at the international level,” explained Shivaji Pandey, Director of FAO's Plant Protection Division. “This means that when a speciality crop reaches an import market it can be rejected. The pesticide found on it might have been properly applied and existing in safe amounts, but because there's no registered use for it on that crop, it fails the 'zero tolerance' litmus test.” Against this background, Day 1 of the meeting set the stage by providing information on what is going on around the world, how it is working – what is going well, what are the challenges, what needs to change, and what are the ‘unidentified’ issues from a global perspective. This was addressed from the point of view of geographic regions, growers, the crop protection industry, the import/export business, and food retailers, producers and consumers. Day 2 continued the stage-setting theme by provid-

tolerances, and approval of new uses for pesticide labels. By securing tolerance clearances and label registrations for pesticides, it is filling the gaps in pest management tools for specialty crop growers. Since its inception, the IR-4 Project has achieved over 10,000 pest control clearances on food crops (including biopesticide uses) and over 10,000 clearances on ornamental crops. Source: Jerry J. Baron, IR-4 Executive Director. Further information: Sherrilynn Novack, IR-4 Public Relations and Communications Manager, IR-4 Project Headquarters, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 500 College Road East, Suite 201 W, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; Tel: +1 732 932 9575 ext 4632; Fax: +1 609 514 2612; Email: [email protected]; Web: ir4.rutgers.edu

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ing information on what is currently being done to address minor use issues around the globe including OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization) efforts; looking at efficacy and crop safety data development issues; reviewing in detail current data generation efforts from the point of view of geographic regions; crop grouping harmonization efforts; and on-going cooperation in the area of data development, datasharing, global registrations, MRL harmonization, and developing country initiatives. Day 3 and the morning of Day 4 provided an opportunity to synthesize the information provided in the first two days and propose ‘global’ solutions to specific issues. This was achieved through break-out groups focusing on the specific issues and then meeting in a plenary session where future plans were developed. The Minor Use Summit ended with hands-on training during the afternoon of Day 4 and Day 5 aimed at spreading knowledge and building the technical expertise of participants, who are drawn from over 60 countries. “What we're trying to do is to look at ways to come up with more harmonized protection measures for these crops that are efficient, suit the needs of farmers, facilitate trade, ensure food and environmental safety, and benefit consumers,” Pandey said. He expressed the hope that following the FAO summit more MRLs for pesticides used on specialty crops would be established at

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the international Codex Alimentarius level; this is a joint FAO – World Health Organization body that sets international standards for food safety, standards which are relied upon by the World Trade Organization when resolving trade disputes concerning food safety and consumer protection. One result of the Summit was the creation of a Global Minor Use Information Portal (at http://ir4.rutgers. edu/GMUS/GMUSportal.htm), which provides links to various agencies as

well as links to the Global Minor Use Summit booklet and presentations, and summarizes the recommendations that emerged from the Summit. Further information: George Kourous, Media Relations, FAO; Tel: +39 06 570 53168 or +39 348 141 6802; Email: george.kourous@ fao.org; Web: www.fao.org/ag/ AGP/AGPP/Pesticid/JMPR/GMUS/ GMUS.htm

Cherries and flowers in the USA, leeks in Indonesia – and, on the previous page, beans in Bolivia: diverse crops are involved in ‘minor use’ of pesticides worldwide. But ‘minor use’ crops are of anything but minor importance: some underpin developing country economies (USA photos: Sherrilynn Novack; Bolivia and Indonesia photos: Eric Boa)


Application innovation to rescue vegetable growers from weeds Terry Royston* and Terry Mabbett** The perpetual squeeze on pesticides has claimed yet another casualty. The herbicide Dosaflo (metoxuron) was traditionally relied on by United Kingdom vegetable growers to selectively control volunteer potatoes and other weeds in a wide range of vegetable crops, including onions, carrots, leeks and parsnips. Dosaflo became unavailable after 31 December 2007 and United Kingdom growers are left with no selective, post-emergence herbicide for effectively treating some weed species in these crops. An application innovation, born out of collaboration between Micron Sprayers and Garford Farm Machinery, is, however, coming to the rescue of these stranded vegetable growers. The combined Varidome/WeedSwiper inter-

row and over-the-row precision weeder allows the grower to selectively and safely control volunteer potatoes and other weeds with total herbicides, e.g. glyphosate, using a combination of two novel application technologies. This new machine combines and integrates two precise, targeted and safe application technologies – Micron’s WeedSwiper and Vegedome. These proven methods are widely used elsewhere in agriculture and horticulture, including for weed and bolter control in sugar beet (WeedSwiper) and interrow weed control in vegetable crops (Vegedome). Precise and safe non-drip WeedSwiper contact technology is used to target height-differentiated weeds growing out from and above

*Sales Manager, Micron Sprayers **Director, Dr Terry Mabbett Consultants

The Varidome/WeedSwiper Combi unit from Micron Sprayers


the bed. The WeedSwiper technology is supplied to suit and cater for the actual number and width of beds, and each section is equipped with its own sensor-system all linked via a multichannel Hydrostat control box. This ensures constant WeedSwiper pad wetness across each bed, irrespective of weed density elsewhere. This in turn means the system automatically allows for variation in weed number (density) between beds when replenishing fluid to meet the individual requirements of each pad section. Vegedome controls inter-row weeds by a precise targeted contact low volume spray under a variable width shroud (80–800 mm). All weeds, including those growing between the drilled rows of crop plants in the bed and those in the inter-rows

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(including the wheelings) between the beds are treated. A specified number of WeedSwiper and Vegedome units, depending on the target bed design system, can be combined in this tractor-mounted ‘Combi’ unit. The technology has been developed by Micron with structural and mechanical design of modular and custom-designed units (according to farm requirements) undertaken by Garford Farm Machinery, who make a well proven frame to allow for precise height/depth control. The first modular unit, for which orders have already been received from three major vegetable growers, is based on their requirement for comprehensive weed control covering three beds of crop in one pass. This particular Varidome/WeedSwiper unit comprises four Vegedome units, one each between the two inter-rows separating the three beds, with one to the left hand side of the first bed and the right hand side of the third bed respectively. These Vegedome units are combined and integrated with three sections of WeedSwiper technology, one over each bed. This deals safely and effectively with all height-differentiated weeds growing over the row inside the multirow beds drilled with plants in lines a set distance apart.

Volunteer potato plants in a field of onions (Photo: Terry Royston)

All the Vegedome units are controlled independently of each other as are the WeedSwiper units. The operator may switch on or off and independently either the Vegedome or WeedSwiper and all individual units within each operation. Micron is moving quickly to ensure product availability as early as possible in 2008. A version of the Varidome was on show at the Onion and Carrot Conference held at the East of England Show Ground, Peterborough. The threebed combined Varidome/WeedSwiper unit was on full view on Micron’s stand at LAMMA 2008 held at the Newark Showground in January 2008. The current modular unit with four Vegedomes and three WeedSwiper sec-

Specification of Varidome/WeedSwiper precision weeder  Front or rear mounted on a tractor of suitable specification†  Designed and provided in singleor triple-bed versions, with folding wings on the triple-bed version  Combines and integrates Micron’s non-drip WeedSwiper Technology with the Vegedome adjustablewidth, low volume and shrouded herbicide applicators  Spray tank in a range of sizes all equipped with a 12 v pump  In-cab controls featuring completely independent control for each bed and/or inter-row (gap/ wheeling)  Features depth wheels to ensure precise height control

†Tractor requirements are:  12-volt supply  Front linkage (if mounting on the front of the tractor)  Hydraulic spool valve requirements:  None for the single-bed system  1 × double acting for folding the wings on the triple-bed system  N.B. If front mounted, a spool would be required to operate the hydraulic lift arms  Minimum hp requirement: 50 hp and 80 hp respectively for singlebed and triple-bed versions

tions is based on the requirements of the growers placing the initial orders. Micron intends to cater for all variations on this theme, based on specific crops, spacing and relative depth/ height requirements, and is confident it can fulfil most grower needs. The new technology is initially aimed at growers of onions, carrots, leeks and parsnips immediately faced with the herbicide gap left by withdrawal of Dosaflo. Micron recognizes the broader industry is faced with the same problem of volunteer potatoes and the impending herbicide ‘hole’ following disappearance of Dosaflo with interest already being shown by UK growers of other crops such as red beet. And by growers and farmers further afield in other European countries encountering the same weed problems and faced with similar herbicide use restrictions. Micron has teamed up with Garfords to design and manufacture the mechanical structure of the ‘Combi’ unit. Garfords has experience over many years in the design and manufacture of inter-row equipment for a vast range of field crops and the Garford Robocrop Precision Guidance System is available as an option for the Varidome/ WeedSwiper combi unit. Development of the Varidome/ WeedSwiper unit by Micron Sprayers and Garford Farm Machinery is a prime example of how pesticide application technology and innovation is increasingly required to satisfy on-farm requirements as the noose continues to tighten around pesticides. Further information and details from: Micron Sprayers Limited, Bromyard Industrial Estate, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4HS. UK; Tel: +44 (0)1885 482397; Fax: +44 (0)1885 483043; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.micron.co.uk.

Volunteer potato plants in a field of carrots (Photo: Terry Royston)

 Maximum transport width: 2.70 metres

 Optional Robocrop Precision Guidance System

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Biopesticides: the regulatory challenge Bryony Taylor* The RELU (Rural Economy and Land Use) funded research project, 'Biological Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides in the Food Chain: An Assessment of Sustainability', undertaken by the Department of Politics and International Studies in conjunction with Warwick HRI, held its final workshop in Warwick, UK, on 31 October 2007. The meeting presented findings from their project on the environmental and regulatory sustainability of biopesticides as alternatives to chemical pesticides in the food chain. The event was sponsored by RELU and Agraquest. Changes in crop protection in recent years – including EU legislation leading to the withdrawal of some major pesticides from use, increased pest resistance to certain chemical pesticides, and a consumer/ retailer trend towards produce with zero detectable residues – have meant the scope for the use of biological control agents has increased, yet their entry into the market place and (thus) uptake in farming systems has been lower than expected. The meeting presented findings from a three-year study into why this is the case and what the possible ways of rectifying the situation are. Participants at the workshop heard the following presentations:  Dr David Chandler (Warwick HRI, University of Warwick) and Professor Wyn Grant (Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick): 'Biopesticides: environmental and regulatory sustainability.’  Dr Don Edgecomb (Agraquest, Inc., USA): 'The Agraquest pipeline – biological and natural based technologies.’  David Cary (Market Development Manager Exosect Ltd, UK) and Roma Gwynn, Rationale Biopesticides Consultants (Scotland): 'Regulatory experiences of biopesticides in UK, EU and elsewhere'.  Dr Peter C. Leendertse (CLM, Netherlands): 'Natural pesticide experiences from the Netherlands'.  Richard Davis (Pesticides Safety Directorate – PSD – UK): 'The regulatory response: the biopesticides scheme’.

Dave Chandler and Wyn Grant noted that hypotheses for the lower than expected uptake of biopesticides include both regulatory and economic pressures. The burden of developing biopesticides tends to be shouldered by small- to medium-sized enterprises (SME), and gathering enough field based data for registration can be a lengthy and expensive process. With registration costs high, and a major cost for registration being efficacy testing of the product, it was suggested that a more appropriate model could be followed, whereby registration is granted and then efficacy testing carried out in the first 5 years after the product launch. The role of retailers in growers’ decisionmaking was identified. They may have requirements that go beyond the existing approval system, and because they cannot endorse particular products do not usually promote the use of environmentally friendly alternatives. A cost–benefit analysis indicated a negative balance for R&D of products and for growers, but a positive balance for consumers. Don Edgecomb gave a presentation on Agraquest’s experiences of registration in the USA and an overview of its products. The majority are based on microbial metabolites

Insect pathogenic fungus Paecilomyces (recently renamed Isaria) that has killed a caterpillar (Warwick HRI, University of Warwick)

or plant extracts, one of interest in the pipeline is the fungus Muscodor albus which produces volatile compounds against a wide range of fungi. The product and its formulation were discussed as a postharvest agent. Exosect mainly works on Lepidopteran pheromones and was the first company to have a product registered in the new Biopesticide

Insect pathogenic fungus Lecanicillium that has infected and killed an aphid (Warwick HRI, University of Warwick)

*Biopesticides Group, CABI Europe – UK, Silwood Park, Ascot SL5 7TA, UK


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Scheme in the UK. The key elements of the Biopesticide Scheme are presubmission meetings, reduced registration fees and a Biopesticides Champion within PSD. David Cary explained that SMEs often register a product based on the results of early trials and there is thus more limited opportunity for product optimization. Cary commended the new system on its new proportional fee structure and the ability the scheme gives a company to work out a realistic timeline before returns can be expected on a product. The pre-submission process was also commended as it enables companies to cut out any unnecessary work which is irrelevant to registration. He underlined his belief that the key to success is mutual recognition between European Union countries, therefore by-passing the need for registration in each country. Currently Exosect are working to develop ‘concept orchards’ which is a way of demonstrating the products' ability to work and gaining the trust of growers/end-users. Peter C. Leendertse described the Netherlands’ experience through Project GENOEG, which translates as ‘effective use of natural pesticides’ and was set up to facilitate registration of natural pesticides to the market and to create an inventory of effective natural pesticides. The project included aid with the registration of natural products, extension work educating growers and updating

An insect pathogenic nematode on the surface of a vine weevil (Warwick HRI, University of Warwick)

the list of effective ‘products of natural origin’ (PNOs). The project has helped with registration of ten PNOs, and without this help it is possible the applicants would not have started or succeeded in having their products registered. (See www.genoeg.net) Richard Davis presented on behalf of the PSD (Pesticide Safety Directorate). He outlined how the Biopesticide Scheme was launched in order to increase availability of biopesticides in the UK. He explained that free pre-submission meetings were introduced to ascertain how many data would be needed to go

Toxin crystals produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which have insecticidal properties. Bt is the most widely used biopesticide (Warwick HRI, University of Warwick)

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forward to register a product, and gave an overview of the new fee structure. Pre-submission meetings are a vital component of the scheme ensuring that only work necessary for registration is carried out on products, avoiding extra costs to researchers. With the introduction of a new ‘Biopesticides Champion’ researchers have an important first point of contact in the PSD, able to advise and offer assistance in the registration process. Disappointment was expressed, however, at the lack of people coming forward for advice/ pre-submission meetings so far. Further information on the RELU project and this meeting is available at: www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/ pais/biopesticides/ Other useful websites: PSD New Biopesticide Scheme: www. p e s t i c i d e s . g o v. u k / e n v i r o n m e n t . asp?id=1846; RELU, Rural Economy and Land Use Programme: www. relu.ac.uk/; REBECA, Regulation of Biological Control Agents: www. rebeca-net.de/ Contacts: Wyn Grant, Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK; Email: w.p.grant@ warwick.ac.uk Lisa Moakes, Biopesticides Champion, PSD; Email: lisa. [email protected] An adapted version of this article appeared in the March 2008 issue of Biocontrol News and Information 29(1).


International advances in pesticide application By Graham Matthews* Just over 100 delegates attended the latest biennial international conference on pesticide application organized by the Association of Applied Biologists. Held at Robinson College, Cambridge (9–11 January 2008) it attracted delegates from 17 countries, although about half the delegates were from the UK. Sixty papers were presented in ten sections with a further five posters plus a display of droplet sizing equipment by Oxford Lasers. The programme aimed to bring together the work of biologists, agricultural engineers and others concerned with the development and usage of pesticide application equipment. Changes in European legislation influenced some of the presentations, with emphasis on the first day to studies on spray drift and later in the conference on the European Union supported programme TOPPS (Training the Operators to prevent Pollution from Point Sources). A whole day of papers described spray drift research, including discussion of the problem of maintaining spray nozzles at an appropriate height above the crop, especially as spray booms get wider and tractor speeds increase. Consequently, the trend has been for farmers to raise boom height to more than 0.5 m above the crop, which greatly increases spray drift. The use of active and passive sampling techniques was examined with the active samplers detecting more drift at 10 m downwind compared to the passive samplers. The use of specific nozzles, especially air induction nozzles to minimize drift yet maintain efficacy, was reported. With problems of field work due to changing weather conditions and costs, the use of wind tunnels to assess downwind drift was reported with specific reference nozzles. Another approach has been the use of computer models, one of which is concentrating on assessing the amount of drift reaching bystanders and residents in agricultural areas. Taking a wider view than just beyond the field edge, models are now including GIS to assess the amount of drift on a regional scale. The subject of spray

drift was then considered in terms of policy and regulation with five papers mostly discussing use of buffer zones, but also modelling vapour drift from treated fields. The first day ended with two discussion sessions: ‘What is a driftable droplet?’ and ‘Volatilisation of pesticides’. Day 2 opened with papers describing equipment as diverse as unmanned robotic equipment to mounting large mistblowers on an elevated platform to improve protection of dates or using small knapsack mistblowers in tropical cocoa farms. The session on biopesticides included only one paper evaluating the effect of spraying entomopathogenic nematodes, but this topic was supported by more general discussions of effects of formulation on droplet size and the subsequent spreading of droplets on foliage. The technology for detecting weeds and position of target plants using various types of sensor was the subject of the following six papers, including one paper from a sprayer manufacturer. The following two sessions included application technology for controlling mosquitoes, especially aerial adulti-

ciding in Florida, but also by indoor residual spraying with compression sprayers, which was referred to in three papers, including a description of the activities of the International Pesticide Application Research Centre, a WHO collaborating centre, as well as in a report of a pilot vector control project in Cameroon. Collins Wanyama from the Real IPM Company in Kenya then enlightened a largely European orientated audience with the realities of pesticide application by small-scale farmers in the tropics. His presentation and one by Andreas Herbst from a Chinese– German cooperation project that reported on the many small sprayers used in China contrasted with the situation in Europe with greater control on what pesticides are registered and how equipment has to meet stringent criteria. Tree and bush spraying was covered in four papers on the last day followed by a session on protecting the environment, which included a presentation on the impact of the UK Voluntary Initiative and using a risk based, catchment scale approach to mitigation of pesticide reaching water. The problem of point sources of pollution was included in several papers, with the need to mitigate water and air pollution in California concluding the session. The conference ended with a session in which the feasibility of adapting an air induction nozzle to inject pesticide into water in the nozzle was considered.

Professor Paul Miller (TAG) talking with Rob Willey (Househam Sprayers) (Photo: Graham Matthews)

*International Pesticide Application Research Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, Imperial College, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK


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The final papers (sadly only three) focused on ways that application can affect biological efficacy in field crops. Different ways of using nozzles with air assistance or not and angling nozzles to improve control of late blight of potatoes were considered. The final paper reported a careful study in a glasshouse on applying a fungicide with three types of nozzle operated at 130 litres per hectare, but with different amounts of active ingredient less than the label rate to reveal whether there were differences in efficacy between sprays of different quality. Too often different application techniques are evaluated at the recommended dose so any subtle differences in application are lost by the ability of the robust recommended dose to mask effects. The conference provided specialists the opportunity to discuss current work, with discussions continuing through coffee breaks and well into the evening over dinner. Unfortunately it took place with a reduction in funding for application research in some countries, and with many conducting similar studies in eastern Europe, Asia and Africa unable to be present due to the costs of travelling to the UK. This is a pity as many countries are facing problems

Professor Balsari from Italy (on right) talking to Manfred Roetelle (Better Systems, Germany) (Photo: Graham Matthews)

in pesticide application as economies change, and increasingly we live in a global market. Those who could not get to Cambridge can at least obtain the proceedings as all papers are included in the 460 page

Aspects of Applied Biology 84, obtainable from the AAB office at c/o Warwick HRI Wellesbourne, Warwick CV 35 9EF or by contacting the AAB through their web page: www.aab.org.uk.

EUROPEST 1st–3rd April 2008, Holiday Inn, Rome West, Italy Working with ANID, our colleagues in the Italian national industry association, CEPA has developed an outline programme of over 20 presentations in six work sessions with additional opportunities to network and to attend social events over two days. The entire programme will use state of the art systems of simultaneous translation for English, Italian, French, Spanish and German. The programme will cover six topics: The event commences in the evening of Tuesday 1st April with a welcome reception. On the morning of Wednesday 2nd the first two business sessions are followed by the first ‘meeting point’ where both Italian and international companies will  Introducing new markets  The value of market information  Using the power of the media

 Training and professionalism  Women in pest management  New technological innovations

have areas to meet and greet delegates. The afternoon includes two further business sessions which are followed in the evening with the event cocktail party and Gala Dinner as a ‘Celebration of the Industry’. There are several planned surprises that evening! Finally on Thursday 3rd the last two business sessions are followed by the second meeting point before the conference closes. During the whole event all delegates will have free use of the special CEPA Cyber Café at the hub of the conference. The annual CEPA General Assembly will take place on the morning of Friday 4th. The Speakers will not only be from within the industry, but also companies and organizations that are linked to the industry. Not all the speakers will be from Europe and each session will include 2-4 different speakers and will be chaired by one of the CEPA Leadership Team. In addition to the networking events listed above there will be the opportunity to join a special afternoon and evening social programme in the Eternal City of Rome on Thursday 3rd. The programme will commence with a guided tour of Rome, followed by a dinner with local music in a restaurant close to the Vatican. The evening will end with a coach back to the hotel. In addition the hotel has a free shuttle bus to both the airport and the centre of Rome. Further details, an electronic event brochure and registration details are available at the CEPA website (www.cepa-europe.org).

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Agro-dealer networks for rural farmers in Africa Launching an intensive effort to revive small-scale farming and agricultural markets hobbled by the scarcity and high costs of basic farm supplies such as seed, tools and fertilizer, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has awarded US$13 million in grants to establish nationwide networks of rural agro-dealers in Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya. AGRA is a partnership working across the African continent to help millions of small-scale farmers and their families lift themselves out of poverty and hunger. Its Board is chaired by Kofi A. Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations. With initial support from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, AGRA maintains offices in Nairobi, Kenya and Accra, Ghana. “All three country programs aim to achieve a 30% growth in rural smallholder incomes; a 40–50% reduction in the average distance farmers need to travel to purchase farm supplies; and an up to 15% decrease in the price of inputs within three years,” said A. Namanga Ngongi, the new president of AGRA. The agro-dealers will operate small businesses that reach poor farmers in remote areas. In addition to selling affordable farm supplies in the quantities needed by smallscale farmers, the agro-dealers will be trained in the safe handling, efficient and

environmentally sound use of farm inputs, and will pass this knowledge on to farmers. These agro-dealer networks will give poor farmers access to basic farm supplies that are otherwise beyond their reach. At present, it is common for rural farmers to travel great distances just for the opportunity to purchase seeds or fertilizers. And at the end of their journey they frequently find stores lack the specific items they need or are selling them at unaffordable prices. Lack of access to basic farm supplies has made it virtually impossible for small-scale farmers to increase their yield or incomes, reinforcing widespread poverty. The AGRA Agro-dealer Development Program (ADP) will provide emerging, small retailers in rural communities—many of who farm themselves—with the training, capital and credit they need to become certified agro-dealers. These agro-dealers will in turn reach a total of 1.6 million rural households, potentially benefiting 8.8 million farmers and their family members. Ambitious goals in Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania The US$4.3 million Malawi initiative, led by the Rural Market Development Trust (RUMARK) is focused on developing a network of over 600 rural agro-dealers, up from the existing core of 160. The US$4.3 million Tanzania Agrodealer Strengthening Program (TASP) will

Monica, who runs a small sized agro-dealer outfit in Kenya, explains the benefits of serving financially empowered farmers, and how business skills will help her serve an increased number (AGRA/Stella Kihara)


build a network of 840 agro-dealers. This programme aims to transform what is now a fragmented farm supply distribution system into a more tightly linked consortium of businesses. The programme will emphasize gender-equal participation and ensure that women have full access to training and financing. It also will focus on giving farmers greater access to Tanzania’s government-run fertilizer supply programme. Kenya’s Agro-dealer Strengthening Program (KASP) will use its US$4.4 million grant to scale-up an existing network of 243 agro-dealers, who are concentrated in Western Kenya, to include 1800 rural farm supply businesses in 32 districts across the country. It will also work with ten ‘Millennium Villages’, part of the Millennium Villages Project of the Earth Institute at Columbia University (USA), to increase the economic sustainability of their farm input subsidy programme. “The agro-dealer programmes build on great initial success in Malawi, which has seen the country transform itself from being a net importer to a net exporter of maize, even becoming a donor of food aid to neighboring countries. If Malawi can do it, it can be done by every country in Africa,” said Akin Adesina, Vice President for Policy and Partnerships at AGRA. Turnabout for Malawi maize Malawi faced a major food crisis just a few years ago due to drought that left millions of people starving. In response, the Malawi government began distributing subsidized fertilizers and improved seed to assist poor farmers. In tandem with this effort, RUMARK began training and certifying agro-dealers who could set up shop in remote regions, giving farmers access to the farm supplies. In 2006/2007, Malawi provided farmers with some $60 million in so-called ‘smart’ or ‘targeted’ subsidies. Based on this system, farmers can trade in governmentissued vouchers to certified agro-dealers in exchange for partially subsidized farm supplies. “The system made sound economic sense by combining public sector support for poor farmers with an exchange system that strengthens the private sector,” said Adesina. “This was in sharp contrast with previous approaches that delivered subsidized supplies solely through government agencies, displacing the role of the private sector.” “The results of all of these efforts – plus favorable rains and Malawi Government policies – have been stupendous,” said Richard Chapweteka, director of

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RUMARK. “In 2006/07, the country generated an additional maize surplus of 1.4 million metric tons. It sold $160 million worth of maize and donated 10,000 tons of food aid to neighboring Lesotho and Swaziland.” In addition, the programme showed that, with modest levels of support, grassroots agricultural entrepreneurship can thrive in rural Africa. “It was important for me to get training in business management and the types of seeds and fertilizers to sell,” said Dinnah Kapiza, who transformed her used clothing business into a full-line farming supply store in rural Malawi that now serves 600 small-scale farmers. “I also developed relationships with government extension agents because farmers want more than seeds or fertilizer. They want advice on the best crops to plant and the farming techniques that will produce a good harvest.” However, even in Malawi, much work remains to be done to expand farmers’ access to supplies and to cash markets on a larger scale, and to improve access to finance and credit. To this end, the Agrodealer Development Programs in all three countries will implement a variety of innovative financing tools. Facilitating financing and market connections To increase the flow of credit to rural areas, and get farmers and agro-dealers start-up capital, the programmes will support a range of innovative financing tools.

An agro-dealer in a rural western province of Kenya serves a customer (AGRA/Stella Kihara)

These include ‘guarantee facilities’ that share risks 50–50 with agricultural firms that supply farm inputs to the agro-dealers in rural areas. In Malawi, guarantee facilities have shown strong initial success. Over the last five years, since the programme was first initiated with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, each dollar of credit guarantee has generated 16 dollars worth of farm supply sales in rural areas, with the loan default rate of certified agro-dealers at less than 1.5%.

Dr Runyenjes, an agro-dealer, explains how business expansion in his rural outlet has benefited farmers (AGRA/Stella Kihara)

“That’s remarkable. Now, the government, donors and commercial banks should scale up lending to these agro-dealers at national scale,” Adesina said. The programmes will also utilize matching grants for activities such as storage and sorting of products and small-scale food processing. Other efforts will link agro-dealers to supply companies, especially local seed companies that are distributing varieties responsive to the needs of local farmers. Programmes in each country are linked to a wide number of partners, from trade associations to agricultural research organizations and financial institutions. The nonprofit Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs will coordinate the projects in the three countries. “AGRA will work with governments to take things to scale. The remarkable growth in food production experienced in Malawi can be replicated elsewhere,” Ngongi said. “Success will depend on consistent support that over a period of years allows farmers to generate streams of consistent surpluses. Only then will broad-based and deepened rural economic growth be self-perpetuating.” Source: Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa Further information: Stella Kihara, AGRA, Eden Square, Block 1, 5th Floor, P.O. Box 66773, Westlands 00800, Nairobi, Kenya; Tel: +254 735 380 199; Fax: +254 20 3750 653; Or Preeti Singh, AGRA Communications Team; Tel: +1 301 652 1558 ext 5722; Email; [email protected]; Web: www.agra-alliance.org

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Biotechnology news briefs Source: Crop Biotech Update, except where stated

Reluctant Europe and the WTO dispute The three countries who brought a case to the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning the European Union’s (EU’s) moratorium on approving agricultural biotechnology products in 2003 have now given the EU additional time to comply with the WTO ruling. In that ruling, dating from November 2006, six EU countries – Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg – were deemed to have illegally banned nine GM (genetically modified) products, mainly maize and soy, and the EU was called upon to bring its biotechnology policy into compliance with WTO obligations. The time line for compliance, initially November 2006, was extended until January 2008 to give the EU more time. The EU decided not to appeal against the ruling, but has come up against obstacles in meeting its terms; in the latest round in December 2007, member states’ environment ministers decided against a decision by the European Commission (EC) to force Austria to lift its ban on imports of two GM maize varieties.

Nonetheless, Argentina, Canada and the USA have said they will abstain from imposing punitive tariffs on EU products for the time being. Canada and Argentina have extended their deadlines to February and June respectively. But US Office of Trade Representatives Spokeswoman Gretchen Hamel said that in the coming months, “The US will periodically evaluate EU progress toward normalizing trade against a set of benchmarks and timelines.” She added, “US seed companies, farmers, and exporters continue to experience significant commercial losses as a result of the EU actions”, and that “the patience of US stakeholders is close to exhaustion.” CropLife International sounded as if its patience is already exhausted, calling on “the European Commission (EC) to promptly take the necessary steps to comply with the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling of November 21, 2006 by ending the European Union’s (EU) illegal moratorium on approving agricultural biotech products. The Reasonable Period of Time (RPT), including extensions, for EU compliance with the WTO ruling expired January 11, 2008 with little evidence of progress. It is time to move forward by addressing the backlog of dossiers supporting new biotech product approvals sitting in

How the rest of the world sees Europe? Anti-GM banners festoon the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, October 2007 (Photo: Lydia Murphy)


Brussels. And it is time for the EC to take appropriate action to end unjustified biotech cultivation bans by member states.” European Commissioners are set to debate GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in early February to clarify the EU executive's policy stance on the issue. But on 11 January France’s President Sarkozy announced a new, temporary ban on growing Bt maize variety MON 810, invoking a safety clause in EU legislation. This came after the country’s Provisional High Authority on GM Organisms announced it had found “new scientific facts relating to a negative impact on flora and fauna” (although some committee members did not sign the declaration, arguing insufficient time for conducting the study). The report cited cross-pollination of GM and non-GM fields at local level and negative effects on non-target insects, a species of earthworm and microorganisms. MON 810, the only transgenic crop approved for cultivation in the EU, was approved in 1998 and has since been adopted by 13 countries. It was grown on some 21,000 ha in France last year. To justify its decision in imposing the ban, France must offer new scientific evidence showing MON 810 as a risk to human health or the environment to the EU. Should it fail to do so, it will be forced to lift its ban. CropLife International called France’s action “a baseless ban”, adding, “At a time of unprecedented increasing global demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel, coupled with the need to take action to combat climate change, it’s time for the EC to move forward and allow European farmers to use the most productive technology.” The EC has not been inactive. In a ruling made last October and published this January, it said Poland must allow cultivation of GM crops approved in the EU, rejecting a draft national law that would have restricted planting to designated zones and placed additional requirements on use of GM seeds – because, it argued, Poland did not provide any new scientific evidence to justify this on the basis of the EU safeguard clause. In contrast to the situation in France, German Chancellor Merkel’s government passed legislation in January for planting MON 810, bringing to an end a ban imposed by the previous Social Democrat–Green Party coa-

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lition government. The government said the new legislation will make it easier for farmers to plant the GM crop, and help the country’s biotech industry. While consumer and environment groups, including the nowopposition Green Party, expressed dismay and called for MON 810 to be banned, Monsanto described the new rules as restrictive and likely to deter expansion of the crop in Germany. The legislation requires farmers to set a 150-metre ‘safety zone’ between GM plots and neighbouring non-GM maize. The zone must be expanded to 300 metres where GM maize is grown next to organic crops. Farmers will also be obliged to register plans to plant GM seed three months in advance on an Internet register. Sources: www. euractiv.com/; www.gmo-compass.org/; www.checkbiotech.org/; www.croplife.org/

Time to relax GMO regulation in Europe The existence of genetically modified organisms for more than ten years is enough to give experience and insights to evaluate the ratio of its risks to benefits and reduce the existing regulation in Europe, according to a review published by the journal Plant, Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture. Author Jaroslav Drobnik of the Charles University in Prague argues that the strict GMO regulations of the EU have resulted in farmers being denied access to benefits from the technology. He adds that scientists and research divisions of big companies are moving to more open countries like the USA. This is leading to the decline of plant molecular biology as an academic subject in Europe. Nonetheless, he concludes, based on recent developments, positive changes in GMO regulation in Europe is slow but inevitable. Drobník, J. (2007) Time to relax GMO regulation in Europe. Plant, Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture Online First, 18 December 2007. DOI: 10.1007/s11240-007-9331-3

Two Australian states lift GM canola ban In November 2007, the Victorian and New South Wales (NSW) governments decided to end four-year moratoria on planting GM crops – despite some dissent from within and appeals

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not to lift the ban from Western Australia and Tasmania. Although the Federal Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) approved the commercial release of Bayer CropScience’s InVigor® GM canola [oilseed rape] and Monsanto Australia’s Roundup Ready® GM canola in 2003, Queensland was the only state not to impose a moratorium. Following their state governments’ decisions, farmers in Victoria and NSW farmers will be able to plant GM canola from the end of February 2008. The NSW Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said this would put NSW farmers on a level playing field with overseas farmers because GM canola now accounts for 70% of the global market. The Victorian Premier John Brumby said that there were great economic benefits. Anti-GM and environmental groups have criticized the decisions, one of their arguments being the extent of contamination likely to occur in non-GM canola and other grain crops owing to canola’s out-crossing capacity. It is not open season on GM canola: farmers have to apply to plant, and follow strict guidelines on segregating GM crops. Source: Australian media sites

Australian Academy of Science statement on GM tech The Australian Academy of Science issued a statement saying it “supports the responsible and ethical use of gene technologies to produce GM plants for use in Australian agriculture and works with governments, scientists, NGOs, international organizations and the community on all GMrelated issues.” The statement which was endorsed by the Council was prepared by T.J. Higgins on behalf of the National Committee for Plant and Animal Science. Gene technology has significant benefits, the statement points out, but sometimes “lack of full certainty in an environment of manageable risk, should not be used as the reason to postpone measures where genetic modification can legitimately be used.” It concludes by saying that the Academy supports a thorough scientific evaluation of potential environmental impacts before the commercial release of any crop as a result of

either traditional breeding or through the use of gene technology. Further information: www.science. org.au/policy/gene-tech.htm

Bt refuge compliance declines Monsanto has revealed a decline in the number of US farmers who planted required non-biotech crop refuges last year, and say it has reached a level they do not think is acceptable. The announcement came from Scott Baucum, Director of Trait Stewardship, during a symposium on resistance management and integrated pest management at the Illinois Crop Protection Technology Conference at the University of Illinois, Urbana*. He said the Ag Biotech Stewardship Technical Committee (ABSTC) would report to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on refuge planting compliance on 31 January. Monsanto says it is not alone in noting a decline, and along with other members of ABSTC and the National Corn Growers Association, is implementing an educational campaign about the role of refuges in preserving biotechnology tools. While numbers are not large on a national scale, and the issue is not concentrated to any one area, a common factor seems to be communities where “an opinion leader will say, ‘A refuge is not important’,” Baucum said, adding, “We want opinion leaders to say refuges are important.” He called for agrochemical dealers, extension advisers, and other stakeholders to encourage farmers to comply with refuge requirements: “Ultimately, stewardship takes place at the farm gate.” EPA requires farmers growing Bt corn to plant at least 20% of their corn acreage with non-Bt seed to delay development of insect resistance to Bt traits. Non-compliance for two years means a farmer cannot buy Bt seed. *This was the 60th annual meeting of the conference, which began in 1949 as the Illinois Custom Spray Operators' Training School (see: www. ipm.uiuc.edu/conferences/cptc/). Conference proceedings can be downloaded at: www.ipm.uiuc.edu/education/proceedings/index.html


Don't let volunteer corn report for duty Steve Leer, Purdue University A warning to US growers of GM crops comes from Purdue University in Indiana, USA. Christian Krupke warned that varieties containing Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) to control corn rootworms and corn borers, and genetically modified to withstand Roundup herbicide, could become more susceptible to rootworms unless growers keep fields free of volunteer corn [maize] during the soybean part of the rotation and continue planting refuge acres of Bt-free corn. “We need to stay a step ahead of rootworm resistance development,” Krupke said. Rootworms are a major threat to corn crops, costing US farmers about US$1 billion a year in yield losses and control expenses. Some 30% percent of Indiana's estimated 6.45 million corn acres were planted to multi-trait biotech varieties this year, including the Bt/Roundup ‘triple stacks’. While transgenic varieties have helped growers boost corn yields, those varieties could unintentionally produce stronger, tougher-to-control rootworms when farmers rotate their cornfields to soybeans the following year, Krupke said. Rootworms feeding on volunteer corn – maverick plants that grow from seed produced by the previous year's crop – are exposed to Bt but at less-than-toxic levels. He found a great deal of volunteer corn in some fields where triple-stack corn was planted in 2006 and soybeans in 2007. “Most of that volunteer corn showed up as being Roundup Ready and as having the Bt gene for rootworm,” Krupke said, adding that the Bt gene was not expressed at the same level as in corn grown from offthe-shelf Bt corn. He explained that rootworm larvae eating the volunteer corn are exposed to sub-lethal doses of Bt, and survive to mate with other ‘survivors’, leading to possibly more resistant offspring. So volunteer corn, normally considered a weed and controlled, really must to be controlled in these situations. Volunteer corn is usually controlled with herbicides – and for many soybean farmers this has traditionally been glyphosate. Control is more difficult when the corn is both resistant to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, and growing in Roundup Ready soybeans (which have in recent


years been planted on some 90% of Indiana’s soybean acres). Bill Johnson, Purdue Extension weed scientist, comments that farmers have several options for controlling volunteer Roundup Ready corn in soybeans, “Farmers should use Assure II, Select Max, Fusion or Raptor tank mixed with glyphosate,” he said. Purdue researchers also stress the importance of refuge corn, to provide a reservoir of insects that are not exposed in their lifetime to Bt, and will, on mating, dilute the chances of the next generation of insects being resistant. “Killing all rootworms by planting 100% of acres with Bt corn is neither the objective, nor is it possible,” Krupke said. Even in cornfields where refuge acres were planted, Krupke and fellow Purdue entomologists have found troubling signs: they looked at the relative sizes of rootworm beetles coming out of the transgenic and refuge corn and found some large females coming out of the transgenic blocks, and that, Krupke said, “Is important because large females tend to lay more eggs and are preferred by the male beetles.” He stresses the need for vigilance to ensure the technology is around for a long time. “If we don't do the things that we need to do, then we're eventually going to have products that are not effective against rootworm,” he said. “The two primary things would be to continue planting the refuge and, in areas where you are rotating corn with soybeans, clean up any volunteer corn that you have in the field.” Further information: Christian Krupke; Department of Entomology, Purdue University, Smith Hall, 901 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2089, USA: Tel: +1 765 494 4912; Fax: +1 765 494 0535; Email: [email protected]; Web: www. entm.purdue.edu/fieldcropsipm/ Bill Johnson; Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Lilly Hall of Life Sciences, 915 West State Street, W. Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Phone +1 765 494 4656; Email: wgj@ purdue.edu; Web: www.btny.purdue. edu/Faculty/Johnson/

Bt cotton unaffected by water deficit Concerns that water deficit may reduce the efficacy of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in GM cotton have been allayed by an international team

who concluded that moderate water deficit, as a single stress factor, does not affect its effectiveness against the African cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)*. The team, who evaluated growth of Bt cotton plants subjected to moderate water deficit for 30 days, found that leaves from young plants had both higher Bt toxin concentrations and were more effective against larvae than leaves, flowers or bolls from mature flowering plants exposed to 60 days of moderate water deficit. Although growth of Bt cotton plants under moderate water-deficit conditions decreased Bt concentrations in leaves, flowers and bolls, this had no effect on efficacy against first-instar cotton bollworm larvae. *Martins, C.M., Beyene, G., Hofs, J.-L., Krüger, K., Van der Vyver, C., Schlüter, U. & Kunert, K.J. Effect of water-deficit stress on cotton plants expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin. Annals of Applied Biology (OnlineEarly Articles). Accessible to journal subscribers at www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ j.1744-7348.2007.00214.x

China Bt cotton online video Bt cotton is planted on more than three million hectares by an estimated 7.1 million small farmers in China. The video ‘Silver Fields of Gold: The Story of Bt Cotton in China’ documents cotton cultivation in China and how Bt cotton eventually became the first biotech crop to be planted widely in the country. Various stakeholders who made this a reality – scientists, government officials, farmers and the private sector – share experiences and thoughts about this technology. The video is a collaborative project of China's Biotechnology Research Institute, Cotton Research Institute, CCTV-7 Agriculture Programme, and the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA). It can be viewed in English and Mandarin via video streaming at www.isaaa.org/kc/ inforesources/videos/btcottonchina/ This is the fourth in a series of videos produced by ISAAA that document Third World country experiences in cultivating Bt corn, Bt cotton, biotech papaya, and tissue culture banana.

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Bt crops safe for honey bees Genetically modified Bt crops have no negative effect on the survival of honeybees, according to a study published by the online journal PlosOne*. A group of American scientists carried out a meta-analysis of 25 independent laboratory studies that focused on the effects of the transgenic Cry protein on honeybee larvae and adults. Although numerous studies have been performed on the effect of Bt proteins in honey bees, the short observation time and the low number of replicates limit their use. By synthesizing the quantitative data obtained in these studies, researchers greatly increased the statistical power of the experiment. The scientists also noted that Bt toxicity to honeybee is very unlikely, especially since studies typically expose honeybees to doses of Cry proteins that are ten or more times than those encountered in the field. *Duan, J.J., Marvier, M., Huesing, J., Dively, G. & Huang, Z.Y. (2008) A meta-analysis of effects of Bt crops on honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae). PLoS ONE 3(1): e1415 doi:10.1371/ journal.pone.0001415. This open access article is available at www. plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/ journal.pone.0001415

Conference on non-GM soy production The Environmental News Network has reported an initiative aimed at creating a global commodity market for non-GM soy and feed. The twoday conference, ‘Non-GM feedstuffs, quality production and European regional agriculture strategy’, organized by Europe’s GMO-Free Regions Network and the European Committee of Regions, was held in Brussels, Belgium, in December 2007 and attended by 361 delegates representing Europe’s GMO-free regions (including Brittany in France, Tuscany in Italy and Upper Austria) and nine nonEuropean nations including Brazil, Canada, China, India and the USA. Source: www.enn.com/

US seeks comment on GM alfalfa The US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public

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comment to shape the scope of an environmental impact statement (EIS) regarding the status of the genetically engineered (GE) Roundup Ready alfalfa. The EIS will be prepared to evaluate the potential effects of deregulating the GE alfalfa. APHIS has outlined important issues that will be addressed in the EIS. These include impacts on food and feed, US trade and threatened and endangered species. See: www.regulations.gov/ fdmspublic/component/main?main= DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2007-0044

India's DBt to set up biotech research council India's Department of Biotechnology (DBt) is to establish a Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) to act as an interface between academia and private industry, particularly tailored to the needs of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-up companies. In addition, the DBt will implement a novel Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) by earmarking 30% of the department's total budget to strengthen public-private partnership initiatives in new areas. These developments were announced by Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, at the inauguration of the 95th Indian Science Congress, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam in January 2008.

FAO report on biosafety within a biosecurity framework From 28 February to 3 March 2006, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) organized an expert consultation on ‘Biosafety within a biosecurity framework: Contributing to sustainable agriculture and food production’ in Rome. Its main purposes were to (a) identify and analyse potential safety issues associated with current and future applications of new biotechnologies in various sectors relevant for sustainable agriculture and food production and (b) develop recommendations for FAO to appropriately address these, in particular regarding optimal risk analysis approaches. Prior to the consultation, a background paper entitled “FAO's role in biosafety within a

biosecurity framework: Scope and relevance of 'biosafety' as a contribution to sustainable agriculture and food production” was made available to participants. The report of the consultation, which includes the background paper, is now available at: www.fao.org/ ag/agn/agns/meetings_consultations_ 2006_en.asp; Or contact: [email protected] for more information.

General features of risk assessments of biotech crops Introduction of GM organisms to the environment is governed by formalized science-based risk assessment (RA) measures. Although there is broad worldwide consensus on the type of information on which RA is built, there are considerable regional variations on the emphasis and depth of information required by regulatory bodies. A new review published by the journal Euphytica discusses the general features of RA of GM crops. Authored by scientists from the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), the paper enumerated the categories used by regulatory bodies in RA:  Possible unintended negative effects in a susceptible subgroup of the target population, like allergenicity  Evolution of resistance in the targeted pest/pathogen population  Non-target hazards, like effects to the biodiversity  Gene flow The authors pointed out that, to date, the definition of ‘environmental harm’ has not been unequivocally agreed. Likewise, they said that absolute certainty or zero risk in a safety assessment is never achievable. They concluded that harmonization of rules for risk assessment of GMOs is no easy task. This is demonstrated by the fact that the two most ambitious multilateral harmonization efforts, the CODEX Alimentarius Commission and those in the context of the UN Convention on Biodiversity Commission, have been deadlocked and are likely to remain so for the next few years. Further information: www. springerlink. com/content/ 761378n0w4480165/


PESTICIDE / COMPANY NEWS Bayer plans new solutions for weed control in corn Bayer CropScience is preparing to launch a new herbicidal mixture for preemergence weed control in corn: a combination of the active ingredients thiencarbazone-methyl and isoxaflutole; thiencarbazone-methyl is a new sulfonyl-amino-carbonyl-triazolinone (SACT). The two active ingredients complement each other and will be combined with the new proprietary herbicidal safener cyprosulfamide to provide additional crop safety. This new premixture can be applied from prior to planting through the second leaf-collar stage of corn. “Field studies have proven the excellent performance of thiencarbazone in combination with isoxaflutole against key monocot and dicot weed species in corn,” explained Dr Brent D. Philbrook, researcher at Bayer CropScience LP, located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Market introduction is expected in the USA in 2009 pending regulatory approval. “Our aim is to further expand our leading position by launching products with the new safener technology, in particular in corn, one of the major crops worldwide,” said Christophe Dumont, Head of the Strategic Business Entity Herbicides at Bayer CropScience. “We have four new herbicidal substances in late-stage development, and they are scheduled for market introduction between 2008 and 2012,” he added. Two further recent herbicidal active ingredients, tembotrione and pyrasulfotole, are scheduled for launch in the USA in the very near future.

New Syngenta product hits potato aphids – fast A novel insecticide for controlling all aphid species in potatoes, including currently resistant strains, was launched by Syngenta UK at British Potato 2007 in November. Actara® is the first foliar application of the highly active new-generation neonicotinoid, thiamethoxam, claimed to give aphid knockdown at a speed comparable to pyrethroid insecticides. The unique chemical structure of Actara confers high activity from low dose rates, fast uptake into the plant, true systemicity with rapid translocation and strong residual activity to give persistent


pest control. A single Actara application has been shown to give two to three weeks control of aphid populations. Syngenta Speciality Crops Manager, Bruce McKenzie said that, unlike other resistance-busting insecticides, the speed of kill with Actara means growers do not necessarily need to add a pyrethroid – although when Actara is applied in conjunction with Hallmark Zeon, growers get the added benefit of repellent activity to discourage further aphids flying in. Growers are permitted to make two Actara applications during the season on seed crops and one on ware. McKenzie pointed out that for seed crop growers who make multiple insecticide applications through the season, Actara as an early treatment will clean out colonies of resistant Myzus persicae in the crop, so any subsequent applications of Aphox or Hallmark will have the greatest opportunity for success. He also suggested that the persistence of Actara means one application could see virus-susceptible ware varieties protected through key growth periods, when the risk of disease transmission is highest. Syngenta Technical Manager, Jon Ogborn said that, “In warm, dry conditions, when aphid numbers can be increasing very rapidly throughout the crop canopy, the high water solubility of Actara will prove extremely valuable in targeting aphids quickly and effectively.” Equally, “The rapid uptake of Actara is also important to give rainfastness in wet conditions or when irrigation is scheduled.” McKenzie commented: “Our research with growers and agronomists clearly highlights that speed of aphid kill, persistent activity and the ability to control resistant strains of Myzus persicae are the primary concerns of growers.” Actara also has the lowest dose rate of the neonicotinoid insecticides. “This high activity from a low dose rate is entirely concurrent with objectives throughout the potato industry,” he said.

New DuPont herbicides For soybean… DuPont Crop protection has received federal registration approval from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for two soybean preemergence herbicides. The new products, Enlite™

and Envive™ *, feature two modes of action to provide growers with longer lasting, more consistent early season control of weeds that have developed tolerance and/or resistance to glyphosate and ALS chemistries. According to Jim Collins, Vice President and General Manager, DuPont Crop Protection, the new herbicides showcase the power that can be harnessed by proprietary homogenous blend technology from DuPont, which enables rapid development of new herbicides with multiple active ingredients for improved resistance management. Using this technology, Enlite and Envive herbicides combine flumioxazin and sulfonylurea herbicides for weed control, even under cool, wet conditions. Both Enlite and Envive herbicides provide contact plus residual control of winter annuals, marestail, lambsquarters, dandelion and other glyphosate- and ALS-resistant weeds. The Envive herbicide blend was designed to control waterhemp and be used by growers in the longer growing seasons of the central and southern USA. Enlite herbicide, which has no soil pH restrictions, allows growers in the northern USA better plant back options when rotating from soybeans to corn or cereal crops. *Enlite™ and Envive™ may not be registered for sale or use in all states. … and wheat DuPont received registration approval from EPA in January 2008 for Agility™ SG herbicide, a new product designed to provide wheat growers with a better tool for broad spectrum weed control, including ALS-resistant species. The new product features four active ingredients and two modes of action in a single formulation. Agility SG controls more than 80 tough broadleaf weeds, including Russian thistle, pigweed and kochia. Jim Collins said that Agility SG herbicide harnesses two patented, proprietary technologies from DuPont: homogeneous blends and TotalSol® soluble granules. Noting that this latest registration follows on the registration of two new soybean herbicides (see above), and that DuPont expect to launch several new corn herbicides soon, Collins comments: “We’re building momentum on our strategy to give growers better answers faster than ever before.”

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Syngenta’s Endigo™ receives EPA approval for potatoes The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Endigo™ for use in potatoes. This follows its registration last October for use in cotton. Endigo’s two modes of action couple knockdown and residual activity for sucking and chewing potato pests. Syngenta technical brand manager Roy Boykin describes Endigo’s potential as a rotational product, saying: “Growers know it is critical to alternate chemistries throughout the season. Endigo targets insects with two modes of action in a single application, and provides an excellent rotational product to organophosphates and carbamates.” In cotton, the two modes of action, which protect against key mid- to lateseason pests such as fleahoppers, tarnished plant bugs, stink bugs and worms, make it an effective tool for managing insect resistance in that crop, Syngenta says.

Bayer’s spirotetramat granted first regulatory approval Bayer CropScience has received the first regulatory approval for its new insecticidal active ingredient spirotetramat from authorities in Tunisia. “Spirotetramat is a promising active ingredient in the ketoenoles substance class. The decisive advantages of this new systemic leaf insecticide are its efficacy against a broad spectrum of sucking insects and its suitability for use on all types of crops,” commented Dr. Rüdiger Scheitza, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer CropScience and Head of Global Portfolio Management. The intention is to market spirotetramat worldwide under the brand name Movento®. Further approvals for Movento in the USA and further markets worldwide are expected, and launch of the new insecticide is planned for 2008. The systemic active ingredient moves up and down through the entire plant system, including the young shoots, leaves and roots, and is thus distributed evenly and lastingly. Bayer CropScience recommends spirotetramat for use in integrated crop protection programmes since it is safe for beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. It has a good decomposition and residue profile, making it well suited to meeting the high quality standards imposed by the international food chain. It is also suitable as part of a risk management programme, used alter-

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nately with other commercially available classes of active ingredient.

Arysta herbicide extends burndown control in wheat Arysta LifeScience North America Corporation has announced the registration of Pre-Pare™ 70 WDG herbicide for wheat growers interested in extended control of grassy and broadleaf weeds at burndown, prior to seeding. Research has shown that prolific broadleaf and grassy weeds like green foxtail (pigeongrass) and wild oats decrease crop yields the most when they out compete the wheat in its earliest growing stages. A burndown treatment that includes PrePare means the field will stay cleaner, allowing wheat growers time to seed into a clean field and reduce weed competition for the emerging crop. “We worked collaboratively with over 175 growers to bring Pre-Pare to the market,” says Patrick Haikal, Product Manager, “They confirmed the value an extended control, grassy and broadleaf burndown weed herbicide would bring. The registration of Pre-Pare was really driven by wheat growers' desire for weed control solutions that add value to their farming practices.”

First food-grade organic weed killer In November 2007, Pharm Solutions Inc. announced US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for ‘Weed Pharm’, which it describes as the world's first food-grade organic herbicide. Weed Pharm, a non selective weed and grass killer, is based on 200 grain food-grade vinegar as the active ingredient. Catherine H. Daniels, Extension Specialist at Washington State University, comments, “Several years ago, scientists at the USDA-ARS Sustainable Agriculture Systems Laboratory tested the ability of vinegar/acetic acid to act as an herbicide. Initial results showed that 20% acetic acid (200 grain vinegar) had an acceptable level of control against certain weeds. The news created a huge surge in product demand and swamped Extension Agents with public requests for information.” The dilemma was that they could only recommend EPA registered products, and there were no registered herbicides at the 200 grain RTU strength. To add to the confusion, some companies sold products illegally or with misleading claims; some people bought and used them, which raised safety concerns. “The

EPA registration of Weed Pharm solves these problems,” states Susan E. Lewis, Founder and President. Further information: Pharm Solutions Inc., 2023 E. Sims Way, Suite #358, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA; Tel:+1 805 927 7400; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.pharmsolutions.com

Pioneer Releases New Corn Hybrids Pioneer Hi-Bred released 59 new Pioneer brand corn hybrids in North America for the 2008 planting season. This includes 23 new genetic families matched with technology from the Herculex® family of insect protection traits and the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 trait. This class consists of 15 Pioneer double-stack hybrids containing the Herculex I gene and the Roundup Ready Corn 2 trait; and 22 new triple stack hybrids with insect protection and the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 trait. To meet market demands, Pioneer has also made available white and waxy hybrids. Source: Crop Biotech Update

Monsanto optimistic about R&D pipeline Monsanto announced that it is poised to release new ‘blockbuster’ products to farmers by 2012. The company believes that the key projects in its research and development (R&D) pipeline can deliver new values to farmers well into the next decade. The products include YieldGard Rootworm III, a product obtained through RNA interference and designed to provide improved control and enhanced durability against the rootworm, omega3-fortified soybeans and drought-tolerant cotton. The company is also expected to introduce its second-generation corn borer technology, YieldGard VT PRO. It is in the fourth phase of the company's R&D pipeline and currently waiting regulatory approvals. Monsanto also reports several ‘firsts’ in its biotechnology R&D initiatives. Some 10 specific projects are either advanced from one phase to the next or added to the pipeline. Other highlights include:  First ever advancement of a multigenerational family: Second-generation drought tolerant corn advanced to Phase 2 and first-generation drought tolerant corn advanced to Phase 3, making it the industry's first drought project to move into the regulatory and commercial phase.  Five projects were added to the pipeline this year, including SmartStax corn,


soybean disease, second-generation highoil soybeans, high-stearate soybeans, and high-oil corn.  Two of three High Impact Technologies (HITs) advanced phases: Vistive III and drought tolerant corn. The movement, which was based on results from 2007 trials, advanced the technologies one step closer to commercial launch. Source: CropBiotech Update

JSTECH appoints new sales manager J & S Technical Services (JSTECH) has appointed Simon Stell formerly of Monsanto Agricultural Company as Sales Manager. He joins JSTECH to further expand sales of its sulphur products into the agricultural, horticultural, amenity and industrial sectors, and to develop new markets for their sulphur-based chemical products with principals throughout the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Canada and the USA. JSTECH is part of the Marlin group of companies, which includes Marlin Chemicals Ltd, and is a specialist supplier of sulphur-based chemical products.


Stell trained in life sciences and agronomy at the University of Hertfordshire and the University of Reading, UK, graduating into a career in crop protection and plant nutrition with Murphy Chemicals and Farm Protection, as well as pasture agronomy in Peru on a joint British/Peruvian government livestock project. While with Monsanto he developed use of their Roundup herbicide (glyphosate) for weed control in tropical tree crops such as tea and coffee and field crops including sugar cane. His broad expertise and experience covers tropical estate and plantation crops, field crops including Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) and livestock grazing pasture. JSTECH recently recorded some of its most impressive sales growth in Australia and New Zealand. Sulphur is becoming increasingly important as a plant nutrient in crop production and as a soil amendment product to reduce soil alkalinity for crops which prefer acid soil conditions. Soil amendment application of sulphur in the UK and elsewhere has revolutionized the management of common scab of potato (Streptomyces scabies) by reducing soil pH to a distinctly acid value. In addition, there is re-kindled interest for spraying

and dusting sulphur to control plant diseases and phytophagous mites, especially in organic crop production systems that cannot use ‘hard’ synthetic pesticides. “Future areas of development for our agriculture-grade sulphur,” says Stell, “are blends incorporating sulphur with other nutrients including calcium, zinc and boron.” Welcoming Simon to the company, David Reynolds, Managing Director of JSTECH said, “Simon brings to JSTECH strong technical and commercial expertise in international agricultural and chemical markets, which is an ideal background to further develop the many applications and opportunities for our sulphur product range.” Acquisition of JSTECH two years ago by the Marlin Group has provided a wide range of expertise in many additional areas of the chemical raw materials sector, with access to and support from world class management and distribution systems with global reach and experience. Further information: David Reynolds (Managing Director), John Peace (Consultant), Simon Stell (Sales Manager); Tel: +44 1892 725341; Fax: +1 1892 724099; Email: sales@jstech. co.uk

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PEST CONTROL DEVELOPMENTS Mixed-species fungus gardens could trip up African termite control* Termites are social insects organized into a complex caste system. The African continent harbours one-third of the 2000 species recorded to date, including some 160 in the subfamily Macrotermitinae. Unlike other termites, species in this subfamily cannot digest cellulose or lignin, the basic constituents of their food plants, and have instead evolved a symbiotic relationship with a fungus. Using roughly chewed and only slightly digested plant material, they make a small ventilated structure, the fungus comb or garden, on which the mycelium of a basiodiomycete Termitomyces fungus can grow. The fungus breaks down the lignin- and cellulose-based material on the comb into substances easier for the termites to assimilate. This termite-fungus association allows the termites to process enormous amounts of plant material, which underlies their ecological role – and pest importance – in Africa: enormous termite mounds are a characteristic feature of the savanna landscape, where the termites are a crucial component of ecosystem processes, but an unwelcome sight on farms; fungus-growing termites cause an estimated 90% of the termite damage to crops in Africa.

Entomologists studying these insects have long considered the symbiotic relationship between the Macrotermitinae and Termitomyces to be specific, believing that coevolution over millions of years had led to one species of termite being associated with a single species of fungus. However, a recent study has found evidence coevolution to be absent. Latest fungicide-based control strategies target the termite via its obligate fungal symbionts, replacing more toxic insecticides, but this new finding could indicate limitations to the approach. The study examined termites and associated Termitomyces in South Africa and Senegal, from 101 colonies belonging to eight species in three genera. Analysis of molecular variance using amplification and sequencing of highly variable genome sequences from the termites and fungi gave measurements of the level of symbiotic interaction for genus, species, colony. This proved to be variable: it was generally high at the genus level, low between species and quite high between colonies of the same species. Only one of the species studies, Macrotermes natalensis established a symbiotic relationship with a single fun-

Termite-hills found in Africa often stand like monuments (Photo: Joseph Laure/IRD)

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Fruiting body of Termitomyces (Photo: Corinne Rouland-Lefèvre/IRD)

gus species in all colonies investigated. In contrast, three Odontotermes species grew several different Termitomyces species and exhibited the highest diversity reported for any fungus-growing termite so far. And low termite and symbiont specificity was found in species of Microtermes, in which several different termite species were associated with a variety of fungi. The secret of the diversification could lie in Termitomyces’ reproduction through fruiting bodies, which develop from the mycelium but form characteristic agaric mushroom structures on the surface. This means the organism could be retrieved by termites from another colony, and taken to their nest to establish a new growth site. The results indicate strongly that, rather than an intergenerational (vertical) transmission mode – which is seen in fungusgrowing ants – a process of horizontal transmission operates between many different colonies of termites, whether or not they belong to the same species. While further understanding of the mode of transmission might allow fungicide-based control approaches to be refined, the ability of the termites to acquire and cultivate diverse fungal species could keep them a step ahead. *Adapted from an article by Grégory Fléchet, Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD), France and translated by Nicolas Flay Further information: Corinne Rouland-Lefèvre, IRD, 32, Rue Henri Varagnat, 93143 Bondy cedex, France; Tel: +33 1 48 02 79 56; Fax: +33 1


48 02 59 70; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.ird. fr/ Aanen, D.K., Ros, V.I.D., Licht, H.H.D., Mitchell, J., De Beer, Z.W., Slippers, B., Rouland-Lefèvre, C. & Boomsma, J.J. (2007) Patterns of interaction specificity of fungus growing termites and Termitomyces symbionts in South Africa. BMC Evolutionary Biology 7, 115. Rouland, C. & Mora, P. (2002) Control of Ancistrotermes guineensis Silvestri (Termitidae-Macrotermitinae) pest of sugar cane in Chad. International Journal of Pest Management 48, 81–86.

New Zealand include dairy and field crop farmers; grass grubs and Porina spp. are major pastoral pests of New Zealand agricultural land used for dairy farming. Further afield, beetles are big destroyers of many field crops including maize, cotton and sugar cane, as well as turf grasses in global markets such as Australia, Europe and the USA. Further information: Mark Hurst, AgResearch, PO Box 60, Lincoln, New Zealand; Fax: +64 3 983 3946; Email: [email protected].

Novel bacteria shows promise as bioinsecticide

Viral diseases are one of the major constraints in production of major crops worldwide, and are particularly problematic in vegetatively propagated crops like potato, banana and plantain; viruses are transferred from generation to generation in the planting materials. Production and maintenance of virusfree planting materials is pivotal for the effective control of diseases. A group of scientists from Japan, China and Finland has developed a novel procedure for eliminating viruses from planting materials, now published in Molecular Plant Pathology. The scientists employed a combination of thermotherapy and cryotherapy, wherein plant materials were exposed to extreme temperatures. Using the procedure, the scientists were able to successfully eliminate Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) from its host plant. High temperature caused cellular damage, such as vacuole enlargement, in virusinfected cells. The infected cells were largely eliminated after subsequent cryo-treatment. It has been known that the efficiency of virus eradication in a given host species differs depending on the virus and the host genotype. The use of 'heat and cold' therapy to augment conventional virus eradication schemes should increase the success rate in healthy plant production. Another advantage is that materials exposed to cryo-treatment can be simultaneously prepared for long-term preservation. This free Technical Advance article published by the journal Molecular Plant Pathology is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/ pdf/10.1111/j.1364-3703.2007.00456.x

A new species of bacterium isolated from diseased and dead grass grubs collected from New Zealand’s South Island is exciting scientists with its potential as a bioinsecticide for a wide range of insect pests. New Zealand’s AgResearch announced the discovery of the novel bacterium Yersinia entomophaga MH96 in November 2007. It has been found to kill many insect species within two to three days of infection. The most common bacterial biocontrol agent to date, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), includes many strains, each of which targets a specific insect subgroup. According to AgResearch, what makes this latest discovery of such significance is the wide range of insects the bacterium is active against, including beetles, grass grubs, moths and caterpillars; i.e. the major destroyers of agricultural and horticultural crops around the world. Yersinia entomophaga is the first Yersinia bacterium to be shown to contain potent insecticidal toxins, according to AgResearch Scientist Dr Mark Hurst. Developing application methods will need to take account of Y. entomophaga’s wide spectrum of activity. AgResearch notes that it could be delivered through a variety of technologies including seed drilling, or through bait which would be formulated to attract only target species. It has shown limited survival in the field so long-term environmental effects are not anticipated. In addition, it has been shown to be safe to bees. First discovered in 1996, it has taken Hurst and his team more than ten years to test and refine their discovery and secure the necessary patents. They are now ready to take the bacterium to the world as a marketable, commercial product. Potential markets in


Removing plant viruses by 'hot and cold therapy'

Source: CropBiotech Update

Unlocking the genetic basis of pine tree defence Scientists from the University of British Colombia in Canada have made a discovery about how conifers (pine trees and spruce) ward off herbivores and pathogens. By comparing the structure and sequence of enzymes that produce terpenoids in plants, the researchers were able to show how they produce complex mixtures of chemical compounds that continuously evolve to protect them from diseases and pathogens. Terpenoids are a vast group of aromatic compounds that play an important role in mediating various plant–herbivore, plant–pollinator, and plant–pathogen interactions. The scientists demonstrated how neofunctionalization can result from relatively minor changes in protein sequence to increase the diversity of plant compounds. The neofunctionalization hypothesis asserts that after gene duplication, one gene retains the ancestral function whereas the other acquires a new function, thereby leading to increase in diversity of products. The discovery made by the researchers may open the way to developing new trees that can fight insects like the mountain pine beetles, which has caused billions of dollars losses in conifer-based forest economies. The abstract of the paper published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is available at: www.pnas.org/ cgi/content/abstract/0709466105v1 Source: CropBiotech Update

Faster screening reveals natural fungicide potential American scientists have found a faster way to assess fungicides isolated from natural sources. Using compounds isolated from natural resources is an exciting approach for disease control, especially as they represent a vast untapped reservoir. Microassays developed for natural product fungicide discovery has allowed rapid screening (2–4 days depending on rate of fungal growth) of a large number of potential natural compounds. The authors measured the effect of the fungicides on both spore germination and subsequent mycelial growth with two different microassay techniques. In a paper published in the American Phytopathological Society’s journal Plant Disease, they also report results of comparisons of the natural product-

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based fungicide sampangine (which can be isolated from Cananga odorata or ylang-ylang) for dose-response and fungal sensitivity and seven commercial fungicides (benomyl, captan, cyprodinil, fenbuconazole, fenhexamid, iprodione, and kresoxim-methyl) against five cosmopolitan plant pathogenic fungi (Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum acutatum, C. fragariae, C. gloeosporioides, and Fusarium oxysporum). Sampangine performed at least as well as the commercial products for four of

the five fungi. Further evaluation of this promising product is planned as the product moves forward toward commercial production. Abril, M.A., Curry, K.J., Smith, B.J. & Wedge, D.E. (2008) Improved microassays used to test natural productbased and conventional fungicides on plant pathogenic fungi. Plant Disease 92(1), 106–112. DOI: 10.1094/PDIS92-1-0106

Scientists breed varroa 'resistant' bees Scientists at HortResearch in New Zealand have bred honeybees that fight back against varroa mites (Varroa spp.) by suppressing mite reproduction, a potentially sustainable and cost-effective tool against this pest that threatens bees, and thus honey production and the many crops they pollinate in many parts of the world. Since its arrival in New Zealand seven years ago, varroa has become the number one enemy of bees and beekeepers across much of the country. Able to reproduce and spread rapidly, the mite lays its eggs inside the brood cells of a beehive, where the mites develop to maturity by feeding on bee larvae. Uncontrolled, varroa will usually 'kill' a bee colony within a year – an expensive loss to beekeepers as well as a major threat to honey producers and New Zealand's billion dollar fruit export industry, which relies on bees for pollination. Varroa is currently controlled mostly through the use of chemical miticides at an annual cost to industry of over NZ$1.5 million. While such treatments are generally effective, their use is not sustainable says HortResearch honeybee scientist Dr Mark Goodwin. “Overseas, varroa has quickly built up resistance to these miticides, resulting in large hive losses. In addition, while perfectly safe if used correctly, beekeepers and growers would prefer not to have these chemicals in our natural environment.” With funding from the Sustainable Farming Fund, the National Beekeepers Association, individual beekeepers, and the kiwifruit industry through ZESPRI Limited, Dr

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Goodwin and his team have been searching for more sustainable ways of keeping varroa in check. “We're looking not only at controlling the mite more cheaply, but also at methods that meet the strong environmental and food safety goals of the bee industry and the horticulture industries it supports,” he says. The idea of breeding ‘resistant’ bees came from research by the US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, which showed that varroa mites emerging from certain hives were unable to reproduce. Dr John Harbo (now retired) and his team found that this was due to a genetic trait in the bees themselves, now called VSH (varroa specific hygiene). They discovered that resistance is based on hygiene by adult bees, not by some effect of bee brood on mite reproduction. The team are currently trying to better describe the behavioral subcomponents of hygiene. On a practical scale, they are also working on the challenge of implementing this genetic tool in commercial bee populations. In nature the 'resistance' levels only reach around 20% because the 'resistance' genes are constantly watered down through interbreeding. Drawing on the US research, and using bees carefully selected from around New Zealand, Goodwin's team began to interbreed bees to increase the levels of VSH within the population. “It's a tricky business, requiring the careful artificial insemination of queen bees in the lab,” says Goodwin. “With patience we've been able to breed bees whose hives render up to 80% of varroa sterile. The problem is that the

process is expensive and time-consuming. We could never rely on artificial insemination to supply the amount of bees needed to continuously replenish the resistance genetics of New Zealand's 300,000 commercial beehives.” Instead, Goodwin's team hope that they can establish a self-sustaining population of high-resistance bees by keeping them isolated from nonresistant bees. “An island was the obvious choice for this experiment and we were lucky that Sir Michael Fay and David Richwhite offered us the opportunity to work on Great Mercury Island, which lies off the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. In fact they've done a lot more than just allow us access to the island. They've shown a real interest in the project and provided staff, equipment, transport and accommodation for visiting staff as well.” Goodwin's team has now transported 50 high-resistance hives to the island, creating an instant population of 500,000 bees. “Over the next few months those bees will breed and the population will reach around 2.5 million. We'll be watching with interest to see if isolation allows these hives and their offspring to maintain a high degree of varroa resistance,” says Goodwin. If the experiment is successful the island, and possibly others like it, could become vital breeding centres for large numbers of highly resistant queens. These could then form the basis of a continuous flow of new genetics to the mainland, helping to maintain high levels of resistance in commercial hives. Further information: [New Zealand] Roger Bourne, Senior Communications Advisor, HortResearch, Private Bag 92 169, Mt Albert, Auckland, New Zealand; Tel: +64 9 815 8757; Web: w w w. h o r t r e s e a r c h . c o . n z / i n d e x / news/505 [USA] Robert G. Danka, USDA Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics & Physiology Laboratory, 1157 Ben Hur Road, Baton Rouge, LA 708205502, USA; Tel: +1 225 767 9294; Fax: +1 225 766 9212; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.ars. usda.gov/msa/br/hbbgpru


BOOKS The UK Pesticide Guide celebrates 21st year The 21st edition of The UK Pesticide Guide 2008 is now available, providing farmers and growers with the most up-to-date information relating to UK approved products, for agriculture, horticulture, forestry and amenity use. “The UK Pesticide Guide has been a valuable asset to UK agriculture for the past 21 years - and still is,” says Tony Pexton, farmer and Chairman of the Assured Combinable Crops Scheme. “It is an increasing requirement for farmers and growers to be in possession of up-to-date pesticide information, as required by our customers and as part of cross compliance. We must all have the current information on resistance strategies, approvals and mixes for example and this annual publication is definitely an important source of knowledge for the industry and will be for many years to come.” This edition of the Guide provides information on over 1300 pesticide products in current use in the UK, including six new active ingredients; bifenazate, flumioxazin, imazamox, indoxacarb, isoxaflutole and mandipropamid. Mode of action codes, published by the Fungicide, Herbicide and Insecticide Resistance Action Committees, are included for the first time in order to help farmers and advisers make effective and sustainable product choices to prevent the development of resistance. Dick Whitehead has been editing The UK Pesticide Guide since 1994 and this year he retires as editor. “The 21st edition reflects the importance that this publication has for


the UK crop production industry,” explains Mr Whitehead. “The book is always a popular choice for those on the move who need information at their fingertips when planning their spray programme.” BCPC will be announcing Dick Whitehead’s placement in the near future. “The identity and nature of active ingredients, and the structure of the industry that provides them, have seen significant changes over the 21 years that we have been publishing this Guide,” says Mr Whitehead. “Our aim is to continue to provide access to up-to-date information on new products and the increasingly complex and demanding legislation that surrounds them. We are sure that our customers will therefore welcome the launch of a new on-line version – www.plantprotection.co.uk – which goes live within the next few weeks and takes over from the CD-Rom version which was introduced in 1999,” he adds. Whitehead, R. (ed) (2008) The UK Pesticide Guide 2008. 21st ed. BCPC/CABI, 630 pp. Pbk. ISBN 978 1 84593 416 3. Price UK£39.50 (discounts for 10+ copies). Copies may be ordered by contacting: BCPC Publications Sales, 7 Omni Business Centre, Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QD, UK; Tel: +44 1420 593 200; Email: [email protected]; credit cards accepted. Secure orders can also be placed online from the BCPC website: www.bcpcbookshop.co.uk/ and click on the ‘Green Book’ link.

Field Manual of Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology – second edition Springer has published a second edition of Field Manual of Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology Application and Evaluation of Pathogens for Control of Insects and other Invertebrate Pests, edited by Professor Lerry Lacey and Dr Harry Kaya. The book is designed to provide background and instruction on a broad spectrum of techniques and their use in the evaluation of entomopathogens in the field. The second edition provides updated information, with two new chapters and 12 new contributors. The intended read-

ership includes researchers, graduate students, practitioners of integrated pest management (IPM), regulators and those conducting environmental impact studies of entomopathogens. Although it can function as a stand alone reference, the Field manual is complementary to the laboratory oriented ‘Manual of techniques in insect pathology’ and to insect pathology texts. The Editors have structured the 40 chapters of the Field manual into ten sections to provide the tools required for planning experiments with entomopathogens and their implementation in the field. The basic tools include chapters on the theory and practice of application of microbial control agents (MCAs) (Section I), statistical considerations in the design of experiments (Section II), and three chapters on application equipment and strategies (Section III). Section IV includes individual chapters on the major pathogen groups (virus, bacteria, microsporidia, fungi, and nematodes) and special considerations for their evaluation under field conditions. This section sets the stage for subsequent chapters on the impact of naturally occurring and introduced exotic pathogens and inundative application of MCAs. Twenty-three chapters on the application and evaluation of MCAs in a wide variety of agricultural, forest, domestic and aquatic habitats comprise Section VII of the Field Manual. In addition to insect pests, the inclusion of mites and slugs broadens the scope of the book. Most of the chapters in this section include step by step instructions on handling of inoculum, design of field experiments and experimental plots and application and assessment of efficacy of dozens of MCAs. Several of these chapters include supplementary techniques and media for conducting follow up laboratory studies for confirmation of infection, determination of persistence, etc. The three final chapters include: special consideration for evaluation of Bt transgenic plants (Section VIII); resistance to insect pathogens and strategies to manage resistance (Section IX); and guidelines for evaluating effects of MCAs on nontarget organisms (Section X). Lacey, L.A. & Kaya, H.K. (eds) (2007) Field Manual of Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology –Application

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and Evaluation of Pathogens for Control of Insects and other Invertebrate Pests. 2nd ed. Springer, 870 pp. Pbk. ISBN: 978-1-40205932-2. Further information: Springer Science + Business Media B.V., Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 GX Dordrecht, The Netherlands; Tel: +31 78 657 60 00; Fax: +31 78 657 65 55; Web: www.springer.com/9781-4020-5932-2 Biorational Control of Mosquitoes The publication of Biorational Control of Mosquitoes by the American Mosquito Control Association is timely as mosquitoes become an increasing threat to human and animal health worldwide. The 20 chapters of this book cover population dynamics, semiochemicals, molecular genetics, transgenic technologies, methoprene, modelling, recombinant technology, and federal, state and international regulations governing the use of biorational control agents against mosquitoes. It will be of interest to all mosquito workers, within and well beyond the borders of the USA. Contents: Introduction (James J. Becnel & Thomas G. Floore); Microsporidian parasites of mosquitoes (Theodore G. Andreadis); Ascogregarine parasites as possible biocontrol agents of mosquitoes (Michelle Tseng); Mosquito pathogenic viruses – the last 20 years (James J. Becnel & Susan E. White); Oomycetes: Lagenidium giganteum (James L. Kerwin); Mermithid nematodes (Edward G. Platzer); Cyclopoid copepods (Gerald G. Marten & Janet W. Reid); Insects and other invertebrate predators (Motoyoshi Mogi); Aquatic insects as predators of mosquito larvae (Humberto Quiroz-Martínez & Ariadna Rodríguez-Castro); Toxorhynchites as biocontrol agents (Dana A. Focks); Toxorhynchites (E. T. Schreiber); Bacillus thuringiensis serovariety israelensis and Bacillus sphaericus for mosquito control (Lawrence A. Lacey); Developing recombinant bacteria for control of mosquito larvae (Brian A. Federici, Hyun-Woo Park, Dennis K. Bideshi, Margaret C. Wirth, Jeffrey J. Johnson, Yuko Sakano & Mujin Tang); Larvicidal algae (Gerald G. Marten); Larvivorous fish including Gambusia (William E.

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Walton); Turtles (Gerald G. Marten); Methoprene (Clive A. Henrick); Semiochemicals, traps/targets and mass trapping technology for mosquito management (Daniel L. Kline); Modeling and biological control of mosquitoes (Cynthia C. Lord); Population dynamics (Steven A. Juliano); Competitive displacement and reduction (L. P. Lounibos); The molecular genetics of larval mosquito biology: a path to new strategies for control (Paul J. Linser, Dmitri Y. Boudko, Maria Del Pilar Corena, William R. Harvey & Theresa J. Seron); Regulatory considerations with biological control of public health pests (Karl Malamud-Roam). Floore, T.G. (ed) (2007) Biorational Control of Mosquitoes. American Mosquito Control Association, Bulletin No. 7, 330 pp. Contact: Tom Floore, PHEREC, Florida A & M University, 4000 Frankford Ave., Panama City, FL 32405, USA; Fax: +1 850 872 4733; Email: [email protected] Pest Management and Phytosanitary Trade Barriers A significant proportion of the world’s economy is based upon international trade in agricultural produce. For the producing countries, a growing concern is the potential economic and ecological damage that invasive species could cause. While threats can be decreased through the regulation of items potentially carrying invasive species, the effect of such restrictions on international trade also needs to be considered. A balance must therefore be met that permits the transfer of produce while filtering out unwanted pests. Drawing on the authors' extensive experience (Australia and the USA), the social and financial implications of phytosanitary trade barriers are reviewed in Pest Management and Phytosanitary Trade Barriers. This book offers valuable and comprehensive coverage of pest related barriers and strategies for their implementation. The expected readership includes researchers and professionals within the regulatory services in plant protection quarantine, entomology, horticulture and agriculture. Contents: 1. Pest management and phytosanitary trade barriers; 2. Agricultural warfare and bioter-

rorism using invasive species; 3. Plant regulatory organisation; 4. Managing risk of pest introduction, establishment and spread in a changing world; 5. Systems and related approaches to pest risk management; 6. Development of postharvest phytosanitary disinfestation treatments; 7. Disinfestation with cold; 8. Phytosanitary heat schedules; 9. Phytosanitation with ionising radiation; 10. Disinfestation by fumigation; 11. Disinfestation with modified (controlled) atmosphere storage; 12. Disinfestation with postharvest pesticide treatments; 13. Miscellaneous phytosanitary treatments. Heather, N. & Hallman, G. (2008 – in press) Pest Management and Phytosanitary Trade Barriers. CABI, 272 pp. Hbk. ISBN 978 1 84593 343 2. Price: UK£65.00/ US$130.00/€105.00 (online discounts) Further information: Customer Services, CABI Head Office, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8DE, UK; Tel: +44 1491 829400; Fax: +44 1491 829292; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.cabi. org/bk_BookDisplay.asp?PID=2058. (North American customers only: Oxford University Press, Customer Services, 2001 Evans Road, Cary, North Carolina 27513, USA; Tel: +1 800 445 9714; Fax: +1 919 677 1303; Email: [email protected].)



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INDEX Volume 49 – 2007 Aflatoxin resistance in maize (5) 191 Air curtains keep pests out of airplanes (4) 146 ANT Environmental (5) 161 Anti-counterfeiting coalition (3) 57 Aphid migrations: web window (4) 140 Aphids host Jekyll and Hyde bacteria (6) 202 Apple scab control by vinasse (2) 82 Arcadia Biosciences (5) 173 Armyworm: forecasting helps farmers counter attack (6) 215 Arysta (5) 173 ASTM International Disinfectant Standard needed (1) 8 Avian flu opens up new research frontiers (6) 206 Avian flu: global stockpile of H5N1 vaccine feasible (3) 60 Avian flu: Indonesia goes to brink then backs down (3) 58 Avian flu: Indonesia to resume sharing H5N1 samples (2) 78 Avian flu: plans for H5N1 global vaccine stockpile (4) 105 Avian flu: promising results on vaccines (2) 52 Avian flu: twin lessons in bio-insecurity (4) 124 Avian flu: vaccine needs of developing countries (2) 52 Avian flu: who owns the H5N1 influenza A virus? (3) 61 Banana firms lose in pesticide ban case (5) 167 BASF (3) 56; (5) 170, 172 Bayer (1) 10; (5) 163, 167, 172 BCPC (4) 105; (5) 164; (6) 222 BCPC/IPPC Congress 2007 (3) 52; (6) 232 Bed bug control (5) 187 Berson/Insectron (1) 40; (4) 144; (5) 161 BioResources Group (5) 162 Biotech news briefs (1) 12; (2) 58; (3) 89 Birds and weeds in New World paddy rice (1) 17 Boosting immunity using beneficial bacteria (2) 86 BPCA (4) 107 Bugs, brews and bolts! (1) 22 Built, patented... a better fly trap! (4) 147 Cannon (3) 53 Cat flea control: vacuuming (6) 228

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CEPA (4) 108; (6) 230 CEPA/FAOPMA (1) 7 Certis (1) 4; (2) 53 China and Mexico fight wheat disease (6) 203 Chris J. Lomer Memorial Award (2) 55 Citrus: curbing a psyllid (3) 94 Climate change: making agriculture ready (5) 165 Contaminants in the environment (5) 163 Cotton in Gujarat, India (2) 66 Cotton: deadly chemical still causing concern (2) 85 CropLife (5) 161 DDT: conference on impact (6) 200 Disease transmission: vector management for healthier farms (3) 70 Dow (5) 172, 173 ECPA (5) 166 EFSA risk assessment consultation (6) 209 EuroHiPeCo: international trade fair (5) 161 European leafy vegetable project (3) 54 European Union (2) 27; (5) 166, 167, 174; (6) 223, 242 Exosect (4) 106, 109 FAO/Earthprint agreement (5) 194 FAOPMA (6) 229 Farmers need to act on waste now (2) 86 Farmers prefer to recycle (2) 83 Father of Green Revolution: US honour (5) 162 Fighting counterfeiting (2) 54 Fire blight in apples: risk assessment (4) 148 Flusilazole: use restrictions suspended (5) 167 Fumigants and pheromones conference (3) 76 Generic agrochemicals – post 2007 (5) 160 Genetic modification for healthier vegetables and fruit (2) 83 Gene-transfer technique for pest control (1) 27 German cockroaches winning war against baits (1) 24 Grain Fusarium genome sequenced (5) 191 Guinea worm disease: eradication moves closer (3) 63 Hessian flies: waiting in the wings (3) 93 Honey bees: Apiguard and varroa control (2) 88 Houseflies: review of dispersion behaviour (6) 210 Humidity and development of silverleaf whitefly Bemisia argentifolii (4) 116 Influenza vaccine technology for developing countries (5) 163 Insect pest control: Cryonite (3) 52 Invertebrate immune systems (5) 165 Larvicide to control Simulium damnosum (blackfly) in Cameroon (5) 178 Leaf miner undermines horse chestnut trees (2) 74


Lettuce: genetic research for disease control (3) 96 Listeria: protection against (4) 147 Malaria: corporate-sponsored control programme (4) 114 Malaria: global strategy for effective vaccine (1) 8 Malaria: GM chicory brings hope to African patients (4) 141 Malaria: guidelines on cultivating plants for medicines (3) 55 Malaria: poor drugs for the poor? (5) 177 Malaria: UK conservatives pledge billion dollars a year (2) 53 Malaria: UN special rapporteur calls for monitoring and accountability (6) 226 Malaria: world’s first “whole parasite” vaccine to be produced (6) 220 Malaria: Zanzibar’s impressive attack on malaria (6) 226 Mark Lynch (5) 160 Meat byproducts: avian flu and global climate change (2) 65 Monsanto (5) 167, 172, 173 Mosquito control in Greece (3) 66 Mosquito control in Yaoundé, Cameroon (5) 180 Mosquitoes: beating the Aedes mosquito at its own game (6) 216 Motorised knapsack mistblowers for insect pests of cocoa (4) 136 Neurotox (1) 6; (4) 107 New Crop Opportunities (1) 43; (4) 142 NIAB sets up agricultural aid in Moldova (6) 201 Organic cotton production (6) 242 Patent infringement strategy for agrochemicals (3) 52 PelGar (4) 143 Pest adapted to life in dark (6) 204 PestBusiness.com (3) 53 PestEx 2007 (1) 31 Pesticide formulations and delivery systems symposium (2) 56 Pesticide management (1) 15 Pesticides: asthma risk in farm women (6) 203 Pesticides: UK’s Pesticide Residues Committee report (6) 200 Pesticides: wet weather blamed for setback (4) 105 Pests, diseases and weed growth under shaded cocoa (2) 68 Pest-Ventures 2007 (1) 4 PestWorld 2007 (5) 160 Peter Cornwell (2) 55 Pheromone control of sugarcane inter node borer, Chilo sacchariphagus indicus (3) 78 Philippines chemical market (5) 172 Potato blight: one-stop shop for alerts (4) 106 Potatoes: genetic study to help control pest (6) 214


Potatoes: UK blight population research (2) 84 Professor Jeff Waage (1) 5 Psocids in stored grains: scope of thermal treatment (4) 128 Punjab Chemicals (5) 172 Rentokil (4|) 143 Rodents: non-chemical rat control in rice fields (1) 38 Rodents: on the increase in UK (2) 62 Rodents: pasta bait (4) 143 Rothamsted Research (3) 54 SCI: new awards (4) 109 Skye (1) 40 Snell Scientific (3) 76 Society of Food Hygiene and Technology seminar (2) 80 Soil and water protection (5) 162 Soil Association: pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables (6) 201 South American cactus moth (1) 26 Spray Applications Unit, Silsoe (5) 169 Spraying books (1) 42 Sugar beet: chemical-free control of root maggot (1) 28 Sugar beet: combating rhizomania (3) 95 Sugar beet: new virus identified (4) 150 Temperature and humidity sensors improved (1) 40 Termite detection gets radar assistance (1) 40 Thrips attractant for pest control (4) 140 Tomato ‘roasting disease’ virus identified (2) 84 Tonle Sap Cycle for Change, Cambodia (2) 55 Training course: pesticide application (2) 64 Training course: urban bird control from BPCT (1) 5 Training makes a difference (3) 54 Tramp ants (4) 120 Trevor Lawson (3) 53 TRIPS: patents and intellectual property rights (5) 164 Vita (2) 88 Weeds of wet places in the equatorial tropics (4) 110 Weeds: surface spreading tropical weeds (3) 74 Weeds: tropical spiderwort control in southeast USA (1) 26 Weeds: yellow-flowered weeds in forestry and amenity (5) 181 WHO (1) 4; (2) 53 WHO facilitates flu vaccine technology transfer (3) 60 WHO/Bayer fight Chagas disease (3) 72 AUTHORS Ahmedani, Muhammed Shoaib Bangs, Michael Bate, Roger Bateman, Roy Bliss, Rosalie Marion Boase, Clive

(4) 128 (4) 114 (5) 177 (4) 136 (2) 86; (4) 147 (4) 120;

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Boase, Clive Caldwell, Emily Comis, Don Copping, Len, Core, Jim Diongue, Aliou Dobson, Hans Dodd, G. D. Durham, Sharon Flores, Alfredo Hafeez-ur-Rehman Harlan, Harold J. Iatrou, G. Jane, Che Jessop, Nick Jones, O. T. Jyothi, K. N. Kaplan, J. Kim Khaliq, Abdul Kumar, S. V. Lai, Po-Yung Mabbett, Terry Matthews, Graham McGinnis, Laura Mourelatos, S. Ndiaye, Mbaye Nkot, Pierre Baleguel Peabody, Erin Peregrine, John Prasad, A. R. Prasuna, A. L. Redbond, Martin Stevens, P. Sudhakaran, K. Suszkiw, Jan Thomas, Nem van Gelder, Alec Wood, Marcia Woods, Chuck Yaday, J. S.

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(6) 210 (6) 228 (3) 93 (6) 232 (1) 27 (4) 116 (3) 70 (2) 80 (1) 26; (4) 146, 147 (3) 94 (3) 78 (5) 187 (3) 66 (5) 180 (4) 136 (6) 216 (3) 78 (4) 148 (4) 128 (3) 78 (4) 116 (1) 17; (2) 68; (3) 58, 61, 74; (4) 110, 124; (5) 181; (6) 206, 216 (1) 15, 22; (2) 85; (3) 70; (5) 178; (6) 232 (3) 95 (3) 66 (4) 116 (3) 70; (5) 178, 180 (1) 28; (3) 93 (6) 232 (3) 78 (3) 78 (2) 72; (5) 174; (6) 222 (5) 164 (3) 78 (4) 150 (5) 180 (5) 164 (3) 95 (1) 24 (3) 78

BOOKS Animal Health: Management and Control of Infectious and Production Disease (5) 194 Aphids as Crop Pests (1) 42 Biological Control: a Global Perspective (3) 97 BCPC books for primary schools (2) 89 Coffee Pests, Diseases and their Management (1) 42 Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications (2) 89 Conservation of Natural Resources for Sustainable Agriculture: training modules (2) 90 Ecologically Based Integrated Pest Management (3) 97 Global Strategy for Prevention and Control of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (5) 194 Heat Treatments for Postharvest Pest Control: Theory and Practice (3) 97 Honey Bee Diseases and Pests (2) 89 Induced Resistance for Plant Defence (4) 153 Managing Large Potato Stores (2) 88 Managing Pesticides in the Food Chain, CCFRA Guideline No. 19 (1) 43 Managing the Risk of Blackleg and Soft Rot (2) 88 Modern Soil Microbiology, 2nd ed. (1) 42 Multilingual Glossary of Biotechnology for Food and Agriculture (CD-ROM) (4) 154 Pesticide Residues in Food – 2004. Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues. Evaluations 2004. Part II – Toxicological (3) 97 Pesticide Residues in Food – 2005. Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues. Evaluations 2005. Part II Toxicological. (5) 194 Pesticide Residues in Food 2006. Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues. Report 2006 (3) 98 Pesticides: a Toxic Time Bomb in our Midst (4) 152 Pesticides: Health, Safety and the Environment (4) 152 Pests of Fruit Crops (5) 193 Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Peas and Beans – a Colour Handbook (5) 193 Plant Nematodes of Agricultural Importance. A Colour Handbook (5) 193 Preparing for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (2) 89 Store Performance Guide [potatoes] (2) 88 The e-Pesticide Manual (1) 41 The Pesticide Manual (1) 41 Tropical Crop-Livestock Systems in Conservation Agriculture. The Brazilian Experience (5) 194 Weedy Rices – Origin, Biology, Ecology and Control (4) 153 Wild Bird Pathogenic Avian Influenza Surveillance. Sample Collection from Healthy, Sick and Dead Birds (3) 98


AIR SAMPLING TECHNIQUES BY BURKARD MANUFACTURING CO Air Monitoring for PCR/ ELISA/DNA Analysis Burkard new ‘MultiVial Cyclone Sampler’ for field operation. The instrument is designed on Burkard’s miniature cyclone. This device will collect particles in the submicron range and above with high efficiency directly into 1.5 Eppendorf vials, allowing analysis by PCR/ELISA/DNA.

A basic Multi-Vial Sampler offering real time rapid detection of airborne spore and particle matter. The unit is wind orientated and can be used in conjunction with a weather station or external 12v DC power source.

A compact unit with built-in vacuum pump, designed to sample airborne particles, such as fungus spores and pollens, continuously for periods of up to seven days without attention. Burkard Manufacturing Co are the original designers in 1960. Particles are impacted on adhesive-coated transparent plastic tape supported on a clockwork-driven drum. Particles in the 3 to 5 micron range and above are collected with high efficiency. All parts are treated to prevent corrosion against normal weather conditions and the unit is finished in the Burkard oyster green hammer enamel.

Burkard Manufacturing Co Ltd WOODCOCK HILL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, RICKMANSWORTH ENGLAND Telephone: +44 1923 773134 Fax: +44 1923 774790 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB SITE: www.burkard.co.uk January/February 2008

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