International Pest Control – March/April 2015 – Vol57, Nr.2
Cover photo: Ian Keesey of the Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, is injecting a headspace odour collection sample from plant tissue into the GC-MS for separation, analysis and identification (page 109). Photo: Anna Schroll
The word pest can so often conjure up thoughts of insects and yet weeds are pests too (plants in the wrong place) and as IPC covers all pests, this month our special feature considers weed management. Herbicides are still the most economical way to control weeds and they account for the largest share of sales of crop protection chemicals, estimated at $26b. Our technical consultant Martin Redbond reviews issues currently facing the weed control sector including the continued threat to global food security posed by herbicide resistant weeds. At a time when the world biggest selling herbicide comes under fire, we review the announcement and industry reactions and with one eye to the future we conclude with a report on a new viral bioherbicide that has been registered in the US.
Moving from weeds to invertebrates, sprays remain the primary tool in any insect control situation. But these too are under pressure as resistance develops in more infestation situations. However is it necessary for the chemical to kill the target? The phenomena of stress and kill is being investigated. Looking at bed bugs, Professor Susan Jones reveals that death does not have to be the end-point and that insecticide induced physical changes can significantly affect an insect’s impact.
Should the chemicals not work, perhaps the answer lies in high tech solutions. Combining low-cost sensors and laser technology with software to identify, track, and eliminate insects, may sound a bit ‘starwarsian’ but we are always keen to preview new ideas and introduce the photonic fence device as a possible solution to various insect problems including mosquito control.
The European pest control trade associations were busy this month. March saw the launch of the European standard for pest control services and we detail the announcements from both CEPA and CEN, following the meeting in Brussels.
Elsewhere our articles range from olives to fungicides, new chemistry to fly trapping at zoos. We hope you enjoy the eclectic coverage.
We finish with a long term solution for a slow growing plant. GM technology continues to receive mix press in relation to crop protection but how about trees? In practical terms genetic modification may be a much quicker process to designing trees to be resistant to attack. Our technical consultant Terry Mabbett considers the future for the humble sweet chestnut.
Next month we look at exotics and invasive species. I look forward to any contributions you may wish to send in.
David Loughlin, Editor International Pest Control Magazine
Email David on editor@international-pest-control.com
Contents of International Pest Control March/April 2015
Volume 57 Number 2
Page five pest – Nutgrass
International News in Brief
Association News
- 26th FAOPMA Convention.
- UK Trade body move raises the bar for pest control industry.
- NPMA approves pollinator BMPS.
- European initiative to promote standards in pest control.
- First meeting of the International Biocontrol Federation.
- UK CPA sets out policy priorities for the next government.
Special feature: Weed Management
- Maximising weed control – Martin Redbond.
- New bioherbicide composed of a plant virus – Raghavan Charudattan and Ernest Hiebert.
- Glyphosate under fire.
* WHO declares that glyphosate herbicides probably cause cancer.
* Monsanto seeks retraction for report linking herbicide to cancer.
* ECPA statement reacting to the IARC Review.
* EPA to place restrictions on glyphosate.
Focus on Public Health
- Comparative study of the palatability of various extruded rodenticide formulations.
- CEN publishes standard on pest management services.
- First ACE-International recipient announced.
- APMEN welcomes India as newest partner.
- New class of insecticides offer safer, more targeted mosquito control.
- Managing rodenticides in Ireland.
- New SGAR Code is Stewardship Regime cornerstone.
- Developing light-based alternatives to pesticides.
- New rules on aluminium phosphides could lead to race against time.
- Biological control planned to eradicate hairy caterpillar pest in Seychelles.
- Stressing bed bugs may lead to lower fecundity .
- Tropical fire ants travelled the world on 16th century ships.
Focus on Agriculture
- The perils of going public – David Loughlin.
- UK Pesticides Forum Annual Report.
- Insecticide treatments in combination with herbicides cause crop injury and yield loss.
- Catching growing markets in Southeast Asia.
- Olive tree disease in Italy alarms EU.
- Over 97% of Foods in EU contain pesticide residues within legal limits.
- US funding to protect agriculture and plants from pests and diseases.
- Topical tips for better disease control.
Focus on Horticulture
- Real progress in the amenity sector but more to do.
- Caution against injudicious pesticide use in tea gardens.
- Leaf odour found to attract Drosophila suzukii.
- Latest horticultural insecticide innovation, Sivanto.
- Waginengen and Koppert play BINGO.
Focus on Animal Health
- Trapping Stable Flies at Zoos – Sandra Avant.
Focus on Forestry and Plantations
- GM offers a chance for Castanea the chestnut – Terry Mabbett
International Pest Control calendar of events
Published in International Pest Control – March/April 2015 issue.
Category: Issue Editorial & Contents
