Concise Illustrated Dictionary of Biocontrol Terms

By Vladimir V. Gouli, Svetlana Y. Gouli and Jose A.P. Marcelino

The Concise Illustrated Dictionary of Biocontrol Terms includes basic terminology related to the biological control of pests, together with state-of-the-art scientific and practical terms, for expedient comprehension and analysis of present, forecasted or in situ pest management problems. In addition, it also provides the names of the most common pesticides and predators commercially available in different continents (Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa), as well as target pests and diseases of these agents, making it a tangible tool for prompt management actions. The dictionary is copiously illustrated with original pictures clarifying the most commonly used terms and the identity of organisms in biocontrol technology, with content that is both scientifically rigorous and clear.

The biological control of pests using living organisms, or products from their activities, is an independent branch of science based on multiple disciplines including general biology, zoology, entomology, phytopathology, microbiology and others. As a result, the field of biological control has its own specific terminology that needs to be understood and applied correctly across this variety of disciplines, including among those approaching the field from a different area of expertise and who may have difficulty understanding the terms used by experts in the field.

This compact illustrated guide will appeal to the scientific community working in integrated pest management disciplines, as well as those researching, studying, and working with interest in protecting natural resources at a global, local, and individual level, in a variety of locations including the lab, garden, field, or forest.

• Enables understanding of the terminology used in biological control for professionals, researchers and students in a variety of scientific fields
• Features clear images and photographs to help identify insects and pathogens
• Ideal for in situ use in both the lab and field pest management protocols

• Language: English
• Publisher: Academic Press
• Release date: Nov 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9780128498989

Vladimir V. Gouli

Dr. Vladimir Gouli is a Doctor of Science and has more than 50 years experience in microbiology. He worked as the Director of the Department of Microbiological Control of Pests, and the scientific director of the Institute of Biological Method, in the former USSR prior to moving to the USA, where he has been a researcher in the Soil and Plant Department of the University of Vermont (USA) for the last 25 years. Currently, he is Emeritus Associate Professor of the University of Vermont. Dr. Gouli published 15 books in the field of Microbiology (in English, Russian, Romanian, Japanese, Chinese, and Ukrainian); as well as circa 250 scientific articles. Expertise include fundamental and applied aspects of invertebrate pathology and microbial pest control based on entomopathogenic and antagonistic microorganisms. Research focuses on the search, isolation, identification and assessment of key biological properties, mass-production, formulation and application of pathogens that regulate noxious-insect populations and suppress infectious plant diseases.

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Preface

The history of human society is one of struggle for existence. Numerous threats to the health and economy of societies coexist with humans. In the last decades, amidst emerging fields of science, the biological control of pests and pathogens has rapidly expanded as an urgent answer to mitigate the negative impacts of uncontrolled chemical pesticide use, such as collateral effects on nontarget organisms, the disruption of natural communities, and the chronic effects on humans and ecosystems due to exposure to these pesticides. We can all identify negative impacts of the use of chemical pesticides. At present time, alternative biological control of pests and pathogens using living organisms is an independent branch of science based on an holistic approach to multiple disciplines including general biology, zoology, entomology, phytopathology, and microbiology. As a result, the field of biological control has its own specific terminology. Understanding the terms of a given science mitigates concerns, facilitates comprehension, and clarifies context. This is particularly relevant in biological control due to the broad interest of this field within the general public, who may have difficulty understanding the terms used by experts in the field. The present concise dictionary includes basic terminology related to the biological control of pests and pathogens, together with state-of-the-art scientific and practical terms, for an expedient comprehension and analysis of present, forecasted, or in situ pest and pathogen management problems. In addition, it also provides the names of target pests and pathogens of the most common pesticides and mycopesticides, as a useful tool for prompt management actions. The dictionary is illustrated with original pictures clarifying the most commonly used terms and organisms in biological control. We attempted to be both scientifically rigorous and clear in this work—a compromise that hopefully will make this science accessible for many, and of particular interest for some.

A

Abstract

The biological control of pests and pathogens utilizing living organisms is an independent branch of science based on multiple disciplines including biology, zoology, entomology, phytopathology, and microbiology. As a result, the field of biological control has its own specific terminology. Understanding the terms of a given science mitigates concerns, facilitates comprehension, and clarifies context. The concise dictionary of biocontrol terms includes basic terminology in biological control of pests and pathogens (from A to Z), for an expedient comprehension and analysis of in situ pest and pathogen management problems. In addition, it also provides the names of the most common pesticides, mycopesticides, and predators commercially available in different continents (Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa), and their biocontrol targets, making it a tangible tool for prompt management actions. The dictionary is copiously illustrated clarifying the most commonly used terms and the identity of organisms in biocontrol technology. We attempted to be scientifically rigorous and clear in this work. A compromise that hopefully will make this science clear for many, and interesting for some.

Keywords

Biocontrol; biological control; entomopathogens; phytopathogens; pests; diseases; formulations; predators; parasitoids; IPM

Abamectin microbial insecticide based on the biological activity of secondary metabolites of the soil actinomycete, Streptomyces avermitilis. Recommended for control of different arthropod pests.

ABB-3 trademark for biological insecticide based on the baculovirus of the Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera; Lymantriidae); registered in Moldova for control of webworm (H. cunea).

Abietiv trademark for biological insecticide based on Neodiprion abietis nucleopolyhedrovirus for control of balsam fir sawfly larvae. Manufactured by the Canadian Forest Service, Canada.

Abscisic acid plant growth regulator capable of inhibiting seed germination; it can be applied for the management of weeds.

ABTEC trademark for biological insecticide based on the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae as active ingredient; registered in India for control of insects.

ABTEC Bacillus trademark for microbial pesticide based on the bacterium Bacillus subtilis for control of different bacterial and fungal plant diseases on cardamom, pepper, vanilla, vegetables, mulberry, coffee, tea, cotton, grape, ornamentals. Manufactured by Agro Bio-Tech Research Centre Limited, India.

ABTEC Beauveria trademark for mycoinsecticide based on the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana for control of insects related to the orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera on different agricultural crops. Manufactured by Agro Bio-Tech Research Centre Limited, India.

ABTEC Hirsutella trademark for mycoinsecticide based on the fungus Hirsutella thompsonii for control of coconut eriophyid mites, Aceria guerreronis and other mites on vegetables and fruit crops. Manufactured by Agro Bio-Tech Research Centre Limited, India.

ABTEC Paecilomyces trademark for mycoinsecticide based on the fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus for control of several root parasitizing nematodes including root knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. of jasmine, potato, chillies, bhindi, cowpea, cucurbits, rice cyst nematode (Heterodera oryzae), and others. Manufactured by Agro Bio-Tech Research Centre Limited, India.

ABTEC Pseudo trademark for microbial pesticide based on the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens for control of quick wilt of black pepper, Phytophthora capsici, foot rot of betel vine, Phytophthora parasitica, soft rot of ginger, Pythium sp., and other diseases of crops. Manufactured by Agro Bio-Tech Research Centre Limited, India.

ABTEC Tricho trademark for mycopesticide based on antagonistic fungi Trichoderma spp.; used for control of quick wilt of black pepper, Phytophthora capsici, foot rot of betel vine, Phytophthora parasitica, soft rot of ginger, Pythium sp., and other diseases of crops. Manufactured by Agro Bio-Tech Research Centre Limited, India.

ABTEC Verticillium trademark for mycoinsecticide based on the fungus Verticillium (=Lecanicillium) lecanii for control of aphids, scales, whiteflies, thrips, red spider mites (Tetranychus urtica), nematodes, and other pests on different agricultural crops. Manufactured by Agro Bio-Tech Research Centre Limited, India.

Acanthocephala a phylum of parasitic worms that have a complex life cycle, involving a number of hosts, including numerous noxious arthropods.

Acarina order of mites and ticks which include many predatory and parasitic species used in biological pest control.

Acariphage an organism, usually invertebrate, feeding on mites.

Acariformes order of mites comprising parasitic and predatory species; some of which with the potential to regulate insect pest populations.

Acaricide chemical or biological formulation used to control mites.

Accessory feeding see Additional feeding.

Acclimatization adaptation of an animal or a plant to changes in climate or environment; adaptation of a living organism to a new territory, when introduced for the control of alien pests.

Accidental, alternative or factitious hosts a host species which the parasite or parasitoid does not use in nature for its development but it is used in the case of reared host species for biocontrol programs. For example Trichogramma spp. are reared in the Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella, which is not a usual host for this parasitic fungus in nature.

Accumulated dose total dose of pathogenic microorganism to which a pest is subjected after repeated applications.

Accumulative pesticides chemicals that tend to build up in animals or the environment.

Aceria malherbe bindweed gall mite (Prostigmata: Eriophyidae), native to Europe and Northern Africa, introduced into the southern part of the United States for control of the invasive field bindweed, Convolvulus arvensis.

Acetamiprid (Assail 7) systemic nicotinoid insecticide for control of aphids, thrips and other insects.

Aceratoneuromyia indica eulophid parasitoid (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) of different fruit fly species, with economic impact in fruit production. The parasitoid has been introduced from the Indo-Pacific region to Australia, Europe, South America (1990s), and other regions.

Acholeplasma genus of wall-less bacteria in the Mollicutes class; found in insects and plants.

Achromobacter album bacterium used as herbicide in Ukraine for inhibiting sprouting in weeds.

Aconitum spp. genus of plants (Ranunculaceae). Water extracts from several species in the genus, including A. chinese, A. ferox, A. japonicum, A. napellus (Figure 1), are used in Asia for control of insect pests such as the red pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora forveicollis, wheat aphid, Aphis maidis, mustard fly, Athalia lugens proxima, rice brown hopper, Nilaparvata lugens, and others.

Figure 1 Monkshood, Aconitum napellus L. Photo by permission of The Dow Gardens Archive, Dow Gardens.

Actidion antibiotic based on Streptomyces griseus; used for control of mildew and other plant fungal diseases.

Actino-iron trademark for microbial fungicides based on the bacterium Streptomyces lydicus; used for biocontrol of different phytopathogenic fungi in the genera Armillaria, Fusarium, Phytophthora, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Sclerotinia, Verticillium, on ornamental plants. Manufactured by Natural Industries Inc., USA.

Actinomyces various filamentous aerobic microorganisms in the order Actinomycetalis; some species are used for production of antibiotics and others biological activity substances.

Actinomyces lavendulae fungus in the family Actinomycetaceae; used to produce the antibiotic phytobacteriomycin with toxicity toward mosquito larvae.

Actinomyces streptomycini fungus in the family Actinomycetaceae; used to produce the antibiotic streptomycin and actidion; having repellent properties toward rodents.

Actinosporangium albidum fungus in the family Streptosporangiaceae; used to produce the antibiotic actinosporangin; having repellent effect against rodents.

Actinovate SP trademark for microbial fungicide based on the bacterium Streptomyces lydicus, strain WYCD108; used for control of soil-born plant diseases caused by fungi in the genera Fusarium, Phytophthora, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Sclerotinia, Verticillium, and others, on different agricultural crops. Manufactured by Natural Industries Inc, USA.

Activation of infection trigger the infection process using special stress-factors.

Active ingredient principal component in a biological or chemical pesticide responsible for the desired effects on the target pest.

Activity of entomophagous species:

flight activity of some insects used as an important parameter when implementing biological pest control programs;

daily regular manifestation of activity each day.

seasonal manifestation of activity in a particular time of the year;

Activity standardization a process by which the activity of a microbial preparation is measured in standard units, that is, units accepted, by consensus, as a basis for comparison. Standardization can be limited, within one or a few laboratories, or it can extend nationally and internationally, such as in Bacillus thuringiensis preparations (see Activity unit).

Activity titer the amount of activity (e.g., insecticidal activity) per unit weight or volume of a product (such as a virus preparation). The activity titer is measured by determining the amount of product needed to obtain a specific response in a host (see Bioassay, activity unit).

Activity unit a precisely defined standard of measure for the activity of a substance or product (such as a toxin or a virus preparation). Multiples of this standard unit are used for measuring the activity titer (potency) of that substance or product. Activity units are usually determined by national or international scientific consortiums and legislations, and are accepted by consent as a premise for comparison (see Activity standardization).

Actofit trademark for microbial insecticide based on the bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis; registered in Ukraine for control of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Figure 2), red spider mites, Tetranychus urtica, and other noxious arthropods.

Figure 2 Adult Colorado potato beetle. Photo by permission of Eugene E. Nelson, Bugwood.org.

Actual dosage the amount of an active ingredient that is applied to an area to achieve a target effect on a pest.

Adalia bipunctata (two-spot ladybird) a widely distributed ladybeetle feeding on a wide range of prey and used against numerous aphid pests in crops and ornamental plants. Reared and commercialized by Biobest, Syngenta Bioline, and Bioplanet.

Adaptation changes in the physiology or morphology of a given species over many generations by a process of natural or artificial selection.

Additive any substance added to a pesticide for improving its technological properties.

Additive effect cooperative action between two pathogens or agents of disease, such that the total impact is equal to the sum of the effects of the agents taken independently.

Additional feeding feeding of arthropods in the period of sexual maturity; additional feeding of entomophagous species increases their efficacy; for example, local cultivation of nectarous plants enhances the activity of parasitic hymenopteran insects.

Adeline genus of parasitic protozoa from the sub-class Coccidia; some species are parasitic on insects. Typical representative of this genus is Adelina tribolii which develops in the fat body of beetles in the genus Tribolium (Figure 3).

Figure 3 Red flour beetle adult, Tribolium castaneum. Photo by permission of Clemson University, USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series.

Adelphoparasitism see Autoparasitism.

Adenophorea class of nematodes containing important insect-parasitic species.

Adephaga one of four suborders of beetles, comprising families with predatory behavior, such as ground beetles (Carabidae) and tiger beetles (Cicindelidae).

Adhesive any material added to a microbial pesticide to improve adhesion properties of the active ingredients.

Adjuvant substance used to increase the efficacy of a biological or chemical pesticide by its capability to enhance properties such as retention and penetration.

Adoxophyes orana granulovirus viral insecticidal formulation used for the control of the summer fruit tortrix moth, Adoxophyes orana.

Adulticide insecticide intended for the control of sexually mature invertebrate pests.

Aerobes microorganisms whose growth requires the presence of air or free oxygen.

Aerosol fine suspension of particles or liquid droplets aiming to be sprayed into surrounding areas; used for application of microbial pesticides.

Aetiological agent pathogen responsible for a disease; also referred to as the causal agent.

Aetiology study of the causes of disease; also referred to as etiology of disease.

AF36 trademark for the atoxigenic strain of the fungus Aspergillus flavus, strain AF36; registered in the United States as biological control by competitive exclusion of aflotoxin-producing strains of A. flavus.

Afla-guard trademark for the atoxigenic strain of the fungus Aspergillus flavus, strain NRRL 21882; registered in the United States as biological control by competitive exclusion of aflotoxin-producing strains of A. flavus.

Aflatoxins group of toxins produced by fungi in the genus Aspergillus; some of them toxic to the larvae of insect including tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens; corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea; fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda; cotton leafworm, S. littoralis; European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, and some others.

Agamermis spp. genus of nematodes parasitic on different species of invertebrate animals. Some species attack economically important insect pests. A typical example is the nematode Agamermis decaudata (Figure 4). Mature males and females live in the soil where eggs were previously deposited. Upon hatching, the young larvae migrate on grass during the wet season and actively penetrate into an insect they fing on their path. The parasite can develop for several years, initially in the host’s body. Agamermis causes insect weakness and mortality.

Figure 4 Agamermis decaudata nematode emerging from beetle host. Photo by Gouli et al. present work.

Ageniaspis pelleranoi Neotropical parasitoid (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) of fruit flies; the species is important as a biological control factor of the Mediterranean fruit fly leaf miner Cerasius capitata.

Agapta zoegana Eurasian sulfur knapweed moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) (Figure 5), introduced to the western and west-central United States for control of spotted knapweed, Centaurea maculosa, and diffuse knapweed, Centaurea diffusa.

Figure 5 Adult of Eurasian sulfur knapweed moth (above); larva of moth inside of twig (below). Above Photo by permission of Jim Story, Montana State University, Bugwood.org. Below Photo by permission of USDA Agricultural Research Service Archive.

Agar solidifying polysaccharide obtained from red algae in the genus Rhodophyta and used in artificial nutrient media for the cultivation and support of different heterotrophic microorganisms, including species used for control of pests.

Agarosa component of agar usually used in molecular biology for the separation of large molecules of DNA in the identification of species and other purposes.

Agasicles hygrophila South American phytophagous beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) (Figure 6), introduced into the United States (1964), Canada, China (1990s), and other countries for control of the alien aquatic plant Altemanthera philoxeroides, known as