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Effect of basalt powder « Farina di Basalto ® » on the development of pests and diseases on pepper crop under greenhouse and during storage

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Abstract

Background: Basalte is a natural mineral fertilizer rich in nutrients (Si, Al, K, Fe, Ca, Mg), is employed to improve crops growth and fruits production under greenhouses, fields and orchards. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of "Farina di Basalto ® " a volcanic rock extracted and produced by "Basalti Orvieto" in Italy, on the appearance and development of diseases and pests on pepper crop under greenhouse and during storage. Three treatments were applied: T0: without "Farina di Basalto®" (Control), T1: 3% of "Farina di Basalto®", T2: 1.5% of "Farina di Basalto®".Obtained results showed that the fertilizer exerted a repulsive effect against pests; mainly Thrips(Frankliniella occidentalis) and mites. A gradual decrease of thrips number was observed just after the spraying with basalte powder to reach low values. Four days after the treatment, a total disappearance of the thrips females was noted in the T1 and T2 treatments, while the control treatment (T0) recorded an average value of about 5 females per flower. On the otherhand, it improved the resistance of the pepper against the bacterial soft rots caused by Pectobacterium sp. By reducing number of attacked plants. The root rot disease caused essentially by the genus Phytophtoracapsici was also studied. Results showed that average values of attacked plants ranked between 1 and 1.33 in treated plot units while in control it was about 6 attacked plants. and the bacterial soft rots caused by Pectobacterium sp.. During storage, treated fruits by "Farina di Basalto" showed mean values lower than those observed in control, which proves that it protected fruits against diseases. Analysis of the results showed that the use of "Farina di Basalto®" at a dose of 3% allowed optimal performance to be obtained. However, the application of the 1.5% half-dose had the same effect as the 3% dose on all of the qualitative and phytosanitary parameters.
Volume : 13 Issue : 8 Series-2
e-ISSN : 2319-2380
IOSR-JAVS
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IOSR-JAVS
Journals
International Organization
of Scientific Research
p-ISSN : 2319-2372
Contents:
An Overview of Methods Used In Assessing the Dynamics of 01-11
Organic Matter in Soils
Abdul R Conteh
Postharvest Food Losses: The Missing Link in Poverty Reduction 12-15
Joyce Ametor Kporvie
Foliar nutrition of zinc on growth and development of ber, cv. 16-25
Thailand apple
Onil Laishram, Dr. Kartik Baruah
Water Deficit and Carbon Absorption of Oil Palm Plants 26-31
(Elaeisguineensis Jacq)
Mardiana Wahyuni
Analysis of contributions of non-farm livelihood activities to 32-37
overall household income of rural farming households in
Oyo State, Nigeria
Adeleye, Ifeoluwa Abiodun, Obabire, Ibikunle Edward
Effect of basalt powder « Farina di Basalto® » on the development 38-47
of pests and diseases on pepper crop under greenhouse and
during storage
Mohamed Elimem, Slim Rouz, Hassan Kharroubi, Amina Mekni, Sofien Kouki,
Abdelmoumen Toukabri, Giuliano Ragnoni, Gianluca Pizzuti, Fabio Primavera,
Alessandro Riccini, Alberto Cari
Formulation of Slow Release NPK Granules with Addition of 48-54
Polystyrene-Polycaprolactone Matrix and and Its Effect on the
Growth of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)
Elfi Sahlan Ben, Khairul Rizal, Akmal Djamaan
Effect of Extrusion on Soluble Dietary Fiber of Soy Sauce Residue 55-61
Zhang Haijing, Yang Zhe, Zhang Min, Li Hongjun
Ef
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IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS)
e-ISSN: 2319-2380, p-ISSN: 2319-2372. Volume 13, Issue 8 Ser. II (August 2020), PP 38-47
www.iosrjournals.org
DOI: 10.9790/2380-1308023847 www.iosrjournals.org 38 | Page
Effect of basalt powder « Farina di Basalto® » on the development
of pests and diseases on pepper crop under greenhouse and
during storage
Mohamed Elimem1*, Slim Rouz1, Hassan Kharroubi2, Amina Mekni3,Sofien
Kouki2, Abdelmoumen Toukabri4, Giuliano Ragnoni5; Gianluca Pizzuti5,
Fabio Primavera5, Alessandro Riccini5, Alberto Cari5
1High School of Agriculture of Mograne (ESAM), Mograne, Zaghouane, University of Carthage, Tunisia
2Higher School of Engineer of Medjez El Beb, MedjezElBeb, Béja, University of Jendouba, Tunisia
3Higher Institute of Agronomy of Tunis, Tunis, University of Carthage, Tunisia
4APIA- Agence de Promotion des InvestissementsAgricoles, Agency for the Promotion of Agricultural
Investments, Tunis, Tunisia
5Basalti Orvieto srl Loc Cornale, 05014-CASTEL VISCARDO (TR), Italy
Abstract
Background: Basalte is a natural mineral fertilizer rich in nutrients (Si, Al, K, Fe, Ca, Mg), is employed to
improve crops growth and fruits production under greenhouses, fields and orchards. The purpose of this study
is to assess the impact of "Farina di Basalto®a volcanic rock extracted and produced by “Basalti Orvieto" in
Italy, on the appearance and development of diseases and pests on pepper crop under greenhouse and during
storage. Three treatments were applied: T0: without “Farina di Basalto®” (Control), T1: 3% of “Farina di
Basalto®”, T2: 1.5% of “Farina di Basalto®”.Obtained results showed that the fertilizer exerted a repulsive
effect against pests; mainly Thrips(Frankliniella occidentalis) and mites. A gradual decrease of thrips number
was observed just after the spraying with basalte powder to reach low values. Four days after the treatment, a
total disappearance of the thrips females was noted in the T1 and T2 treatments, while the control treatment
(T0) recorded an average value of about 5 females per flower. On the otherhand, it improved the resistance of
the pepper against the bacterial soft rots caused by Pectobacterium sp. By reducing number of attacked plants.
The root rot disease caused essentially by the genus Phytophtoracapsici was also studied. Results showed that
average values of attacked plants ranked between 1 and 1.33 in treated plot units while in control it was about 6
attacked plants. and the bacterial soft rots caused by Pectobacterium sp.. During storage, treated fruits by
“Farina di Basalto” showed mean values lower than those observed in control, which proves that it protected
fruits against diseases. Analysis of the results showed that the use of "Farina di Basalto®" at a dose of 3%
allowed optimal performance to be obtained. However, the application of the 1.5% half-dose had the same
effect as the 3% dose on all of the qualitative and phytosanitary parameters.
Keywords: pepper crop, protection, thrips, mites, diseases, basalt
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Date of Submission: 12-08-2020 Date of Acceptance: 28-08-2020
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I. Introduction
Protected crops under greenhouses in Tunisia occupy an area of around 537.2 ha. Among the most
developed greenhouse crops in Tunisia are tomatoes (Lycopercium esculentum) and pepper (Capsicum annuum)
[4]. Pepper crop is one of the most important vegetable species. Indeed, it is cultivated almost in all regions and
throughout the year. Thus, in Tunisia, four seasons of pepper cultivation have been distinguished. In Africa,
Tunisia is the third producer of pepper after Nigeria and Egypt, the third exporter after Morocco and South
Africa [31].However, like any other crop, the pepper is threatened by several abiotic constraints such as
temperature and salinity [31], and biotic such as fungal, bacterial and viral diseases [5]. In addition, nematodes
are classified as enemies that can interfere with the development of pepper plant and reduce the growth of the
root system. Arthropods are also among the most formidable pests of pepper crop [7]. The control of these
problems is possible by various means even though they are usually controlled by pesticides. However, other
ways of control that may preserve and protect environment and human health may be employed such as
parasitoids, predators or traps [14].
Basalt is a tuff that comes from volcanic projections. These are small fragments, sometimes with
blocks and ashes. Basalt tuffs are often found in active volcanic areas, or also on lands where eruptions have
ended since years. Their color is generally black, red or even dark green [35]. Basalt is employed as a crushed
Effect of basalt powder « Farina di Basalto® » on the development of pests and diseases on ..
DOI: 10.9790/2380-1308023847 www.iosrjournals.org 39 | Page
rock in different areas such as in construction, in industrial and highway engineering, mineral fiber and cast
stone material production, as well as in agronomy [8, 18, 34]. Basalt powder is intended for soil mineralization
as a source of natural fertilizer due to its rich nutrient contents. This is explained by the fact that the composition
of magmas and volcanic ashes from where it came, is rich in Silicon (Si) and other nutrients. These components
are freshly ground and mixed into fine particles and they contain feldspar, micas and zeolites[3]. Basalt mass
contents are; SIO2 (37.76 to 59.64%), Al2O3 (11.77 to 14.32%), CaO (5.57 to 14.75%), MgO (5.37 to 9.15%),
Fe2O3 (10.1 to 20.93%), K2O (1.7 to 6.69%), Na2O (1.4 to 3.34%) and TiO2 (1.81 to 3.73%)[27].Basalt powder
is used to restore fertility of poor soils and to restore the nutritional balance of crops. Natural mineral
fertilization increases plant growth, total yield, fruits quality and certain chemical constituents and chlorophyll
rate of pepper fruits and cucumber [27, 17]. Some other works on acacia in Panama showed that growth rate of
trees has increased twice than in normal soils [22]. On the other hand, Barak et al. (1983) found that crushed
basalt and tuff improved significantly iron nutrition of peanuts plants and their growth in very calcacerous soils
and that chlorophyll content was doubled then that in plants grown in untreated soils.
Furthermore, Silicon, which is one of the most important components of basalt powder, plays an active
and important role in strengthening resistance to plants against diseases by stimulating their natural defenses
reactions[16, 3, 26]. Silicon significantly reduces powdery mildewin wheat cultivation. Indeed foliar and root
applications by different productsbased on Si decreased the severity of the disease to 80%. This suggests a
prophylactic effectoptimal and direct of Si on the powdery mildew[23]. In the same context, inert powders or
dusts in general, such as basalt, have been used as a means of physical control of pests associated with stored
commodities [20], even more, the use of inert natural mineral dust is considered as one of the methods of
protecting stored grains [1].On the other hand, flours or inert powders not only repel insects but also kill them
while causing their desiccation by absorption of the waxy layer surrounding the exoskeleton [9] and are very
effective in reducing the dynamics of pest populations[22].
This work aims to study the impact of a fertilizer from a volcanic rock which is basalt on the
cultivation of early chilli variety "Chergui". It is a natural mineral fertilizer under the trade name "Farina di
Basalto®" rich in nutrients (Si, Al, K, Fe, Ca, Mg) which have an influence on the growth and production of the
pepper as well as its resistance to pests ans diseases.
II. Material And Methods
Study location
The experiment took place in a greenhouse shelter at a High School Engineering, situated In Medjez El
Beb ,wich belongs to theBeja governorate, Tunisia. The area belongs to the semi-arid bioclimatic floor with a
mild winter variant.Its soiltexture is a Clay loam, in which the clay content varies between 42 and 43%. It is also
characterized by a low salinity level (1.09; 1.11) a basic pH (8.22, 8.58) and by an important organic matter
content (2.90%). This soil is suitable for arboriculture, arable and vegetable crops.
Study design
The pepper variety « Chergui » was planted on January 15th2019 at the 5-leaf stage, on simple lines
with a density of 6 plants / m².The greenhouse area is 239 m² which is established according to a complete
random arrangement with 3 blocks.Each block has a dimension of 12 meters in length and 5 meters in width
divided into 3 plot units, each of which represents a treatment.Each plot unit covers 14.4 and consists of 3
crop lines, each line contains 30 plants. The planting spacing are 0.6 m between the lines and 0.4m between the
plants. This corresponds to a planting density of 6 plants / m². At each block, 6 lines are treated with basalt
powder such as T0 corresponds to 0% of basalt powder (control), T1: 3% of the basalt powder, T2: 1.5% of the
basalt powder (fig. 1).
Effect of basalt powder « Farina di Basalto® » on the development of pests and diseases on ..
DOI: 10.9790/2380-1308023847 www.iosrjournals.org 40 | Page
Figure 1. The study design (T0: control plot unit, T1: plot units that received 3% of basalt powder, T2: plot
units that received 1.5% of basalt powder).
Pests and diseases monitoring
In each plot unit, number of plants was determined. Each infected plant by diseases was marked. Pests
and diseases monitoring is determined from the number of plants, fruits, leaves or flowers at which symptoms of
diseases or attacks by pests have been observed.
From each plot unit, three pepper plant were randomly selected from each one three fully opened
flowers were collected from each strata. Every single pepper plant that was used for sampling was marked to
avoid its sampling in the next time. Each sampled flower was placed into a plastic bag on which the number of
sampling units and strata had been marked. The pest counting was carried out at the laboratory under a
binocular.
Monitoring started in February, one month after planting and continued until May.
Treatment
Characteristics of the basalt powder
Basalt is a basic volcanic effusive rock containing natural mineral elements, such as Silicium, alumina,
potassium and calcium. Micronized basalt powder was obtained by mechanical grinding of Basalt from Orvieto,
using ceramic elements, without adding other minerals or chemical products. It does not contain any harmful
substances that can damage the environment. The particle diameter is less than 30 mµ, its use therefore requires
an application in aqueous dispersion, sprayed with a manual or mechanical nebulizer.
Chemical proprieties of basaltic mineral fines
Different components of basaltic powder are shown in table 1.
Table 1. Chemical proprieties of basaltic mineral fines[3].
Component
Pourcentage
(SiO2)
49%
(Al2O3)
20,5%
(K2O)
8%
(Fe2O3)
7,5%
(CaO)
7,2%
(MgO)
2,8%
Effect of basalt powder « Farina di Basalto® » on the development of pests and diseases on ..
DOI: 10.9790/2380-1308023847 www.iosrjournals.org 41 | Page
(Na2O)
2,5%
Basalt application
Basalt powder was mixed with water and then applied as a foliar spray using a backpack sprayer.The
application was carried out every 20 days (three weeks). Three blocks received a dose of 3% of basalt (T2), and
other three blocks received a dose of 1.5% (T3). T0 considered as control plots did not receive any treatment.
Diseases monitoring during storage
Thirteen pepper fruits were coated by Farina di Basalto and placed into plastic boxes disinfected by
formalin. Three treatment were employed ; T0 as control, T1 where pepper fruits were coated by 3% of basalt
and T2 with 1.5%. Each treatment was carried out in three repetitions. Boxes were placed into a fridge at 3°C
during 25 days. Daily, each fruit in each box was checked to monitor rotten fruit, with mold or with black spots.
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis was performed with the aid of statistical software SAS. This program was used for the
analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the LSD test for the comparison of means with p ≤0.05.
III. Results and Discussion
Obtained results during the study period showed that pepper crop under greenhouse was attacked by
some pests and diseases. Among those pathogens; the western flower thripsFrankliniellaoccidentalisPergande
(1895) (Thysanoptera ; Thripidae), the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemuslatus syn. Hemitarsonemuslatus Banks
(1904) (Acari ; Tarsonemidae), the bacterial soft rots caused by
Pectobacteriumcarotovorumsubsp.carotovorumWaldee (1945) (syn. Erwiniacarotovorasubsp. carotovora)
(Enterobacteriales ; Enterobacteriaceae), and the rot disease caused essentially by the genus
PhytophtoracapsiciLeonian (1922) (Peronosporales ; Peronosporaceae).
Effect of Basalt on Thrips pest F. occidentalis
Most important thrips species that may attack pepper crop in Tunisia and causes several damages is F.
occidentalis[12]. It is a polyphagous species that attacks plants belonging to several botanical families [30]. F.
occidentalis may cause important damage to its host plants. On roses in Tunisia, damage to the flowers is
particularly important, involving yellow spots and distortions that may be observed on petals [10]. On pepper
crop, damages are results of feeding of adults and larvae leaving scars on leaves and fruits [12]. Scarring on
flower buds may prevent these from fully opening, and sepals become crimped and slightly discoloured[2,6].
During this study, all thrips instars were monitored in pepper flowers; males, females and larvae.
Number of females in all studied plots increased progressively until reaching mean values of about 6.33, 6.18
and 6.07 females per flower respectively in T0, T1 and T2 on April 30th 2019. However, a decrease of females’
average values was observedtwo days after basalt application with mean values of about 4.59 and 4.44 females
per flower respectively in T1 and T2. Four days after spraying basalt on pepper crop, females number dropped
to values surrounding 0 and 0.14 female per flower respectively in T1 and T2 while in control average values
was about 4.70 female per flower on May 04th 2019 (fig. 2).
Figure 2. F. occidentalisfemales average values in pepper crop flowers (Legend: B; Basalt application, T0;
Control, T1; 3% of Basalt, T2; 1.5% of Basalt).
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
26-Apr
28-Apr
30-Apr
02-May
04-May
Average thrips female per flower
Date
T0
T1
T2
B
Effect of basalt powder « Farina di Basalto® » on the development of pests and diseases on ..
DOI: 10.9790/2380-1308023847 www.iosrjournals.org 42 | Page
Regarding males’ numbers, they increased progressively in all plots and decreased then slightly before
treatment reaching mean values between 3.29 and 4.33 males per flower respectively in T2 and T0 on April 30th
2019. It must be noted that two days after basalt application, a decrease in males mean values was observed in
T1 and T2 till dropping to 0 and 0.18 males per flower in T1 and T2 respectively on May 04th 2019 while an
average of about 5.37 males was observed in control plots (fig. 3).
Figure 3.F. occidentalismales average values in peppercropflowers (Legend: B; Basalt application, T0; Control,
T1; 3% of Basalt, T2; 1.5% of Basalt).
Before treatment by “Farina di Basalto”, larvae showed an increase in all plots including control until
reaching mean values of about 3.88 in T0 and T2 and 3.74 larvae per flower in T1 on April 30th 2019. Same
effect was observed on larvae, where in both treated plots by basalt powder, larvae mean values decreased
considerably till dropping to 0.18 and 0.33 larvae per flower respectively in T1 and T2 on May 04th 2019. In
control unit plots, larvae number continue to increase to reach 04 larvae per flower during last day of
observations (fig. 4).
Figure 4.F. occidentalislarvae average values in pepper crop flowers (Legend: B; Basalt application, T0;
Control, T1; 3% of Basalt, T2; 1.5% of Basalt).
Effect of Basalt on the broad mite
The broad mite is a polyphagous mite species that may attack a wide range of botanical species. It may
cause several damages especially on the young leaves in the apical parts of the host plant and it may attack fruits
too. On the other hand, this mite causes growth inhibition of the host plant [28, 29].
During this study, damages caused by the broad mite were observed in the pepper crop greenhouse and
attacked plants were numbered in each unit plot.
Results showed that though no significant differences that were observed at p ≤ 0.05 between different
plot units (T0, T1 and T2), but in control plots we can find the most important cumulated mean values of
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
26-Apr
28-Apr
30-Apr
02-May
04-May
Average thrips males per flower
Date
T0
T1
T2
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
26-Apr
28-Apr
30-Apr
02-May
04-May
Average thrips larvae per flower
Date
T0
T1
T2
B
B
Effect of basalt powder « Farina di Basalto® » on the development of pests and diseases on ..
DOI: 10.9790/2380-1308023847 www.iosrjournals.org 43 | Page
attacked plants by the broad mite with 2 plants while in T1 and T2, only 1.22 and 1.55 attacked plants that were
observed (fig. 5).
Figure 5. Cumulated mean values of attacked plants by broad mite (Values followed by the same letters are not
significantly different at p ≤ 0.05).
Effect of Basalt on the bacterial soft rots caused by P. carotovorum
P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (syn. Erwiniacarotovora subsp. carotovora) wa first reported in
Tunisia during winters of 2005 and 2006. It is the causal agent of the bacterial soft rot, which is a severe and
devastating disease that may cause important economically losses on many host plants such as potato, tomato,
pepper, eggplants and cabbage [25]. In attacked pepper fruits, symptoms appears at first n the peduncle and
calyx tissues and then the entire fruits turned into watery masses within 2 to 6 days [19].
During this study, pepper fruits with watery masses caused by the bacterial soft rots were observed
under the experimental greenhouse. In fact, results showed that statistically there were no significant differences
between control and treated plot units by basalt. However, cumulated average values of attacked plants were
higher in control than in T1 and T2 with respectively 5.55, 4.66 and 3.88 attacked plants (fig. 6).
Figure 6. Cumulated mean values of attacked plants by the bacterial soft rots(Values followed by the same
letters are not significantly different at p ≤ 0.05).
Effect of Basalt on the rot disease caused by Ph. capsici
Ph. capsiciis responsible of the rot disease and the most destructive pathogen of vegetables and
represents a serious threat to pepper plants, it has become a serious pest to pepper production and it may cause
losses up to 100% [32, 33].
Regarding effect of “Farina di Basalto® on Ph. capsici, results showed that high significant
difference was observed between control and treated plots at p 0.05. In fact, in untreated plots with basalt
powder average number of attacked pepper plant was about 6, while it was only 1.33 and 1 attacked plant in T1
and T2 respectively. These results showed that basalt may reduce the rot disease at low values (fig. 7).
0
1
2
3
4
5
Cumulated mean values of
attacked plants by broad
mite
T0
T1
T2
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Cumulated mean values of
attacked plants by the bacterial
soft rots
T0
T1
T2
a
a
a
a
a
a
Effect of basalt powder « Farina di Basalto® » on the development of pests and diseases on ..
DOI: 10.9790/2380-1308023847 www.iosrjournals.org 44 | Page
Figure 7. Cumulated mean values of attacked plants by the rot disease caused by Ph. capsici(Values followed
by the same letters are not significantly different at p ≤ 0.05).
Diseases monitoring during storage
During storage, damages on fruits were observed such as black spot appearance, fruits’ rot and fruits
with moldiness. Obtained results regarding fruits with black spots showed that in control plots average values of
about 0.44 fruit followed by T1 with 0.33 fruit with no significant difference. However, in T2 no fruits with
black spots were observed (fig. 8).
Figure 8. Mean values of fruits with black spots(Values followed by the same letters are not significantly
different at p ≤ 0.05).
Concerning rotten fruits, though average fruits number in T1 and T2 were ower than control, no significant
differences were observed (fig. 9).
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Cumulated mean values of
attacked plants by the the rot
disease
T0
T1
T2
a
b
b
a
a
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
Mean values of fruits with black
spots
T0
T1
T2
b
Effect of basalt powder « Farina di Basalto® » on the development of pests and diseases on ..
DOI: 10.9790/2380-1308023847 www.iosrjournals.org 45 | Page
Figure 9. Mean values of rotten fruits(Values followed by the same letters are not significantly different at p
0.05).
Same results were obtained in fruits with moldiness development during storage were no significant differences
were observed between control, T1 and T2, though that mean values in treated fruits with basalt were lower than
control (fig. 10).
Figure 10. Mean values of rotten fruits(Values followed by the same letters are not significantly different at p
0.05).
Obtained results during this study demonstrated that basalt has an effect on pests and diseases by
strengthening resistance to plants by stimulating their natural defence reaction and this is due to silicon, which is
the most important component of basalt powder [16, 23, 26]. In fact, results concerning F. occidentalisshowed
that basalt reduces thrips populations to very low values till disappearing completely. These results are similar to
those found during chemical control, or even use of organic insecticides, traps associated with kairomones or
pheromones and even when predators such as OriuslaevigatusFieber (Heteroptera; Anthocoridae) are employed
during biological control against F. occidentalisin pepper crop greenhouses [11, 13,14, 15, 24]. Basalt powder,
as other inert powders, repels insects and mites by preventing them to be installed in the crops, and reduces their
populations and kills them by desiccation and absorption of the waxy layer of their exoskeleton [9, 22]
On the other hand, basalt powder had an effect on micro-organisms such asPh..Capsici during this
study. In fact, Silicon reduces significantly powdery mildew in wheat crop where foliar and root applications of
Silicon causes the decrease of this disease to 80 % [23]. Basalt powder is characterized by a Silicon rate
comprised between 40 and 60% [17]. Silicon is exploited since severe years for its prophylactic properties
against plant diseases since it has an effect on plant resistance stimulating thus natural defence reactions [16,
23].
a
a
a
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
Mean values of rotten fruits
T0
T1
T2
a
a
a
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
Mean values of fruits moldiness
T0
T1
T2
Effect of basalt powder « Farina di Basalto® » on the development of pests and diseases on ..
DOI: 10.9790/2380-1308023847 www.iosrjournals.org 46 | Page
In the same context, minerals in general protect stored grains against diseases, which can explain the reduced
mean number of attacked fruits treated by basalt than those in control units [20].
IV. Conclusion
Basalt powder (Farina di Basalto) spraying on pepper crop under greenhouses and during storage with
two different doses (1.5 % and 3%) supresses the intensity of damages caused by diseases and pests and limited
their proliferation and development compared with control plot units. Both concentrations may be employed
since they gave almost same results. It is thus possible to use the concentration of 1.5% in order to minimize
cost of the product and to avoid risks related to overdosing of mineral elements in the soil.
Acknowledgements
Authors would like to express their profound appreciation to the Higher School of Engineer of Medjez El Beb,
MedjezElBeb, for providing all the necessary materials and the greenhouse.
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Mohamed Elimem. “Effect of basalt powder « Farina di Basalto® » on the development of pests
and diseases on pepper crop under greenhouse and during storage.” IOSR Journal of Agriculture
and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS), 13(8), 2020, pp. 38-47.
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... The mineral product (basalt powder) showed the highest mortality rates for the CLM at 3%. Same results were demonstrated in other studies were basalt reduced many other pests' populations such as the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (1895) (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) and the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks (1904) (Acari, Tarsonemidae) in protected crops under greenhouses [43] , the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst (1797) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), the lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica Fabricius (1792) (Coleoptera, Bostrichidae) and the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (1879) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) on stored wheat [44] . Regarding the Medfly, use of basalt powder reduced adults' number in installed traps to low values compared with control [61] confirming thus results found during this study. ...
... On the other hand, Kaolin, rich in Aluminum Silicate (Al 2 SIO 5 ), has been proved to be efficient to control P. citrella in reducing pest population in citrus orchard [33] . These different types of inert powders are used to control protected stored grains [68] , with an insecticidal and repellent effect on pests during storage, in greenhouses and in fields [43,44,62,67] . In the same context, "Farina di Basalto ®" has ~ 77 ~ been proved as a repellent for thrips species such as F. occidentalis under greenhouses [43] and for C. capitata in pomegranate orchard [61] , where treated plots did not attract pests anymore. ...
... These different types of inert powders are used to control protected stored grains [68] , with an insecticidal and repellent effect on pests during storage, in greenhouses and in fields [43,44,62,67] . In the same context, "Farina di Basalto ®" has ~ 77 ~ been proved as a repellent for thrips species such as F. occidentalis under greenhouses [43] and for C. capitata in pomegranate orchard [61] , where treated plots did not attract pests anymore. Furthermore, botanical extracts (Nerium and orange bitter) showed important impacts on both pest species in citrus orchards. ...
Article
Full-text available
This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficiency of Basalt as foliar spray with two doses (1.5% and 3%), in the ground as a fertilizer (1.5%), and as a combined application (1.5%) compared to two botanical aqueous extracts of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) and Nerium (Nerium oleander) (50g/l against Ceratitis Capitata and Phyllocnistis citrella in citrus orchard. Concerning C. capitata, results a repellent effect exerted by used products. Trapped adults mean number in all treated units significantly decreased after first treatment and was maintained at very significant low values compared with control. Regarding P. citrella, alive larvae population decreased considerably after first treatment and reached low values. Larvae mortality rates in treated plots were observed since the first day after first treatment. They increased lately till reaching mean values ranking between 80 and 100% one and two weeks after second treatment. Efficacy rates of basalt were about 60, 51 and 39% respectively for foliar applications at 3% and 1.5% and the combined application. Regarding plant extracts, they were about 50 and 56% respectively for Nerium and bitter orange. These results will help in planning integrated pest management in citrus orchard to control C. capitata and P. citrella in order to ovoid use of pesticides.
... The mineral product (basalt powder) showed the highest mortality rates for the CLM at 3%. Same results were demonstrated in other studies were basalt reduced many other pests' populations such as the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (1895) (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) and the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks (1904) (Acari, Tarsonemidae) in protected crops under greenhouses [43] , the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst (1797) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), the lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica Fabricius (1792) (Coleoptera, Bostrichidae) and the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (1879) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) on stored wheat [44] . Regarding the Medfly, use of basalt powder reduced adults' number in installed traps to low values compared with control [61] confirming thus results found during this study. ...
... On the other hand, Kaolin, rich in Aluminum Silicate (Al 2 SIO 5 ), has been proved to be efficient to control P. citrella in reducing pest population in citrus orchard [33] . These different types of inert powders are used to control protected stored grains [68] , with an insecticidal and repellent effect on pests during storage, in greenhouses and in fields [43,44,62,67] . In the same context, "Farina di Basalto ®" has ~ 77 ~ been proved as a repellent for thrips species such as F. occidentalis under greenhouses [43] and for C. capitata in pomegranate orchard [61] , where treated plots did not attract pests anymore. ...
... These different types of inert powders are used to control protected stored grains [68] , with an insecticidal and repellent effect on pests during storage, in greenhouses and in fields [43,44,62,67] . In the same context, "Farina di Basalto ®" has ~ 77 ~ been proved as a repellent for thrips species such as F. occidentalis under greenhouses [43] and for C. capitata in pomegranate orchard [61] , where treated plots did not attract pests anymore. Furthermore, botanical extracts (Nerium and orange bitter) showed important impacts on both pest species in citrus orchards. ...
Article
Full-text available
This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficiency of Basalt as foliar spray with two doses (1.5% and 3%), in the ground as a fertilizer (1.5%), and as a combined application (1.5%) compared to two botanical aqueous extracts of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) and Nerium (Nerium oleander) (50g/l against Ceratitis Capitata and Phyllocnistis citrella in citrus orchard. Concerning C. capitata, results a repellent effect exerted by used products. Trapped adults mean number in all treated units significantly decreased after first treatment and was maintained at very significant low values compared with control. Regarding P. citrella, alive larvae population decreased considerably after first treatment and reached low values. Larvae mortality rates in treated plots were observed since the first day after first treatment. They increased lately till reaching mean values ranking between 80 and 100% one and two weeks after second treatment. Efficacy rates of basalt were about 60, 51 and 39% respectively for foliar applications at 3% and 1.5% and the combined application. Regarding plant extracts, they were about 50 and 56% respectively for Nerium and bitter orange. These results will help in planning integrated pest management in citrus orchard to control C. capitata and P. citrella in order to ovoid use of pesticides.
... Thus, biological control in its different alternatives seems to be a successful method to control pests and pathogens. Among these alternatives, many of them are empirical methods and conventionally used to control pests as biopesticides which are plants extracts as essential oils or aqueous extracts [5][6][7][8][9]. These plants tissues contain lethal bioactive components (secondary metabolites) for insects, mites and other organisms These components are beneficial as natural defensive process for plants also they are progressively adopted in pest management [5,7,8,[10][11][12][13]. ...
Article
Full-text available
ABSTRACT Integrated pest management of cereal crops uses all necessary methods to reduce pest populations. These methods: such as plants' aqueous extracts, are usually efficient, economical, and respectful towards the environment. These products are used to control pests and evaluate their effect on cereal plants. The experiment was conducted in a barley field. The bioinsecticides tested were the aqueous extracts of four vegetal plants (Carob, oleander, Aleppo pine, and bitter orange) and basalt flour “Farina di Basalto® Type XF and Type XM” as mineral material. The tested doses were in order of 5% and 1,5% for plants and basalt aqueous extracts respectively. They were tested against aphids, thrips, and cereal leaf beetles. The experimental design was a complete random block (CRB). Every treatment had 3 replicates, and their distribution was random. The morphometric parameters (roots weight and length, stem length and leaf area), efficiency and mortality rates were calculated to evaluate the effect of the different products on cereal plants and pests. The tested aqueous extracts were not toxic towards plants. Thus, the morphometric parameters showed that the plant development was normal during the management such as the control. All aqueous extracts were efficient in pest management by reducing their populations. For basaltic extracts, foliar (XF - “Farina di Basalto® Type XF”) was lethal for thrips and cereal leaf beetles by around 70% and combined (XM - “Farina di Basalto® Type XM” and XF “Farina di Basalto® Type XF”) for thrips and aphids by 75.20 and 34.66% respectively. For botanical extract, carob (Cs) was toxic against thrips and aphid by 73.39 and 44.21% respectively and oleander (NeO) was relevant against thrips and cereal leaf beetles by 76.94 and 36.67% respectively. For cereal leaf beetles, the aqueous extracts helped to mitigate their leaves’ damage. Using plants and mineral powder is not only an effective method for pest management but also a friendly alternative, especially since it has lower toxicity against cereal plants. KEYWORDS: Aromatic plants, cereal pests, basalt flour, aqueous extracts
... Our findings highlight recent works that revealed basalt powder's role in enhancing crops' tolerance to pests Elimem et al. 2021). Indeed, basalt powder has been used to control insects and diseases in crops and stored products (Fawzy et al. 2012;Isnugroho et al., 2018;Elimem et al. 2020;Elimem et al. 2021). Mewis and Ulrichs (2001) demonstrated that silicon dioxide is the active ingredient that gives basalt powder its pesticide activity. ...
Article
Full-text available
Assessing the insecticidal effect of Citrus aurantium and Nerium oleander extracts and basalt "Farina di Basalto ® " as biological alternatives to control Aphis punicae and Planococcus citri in an organic pomegranate orchard. (2022): Assessing the insecticidal effect of Citrus aurantium and Nerium oleander extracts and basalt "Farina di Basalto ® " as biological alternatives to control Aphis punicae and Planococcus citri in an organic pomegranate orchard. Plant Protect. Sci. Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of basalt with two botanical aqueous extracts of Citrus aurantium and Nerium oleander (50g/L) against Aphis punicae and Planococcus citri in an organic pomegranate orchard. Basalt was applied as a foliar spray with two doses (1.5% and 3%), in the ground as a fertiliser (1.5%), and as a combined application (1.5%). Phenolic compounds of both plants were identified by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS analysis. Seven and six flavonoids were detected in C. aurantium and N. oleander extracts, respectively. Hesperidin was more abundant in C. aurantium extracts; however , N. oleander extracts contained more quercetin rutinoside. A. punicae populations were significantly higher in control trees compared to the treated ones. A. punicae mortality rates reached high values above 90% for basalt and plants extracts and efficacy rates exceeded 80%. P. citri mortality rates reached 88% and 77%, and efficacy rates exceeded 75% and 66% for basalt and plant extracts, respectively. These findings may help to plan Integrated pest management strategies in organic orchards to avoid toxic chemical pesticides.
... Inert powders such as basalt are employed as a controlling method in order to protect stored grains (Al-Iraqi and Al-Naqib, 2006). In fact, it does not only repels insects and mites in fields, greenhouses or during storage, but it causes their death by absorption of their waxy layer surrounding their exoskeleton causing thus their desiccation (Ebeling, 1971).Other studies demonstrated that the fertilizer is very effective in reducing pest dynamic populations to very low values and even it may cause their disappearance from the infested crops (Groth et al., 2007;Elimem et al., 2020). ...
Article
Full-text available
Background: This work aims to evaluate under laboratory conditions the insecticidal effect of Basalte, which is a volcanic rock and a natural fertilizer rich in nutriments and employed to improve crops growth, on insect pests of stored wheat ; Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera, Bostrichidae) and Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae). Three treatments were applied: T0: without "Farina di Basalto ® " (Control), T1: 3% of "Farina di Basalto ® ", T2: 1.5% of "Farina di Basalto ® ".Obtained results showed that the fertilizer causes the mortality of the three pest species. Regarding T. castaneum, mortality rates observed for the control were always about 0% until the fifth day of observations. However, in treated units, insect mortality rates were about 40 and 16.6% respectively for 3 and 1.5% of basalt powder just one day after the trial and increased considreably thereafter and reached 100% during the third and fourth days after treatment. Almost same results were obtained for R. dominica where mortality rates observed in control were low during the first three days and did not exceed 10%, while in treated units they reached 100% during the second and third day after treatment respectively for the doses 3% and 1.5% of basalt. Regarding larvae of E. kuehniella, mortality rates observed in control remained low until the seventh day and slightly exceeded 50% during the rest of the trial. In treated units with 3% of basalt, mortality rates were about 60% during second and third day after treatment and reached 100% during fourth day. For treated units by 1.5% of basalt, mortality rates ranked between 20 and 40% till the fifth day to reach 90% at the end of the trial.
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Sustainable agriculture plays an important role in agricultural productivity in that it seeks to reduce chemical fertilizers use and promote the use of alternative, low-cost and environmentally friendly sources. In this sense, basalt dust has shown potential to improve soil fertility and crop nutrition. Thus, an experiment was carried out with the goal to evaluate the potential impact of a basaltic rock flour "Farina di Basalto" type XF on growth parameters of tomato crop under greenhouse. Total leaves content of flavonoids, polyphenols and antioxidant activity were also investigated. Experiments were carried out in a pot system using substrate drenches to apply the basalt flour at different levels, (0%, 1.5%, 3% and 4.5%). The growing media chosen for the trials consisted of a mixture of soil, perlite and potting soil (1:1:1:). The results showed that increasing basalt flour to 4.5%, increased significantly growth parameters of tomato plants. However, for plant height and shoot length, increasing dose from 3% to 4.5% was not significant. Results showed also that leaves dry matter, flavonoids and polyphenols contents were negatively affected when increasing dose to 4.5%. Although, applying of 3% of basalt flour was the most effective in improving antioxidant compounds in tomato plants, the higher antioxidant activity was obtained by applying of 4.5% basalt flour. These results showed the usefulness of basalt flour in improving plant growth parameters and phytochemical compounds offering the possibility of using it as both a natural fertilizer and a biostimulant in sustainable agriculture.
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Root rot caused by Phytophtora capsici is one of the most important root diseases of pepper. The experiment was conducted at Denbiya and Takusa district with aimed to evaluate effective red pepper varieties and types of seed bed against root rot disease. Five red pepper varieties namely Melka Dera, Melka Oli, Melka Zala, Marco Fana, local; and two seed bed types namely flat and raised bed were used as treatments. Treatments were arranged in a factorial combination in RCBD with three replication. Result showed that the minimum incidence and severity of 28.13 % and 19.8%, respectively was recorded from Melka Oli variety transplanted in a raised bed while the maximum incidence and a severity of 51.03% and 42.8%, respectively were recorded from local red pepper in flat seed bed. The maximum grain yield of 28.81 q/ha and insignificance yield losses were recorded from Melka Oli in raised beds while the minimum grain yield and maximum yield losses 11.12q/ha and 61.44%, respectively were recorded from local red pepper in flat seed bed. Therefore, results suggested that the use of Melka Oli variety transplanted at raised seed bed is promising for significant reduction in root rot incidence and a corresponding increase in yield of red pepper.
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Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (1895) (Thysanoptera; Thripidae) is the most common worldwide western flower thrips. It has a cosmopolitan distribution and a wide host-plant range. The management of F. occidentalis has always been based on chemical and biological methods. However, within the integrated pest management (IPM) concept, beneficial local insects are worth investigating within a biological control approach. This work aims to evaluate and enhance the efficiency of the local thrips predator strains Orius laevigatus (Heteroptera; Anthocoridae) to control F. occidentalis. The study focused on the most convenient dose and release rate of O. laevigatus against F. occidentalis. The minute pirate bugs O. laevigatus were collected on flowers of Chrysanthemum coronarium Linneaus (Asterales; Asteraceae) growing in an uncultivated field in the region of Chott-Mariem (Sousse, Tunisia). Two doses and three predator release frequencies were tested in nine pepper crop greenhouses already infected by F. occidentalis. Preliminary results showed that the O. laevigatus local strain had been successfully installed in all pepper crop greenhouses regardless of doses and release frequencies. Moreover, when released two or three times with a time laps of 1 week at a dose of 1 individual per m2, this predator was able to control thrips populations. In fact, a decrease of F. occidentalis populations was reported 1 week after the first release and very low levels were maintained below the economic threshold. In addition, it turned out that, when employed three times at a dose of 0.5 individual per m2 or just once with a dose of 1 individual per m2, the predatory bug produced a late impact on thrips populations. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of this predatory bug to control F. occidentalis populations and that it may be used as an alternative way to substitute the use of chemical pesticides.
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During winters of 2005 and 2006, a severe outbreak of a stem rot disease occurred on tomato plants in greenhouses in Sidi Bouzid, Chott-Mariem and Mereth regions; disease incidence was estimated to respectively 20-25%, 30-35% and 90-100%. Isolations from rotted stems on King’s medium B showed development of a bacterium characterized by white t o cream colonies. Using some biochemical tests, all bacterial isolates were identified as Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. Pathogenicity tests demonstrated the development of soft-rot symptoms on inoculated tomato plants. In Tunisia, this bacterium is well known as a potato s oft rot pathogen, but this is the first report of an occurrence and an outbreak of a bacterial stem rot disease on tomato plants caused by P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum.
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Phytophthora capsici is the most destructive pathogen of vegetables that represents a serious threat to chilli pepper plants. We discussed the control of P. capsici through manipulation of genetic architecture of chilli plant and endophytic microorganisms. The function of various genes encoding transcriptional regulatory and defense related putative proteins such as pathogen-related protein (PR), anti-microbial peptides (AMPs), polygalacturonaseinhibiting proteins (PGIPs), lipid transfer protein (LTP), pectin methylesterase (PME), leucine-rich repeat proteins (LRRs), osmotin-like and thaumatin-like protein, in Capsicum was also analyzed. The bio-control of P. capsici by using various strains of Bacillus, Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, Chryseobacterium and Rhizobacteria was demonstrated. We also discussed the enhanced resistance to P. capsici infection by treatment with a variety of abiotic and biotic inducers that act on defence signalling pathways involved in disease resistance. We highlighted the vulnerability of chilli crop with reference to its genetic resources against Phytophthora blight. Disease control through chemicals is becoming problematic, so we proposed other ways to control the disease severity. This review highlights the economic significance of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) along with disease management strategies against P. capsici. This pathogen has posed a serious threat to chilli crop worldwide. © 2016, Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture. All rights reserved.
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