Five subfamilies within Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles) have larvae that retain their feces as a coa... more Five subfamilies within Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles) have larvae that retain their feces as a coat or armor which serves for thermoregulation, camouflage, or barrier to enemies. The construction, retention and repair of these fecal structures are associated with specialized larval morphologies in the tortoise beetles (subfamily Cassidinae) and in the Cryptocephalinae + Lamprosomatinae (Camptosomata), but morphology associated with fecal encrustations on larvae in the Blepharida-group flea beetles (Galerucinae: Alticini) and in Criocerinae have not been examined. Experiments with live larvae of Podontia quatuordecimpunctata (L., 1767) (or sineguelas leaf beetle, SLB; Blepharida group) reveal the anus opens dorsally and deposits feces directly to the larva's dorsum; the armor is maintained and is reconstructed. Scanning electron microscopy reveals integumental microtrichia that presumably hold on the feces. This invasive beetle has become an introduced tree-crop pest in the Philippines, so ongoing research seeks to mitigate its population. Insecticidal chemical assays show that fecal armor does not fully protect SLB larvae but delays potency slightly. The study recommends rotating the insecticides (Imidacloprid, Cypermethrin, and Buprofezin) to prevent the development of resistance. Specialized morphology for fecal retention is known in Cassidinae, Camptosomata and is now documented in the Blepharida group. Such morphology and the fecal-building behavior can offer additional phylogenetic information for these beetles.
Using the problem analysis framework, this research analyzed the current situations in the garlic... more Using the problem analysis framework, this research analyzed the current situations in the garlic-producing areas in Luzon, Philippines, and identified the possible reasons for the decrease in the volume and total area of production. A total of 111 garlic farmers from 25 municipalities and cities in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA were included in the study. Results showed that extreme weather conditions such as heat, drought, excessive rains, insect pest and disease occurrences, and inaccessibility to market with high pricing for locally produced garlic are the most encountered problems by garlic farmers across the regions. Continuous heavy rainfall during the planting season caused extreme damage to the crop, in which 41% of the respondents mentioned this as a major concern. The presence of different field and storage insect pests and diseases of garlic resulting in lower yield was also cited by 32% of the respondents. Furthermore, the m...
The growth and yield of pechay affected by Turan Biostimulant under field conditions were studied... more The growth and yield of pechay affected by Turan Biostimulant under field conditions were studied in Oogong, Sta. Cruz, Laguna Philippines to evaluate its effects and determine its best level for the optimum growth and yield of pechay. Turan is a patented high-analysis formulation with plant nutrients complexed by bioactive polyphenols that enhances nutrient availability to plants and provides a biostimulant effect to improve plant vitality and activate natural bio-defenses to protect the plant from stresses. There is a need for a plant food supplement that can promote quick nutrient absorption in the organic pechay production process, thus a randomized complete block design with four replications experiment was conducted. Parameters such as total fresh yield, marketable yield, non-marketable yield, plant height, number of leaves, leaf width, and root length/biomass were gathered from a sample of 40 plants per treatment (10/rep) and analyzed using statistical methods. The study sho...
Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research
This study presents the results of a field bio-efficacy evaluation to assess the impact of Enerso... more This study presents the results of a field bio-efficacy evaluation to assess the impact of Enersol® LDG, a mineral fertilizer containing leonardite and humic acid, on the growth and yield of pechay (Brassica rapa) in Puypuy, Bay, Laguna, Philippines. In pechay production, there is a need for a plant food supplement that facilitates immediate nutrient absorption. Leonardite-based products have been used to improve soil properties and to help plants withstand biotic and abiotic stresses. Leonardite is an important raw material in the manufacture of commercial products rich in humic and fulvic acids. An experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted, with different combinations of Enersol® LDG and inorganic fertilizer applied basally at seed sowing. Results showed that the combination of Enersol® LDG and inorganic fertilizer significantly increased the total fresh yield of pechay compared to other treatments. However, reducing the amount of inorg...
New Records of Podontia quatuordecimpunctata (L.) (Sineguelas Leaf Beetle) (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) on Spondias spp. (Anacardiaceae) and Its Geographic Distribution in the Philippines
Philippine Journal of Science
Podontia quatuordecimpunctata (L.) or the “sineguelas” leaf beetle is reported from the Philippin... more Podontia quatuordecimpunctata (L.) or the “sineguelas” leaf beetle is reported from the Philippines. Red sineguelas (Spondias purpurea L.), golden apple or yellow sineguelas (S. dulcis Forst.), and hog plum or “libas” [S. pinnata (L.f.) Kurz.] are reported as host plants. However, feeding on S. philippinensis (Elm.) and S. mombin L. (hog plum are unverified. The current geographic distribution and pest status of P. quatuordecimpunctata are presented.
New Records of Scarab Insect Pests of Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in the Philippines
Philippine Journal of Science
New records of scarab pests of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) were reported in the Philippines: the r... more New records of scarab pests of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) were reported in the Philippines: the rhizotrogine chafer, Holotrichia bipunctata Brenske, 1892 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Rhizotrogini) and diplotaxine chafer Apogonia palawana Heller, 1897 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Diplotaxini). The feeding patterns of the two insect pests are characterized, and some integrated pest management recommendations were cited.
Optimization of edible oils as seed protectant against bean beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius), on stored mungbean, Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek
Assessment of vermicomposting as a waste management technology and a livelihood alternative
A survey was conducted to assess vermicomposting as a waste management technology and a livelihoo... more A survey was conducted to assess vermicomposting as a waste management technology and a livelihood technology. The surveyed twenty-four (24) vermicomposting adoptors consist mostly of middle to upper class farmer entrepreneurs. They have innovated the technology in order to optimize the performance of their systems and make use of their available resources. In terms of economic viability, the technology was proven to be a good source of income aside from the various benefits which can be derived from its various products. Aside from the economic gains, savings were also derived by using the product itself and its derivatives. The social impact for most of the adoptors is not yet realized since small scale and newly initiated vermi projects did not entail much labor workforce in its operation and maintenance. Only the large scale vermi facilities demonstrated the positive social influence of the technology. For the environmental impacts, the technology has the potential to affect wat...
Assessment of Vermicomposting as a Waste Management Technology and a Livelihood Alternative in the Philippines
Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 2008
A survey was conducted to assess vermicomposting as a waste management technology and a livelihoo... more A survey was conducted to assess vermicomposting as a waste management technology and a livelihood technology. The surveyed twenty-four (24) vermicomposting adoptors consist mostly of middle to upper class farmer entrepreneurs. They have innovated the technology in order to optimize the performance of their systems and make use of their available resources. In terms of economic viability, the technology was proven to be a good source of income aside from the various benefits which can be derived from its various products. Aside from the economic gains, savings were also derived by using the product itself and its derivatives. The social impact for most of the adoptors is not yet realized since small scale and newly initiated vermi projects did not entail much labor workforce in its operation and maintenance. Only the large scale vermi facilities demonstrated the positive social influence of the technology. For the environmental impacts, the technology has the potential to affect wat...
Uploads
Papers by Joel Adorada