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The effect of pheromone (methyl eugenol) dispensers on the catches of male Dacus zonatus (Saunders) in the trap was tested under field conditions. Lure injected in cotton wicks captured male flies efficiently up to nine weeks. Though the mean number of males captured during first week in traps with cotton wick dispensers was comparatively less than cork sheet, cigarette filter tip, pith of sarkanda and blotting paper but it increased during five successive weeks and thereafter decreased. However trap catches decreased from second week onward with rest of the dispensers. The results manifest that cotton wick as a dispenser for methyl eugenol proved most efficient in attracting the flies for longer duration and thus had a potential usefulness for monitoring and control of D. zonatus. Zusammenfassung Freilanduntersuchungen über verschiedene Dispenser für Methyl-Eugenol zur Anlockung von Dacus zonatus (Saund.) (Dipt., Tephritidae) Es wurden Versuche mit dem Pheromon Methyl-Eugenol zum Fang der Männchen von Dacus zonatus durchgeführt. Nach Injektion in Baumwolldochte wirkte das Pheromon bis zu 9 Wochen lang. Obgleich die mittlere Zahl gefangener Männchen in Fallen mit Baumwolldocht-Dispensern zu Anfang vergleichsweise geringer war als bei Korkscheiben-, Zigarettenfilter-, Sarkanda-Mark und Löschpapier-Dispensern, stieg sie in den folgenden 5 Wochen an, um dann erst wieder abzunehmen, während die Zahlen bei den anderen Dispensern ab der 2. Woche sanken. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß Baumwolldochte als Dispenser für Methyl-Eugenol sich zum Fang der männlichen Fliegen am besten eignen, was bei der Anwendung von Pheromon zur Prognose und Bekämpfung von D. zonatus zu beachten ist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is a mosquito broadly found in tropical and temperate areas of the world. It is the main vector of dengue, chikungunya, zika and yellow fever (urban cycle), among other viruses. Aedes aegypti immatures develop in water holding containers, and frequently use artificial containers in urban settings as larval habitat. Ovitraps are artificial oviposition sites, a tool developed for mosquito population surveillance and to assess effectiveness of control measures. The preference for different oviposition substrate materials was assessed in the field, in two localities of Salta province, northern Argentina, where dengue outbreaks are frequent. The proportion of positive traps did not differ between oviposition substrates. However, higher numbers of eggs were laid in cotton fabric and velour paper, which were better than wooden paddle and blotting paper if the aim was to maximize the numbers of eggs collected. The results also evidenced that substrate preference for oviposition did not differ between geographic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspection of insect sticky paper traps is an essential task for an effective integrated pest management (IPM) programme. However, identification and counting of the insect pests stuck on the traps is a very cumbersome task. Therefore, an efficient approach is needed to alleviate the problem and to provide timely information on insect pests. In this research, an automatic method for the multi‐class recognition of small‐size greenhouse insect pests on sticky paper trap images acquired by wireless imaging devices is proposed. The developed algorithm features a cascaded approach that uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) object detector and CNN image classifiers, separately. The object detector was trained for detecting objects in an image, and a CNN classifier was applied to further filter out non‐insect objects from the detected objects in the first stage. The obtained insect objects were then further classified into flies (Diptera: Drosophilidae), gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae), thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), using a multi‐class CNN classifier in the second stage. Advantages of this approach include flexibility in adding more classes to the multi‐class insect classifier and sample control strategies to improve classification performance. The algorithm was developed and tested for images taken by multiple wireless imaging devices installed in several greenhouses under natural and variable lighting environments. Based on the testing results from long‐term experiments in greenhouses, it was found that the algorithm could achieve average F1‐scores of 0.92 and 0.90 and mean counting accuracies of 0.91 and 0.90, as tested on a separate 6‐month image data set and on an image data set from a different greenhouse, respectively. The proposed method in this research resolves important problems for the automated recognition of insect pests and provides instantaneous information of insect pest occurrences in greenhouses, which offers vast potential for developing more efficient IPM strategies in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of two formulations of microencapsulated pheromone (CheckMate CM-F), containing 14.3% ( E, E)-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol (codlemone), on the behaviour of the male codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), were evaluated in a flight tunnel after several periods of formulation ageing. The two treatments of CheckMate CM-F evaluated consisted of the label-recommended field rate of 50 g active ingredient (a.i.)/ha diluted in: (1) a standard 1000 l of water (low concentration 0.05 g/l), and (2) a low volume of 100 l of water (high concentration 0.5 g/l). The low-concentration treatment was formulated by diluting 0.071 ml of CheckMate CM-F in 500 ml of water and the high-concentration treatment contained 0.71 ml of CheckMate CM-F in 500 ml of water. Wax-paper strips (2.1 × 20 cm) were treated at 0.06 ml of solution/cm2. The mean (±SE) number of CheckMate CM-F microcapsules adhering to treated wax-paper strips in the high-concentration treatment (398 ± 38) was sevenfold greater than that (57 ± 5) counted on wax-paper strips treated with the low concentration. Both low- and high-concentration treatments prevented anemotactic orientation of male codling to an adjacent 0.1 mg codlemone lure for up to 24 h after application. These moths flew out of the release cages, but exhibited erratic and short flights not restricted to any plume and ending at the tunnel walls or the floor. This occurred with approximately 60 and 400 microcapsules per wax-paper strip in the low- and high-concentration treatments, releasing codlemone at approximately 0.15 and 1.5 μg/h respectively. After 2 days of ageing, the low-concentration treatment no longer interfered with the ability of males to find the codlemone lure. However, the number of males contacting the lure was significantly reduced for up to 6 days with the high-concentration treatment relative to the control and low-concentration treatments. The high-concentration treatment no longer impeded normal orientational flight after 2–6 days of ageing; but, it diverted males from the codlemone lure by causing them to land on the adjacent treated wax-paper strips. This occurred at a release rate of approximately 0.7 μg codlemone/h from approximately 400 microcapsules per wax-paper strip distributed as clumps of approximately 30 microcapsules per 14 mm2. We suggest that an initial but short-lived disruption mechanism like camouflage is followed by a longer period of false-plume following to clumps of microcapsules. The low-volume, concentrated application method for disseminating pheromone microcapsules warrants further investigation for moth codling, as well as other pests because this approach may improve the efficacy without the need for increasing the field application rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insecticides have been instrumental in the prevention and management of key agricultural insect pests, thereby contributing to increased food production. However, the effectiveness of insecticides diminishes when targeted pests develop resistance, a phenomenon linked to species evolution and survival instincts. The Arthropod Pesticide Resistance Database, maintained by Michigan State University, has documented 18,934 cases of resistance to insecticidal active ingredients worldwide from 1914 to the present. This special collection comprises eight original research articles that delve into the monitoring, mechanism and management of insecticide resistance. Two papers present multi‐year resistance monitoring results in Chilo suppressalis and Spodoptera litura. Two studies employ transcriptome data to examine the candidate genes implicated in solanine‐induced response in Phthorimaea operculella and chlorantraniliprole‐induced response in Galeruca daurica, respectively. Additionally, two papers describe the genetic and physiological impacts of insecticides, while others explore the potential mechanisms underlying chlorfenapyr resistance in Glyphodes pyloalis and pyrethroids resistance in Laodelphax striatellus. The new results, conclusions and suggestions presented in this collection are anticipated to contribute to the advancement of knowledge on insecticide resistance and facilitate the development of a sustainable approach to managing insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects commonly rely on olfactory, gustatory and visual cues when deciding where to lay eggs. The olfactory cues that stimulate oviposition in the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), are not well understood. Here, we show that two known oviposition stimulants of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae)—γ‐octalactone and benzothiazole—strongly elicit aggregation and oviposition in B. tryoni. Two other known oviposition stimulants of B. dorsalis—ethyl tiglate and 1‐octen‐3‐ol—elicit aggregation but not oviposition. Highlighting species overlap, but also differences, in oviposition stimulants, these findings have practical application for mass‐rearing in which vast numbers of flies are reared for sterile insect technique programs and may also have practical application in the development of pest management and monitoring tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) has recently spread to many countries in Africa, the Near East, Asia and the Pacific. In sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), more than 300 million people depend on FAW's preferred host plant, maize, as a staple crop. Hence, the spread of FAW in SSA has the potential to negatively affect livelihoods and food security. Many farmers have responded to FAW by increasing their use of synthetic pesticides, but these are not always used safely or effectively. More information on sustainable alternatives to high‐risk synthetic pesticides is needed to inform decisions by farmers and policy makers. In a previous paper, the authors responded to this information need by identifying fifty biopesticides which had been registered for FAW management in one or more of 30 countries in FAWs native region and Africa. For each biopesticide identified, detailed profiles with information on their efficacy against FAW; associated human health and environmental hazards; their agronomic sustainability; and whether or not they are practical for use by smallholder farmers were developed Research for development (R4D) efforts is ongoing in Africa and Asia for development and use of biopesticides for FAW management. Hence, in this study the authors assessed the current state of knowledge and documented how information gaps have been filled (or not) since the previous paper was published. The authors found that for many biopesticides there is a growing body of information on their efficacy in the field in Africa and increased availability of commercialized products. They also note remaining information gaps, particularly the compatibility of the biopesticides with other recommended management practices, and cost‐benefit analyses, important for developing and implementing sustainable IPM. An updated list of priority biopesticides for research, development and promotion is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Thrips are minute, paraneopteran insects with diverse ecological histories and plant associations, encompassing herbivory, fungivory, pollination and predation. They are typically not widely adored insects as many species are regarded to be destructive crop pests and vectors of crop diseases. Nevertheless, certain thrips play a significant role in pollination as they traverse from flower to flower with pollen attached to their bodies. However, most studies on relationships between flowering plants and pollinators have overlooked the prevalence and association of thrips with flowers, and the pollination services were often incorrectly attributed to wind, bees or other agents. This is primarily due to the minute size and cryptic behaviour of thrips, their limited range of movement and minimal structural modifications to carry and disperse pollen. In recent times, the involvement of thrips in pollination was investigated by many researchers and their role was established partly or fully in several angiosperm families. Their role in pollination through specialised thripophily, as minor or secondary pollinators, or via ambophily is well‐established now. The present paper reviews the evidence of pollen transfer by thrips, obligate and nonobligate pollination relationships between plants and pollinator thrips, evolutionary aspects of thripophily, morphological and physiological adaptations in thrips and floral syndromes associated with thripophily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (L.), (CRB) is a major pest of coconut and oil palms that causes significant damage in the Asia/Pacific region. Traditional methods for surveillance and detection of CRB involve in‐person inspections, but these are expensive to carry out and were made impossible by travel restrictions during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In this paper, a method to remotely detect possible CRB incursions and assess damage levels using publicly available images is described. The method involves searching for pictures of palms and identifying those with the distinctive V‐shaped cuts in fronds characteristic of CRB feeding. The method was validated by examining palm images from known outbreak areas and those free from the pest. We found evidence of CRB damage in the previously unreported site of Dili, Timor Leste and possible evidence of CRB in the Solomon Islands even before it was first reported in 2015. Potential limitations and broader applications of this approach are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterotermes tenuis is a native termite of large negative impact on the Brazilian economy. Many studies have focused on optimizing the baiting method for termite control by improving its use and its efficacy. In order to maximize termite bait consumption, this study aimed to select nutrient solutions which are able to enhance termite feeding. The effects of some sugars and urea on feeding preference of the subterranean termite H. tenuis were determined by double choice feeding tests, and the consumption was evaluated by variation in dry mass of filter paper after 28 days of termite feeding. Most of the solutions tested did not significantly influence feeding of H. tenuis. Termites fed preferentially on filter paper treated with 0.03 g/ml trehalose and 0.015 g/ml urea solutions. The data indicate that trehalose and urea solutions are phagostimulants to H. tenuis, and their future use in bait matrices may increase consumption of baits and improve this control technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, neonate susceptibility to clothianidin, a contact and systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, was determined from both laboratory and field-collected populations. Neonates were exposed to filter paper treated with increasing clothianidin concentrations and mortality was evaluated after 24 h. Additionally, two populations were exposed to an artificial diet which was surface treated with clothianidin. Although larvae were five- to six-fold more sensitive to treated diet, results with treated filter paper were more reliable in terms of control mortality and required much less manipulation of rootworm larvae. Therefore, initial baseline comparisons were conducted using the filter paper assays. The variation among populations exposed to treated filter paper was generally low, 4.4-fold among laboratory populations tested; however, there was a 14.5-fold difference in susceptibility among all populations tested. In general, clothianidin was very toxic to rootworm neonates, with LC50 values ranging from 1.5 to 21.9 ng/cm2. These results indicate the practicability and sensitivity of the paper filter disc assay to establish baseline susceptibility levels, which is an essential first step in resistance management. A baseline response provides a reference for tracking shifts in susceptibility following commercialization of a control agent so that early changes in susceptibility can be detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gravid females of Sergentomyia ingrami, S. schwetzi and Phlebotomus duboscqi were attracted to oviposit on filter papers treated with test materials obtained from their conspecific development stages. S. ingrami was also exposed to oviposit in Petri dishes baited with non-conspecific P. duboscqi test materials. Immature and adult stages of all three species were crushed and smeared individually on filter papers and thereafter placed inside small containers for egglaying. Significantly more eggs were laid by Sergentomyia and Phlebotomus sandflies on filter papers baited with their conspecific immature and adult test materials. There was no significant difference between the number of eggs laid by S. ingrami on filter papers treated with non-conspecific P. duboscqi test materials with those laid on their controls. It is concluded that both immature and adult development stages of sandflies have a volatile substance which attracts gravid females for egg-laying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A laboratory choice test was developed to assess the efficacy and acceptability of sporulating strains of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin to foraging Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Filter paper disks were saturated with agar media and inoculated with either B. bassiana strain 787 or 3041, or M. anisopliae strain 346, 472 or 2162. Filter papers containing eight-day-old cultures were rolled into cylinders with the sporulating culture on the inside of the cylinder, and placed in one of two plastic jars, connected by a glass tube. Termites were placed in the other jar (refugia), and allowed to forage throughout both jars. This apparatus simulates the use of a fungal bait for subterranean termite control in the field. Termites did not avoid contact with the fungal baits, and fed upon the agar-treated filter papers. Exposure to M. anisopliae strains 346 and 2162 resulted in rapid termite mortality while exposure to the B. bassiana strains caused slower, but escalating, mortality. Efficacy of the fungi was not affected by the degree of sterility of the termite tunnelling medium. Living cultures of entomopathogenic fungi hold promise for further development as baits for subterranean termite control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeydew, a sugary excretion produced by sap‐feeding insects, plays a pivotal role in shaping intricate interactions between insects and plants. This review explains the multifaceted aspects of honeydew, beginning with an overview of its production mechanisms and factors influencing its variability across insect species and plant hosts. Exploring its composition, we examine the chemical components and nutritional aspects, highlighting variations based on insect species and plant sources. The impact of honeydew on microbial communities is explored, shedding light on its role in influencing the diversity and abundance of microorganisms. Furthermore, the review investigates how honeydew affects pest behaviour and population dynamics, elucidating plant responses to honeydew deposition. In the realm of biocontrol, we examine the intricate relationships between honeydew and natural enemies, considering potential implications for integrated pest management. Beyond these individual components, the paper discusses the broader ecological consequences of honeydew in ecosystems, emphasizing the interconnected relationships between insects, plants and microorganisms. The review concludes by identifying research gaps and suggesting future directions, recognizing the need for further investigation into areas with potential applications for agriculture and ecology. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current understanding of honeydew's significance in insect–plant interactions, offering insights for both researchers and practitioners in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previous comprehensive survey in the Mediterranean and Southeastern regions of Türkiye investigating the natural egg parasitism of lepidopteran maize pests, Sesamia spp, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. and Chilo partellus (Swinhoe; Lepidoptera: Crambidae) by Trichogramma evanescens Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) yielded successful establishment of laboratory cultures of six strains molecularly clustering into two main groups. In this study, the functional response and adult longevity of the strains reared and tested on a factitious host, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were investigated to provide insights into their potential as candidate biocontrol agents under constant laboratory conditions. The functional response modelling process consisted of two main sequential steps: model selection using polynomial logistic regression and parameter estimation using an iterative maximum likelihood estimation method. The functional response of two strains showed negative linear parameters (type II): HAP068M and HAP268S. Although their attack rate did not differ, the handling time of HAP268S was longer than that of HAP068M. In contrast, four strains had positive linear and negative quadratic parameters (type III) in their functional response: HAP044S, HAP070S, HAP210S, and HAP258M. The strains exhibiting type III functional response did not differ in their handling time, while HAP044S had a higher attack coefficient than HAP070S, HAP210S, and HAP258M. The longevity of both female and male adults significantly differed between strains. More importantly, the females belonging to strains exhibiting type II functional response presented a shorter longevity, compared to those with type III functional response. Males also showed a similar trend in their longevity. This paper discusses the differences in functional response types and estimated parameters of the strains in relation to their relevance for biological control programs and reveals a link between their functional response and longevity as potential reciprocal predictors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is an invasive agricultural pest in North America and Europe, and also a dwelling nuisance in autumn, due to the overwintering adults aggregating inside buildings. The repellent potential of ginger, clove, vetiver and turmeric essential oils (EOs) was tested on H. halys adults of three different physiological‐behavioural phases: exiting overwintering (EXOV), active during summer (SUMM) and entering overwintering (ENOV). In a two‐choice apparatus, fresh food was used as an attractant in both sides, together with three males when testing ENOV individuals. A filter paper with different concentrations of the EOs was the treatment side, and a filter paper with ethanol acted as control. The position of the individually tested bugs was recorded after 1, 6 and 24 hr. All tested EOs were repellent at concentrations higher than 3%, independent of sex or length of exposure. Turmeric and clove were the most repellent EOs, whereas ginger and vetiver showed on average a medium‐to‐low repellency. Significant differences emerged among the physiological‐behavioural phases, with SUMM individuals showing a greater repellency to many of the tested concentrations, and EXOV individuals being overall the least susceptible to these substances. The response to vetiver oil was ambiguous, as at 25%, it elicited both a strong repellency in SUMM and a strong attraction in EXOV. Turmeric and clove EOs are promising candidates in integrated pest management strategies to reduce attacks by H. halys to susceptible crops especially during summer, as well as to prevent the entrance of overwintering bugs in buildings in autumn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potato tuber moth is a noxious pest of potato in stores, where the use of repellent plants is an environmentally sound alternative to the application of chemical pesticides. We evaluated the protective effect of native Minthostachys species (Lamiaceae) against tuber infestation by the potato tuber moth in a rustic store in Cusco, Perú. We covered potato tubers with dried shoots of Minthostachys spicata and Minthostachys glabrescens and compared tuber damage with a control treatment of maize straw. We also conducted a no-choice oviposition bioassay in the laboratory, testing the oviposition deterrence of essential oils of M. spicata, M. glabrescens and Minthostachys mollis at natural concentrations. We recorded the number of eggs laid by mated moths on filter paper treated with essential oils of each of the three species and on two control treatments: hexane and untreated blank. Finally, we tested for differences in oviposition deterrence among five full-sib families of potato tuber moth raised under identical conditions. We found that dried, chopped leaves and flowers of Minthostachys species reduced the percentage of tuber damage in stores in comparison with the control (5% vs. 12%), but no difference in protection was found between species. Essential oils at natural concentrations deterred moth oviposition, reducing the number of eggs laid by about 80% compared with the control treatments; again, there were no significant differences between Minthostachys species. Finally, whereas we detected among-family variation in oviposition on filter papers treated with essential oils, no difference was found in the number of eggs laid on control substrates. Therefore, there was genetic variation for oviposition deterrence in the potato tuber moth and resistance to repellent plants might evolve thereafter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodnius prolixus Stål (Reduviidae: Rhodninii) is one of the most important vectors of Chagas disease. As a result of its medical importance, several life history studies have been carried out, but in general with a restricted demographical scope, without assessing the potential tradeoffs in the life history of this insect. In this study, individuals of R. prolixus were kept in two spatially different habitats and several fitness components were measured. The results show that life expectancy in adults is negatively correlated with gross fecundity, indicating a cost of reproduction. Life expectancy is shorter for males and longer for individuals of the same sex in the more complex habitat, where the fitness is lower compared with that of the simpler habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlyctinus callosus and P. xerophilus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are two cryptic species of native entimine weevils, previously grouped together under the P. callosus sensu lato concept, that are pests of economic importance to the deciduous fruit and vine industry in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Laboratory bioassays were conducted using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) isolates of Beauveria and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Heterorhabditis indica and Steinernema yirgalemense, to determine differences in susceptibility of adult P. callosus and P. xerophilus to potential biological control agents. The test arena used was 24‐well bioassay plates with an inoculation rate of 200 infective juveniles (IJs)/insect for EPNs and 5 × 105 conidia/insect for EPF. Insects were inoculated using a 12.7 mm filter paper impregnated with 50 μL of entomopathogen suspension. Infection was determined after 96 h incubation for EPNs through dissection of cadavers. Insects inoculated with EPF were incubated in the wells for 18 days and mortality recorded daily. Cadavers were surface sterilized and observed for overt mycosis. Differential susceptibility between P. callosus and P. xerophilus was observed in EPF but not in EPN bioassays. Differential susceptibility to EPF could be due to methodology. Low adult weevil pathogenicity was found for all entomopathogens, with variable results obtained from different bioassay batches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EAG recordings were made from both males and females of Cydia fagiglandana (Zell.) and C. splendana (Hb.) on stimulation with the tortricid sex attractants ( E,E)-8,10-dodecadien-l-yl acetate (E8E10-12:Ac), ( E,E)-8,10-dodecadien-l-ol (E8E10-12:OH) and (Z)-8-dodecen-l-yl acetate (Z8-12:Ac). The dose-response curves of the various attractants were almost identical for males of both species. The order of increasing EAG sensitivity was E8E10-12:OH < Z8-12:Ac < E8E10-12:Ac. In females, EAGs increased in the order E8E10-12OH < E8E10-12:Ac < Z8-12:Ac. They were much less sensitive to the sex attractants; the EAG amplitudes to E8E10-12:Ac were 20-50 times smaller than those of males. The antennae of C. fagiglandana females were about twice more responsive to the sex attractants than those of females of C. splendana. Recordings from single antennal olfactory cells of C. fagiglandana males showed responses of 1 or 2 cells on stimulation with the sex attractants and with volatiles from chestnut leaves. The diel spontaneous locomotor activities of both species as measured in actographs ran almost concurrently. Most moths were active during the first 4-6 h and the last 2.5 h of the night. During the day the moths were inactive, except females of C. splendana which already showed some activity at the end of the afternoon. A correlation appeared to exist between the locomotor activities and behavioural responsiveness to attractive odours. Behavioural responses of males and females were studied in a wind-tube in the presence and the absence of an airstream. Female calling behaviour was observed. Results suggested that E8E10-12:Ac is a main component of the female sex pheromone of both Cydia species. A stream of air, whether or not loaded with attractants, always induced antennal elevation and grooming of the antennae and palps in both males and females. Responses to upwind attractants only occurred after switching off the airstream. It is proposed that either (1) attractive odours in combination with an airstream may evoke an 'internal excitatory state' that finds active expression in standing air or that (2) intermittent stimulation with odours, which may occur in the unsteady air shortly after switching off the airflow, is indispensable for inducing upwind displacement. Branches of chestnut attracted both sexes and functioned as arrestants. Contrary to what was found in several other moth species, signals from the host plant did not appear to induce pheromone production. Males as well as females were attracted to E8E10-12:Ac, to calling conspecific females and to the smear of abdomen tips cut off from calling conspecific females. With a paper loaded with E8E10-12:Ac and three conspecific females present in the tube, the females lined up about 20 cm from each other and started to call. These results suggested that sensitivity of the females to their own sex attractants may permit them to detect the presence of other calling females, leading to settling and synchronization of pheromone production, and avoidance of pheromone-releasing females. As a result, calling females may evenly distribute over the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exposure of sterile male Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) to the aroma of essential oil derived from ginger root Zingiber officinale Roscoe (GRO) has been shown in field cage trials to increase their mating success. This field cage study compared the mating performance of mass reared sterile Mediterranean fruit fly males prepared for ground release programmes under four different post-irradiation systems, two of which involved exposure of the flies to GRO aroma. In the first system, irradiated pupae were placed into non-vented 5-L paper tubs, individually aromatized by 20 μl of GRO (4 ml/m3) for 96-120 h until the adults were 2-3 days old. In the second system, irradiated pupae were placed in vented 5-L paper tubs, exposed for 24 h in a GRO aromatized room (0.5 ml/m3) when the adults were 3 days old and contained until required for mating tests at 5 days old. The third and fourth systems were the same as the first two systems respectively, except that the flies were not exposed to GRO aroma. Significant differences in mating success were found among treatments. The exposure of 2 to 3-day old flies to GRO aroma improved mating performance slightly compared with equivalent non-exposed flies, but it was still below the minimum value accepted under international standards, while 27% of unexposed 5-day-old sterile males mated and had competitiveness (Fried value 0.38) slightly above this minimum level. GRO exposed 5-day-old flies had the highest mating percentage (67%) and a level of competitiveness (Fried value 1.81) based on induced sterility above that of wild flies (Fried value 1). The results indicate that the effectiveness of sterile male ground release programmes can be increased significantly by releasing 5-day-old sterile males that have been exposed to GRO in an entirely aromatized adult fly holding room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass rearing of Orius laevigatus on non-insect foods could substantially increase the cost-effectiveness of the production of this biological control agent which is largely based on the use of expensive eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella. In this study, the effect of substrate quality and predator density on nymphal development of O. laevigatus fed on E. kuehniella eggs, honeybee pollen or an egg yolk based artificial diet was assessed using several types of substrates as shelter materials in the rearing containers (wax paper, bean pod or no extra substrate). In general, E. kuehniella eggs proved to be a nutritionally superior food compared to pollen and artificial diet. Pollen supported nymphal development of O. laevigatus better than the artificial diet. Overall, increasing nymphal density resulted in higher mortality, which may be due in part to cannibalism. The addition of a bean pod compensated for the nutritionally suboptimal artificial, but had a negative effect when O. laevigatus was fed on pollen. The non-insect foods tested could not adequately replace lepidopteran eggs as a food source for O. laevigatus but they may be useful as an alternative food or in a part of the rearing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information related to the "Journal of Applied Entomology." The journal publishes original articles on current research in applied entomology, including mites, spiders and myriapods in the field of agriculture, forestry, and stored product pests. The language of publication is English, therefore authors whose native language is not English are requested to consult a native English speaker with their paper. All manuscripts are evaluated in a peer-review process. Authors are welcome to recommend potential reviewers for their papers.

In this study, we report on the behavioural responses of the Tribolium confusum to 6 blends of cereal volatiles. There were tested four doses (1 ng/min, 10 ng/min, 100 ng/min and 1000 ng/min in 50 µl of hexane applied on filter paper). A Y-tube experiment revealed that T. confusum females and males were attracted to the blend 1, 4 and 5 at the concentrations between 1 and 10 ng/min. Confused T. confusum females and males were not attracted to any concentration of blend 2 and 3. Yet the beetle females and males were repelled by the highest concentrations (1000 ng/min) for all the blends tested and also by the concentration 100 ng/min of all the blends tested, except for blend 1 and 4. Females and males were also repelled by the three blend 6 concentrations tested (10, 100 and 1000 ng/min). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When Coccinella septempunctata L. was fed on an artificial diet, development was prolonged and survival and reproduction were decreased, thus negatively affecting population growth. Juvenile hormone and moulting hormones are important factors in insect reproduction and development. This study aims to screen out the optimal hormones that can solve the problems such as slow population growth of the C. septempunctata during mass rearing, thus improving their effectiveness as a biological control agent. The effects of juvenile hormone analogues and moulting hormones on C. septempunctata larval growth and adult reproduction were investigated by supplementing an artificial diet with different doses of methoprene, kinoprene, juvenile hormone Ш, fenoxycarb and 20‐hydroxyecdysone. Multiple parameters were measured for C. septempunctata including development, survival, pupation, emergence, pre‐oviposition, fecundity and hatching rates. The addition of juvenile hormone analogues to the diet significantly lengthened larval development times and reduced pupation and emergence. Conversely, juvenile hormone analogues significantly shortened pre‐oviposition period, reduced survival and increased fecundity. The shortest pre‐oviposition period was 9.6 days, and the highest oviposition number was 578 eggs in response to 5 μL kinoprene. The highest hatching rate was 66% in 1.7 mg 20‐hydroxyecdysone treatment. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for hormone selection and dosage in C. septempunctata artificial diets, thus enhancing the survival, pupation and emergence of larvae and improving the fecundity and hatching rate of ladybird adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavescence dorée (FD) is a grapevine disease caused by associated phytoplasmas (FDp) which are epidemically spread by their main vector Scaphoideus titanus. The possible roles of alternative and secondary FDp plant hosts and vectors have gained interest in terms of better understanding of the FDp ecology and epidemiology. The findings of a survey conducted in the surroundings of three vineyards in the southern Swiss Alps aimed at studying the possible epidemiological role of the FDp secondary vector Orientus ishidae and the FDp host plant Alnus glutinosa are reported. This work demonstrates that O. ishidae is able to complete its biological cycle on A. glutinosa and to acquire FDp and 16SrV phytoplasmas very efficiently with an infection rate of 69% for the nymphal instars and 85% for the imagoes. A high prevalence of the map genotype M50 (map type FD1), which is included in the S. titanus—grapevine epidemiological cycle, was found in O. ishidae and A. glutinosa. Additionally, M12 (map type FD3), M44 and M47 were also sporadically detected. Surprisingly, the grapevines tested during this work were all infected by M54 (map type FD2) only, while the few S. titanus caught in the vineyard canopy were all FDp free. In conclusion, the occurrence of infected common alder stands and O. ishidae nearby vineyards do not seem to play a prominent role in FD epidemics in southern Switzerland. Nevertheless, wild vegetation acts as a reservoir of the FDp inoculum, which may locally trigger a FD emergence if S. titanus populations are established inside vineyards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of 1,8 cineole as repellent, toxicant and grain protectant against Sitophilus granarius, S. zeamais, Tribolium castaneum and Prostephanus truncatus was investiaged in the laboratory using contact toxicity, grain treatment and repellency assays. 1,8 cineole applied topically or imprenated on filter paper, whole wheat as well as maize grains was highly toxic to all the four beetle species. Beetle mortality was dose-dependent with the highest dose of 10 μl/insect evoking 100% mortalities in the beetles after 24 h exposure. 1,8 cineole was more toxic in grain than on filter paper since the lowest dosage of 0.5 μl/kg controlled all beetles exposed. There was, however, a highly significant loss of toxicity after only 24 h following treatment, irrespective of dosage applied. Development of eggs amd immature stages within grain kernels as well as progeny emergence were completely inhibited in treated grain. 1,8 cineole evoked strong repellent action against S. granarius and S. zeamais but was moderately repellent to T. castanum and P. truncatus. The protectant potential of products derived from O. kenyense against insect damage in traditional grain storage in Africa is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) is an exotic pest currently limited to Florida and Texas in the continental USA. In a previous study, we tested 57 mealybug species in Florida and showed only N. viridis turned green in a potassium hydroxide solution (10% KOH), providing a rapid species confirmation test for all life stages. The unanswered question was whether the potassium in 10% KOH or its pH turned the mealybug's haemolymph green. We tested alternative solutions with different pHs in the laboratory and field conditions. We discovered that pH, not potassium, was turning the haemolymph green. A 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution with a pH of 14 turned N. viridis haemolymph green in less than a minute. We discussed replacing 10% KOH with 5% NaOH in the field test and slide‐mounting to avoid potential hazards associated with KOH. In addition, we incorporated this solution into a field diagnostic kit and developed and tested the kit for commercial production systems in citrus and ornamental plant industries. This kit will aid in controlling N. viridis in the field and contribute to efforts to halt its further spread in Florida and the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional response of a biocontrol agent has been classically pointed out as a quantitative evaluation criterion to understand its killing capacity to an arthropod pest. In this paper, we revisited the functional response of the internal larval parasitoid Pseudapanteles dignus (Muesebeck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a candidate for biocontrol of the South American tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), measured as the daily egg oviposition of single parasitoid females at increasing densities of T. absoluta larvae through dissection of hosts. The functional response curve of the number of parasitized hosts was fitted out taking into account the number of eggs laid and their distribution among hosts at each T. absoluta larval density. The data also allowed us to discuss the self‐superparasitism strategy of this parasitoid as an adaptive trait. Pseudapanteles dignus showed a sigmoid shape functional response and a contagious distribution of eggs among hosts, favouring self‐superparasitism and laying a similar number of eggs in each superparasitized host at each T. absoluta density. This research is firstly intended to ascertain about the oviposition behaviour of P. dignus and additionally to provide information on its reproduction to be applied in mass rearing procedures and augmentative releases against T. absoluta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The banana weevil (also known as banana root borer) Cosmopolites sordidus Germar (Coleoptera Curculionidae) is the major pest of banana and plantain. Because banana ranks 2nd in fruit production worldwide, this pest has substantial social and economic importance. The biological control of the C. sordidus remains challenging because of its behaviour and resistance to parasitism and predation. The last review concerning the biological control of C. sordidus was published two decades ago, and relevant knowledge and methods have developed in the interim. The present paper provides an update of that knowledge and summarizes past and current challenges as well as providing perspectives on achieving sustainable control of C. sordidus. We first discuss studies on the classical biological control of C. sordidus, underlining the limits of classical biological control methods such as the importation of predators, parasitoids or pathogens. Next, we consider conservation biological control of C. sordidus, with a focus on ants. We also highlight an 'arthropod bias' that has led to a lack of information on the role of vertebrates in the regulation of C. sordidus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is widely used as part of an integrated approach to reduce field populations of the Mediterranean fruit fly ( Ceratitis capitata, Diptera: Tephritidae). Aromatherapy based on exposure to ginger root oil (GRO) volatiles is known as a method to significantly improve the sexual performance of sterile medfly males, and is being used in many mass-rearing facilities around the world. However, the optimum dose of GRO is not well defined. This work evaluated in laboratory cages four different doses of GRO and a control (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 ml/m3), and two different methods to hold flies prior to release (paper bags and plastic cages). The objective was to find the lowest dose that provides optimal improvement in mating performance of sterile males when competing with wild males for wild females and optimal reduction in fertility of wild females. Egg hatch, copula duration, the Relative Sterility Index (RSI), and a Competitiveness (C) value (based on RSI) were calculated for each treatment to assess male sexual performance and induction of sterility. The method used to hold flies did not influence the aromatherapy effect. The mean time spent by wild females in copula with wild males was significantly longer than with sterile males for all treatments, except when sterile males were treated with 0.1 ml of GRO/m3. Amongst all doses studied, it is recommended to apply the lowest dose, 0.1 ml of GRO/m3, since at this dose both the RSI and induced sterility reached the highest levels, and were not statistically different from the 0.25 and 0.5 GRO/m3 doses. Indeed, this dose showed a very significant improvement in the mating competitiveness of sterile males aromatically treated with GRO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In bioassays, the addition of a synthetic feeding stimulant blend improved the efficacy of the insecticide thiamethoxam against neonate western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, larvae. In 4-h bioassays, the concentration of thiamethoxam required for 50% mortality (LC) was 2800 pg/ml for the insecticide alone, but was reduced to 0.0075 pg/ml when the synthetic feeding stimulant blend was added (more than a 100,000-fold difference). Dilutions of thiamethoxam and tefluthrin (ranging from 0 pg/ml to 10 μg/ml) were tested in behavioural bioassays alone and in conjunction with a feeding stimulant blend containing 30 : 4 : 4 : 1 mg/ml glucose : fructose : sucrose : linoleic acid. Larvae were placed on insecticide-treated filter paper disks in an arena that allowed them to leave the treated area at will. In 30-min bioassays, and in 4-h bioassays, significantly more larvae fed on thiamethoxam-treated disks when the feeding stimulant blend was present for every concentration of insecticide tested. Larvae fed readily on disks treated with tefluthrin when the feeding stimulants were added, but the feeding stimulant blend did not affect the activity of tefluthrin insecticide at any concentration tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mason bees (Osmia spp.) are receiving increasing attention as they are very effective pollinators of multiple crops. However, different bee‐associated kleptoparasites are known which can be detrimental to the development of the bees' offspring. To date, clear evidence‐based guidelines to control these kleptoparasites are lacking for growers. This study investigates whether different types of artificial nesting materials—cardboard tubes and wooden grooved boards—influence the development of the European orchard bee (Osmia cornuta) as well as the infestation rate of kleptoparasitic mites in the bees' nest. This preliminary study provides insight that cardboard tubes reduce the infestation rate of mites by 81.8% and as such promote successful development of the European orchard bee by 15.5%. Using cardboard tubes over wooden grooved boards should be advised to growers as an effective management strategy to avoid infestation of kleptoparasitic mites and to enhance successful bee development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In laboratory bioassays, the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana against the spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus, was tested under various conditions. Four of the tested isolates and the commercial product Boverol® caused 99–100% mortality when tested at a concentration of 1.0 × 107 conidia/ml at 25°C. Using B. bassiana isolate 138 at a concentration of 1.0 × 106, the median survival time (MST) was 6.1 d and significantly longer compared with the MST of 4.2 and 4.0 d at 1.0 × 107 and 1.0 × 108 conidia/ml, respectively. In the next experiment, the beetles were maintained on spruce bark, filter paper or artificial diet during the bioassay with Boverol®, and significant differences in the MST of 3.6, 2.5 and 5.3 d, respectively, were noticed. The experiment with Boverol® at different temperatures showed that the beetles lived significantly longer at 15°C (MST 8.7 d) than at 20, 25, 30 and 35°C. At 25°C, the beetles died most rapidly (MST 3.5 d). At different relative humidities (RH) of 40, 70 and 100%, nearly all beetles were dead after treatment with a suspension of Boverol® at 1.0 × 107 conidia/ml. At 40% RH, 49% of the untreated beetles died after 7 d. The best effects were achieved with the following bioassay: beetles were fed for three days on artificial diet, then dipped into a solution of 1.0 × 107 conidia/ml and transferred on a piece of spruce bark in Petri dishes at 25°C and 70% RH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The potential of azadirachtin as an insect growth regulator was evaluated in Nezara viridula L. by applying different doses to fifth instar nymphs. At doses of 200–500 ng per insect almost all the individuals died during moulting to adults and the survivors showed a great number of nymphal characteristics, and also died very soon after. At lower doses, from 2 to 50 ng per insect, approximately 50% of the adults seemed normal. No effect was observed during the last nymphal instar, even at the highest dose applied. The fertility and fecundity of adults, males and females, developing from nymphs treated with different low doses of azadirachtin were also studied. When azadirachtin was applied at 20 ng per insect on fifth instar nymphs, females developing from these nymphs showed a conspicuous reduction of fecundity. This same effect was evident when untreated females mated with males obtained from treated nymphs. Finally, azadirachtin applied at 1 μg/cm[sup 2] to the oviposition surface showed a remarkable oviposition repellency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeydew produced by hemipterans is known as a possible kairomonal resource for parasitoids. The application of artificial honeydew effectively improves the performance of natural enemies. Aenasius bambawalei is a particularly dominant and aggressive endoparasitoid of the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis. Our previous study showed that tending by the ghost ant Tapinoma melanocephalum significantly reduced the parasitism of A. bambawalei. We hypothesize that ghost ant tending influences host location of parasitoids by manipulating the composition of the honeydew produced by mealybugs. In this study, we tested whether the honeydew composition differs between treatments with and without ant attendance and whether changes in the honeydew influence the performance of A. bambawalei. Our results show that the sucrose concentration increased significantly in the ant-attendance treatment but decreased when ant attendance was switched to an ant-exclusion treatment; the inverse was true for the glucose concentration. Compared with the plastic honeydew treatment (mealybug with ant attendance), parasitoids spent much more time searching, had longer lifespans and showed higher parasitism on filter papers treated with natural honeydew (mealybug without any pre-treatment) and those treated with convalescent honeydew (mealybug having experienced ant attendance and then switched to ant exclusion). These results support the hypothesis that ant tending influences the performance of parasitoids by manipulating honeydew composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.) were presented with a choice of air contaminated with dimethoate (Cygon® 400) or clean air in a Y-tube olfactometer. Air was contaminated by passage over treated filter papers. No avoidance of the insecticide was found at residues of 0.0056 mg ai/sq cm (corresponding to the recommended field rate on apples), or at 5, 10, or 15 times this amount. Bees were repelled by droplets of 10% Cygon and by benzaldehyde (a standard honey bee repellent) at two rates. Permethrin (Ambush® 2E, 0.011 and 0.0022 mg ai/sq cm) did not repel bees. In a spatial test, 100% mortality occurred when caged bees contacted dimethoate residues (1.486 to 0.046 mg ai/sq cm) on filterpaper rings surrounding feeder vials. Dimethoate residues of 0.012 and 0.006 mg ai/sq cm caused neither bee mortality nor a decrease in syrup consumption from treated feeders. Zusammenfassung Laboruntersuchungen zur Repellentwirkung von Dimethoat gegenüber Apis mellifera L. In einem Y-förmigen Rohr-Olfaktometer wurden Honigbienen, Apis mellifera sowohl mit Dimethoat (Cygon® 400) kontaminierte als auch reine Luft angeboten. Die Luft wurde mit Dimethoat angereichert, indem man sie über ein behandeltes Filterpapier strömen ließ. Bei Rückständen von 0,0056 mg ai/cm2 (entsprechend der im Freiland bei Äpfeln verwendeten Menge) oder bei 5-, 10- oder 15 facher Menge konnte keine Meidung der mit dem Insektizid angereicherten Luft festgestellt werden. Bei Tropfen 10%igen Cygons sowie Benzaldehyde (ein Standardrepellent gegenüber Honigbienen) in 2 Konzentrationen wurde eine Repellentwirkung nachgewiesen. Permethrin (Ambush® 2E; 0,011 und 0,0022 mg ai/cm2) wies keine Repellentwirkung gegenüber Bienen auf. In einem Käfigversuch trat 100%ige Mortalität ein, wenn die eingekäfigten Bienen über mit Filterpapierringen versehene Fütterungsfläschchen Kontakt mit Dimethoat-Rückständen (1,486 bis 0,046 mg ai/cm2) hatten. Dimethoat-Rückstände von 0,012 und 0,006 mg ai/cm2 bewirkten jedoch bei den Bienen weder eine erhöhte Mortalität noch einen Rückgang des Sirup-Verzehrs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with laboratory studies on Trichogrammatoidea bactrae fumata, parasitizing Corcyra cephalonica. Results are reported on the development, longevity, fecundity, mortality of immature stages, sex ratio in parasitized eggs and rate of parasitism. The development from egg to adult was ranging from 8-9 days. Virgin females produced all male offspring. However, fed or starved mated female parasitoids produced either female, male or both sexes. The total mean number of offspring produced by virgin females was significantly higher than that of mated females (102.5 and 67.4, respectively). When starved, females produced an average of about 10 offspring only. The longevity of fed females was significant longer than fed males. The overall mortality of immatures produced by mated and virgin females was not significantly different. This mortality was also independent of the nutritional state of the mother (fed or starved). The mean total number of C. cephalonica eggs parasitized by fed mated and virgin parasitoids was 49.0 and 48.7, respectively. Zusammenfassung Laboruntersuchungen zur Biologie von Trichogrammatoidea bactrae fumata Nagaraja Es wird über die Ergebnisse von Laboruntersuchungen (Entwicklung, Lebensdauer, Fekundität, Mortalität der immaturen Stadien, Geschlechterverhältnis in den parasitierten Eiern sowie Parasi-tierungsrate) der in Corcyra cephalonica parasitierenden Schlupfwespe Trichogrammatoidea bactrae fumata berichtet. Die Entwicklungszeit vom Ei bis zur Imago betrug 8-9 Tage. Unbefruchtete Weibchen hatten nur männliche Nachkommen. Jedoch zeigten befruchtete Weibchen, die gefüttert wurden oder hungerten, sowohl nur weibliche oder nur männliche als auch Nachkommen beiderlei Geschlechts. Die durchschnittliche Zahl der Nachkommenschaft unbefruchteter Weibchen war signifikant höher als bei befruchteten Weibchen (102,5 und 67,4). Hungernde Weibchen hatten i. M. nur 10 Nachkommen. Die Lebensdauer gefütterter Weibchen war signifikant länger als diejenige der gefütterten Männchen. Hinsichtlich der Larvenmortalität von Nachkommen befruchteter oder unbefruchteter Weibchen ergab sich kein signifikanter Unterschied; auch war die Larvenmortalität nicht abhängig vom Ernährungszustand der Muttertiere (hungernd oder gefüttert). Die durchschnittliche Gesamtzahl parasitierter C. cephalonica-Eier betrug bei gefütter-ten, befruchteten Weibchen 49,0 und bei unbefruchteten Weibchen 48,7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the ovicidal effects of fungi that attack nymphs and adults of triatomine vectors. A combined formulation of Metarhizium anisopliae IP 46 conidia prepared with diatomaceous earth ( DE) and vegetable oil was tested against eggs of Triatoma infestans. Eggs were highly susceptible to fungal infection at relative humidity close to saturation [>98% relative humidity ( RH)] but not at 75% RH regardless of the formulation applied. Susceptibility of eggs decreased with longer post-ovipositional embryonation periods before treatments. The eventual eclosion of nymphs was best suppressed by application of conidia prepared with DE + oil and at a >98% RH incubation. Moreover, nymphs were less affected by the fungus when exposed for only a 24-h period after eclosion to a treated surface than individuals that were in constant contact with the conidia. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the potential of M. anisopliae as an agent against all developmental stages of T. infestans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, causes serious defoliation to Cedrus, Pinus and Pseudotsuga trees, as well as health problems in humans, pets and farm animals due to their urticating hairs. Environmentally friendly strategies for the management of T. pityocampa include: removal of egg batches, removal of nests, trapping of migrant larvae, spraying microbial or Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) insecticides and biocontrol, as well as pheromone‐based adult trapping and mating‐disruption. In the present paper, results on innovative technology for the control of T. pityocampa infestation using pheromone mass‐trapping are reported. Two 1‐ha plots were identified in the study area (central‐south Italy), a pine woodland recreational site growing Pinus halepensis. In the experimental plot (MT‐plot), 10 G‐traps (funnel trap type) baited with (Z)‐13‐hexadecen‐11‐ynyl acetate sex pheromone component were placed for mass‐trapping of adults; the other plot was used as a control‐plot (C‐plot). The T. pityocampa population was monitored using the two central traps in the MT‐plot and two traps positioned in the C‐plot. In addition, the winter nests made by T. pityocampa larvae overwintering on pine trees were counted. After 2 years of mass‐trapping, the number of adults trapped by the monitoring pheromone traps decreased in the MT‐plot, but not in the C‐plot, whereas the number of nests decreased in both plots. Statistical results highlighted significant differences in trap catches between the two plots but not between years. In the case of nests, differences among plots were not significant before the mass‐trapping, but significant after 1‐year treatment. According to our results, the mass‐trapping technique is able to reduce T. pityocampa infestations. This pheromone method can be applied in combination with other control systems in the context of integrated pest management in recreational areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lepidopteran stem borers are among the most important insect pests of maize, sorghum and sugarcane in sub‐Saharan Africa. Except for Chilo partellus, the other stem borer pests in Ethiopia are indigenous to Africa and are assumed to have coevolved with some native grasses and sedges in the natural habitat. In addition to pest species, natural habitats harbour diverse non‐economic stem borer species, some of which are new to science. However, with the growing threats to natural habitats, some non‐economic stem borer species may switch or expand their host ranges to include cultivated crops and evolve as “new” pests. Besides host switch, some of the unknown species currently limited to natural habitats may disappear. We examined the diversity, abundance and interactions of lepidopteran stem borers and their wild host plants in five different vegetation mosaics in Ethiopia. The stem borer species diversity varied among vegetation mosaics and host plants. Forty‐four stem borer species belonging to 14 different genera in the families of Noctuidae, Crambidae, Pyralidae and Tortricidae were recorded from 34 wild host plants and through light trap. Among these families, Noctuidae was the highest in species richness in which 31 species were identified, out of which 15 species and two genera were new to science. This paper discusses the ecological interpretation of host plant–stem borer species interactions, particularly in relation to habitat disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of intraguild predation (IGP) appeared in 1987-1989 to describe trophic interactions within a guild of arthropods inhabiting a sand dune desert: consumers B prey on consumers A and both of them prey on a common resource. Theory predicts that the two types of consumers should only coexist if consumer A is more efficient in the conversion of the common resource than B. As a consequence, this resource is more abundant in the presence than in the absence of intraguild predators. Such a theoretical prediction probably explains the vivid interest shown by ecologists involved in biological control for IGP. It is therefore not surprising that many papers report on IGP among natural enemies of aphids. A close examination of these reported cases indicates that they rarely fulfil the theoretical requirements for IGP. That is, guilds of aphidophagous insects are rarely the theatre of IGP but frequently of interspecific predation. This is confirmed by experimental assessment of the cost of attacking and eating intraguild prey instead of extraguild in ladybird beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytophagous lady beetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata, feeds mainly on potato, tomato, and eggplant leaves. The methanol extracts of tomato and eggplant leaves stimulated feeding activity in the adult beetles. The feeding stimulants from the lipid-soluble fractions of tomato and eggplant leaves were found to be same compounds, identified as methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate. The feeding stimulants in the aqueous fractions of tomato leaves were identified as three sugars - fructose, glucose, and sucrose - and in eggplant leaves, the feeding stimulant was one sugar, sucrose. Although methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate were inactive without sugars, they acted synergistically with sugars, and the amounts of methyl linoleate, methyl linolenate, and sugars contained in tomato and eggplant leaves were adequate to stimulate feeding activity in the beetles. It is suggested that the synergisms of methyl esters of unsaturated fatty acid and sugars play important roles in host selection of this insect. Solanaceae species are often rich in alkaloids, which act as feeding deterrents for many insect species. Leaves of potato, Chinese wolfberry, and black nightshade, which are suitable hosts of H. vigintioctomaculata, contain α-solanine and α-chaconine as the main alkaloids. A mixture of α-solanine and α-chaconine showed neither feeding stimulant nor inhibitory activity at a concentration of 1 g leaf equivalents of the above plants. α-Solanine and tomatine contained in tomato did not inhibit the beetle's feeding at a concentration of 0.5%. On the contrary, nicotine and capsaicin contained in non-hosts (tobacco and red pepper, respectively) showed feeding deterrent activities at a concentration of 0.1%. It is thought that adaptation of the beetles to alkaloids contained in solanaceous hosts also plays an important role in their host selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estimation of Acridid (Orthoptera: Acrididae) density is the goal of a wide variety of conservation studies to monitor the impacts of grassland management or habitat change. The first aim of this paper was to study the influence of surveyors, time of the day and size/form of the box quadrat method on density values of Acridids in grassland habitats in Western France. The main taxa were Calliptamus italicus (L.) and Gomphocerinae sub-family. Surveyor and day-time (early morning vs. mid-day) were not significantly influencing the density values of Acridids produced using a 1 m2 box quadrat. A smaller box quadrat of 0.5 m2, square or rectangular, produced underestimates of Acridid density, such as square 1 m2 box quadrat should be preferred. Population densities change through time. Thus, data-based inferences about density are tied to the time periods during which data are collected. This was the main focus of this paper to provide a description of Acridid density fluctuations from egg hatching to adult’s death in grasslands with differing vegetation structures and grasshopper densities. Acridid densities were monitored weekly in 23 grassland plots over three seasons from 2004 to 2006. Weibull formulation was used to model density fluctuations for the two main taxa in each field with the Julian date as time. Phenological parameters of density were quite similar for the two taxa in the three years. This could be explained by similar meteorological conditions in the three years. However, these parameters exhibited a great variability between fields in the same year. Divergences between the fields could be attributable to different field ecological characters and to different grasshopper associations in the case of Gomphocerinae sub-family. This study provided data which may be useful in determining the optimum survey dates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Control failures of cartap when used against the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Brazil and a recent report of cartap resistance in Brazilian populations of this pest species led to the investigation of the possible involvement of detoxification enzymes on this phenomenon using insecticide synergists. The insect populations were collected from seven different sites in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. These populations were subjected to insecticide-impregnated filter paper assays. The concentration–mortality assays were carried out for cartap alone and in a mixture (1 cartap : 10 synergist) with the synergists diethyl maleate, piperonyl butoxide and triphenylphosphate which, respectively, inhibit the enzymes glutathion-S-transferases, cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases and esterases. Resistance to cartap was observed in all populations when compared with the standard susceptible population, with resistance ratios ranging from 2.3- to 21.9-fold. Piperonyl butoxide was the most efficient synergist with cartap synergism ratios ranging from 1.3- to 21.0-fold and nearly completely suppressing the resistance to cartap in all of the populations studied, suggesting a major involvement of cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases as a cartap resistance mechanism in these populations of T. absoluta. Diethyl maleate and triphenylphosphate also synergized cartap in nearly every population, and they still provided partial suppression of cartap resistance in the leafminer populations studied. Therefore, glutathion-S-transferases and esterases seem to play a secondary role in cartap resistance in Brazilian populations of T. absoluta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bionomy of the pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda (L.), was studied in the field in Kunming, China. Tomicus piniperda in Kunming seems to develop some biological features, which distinguish it from those in some European countries. For example, the infestation on the living host trees, all the life stages occuring in winter, biological establishing of sister brood, and so on. This paper compares the characteristics of the European and Kunming beetles and suggests that the observed differences may be the results of the climate and the host pine in the Kunming region. Also, the paper introduces the pattern of shoot feeding and infestation on the trunks, and the reproduction rate of the pine shoot beetle. Zusammenfassung Zur Bionomie von Tomicus piniperda (L.) (Col., Scolytidae) in der Kunming-Region von China Es wurden im Gebiet von Kunming, China, Freilanduntersuchungen zur Lebensweise des Großen Waldgärtners, Tomicus piniperda (L.) durchgeführt. Dabei ergaben sich mehrere deutliche Abweichungen von den Befunden in Europa, vor allem bezüglich des Befalls der Bäume, des Auftretens aller Entwicklungsstadien im Winter, der Bildung einer Geschwisterbrut u. a. Auch der Reifefraß in den Zweigen, der Befall von Stöcken und die Reproduktionsrate des Borkenkäfers wurden betrachtet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]