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In the Spring 2018 large infestations of the Asian ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus germanus were observed in various chestnut plantations in province of Cuneo (NW Italy). Unexpected thermal increase recorded in April triggered massive colonization of young Euro-Japanese hybrids chestnuts planted in 2017. The attacks spread in a wide western territory of the Cuneo province (Valle Infernotto, Valle Varaita, Saluzzo plain, Valle Po), causing the death of about 25% of the trees growing in the plantations affected by the infestations. Prompt clearcut and destruction of the infested trees, and the laying of attractive traps is needed to contain the damage and reduce the pest population density. Continuous monitoring of the physiological conditions of young chestnut trees and of the pest population is required in order to prevent new outbreaks.

Molecular species recognition and identification, based on the mitochondrial cox1 and on the nuclear ITS2, were performed on individuals of Torymus sinensis collected in Italy, on its close relative T. beneficus and on native torymids. The automatic-gap-discovery (ABGD) analyses correctly separate almost all morphospecies. On the basis of cox1 , individuals of late-spring T. beneficus clustered with T. sinensis, and those identified as early-spring T. beneficus were recognized as a separate entity. Whereas, T. beneficus ecotypes clustered with T. sinensis on the basis of ITS2. Coalescent tree-based methods confirmed these results. The cox1- based recognition of early-spring T. beneficus as a separate phylospecies led us to conclude that this taxon deserves to be treated as a valid species, whereas individuals identified as late-spring T. beneficus might be considered as part of T. sinensis. Morphological identification and BLAST analyses confirmed that no T. beneficus was imported into Italy to control Dryocosmus kuriphilus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In classical biocontrol programmes, a rapid and correct identification of the introduced antagonist is a key issue during both the release and establishment monitoring phases. It is often difficult to distinguish morphologically cryptic species or immature stages. An accurate diagnosis can now be provided by molecular diagnostic methods. Among the conventional and real-time PCR-based methods, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a particularly suitable technique as it allows a rapid amplification of target DNA directly in the field. During the programme implemented in Italy against the Asian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW)Dryocosmus kuriphilus, we developed a real-time LAMP assay, combined with a simple DNA extraction method, for rapid in-field identification of larvae, pupae, and adults of the biocontrol agent, the parasitoidTorymus sinensis. Validation of the assay comprised adults as well as preimaginal stages of parasitoids obtained from ACGW galls collected from different localities. Results confirmed the effectiveness of the LAMP assay to rapidly and specifically identify the target parasitoid in the field. This assay will be a valuable tool for quick on-site checking of the parasitism rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Predatory capacity of Dicyphus errans on the pest Tuta absoluta was investigated. [•] Predation rate, developmental time and response to infested tomato were assessed. [•] It fed on eggs and 1st-instar larvae and it was attracted by infested tomato plants. [•] Effectiveness of D. errans on T. absoluta is reported for the first time. [•] Further research is needed to evaluate its candidature for mass production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Evaluation of different diets on longevity and fecundity of Torymus sinensis in laboratory. • Diet quality greatly influenced survival and reproductive output in T. sinensis. • Honey plus pollen increased lifespan by 33-fold, and fecundity by 2.3-fold at day 4 over unfed wasps. • Pollen alone did not increase lifespan but a higher longevity was recorded when it was provided in addition to honey. Torymus sinensis Kamijo (Hymenoptera, Torymidae) is a biocontrol agent released to control outbreaks of the Asian chestnut gall wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae). This wasp is mass reared in controlled conditions in order to be released on a large scale in chestnut orchards and coppices, thus factors such as food quality may deeply influence the effectiveness of parasitoids. To identify different diets that could be used to increase mass rearing, performance, longevity and fecundity of T. sinensis were assessed using honey (diet 1), honey plus pollen (diet 2), pollen (diet 3), and water (diet 4), compared to unfed wasps (control) in laboratory experiments. In the present study diet quality greatly influenced survival and reproductive output in T. sinensis. Adults using honey plus pollen as food had the longest life span, and significantly increased fecundity compared to pollen alone, water, and unfed wasps. Median lifespan (day at which 50% of the initial number of wasps are still alive) was 31, 31, 2.5, 4, 1.5 days, in the honey, honey plus pollen, pollen, water, control, respectively. The egg production in wasps fed with honey and honey plus pollen observed over lifetime showed that the newly emerged specimens had an average of 2.40 ± 0.21 and 0.14 ± 0.12, respectively at day 0. The number of mature eggs increased rapidly reaching in diet 1 the highest average number, 26.60 ± 2.48, at day 6, and 30.2 ± 1.59 at day 7 in diet 2. No significant difference in the mean number of mature eggs between diets 1 and 2 was observed during all 13 weeks except for week 11. The mean number of reabsorbed eggs was 0 both in diet 1 and 2 at day 0. The mean number increased till 2.80 ± 0.66 at day 10 and 1.40 ± 0.24 at day 14 in diet 1 and 2, respectively. The cumulative lifetime mean egg load was 1012.67 and 1095.82 for honey and honey plus pollen, respectively, which was significantly higher than 32.40 for pollen, 58.40 for water and 43.57 for control. Based on our studies, feeding the female wasps with honey and pollen increased lifespan by 33-fold, and fecundity by 2.3-fold at day 4 over unfed wasps. This work contributes to a better understanding of the influence of different diets on lifespan and fecundity in the parasitoid wasp T. sinensis , to the refinement of mass rearing in controlled conditions, and to the optimization of classical biocontrol programs. Prior to the field release, it seems advisable to supply insects with sugar-rich diets to improve their performance in fields and to enhance parasitoid egg expenditure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitoid Torymus sinensis (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) has been successfully used in Italy since 2005 for biological control of the invasive cynipid Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), highly destructive for the economically relevant Castanea sativa (Fagales: Fagaceae). In order to investigate the morphological aspects related to sensorial behavior, a fine morphology study of the antennae and their sensilla was conducted by scanning electron microscopy on both sexes of T. sinensis. The antennae, composed of a scape, a pedicel and a flagellum with ten flagellomeres, had chaetic sensilla of six subtypes, placoid sensilla of three subtypes, trichoid sensilla, sensilla with a roundish grooved tip, and coeloconic sensilla. The chaetic sensilla of the first three subtypes were found in the scape and in the pedicel, and those of the last three subtypes, together with trichoid, roundish grooved tip and coeloconic sensilla, were found only on flagellomeres. Sexual dimorphism was detected in the morphology of the proper pedicel and the flagellum, and in the presence and distribution of the sensilla and their subtypes. The morphological aspects of the antenna of T. sinensis and of its sensilla were compared with those found in the family Torymidae and in other families of the extremely diverse superfamily Chalcidoidea., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing interest None., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

(1) Torymus sinensis , the biocontrol agent of the Asian chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus , is univoltine, but in NW Italy a small percentage of individuals exhibits a prolonged diapause, mainly as late instar larva. (2) In 2020, the diapause was investigated to evaluate its trend over the years. Due to the low survival rate of diapausing T. sinensis adults, the seasonal variation in the galls' toughness was evaluated, thus assuming that dry galls over time can negatively affect emergence. The window of vulnerability of the gall wasp galls was also evaluated in controlled conditions. (3) The results showed that the average number of second year T. sinensis emerging per 100 cells was 0.41 ± 0.05, and dead adults accounted for 4.1 ± 0.23 per 100 cells. Gall toughness resulted in lower values for galls collected in May and June, and then gradually increased over time. In general, no difference was detected in the wall toughness of galls formed during the previous year when compared to current-year dry galls. Oviposition was recorded on all the tested galls collected in May and June, and no difference in the number of oviposition events was detected. Conversely, no oviposition was observed in July. Comparing the number of oviposition events by T. sinensis and the gall toughness, a negative correlation was found (R 2 = -0.99). (4) The present findings contribute descriptive information on this gall's structural traits, and the influence on gall wasp management is also discussed.

(1) Background: Pheromone-based devices are successfully used to control insect pests in agriculture. (2) Methods: Investigations were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of mating disruption (MD) to control the chestnut tortrix moths, Cydia fagiglandana and Cydia splendana . Surveys were performed in northern Italy in 2019-2020. MD was carried out using the pheromone dispenser Ecodian ® CT. The effectiveness of MD was assessed by recording male adult catches in pheromone-baited sticky traps and larvae in chestnut fruits, comparing MD and control plots. (3) Results: The total number of trapped males was significantly lower in MD plots than in control ones, for all sites and years. Trap catch suppression in MD plots averaged 89.5% and 93.8% for C. fagiglandana and 57.4% and 81% for C. splendana in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The larval infestation rate in fruits did not vary between plots except for one site where a reduction of about 71% in the MD plot was recorded in 2019. (4) Conclusions: Low catches in MD plots turned out to be a good measure of the effectiveness of communication disruption, but no satisfactory data have been obtained regarding fruit infestation, highlighting how the reduction of male catches cannot always be considered as a reliable indicator of successful control. Specific investigations about background population density, dispersal and mating/oviposition behavior are thus essential for a viable management strategy.

(1) Background: Bees are the primary animal pollinators in most ecosystems, and honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.) are important providers of pollination ecosystem services and products. Climate change is one of the major threats for honey bees. (2) Objectives and methods: Qualitative research using focus group discussions was carried out in northwestern Italy, to investigate the beekeepers' perceptions of climate change effects, the relevant management adaptations, and the main issues affecting the sector. (3) Results: Beekeepers reported several consequences related to severe weather events (weakening or loss of colonies; scarcity of nectar, pollen, and honeydew; decrease or lack of honey and other bee products; greater infestation by varroa; decline in pollination), making it necessary to provide supplemental sugar feeding, intensive transhumance, more effective and sustainable techniques for varroa control, and increased production of nuclei. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was completed, displaying the factors able to strengthen or weaken the resilience of the beekeeping sector to climate change. (4) Conclusions: Thanks to their strong motivation and collaborative attitude, beekeepers succeed in adopting farm and bee hive adaptation strategies that are able to limit the climatic adverse effects. However, these findings highlight how the institutional and financial support for the beekeeping sector should be strengthened and better targeted.

During oviposition, ectoparasitoid wasps not only inject their eggs but also a complex mixture of proteins and peptides (venom) in order to regulate the host physiology to benefit their progeny. Although several endoparasitoid venom proteins have been identified, little is known about the components of ectoparasitoid venom. To characterize the protein composition of Torymus sinensis Kamijo (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) venom, we used an integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approach and identified 143 venom proteins. Moreover, focusing on venom gland transcriptome, we selected additional 52 transcripts encoding putative venom proteins. As in other parasitoid venoms, hydrolases, including proteases, phosphatases, esterases, and nucleases, constitute the most abundant families in T. sinensis venom, followed by protease inhibitors. These proteins are potentially involved in the complex parasitic syndrome, with different effects on the immune system, physiological processes and development of the host, and contribute to provide nutrients to the parasitoid progeny. Although additional in vivo studies are needed, initial findings offer important information about venom factors and their putative host effects, which are essential to ensure the success of parasitism.

(1) Background : Pammene fasciana (L.), Cydia fagiglandana (Zeller), and C. splendana (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) are considered key moth pests of chestnut in Europe. (2) Methods : Investigations were performed in 2018-2019 in northern Italy. Sticky traps and commercially available pheromones were used for monitoring; moreover, two experimental pheromone blends were tested. All specimens were identified according to male genitalia and molecular analyses. Newly formed chestnut husks and fruits were randomly collected to evaluate the presence of larvae and/or feeding damage, by comparing it to trap catches. (3) Results : P. fasciana was present in all the sites, whereas Cydia species were recorded in three sites of six, with differences in abundance related to pheromone blends studied. Several non-target species, such as Oegoconia novimundi (Busck) and Cydia ilipulana (Walsingham), were present. Data about the seasonal flight activity are provided. (4) Conclusions : This research contributes to ascertaining the presence and abundance of tortrix moths in Italian chestnut groves, and the presence of non-target species highlights the risk of overestimating catches. Fruit damage recorded did not always reflect catches made by pheromone traps, suggesting that monitoring may underestimate the real size of moths' populations. All of the data acquired are important for planning specific control measures.

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a serious threat to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crops in South America. In Europe, after its first detection in Spain in 2006, it rapidly spread through the Mediterranean basin, reaching Italy 2 yr later. The aim of our work was to find indigenous effective biological control agents and to evaluate their potential role in the control of larval populations of T. absoluta in controlled conditions. Nine species of larval parasitoids emerged from field-collected tomato leaves infested by T. absoluta. The most abundant, Necremnus near artynes (Walker) and Necremnus near tidius (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), were tested in laboratory parasitism trials. Furthermore, because the species N. artynes and N. tidius are each reported in literature as an ectoparasitoid of Cosmopterix pulchrimella Chambers (Lepidoptera: Cosmopterigidae) on upright pellitory plants, olfactometer bioassays were performed to assess the response of our parasitoids to the odors of tomato and pellitory leaves infested by T absoluta and C. pulchrimella, respectively, compared with healthy ones. Both Necremnus species showed good adaptation to the invasive pest, and we observed a high larval mortality of T. absoluta because of host feeding and parasitism. Even olfactory responses highlighted a preference of both wasps for tomato plants infested by the exotic pest. These preliminary results demonstrated a high suitability of these indigenous natural enemies for controlling T. absoluta. Further investigations are needed to confirm their role as potential biological agents in commercial tomato plantations.

Background: Recently, the leafminer Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimic has caused heavy damage to the white-flowering horse chestnut in Europe. Among the Aesculus genus, A. pavia L. HBT genotype, characterised by red flowers, showed an atypical resistance towards this pest. Its leaves, shaken in water, originated a dense foam, indicating the presence of saponins, unlike the common horse chestnut tree. The aim was to isolate and identify these leaf saponins and test their possible defensive role against C. ohridella., Results: Spectroscopic analyses showed that A. pavia HBT genotype leaves contained a mixture of saponins, four of which were based on the same structure as commercial escin saponins, the typical saponin mixture produced by A. hippocastanum and accumulated only within bark and fruit tissues. The mixture showed a repellent effect on C. ohridella moth. The number of mines detected on the leaves of A. hippocastanum plants treated with A. pavia HBT saponins through watering and stem brushing was significantly lower than the control, and in many cases no mines were ever observed., Conclusion: The results showed that the exogenous saponins were translocated from roots/stem to the leaf tissues, and their accumulation seemed to ensure an appreciable degree of protection against the leafminer., (Copyright (c) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.)

A fixed precision sequential sampling plan for estimating the density of the horse chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum L., leafminer Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimic (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) was developed. Data were collected from 2002 to 2004 in Turin, northwestern Italy, with the aim of developing a sampling strategy for estimating populations of C. ohridella mines. Taylor's power law was used as a regression model. Sampling parameters were estimated from 216 data sets, and an additional 110 independent data sets were used to validate the fixed precision sequential sampling plan with resampling software. Covariance analysis indicated that there were not significant differences in the coefficient of Taylor's power law between heights of the foliage, months, and years. Dispersion patterns of C. ohridella were determined to be aggregated. The parameters of the Taylor's power law were used to calculate minimum sample sizes and sampling stop lines for different precision levels. Considering a mean density value of five mines per leaf, an average sample number of only 49 leaves was necessary to achieve a desired precision level of 0.25. As the precision level was increased to 0.10, the average sample size increased to 303 leaves. The sequential sampling plan should provide an effective management of C. ohridella in the urban areas, minimizing sampling time and cost, and at the same should be an effective tool to reduce insecticide applications and prevent the esthetic damage.

The parasitoid complex associated with the exotic leafminer Cameraria ohridella Deschka and Dimic (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), which attacks horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), was studied in the urban environment of Turin (northern Italy). The studies were carried out over 5 yr after the first detection of the pest in our region in 1999. To evaluate parasitism, 438,029 leaf mines were examined over the 5-yr period, of which 29,033 were found to be parasitized (6.6%). Also, ornamental broadleaf trees attacked by other native gracillariid leafminers and located in the proximity of the target horse chestnut trees were sampled. A total of 11 parasitoid species (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were recorded on C. ohridella, and the most common species were Minotetrastichus frontalis (Nees), Closterocerus trifasciatus Westwood, and Pnigalio agraules (Walker). The first species accounted for >77.5% of all parasitoids collected. Cirrospilus talitzkii Boucek was found for the first time in 2005. The high population level of the pest and the low parasitism rate show that the parasitoid complex is currently inadequate to contain C. ohridella populations effectively. The most frequent parasitoids of the moth were also found on the most common broadleaf trees in the studied area, showing how native leafminer parasitoid species are able to switch to other hosts. These results show that both native and broadleaf plants species may potentially provide an important reservoir of parasitic wasps to help protect a simple biotope, such as the urban environment, from pests.

Twelve patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were studied in order to evaluate whether the favourable effect of Nifedipine on the right heart is due to a direct action of the drug on pulmonary resistances or is related to an improvement of left ventricular function. Echocardiographic examination of left and right heart was performed at basic conditions, after Nifedipine treatment--20 mg sublingually--and after 20 minutes of oxygen breathing (FiO2 75%). This was done in order to verify if oxygen vasodilating action could potentiate the Nifedipine effect. Echocardiographic date were obtained in basic conditions, 10, 20 and 30 minutes after Nifedipine and immediately after oxygen breathing. Ten normal subjects were used for comparison for basic data. Peak Nifedipine activity was observed 10 minutes after administration. At this time inferior vena cava emptying index and systolic pulsation were significantly increased, whereas left and right ventricle isometric contraction time, left and right ventricle ejection time, left and right ventricle isovolumetric relaxation time, end-diastolic left ventricular diameter, inferior vena cava diameters and systolic blood pressure had decreased, thus showing the favourable effect of Nifedipine of both heart sides. Heart rate did not significantly change. Oxygen inhalation induced a significant decrease of right ventricular isovolumetric relaxation and an increase of the inferior vena cava indexes, suggesting an improvement in right heart function, without any change in other parameters. No significant difference was found between data after-oxygen and data obtained 10' after Nifedipine, showing that the Nifedipine effect was not potentiated by oxygen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A 34-year-old woman without heart disease had an acute pulmonary edema after a grand mal seizure. Neurogenic pulmonary edema is characterized by the primary role played by the central nervous system in its pathogenesis, usually in the absence of cardiopulmonary disease. We believe that the initiating mechanism was a marked, although brief, generalized vasoconstriction, followed by a shift of blood from the peripheral vascular bed to the pulmonary vascular bed. We stress the need of treating the underlying neurologic disease as the only regional way of preventing the recurrence of pulmonary edema.