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Simple Summary: Bathycoelia distincta poses a significant threat to the South African macadamia industry. Despite the acknowledged influence of temperature on insects, a comprehensive developmental biology investigation for B. distincta has not been undertaken to date. This study systematically presents empirical data on the effects of temperature on the developmental duration, survival, and developmental thresholds of B. distincta's life stages under constant temperatures. The findings of this study reveal that the thermal developmental range of this pest ranges from 13.5 to 38.0 °C, with an optimum temperature of 29.5 °C. Moreover, B. distincta requires 783 degree days to develop from an egg to the adult stage. Considering the prevailing global warming trends, the South African Macadamia industry may experience more damage due to a faster development at warmer temperatures. Temperature is the most influential condition affecting insect development and population dynamics. Understanding its impact and other important factors, such as diet, could provide fine-scale predictions of species abundance and distribution in space and time. The two-spotted stink bug, Bathycoelia distincta Distant (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a significant pest of macadamia in South Africa for which limited information on developmental biology exists. Here, for the first time, variations in key developmental parameters of the B. distincta biology were studied systematically. The developmental duration, survival rate, development rate, lower developmental threshold (Tmin), optimum developmental threshold (Topt), upper developmental threshold (Tmax), and thermal constant were quantified for each developmental stage of B. distincta. In addition, the effect of diet (macadamia nut and sweetcorn) on the developmental duration and survival rate were quantified. This study was conducted at five constant temperatures (18, 21, 22, 25, and 29 °C) with relative humidity (RH) variations. The developmental duration from egg to adult decreased significantly with increased temperature: 21 °C (±60 days) to 29 °C (±32 days). The survival rate was significantly different for instar 2 between temperatures. Nymphs (instars 2 and 4) developed faster on the sweetcorn diet than on a macadamia diet, but the total developmental time did not differ significantly between the diets. Development from egg to adult required 783 degree days (DD), with a Tmin of 13.5 °C, Topt of 29.5 °C, and Tmax of 38 °C. Ongoing global warming will increase the population growth of B. distincta through increased development rate, resulting in more damage to macadamia nuts. Understanding the developmental biology and thresholds for the DD model of B. distincta is fundamental for predicting its phenology and outbreaks in macadamia orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza virus has been one of the most prevalent and researched viruses globally. Consequently, there is ample information available about influenza virus lifecycle and pathogenesis. However, there is plenty yet to be known about the determinants of influenza virus pathogenesis and disease severity. Influenza virus exploits host factors to promote each step of its lifecycle. In turn, the host deploys antiviral or restriction factors that inhibit or restrict the influenza virus lifecycle at each of those steps. Two broad categories of host restriction factors can exist in virus-infected cells: (1) encoded by the interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and (2) encoded by the constitutively expressed genes that are not stimulated by interferons (non-ISGs). There are hundreds of ISGs known, and many, e.g., Mx, IFITMs, and TRIMs, have been characterized to restrict influenza virus infection at different stages of its lifecycle by (1) blocking viral entry or progeny release, (2) sequestering or degrading viral components and interfering with viral synthesis and assembly, or (3) bolstering host innate defenses. Also, many non-ISGs, e.g., cyclophilins, ncRNAs, and HDACs, have been identified and characterized to restrict influenza virus infection at different lifecycle stages by similar mechanisms. This review provides an overview of those ISGs and non-ISGs and how the influenza virus escapes the restriction imposed by them and aims to improve our understanding of the host restriction mechanisms of the influenza virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature and humidity are considered the main abiotic factors that affect both the development and survival of ectothermic organisms. In this study, we estimated the development time as well as the thermal requirements of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794; Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a key insect pest of sugarcane and discussed the influence of temperature and relative humidity and its infestation intensity in a scenario of climate change.The models Brière-1 and Ikemoto-Takai provided the best fit to the data of development rate versus temperature.The average life cycle (from egg to adult) ranged from 39.21 ± 4.84 at 32 °C to 137.10 ± 7.47 at 18 °C days.The thermal constant and average base temperature were 547.69 degree-days and 13.64 °C, respectively.The number of larval instars varied from 4 to 7 depending on the temperature, being higher at lower temperatures.The thermal range comprised the interval from 16.7 °C to 33.9 °C and the optimum temperature was estimated as 27.4 °C. Locations with elevated temperature (≥25 °C) and high relative humidity (≥70%) presented larger populations of D. saccharalis. Our findings show that the infestation pressure of this species is highly influenced by both temperature and humidity, and the studied models allow to forecast pest outbreaks. In the context of climate change, information about the thermal range and the optimum temperature contributes to predicting the spatial-temporal distribution of D. saccharalis and, consequently, aids decision making in pest management. Graphical Abstract Resumo: Temperatura e umidade são consideradas os principais fatores abióticos que afetam o desenvolvimento e a sobrevivência de organismos ectotérmicos. Neste estudo, nós estimamos o tempo de desenvolvimento, bem como os requerimentos térmicos da broca da cana-de-açúcar, Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), uma praga-chave da cana-de-açúcar e discutimos a influência da temperatura e umidade relativa e sua intensidade de infestação em um cenário de mudanças climáticas. Os modelos Brière-1 e Ikemoto-Takai forneceram o melhor ajuste aos dados de taxa de desenvolvimento versus temperatura. O ciclo de vida médio (do ovo ao adulto) variou de 39,21 ± 4,84 a 32 °C até 137,10 ± 7,47 dias a 18 °C. A constante térmica e a temperatura base média foram 547,69 graus-dia e 13,64 °C, respectivamente. O número de instares larvais variou de 4 a 7 dependendo da temperatura, sendo maior em temperaturas baixas. A faixa térmica compreendeu o intervalo de 16,7 °C a 33,9 °C e a temperatura ótima foi estimada em 27,4 °C. Locais com temperatura elevada (≥25 °C) e alta umidade relativa (≥70%) têm populações maiores de D. saccharalis. Nossos resultados mostram que a pressão de infestação desta espécie é altamente influenciada pela temperatura e umidade e os modelos estudados permitem prever surtos da praga. No contexto das mudanças climáticas, informação sobre a amplitude térmica e a temperatura ótima contribui para prever a distribuição espaçotemporal de D. saccharalis e, consequentemente, auxilia na tomada de decisão no manejo de pragas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central venous catheters (CVCs) support the administration of chemotherapy and other medications, blood products, fluids, and nutrient infusions, and reduce the need for peripheral blood sampling in children with cancer. CVC use is also associated with the risk of central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). Despite the implementation of CLABSI care bundles, CLABSI prevention remains challenging. Method: This project implemented supportive preventive care interventions to decrease CLABSI in pediatric hematology/oncology patients in a tertiary hospital in the Middle East region. Interventions included bathing or skin care once daily, oral care twice daily, and ambulating patients three times daily. Parent and staff education materials were developed. The project moniker was Step 1-2-3, inspired by successful implementations of such measures in a U.S. cohort showing reduced CLABSI rates. The project used a mixed methods approach. We report outcomes through August 2022. Results: Pre-project (12/2019–05/2020) five CLABSIs occurred in the inpatient unit. Following the implementation of Step 1-2-3, Pediatric Oncology achieved 492 CLABSI-free days. Six CLABSIs then occurred over a short period of time between October 2021 and January 2022, which was associated with high levels of patient acuity and staff sick leave. The inpatient ward remained CLABSI-free from January 9, 2022, through August 2022. Discussion: Extended periods of CLABSI-free care in a pediatric hematology/oncology unit are achievable. A variety of factors contribute to the sustainability of being CLABSI-free. Data collection and analysis are important factors which aided in our understanding of our own CLABSI events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Drosophila suzukii, also known as the spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), is a polyphagous insect pest of soft-skinned small fruits. SWD, similar to other insects, is affected by climate change-associated factors, yet its impacts on the pest regarding its behavior, distribution, and survival remains poorly understood. Current climate change is allowing this species to colonize colder regions. This review explores how SWD adapts to survive during cold seasons, focusing on a plethora of overwintering strategies, and the transcriptomics changes in response to cold. Finally, it is discussed how climate change progression may promote the ability of this species to survive and spread, and what mitigation measures could be employed to overcome cold-adapted D. suzukii. Anthropogenic challenges, particularly climate change-associated factors, are strongly impacting the behavior, distribution, and survival of insects. Yet how these changes affect pests such as Drosophila suzukii, a cosmopolitan pest of soft-skinned small fruits, remains poorly understood. This polyphagous pest is chill-susceptible, with cold temperatures causing multiple stresses, including desiccation and starvation, also challenging the immune system. Since the invasion of Europe and the United States of America in 2009, it has been rapidly spreading to several European and American countries (both North and South American) and North African and Asian countries. However, globalization and global warming are allowing an altitudinal and latitudinal expansion of the species, and thus the colonization of colder regions. This review explores how D. suzukii adapts to survive during cold seasons. We focus on overwintering strategies of behavioral adaptations such as migration or sheltering, seasonal polyphenism, reproductive adaptations, as well as metabolic and transcriptomic changes in response to cold. Finally, we discuss how the continuation of climate change may promote the ability of this species to survive and spread, and what mitigation measures could be employed to overcome cold-adapted D. suzukii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker), is an invasive pest of Hyrcanian forests in Iran. In the current study, the effects of two boxwood species, Buxus hyrcana Pojark and B. microphylla Sieb. and Zucc. (Buxales: Buxaceae), were examined on ecophysiology of the pest. The demographic parameters were evaluated based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The physiological characteristics of C. perspectalis were considered through fresh/dry weights and individually/group rearing methods. The results showed that C. perspectalis larvae were able to develop, survive and reproduce on both boxwood species. The developmental times were 41.62 and 41.46 days on B. hyrcana and B. microphylla, respectively. The total lifespan did not differ on boxwood species. However, the difference of fecundity on B. hyrcana (412.82 eggs/female) and B. microphylla (286.06 eggs/female) was significant. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were significantly higher on B. hyrcana than B. microphylla. The nutritional indices showed that the consumption index (CI) on B. hyrcana were significantly lower than on B. microphylla based on fresh/dry weights in both rearing methods. Conversely, the efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) and the efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) on B. hyrcana were significantly higher than on B. microphylla. Despite nonsignificant differences in leaf nutrient contents (except calcium), total protein, triglyceride, and alkaline phosphatase activity were inversely different in larvae compared to adult stage on boxwood species. These findings could help to comprehensively understand the performance of the pest on boxwood species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Nottingham Clavicle Score (NCS) is a patient-reported outcome measure developed to evaluate treatment results of clavicle, acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joint pathologies. Valid, reliable and user-friendly translations of outcome measure instruments are needed to allow comparisons of international results. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to translate and adapt the NCS into German and evaluate the psychometric properties of the German version. Methods: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the NCS were completed using a 'translation–back translation" method and the final version was administered to 105 German-speaking patients. The psychometric properties of this version (NCS-G) were evaluated in terms of feasibility, reliability, validity and sensitivity to change. Results: No major differences occurred between the NCS translations into German and back into English, and no content- or linguistic-related difficulties were reported. The Cronbach's alpha for the NCS-G was 0.885, showing optimal internal consistency. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for test–retest reliability was 0.907 (95% CI 0.844–0.945), with a standard error of measurement of 5.59 points and a minimal detectable change of 15.50 points. The NCS-G showed moderate to strong correlation with all other investigated scales (Spearman correlation coefficient: qDASH: ρ = – 0.751; OSS: ρ = 0.728; Imatani Score: ρ = 0.646; CMS: ρ = 0.621; VAS: ρ = – 0.709). Good sensitivity to change was confirmed by an effect size of 1.17 (95% CI 0.89–1.47) and a standardized response mean of 1.23 (95% CI 0.98–1.45). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that NCS-G is reliable, valid, reproducible and well accepted by patients, showing analogous psychometric properties to the original English version. Level of evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (SWD) poses a threat to soft and stone fruit globally. SWD inhabits non‐crop areas adjacent to farms from where it moves into crops to cause damage. Effective IPM control strategies, considering both the crop and non‐crop area, are needed to control this economically important pest.We conducted a meta‐analysis to quantify the impacts of different non‐crop habitats around fruit farms on SWD populations, comparing abundance of SWD trapped in crop and non‐crop habitats.Overall, SWD abundance was greater in non‐crop habitats than in cropped areas and this difference was greatest in farms adjacent to woodland, or field margins containing known SWD host plants.The difference in SWD abundance between crop and non‐crop habitats was not affected by crop type but was greatest in the winter months and in conventional compared to organic farms, indicating conventional approaches can reduce relative SWD abundance.Drosophila suzukii overwinter in non‐crop habitats which provide refuge outside the cropping season. However, certain habitats support greater relative abundance of SWD than others and this is also affected by farm management. We discuss what these findings mean for effective control of SWD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The invasive pest Drosophila suzukii is a fruit fly native to Asia that infests a wide variety of fruits. Wild plant species are major reservoirs for D. suzukii populations but their infestation rates vary greatly among geographical areas.We aimed at disentangling the relative roles of macroclimatic, landscape and local factors in the rate of D. suzukii infestation of elderberry fruits (Sambucus nigra), a major wild host plant in Europe.We collected elderberry fruits across 215 sites distributed in 13 regions from North to South of France. We counted the number of emerging D. suzukii adults and tested for the effect of macroclimatic, landscape, local biotic and abiotic variables, as well as plant traits using linear mixed models.Site latitude and mean daily maximum temperature since the beginning of the year had respectively the strongest positive and negative effects on mean infestation rates across regions. Infestation rates also increased with forest cover in a 100 m radius around sampling sites.This study shows the importance of taking into account multiple scales and factors, from the fruit characteristics (i.e. maturity) to landscape composition and macroclimatic variables, when studying the interaction between D. suzukii and its host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (Ds) is an invasive pest insect that causes severe and widespread damage to soft fruit crops. Chemical control based on topical insecticides is inefficient and harmful to consumers and the environment, prompting interest in the development of biological control measures such as insect viruses with narrow host specificity. We previously described a strain of La Jolla virus (LJV) found in moribund Ds specimens in Germany. We demonstrated a pathogenic effect following the intrathoracic injection of LJV into adult Ds flies. However, the development of an effective biocontrol product based on LJV would require the characterization of (1) virulence following oral delivery, particularly in larvae, and (2) stability under different pH and temperature conditions reflecting realistic exposure scenarios. Here we describe the pathogenicity of LJV following oral delivery to Ds adults and larvae. The oral infection of Ds adults with LJV reduced survival in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas the oral infection of Ds larvae caused the arrest of development during pupation. LJV remained stable and infectious following exposure to a broad pH range and different temperatures. We, therefore, demonstrated that LJV is promising as a candidate biological control agent against Ds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the potential of cultural management practices (CMPs) to service sustainable social and ecological adaptation to the invasive fruit fly spotted wing drosophila (SWD). We sampled SWD and parasitoids under different CMPs in tart cherry orchards in Michigan to assess the efficacy and ecological costs of CMPs. Additionally, we interviewed Michigan tart cherry growers to understand their adaptation behaviors in response to SWD. We found no difference in SWD or parasitoid abundances among the CMPs and no effect of parasitoids on SWD abundances. Growers generally saw CMPs as supplementary to chemical sprays without the potential to reduce or replace spraying. While CMPs showed low efficacy in SWD management and growers expressed limited confidence in their efficacy, diverse cultural pest management practices should continue to be explored for their potential to support ecological diversity and adaptive agricultural systems under the threat of invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A glass with the mol. % compositions 51.7 B2O3/9.3 K2O/1 P2O5/27.6 Li2O/10.4 Fe2O3 was crystallized at temperatures in the range from 400 to 540 °C for different periods of time (2-12 h). X-ray diffraction showed cubic Li ferrite with a spinel structure, LiFe5O8, with small crystallites with sizes in the range from 3 to 31 nm. While the samples crystallized at 440, 480, and 500 °C reveal a disordered phase, crystallization at 540 °C indicates a phase transformation to the ordered state. Magnetization curves showed that the samples crystallized at 440 °C are superparamagnetic with very low maximum magnetization, while the samples crystallized at 480 and 500 °C show thin clear S-shaped magnetization curves with zero coercivity and hence are also superparamagnetic. By contrast, the sample crystallized at 540 °C shows a coercive field of 40 Oe and thus is ferrimagnetic. The magnetic properties can be tailored by the size of the ferrite crystals and hence by the crystallization conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impacts of biological invasions are diverse and can have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems. The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is a major invasive pest of fruits, which negatively affects fruit and wine production. However, little is known about the ecological impact of this fly species on more natural ecosystems it has invaded, such as forests. In this study, we investigated the use of potential host plants by D. suzukii at 64 sites in different forest communities in Switzerland from mid-June to midOctober 2020. We examined more than 12,000 fruits for egg deposits of D. suzukii to assess its direct impact on the plants. We recorded symptoms of fruit decay after egg deposition to determine if D. suzukii attacks trigger fruit decay. In addition, we monitored the drosophilid fauna with cup traps baited with apple cider vinegar, as we expected that D. suzukii would outnumber and potentially outcompete native controphics, especially other drosophilids. Egg deposits of D. suzukii were found on the fruits of 31 of the 39 potential host plant species studied, with 18 species showing an attack rate > 50%. Overall, fruits of Cotoneaster divaricatus (96%), Atropa bella-donna (91%), Rubus fruticosus corylifolius aggr. (91%), Frangula alnus (85%) and Sambucus nigra (83%) were attacked particularly frequently, resulting also in high predicted attack probabilities that varied among forest communities. Later and longer fruiting, black fruit colour, larger fruit size and higher pulp pH all positively affected attack rates. More than 50% of the plant species showed severe symptoms of decay after egg deposition, with higher pulp sugar content leading to more severe symptoms. The high fruit attack rate observed was reflected in a high abundance and dominance of D. suzukii in trap catches, independent of forest community and elevation. Drosophila suzukii was by far the most abundant species, accounting for 86% (81,395 individuals) of all drosophilids. The abundance of D. suzukii was negatively associated with the abundance of the native drosophilids. Our results indicate that the invasive D. suzukii competes strongly with other frugivorous species and that its presence might have far-reaching ecosystem-level consequences. The rapid decay of fruits attacked by D. suzukii leads to a loss of resources and may disrupt seed-dispersal mutualisms through the reduced consumption of fruits by dispersers such as birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine patients' perspectives on missed hygiene care and identify barriers to successful implementation using a focus group. Findings showed a lack of education and assistance; staff may contribute to this missed task. Nursing staff should re-prioritize bathing to impact patient outcomes positively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes and compares the performance of Gaussian and Poisson regression models to examine the associations of Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) alone and in all possible combinations with Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae), at 25, 30 and 35 °C, 55% and 75% relative humidity (RH), after 65 days, 130 days and 195 days of storage on maize. The increase of temperature from 25 to 30 °C increased the emergence of insects alive and of damaged kernels, while from 30 to 35 °C decreased the aforementioned parameters. The increase of RH from 55% to 75% increased both the emerged insects alive and the damaged kernels. When O. surinamensis was examined alone it outnumbered all the other insect species and their combinations except P. truncatus alone. Regarding damaged kernels, the combination of O. surinamensis- P. truncatus was the most damaging, while the combination of O. surinamensis-T. confusum was the least damaging. The Poisson model demonstrated better performance, hence future analyses could be based upon this model to analyze this type of data. Concerning the production of frass, the combinations of P. truncatus alone, O. surinamensis-P. truncatus, and O. surinamensis-T. confusum-P. truncatus were the most damaging. Our results could be useful for the prediction of damage when different species co-infest the same commodity. Furthermore, the reveal and recording of combinations that lead to elevated damage potential may differentiate the management strategies in storage facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii is a highly polyphagous pest species that can also attack grape. To prevent economic damage in vineyards, it is important to detect D. suzukii infestation early in order to protect grapes efficiently. Here, we firstly examined if peripheral zones adjacent to natural habitats and central zones within a vineyard differ in infestation levels, and, secondly, where within a grape cluster most eggs are laid. Among the eight infested vineyards studied, seven had higher D. suzukii infestation levels in peripheral zones adjacent to hedgerows, forests or gardens. Females laid 2.0‐fold more eggs on berries in the interior of grape clusters than on berries on the exterior of the cluster. Based on the finding that berries in the interior of grape clusters are more vulnerable, we developed a novel sampling method to estimate D. suzukii infestation level in vineyards more effectively. The so‐called 'whole cluster method' consists of a representative but random collection of five grape clusters per plot and a visual inspection of five berries each from the inner and outer part of a cluster totalling 50 checked berries per plot. We then compared our newly developed method to two established sampling methods to estimate D. suzukii infestations (i.e. 'single berry method' and 'cluster fragment method'), which rarely collect and inspect berries from the interior of clusters. In 87 comparisons conducted in 35 different plots, the 'whole cluster method' was the most sensitive sampling method as the calculated mean infestation rate was highest and it identified eggs earlier and in more samples than the other two methods. We therefore believe that the 'whole cluster method' is currently the most effective method to assess D. suzukii infestations in commercial vineyards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza A virus (IAV), one of the most prevalent respiratory diseases, causes pandemics around the world. The multifunctional non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of IAV is a viral antagonist that suppresses host antiviral response. However, the mechanism by which NS1 modulates the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway remains unclear. Here, we identified interactions between NS1 proteins of Influenza A/PR8/34 (H1N1; IAV-PR8) and Influenza A/WSN/1/33 (H1N1; IAV-WSN) and Dicer's cofactor TAR-RNA binding protein (TRBP). We found that the N-terminal RNA binding domain (RBD) of NS1 and the first two domains of TRBP protein mediated this interaction. Furthermore, two amino acid residues (Arg at position 38 and Lys at position 41) in NS1 were essential for the interaction. We generated TRBP knockout cells and found that NS1 instead of NS1 mutants (two-point mutations within NS1, R38A/K41A) inhibited the process of microRNA (miRNA) maturation by binding with TRBP. PR8-infected cells showed masking of short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated RNAi, which was not observed after mutant virus-containing NS1 mutation (R38A/K41A, termed PR8/3841) infection. Moreover, abundant viral small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) were detected in vitro and in vivo upon PR8/3841 infection. We identify, for the first time, the interaction between NS1 and TRBP that affects host RNAi machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key problem in ecology is to predict the presence/absence of species across a geographical region. Addressing this problem in a multi-species community with priority effects (i.e., initial abundances determine the presence/absence of species) is a challenging task because species presence/absence depends on many factors such as abiotic environments, biotic interactions (i.e., interactions among species) and dispersal process. While various ecological factors have been considered, less attention has been given to the problem of understanding how dimensionality of space, in interaction with other factors, shape community assembly in the presence of priority effects. In this paper, we employ partial differential equations models (in one- and two-dimensional space) to examine the consequences of different dimensionality of space on the occurrence of priority effects and species coexistence in multi-species communities. We discover that as well as a pronounced increase in system complexity, adding a second space dimension essentially modifies the strength of priority effect. It is also observed that more outcomes with multi-species coexistence emerge as dimensionality of space is increased. As such, incorporating dimensionality in an ecological system with heterogeneous environments could engender additional insights on species coexistence mechanisms (as compared to just adding an extra dimension in the case of purely homogeneous space). These effects will strongly depend on how each interacting species responds to the environmental gradients. Overall, this study is among the first to explicitly show that combinations of distinct abiotic factors can shape the distributions of multiple competing species that are different from those in single abiotic factor case, and some dispersing species may respond to complex sets of abiotic and biotic conditions in variable ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Species introductions provide insights into how populations respond to new environments and selection pressures through rapid adaptation and adaptive phenotypic plasticity. However, maladaptive responses are increasingly recognised to also be common in nature. The spotted‐wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has rapidly invaded divergent environments providing the opportunity to examine adaptive and maladaptive phenotypic and evolutionary responses to its introduced range. 2. We studied how population density in the field and wing size of individuals varied over an elevational gradient on Hawaii. We then conducted a reciprocal common garden experiment to evaluate how temperature influenced wing size and other correlates of fitness. We did this by reciprocally rearing D. suzukii collected from low and high elevations in temperatures representative of low and high elevation. 3. We observed a wing size increase with elevation. Additionally, flies were more abundant at higher elevation. In the reciprocal common garden experiment, flies emerged faster in the warm, low‐elevation temperature and developed larger wings in the cool, high‐elevation temperature. Emergence of flies from high‐ and low‐elevation sites showed a pattern suggesting maladaptation to the temperature representing their home environment. 4. We suggest that opposing selection pressures, the high vagility of flies, and extreme plasticity in body size constrain adaptation to temperature along an elevational gradient. Although successful invasive species such as D. suzukii often exhibit local adaptation, this research demonstrates that invasive species can be successful even without such adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is a major pest of fruit crops worldwide. Management of D. suzukii relies heavily on chemical control in both organic and conventional systems, and there is a need to develop more sustainable management practices. We evaluated the efficacy of three colors of plastic mulches at reducing populations of D. suzukii in fall-bearing raspberry and assessed the mulches' impacts on canopy microclimate factors relevant to D. suzukii. Black, white, and metallic plastic mulches reduced adult D. suzukii populations by 42–51% and larval populations by 52–72% compared to the grower standard. The mulches did not change canopy temperature or relative humidity, but metallic mulches increased canopy light intensity compared to the black mulch. Radiance in the visible spectrum (401–680 nm) was higher for the white and metallic mulch plots, but the black mulch plots did not differ from the control. In the UV spectrum (380–400 nm), all three plastic mulches had higher radiance than the control plots. Future studies will determine whether changes in radiance are associated with the observed reduction in D. suzukii populations. Plastic mulches are a promising cultural practice for managing D. suzukii since they can reduce adult and larval populations and could be incorporated into an integrated pest management program in both organic and conventional systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To explore the application of evidence-based nursing intervention in the treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung by erlotinib combined with tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil potassium (TS-1) and its influence on quality of life (QOL). Methods. Clinical data of 92 patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung treated with erlotinib and TS-1 in our hospital (January 2017–January 2021) were retrospectively analyzed. Forty-six patients receiving conventional nursing were set as the control group (CG), and other 46 patients receiving evidence-based nursing intervention additionally were set as the study group (SG). The clinical observation indexes of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results. No obvious difference in general data between both groups (P > 0.05). According to EORTC QLQ-C30, compared with the CG, the scores of role function, physical function, social function, cognitive function, and emotional function in the SG were remarkably higher (P < 0.05). After intervention, scores of VAS of patients were obviously lower than those before intervention (P < 0.05), and scores of VAS in the SG after intervention were obviously lower than those in the CG (P < 0.05). After intervention, scores of SAS and SDS were lower than those before intervention, and those of the SG were obviously lower than those of the SG (P < 0.05). Compared with the CG, incidences of adverse reactions such as diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, erythra, pressure sores, and leukopenia in the SG were obviously lower (P < 0.05). Compared with the CG, "very satisfied" and total satisfaction in the SG were obviously higher (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Application of evidence-based nursing intervention in the treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung by erlotinib combined with TS-1 can help patients to relieve pain, improve their psychological state, reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, significantly improve the QOL, and also enhance the satisfaction of clinical nursing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One big threat from influenza A viruses (IAVs) is that novel viruses emerge from mutation alongside reassortment. Some of them have gained the capability to transmit into human from the avian reservoir. Understanding the molecular events and the involved factors in breaking the cross-species barrier holds important implication for the surveillance and prevention of potential influenza outbreaks. In this review, we summarize recent progresses, including several ground-breaking findings, in how the interaction between host and viral factors, exemplified by the PB2 subunit of the influenza virus RNA polymerase co-opting host ANP32 protein to facilitate transcription and replication of the viral genome, shapes the evolution of IAVs from host specificity to cross-species infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Influenza A virus (IAV) evolves strategies to counteract the host antiviral defense for establishing infection. The influenza A virus (IAV) non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is a key viral factor shown to counteract type I IFN antiviral response mainly through targeting RIG-I signaling. Growing evidence suggests that viral RNA sensors RIG-I, TLR3, and TLR7 function to detect IAV RNA in different cell types to induce type I IFN antiviral response to IAV infection. Yet, it remains unclear if IAV NS1 can exploit a common mechanism to counteract these RNA sensing pathways to type I IFN production at once, then promoting viral propagation in the host. Methods: Luciferase reporter assays were conducted to determine the effect of NS1 and its mutants on the RIG-I and TLR3 pathways to the activation of the IFN-β and NF-κB promoters. Coimmunoprecipitation and confocal microscopic analyses were used to the interaction and colocalization between NS1 and TRAF3. Ubiquitination assays were performed to study the effect of NS1 and its mutants on TRAF3 ubiquitination. A recombinant mutant virus carrying NS1 E152A/E153A mutations was generated by reverse genetics for biochemical, ex vivo, and in vivo analyses to explore the importance of NS1 E152/E153 residues in targeting the RNA sensing-TRAF3-type I IFN axis and IAV pathogenicity. Results: Here we report that NS1 subverts the RIG-I, TLR3, and TLR7 pathways to type I IFN production through targeting TRAF3 E3 ubiquitin ligase. NS1 harbors a conserved FTEE motif (a.a. 150-153), in which the E152/E153 residues are critical for binding TRAF3 to block TRAF3 ubiquitination and type I IFN production by these RNA sensing pathways. A recombinant mutant virus carrying NS1 E152A/E153A mutations induces higher type I IFN production ex vivo and in vivo, and exhibits the attenuated phenotype in infected mice, indicating the importance of E152/E153 residues in IAV pathogenicity. Conclusions: Together our work uncovers a novel mechanism of IAV NS1-mediated immune evasion to promote viral infection through targeting the RNA sensing-TRAF3-type I IFN axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a widely distributed pest species of soft‐skinned fruits. Recent studies suggest the use of sterile insect technique (SIT) as a control method for this species; however, many factors can impact effectiveness of a SIT programme, including the environmental conditions. Environmental condition is critical at the time of the release and in the days afterwards, since it may impact sterile insects' survival and ability to mate. Thus, we verified the influence of temperature and relative humidity on mating and survival of fertile and sterile D. suzukii, when insects were food provided or deprived. Highest mating rates occurred when sterile or fertile flies provided with food were exposed to 25ºC or 81%–100% relative humidity, while temperatures of 10 and 35ºC and humidity below 60% impaired mating. Overall, mating rate among food‐deprived flies was low in all temperatures and humidity levels tested, but fertile insects were more prone to mate when compared to sterile flies. Survival was negatively influenced by high temperatures, low relative humidity and food deprivation. The information present in this study is useful to be considered for release of sterile D. suzukii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii is an invasive, polyphagous pest of soft‐skinned fruits, having huge impact on fruit production in Asia, North and South America and Europe including Germany.To investigate the effect of temperature on oviposition, egg‐to‐adult development success and duration, as well as immature heat survival and adult cold survival for a German D. suzukii population several experiments were conducted under different constant temperatures in the laboratory. The resulting life cycle data were described mathematically as functions of temperature and compared with experimental results of other researchers in a summary table.Curve fittings used herein revealed that minimum, optimum and maximum temperatures are: 13.2, 26.7 and 33.6 °C for oviposition, 14.1, 22.6 and 30.0 °C for egg‐to‐adult development success, and 9.6, 27.3 and 35.7 °C for egg‐to‐adult development duration. Eggs and larvae of D. suzukii showed a reduced heat survival within the tested temperature range of 29 to 41 °C and exposure durations from 1 to 8 h. A cold survival rate of 50% was measured at e.g. −6 °C for 4 h in summer morph adults and at e.g. −6 °C for 45 h in winter morph adults confirming that the latter are more cold tolerant.Results obtained in this study for a German population of D. suzukii are similar to those obtained for populations of other origins such as Canada, Japan, Spain and USA. Thus, presumably, present data based on a German D. suzukii population can be used for a new or fine‐tune of already existing population dynamics models of D. suzukii in order to support an effective pest management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Fig wasps are the obligate mutualistic pollinators of fig trees, which are important components of tropical forests. The stability of these species interactions, in the face of environmental changes, relies heavily on the thermal tolerance of these wasps. 2. This study determined the upper thermal limits of three tropical Ceratosolen fig wasp species. Humidity levels and collection season were varied to determine the effect of water availability on heat tolerance. 3. Wasps were placed in incubators to simulate different temperature regimes (30–45 °C) with varying humidity conditions. Wasp populations from either the dry or wet seasons were tested. Upper lethal temperature was determined by recording wasp survival. 4. All factors (temperature, humidity, season, wasp species, and their interactions) significantly affected wasp longevity. Exposure to high temperatures resulted in a significant decrease in wasp longevity: longest at 30 °C and the ratio decreased rapidly at 40 and 45 °C. An increase in temperature from 30 to 35 °C caused at least a two‐fold reduction in wasp lifespan. More surprisingly, humid conditions allowed survival for two to six times longer than non‐humid conditions in high temperatures (40–45 °C). Wasps obtained during the wet season also survived longer than those from the dry season. Increased water availability (i.e. during wet season and with high humidity conditions) thus increased wasp upper thermal limits. 5. Relative humidity was a strong limiting factor in the heat tolerance of tropical wasps. Persistence of insect species that are narrowly‐distributed will depend on the presence of intact, high‐humidity habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature is a determining factor for the development and establishment potential of insect pests. The present study describes the impact of temperature (13, 18, 23, 25, 28, 30, and 33 °C) on the life cycle parameters and phenotypic plasticity of South American populations of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in the laboratory. Secondary objectives were to determine the lower thermal threshold and thermal constant to estimate the number of annual generations of the insect in small‐fruit‐producing regions in Brazil. The highest egg‐to‐adult survival was recorded at 23 and 25 °C. At 30 and 33 °C, no emergence of D. suzukii was observed. The egg‐to‐adult development time was shortest at 25 and 28 °C (ca. 10 days). The net reproductive rate (R0), and the intrinsic rate of population increase (rm) were highest at 23 and 25 °C. In contrast, temperatures of 13 and 28 °C generated largest and smallest body sizes, respectively, and caused reductions of 99 and 93% in R0. The estimated lower thermal threshold was 7.8 °C for egg‐to‐adult survival. The estimated thermal constant was 185.8 degree days, and the estimated annual number of generations of D. suzukii ranged from 17.1 in cold regions to 27.2 in warm regions. The results of the present study are important for understanding D. suzukii occurrence in the field, contributing to more informed and precise pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), the spotted-wing drosophila, is an invasive pest of fruit crops, which appeared in eastern Canada in 2010. It represents a major threat to lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton; Ericaceae) in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, Québec, Canada, at the northern limits of its distribution. The dynamics, overwintering capacity, population fluctuations, and damage to lowbush blueberry of D. suzukii are unknown in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. We aimed to 1) document D. suzukii abundance and phenology in lowbush blueberry in separate localities; 2) evaluate the potential of D. suzukii to overwinter and examine population dynamics over three seasons; and 3) study the spatial distribution of D. suzukii in lowbush blueberry fields with respect to forested borders. Drosophila suzukii is abundant in lowbush blueberry fields of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. In spring, D. suzukii were absent until late June, when few summer-morph females appeared. Drosophila suzukii densities started to increase regularly in August, with increasing male proportions, to culminate in fall at high levels with balanced sex ratios. Overwintering remains uncertain, D. suzukii being undetectable in spring despite intensive trapping. Appearance of diapausing winter morphs at high densities indicates that D. suzukii responds appropriately to local conditions preceding cold winter. Models of variation of D. suzukii densities and lowbush blueberry fruit infestation with distance from borders indicate that forest borders are favoured habitats over lowbush blueberry fields and the source of D. suzukii moving to some extent into lowbush blueberry fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a pest that causes severe damage to various fruits, generating economic losses. We evaluated its potential geographic distribution under current and future climatic conditions using an ecological niche modelling approach, based on the largest available database on occurrence records for this species. Additionally, we identified areas of risk to agricultural land and crops. Predictions under current climatic conditions indicated that this species is likely to be present across broad swaths of the United States of America, southeastern Asia, southeastern Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. We predict considerable expansion of its potential range for 2050, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere, because of ongoing climate change, under both low and high emissions scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii is an invasive polyphagous pest of wild and cultivated soft‐skinned fruits, which can cause widespread economic damage in orchards and vineyards.The simulation and prediction of D. suzukii's population dynamics would be helpful for guiding pest management. Therefore, we reviewed and summarized the current knowledge on effects of air temperature and relative humidity on different life cycle parameters of D. suzukii.The literature summary presented shows that high oviposition rates can occur between 18 and 30 °C. Temperatures between 16 and 25 °C resulted in fast and high egg‐to‐adult development success of more than 80%. Oviposition and adult life span were positively affected by high relative humidity; however, the factor humidity is so far rarely investigated.We assume that this is one reason why relative humidity usually is not considered in modelling approaches, which are summarized herein. The high number of recently published research articles on D. suzukii's life cycle suggests that there is already a lot of knowledge available on its biology. However, there are still considerable research gaps mentioned in the literature, which are also summarized herein.Nevertheless, we conclude that sufficient temperature data in the literature are suitable to understand and predict population dynamics of D. suzukii, in order to assist pest management in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Climate effects on plant defences, and subsequently insect herbivores, have received considerable attention. However, climate also directly affects the physiological condition of insects that may influence their ability to combat plant defences. 2. This study tested the effects of body fat and water content on the ability of mountain pine beetles, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, to tolerate monoterpenes, the primary defences of their host pine trees. To manipulate their physiological condition, we exposed beetles to one of three environmental treatments: cold (4 °C, 30% RH), humid (21 °C, 70% RH) or dry (21 °C, 30% RH). Beetles had the highest fat and water content in the cold treatment, followed by lower fat but the same water content in the humid treatment, and the lowest of both in the dry treatment. Following environmental treatments, beetles were exposed to 0, 312.5 or 625 ppm vapours of monoterpenes (−)‐α‐pinene or (R)‐(+)‐limonene. 3. Survival during both environmental and monoterpene treatments was highest for the cold treatment, less for the humid treatment, and lowest for the dry treatment. Fat and water content positively predicted survival. In response to increasing monoterpene concentration, survival, body condition and water content, but not fat, declined. 4. These results indicate that water content of insect herbivores was important for the realised toxicity of plant defences, presumably due to the process of excreting detoxified compounds. Energetic costs of detoxification were less evident. Dehydration of insects has not been widely considered in insect–plant interactions, but effects of climate change on humidity may become increasingly important for these interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931), spotted wing drosophila (SWD), is one of the most serious pests of a wide range of soft-skinned fruit. After its arrival and spread in Europe, the number of insecticide applications to protect fruit increased. However, intensive use of insecticides poses serious concerns related to food safety issues, surge in pest resistance, and negative impacts on the environment. Our aim is to provide practical suggestions for the integration of cultural control strategies into the current sweet cherry SWD management programs. To assess the potential effectiveness of cultural control practices in reducing SWD damage, infestation levels of differently managed orchards were compared. The complete harvest, removal and proper disposal of unmarketable cherries were essential IPM procedures to reduce fruit infestation. In addition, cool and humid microhabitats suitable for SWD development should be avoided by frequent mowing the inter-row vegetation during fruit ripening. Insecticide applications, selection of cherry cultivar, landscape factors and canopy density were not related to SWD damage. To reduce the likelihood of fruit infestation in marketed fruit, IPM programs should include a timely and proper removal/disposal of fallen, overripe and damaged fruits, the shortening of harvest intervals, and a high mowing frequency of the inter-row vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borate glass containing lithium fluoride doped with different ratios of phosphate units was produced by conventional melting–annealing technique. Moreover, the produced samples were subjected to two steps of controlled heat treatment in order to achieve the glass–ceramic derivatives (nucleation and crystal growth regimes). Thermal expansion technique revealed that the nucleation temperature for the studied glasses is around 340 °C and the softening temperature (crystal growth) is around 432 °C to form glass–ceramic samples. Li3B7O12 phase was observed as primary phase for the glass–ceramic samples. Also, other crystalline phases such as LiPO3 and O2BF4 were formed. Structural changes of both of the glass and the glass–ceramics were investigated through the Fourier transform infrared technique (FTIR). The active range in the FTIR which distinguishes the glass and the crystalized sample is lying from 400 to 1250 cm−1. The presence of LiF in B2O3 network changes the characteristic units of BO3 and BO4 units into BO2F and BO3F units, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual Reality (VR) bears promising contributions to the polygraph community given its ability to reconstruct virtual environments modeled after real-world settings during forensic interviews. It provides the possibility to transport interviewees (e.g., eyewitnesses and suspects) into virtual crime scenes, thus benefiting their recall of the crime event by reinstating the original environment. The occurrence of contaminated false confessions may also be minimized as "inside information" that are only known to investigators and true culprits can be obviated from these virtual crime scenes. Apart from memory enhancement, detection of deception may also take place within these virtual forensic interviews with the help of eye-tracking technology. In this paper, we provide empirical evidence from two preliminary studies suggesting that virtual forensic interviews may produce similar spatial memory performance with those obtained from crime scene visitations. Moreover, our results suggest that forensic interviews in a virtual crime scene may lead to better spatial recall as compared to the use of crime scene photographs in an interview room. We conclude by providing insights on how deception can be detected in virtual interviews. By enhancing interviewees' memory and detection of deception, VR presents great potential for improving the accuracy and reliability of information gathered in forensic interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is an invasive economic pest of soft-skinned and stone fruit across the globe. Our study establishes both a predictive generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), and a generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) of the dynamic seasonal phenology of D. suzukii based on four years of adult monitoring trap data in Wisconsin tart cherry orchards collected throughout the growing season. The models incorporate year, field site, relative humidity, and degree days (DD); and relate these factors to trap catch. The GLMM estimated a coefficient of 2.21 for DD/1000, meaning for every increment of 1000 DD, trap catch increases by roughly 9 flies. The GAMM generated a curve based on a cubic regression smoothing function of DD which approximates critical DD points of first adult D. suzukii detection at 1276 DD, above average field populations beginning at 2019 DD, and peak activity at 3180 DD. By incorporating four years of comprehensive seasonal phenology data from the same locations, we introduce robust models capable of using DD to forecast changing adult D. suzukii populations in the field leading to the application of more timely and effective management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Insecticide applications in blueberry production systems play a crucial role in the control of Drosophila suzukii populations. Here, quantitative spray deposition patterns were obtained under replicated field experiments in blueberry during two field seasons with three sprayers, i.e. cannon, electrostatic, and air‐blast. Seven insecticides were tested (at 6 hours using a Potter spray tower) to determine the mortality data for adult D. suzukii. Spray deposition and mortality data for adult D. suzukii were used to create model simulations for insect populations. Model simulations included field deposition rates of sprayers and insecticide mortality as factors. Simulations were applied in different combinations with five applications over a 6‐week period. RESULTS: Relative deposition rates for the cannon sprayer were elevated in the upper zones of the canopy, whereas for the air‐blast sprayer, deposition was greater in the bottom zones. Electrostatic spray deposition was relatively uniform within the six canopy zones. Clear trends in D. suzukii laboratory mortality were found with lowest to highest mortality recorded for phosmet, spinetoram, spinosad, malathion, cyantraniliprole, zeta‐cypermethrin, and methomyl respectively. Maximum D. suzukii population impacts, as shown by model outputs, were observed with air‐blast sprayers together with zeta‐cypermethrin. CONCLUSION: The electrostatic sprayer had the least variable canopy deposition among the three types of spray equipment, and the air‐blast sprayer had the highest overall deposition rates. This study provides new hypotheses that can be used for field verification with these spray technologies and insecticides as key factors. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has recently invaded Europe and the Americas, and it is a major threat for a wide variety of commercial soft fruits both in open field and greenhouse production systems. D. suzukii infests a wide range of ripening fruits, leading to substantial yield and revenue losses. As the application of insecticides close to the harvest period poses great concerns, the development of an efficient environment-friendly control approach to fight D. suzukii is necessary. In this study, we exploited the sterile insect technique (SIT) in combination with Wolbachia symbiosis as a population suppression approach that can constitute a potential component of an area-wide integrated pest management program. We aimed to establish a combined SIT/incompatible insect technique (IIT) protocol that would require lower irradiation doses as a complementary tool for D. suzukii management. Two D. suzukii lines trans-infected with the Wolbachia wHa and wTei strains were irradiated at doses four times less than usual (e.g., 45 Gy), and the egg hatching and adult emergence were determined. Our results indicated that wHa and wTei females as well as wHa males were sterile at this low dose. The longevity, adult emergence and flight ability of adults were evaluated, and no major effect caused by irradiation was detected. Our data indicate that a SIT/IIT protocol can be a competent approach for D. suzukii management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Fruit growers largely depend on chemical control to reduce populations of the economically damaging invasive fly, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura). Drosophila suzukii is susceptible to high temperatures and low humidity; therefore, it may be possible to implement cultural control practices that create microclimates unfavorable for its development and survival. In addition to other fruit production benefits, in‐row mulches may impede the development of D. suzukii immatures when larvae leave the fruit to pupate in the soil. This study compared the effects of different mulches (black polypropylene fabric weedmats, sawdust, and wood chips) on temperature and relative humidity (RH), and on adult emergence of D. suzukii from larvae in blueberries and pupae, both above and below the ground surface in blueberry plantings (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). RESULTS: Across regions, both lower larval survival and longer periods with high suboptimal temperatures occurred above the ground in comparison to buried below the ground, regardless of mulch type. Fewer D. suzukii adults emerged from larvae on weedmat mulch at one site, but there was no effect of mulch type on temperature, RH, or D. suzukii emergence at most sites. The relationships between temperature, RH, and the emergence of adults from larvae and pupae varied by region. Natural infestation by D. suzukii in blueberries was lower over weedmat compared to wood‐based mulches at one site. Greenhouse experiments showed that larvae burrowed to pupate underneath sawdust mulch, but were unable to pupate underneath a weedmat mulch. CONCLUSIONS: Although weedmats may not modify temperatures or RH enough to consistently affect D. suzukii emergence, they can reduce field suitability for D. suzukii by providing a barrier that prevents larvae from reaching favorable pupation microhabitats underground. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an insect pest originating in South-East Asia that has invaded Europe (EU) and the Americas. This insect has caused extensive economic damage to the soft fruit industry in all countries to which it has spread. Drosophila suzukii population management relies primarily on chemical pesticides, an approach with serious drawbacks including the risk of residues on fruit and development of insecticide resistance. Drosophila suzukii dispersal from surrounding vegetation is believed to significantly increase the risk of crop damage. Despite increasing evidence that environmental configuration and composition strongly affect D. suzukii population levels and activity, the effects of landscape and abiotic factors including temperature and humidity on its movement is still poorly understood. For this reason, during the summer of 2017, we employed a mark-capture strategy using protein markers during middle July and early August. Within the experimental setup, flies were captured in food-baited traps, and later analyzed for the presence of the marker through an ELISA procedure. Our data suggest that more suitable temperature, humidity, and a diverse suite of alternative hosts found in the surrounding forest vegetation likely drove the recorded dispersion. Most of the captured D. suzukii marked within the crop were collected in surrounding forest vegetation within 24 hours of the marking event during each of the periods of collection. Results strongly indicated how humidity, temperature and alternative hosts are key drivers of D. suzukii populations in different habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding behavioral rhythms in a pest species can contribute to improving the efficacy of control methods targeting that pest. However, in some species, the behavioral patterns recorded in artificial conditions contrast greatly with observed wild-type behavioral rhythms. In this study, we identify the determinants of daily activity rhythms of the soft and stone fruit pest Drosophila suzukii. The impact of gender, space, social housing, temperature, light, fly morph, and the circadian clock on D. suzukii locomotor rhythms was investigated. Assays were performed under artificial laboratory conditions or more natural semifield conditions to identify how these factors affected daily locomotor behavior. Daily locomotor activity patterns collected under semifield conditions varied very little between the various sex and social condition combinations. However, in lab-based assays, individual and group-housed males often exhibited divergent activity patterns, with more prominent hyperactivity at light/dark transitions. In contrast, hyperactivity responses were suppressed under lab protocols mimicking summer conditions for groups of females and mixed-sex groups. Moreover, when environmental cues were removed, flies held in groups displayed stronger rhythmicity than individual flies. Thus, social interactions can reinforce circadian behavior and resist hyperactivity responses in D. suzukii. Fly morph appeared to have little impact on behavioral pattern, with winter and summer morph flies displaying similar activity profiles under April semifield and laboratory mimic environmental conditions. In conclusion, separate and combined effects of light, temperature, circadian clock function, and social interactions were apparent in the daily activity profiles of D. suzukii. When groups of female or mixed-sex flies were used, implementation of matching photoperiods and realistic daily temperature gradients in the lab was sufficient to re-create behavioral patterns observed in summer semifield settings. The ability to leverage lab assays to predict D. suzukii field behavior promises to be a valuable asset in improving control measures for this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), the spotted wing drosophila, is a pest endemic to Southeast Asia that invaded the Americas and Europe in 2008. In contrast to most of its congeners, D. suzukii possesses a serrated ovipositor that allows it to lay eggs in unwounded commercial fruits, resulting in severe revenue losses for the industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the susceptibility of known host fruits, including cherry, strawberry, blueberry, and grape, and potential host fruits, such as banana and apple, to attack by D. suzukii. Based on the responses to volatile cues offered in a six‐choice olfactometer, the preference of female D. suzukii was ranked in the following order: strawberry = cherry > banana = apple = blueberry = grape, but in no‐choice and choice oviposition tests, the preferences were ranked as follows: cherry > strawberry = blueberry > grape = banana > apple. Furthermore, we reconfirmed that D. suzukii mainly targets rotten fruit for feeding and ripe fruit for oviposition, and females preferred fruits with intensive mechanical damage. Based on developmental parameters, apple was the least suitable host. This study has implications for the control of D. suzukii, especially in mixed fruit orchards, by providing a promising avenue for exploiting behaviour‐based control tools and emphasizing the importance of phenology in host fruit susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the dynamics of pest insect populations in relation to the presence of non‐crop habitats and infestation levels of adjacent crops is essential to develop sustainable pest management strategies. The invasive pest species Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is able to utilize a broad range of host plants. In viticulture, scientific risk assessment for D. suzukii has only recently started and studies assessing the effects of field margins containing wild host plants on D. suzukii population dynamics and on infestation risks in adjacent vineyards are lacking. Thus, in a one‐year field study, the role of different field margins on fly abundance and crop infestation in adjacent vineyards of Vitis vinifera, variety "Pinot Noir," were investigated. Different monitoring methods were conducted to assess fly distribution, sex ratio and grape infestation in 14 vineyards adjacent to field margins containing either blackberry (BB) Rubus spp. or non‐host (NH) plants. Our results show that blackberries strongly enhanced D. suzukii abundance within field margin vegetation all year long, whereas fly abundance in vineyards adjacent to BB margins was just enhanced in some seasonal periods. Moreover, the influence of BB margins was limited by distance. However, high fly numbers in BB field margins did result in zero egg infestation of "Pinot Noir" berries. These results may have important implications for winegrowers to make efficient management decisions: regardless of high abundance of adult D. suzukii, only grape berry monitoring can assess the actual infestation risk and the potential need to take management action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]