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The psyllid Creiis lituratus Froggatt is the most significant defoliating pest of young Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden plantations growing in north-eastern New South Wales. This paper describes aspects of the life history of C. lituratus, information required to monitor psyllid populations and develop management strategies. The psyllid has five nymphal instars. Feeding by these nymphs causes considerable damage to the foliage of host trees. The different nymphal instars are distinguishable on the basis of body and lerp dimensions, colouration and wing bud morphology. Mean fecundity in captive populations was 95 eggs per female (observed range 130-148). Egg and juvenile development had threshold temperatures of 3 C and 10 C respectively, and the relationship between development rate and temperature was determined for both stages. Adult longevity was reduced at high temperatures, which affected fecundity and may account for the low psyllid population densities observed in plantations over summer. Parasitism of the nymphal instars by two species of Psyllaephagus wasps was observed. While parasitism may exceed 90% in field surveys it is uncertain what role it plays in regulating populations. No specialised parasitism or predation of eggs or adults was observed.

Valutazione dell’attività antagonista di Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hym. Encyrtidae) e caratterizzazione molecolare delle popolazioni. L’attività di controllo operata da Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek, nei confronti dell’ospite specifico Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), la psilla dal follicolo bianco ceroso, è stata valutata in Campania attraverso il monitoraggio dei livelli di infestazione di Eucalyptus spp. e ponendo a confronto questi ultimi con dati raccolti prima della diffusione accidentale dell’Encirtide avvenuta in Campania nel 2012. I dati relativi al livello di infestazione della psilla, espressi come media del numero di psille non parassitizzate per foglia, rilevati durante il 2014-2015 sono stati posti a paragone con quelli rilevati nel 2011, e quindi in assenza di attività di controllo specie specifica. Il confronto ha consentito di evidenziare una riduzione del tasso di infestazione, attribuibile all’attività antagonista operata da P.bliteus, pari al 64%. L’andamento delle infestazioni di G.briblecombei, ricavateo dai monitoraggi effettuati in Campania, è stato confrontato con dati analoghi raccolti in Sicilia, dove viceversa, l’antagonista si è accidentalmente diffuso contemporaneamente al fitofago. Popolazioni di P. bliteus, provenienti da Campania, Lazio e Sicilia, sono state inoltre caratterizzate a livello molecolare. Sono stati sequenziati 24 campioni per la regione ITS2 (accession number da KU877300 a KU877323) e 31 campioni per la regione 28S-D2 (accession number da KU877269 a KU877299). I dati ottenuti hanno verificato la possibilità di utilizzare la regione ITS2 come marcatore per analisi molecolare su P. bliteus. Le analisi effettuate hanno prodotto due alberi filogenetici delle popolazioni di P. bliteus raccolte nelle diverse regioni ed hanno consentito l’individuazione della via di ingresso iniziale del parassitoide in Sicilia e dei successivi spostamenti che hanno caratterizzato la sua diffusione. Il disegno sperimentale è il primo che si concentri sull’analisi molecolare di specie del genere Psyllaephagus, non sono quindi disponibili dati con cui comparare quelli fin qui ottenuti. Appare interessante l’utilizzo del metodo applicato al complesso parassitario specie-specifico per l’individuazione delle pathways di insetti alloctoni di interesse economico e/o ambientale.

Two endosymbionts, an obligate primary symbiont and a facultative secondary symbiont, are harbored within the invasive red gum (eucalyptus) lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei , in California. An extensive survey of diversity and frequency of G. brimblecombei 's secondary symbiont in multiple populations throughout the state of California was conducted using PCR detection, restriction enzymes, cloning, and sequencing. A total of 380 G. brimblecombei individuals in 19 populations were screened for secondary symbionts. Based on molecular screening results, only one type of secondary symbiont was present in G. brimblecombei populations in California. Overall, 40% of the 380 psyllids screened were infected with the secondary symbiont. Interestingly, secondary symbiont infection frequencies in G. brimblecombei populations varied dramatically from 0 to 75% and were significantly related to parasitism pressure by Psyllaphaegus bliteus , a solitary endoparasitoid of the psyllid.

Sequential frequent itemsets detection is one of the core problems in data mining. In the current paper we propose a new methodology based on our previous work regarding the detection of all repeated patterns in a string. By analyzing big datasets from FIMI website of up to one million transactions we were able to detect not only the most frequent sequential itemsets but any sequential itemset occurred at least twice in the transactions' database. For this purpose we have used a novel data structure the LERP Reduced Suffix Array and the innovative ARPaD algorithm which allows the detection of all repeated patterns in a string. The methodology uses a pre-statistical analysis of the transactions that allows constructing in a very efficient way smaller LERP-RSA data structures for each transaction. The integration and classification of all LERP-RSAs let ARPaD algorithm to be executed in parallel and to detect every sequential itemset that occurs at least twice in a very efficient way.

Psyllaephagus bliteus was imported from Australia in 1999 and released in California in 2000 as part of a classical biological control program targeting the red-gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei, which in California feeds mainly on red gum, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. Psyllaephagus bliteus is an internal parasitoid that delays development until the psyllid host reaches the late fourth or fifth instar. It pupates within the remains of the host, enclosed in three distinct layers. First, parasitised G. brimblecombei produce lerps with basal walls that are significantly thicker than those of unpara- sitised psyllids. Second, the parasitised psyllid mummifies soon after P. bliteus begins to pupate. Third, a highly melanised pupal sheath is produced that completely envelops the pupal P. bliteus. Photographs are provided and observations on the pupal sheath, which has seldom been described for any parasitoid, are compared with earlier descriptions. We discuss the function of each of the three layers with respect to the protection of the immobile P. bliteus pupa from the environment or natural enemies.

The red gum lerp psyllid is an insect native to Australia, where it feeds upon eucalyptus species. Since 1998 this psyllid has spread throughout California, resulting in millions of dollars in damage and control costs. To help suppress the red gum lerp psyllid, a biological control program was initiated and a psyllid-specific parasitic wasp was imported from Australia in 1999 and released in 2000. In most coastal regions this biological control agent has provided substantial control, but in some interior regions the psyllid still remains a problem. Researchers are continuing their investigations to determine if full statewide suppression will be realized eventually, or if further importation of new parasitoid species is needed.

Biogenesis of lysosomes depends in mammalian cells on the specific recognition and targeting of mannose 6-phosphate-containing lysosomal enzymes by two mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPR46, MPR300), key components of the extensively studied receptor-mediated lysosomal sorting system in complex metazoans. In contrast, the biogenesis of lysosomes is poorly investigated in the less complex metazoan Drosophila melanogaster. We identified the novel type I transmembrane protein lysosomal enzyme receptor protein (LERP) with partial homology to the mammalian MPR300 encoded by Drosophila gene CG31072. LERP contains 5 lumenal repeats that share homology to the 15 lumenal repeats found in all identified MPR300. Four of the repeats display the P-lectin type pattern of conserved cysteine residues. However, the arginine residues identified to be essential for mannose 6-phosphate binding are not conserved. The recombinant LERP protein was expressed in mammalian cells and displayed an intracellular localization pattern similar to the mammalian MPR300. The LERP cytoplasmic domain shows highly conserved interactions with Drosophila and mammalian GGA adaptors known to mediate Golgi-endosome traffic of MPRs and other transmembrane cargo. Moreover, LERP rescues missorting of soluble lysosomal enzymes in MPR-deficient cells, giving strong evidence for a function that is equivalent to the mammalian counterpart. However, unlike the mammalian MPRs, LERP did not bind to the multimeric mannose 6-phosphate ligand phosphomannan. Thus ligand recognition by LERP does not depend on mannose 6-phosphate but may depend on a common feature present in mammalian lysosomal enzymes. Our data establish a potential important role for LERP in biogenesis of Drosophila lysosomes and suggest a GGA function also in the receptor-mediated lysosomal transport system in the fruit fly.

The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psylloidea), is native to Australia, where it feeds upon Eucalyptus species. It first appeared near Los Angeles, California, in 1998, and soon spread throughout the state. A biological control program directed against the psyllid was initiated and Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was imported from Australia and released in California. During quarantine screening, the taxonomic status of Psyllaephagus quadricyclus Riek was assessed by one of us (RLZ) and is proposed here as a new junior synonym for P. bliteus . The experiments discussed herein provide basic biological information on P. bliteus to supplement and improve the control program. We found that P. bliteus can oviposit into psyllid nymphs of any age but prefers third and fourth instars. Observations of host-handling behavior suggest that the large lerps of fifth instar psyllids increase host-handling time, thereby impeding oviposition and providing some protection from parasitism. Female P. bliteus were observed host-feeding on all psyllid nymphal development stages. Adults are relatively long-lived and, at constant temperatures of 17, 21, 23, 26, and 32 °C, longevity is a negative linear function of temperature. Females lived significantly longer than males. Adult females can live for several months, provided with hosts and held under glasshouse conditions (22 ± 3 °C), however, maximum egg deposition occurred within 22 days after adult emergence. Studies of larval development show that P. bliteus is a koinobiont and larval development is not initiated until the host reaches the late fourth or early fifth instar.

Aims. To evaluate the role of native predators (birds) within an Australian foodweb (lerp psyllids and eucalyptus trees) reassembled in California. Location. Eucalyptus groves within Santa Cruz, California. Methods. We compared bird diversity and abundance between a eucalyptus grove infested with lerp psyllids and a grove that was uninfested, using point counts. We documented shifts in the foraging behaviour of birds between the groves using structured behavioural observations. Additionally, we judged the effect of bird foraging on lerp psyllid abundance using exclosure experiments. Results. We found a greater richness and abundance of Californian birds within a psyllid infested eucalyptus grove compared to a matched non-infested grove, and that Californian birds modify their foraging behaviour within the infested grove in order to concentrate on ingesting psyllids. This suggests that Californian birds could provide indirect top-down benefits to eucalyptus trees similar to those observed in Australia. However, using bird exclosure experiments, we found no evidence of top-down control of lerp psyllids by Californian birds. Main conclusions. We suggest that physiological and foraging differences between Californian and Australian pysllid-eating birds account for the failure to observe top-down control of psyllid populations in California. The increasing rate of non-indigenous species invasions has produced local biotas that are almost entirely composed of non-indigenous species. This example illustrates the complex nature of cosmopolitan native-exotic food webs, and the ecological insights obtainable through their study. © 2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

The 'LeRP' algorithm approximates subgraph isomorphism for attributed graphs based on counts of length-r paths. The algorithm provides a good approximation to the maximal isomorphic subgraph. The basic approach of the LeRP algorithm differs fundamentally from other methods. When comparing structural similarity LeRP uses a neighborhood of nodes that varies in size dynamically. This approach provides sufficient evidence of similarity to permit LeRP to form a node-to-node mapping and can be computed with polynomial effort in the worst-case. Results from over 32,000 simulated cases are reported. We demonstrate that LeRP does not need a high dynamic range of node and edge coloring to perform well. For example, LeRP can input 50-node and 100-node graphs that contain a common 50-node subgraph, and then compute a matching subgraph having 49.74 ± 0.46 nodes (mean ± one standard deviation). This takes from 0.4 to 0.5 s. In this example, 100 trials were evaluated and graphs had discrete coloring for nodes and edges with a dynamic range of four, Test conditions are varied and include strongly regular graphs as well as Model A.

In 2006, a widespread fire in the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve, South Australia, consumed over one-third of the old growth mallee considered to be the prime habitat of the endangered Black-eared Miner Manorina melanotis. Since 2008, the species has been observed foraging and breeding in the fire-altered area. To verify whether food resources can explain the Black-eared Miners presence in habitat consisting of early seral stages, we examined if a link could be found between the foraging behaviour of the Black-eared Miner and its invertebrate food resources. Foraging behaviour of Black-eared Miners was sampled opportunistically using focal observations. All potential invertebrate food resources were sampled using micro-pitfalls, malaise traps, beating trays, sweep nets and active searches. Black-eared Miners devoted significantly more time to foraging in long unburned (hereafter referred to as unburned) rather than in recently burned habitat. No differences in invertebrate abundance, species richness or diversity were found between burned and unburned habitats. However, differences in community composition between habitats were found. Lerp, which is a sugary protective covering of particular insect larvae, is an important food source for the Black-eared Miners, and was found more in the unburned natural habitat. We found that Black-eared miners may be more adaptable than previously thought when it comes to utilization of burned habitat. Still, this study reaffirms the importance of unburned habitat for Black-eared Miners.

Eucalyptus trees have been important components of the California urban landscape for almost 150 years. Until 1984, they were free of both insect and disease pests. In the last 16 years, however, a series of herbivorous insect species have been introduced into the state, probably accidentally, causing significant damage to the trees. Research programs have provided solutions to some of these pest problems, but more pests are continually introduced, recently the red gum lerp psyllid, the lemon gum lerp psyllid, and the eucalyptus tortoise beetle. Scientists are developing new strategies to control the recent invaders in concert with existing pest management programs, integrating methods across broad geographic, horticultural and economic scales.

Nectarivorous birds are those that rely predominantly on the products of flowering trees and shrubs for food. Australian avian nectarivores include honeyeaters of the family Meliphagidae and lorikeets and swift parrots (Lathamus discolor) of the family Psittacidae. Nectar is a sugar-rich, liquid food source that provides abundant amounts of energy for birds that are able to harvest it. However, it contains very low levels of amino acids, vitamins, and trace minerals necessary for avian maintenance, growth, and reproduction. Therefore, birds classified as nectarivores need to forage for other food resources. Manna, honeydew, and lerp are common food sources for a variety of honeyeaters and nectarivorous parrots; these foods are high in carbohydrates and low in protein, similar to nectar. Pollen protoplasm is composed of highly digestible protein and contains a diverse amino acid profile; however, only 3 Australian species of psittacine birds have been recorded engaging in active pollen harvesting....

The eucalypt-feeding psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hom.: Psyllidae), an Australian insect, is reported for the first time in Europe. It was initially detected in Portugal and Spain, in September 2007, on Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. At present, G. brimblecombei has only been found associated with E. camaldulensis and E. tereticornis Smith, being apparently absent from E. globulus Labill., the main eucalypt species planted on the Iberian Peninsula. Generalist predators, such as ants, spiders and ladybeetles, were observed in trees attacked by G. brimblecombei, but no psyllid parasitoids were detected.

Conhecido como psilídeo-de-concha, Glycaspis brimblecombei é um inseto sugador de origem australiana e ataca várias espécies de eucalipto. Sua presença no Brasil foi registrada pela primeira vez no Estado de São Paulo em junho de 2003. Posteriormente, sua ocorrência foi registrada também para os Estados de Minas Gerais, Goiás, Paraná e Mato Grosso do Sul. As ninfas possuem coloração amarelada e encontram-se protegidas sob pequenas conchas enquanto os adultos, com coloração marrom-alaranjado a amarelo-esverdeado, medem cerca de três milímetros de comprimento. Dentre os principais danos que causam às plantas estão a queda prematura das folhas, redução da área fotossintética e superbrotamento. Em alguns casos, pode levar à morte da planta. No Estado de Santa Catarina, o G. brimblecombei foi encontrado atacando algumas plantas de Eucalyptus tereticornis localizadas no pátio de uma empresa no perímetro urbano da cidade de Chapecó. Known as Red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei is a sucker insect of Australian origin whose attacks several eucalyptus species. Its presence in Brazil was reported for the first time in the São Paulo State in June, 2003. Later, its occurrence was also registered in Minas Gerais, Goiás, Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul States. The nymphs possess yellowish color and they are protected under small shells while the adults have brown-orange to yellow-greenish color, and about three milimeters. Among the main damages that causes to the plants are the premature leaves fall and reduction of the photosynthetic area. In some cases it can occurs plant death. In Santa Catarina State it was found attacking some trees of Eucalyptus tereticornis in the courtyard of a company in the urban perimeter of the Chapecó town.

During a survey carried out in August 2013 along all coastal areas of north-eastern Tunisia (governorships of Bizerte, Ariana, Tunis, Ben Arous, Nabeul, Sousse), eucalyptus trees were found to be highly infested by the invasive pest Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964, also known as red gum lerp psyllid. This insect, native to the Australian region and secondarily dispersed also in the Americas, Mauritius, Madagascar and South Africa, very recently started to invade the Mediterranean region and in almost 5 years has spread to the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, Greece and Morocco. Its presence in Tunisia (which is recorded here for the first time) most probably dates back to summer 2012, since typical necrotic spots caused by the lerp of the psyllid had already been noted on leaves during spring 2013. No presence of its main parasitoid – Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek – nor of any other natural enemy, was noted up to now during our survey in Tunisia.

The invasive Australian pest Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, the red gum lerp psyllid, is recorded for the first time in Tuscany (Italy). Its occurrence in this new region, just 2 years after its first record in Italy, shows how rapidly its population has found suitable environmental conditions in Italian territories. Premier signalement du psylle de l'eucalyptus Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) en Toscane (Italie) Le psylle de l'eucalyptus Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, un organisme nuisible envahissant originaire d'Australie, est signale pour la premiere fois en Toscane (Italie). Sa presence dans cette nouvelle region, a peine deux ans apres son premier signalement en Italie, montre a quelle rapidite sa population a trouve des conditions environnementales adaptees dans les territoires italiens. Пepвaя peгиcтpaция лиcтoблoшки кpacнoй cлaдкoй cмoлы Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) в Tocкaнe (Итaлия) Лиcтoблoшкa кpacнoй cлaдкoй cмoлы, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, инвaзивный вpeдный opгaнизм из Aвcтpaлии, был впepвыe зapeгиcтpиpoвaн в Tocкaнe (Итaлия). Bcтpeчaeмocть в этoм нoвoм paйoнe, cпycтя вceгo лишь двa гoдa пocлe пepвoй peгиcтpaции в Итaлии, пoкaзывaeт, чтo eгo пoпyляция oчeнь быcтpo нaшлa пoдxoдящиe ycлoвия oкpyжaющeй cpeды нa тeppитopии Итaлии.

The use of silicon in forestry has increased recently as it is directly related to improved resistance to insect pests. The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei, occurs in all eucalypt producing regions in Brazil. Two field experiments were conducted to study the effect of silicon applied to Eucalyptus camaldulensis on the psyllid population. In the first experiment, the applications were made via soil (calcium silicate) and leaves (potassium silicate) in a nine months old E. camaldulensis plantation. In the second experiment, we evaluated silicon on seedlings, incorporating it into the substrate (soil) or applying it on leaves (foliar). Monthly, for 24 months, the number of psyllid eggs and immatures were counted on leaf samples. The plant height was measured at 9, 12, 16 and 24 months (experiment 1) and at 4, 8, 12 and 24 months (experiment 2) after application. The numbers of eggs and immatures were lower in periods of higher precipitation, indicating less psyllid attack during the rainy season. The psyllid population was lower in treatments with application of silicon both foliar and via soil compared to control. No significant differences were found in the height of E. camaldulensis plants. O uso do silício na área florestal tem aumentado recentemente, pois o elemento está relacionado a uma melhoria na resistência a insetos pragas. O psilídeo de concha, Glycaspis brimblecombei é encontrado em todas as regiões produtoras de eucalipto no Brasil. O efeito do silício aplicado em Eucalyptus camaldulensis, na população do psilídeo, foi estudado em dois ensaios. No primeiro experimento, as aplicações foram via solo (silicato de cálcio) e foliar (silicato de potássio) em uma plantação de nove meses. No segundo experimento, este mineral foi aplicado em mudas de eucalipto, no substrato ou sobre as folhas. Mensalmente, durante 24 meses, ovos e imaturos de G. brimblecombei foram amostrados nas folhas. A altura das plantas foi medida com 9, 12, 16 e 24 meses (experimento 1) e, aos 4, 8, 12 e 24 meses (experimento 2) após a aplicação dos tratamentos. O número de ovos e de imaturos foram menores nos períodos de maior precipitação, indicando menos ataque dos psilídeos durante a estação chuvosa. A população psilídeo foi menor nos tratamentos com aplicação de silício tanto foliar como via solo. Nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada na altura de plantas de E. camaldulensis.

The prevalence of bisphenol A (BPA) in the environment has attracted increasing attention because of the toxicity of this manmade pollutant. However, the toxicity related to cardiac development remains largely unknown. In the present paper, we investigated the cardiac toxicity of BPA using marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) embryos. At 2 days postfertilization (dpf), the embryos were continuously exposed to a low concentration of BPA (200 μg/L) for the whole embryonic stage. Heart rate and sinus venosus (SV)-bulbus arteriosus (BA) distance were measured under microscopy. The mRNA expression levels of genes were quantified by SYBR real-time RT-PCR, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the histology of fish larvae hearts. Neither the heart rate nor the SV-BA distance of the embryos was affected by BPA exposure. However, the mRNA expression levels of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, BMP4, COX-1, FGF8, GATA4, and NKX2.5 were all downregulated at the critical developmental stages (6 and 10 dpf). Interestingly, the mRNA expression levels of COX-2 and LERP were significantly upregulated at 10 dpf. The mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes (TNFα, IL1β, SOD, and CCL11) were all significantly upregulated after exposure. Moreover, we found that both the body length and the body width decreased in the larvae after embryonic exposure to BPA. The distributed foci of inflammation were observed in the juveniles after 2 weeks' depuration. Exposure to BPA at embryonic stages could alter the expression of heart development-related genes and inflammation-related genes of O. melastigma. The larvae hatched from exposed embryos showed the foci of inflammation in the heart ventricles and the decrease of the body length and width.

The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), was detected in Eucalyptus sp. foliage in Santiago, Chile, in 2002. The successful biological control results obtained in the US and México using Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) prompted its use in Chile. After its introduction during 2003, it became established in two years. To assess its effectiveness on G. brimblecombei, the level of parasitism by P. bliteus was determined in four sampling sites in Santiago, where random samples of 50 lerps (carbohydrates and protein shelters) were collected per site on trees infested with the psyllid every other week, during a 4 month period in the spring-summer of 2008-2009. Also, natural enemies were sampled with sticky traps on ten trees at two sites, which were evaluated every 15 days. Results were compared with a previous evaluation. The density of nymphs of the psyllid was ostensibly reduced by the action of P. bliteus throughout the season. The biological control program of G. brimblecombei with P. bliteus is developing well when comparing results with the previous evaluation in 2005 in Santiago, with a significant increase in the rate of parasitism. Generalist predators had also interacting with P. bliteus and G. brimblecombei. These results indicate a promising use of this parasitoid to strengthen the integrated management of the red gum lerp psyllid in the central zone of Chile., El psílido de los eucaliptos rojos, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), se detectó en follaje de Eucalyptus sp. en Santiago de Chile en 2002. Los resultados exitosos obtenidos en Estados Unidos y en México con el control biológico usando Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) motivaron su aplicación en Chile. Luego de su internación en agosto de 2003, se estableció durante los dos primeros años. Se determinó el nivel de parasitismo de P. bliteus en cuatro sitios de muestreo en Santiago para evaluar su efectividad sobre G. brimblecombei. Quincenalmente se extrajo muestras de follaje de árboles infestados donde se seleccionaron 50 lerps (refugios de carbohidratos y proteínas) al azar por sitio durante cuatro meses en la temporada primavera-verano 2008-2009. También se muestrearon enemigos naturales con trampas pegajosas instaladas en 10 árboles en dos sitios de muestreo, que se evaluaron cada 15 días. Los resultados se compararon con una evaluación previa. La densidad de población de ninfas del psílido se redujo ostensiblemente por la acción de P. bliteus en el transcurso de la temporada. El programa de control biológico de G. brimblecombei con P. bliteus se desarrolla positivamente en Santiago, con un incremento significativo en la tasa de parasitismo. Los depredadores generalistas tuvieron también interacciones con P. bliteus y G. brimblecombei. Los resultados indican un promisorio uso de este parasitoide para fortalecer el manejo integrado del psílido de los eucaliptos rojos en la zona central de Chile.

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (LERP) is considered the standard care treatment option for the management of localized and locally advanced prostatic cancer (PCa) in many institutes worldwide. In this work, the main advantages and disadvantages of LERP approach are reviewed with regard to its outcomes, the complication management, the learning curve, and the extend of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). It is concluded that LERP demonstrates comparable cancer control, urinary continence, and potency outcomes with the open and the robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, while offering advantages in complication management in comparison to the transperitoneal approach. Learning curve of LERP is considered long and stiff and significantly affects perioperative outcomes and morbidity, cancer control, and functional results. Thus, close mentoring especially in the beginning of the learning curve is advised. Finally, LERP still has a role in the limited or modified PLND offered in intermediate risk PCa patients.

A linear interpolation (Lerp) approach, utilizing a common stochastic trend, is explored to impute missing values in nonstationary panel data models. The Lerp algorithm is considerably faster and easier to use than the leading methods recommended in the statistics literature. It shows through a set of simulations that the Lerp works well, whereas other existing methods fail to perform properly, when the panel data contain a high degree of missingness and/or a strong correlation across cross-sectional units. As an illustration, the method is applied to study the cost-of-living-index dataset with missing values. The test on the imputed panel data provides the supporting evidence for the U.S. economy convergence that depends on the state physical spatial proximities and the state industrial development similarities.

SummaryThe hypothesis that Bell Miners Manorina melanophrys Meliphagidae when foraging on psyllids selectively consume the sugary cover of the insect (lerp) leaving the nymph behind (the ‘farming’ hypothesis) was tested, using data from the gizzard contents of 122 birds. The ‘farming’ hypothesis predicts that: (a) the gizzards of Bell Miners should contain relatively more lerps than psyllid nymphs; (b) they should have a larger lerps/nymphs ratio than gizzards of other, presumably ‘non-farming’, bird species; and (c) the highest values of lerps/nymphs should be found in adult male Bell Miners during the non-breeding season. None of the above predictions was supported. This preliminary work fails to produce strong evidence for the ‘farming’ hypothesis.

Summary Some of the most common and damaging insect pests of eucalypt trees in plantations and in native forests in Queensland are listed and discussed. Principal among these are stem boring longicorns (Tryphocaria), wood moths (Xyleutes, Uzucha), lerp insects (Cardiaspina), scarab leaf beetles (Anoplognathus, Epholcis) and subterranean termites (Coptotermes). Of the listed pests of native forests, phasmatids are the only major group yet to cause damage in plantations here.

Phyllolyma Scott and P. rufa (Froggatt) are redescribed and three new species are described. Two have unusual lerp-forming habits: P. marginicola sp.n. forms bivalve lerps in the margins of Eucalyptus leaves, and P. mituliformis sp.n. also forms bivalve lerps but on the leaf surface. In both of these species the base of the lerp is embedded in the leaf tissue. The lerp of the third new species P. maculata sp.n. is unknown.

The LERP is a tool for law enforcement agencies to acquire large quantities of law enforcement resources in the event of a domestic terrorist attack, major disaster, or other emergency.

The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), was detected in Eucalyptus sp. foliage in Santiago, Chile, in 2002. The successful biological control results obtained in the US and México using Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) prompted its use in Chile. After its introduction during 2003, it became established in two years. To assess its effectiveness on G. brimblecombei, the level of parasitism by P. bliteus was determined in four sampling sites in Santiago, where random samples of 50 lerps (carbohydrates and protein shelters) were collected per site on trees infested with the psyllid every other week, during a 4 month period in the spring-summer of 2008-2009. Also, natural enemies were sampled with sticky traps on ten trees at two sites, which were evaluated every 15 days. Results were compared with a previous evaluation. The density of nymphs of the psyllid was ostensibly reduced by the action of P. bliteus throughout the season. The biological control program of G. brimblecombei with P. bliteus is developing well when comparing results with the previous evaluation in 2005 in Santiago, with a significant increase in the rate of parasitism. Generalist predators had also interacting with P. bliteus and G. brimblecombei. These results indicate a promising use of this parasitoid to strengthen the integrated management of the red gum lerp psyllid in the central zone of Chile. El psílido de los eucaliptos rojos, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), se detectó en follaje de Eucalyptus sp. en Santiago de Chile en 2002. Los resultados exitosos obtenidos en Estados Unidos y en México con el control biológico usando Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) motivaron su aplicación en Chile. Luego de su internación en agosto de 2003, se estableció durante los dos primeros años. Se determinó el nivel de parasitismo de P. bliteus en cuatro sitios de muestreo en Santiago para evaluar su efectividad sobre G. brimblecombei. Quincenalmente se extrajo muestras de follaje de árboles infestados donde se seleccionaron 50 lerps (refugios de carbohidratos y proteínas) al azar por sitio durante cuatro meses en la temporada primavera-verano 2008-2009. También se muestrearon enemigos naturales con trampas pegajosas instaladas en 10 árboles en dos sitios de muestreo, que se evaluaron cada 15 días. Los resultados se compararon con una evaluación previa. La densidad de población de ninfas del psílido se redujo ostensiblemente por la acción de P. bliteus en el transcurso de la temporada. El programa de control biológico de G. brimblecombei con P. bliteus se desarrolla positivamente en Santiago, con un incremento significativo en la tasa de parasitismo. Los depredadores generalistas tuvieron también interacciones con P. bliteus y G. brimblecombei. Los resultados indican un promisorio uso de este parasitoide para fortalecer el manejo integrado del psílido de los eucaliptos rojos en la zona central de Chile.

Bell miner (Manorina melanophrys) colonies are closely associated with decreased avian abundance and diversity and an apparently associated increase in psyllid abundance. However, a causative link between the presence of bell miners and increased psyllid abundance has yet to be established. We took advantage of the movement of bell miners into two new areas to investigate the ecological consequences of bell miner occupation on both avian and psyllid abundance. We monitored the number of bell miners and other avian species, using area searches, and psyllid abundance by monthly counts of lerp on leaves. Bell miner presence alone had limited effect on either bird diversity or abundance. However, when miners were also giving their distinctive ‘tink’ vocalisation, a significant decrease in avian abundance and diversity was observed. This evidence supports the hypothesis that ‘tink’ vocalisations are used by interspecific competitors to detect bell miner colonies. At the time of initial occupation, new sites did not have significantly elevated levels of psyllids compared with surrounding areas unoccupied by bell miners. Six months later one of the two newly occupied sites had significantly more Cardiaspina spp. than either the long-established colony or an unoccupied control site. In contrast, infestations of Glycaspis spp. remained significantly lower at both new sites when compared with the long-established colony, but equivalent to unoccupied areas. Given this, we conclude that bell miner occupation does not necessarily lead to an increase in psyllid abundance, characteristic of tree dieback in some colonies, and that a causative link between bell miner presence and declining tree health remains to be demonstrated.

Lerps from three species of psyllids were presented to recently-caught wild birds. A total of 187 birds of 29 species was tested, each for a 20 min period. In most trials some lerps were eaten. Lerps of Glycaspis fuscovena were favoured by 21 of 22 bird species which ate lerps in the trials. Almost all lerps of Creiis ?corniculata were left uneaten. The percentage consumption of lerps of Lasiopsylla striatus was intermediate. This ordering is consistent with biomass and concentration of soluble sugars, though it is the reverse of the order for protein content. There was significant variation between bird species in the number of lerps eaten, with the best performers being thornbills, Weebill, pardalotes. Rufous Whistler, and White-eared, Brown-headed and Fuscous Honeyeaters. In most cases, associated with the detachment of the covering lerp, the psyllid nymph sheltering underneath was eaten also. This varied substantially between bird species and the nymph itself was probably an unimportant object of foraging. Most bird species ate a higher proportion of large (>2 mm long) than of small (< 2 mm) lerps; this was so especially for birds with relatively broad bills.

Cardiaspina tetrodontae sp.n., C. tetragonae sp.n., and C. bilobata sp.n. are described from Eucalyptus tetrodonta. E. tetragona ('subgenus’Eudesmia) and E. regnans (Monocalyptus) respectively. C. tetrodontae forms round, convex vitreous lerps; C. bilobata forms a corniculate lerp similar to that of Creiis periculusa (Olliff), but with the wider open end bilobed; the lerps of C. tetragonae are unknown. Cardiaspina Crawford has not been recorded previously from hosts in the ‘subgenera’Eudesmia and Monocalyptus of Eucalyptus. The generic status of Cardiaspina and Hyalinaspis Taylor is reappraised.

Chemical analyses and studies by scanning electron microscopy were made of the lerps of Lasiopsylla rotundipennis and of Cardiaspina albitextura . Unlike the open, lace-like structure of the lerp of C. albitextura , the lerp of L. rotundipennis is a solid shell with a surface structure of repeated parallel arcs. Lerps of both species consist mainly of starch, but also contain protein and lipid. In addition, the lerp of L. rotundipennis is associated with proteinaceous spiral filaments secreted by glands on the ventral abdomen.

The nymphal stages of the African mopane psyllid Arytaina mopane, which feeds on the phloem sap of Colphospermum mopane (Caesalpiniaceae, Leguminosae) produce scutcheon-like protective covering from their excretion products, called lerp. The lerp consists of a white solid structure, insoluble in water, polar and non-polar solvents, and is covered by a yellow-brownish layer, being composed predominantly of monosaccharides, fructose and glucose, and containing high potassium and low nitrogen concentrations. The compostion of the covering structure is compared with that of Australian psyllids.

Honeyeaters often defend rich sources of carbohydrates such as nectar and lerps (exudates of psyllids). Lerps are also a major food item of pardalotes, and consequently these birds are attacked frequently by honeyeaters, especially in winter and spring. Up to 5% of daylight time and 9% of energy expended may be wasted by pardalotes escaping from honeyeaters. This susceptibility to attack may have been influential in the development of hole-nesting by pardalotes and may have deterred other small foliage-gleaning birds from eating lerps.

Honeyeaters mainly collected manna, honeydew or lerp off the foliage and bark of eucalypts and not insects as has been previously reported. These carbohydrates were more abundant than insects and other invertebrates on the foliage or bark, offered energy rewards similar to those from nectar and were widespread, occurring in many habitats. Manna, honeydew and lerp have chemical compositions similar to nectar and were used as substitutes by many honeyeaters. Honeyeaters shifted feeding sites and showed seasonal movements with changes in the distribution and abundance of these resources and nectar. Manna, honeydew and lerp are important in the ecology of many honeyeaters.

In the field, hatching of Cardiaspina densitexta eggs takes place in the mornings over a relatively short period of time. In the laboratory at constant temperature, time of hatching is determined by the periodicity of light and darkness; the frequency of the hatching peak depends on the stimulus of ‘light on’, and its amplitude on the duration of the preceding dark period. The time taken to respond to the ‘light-on’ stimulus increases with decreasing temperature. Hatching is permanently inhibited below approximately 6°C. A possible explanation of the observed changes in the frequency and amplitude of hatching peaks is that there are two independent ‘clocks’ operating. One is set by the change from light to darkness, and results in eggs hatching 10 to 12 hr later (with a maximum of 14 hr if darkness persists). The other is set by the change from dark to light, and entrains the eggs to hatch 11·5 min to 7 hr later, depending on the temperature. The observed times of hatching in the field are shown to be correlated with the combination of light-dark periodicity and early morning temperatures experienced. This adaptation enhances the chance of the larvae to survive the first few hours of their lives while still seeking a place to settle, feed, and build a lerp.

The faeces of the larvae of many species of psyllids which feed on the phloem sap of the host plant solidify on contact with the air, and are built by the larvae into characteristic coverings known as lerps. Analysis of the lerps of Cardiaspina densitexta (and a number of other species) by spot testing with iodine, potentiometric iodine titration, precipitation with butanol, the production of spherocrystals of amylose, hydrolysis with sulphuric acid, and paper electrophoresis of the hydrolysis products of lerps, all point to starch—apparently identical to plant starch—being the major constituent of these structures. The relative proportions of amylose in the starch of the lerps of different species varies quite widely. The lerps of C. densitexta contain nothing other than amylose and amylopectin; nitrogen, phosphates, and even ash being absent. In some species other substances may be present in the lerp, and in still others liquid honey-dew containing various soluble sugars is produced as well. The possible selective advantage and evolutionary development of the construction of lerps is discussed.

The white lace lerp, Cardiaspina albitextura Taylor (Psylloidea: Spondyliaspididae), causes severe defoliation, branch dieback, and sometimes death of its food plants, Eucalyptus blakelyi Maiden and E. camaldulensis camaldulensis Dehnhardt in southeastern Australia.2,22 Its distribution covers the entire range of E. blakelyi in the montane and riverine zones of southern New South Wales, northeastern Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory around the city of Canberra. Infestations in river red gum (E. camaldulensis) forests are generally restricted to southern areas (south of the dotted line in Fig. 1), where the subspecies E. camaldulensis camaldulensis dominates. The northern subspecies, E. camaldulensis obtusa, is not attacked by C. albitextura but supports outbreaks of at least two undescribed species of the spondyliaspidid genus Creiis. These psyllids cause necrosis of the leaves similar to, but not as deeply colored as, those caused by the nymphs of C. albitextura and its close relatives.22

The aboriginal inhabitants of Australia and Tasmania obtained sweet substances from a variety of sources, chiefly honey, insect honeydew, nectar,1 the sugar ant Melophorus inflatus,2 and several kinds of “manna.” The latter include an insect excretion (lerp) and exudations from species of Andropogon (Dichanthium), Myoporum and, most important, Eucalyptus.3 Only the products of Andropogon sp. and Myoporum sp. contain mannite.

Two psyllids that feed on Eucalyptus were found for the first time in Florida in the spring of 2001 in tourist parks in the Orlando area: Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, the red gum lerp psyllid, and Blastopsylla occidentalis Taylor, the eucalyptus psyllid. Both species originate in Australia and already are well established in California, which is the most likely immediate source of the Florida populations. This document is EENY-306 (originally published as DPI Entomology Circular 407), one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published: October 2003. EENY-306/IN583: Eucalyptus Psyllid, Blastopsylla occidentalis Taylor and Red Gum Lerp Psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Insecta: Hemiptera: Psyllidae) (ufl.edu)