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This study was carried out to determine the Eurygaster (Laporte, 1832) (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) species and their damage in the cereal cultivation areas of Iğdır province in 2015-2016. Sweeping net method was used for identification of Sunn pest species from 57 cereal cultivation fields in Aralık, Karakoyunlu, Merkez and Tuzluca districts between the periods from april to august. Overwintered adult Sunn pests and the nymphs were counted on 12 different points of each of the 24 wheat fields randomly using a 1/4 m² frame. The sucking rates (%) were identified through collection of average two kilograms of spikes from each field during the harvesting period of wheat. Sunn pest density at the wheat fields were identified as 4.69 and 2.97 nymph and OAS/m² and the average sucking rates for grain were identified as 1.3% and 1.1% respectively for the years 2015 and 2016. However, it was observed that the sucking rates of the Sunn pests collected from the fields during the dough period of wheat cultivated in mountain villages of Tuzluca district were 3.3 % and 7.7 % for both years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, which aims to predict the outbreaks of sunn pest; was carried out in two overwintering sites for six life cycles in 2013-2019. Three critical periods in each life cycle during the study; at the beginning of the estivation, hibernation and active life periods, the densities of the overwintering population, the fat ratios, weights, and the relationships between them were determined. It has been determined that the winter population of sunn pest varies in terms of both weight and fat depending on gender, life cycles and critical periods, and there is a positive relationship between body mass and fat ratios. Lipids ratio is an important indicator that we can use in estimates of sunn pest epidemic with appropriate climatic conditions and nutrient abundance. Especially in female individuals 27% and above, suitable for climatic conditions during active life; It has been demonstrated that in conditions where there is high temperature, low proportion humidity, wind speed and precipitation and proper nutrient abundance for 2 consecutive years, there is a significant increase in population size and pest can cause an epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out in order to determine the damage rate of Sunn pest (Eurygaster spp.) and Wheat sting bug (Aelia spp.)in bread wheat varieties which brought to Konya Commodity Exchange and grown in 33 neighborhoods of Karatay which is the central district of Konya province of Turkey, during 2014-2018. Samples were taken homogeneously with an automatic probe device in according with the ISO 24333 Sampling Standard. Analysis samples were taken from these samples in according with TS 2974Wheat Standard and were cleaned and sieved from foreign materials. The grains that have been damaged by Sunn pest (Eurygaster spp.) and Wheat sting bug (Aelia spp.)damage have been determined, selected and weighed, and the damage rate of the grains by mass was calculated. Protein and hectolire values were also determined by measuring the remaining sample on the device working with the Near Infrared Transmission (NIT) principle. As a result of the research; in harvest seasons between 2014 and 2018, the average of Sunnpests damage in bread wheat coming from all districts of Karatay District were 1.1%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 0.9% and 1.1%, respectively. It was observed that the aveage of Sunn pest (Eurygaster spp.) and Wheat sting bug (Aelia spp.)damage rate ranged between 0.8-1.5%, protein averages ranged between 12.7-14.1% and hectoliter weights between 76.8-79.4 kg in 2014-2018 harvest seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanical insecticides may be an alternative to minimize or replace the use of synthetic chemical insecticides against pests of agricultural importance. In this search, the ovicidal effects of four plant extracts Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis L, Hop Humulus lupulus L, Oregano Origanum vulgare L. and clove Syzygium aromaticum (L.) were tested against Eurygaster maura L. (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) under laboratory conditions. One to three-day-old eggs were dipped in plant extracts. The effects of three concentrations of plant extracts 2.5, 5 and 10% were studied. It was observed that as the concentration increased, the inhibition of egg hatchability increased. Lemon Balm extract didn't show significant ovicidal effect. On the other hand, Oregano and clove extracts moderately showed ovicidal effect. Hop extract revealed the best result in inhibiting egg hatchability (57.49%) at 10% concentration. It can be concluded that hop extract may be used as supportive in an integrated pest management programme aimed at controlling E.maura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in Diyala governorate/Iraq during wintering period of the sunn pest from Dece. 2016 to Feb. 2017. Three species of sunn pest was diagnostic. These species are Eurygaster integriceps (Puoton, 1881), E. testudinaria (Geoffory, 1785) and E .maura (len.1758).E .maura was new species recorded to Iraq funna .E. integriceps is The most abundance of the three species hibernated in the fields of the four region of Diyala governorate. The results showed that the three species of genus Eurygaster which diagnostic in Diyala governorate were overwintered as an adults under bushes ,dead leaves, weed ,date palm leaf base .The heights total number of adults(68,56,51 and 44adults/5m2) was found under cogon grass(Imperata cylindrican L.), Bermuda grass(Cyndo dactylon L.),Grape tree(Vitis vinifera L.)and Eucalyptus tree(Eucalyptus spp.) respectively. Higher densities were recorded in Muqdadiyah (200), Balad rooz (193), Kalas (113) and decreased to( 65) adults in Khanakin. Found that the higher percentage for species E. integriceps then followed E. testudinaria finally the species E. maura in all region in Diyala governorate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Eurygaster Laporte, 1833 includes ten species five of which inhabit the European part of Russia. The harmful species of the genus is E. integriceps. Eurygaster species identification based on the morphological traits is very difficult, while that of the species at the egg or larval stages is extremely difficult or impossible. Eurygaster integriceps, E. maura, and E. testudinaria differ only slightly between each other morphologically, E. maura and E. testudinaria being almost indiscernible. DNA barcoding based on COI sequences have shown that E. integriceps differs significantly from these closely related species, which enables its rapid and accurate identification. Based on COI nucleotide sequences, three species of Sunn pests, E. maura, E. testudinarius, E. dilaticollis, could not be differentiated from each other through DNA barcoding. The difference in the DNA sequences between the COI gene of E. integriceps and COI genes of E. maura and E. testudinarius was more than 4%. In the present study DNA barcoding of two Eurygaster species was performed for the first time on E. integriceps, the most dangerous pest in the genus, and E. dilaticollis that only inhabits natural ecosystems. The PCR-RFLP method was developed in this work for the rapid identification of E. integriceps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunn pest is the most important detrimental insect species for wheat in Turkey and neighbouring countries. Sunn pest reduce both wheat yield and quality. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of sunn pest sucking degree in wheat grain on two bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) quality. Experimental materials were formed by separating insect damaged wheat kernels into four categories as 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 according to their sucking degree. Main physical, chemical, biochemical, and technological characteristics of wheat groups were determined. Each wheat group had different quality characteristics and the increase in sucking degree (from 1/4 to 4/4) in sunn pest damaged wheat bulk caused to decrease on physical, biochemical, and technological characteristics. Golia variety was more sensitive than Sagittario in terms of sunn pest sucking degree. Protease and amylase activities, crude fibre and ash content of samples increased sharply; crude protein and starch content decreased partially; thousand kernels and hectolitre weight, largeness, falling number, and sedimentation values decreased accurately depending on increasing level of sucking degree in insect damaged wheat mass. Consequently; sucking degree in kernel had a strong effect on wheat quality characteristics and it is an important factor for evaluating insect damaged wheat mass properly. Therefore cereal industry should not only take damaged kernel ratio into consideration, but also sucking degree of insect damaged wheat mass must be considered. In classification of the sunn pest damaged grains, it should be, at least 1/4 and 2/4 sucked grains classified one group, 3/4 and 4/4 sucked grains classified another group. It would be also useful to give the proportion of these two groups in the insect damaged wheat mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural or man-made, green spaces has now taken on a new value and function, the importance of which is widely acclaimed within the parameters of sustainable development. The protection of natural balance and biodiversity are one of the most important functions of green spaces. The increasing importance of biological control against pests had also recently increased the importance of green spaces in terms of plant protection. Then, the improving of environmental conditions of local natural enemies located in the food chain is vital precaution in the biological control. Afforestation and arrangement of green space is the first and most important step to be taken in this regard. In Konya Province of Turkey, 1-1.25 million hectares of cereal are grown in every year, and therefore it called as "Cereal store of the country". Sunn pest (Eurygaster spp.) is the most important cereal pest in Turkey. Chemical control measures started in 1950's have been carried out increasingly. Trissolcus spp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) is the most effective biological control agent to decrease the population level of the Sunn pest. However these parasitoids are generally present in Turkey, except a few parts where polyculture farming is widespread; they are insufficient to solve the problem. Thus, to increase their population and be more effective they should be supported. It is a known fact that there are few studies on 'protection and creation of green spaces in nature regarding to natural enemy-host relations' which is thought to provide great contributions to biological control of the problem. However, in near future, in terms of frame of IPM, the importance of this subject will definitely further increase. The Turkish ministry of agriculture has started national sunn pests project in 2004 to develop and dissemination of biological control. In this study, the afforestation efforts aimed supporting IPM studies against sunn pests in Konya province are summarized. Additionally, some recommendations were developed about gren space planning and plant species which can be useful in that planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation effects of wheat bug protease(s) on glutenin proteins of durum wheat cultivars were investigated by electrophoresis and modified rapid visco analyser (RVA) test. Glutenin patterns of the bug damaged durum wheats changed substantially due to bug protease(s). Although high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) of three cultivars (Ege, Svevo, and Zenith) disappeared after 60 min of incubation, the HMW-GS of other two cultivars (Diyarbakir and Firat) were still visible even after the longest incubation period at medium damage level. It shows that there was an intercultivar variation in susceptibility to hydrolysis by bug proteolytic enzymes. Low molecular weight glutenin subunits of all cultivars decreased substantially after 30 min of incubation. The RVA curves indicated a clear reduction in viscosity in semolina samples with both medium and high damage levels as compared to their respective undamaged (control) samples. There were significant correlations (p < 0.001) between bug damage level and viscosities at 3 min (r = −0.765), at 4.5 min (r = −0.549) and at 10 min (r = −0.835), breakdown value (r = −0.534) and decay rate (r = 0.600). Consequently, hydrolysis rate of wheat bug protease(s) can be determined by modified RVA technique without much more chemicals, procedures and expensive equipments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the possibility of using ultrasonic waves for different time periods at different power levels to inactivate proteolytic enzymes in wheat kernels originated from bug-damage was investigated. For this aim, sound wheat as the control sample and wheat samples containing 3% (w/w) bug-damaged wheat were sonicated in water (1:2) for different time periods (0, 4, 8 and 12 min) at different power levels (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of 96 W) and with 10-second-on-5-second-off pulses. The samples with 3% bug damaged wheat showed significant difference compared to sound samples. There was a significant increase in modified sedimentation values, wet and dry gluten contents of the samples depending on increasing sonication time. Total free amino acid, and free proline contents of the samples also showed significant decrease depending on sonication time. But different power level of sonication does not have any significant effects on any result. Consequently, ultrasonic treatment has a statistically significant effect on decreasing the proteolytic activity of bug-damaged wheat while it does not affect the quality of the sound wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in wheat barley fields in Diyala governorate, Iraq during the growing season 2017 and 2018 to estimate the activity and the rate of parasitoids of eggs and adults of Eurygasterintegriceps in infested fields. Trissolcussemisteriatus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidea) were found an important egg parasitoid on egg of sunn pest in Iraq. The first parasitized eggs were observed after 10 days of laying mass eggs in fields with average 50% in two fields in Mugdadiayah and Baladroz regions. The rate of parasitism was reached high level in the end of March (80 and 62.4% respectively) and continuous to the end oviposition period in the first week of April. Phasia spp (Diptera: Tachinidae) was recorded as a new parasitoid on the adults of sunn pest in Iraq. The rate of parasitism were 20,13 and 40% in Mugdadiayah, and 17, 20 and 20 in Baladroz on 15, 25 March and fifth April respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European sunn pest, Eurygaster maura (L.) (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae), is an insect of great importance to wheat ( Triticum spp.; Poales: Poaceae), and other small grains in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Natural parasitism of this pest by a parasitic nematode, Hexamermis sp. (Nematoda: Mermithidae), was reported for the first time in Ankara, Turkey, in 2013. During the next year, adults of E. maura were collected from an overwintering area under plant leaf litter and brought to the laboratory and sexed. After killing, they were dissected to determine the presence or absence of mermithids. Natural parasitism rates caused by the parasitic nematode were calculated individually for females and males of the sunn pest. The parasitism rates in the overwintering area were 20.0% for females and 31.6% for males during 2014. These findings suggest that Hexamermis sp. has potential as a biological control agent of E. maura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunn pest Eurygaster integriceps Puton is the most destructive insect pest of wheat and barley in Iran. This pest is a univoltine insect that feeds and reproduces in the fields for only 2-3 months of the year and spends the rest of the year in resting sites. In Sunn pest management programs, the pest populations in the fields are estimated by monitoring populations in the resting sites. The objectives of this study were to find variables associated with Sunn pest resting sites, using statistical tools and a geographic information system; and predict resting sites using these variables. This study was conducted in East Azarbaijan province of Iran. Six hundred points were sampled during a three year study. The twelve topographic and environmental variables including elevation, relative elevation, slope, aspect, north-south aspect data, landshape, slope steepness, slope configuration, topographic position, soil moisture potential, sun index and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were examined. The models and variables were evaluated using corrected Akaike's information criterion (AIC). NDVI, relative elevation, elevation, topographic position, soil moisture potential, north-south aspect and aspect which had high AIC weight were used in the prediction model. The resting sites of Sunn pest in Marand County of East Azarbaijan province was predicted using the model obtained with the purpose of testing it. Comparing the predicted resting sites with the actual ones revealed that large parts of the predicted areas in south were in accordance with the actual resting sites in Marand. The generated prediction map for E. integriceps can have several applications. Targeted monitoring and management of overwintering populations of Sunn pest using this map will save time and money. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cDNA library generated from the fat body of field-collected, diapausing adults of the sunn pest, Eurygaster maura revealed the presence of a transcript that encodes a protein that shares the distinct physiochemical and structural features of an insect antifreeze protein. The transcript, which is most abundant in the midgut, accumulates in adults as they leave the fields in late summer and migrate to surrounding mountainous areas to overwinter. Transcript abundance again declines when adults return to the fields the following spring. This winter pattern of abundance suggests that this protein may be critical for winter survival in the cold regions where the bug enters its obligatory diapause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The sunn pest, Eurygaster spp., is one of the most destructive pests of grains in Asia, Europe and Africa. The nymphs and adults feed voraciously in the field by late-spring, followed by migration of adults into mountains for diapause, which includes estivation by late summer and hibernation during winter. Adults migrate back to the field by the end of diapause in mid-spring, where they mate and lay eggs. To understand how sunn pest survives and maintains basic metabolic functions without feeding for 7months during diapause, this study focused on lipid metabolism as the major source of energy production, and the primary organ of lipid metabolism, the fat body. Studies on lipid metabolism revealed two major factors referred to perilipin protein family, Lipid Storage Droplet Protein 1 (LSD1) and Lipid Storage Droplet Protein 2 (LSD2), which are involved in hydrolysis and accumulation of lipids, respectively. In this study, two LSD (EmLSD1-2) orthologues in the hemimetabolous Eurygaster maura were identified. EmLSD1 and EmLSD2 genes were expressed in multiple tissues, but primarily in fat body. Both genes were continuously expressed throughout the insect's life cycle but peaked in the 4th nymphal stage. Their expression patterns were in accordance with the biological roles of LSDs. EmLSD1 expression peaked in non-feeding stages supporting its lipolytic role, while the highest level of EmLSD2 expression was in feeding stages supporting its lipogenetic role. Expression patterns of both genes differed in females and males. Overall, expression patterns of EmLSDs provide clues to understanding the interesting life cycle of sunn pest. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of Isaria farinosa (Holm.) and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) on adult stages of sunn pests Eurygaster integriceps Puton and Eurygaster austriaca (Schrk.) were investigated at 27±1°C, 95% r.h. and 16L:8D in the laboratory. Two concentrations, 1×10 and 1×10 conidia ml, were used. Mortality of inoculated and non-inoculated adults was counted at 6, 9 and 12 days after treatment. Beauveria bassiana caused higher mortality of both species than I. farinosa. Neither caused significantly high mortality at 1×10 conidia ml. Both were more pathogenic at 1×10 conidia ml and caused more than 85% mortality 12 days post treatment. Both were more pathogenic to E. austriaca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suni-bug (Eurygaster spp.) attack to wheat preharvest and inject proteolytic enzymes which harm the baking properties of the flour. Dough made from suni-damaged wheat has sticky and runny due to excessive insect proteolytic activity and kneading is difficult. Insect proteolytic activity can inhibit according to damage degrees of wheat about 70 °C for 1-5 minutes by steam-tempering. This study was carried out in three different grouped commercial wheat blends including control (0 damage %), 4% (±1) damage and 9% (±3) according to suni-bug damage. All samples were milled experimental Chopin CD - 1 Mill at 20 °C temperature and 15.5% moisture. The damage samples were subjected to steam with about 70 °C by the periods 2, 3 and 6 minutes. The temperature of samples ranged from 62 °C to 66 °C during steam - tempering. The tempering process in this study was applied incontinually. In this study changes of some parameters such as total protein, in 70% alcohol (gliadin) and insoluble in 0.05 M acetic acid (residue or glütenin) protein fractions and, farinograph values in suni-bug damage wheat by steam tempering were investigated. The soluble protein (gliadin) content in 70% alcohol of the samples have decreased by steam-tempering. On the other hand, residue protein (mainly glütenin) content has increased. Farinograph stability and development time values of the samples have increased after application of steam-tempering. However farinograph mixing tolerance indexes values are decreased by steam-tempering. These results indicated that the dough rheological properties are improved, accompanied by changes of insoluble protein in acetic acid due to application steam-tempering in suni-damaged wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the results of a study that examined the density and distribution of the wheat bug population, belonging to the genera Eurygaster and Aelia, that infested the durum wheat in Sardinia, Italy from 2007 to 2008. The study identified four species of wheat bugs, Eurygaster austriaca, Aelia germari, Eurygaster maura and Aelia acuminata. It also noted the low average density of wheat bugs except in certain areas which was above the damage threshold.

The Sunn pest are a group of insects representing several genera of the shield bug (Scutelleridae) families, including the species Eurygaster integriceps Put. and Eurygaster maura L. (Hemiptera: Scutellaridae) being the most economically important pests in Middle Anatolia Souteast Anatolia and Thrace in Turkey. Chemical control has been the main method used against these pests. Chlorinated hydrocarbon, organophosphorus and pyrethroid insecticides have been used since 1955. The aim of this study was to determine the resistance levels of sunn pest, Eurygaster spp. collected from wheat fields in different regions of Turkey to alpha-cypermethrin and fenitrothion. Insecticide toxicity was measured using a topical bioassay method using new generation adults. Insects were treated on the pronotum with one microlitre aliquots of insecticide in acetone for treatments and acetone alone for the control. After treatment, insects were maintained at laboratory conditions and mortality was recorded after 48 hours. Results were analysed and LD50 values were determined by using probit analysis. The results of bioassays showed that there was no resistance in E. integriceps Put strains to alpha-cypermethrin and fenitrothion. The resistance ratio for alpha-cypermethrin were determined 1.7 and 1.9 fold in the Diyarbakır and Tekirdağ strains of E. integriceps Put, respectively. For fenitrothion, the resitance ratios were determined 2.3 and 1.4 fold in the Diyarbakır and Şanlıurfa strains, respectively. In Eurygaster maura (L) strains, resistance ratios varied from 3.3 to 7.6 for alpha cypermethrin and 1.05 to 1.9 for fenitrothion. The results obtained showed that there was no resistance in E. integriceps Put. strains to alpha-cypermethrin and fenitrothion. However, Yozgat, Kırıkkale and Konya strains of E.maura from Middle Anatolia had some resistance development to alpha cypermethrin but there was no evidence of resistance development to fenitrothion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wheat bug Eurygaster maura (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) is a potential pest of wheat and barley in Iran and other countries. Two major digestive enzymes of this insect, α--glucosidase and β--glucosidase, have been investigated. The midgut has four distinct regions including the first ventriculus (V1), second ventriculus (V2), third ventriculus (V3) and fourth ventriculus (V4). The study showed that the first three regions of the wheat bug midgut were acidic (pH 5.5-6), the fourth region of the midgut and hindgut pH were slightly acidic (pH 6.5-6.9) and the salivary gland (labial gland) pH was determined to be somewhat acidic (pH 5-5.5). Enzyme assay showed that α- and β-glucosidase activity is present in both midgut and salivary glands of adult E. maura. The specific activities of midgut α- and β-glucosidase were 11.2 and 10.8 mU/mg protein, respectively. The specific activities of these enzymes in salivary glands were 3.06 and 2.73 mU/mg protein, respectively. Optimum temperature and pH values for glucosidases were determined to be 30-35°C and 5, respectively. Glucosidases of the midgut were more stable than salivary glucosidases at 35°C. Evaluating enzymatic kinetic parameters showed that glucosidases of the midgut had more affinity as well as more velocity than that of salivary glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wholemeal samples were obtained from five durum wheat cultivars at two different bug ( Eurygaster spp.) damage levels (medium and high damage). The samples were incubated (60 and 120 min) and used in size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) analyses. The results showed that the amount of larger polymeric protein (TP1) and smaller polymeric protein (TP2) obtained from total (sodium dodecyl sulfate soluble) proteins decreased significantly in the bug-damaged samples, while the amount of total larger monomeric proteins (TP3) increased. The polymeric/monomeric protein ratio of all cultivars decreased at 60 min of incubation with increasing damage level. For all cultivars, the ratio of unextractable polymeric protein (UPP%) significantly decreased at 60 min of incubation except cv. Diyarbakir. The results suggested that bug protease caused depolymerization and/or disaggregation of polymeric proteins to lower their average molecular size. The changes in protein structure as determined using SE-HPLC supported by the decreases in gluten content and gluten index values which decreased with suni-bug damage. Deteriorative effects of bug damage on durum wheat quality were found to be quite similar to those on bread wheats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of investigations was carried out at ICARDA during April–June 2004 and May–June 2005 to investigate the use of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana to control Eurygaster integriceps and to determine aspects of the insect's biology that could be relevant to control with the fungus. Application in 2004 of an oil-based formulation of B. bassiana showed distribution of the spray decreasing from the top of the wheat to the bottom, although the proportion of tillers with coverage at the base was still 80%. Seventy percent of Sunn Pest had received direct hits, with the highest amount on the dorsal surface, followed by the ventral surface, then the legs and antennae. Mortality of field-treated, then laboratory-maintained insects, ranged from 47.6% for insects exposed only to the B. bassiana spray, 74.2% for unsprayed insects exposed to treated wheat and 86.4% for insects receiving direct spray and being exposed to treated wheat. Some field results demonstrated mortality. Mortality assessments following the 2005 treatments were conducted solely in the field, there was no apparent effect upon Sunn Pest numbers. The majority of studies on Sunn Pest biology were carried out on untreated insects outside the trial plots. Different assessment methods resulted in varying estimates of adults and juveniles in the field. The numbers of Sunn Pest found and the proportion of these at the top of the wheat crop, declined after early morning and increased again in the early evening, suggesting sheltering deeper in the crop or in the soil during the middle part of the day. Mobility and location of marked insects was followed in micro-plots and by mark and recapture studies, demonstrating a range of activities, from movement around the crop for a number of metres, including contact with numerous tillers to almost total immobility; Sunn Pest generally avoided movement on the soil. The potential for Sunn Pest control with a mycoinsecticide and how Sunn Pest behaviour is relevant to a mycoinsecticide application are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Various heteropteran host eggs stored under two low-temperatures were tested in the laboratory for their usability in the production of sunn pest egg parasitoid, Trissolcus semistriatus. Parasitism, adult emergence rate and development time were assesed on stored and fresh eggs of Eurygaster integriceps, Dolycoris baccarum, Graphosoma lineatum and Eurydema ornatum. Masses of fresh host eggs in microcentrifuge tubes were maintained at +6C and -20C. Every 30 days, 50 eggs of host species were exposed to parasitism by T. semistriatus. The host eggs stored at 6C remained viable to parasitism by T. semistriatus up to 2months, while those of stored at -20C were parasitized at high rates up to 4months, alhough succesful parasitism rates decrease with time. However, it was indicated that both fresh or stored E. ornatum eggs were not preferred to parasitism by the parasitoid. A longer development time from egg to adult was observed in stored eggs under two tested storage techniques when compared with fresh eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

110 isolates of Beauveria (104 B. bassiana, 5 Beauveria spp., 1 B. brongniartii) were obtained from Sunn Pests (Eurygaster and Aelia species), litter, and other insect samples at overwintering sites in seven countries in the Middle East and West Asia. DNA was extracted from these isolates, and four techniques were used to characterize and to investigate genetic diversity at the molecular level: ITS-RFLP, ITS sequencing, ISSR-PCR, and AFLP. The ITS-RFLP and ITS sequences did not detect significant genetic variation among the isolates. However, both ISSR-PCR and AFLP analyses gave indications of intraspecific groupings correlated with geographical origin and relative genetic diversity among some isolates, but no obvious association with Sunn Pest hosts. There was no obvious genotypic grouping of B. bassiana isolates from E. integriceps, perhaps suggesting the overwintering populations were infected by generalist native isolates rather than by host-specific ones that might be more suitable for biocontrol purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Workers occupationally exposed to grain dust have a high prevalence of asthma. The pathogenesis of their respiratory symptoms remains obscure when sensitization to cereal allergens has not been proved. Given the ubiquity of arthropods in stored vegetable products, we have studied the allergenic potential of two very prevalent grain pests, Eurygaster and Ephestia, as a cause of occupational asthma. We have also studied the allergenic relationship between Anisakis simplex (AS)and these pests. METHODS: We selected 15 asthmatic workers exposed to cereal dust, in whom sensitization to cereal allergens was not clear. As controls, we selected a patient who suffered from anaphylaxis after the ingestion of cereals, 6 patients sensitized to different arthropods, 1 patient who suffered from asthma after inhaling fish flour contaminated with AS, and a pool of 40 asthmatic patients with different ethiologies not due to arthropods or cereals. We performed prick tests with these pests, AS, and pure and parasitized flours, bronchial challenges, specific IgE determination, and RAST inhibition. RESULTS: All of the 15 cereal-exposed workers were sensitized to Eurygaster and Ephestia. Only 2 had detectable levels of serum IgE to these pests, but 13 presented a positive prick test result and IgE to AS without problems after eating fish. Bronchial challenges were positive to Eurygaster in 7 patients and to Ephestia in 2 patients. Twelve patients had positive prick tests to parasitized flour but not to pure flour. The patient with cereal anaplylaxis presented sensitization to both flours but not to AS. In the control group, the patient who suffered from asthma after the inhalation of AS-parasitized fish flour presented a positive prick test result and high levels of specific IgE to these pests. The RAST inhibition showed cross-reactivity between Eurygaster and AS in this patient, but the inhibition was not as evident with the sera of other workers. The same tests in the group of 40 asthmatic patients were negative. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical importance of pests as a cause of baker's asthma should not be underestimated. Sensitization to Eurygaster and Ephestia could be important in the asthma episodes suffered by our patients, and the parasitized wheat was found to have a higher allergenic potential than pure cereal flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phospholipid and triacylglycerol fatty acid compositions of whole animals from all life stages of Eurygaster integriceps, including eggs, nymphs, pre-diapausing adults and diapausing adults, were determined. The fatty acid composition of total lipids of their food, wheat, was also determined. The major components of the insects and their food were the expected C16 and C18 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Since fatty acid compositions of third-stadium nymphs were not similar to the profiles of their food, most likely, dietary fatty acids are modified by the insect. The fact is that the food does not provide C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids, but the insect tissue lipids include these components. We suggest biosynthesis of the C20 components by elongation/desaturation of C18:2n−6, an abundant component of the diets. We also show differences in fatty acid profiles from each of the life stages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]