Search

The vegetable leafminer (Liriomyza sativae [Burgess]) is a highly polyphagous pest that threatens vegetables and horticultural plants. Although sexual communication is a key component of the animal behavioral repertoire, the mechanism underlying sexual communication in L. sativae remains to be elucidated. Here, we used laser vibrometry to characterize the vibrational signals emitted by L. sativae during pair formation. By emitting trains of vibrational pulses (male calling) the male initiated communication on the host plant. The female then became immobile and responded to the male calling by emitting replies (female replies), which in turn triggered male replies consisting of a rapid series of chirps and trills. If the female replied, a continuous exchange of male and female replies ensued, representing a duet. In playback trials, a playback signal caused responses from the opposite sex. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy revealed vibration‐producing stridulatory organs in both male and female individuals. The files in males were more developed than those in females, and older male specimens had more signs of abrasion. The results provide new insight into the mating biology of L. sativae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is an economically important pest worldwide and has demonstrated a particularly difficult to manage. Controlling soil-pupating thrips is a promising strategy for controlling F. occidentalis. Beauveria bassiana granules and soil inhabiting predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus have been proposed as alternative control agents. This study evaluated the effect of the B. bassiana conidia on the survival, immature development, longevity, reproduction of S. scimitus by laboratory bioassays. The effect of B. bassianaused as granules on survival of S. scimitus was also assessed under potted condition. When B. bassiana was sprayed directly on each immature stage of S. scimitus at a concentration of 1×107 ml-1 conidia, their survival rates and developmental times were not affected. Direct spray of B. bassiana on female S. scimitus did not affect their reproduction and longevity. The potted test showed that B. bassiana used as granules has no impact on the density of S. scimitus. Our study suggested that using B. bassiana granules is compatible with release of S. scimitus in soil, and their combined use may be an alternative to traditional F. occidentalis management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an invasive polyphagous pest with an expanding global range that damages a wide variety of crops. F. occidentalis was first reported in China from Yunnan province during 2000, and has rapidly expanded its range since then. It is currently distributed across at least 10 provinces in China and has become a particularly devastating pest, causing substantial damage and economic losses. At present, the still heavy reliance on frequent use of insecticides for control of F. occidentalis, has lead to a series of ecological problems stemming from insecticide resistance, interspecific displacement and non-target effects. Thus, integrated pest management (IPM) programmes, multiple complementary tactics, including preventive tactics, biological controls, and judicious use of insecticides will likely provide a viable IPM strategy for control of F. occidentalis in the near future. This review provides an overview for information gained during the 10+ years since the invasion of F. occidentalis into China, reviews lessons that have been learned enhancing our overall understanding of the biology and ecology of F. occidentalis and discusses IPM practices relative to this widespread invasive insect pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]