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... Dietary information was reviewed for 22 bird species typically found in farmland areas across Europe using 100 references from the UK and other European countries for which quantitative data were presented. The number of studies and degree of taxonomic resolution available varied considerably between the species and, for some, dietary information was only available prior to agricultural intensific ...
... The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is a worldwide pest of brassicas, and its biology and ecology have been extensively studied over recent years. Despite the importance of mathematical models to the management of insect pests, no stochastic model has been developed to date for P. xylostella. In this context, the study aimed to develop a stochastic model capable of describing the stage emer ...
... Laboratory trials were carried out on wild individuals of Reptalus quinquecostatus (Cixiidae), a potential vector of stolbur phytoplasma to grapevine, to assess its ability to inoculate the phytoplasma in artificial feeding medium. Seventy-seven specimens of the cixiid were tested on a sucrose-TE (Tris-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) diet and 62 of them survived less than 24 h. Polymerase chain r ...
Cacoecimorpha pronubana; Epiphyas postvittana; adults; horticulture; integrated pest management; meteorological data; moths; pests; phenology; population dynamics; seasonal variation; sex pheromones; solar radiation; temperature
Abstract:
... Cacoecimorpha pronubana (Hübner, [1799]) and Epiphyas postvittana (Walker, 1863) are economically important polyphagous pest species. The larvae of these moths affect a wide range of horticultural crops. We evaluated the seasonal abundance and population dynamics of these two species, hypothesising that both species of moth exhibit similar patterns in their seasonal abundance and respond to abioti ...
... Understanding how natural assemblages of predators are affected by organic agriculture, and whether these changes can contribute to biological control, is important for the design of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and sustainable agriculture. The effect of organic management practices on the abundance of the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii and its major predators was evaluated in northwes ...
... Adult fungus gnats and moth flies were experimentally demonstrated to function as potential above-ground vectors for three soilborne plant pathogens: Verticillium dahliae, Fusarium acuminatum and Thielaviopsis basicola. The adult insects externally acquired the conidia of the pathogens after exposure to the cultures as confirmed by scanning electron microscope photography. The intestinal contents ...
... Adult shore flies were experimentally shown to be aerial vectors for three soilborne plant pathogens: Verticillium dahliae, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. basilici and Thielaviopsis basicola. Adult insects are attracted to sporulating cultures of the soilborne fungi investigated, as well as infected plant tissues. Shore flies acquired fungal propagules both by ingestion and surface contamination. The mi ...
... The efficacy and the instant effect of 13 insecticides and antifeedants towards Cacopsylla pruni, the vector of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’ were examined in cage studies (no choice experiments with 10 field‐collected overwintered adults per experiment) on potted apricot trees (budding trees under outdoor conditions in early spring and foliated seedlings kept at 21°C). Cypermethrin caused 100 ...
... Biological control of greenhouse pests has been successfully developed and applied. In greenhouse crops, several entomophagous species (predators and parasitoids) are used simultaneously in the crop cycle. One important aspect of these crops, which represent modified ecosystems, is the interactions among complexes of species, including plants, phytophagous insects, and predators. The chemical rela ...
African cassava mosaic virus; Aleyrodidae; adults; case studies; cassava; farmers; landraces; leaves; pandemic; planting; stems; surveys; Kenya
Abstract:
... As a case study to document the current characteristics of cassava mosaic virus disease (CMD) in postepidemic areas, surveys were carried out, in 2003 and 2004, in Siaya District of western Kenya. This was an area affected by a severe CMD pandemic in the late 1990s. Data recorded on cassava varieties were CMD incidence, severity index and number of adult whiteflies. Farmers (174) were interviewed ...
... Six cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) varieties with different levels of resistance to Mamestra brassicae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were investigated in order to assess whether antibiosis and antixenosis mechanisms are involved in the resistance to this pest or not. Four experiments were conducted to determine the effect of variety and plant ontogeny on larval behaviour, adult oviposition a ...
... One possible control strategy against the olive fly, Bactrocera oleae, the most serious olive crop pest, is the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) application. However, a number of problems associated with this method remain that decrease the effectiveness of SIT, including the quality of reared insects. Taking the importance of the relationship between the olive fly and bacteria into consideration, t ...
... Europe is attempting to contain or, in some regions, to eradicate the invading and maize destroying western corn rootworm (WCR). Eradication and containment measures include crop rotation and insecticide treatments within different types of buffer zones surrounding new introduction points. However, quantitative estimates of the relationship between the probability of adult dispersal and distance f ...
... The effects of two aphidophagous predators, the larvae of Chrysoperla carnea and the adults of Adalia bipunctata, on the spread of Cucurbit aphid‐borne yellows virus (CABYV) transmitted by the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii were studied under semi‐field conditions. Aphids and natural enemies were released inside insect‐proof cages with a CABYV‐infected cucumber plant placed in the centre of the cage ...
... The nut weevil Curculio nucum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is responsible for high yield losses in several hazelnut-growing areas of Europe and Turkey, if not regularly controlled using pesticides. The resistance of hazelnut varieties to the nut weevil is known but poorly investigated so far. Thus a 2-year study was carried out to investigate factors affecting C. nucum attacks on two cultivars [Ton ...
Busseola fusca; Sesamia calamistis; adults; agroecological zones; altitude; artificial diets; boring insects; computer software; fecundity; larvae; larval development; life history; life tables; longevity; models; mortality; photoperiod; rearing; savannas; temperature
Abstract:
... The influence of temperature on the development, mortality, fecundity and life table parameters of two important noctuid African cereal pests, Busseola fusca and Sesamia calamistis was investigated under laboratory conditions. Experiments were carried out with larvae reared on artificial diet under eight constant temperatures (12°C, 15°C, 18°C, 20°C, 25°C, 28°C, 30°C and 35°C) and a 12L:12D photop ...
... We carried out a quantitative detection of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the bacterium associated with the disease of huanglongbing, in the vector psyllid Diaphorina citri by using a TaqMan real-time PCR assay. The concentration of the bacterium was monitored at 5-day intervals for a period of 20 days after psyllids were exposed as fifth instar nymphs or adults to a Ca. L. asiaticus-infected ...
... We investigated multiple inflorescence disease of Cirsium arvense (CMI) and its association with phytoplasmas of the 16SrIII‐B subgroup, potential natural vector(s) and reservoir plant(s). From five locations in northern Serbia, 27 plants of C. arvense, 1 C. vulgare and 3 Carduus acanthoides with symptoms of multiple inflorescences (MIs) were collected and tested for 16SrIII group phytoplasmas. Al ...
... We have investigated several factors affecting the augmentation of the aphidophagous syrphid Episyrphus balteatus in Mediterranean sweet pepper greenhouses. First, the effectiveness of releases has been assessed by recording the larva and pupa number. The abundance of E. balteatus varied between greenhouses, which was not observed to be a release effect. Second, two experiments were performed to a ...
... Plants possess anti‐herbivore defences that could be exploited for crop protection. The potential for deploying physical defence traits for more sustainable pest management (i.e. reduced pesticide application) has not been fully realised. Using a perennial crop (red raspberry, Rubus idaeus), we take the novel approach of quantifying within‐ and between‐genotype variation in a resistance trait, lea ...
... 1 Two types of apparatus for exposing insects to known concentrations of toxic gases, under controlled conditions, were constructed and are described. 2 The relative resistance of different stages of the flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Duv., to hydrogen cyanide was determined, the results being treated by Bliss's method. The order of resistance was pupa (most resistant), adult, larva, egg. The di ...
... We studied the corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS), Spiroplasma kunkelii (Mycoplasmatales: Spiroplasmataceae) and its vector the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) under field conditions in Mexico. We surveyed for the presence of CSS in D. maidis by using PCR on samples of adults collected during the 2000-01 and 2003-04 winter (dry) seasons from irrigated low-elevation sites and un ...
... In recent years, Mycosphaerella leaf disease (MLD) has become very common in Eucalyptus globulus plantations in Galicia, northwest Spain. The aetiology of MLD is complex and is associated with several species of Mycosphaerella and Teratosphaeria. A survey of the fungal mycobiota associated with juvenile and adult leaves and with leaf litter of the same trees in MLD-affected plantations was made. T ...
... Firewood and charcoal are used on a daily basis both in rural areas and in cities. This type of energy is produced by one of the most ancient traditional methods, known as coppice, which harvest tree sprouts. There is controversy about its effects on forests: it preserves populations and tree cover of species used, but reduces density, inhibits sexual reproduction and generates genetic erosion. We ...
... This study aimed to address the effect of temperature on the consumption and development rates of Aphidecta obliterata and to compare the responses of Ap. obliterata (specialist) with that of Adalia bipunctata (generalist) to prey limitation. Temperature had a significant and positive effect on the time to egg hatch of Ap. obliterata. The duration of the larval instars was not affected by prey spe ...
... Dictyothrips betae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is the predominant thrips species on Polygonum convolvulus and Polygonum dumetorum plants infected with a recently described tospovirus species, Polygonum ring spot virus (PolRSV). Laboratory transmission experiments (leaf disk assays) with adults collected directly in the field demonstrated the competence of this thrips to transmit PolRSV, although onl ...
... Novel lighting technology offers the possibility of improved arthropod integrated pest management (IPM) in artificially lighted crops. This review compiles the current knowledge on how greenhouse pest and beneficial arthropods are directly affected by light, with the focus on whiteflies. The effect of ultraviolet depletion on orientation and colour-coded phototaxis are to some extent studied and u ...
... We investigated the compatibility of host plant resistance to the black bean aphid in the faba bean crop with the use of the predatory ladybird beetle for biological control under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Greenhouse experiments indicated that apteriform Aphis fabae reproduced on Vicia faba major (susceptible) and on 79S4 (partially resistant) cultivars at different rates. During the e ...
... Cold storage of natural enemies usually involves placing insects under constant subambient temperatures. Even at non-freezing temperatures, a reduction in survival is the norm. Using fluctuating thermal regimes (FTR) instead of constant low temperature (CLT) has shown that mortality due to accumulation of chilling injuries was significantly reduced in Aphidius colemani. Whether this phenomenon can ...
... Transmissions of plant viruses between individuals of their vector insects through mating are rare events. Recently, three begomoviruses were found to be transmitted between males and females of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci through mating, and two viruses were shown to be transmitted transovarially to progeny. However, results between reports were not consistent. Here we examined the horizontal and ...
... We determined the dermal exposure of plant protection products containing prothioconazole (PTZ) after spraying a standard crop using a tractor‐operated boom sprayer. Dermal exposure of adult and child bystanders to PTZ and its metabolite, PTZ‐desthio was quantified in bystander drift studies. Exposure was greater on mannequins placed 2 m from the zero line, compared with 5 m or 8 m. When the overa ...
... The leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus is able to transmit 16SrV phytoplasmas agents of grapevine's flavescence dorée (FD) within 30–45 days, following an acquisition access period (AAP) of a few days feeding on infected plants as a nymph, a latency period (LP) of 3–5 weeks becoming meanwhile an adult, and an inoculation access period (IAP) of a few days on healthy plants. However, several aspects of ...
... Opiine braconids are parasitoids of the immature stages of frugivorous tephritids. The female wasp lays her eggs into the eggs or larvae of the fruit fly host, where the immature wasp develops before emerging as a next‐generation adult from the now dead host pupal case. In support of a new generation of Australian fruit fly parasitoid research, this paper comprehensively reviews what is known abou ...
... Studies on phenology and growing degree days (GDD) of four oil palm crosses, that is, Palode, Deli × Nigeria, United Plantations and Deli × Ghana were conducted in India under tropical conditions. Observations were recorded in adult oil palms over a period of 1.5 years from visual opening of spear leaf to development of female flower till harvest. Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chem ...
... Breeding for resistance to forest pests and pathogens is emerging as a promising tool for minimising the impact of the increasing biotic threats that our forests are experiencing as a consequence of global change. Efficient phenotyping protocols of resistance are urgently needed. Here we present the results of two experiments aimed to determine whether the variation in resistance to the pine weevi ...
... The contact toxicities of methanol extracts from the nine plant species Hedera helix, Artemisia vulgaris, Xanthium strumarium, Humulus lupulus, Sambucus nigra, Chenopodium album, Salvia officinalis, Lolium temulentum and Verbascum songaricum were tested on the developmental stages of Colorado potato beetle (CPB) (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). About 2 mL of plant extract, 40% (w/w), was applied to th ...
... In this study we analysed the ability of individual thrips to transmit Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in a population of Frankliniella occidentalis over their lifespan as adults (about 10 days). In three experiments a total of 636 thrips were individually tested for their transmission capacity through leaf disc assays using four inoculation access periods (IAPs). Almost half of the transmitting ...
... As honeybees are the main pollinator subject to an intense research regarding effects of pesticides, other ecologically important native bee pollinators have received little attention in ecotoxicology and risk assessment of pesticides in general, and insecticides in particular, some of which are perceived as reduced‐risk compounds. Here, the impact of three reduced‐risk insecticides – azadirachtin ...
Chrysoperla externa; Dolichopodidae; Harmonia axyridis; Planococcus citri; Syrphidae; adults; biological control; climatic factors; eggs; fungi; instars; life tables; mortality; natural enemies; nymphs; parasitoids; plantations; population dynamics; population size; predators; rain; solar radiation
Abstract:
... In the present study, we determined the critical stages and the key factors of mortality for Planococcus citri (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Brazilian coffee plantations using a life table to understand the role of natural biological control on its population. Predators, parasitoids, rainfall, sunlight, physiological disturbances and fungal diseases were collectively responsible for 98.79% in the ...
... As a consequence of selection for productive traits, the genetic diversity of Solanum tuberosum cultivars has been drastically reduced. With the goal to develop aphid-resistant potato cultivars, our objective was to quantify the resistance of 14 accessions belonging to five wild potato species (Solanum chomatophilum, Solanum stoloniferum stoloniferum, Solanum bukasovii, Solanum marinasense and Sol ...
... Insects associated with maritime pine, Pinus pinaster, in Portugal were collected and screened for the presence of Bursaphelenchus species. Nematodes were identified using Internal Transcribed Spacers-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (ITS-RFLP) analysis of dauer juveniles and morphological identification of adults that developed from dauer juveniles on fungal cultures or on cultures in pin ...
Pratylenchus thornei; Vertisols; adults; air drying; environmental factors; juveniles; models; pathogens; population density; population dynamics; root lesion nematodes; roots; trays; water content; wheat; Australia
Abstract:
... The root‐lesion nematode (Pratylenchus thornei) is a major pathogen of wheat in the subtropical grain region of eastern Australia. Experiments were conducted to learn whether soil desiccation can account for the rapid fall in peak P. thornei population densities noted in the field after wheat matures. The decline in population densities of P. thornei after growth of wheat was measured on progressi ...
Fritillaria; Lilioceris lilii; Lilium; adults; analysis of variance; eggs; field experimentation; gardens; growing season; host range; hybrids; larvae; pests; plant damage; North America; Northern European region
Abstract:
... The lily beetle (Lilioceris lilii, Chrysomelidae) feeds on Lilium, Fritillaria and Cardiocrinum plants and is a serious pest in gardens and amenity plantings in parts of Northern Europe and North America. Previous studies have indicated that within the beetle's host range there is variation in susceptibility, although thorough field investigation is lacking. Therefore a 3-year field trial was carr ...
... The lifeâhistory of leafâcurling plum aphid, Brachycaudus helichrysi was studied in Northern Ireland from 1977â1980. It was shown that the life cycle differed in several respects from those of geographically distinct populations, reported by other authors, especially with regard to the timing of egg hatch. Body length and antennal segment measurements of the adult stages on Prunus spinosa an ...
... Transmission trials were carried out using Reptalus quinquecostatus (Cixiidae), a potential vector of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ (‘Ca. P. solani’), to assess its ability to inoculate the phytoplasma to periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), grapevine (Vitis vinifera), lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Detection, genotyping and comparison of ‘Ca. P. solani’ strains ...
... We report a case study on the vector activity of a Hyalesthes obsoletus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) population living on nettle plants (Urtica dioica) and transmitting a stolbur phytoplasma (Sp) to grapevines (Vitis vinifera). The research was conducted in a site that included a vineyard bordered with a large fallow area where nettles were the predominant plant species together with spar se old grapevin ...
... The virulence of eight isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae and four isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) to adult Cylas puncticollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was tested in the laboratory. Insects were sprayed with a standard concentration of 1.0 x 10⁷ conidia mL⁻¹ using Burgerjon's spray tower. All the isolates tested were pathogenic to C. puncticollis. Mortality varied betwe ...
... Herbivore damage and mechanical injury to leaves can stimulate the emission of volatile compounds. It is well known that emission of these volatile organic compounds (VOC) from plants can influence interactions with pests and their natural enemies. In our experiment, we studied the VOC responses of Triticum aestivum cv. ‘Bombona', Avena sativa cv. ‘Deresz' and Hordeum vulgare cv. ‘Rastik' under me ...
... Finschhafen disorder (FD) affects coconut and oil palms in Papua New Guinea (PNG). It is characterised by yellow-bronzing of fronds which begins at the tips and progresses towards the petiole. Although the planthopper Zophiuma lobulata (Hemiptera: Lophopidae) has been posited as a cause of FD, the basis of the relationship has not been established. Studies conducted previously on FD predate the av ...