Diversity and detections of Phytophthora species from trade and non‐trade environments in Ireland

The genus Phytophthora is one of the genera of organisms that poses the most threat to plant health worldwide. Statutory monitoring for Phytophthora species focuses on the species regulated in the European Union and recommended for regulation by EPPO (Plant Health Directive 2000/29 EC and the EPPO A2 List). This research provides details of the Phytophthora species detected from trade and non‐trade environments in Ireland between 2013 and 2015. The results of statutory surveys for the regulated species Phytophthora ramorum, Phytophthora kernoviae and Phytophthora lateralis from 2003 to 2015 are also presented. Testing of more than 11 000 samples was carried out using morphological and/or DNA identification with specifically designed Phytophthora conserved primers. This led to the detection of 19 species and 3 informally designated taxa of Phytophthora, including 8 new records for Ireland. Eight species were found in both trade and non‐trade locations, and three informally designated taxa were also detected. Phytophthora ramorum was found on the most hosts (30 hosts), followed by Phytophthora syringae (6 hosts) and Phytophthora kernoviae (3 hosts). Rhododendron was the host on which Phytophthora species were most frequently detected (12 Phytophthora species). The role of the plant trade in spreading invasive Phytophthora species is discussed.     

Studies on the apple fruit moth,Argyresthia conjugella Zeller (Yponomeutidae: Lepidoptera): Identification,distribution and extent of damage in India

Abstract

A fruit‐damaging insect on apple in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh has been identified as the apple fruit moth/miner, Argyresthia conjugella Zeller, a common pest of apple in Asian, European and American countries. It seems to be native to India, where its primary host, the sorb tree, Sorbus aucuparis Linn. is present. Studies on the distribution and extent of damage during 1983 and 1984 revealed that the pest was distributed in the Kinnaur district at altitude between 2445 to 2900 m and in yearly isotherms of 0 to 10° C. The damage varied from zero to above 50%. Its spread to other apple growing areas of the state is unlikely due to unsuitable agroclimatic conditions.     

Adaptation of native syrphid flies to new exotic plant (Impatiens spp.)-aphidant associations in Central Europe (Dipt., Syrphidae; Hom., Aphididae; Hym., Formicidae)

Impatiens parviflora andI. glandulifera, two invasive touchme-not species of exotic origin were found to be associated with two aphid groups in Central Europe: a) Exotic species subsequently following their invasive plant hosts (Impatientinum asiaticum Nevsky), b) native species secondarily adapted to the new exotic hosts (Aphis fabae cirsiiacanthoidis Scop.). The species number (listed) of associated syrphid flies in the newly developed guilds was rather high, consisting of broadly oligophagous species. The plant phenology and adaptation of the aphids have resulted in associations which apparently represent seasonally significant sources of prey, their importance apparently increasing with the decreasing season. Antattendance was determined in both aphid species, and no adverse interference with the preying syrphid larvae was observed. In spite of an overall classification of the target plants as expansive weeds, they are classified positively as contributing to the enhancement of syrphid fly populations in the biocorridors in the cultivated landscape.     

Annual and herbaceous perennial native Australian plant species are symptomless hosts of Phytophthora cinnamomi in the Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah) forest of Western Australia

Resistant annual and herbaceous perennial plant species were identified as key hosts which allow Phytophthora cinnamomi to persist on severely impacted black gravel sites within the Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah) forest of southwest Western Australia. Of the annual and herbaceous perennial plant species present on black gravel sites, 15 out of 19 species were found to be hosts of P. cinnamomi, and 10 of these were symptomless hosts. In particular, the native annual Trachymene pilosa and the two native herbaceous perennials Stylidium diuroides and Chamaescilla corymbosa were commonly found to be hosts of the pathogen. Species from 12 new genera including three from new families (Crassulaceae, Droseraceae and Primulaceae) are reported for the first time to be hosts of P. cinnamomi. The species from which P. cinnamomi was recovered were the native species: Chamaescilla corymbosa, Crassula closiana, Drosera erythrorhiza, Hydrocotyle callicarpa, Levenhookia pusilla, Paracaleana nigrita, Podotheca angustifolia, Pterochaeta paniculata, Rytidosperma caespitosum, Siloxerus multiflorus, Stylidium diuroides and Trachymene pilosa, and the introduced annual weeds Hypochaeris glabra, Lysimachia arvensis and Pentameris airoides.     

Effect of dietary cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI) on the growth and development of the tomato moth Lacanobia oleracea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and on the success of the gregarious ectoparasitoid Eulophus pennicornis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI) was shown to have a deleterious effect on the growth and development of larvae of the tomato moth, Lacanobia oleracea, when incorporated in artificial diet (2.0 % of soluble protein) and expressed in transgenic potato leaf (up to 1.0 % of soluble protein). The effect of CpTI on parasitism of L oleracea by the ectoparasitoid Eulophus pennicornis was investigated. The parasitic success of the wasp was reduced by the presence of CpTI in the diet of the host and, in the case of transgenic potato leaves expressing the transgene protein, was collated with the length of time the host fed on the diet prior to parasitism. In all cases the proportion of hosts parasitised when fed CpTI‐containing diets was reduced when compared with controls, although these differences were only significant when hosts were fed from the third instar on the transgenic potato leaves. Parasitoid progeny that developed on L oleracea reared on CpTI‐containing diets, however, were not adversely affected. These results show that, whilst expression of CpTI in transgenic potato plants confers resistance to the lepidopterous pest L oleracea, adverse effects on the ability of the ectoparasitoid E pennicornis to parasitise this moth species successfully may also occur. These results are discussed in relation to the potential impact of transgenic crops on beneficial biological control agents. © Crown copyright 2001. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development of single-dispenser pheromone suppression of Epiphyas postvittana, Planotortrix octo and Ctenopseustis obliquana in New Zealand stone fruit orchards

BACKGROUND: Pheromones of two native leafrollers of economic importance to the New Zealand horticulture industry, Planotortrix octo [(Z)‐8‐tetradecenyl acetate and tetradecyl acetate] and Ctenopseustis obliquana [(Z)‐5‐tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)‐8‐tetradecenyl acetate], were reinvestigated and combined with pheromone of Epiphyas postvittana [light‐brown apple moth, (E)‐11‐tetradecenyl actetate and (E, E)‐9,11‐tetradecen‐1‐yl acetate] to develop a single dispenser for mating disruption of three pest species for integrated pest management. RESULTS: Additional compounds identified from pheromone gland extracts were characterised as repellents for P. octo. However, for C. obliquana from Central Otago, a change in ratio of (Z)‐5‐tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)‐8‐tetradecenyl acetate and the addition of three compounds found in the gland (dodecyl acetate, tetradecyl acetate and hexadecanal) led to a significant improvement in catch over previous lures. Males from Central Otago showed antennal electrophysiological responses to hexadecanal, unlike C. obliquana from Auckland, which did not. Three multiple‐species disruption blends were devised in a single dispenser to target E. postvittana, P. octo and C. obliquana. Disruption of traps was recorded in single‐tree replicates with all three blends, but the five‐component blend was overall most effective at disruption and was deployed area wide in commercial orchard plots. CONCLUSIONS: Deployment of single dispensers into commercial stone fruit orchards led to disruption of trapping for the three species and measurable reductions in insecticide use in cherries, peaches and nectarines without increased fruit damage (assessed in apricots). Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Host plants of Anoplophora glabripennis,a review

Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian longhorned beetle) attacks many different broadleaf tree species. Although there is no doubt that A. glabripennis can complete its life cycle on species belonging to various genera such as Acer, Populus, Salix and Ulmus, there is conflicting information about the host plant status of many other species. Plant species may have been listed because of maturation feeding or oviposition, without evidence that A. glabripennis can actually complete its life cycle on these species. In the present review, 34 plant taxa that have been listed as A. glabripennis‐hosts are placed in four different categories based on information available through literature search and by personal communication with experts. The categories are: (I) plant species on which A. glabripennis has been reported to complete its life cycle (from oviposition to emergence of new beetles) under field conditions, (II) plant species on which A. glabripennis has completed its life cycle in laboratory or semi‐field experiments (i.e. plants and beetles reared in cages), (III) plant species on which A. glabripennis has been reported to complete part of its life cycle, and (IV) others. The following genera were placed in category I: Acer, Aesculus, Betula, Cercidiphyllum, Fraxinus, Platanus, Populus, Salix and Ulmus. The species Albizia julibrissin, Corylus colurna, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Fagus sylvatica, Koelreuteria paniculata, Malus domestica, Pyrus bretschneideri and Sorbus aucuparia were also placed in category I, although records on exit holes were limited. These species may be rather poor or unattractive hosts on which A. glabripennis may only incidentally oviposit and/or complete its life cycle or the species may be rather uncommon in outbreak areas thus far and, therefore, not frequently attacked. Elaeagnus angustifolia has also been reported to be resistant. For some of the species listed the host plant status may need confirmation. The list of category I species may also become longer in the future because several of the plant species listed only recently appeared to be true hosts, i.e. supporting completion of the full life cycle of A. glabripennis.     

Plant Viruses Transmitted by Thrips

All thrips (order Thysanoptera) that are known to be vectors of plant viruses are identified and described. Thrips transmit plant viruses in the Tospovirus, Ilarvirus, Carmovirus, Sobemovirus and Machlomovirus genera. Tospoviruses are the cause of a number of significant emerging diseases, such as capsicum chlorosis and scape blight of onion. They infect thrips as well as plant hosts and the relationship between pathogen and vector is intimate. Once infected at the larval stage, adult thrips usually transmit tospovirsuses for life. Transmission to plant hosts occurs when thrips feed. Information on the distribution and hosts of all recognised thrips vectors is provided. Fourteen tospovirus species are described with information provided on other tospoviruses that have not yet been designated as species. The history of the research that has led to present knowledge is reviewed in chronological order for each tospovirus. The possible origin of tospoviruses is discussed. Information is presented on viruses, which are thrips-transmitted by mechanical processes, in other genera. Pathways of spread of thrips vectors in relation to the threat of tospoviruses to European agriculture are discussed.     

Biological control of exotic pests in Italy: recent experiences and perspectives1

In Italy, successful application of classical biological control began in the 20th century, when Berlese released the predator Rodolia cardinalis in 1901 and the parasitoid Encarsia berlesei in 1906. Later, the ‘inoculative’ method was applied many times, limiting the misuse of insecticides and therefore achieving very positive effects for both the agricultural economy and environmental protection. When the establishment of new natural enemies failed, some exotic pests continued to damage important crops, sometimes disrupting any possibility of applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In other cases, new associations between exotic pests and native natural enemies occurred spontaneously and the importation of new species was not necessary: when no broad-spectrum plant protection products are applied, some palaearctic parasitoids, such as Diglyphus isaea, naturally control the imported American leafminers Liriomyza trifolii and L. huidobrensis and some native predators (mainly Orius spp.) often control the exotic western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis. However, the introduction of natural enemies from the area of origin of the exotic pest is often the only alternative to chemical insecticides. Since its introduction in 1979, the American Flatid, Metcalfa pruinosa, has been spreading annually into new areas of the Mediterranean, causing severe damage to many crops because none of the indigenous natural enemies are sufficiently effective. Therefore, only the introduction of exotic natural enemies, such as the parasitoid Neodryinus typhlocybae, may reduce the outbreaks.     

Insecticidal activity of the pyrethrins and related compounds. Part XIV: Selectivity of pyrethroid insecticides between Ephestia kuhniella and its parasite Venturia canescens

Relative potencies for 20 pyrethroids against the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuhniella, and its hymenopterous parasite Venturia canescens, show a wide range of selectivity factors (2-140), indicating the possibility of identifying compounds with selectivity favouring the survival of beneficial parasites rather than pest hosts.     

Plant volatile compounds shorten reaction time and enhance attraction of the codling moth (Cydia pomonella) to codlemone

BACKGROUND: The codling moth is the most serious pest of deciduous tree fruit (apples, pears, crabapples, walnuts, quince) worldwide. The high frequency of insecticide treatments per season has resulted in breakdown of codling moth control owing to insecticide resistance. As an alternative, integrated pest management includes mating disruption to achieve population suppression in orchards. Under this scheme, the sex pheromone of the codling moth, (E, E)‐8,10‐dodecadien‐1‐ol (codlemone), is released from dispensers in crops to hinder mating by luring males. Increasing the attractiveness of codlemone formulations to codling moth males can be regarded as a key to increasing the efficacy of mating disruption. With this aim, the effects of adding plant volatiles on the behavioural responses of codling moth males to codlemone were tested. RESULTS: Adding R(+)‐limonene, linalool, (E)‐β‐farnesene or ethyl (E, Z)‐2,4‐decadienoate to codlemone significantly increases the proportion of males flying to the pheromone source in a wind tunnel. The response level is equivalent to that of males responding to females releasing codlemone. Using real‐time recordings, it is shown how these four plant products also shorten the response time of males to codlemone under the behavioural criteria time to activation, time till upwind flight is induced and time to pheromone source contact. CONCLUSION: Shortening the response time and increasing source location by males of dispensers releasing codlemone with R(+)‐limonene, linalool, (E)‐β‐farnesene or ethyl (E, Z)‐2,4‐decadienoate added would enhance mating disruption through better engagement of males with dispensers, to the detriment of females. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

First record of Xylotrechus chinensis (Coleoptera,Cerambycidae) in Greece and in the EPPO region

Xylotrechus chinensis belongs to the entomofauna of China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan. Prior to this paper it has been intercepted twice outside its native range, once in Philadelphia (USA) and once in Germany (Europe). In spring 2017, it was detected for the first time in Greece, in Heraklion city (Island of Crete) infesting the trunk of trees of Morus species planted near the harbour of the city. It can thus be hypothesized that X. chinensis was transported from its native range with commodities that are handled in the harbour. Eradication efforts are being taken in order to prevent its further spread, which could threaten several other tree species because X. chinensis attacks a wide range of hosts. This is the first record of this pest from the EPPO region.     

入侵害虫蔗扁蛾在中国的风险性分析

为确定入侵害虫蔗扁蛾是否应列入检疫性害虫进行控制,根据WTO的<卫生与植物卫生措施协定>(SPS)要求,对其进行风险性分析.依据国际植物检疫措施标准(ISPM)规定的有害生物风险性分析(PRA)程序,利用相关模型,对各项分析指标进行分析并赋值运算.各分析指标及运算值为:(1)国内分布情况,风险值为2;(2)潜在的危害性,风险值为1.6;(3)寄主植物的经济重要性,风险值为3;(4)传播扩散的可能性,风险值为1.89;(5)风险性管理难度,风险值为1.67.蔗扁蛾的综合风险性值为1.98,风险指数已达到检疫性害虫条件,应列入检疫性害虫名单,最后提出了相关风险性管理对策.     

Distribution and abundance of invasive Tamarix genotypes in South Africa

The exotic Tamarix chinensis and T. ramosissima, believed to have been introduced into South Africa in the early 1900s to control erosion on mine dumps, are invading riparian zones and have been proven to hybridise with T. usneoides, which is native to southern Africa. In this study, we document the abundance of invasive Tamarix genotypes in South Africa. Eleven riparian zones from the Northern, Eastern and Western Cape Provinces were surveyed. Three quadrats of 600 m² each were selected per site. Plant density, canopy cover and tree height were recorded to quantify invasiveness. Leaf samples were randomly collected from an average of eight individuals per site to record genotypes of the invaders. Tamarix density and canopy cover were significantly greater than those of co‐occurring trees and shrubs in Olifants River in De Rust (Western Cape Province). A linear correlation between percentage Tamarix spp. cover and other co‐occurring tree and shrub species showed a strong negative relationship (R² = 0.78). Genetic analysis showed that the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces have the highest proportion of the exotic Tamarix species and their hybrids. This suggests that these two provinces require urgent management intervention to contain the spread of the weed. The distinctions made between the native and the exotic Tamarix species and their hybrids should also facilitate the testing and future release of potential biological control agents.     

Quick assessment of the invasiveness of non‐native plant species by using eco‐physiological parameters in Tram Chim National Park,Vietnam

Using eco‐physiological parameters, a quick assessment of the invasiveness of non‐native plant species was conducted in Tram Chim National Park, a Ramsar site that is located in the Mekong River Delta region of Vietnam. An investigation of non‐native species and a vegetation analysis were carried out along 25 line transects and in 50 quadrats by using the Braun–Blanquet method. The researchers identified 84 non‐native plant species but only 31 species were naturalized in the wetland ecosystems. Twenty of those 31 species with a high importance value index were screened by using a parameter that was obtained from chlorophyll a fluorescence measurement, the performance index. Five species were identified as invasive and five others were predicted to be potentially invasive. The first group of five species were: M imosa pigra, P anicum repens, E ichhornia crassipes, S alvinia cucullata and L eersia hexandra, which already had been confirmed as important weeds in the national park by previous studies. From the second group, two species ( L udwigia hyssopifolia and S accharum spontaneum) already are becoming prominent species in some locations. The three remaining species ( M onochoria hastata, I sachne globosa and M arsilea quadrifolia) are likely to become invasive in the future.     

Exploiting the high‐resolution JRC‐MARS European climatic dataset for pest risk mapping

Climatic data with a high temporal and spatial resolution are invaluable when modelling the potential distribution of non‐native pests. The European Commission Joint Research Centre Monitoring Agricultural ResourceS (MARS) programme provides a unique source of European daily climatic data. Available from 1975 to 2015 and updated annually, the data are interpolated from over 5000 weather stations to 25‐km grid cells. All geographical Europe is included, plus Mediterranean areas of the Middle East and North Africa. The climatic parameters available include temperature (daily minima and maxima), solar radiation, rainfall and relative humidity. As well as the potential for use in simple pest models, selected parameters can be imported into more complex models, such as CLIMEX, for more detailed analyses. Case studies showing how the MARS data have been used by the UK in pest risk analyses are presented for three insect pests: Thaumetopoea pityocampa, Hyphantria cunea (both Lepidoptera) and Popillia japonica (Coleoptera). The case studies illustrate some methods of representing uncertainty where thresholds are lacking in the published literature, there are conflicting data and only air temperature data are available to model a soil‐dwelling organism.     

Susceptibility pattern and development of resistance in the diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella L,to Bacillus thuringiensis Berl var kurstaki in India

Base‐line susceptibility for six‐day‐old larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, against Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (Biobit^®) was studied by a cabbage leaf disc dip bioassay technique. Diamondback moth from 13 locations in seven different states spread over a distance of about 3000 km longitudinally was used for these studies. Forty‐eight‐hour LC₅₀ values varied from 1.0 to 10.97 mg AI litre⁻¹. Further investigations on the development of resistance under laboratory conditions showed an increase in LC₅₀ from 2.76 (for unselected F₁ generation) to 5.28 mg AI litre⁻¹ (for selected F₉ generation), using a selection concentration of 6.4 mg AI litre⁻¹. This suggested a possibility of the development of resistance under field conditions if there were to be extensive and indiscriminate use of B thuringiensis. These findings are discussed in relation to integrated pest management and the mechanisms of resistance in resistance management tactics. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Population dynamics and biological control of European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana: Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Albania using different strains of Bacillus thuringiensis

This work describes the results of an experiment conducted in a vineyard in Durres, Albania from 2004 to 2006, to study the efficacy of two strains of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, vars kurstaki and aizawai, against the moth Lobesia botrana Denis & Schiffermüleler (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a major pest of grapevines. The experimental results revealed that the two strains were significantly more effective than the control, with var. aizawai being more effective than var. kurstaki. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) provided better protection of the bunches from the second generation compared to the third one showing the short persistence of action of the active ingredient. The high degree of efficacy supported a role for Bt in grapevine moth management. Our study also provided insights into the population dynamics of the European grapevine moth under Albanian climatic conditions. Despite the necessity for the pheromone traps to indicate the start of the flight period, the experiments confirmed the lack of a correlation between the population dynamics and the level of damage by the pest. Pheromone trapping can offer very useful indications regarding the start of the flight period of each generation and its duration but not on the severity and incidence of the pest.     

IPM program development for an invasive pest: coordination, outreach and evaluation

BACKGROUND: Spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, was found along the west coast of the United States, beginning in 2008 and 2009, infesting a wide variety of small and stone fruit crops. This pest is a serious economic threat, as noted in its native range (Asia), because it lays eggs within ripening fruit before harvest, leading to crop loss. The aim of this paper is to describe the process in order to create collaboration, communication routes and evaluation methods in response to a new invasive pest. RESULTS: Funding was secured and a program (SWD*IPM) was quickly developed to address social, economic and biological components. Communication routes were outlined, and a stakeholder advisory panel was established to guide program objectives. A central website was created to host up‐to‐date information. An online monitoring and mapping program for D. suzukii in Oregon fruit‐growing regions illustrated the range, distribution and seasonal abundance of the pest. In addition, a program for backyard fruit growers was initiated to examine citizen scientists' roles in managing D. suzukii infestations in the urban setting. A monitoring kit, laminated educational cards, dry fly mounts and quick‐time videos were some of the tools used to educate growers. First‐year challenges for dealing with a new pest are discussed. CONCLUSION: The discovery and subsequent response to an exotic pest is information intensive and requires a well‐planned, coordinated Extension and evaluation effort. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Sex attractant for the banana moth,Opogona sacchari Bojer (Lepidoptera: Tineidae): provisional identification and field evaluation

BACKGROUND: The banana moth, Opogona sacchari Bojer, is a polyphagous agricultural pest in many tropical areas of the world. The identification of an attractant for male O. sacchari could offer new methods for detection, study and control. RESULTS: A compound extracted from female O. sacchari elicited responses from antennae of male moths. This compound was identified as a 2/3,(Z)13‐octadecadienal by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. An analog, 2/3,(Z)13‐octadecadienol, was also detected in some extracts at roughly a 1:20 ratio (alcohol:aldehyde) but did not elicit responses from antennae of male moths. Electroantennograms of synthetic candidate dienals found the strongest responses from (Z, Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal and (E, Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal. In field trials, (E, Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal attracted more male O. sacchari than (Z, Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal. Attraction was not improved for either of these compounds when the corresponding stereoisomeric alcohol was added at ratios of 1:1, 1:10 or 1:100 (alcohol:aldehyde). Jackson sticky traps containing 250 µg lures of (E, Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal caught as many males as did traps holding virgin females. CONCLUSION: (E, Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal has been identified as an attractant for O. sacchari males and can be used as a monitoring lure of populations of this moth. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry