Towards area‐wide control of Bactrocera invadens: prospects of the sterile insect technique and molecular entomology

It is 10 years since the first detection of the invader fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens, in sub‐Saharan Africa. The pest continues to hamper fruit production and create barriers to trade. Strategies currently employed to control B. invadens are insufficient, and more effective area‐wide strategies are needed. The sterile insect technique and molecular entomology approaches have high potential and could help to bring about effective area‐wide control of the pest if adopted and used as components of area‐wide integrated pest management. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

非洲橘硬蓟马的检疫特征与风险分析

本文通过对非洲橘硬蓟马的形态特征进行介绍,运用有害生物风险分析的方法,从国内分布状况、潜在危害性、寄主植物经济重要性、传播扩散的可能性以及风险管理难度等方面,综合评价了非洲橘硬蓟马的危险性,提出相关的风险性管理对策。以期为非洲橘硬蓟马的检疫鉴定以及制定相关的监测及检疫决策提供科学依据。     

An EPPO study on wood commodities other than round wood,sawn wood and manufactured items

This paper summarizes the approach of a recent EPPO study and some of its key outputs. The study was commissioned to aid pest risk analysis and the development of risk management measures for movements of woodchips and other similar commodities. These wood commodities represent a significant pathway for the introduction of pests of trees into new areas, and the pathway is becoming more important as trade in such commodities increases. An indication of the relative risk of different commodities for different types of pest was proposed as a conclusion of the study. More information is now needed on the quantities and nature of the material being moved into and within the EPPO region, and the treatments to which it has been subjected. This may not be clear from commercial documentation and trade data so national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) are encouraged to gather and share such information from inspections of consignments.     

Experimental studies on Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in protected tomato crops in France: biological control and integrated crop protection

Tuta absoluta is a pest from South America which has been detected in many European and Mediterranean countries since 2006. It was identified in Corsica and the South of France in late 2008, and by 2010 this Lepidopteran species had spread to further tomato‐production areas. The pest is present mainly on tomatoes in protected and field crops, and damage on leaves and fruit can be so severe that it can lead to total destruction of the plant. Since 2010, studies have been carried out in experimental insect‐proof glasshouses with artificial infestations of the pest. The objective was to gain better knowledge of this emergent pest and to develop adapted control strategies under the conditions of the South‐East of France. Integrated pest management is widely used on tomato crops in France, and the predator Macrolophus pygmaeus and the parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae were studied, alone and in combination. The possible effect of the concurrent prey Trialeurodes vaporariorum on the impact of the predator on T. absoluta was also studied. The best results were obtained when the two beneficials were released in combination, even in the presence of whiteflies T. vaporariorum.     

Pest risk analysis for Solanum elaeagnifolium and international management measures proposed

Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav., originating from the Americas, has been unintentionally introduced in all the other continents as a contaminant of commodities, and is considered one of the most invasive plants worldwide. In the Euro‐Mediterranean area, it is a huge threat in North African countries. It is also present in European Mediterranean countries (France, Greece, Italy and Spain), but still has a limited distribution. Through a logical sequence of questions, pest risk analysis (PRA) assessed the probability of S. elaeagnifolium entering, establishing, spreading and having negative impacts in European and Mediterranean countries. As this assessment revealed that the entry of the pest would result in an unacceptable risk, pest risk management options were selected to prevent the introduction of the plant. Preventive measures on plants or plant products traded internationally may directly or indirectly affect international trade. According to international treaties, PRA is a technical justification of such international preventive measures.     

The International Plant Sentinel Network: a tool for Regional and National Plant Protection Organizations

Botanic gardens and arboreta are valuable but currently under‐utilized resources in plant health research. Within their vast collections of living plants, gardens play host to expatriate plant species from across the world. These plants offer unique opportunities to study damaging pest and pathogen threats before their introduction into a region where they would be considered invasive aliens. Through these studies, scientists can determine vital information related to these organisms, which can in turn be used to strengthen understanding, contribute to pest risk analysis activities and put in place appropriate quarantine measures or other management programmes. The International Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN) has been working for the last 3 years to provide the support and resources needed for gardens to contribute to such research. The next phase of the IPSN will be to coordinate this research; it will identify, facilitate and provide the already developed tools to contributing gardens. In this way, the IPSN will provide meaningful and valuable information to plant health experts which could help mitigate, or stop altogether, the damaging impacts of new and emerging invasive alien organisms.     

A quantitative model for trade pathway analysis of plant pest entry and transfer to a host in European Union territory

A quantitative pathway model, QPAFood, has been designed to support risk assessment for plant pest entry into European Union (EU) territory on a range of edible plant commodities via trade flows. The model calculates the distribution of an imported infested/infected commodity along a pathway into and within the EU from source countries, based on Eurostat data and other data/information. The model determines the implications of global trade pathways for the potential arrival of the infested commodity in the EU28 Member States. Within each Member State, the calculation proceeds by distributing the commodity according to uses, notably retail or processing, to the vulnerable area of commercial host crops determined in each NUTS2 region and then quantifies the consequent potential for pest–host contact which could lead to pest transfer. Annual and monthly estimates of contact risk are tabulated and visualized for Member States and NUTS2 regions. The model was developed originally for the European Food Safety Authority using four case studies of specific pest–commodity combinations. These pests had relatively limited host ranges and the model has now been extended in the context of the EC FP7 DROPSA project for the multiple commodity pathways associated with the highly polyphagous fruit pest Drosophila suzukii.     

Detailing Köppen–Geiger climate zones at sub‐national to continental scale: a resource for pest risk analysis

The widely used Köppen–Geiger climate classification system can inform judgements of establishment during pest categorizations and systems of simplified pest risk assessment. Such processes allow national plant protection organizations to quickly identify plant pests of potential regulatory concern. Judging whether a pest can establish is a key factor in determining whether a pest satisfies the definition of a quarantine pest. Climate is often a significant factor influencing where species can establish. Here, we provide a resource that reports the Köppen–Geiger climate classification at a range of spatial scales from sub‐national to continental for the period 1986–2010 in an accessible table. The data is provided as a resource for pest risk analysis to inform and support rapid decision‐making. An online appendix is provided showing the number of grid cells in each of the 31 Köppen–Geiger climate types in 417 regions across the globe at country level or less. Thirteen climate types occur within the European Union (EU), the most common is ‘temperate oceanic’ occupying 48% of EU grid cells. Twenty‐four of 31 climate types occur within the EPPO region; the most common is ‘continental, uniform precipitation with cold summer’, occupying 35% of EPPO grid cells.     

Aspidiella hartii (Cockerell 1895) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on yam (Dioscorea spp.) tubers: a new pest regularly entering the European part of the EPPO region

Yam is an important West African crop and is an inexpensive source of carbohydrate. Many people of Central African origin living in South Italy buy imported tubers to prepare their preferred recipes. Aspidiella hartii (Cockerell) infests yam tubers marketed in Bari (South Italy). Adult female scales on tuber bark are brownish, subcircular and about 1.2 mm wide. Ventral shields (‘flags’) from dead individuals are also abundant. The pest reproduces during storage and covers the tuber. Removal of plant sap shrivels the tubers during their trade, reducing quality, viability and marketability of the product. Severe A. hartii infestation of tubers can also inhibit their resprouting or kill the plant in the country of origin. Dipping yam in concentrated pyrethroids, or organophosphate insecticide, storage in sawdust, paddy husk or wood ash or paraffin wax coating may help to control the pest, although dipping in pyrethroids or organophosphate insecticide is not allowed in Europe. The armoured scale also infests Colocasia sp. (Taro, Araceae) and Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (sweet potato, Convolvulaceae) causing similar damage. The presence of A. hartii host plants in Europe and the possible host‐shift of this pest to other crops in the region pose a risk for EPPO countries.     

中国转基因抗虫玉米的商业化策略

玉米是全球播种面积最大的粮食作物,事关世界粮食安全。鳞翅目和鞘翅目害虫是影响玉米产量和品质的重要因素,长期以来多数国家采取以喷施化学农药为主的防控策略,但存在较高的使用成本和环境风险等问题。作为新一代的害虫防控技术,转基因抗虫玉米于1996年开始在美国商业化种植,并迅速推广到巴西等主要玉米生产国家,成为防控草地贪夜蛾Spodoptera frugiperda和欧洲玉米螟Ostrinia nubilalis等重大害虫的核心技术。该文综述了全球转基因抗虫玉米商业化的历史和防控害虫的作用,分析了美国对欧洲玉米螟和草地贪夜蛾等靶标害虫抗性治理的成功经验以及巴西等南美国家草地贪夜蛾对多种转基因抗虫玉米产生抗性的成因与教训。基于中国转基因抗虫玉米转化事件的研发现状、玉米生产模式、玉米害虫的区域发生特点和迁飞生物学等特性,提出在南方和西南山地丘陵玉米区种植包含Vip3A的多基因叠加抗虫玉米从源头防控草地贪夜蛾,在黄淮海夏玉米区种植包含Cry2A的多基因叠加抗虫玉米从源头防控棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera,在北方春玉米区种植包含Cry1A的多基因叠加抗虫玉米从源头防控亚洲玉米螟Ostr...     

Agricultural insect hybridization and implications for pest management

Biological invasions, the expansion of agricultural frontiers, and climate change favor encounters of divergent lineages of animals and plants, increasing the likelihood of hybridization. However, hybridization of insect species and its consequences for agroecosystems have not received sufficient attention. Gene exchange between distinct and distant genetic pools can improve the survival and reproduction of insect pests, and threaten beneficial insects in disturbed agricultural environments. Hybridization may be the underlying explanation for the recurrent pest outbreaks and control failures in putative hybrid zones, as suspected for bollworm, corn borer, whiteflies, and stink bugs. Reliable predictions of the types of changes that can be expected in pest insect genomes and fitness, and of their impacts on the fate of species and populations remain elusive. Typical steps in pest management, such as insect identification, pest monitoring, and control are likely affected by gene flow and adaptive introgression mediated by hybridization, and we do not have ways to respond to or mitigate the problem. To address the adverse effects of farming intensification and global trade, we must ensure that current integrated pest management programs incorporate up‐to‐date monitoring and diagnostic tools. The rapid identification of hybrids, quantification of levels of introgression, and in‐depth knowledge of what genes have been transferred may help to explain and predict insect population outbreaks and control failures in the future. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry     

Outcomes of the EPPO project on quarantine pests for forestry1

The EPPO Project on Quarantine Pests for Forestry ran from 2000 to 2005. It mainly focused on the risks from forests pests present in the former USSR, particularly in its Asian part, with regard to their possible impacts on the non‐Asian parts of the EPPO region. A special EPPO Panel, called the Panel on Quarantine Pests for Forestry, was created to implement this project. The EPPO Secretariat collected short information on the taxonomy, geographical distribution, host plants, biology and impact of 1365 pests and on the taxonomy and geographical distribution of 653 main forest trees on the territory of the former USSR. In the process of prioritization, which took place over 10 meetings in various countries in the EPPO region, the Panel selected species that were more likely to present high risk for the non‐Asian part of the EPPO region. For these species, more detailed data were collected and datasheets were prepared. The Panel performed Pest Risk Analysis for 45 species of pests and recommended 19 of them for inclusion into the EPPO lists of pests recommended for regulation. Possible phytosanitary measures have been selected in the process of Pest Risk Management to reduce the risk of introduction of these 19 pests into endangered areas. The Panel has begun preparing Commodity standards for wood and woody plants.     

Modelling the establishment,spread and distribution shifts of pests

Abstract

During the last century increasing human trade networks have interacted with other global changes – such as land use and climate change – to accelerate the range expansion of pest species worldwide. In this special issue, we present a series of articles that model the risk of establishment and spread of non-native harmful species, as well as shifts in the distribution of native pest species. We also provide a state-of the art review of the available literature on species distribution models for pests, weeds, and pathogens. Recent advances in modelling approaches have allowed us to significantly improve our abilities to predict changes in species distribution, and these tools have been widely used to enhance biosecurity planning and pest management. We expect that this special issue contributes toward and integration of the scientific knowledge and the development of novel approaches to model pest species distribution, as well as to better understand the factors that influence their expansion in the context of a rapidly changing world.     

Test performance study of diagnostic procedures for identification and detection of Gibberella circinata in pine seeds in the framework of a EUPHRESCO project

Gibberella circinata (anamorph Fusarium circinatum) is a harmful fungus infecting pine trees that has been subject to European Union emergency phytosanitary measures since 2007. This fungus is spread over long distances primarily via pine seeds, consequently reliable detection tools and methods are needed to test pine seed lots imported and marketed in the EU. Several detection methods are available in the scientific literature but very limited validation data is available. For that purpose, one European EUPHRESCO project called ‘Gibcir‐Diagseed’ was launched, involving 10 countries. This project aimed to select and validate one or more diagnostic procedures targeting this pest via inter‐laboratory tests, as well as a suitable sampling method. Performance criteria were calculated for three procedures chosen by participants: isolation followed by morphological characterization, isolation followed by conventional PCR and biological enrichment followed by real‐time PCR. The results showed that all three procedures provided acceptable performance criteria but also demonstrated that none of them could generate 100% of correct results. Regarding the sampling issue, the National Plant Protection Organizations consultation enabled an agreement to be reached on the number of seeds to be tested: 400 per sample, for a 95% confidence level that an infection of at least 1% will be detected.     

Project management of an eradication campaign1

Applying project management to a task helps to define objectives, resources, timescales, risks and governance arrangements. It can secure commitment of effort and expertise from other organisations, and from other parts of a large organisation, and ensure effective co‐ordination. The UK plant health services are increasingly using project management disciplines and terminology. To direct eradication and containment action against Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae, a programme board has been established on which three government departments and several different fields of expertise are represented. The board has in turn set up subgroups, accountable to it for specific areas of activity. These comprise a science subgroup; a press and publicity subgroup; a field implementation subgroup; and two geographically based subgroups for the areas with Phytophthora kernoviae outbreaks – Cornwall and South Wales. There is also an industry liaison group comprising representatives from trade associations and providing a regular channel of communication with the nurserymen, retailers and woodland and garden owners most directly affected by measures against these pathogens.     

First report of the Opuntia cochineal scale Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) in Morocco

The Opuntia cochineal scale Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) causes severe damage to prickly pear (Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Miller). This scale insect was first detected in Morocco in 2015 during sampling in the cactus crop in the Sidi Bennour region (120 km north‐west of Marrakech). Methods for sampling, preservation and identification are described. Although this scale insect can be used for the production of the natural dye carmine, the damage it can cause is considerable. A pest risk analysis should be carried out and the ensuing management measures implemented to prevent severe economic and ecological losses.     

我国水稻五大产区虫害发生及防控情况差异的比较分析

为掌握我国水稻各产区害虫的发生形势和防控现状,为分区域治理提供科学依据,本文分析了11年来水稻五大产区(华中稻区、西南稻区、华南稻区、东北稻区和华北稻区)的二化螟、三化螟、稻纵卷叶螟、褐飞虱、白背飞虱和灰飞虱的发生及防控情况,并进行了差异比较分析。结果显示：二化螟、稻纵卷叶螟、褐飞虱和白背飞虱是我国水稻的主要害虫。五大产区的害虫发生情况不同,二化螟在东北稻区、西南稻区和华北稻区整体发生较重;“两迁”害虫(稻纵卷叶螟和稻飞虱)在华中稻区、华南稻区和西南稻区发生较重。水稻病虫害防控主要通过化学防治,应进一步提升物理防治和生物防治比重,推进水稻绿色防控技术的普及应用。     

Prima phacie1: a new European Food Safety Authority funded research project taking a comparative approach to pest risk assessment and methods to evaluate pest risk management options

In late 2009, a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)‐funded project (Prima phacie) began work to review and test methodologies for conducting pest risk assessment by means of case studies on three phytoplasmas (Candidatus Phytoplasma mali, Ca. P. prunorum, Ca. P. pyri); two bacteria (Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli, Xanthomonas citri [=X. axonopodis] pv. citri); two fungi (Guignardia citricarpa, Mycosphaerella dearnessii); two nematodes (Meloidogyne chitwoodi, M. fallax); and an insect (Anoplophora glabripennis). Multiple risk assessment schemes and methods will be applied to each of the case study pests, allowing for a comparative assessment of methods. Methods to assess the effectiveness of possible risk management options for each pest will also be evaluated. The project will further develop the scientific basis for pest risk assessment within the European Community and identify methodologies most suitable for conducting risk assessments and for evaluating the effectiveness of possible risk management options by the EFSA Panel on Plant Health in order to support European decision making. The project lasts 29 months, and is being conducted by an international consortium of 11 partners consisting of phytosanitary organizations, research institutes and a university. Results will be disseminated via conventional publications and at a workshop in March 2012.     

Biology of Southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus: a novel fijivirus emerging in East Asia

Southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) was first reported in southern China in 2001 and causes a striking disease on rice and maize that leads to serious yield losses in several East Asian countries, such as China, Vietnam and Japan. A large research effort has been directed to understanding the virus and controlling the disease. Its geographic distribution, disease cycle via its insect vector, genome organization, relationship with host plants, and epidemiology are summarized in this review and the important role played by the vector, the white‐backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera), is emphasized. Countermeasures to control the disease that have been developed and applied include molecular detection for precise forecasting, chemical, physical, and ecological pest management. There is widespread insecticide resistance in the vector population but it is hoped that current efforts to develop rice cultivars resistant to the virus will eventually provide effective and cost‐effective control.