Phenacoccus madeirensis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): a new species of mealybug in Tunisia

In August 2013, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was identified for the first time in Tunisia, in the region of Akouda (Sousse, coastal area of Tunisia) on Cestrum nocturnum (Solanaceae) during a survey. The infestation was observed on leaves, shoots and also on the collar. This is the first record of P. madeirensis in Tunisia and the first record of this pest in North Africa. Two other mealybugs Peliococcus cycliger and Planococcus citri were also recorded during this survey. They have previously been reported in Tunisia.     

The pomegranate butterfly Deudorix livia (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae): an emerging pest on dates in Tunisia

The pomegranate butterfly Deudorix (=Virachola) livia Klug 1834 (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) was encountered for the first time infesting dates (Phoenix dactylifera, variety Deglet Nour) in the oasis of Gafsa, Southern Tunisia in September 2011. Larvae of D. livia only caused damage on date fruits at the phenological stages kimiri (green fruits) and khalal (yellow fruits). The average infestation rate of dates was 10%. In addition, 7.1% of the infested fruits dropped to the ground. Damage caused by this insect on dates is described, the current situation in Tunisia is provided and possible control methods in Tunisia are briefly discussed. Although this pest has previously been reported in Tunisia on pomegranate this is the first report of D. livia on dates in the country.     

The pumpkin fly Dacus frontalis (Diptera: Tephritidae): a new pest of curcubits in Tunisia

The pumpkin fly Dacus frontalis is reported in this paper for the first time in Tunisia, where it was found in several locations. It is a pest of cucurbits of economic importance and is common especially in the eastern and southern parts of Africa. D. frontalis was collected from infested cucumber fruits in the region of El‐Jebil (Kairouan) and female bait traps for the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata and the olive fly Bactrocera oleae. Preliminary data from Tunisia suggest that D. frontalis is already established in four regions in which cucurbits are important crops. Brief notes on the diagnostic features for the species, its ecology and geographic distribution are given. Symptoms on cucumber from Tunisia are presented.     

First report of the defoliator moth,Spoladea recurvalis (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), in Tunisia

In October 2019, Spoladea recurvalis (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) was identified for the first time in Tunisia, in the geothermal site of Saaidan and the geothermal site of El Mansoura (Kebili, south western region of Tunisia). Damage was observed on melon, chard, beet and weeds. This is the first record of S. recurvalis in Tunisia.     

The tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Tunisia: current status and management strategies

The tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was first identified in the region of Akkouda in October 2008 before it spread to all tomato‐producing areas in Tunisia. The introduction of this pest disturbed existing pest control programmes in greenhouses and open fields, forcing Tunisian growers to use more chemicals to reduce its impact on their crops. A national programme was adopted to control T. absoluta, including cultural practices, the use of pheromones, the installation of insect‐proof screens in greenhouses, and the use of organic insecticides including Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki (Bt) and plant extract‐based products. In addition, a few experiments in biological control, using the predatory Mirid Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Heteroptera: Miridae) and the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), were conducted in greenhouses and open‐field crops (producing tomatoes for fresh consumption as well as for processing). This paper describes the status of T. absoluta in Tunisia, including data collected from sex pheromone traps installed in six tomato‐producing areas (Takelssa, Korba, Teboulba, Bekalta, Sousse and Kairouan) between 2009 and 2011, and control strategies in greenhouses and open fields.     

Pollinia pollini (Costa, 1857) (Hemiptera,Asterolecaniidae) infesting olive trees: a first record in Tunisia

During January 2019, mealybugs were observed on branches of olive trees (Olea europaea, L.) for the first time at Nebeur and Charket Saboune (Governorate-Kef, Tunisia). Samples were collected and brought to the laboratory for identification. The mealybug species was identified based on its morphological characteristics as Pollinia pollini (Costa, 1857) (Hemiptera, Asterolecanidae). This is the first report of this species in Tunisia.     

First report on Virachola livia Klug. (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) and its effects on different pomegranate varieties in Tunisia

Virachola livia Klug 1834 (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) was detected for the first time in a cultivated pomegranate orchard in Tunisia in 2006 although it may have been causing damage for several years prior to this. During 2006, 5.2% of the total pomegranate fruit produced in Tunisia was infested by this pest. This invasive species was responsible for 52% of fruit rot at Zerkine locality (Gabès Governorate). Levels of V. livia infection were shown to vary among nine pomegranate varieties; the Klaii, Mezzi and Garoussi varieties were the most susceptible, whereas Gabsi, Jbeli, Andolsi, Tounsi, Zaghweni and Zehri were more tolerant to this lycaenidae. The authors consider that this is due to female preference.     

First record of Bregmatothrips dimorphus (Priesner, 1919) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Tunisia

During an inventory study of thrips species carried out in the central‐eastern coastal region of Tunisia in 2010 and 2011, Bregmatothrips dimorphus (Priesner, 1919) (Thysanoptera; Thripidae) was found on two host plants; barley (Hordeum vulgare Linnaeus) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench). This is the first record of B. dimorphus in Tunisia. Its distribution in other parts of the world and taxonomic characteristics are briefly presented.     

Cystiphora sonchi (Vallot, 1827) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), first record for Tunisia and Africa

During 2017 and 2018, from June to October, leaf galls were observed for the first time on Sonchus oleraceus L. (Asteraceae), sow thistle, in Akouda‐Sousse, Tunisia. Leaves with galls were collected and brought to the laboratory. After a few days, adults emerged from the leaf galls. Morphological identification showed the emerged gall midges to be Cystiphora sonchi (Vallot, 1827) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). This is the first record of this species in Tunisia and Africa.     

First records of two mealybugs,Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) and Phenacoccus peruvianus Granara de Willink,in Tunisia and the North of Africa

During the summer and autumn of 2014 the mealybugs Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green, 1908) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and Phenacoccus peruvianus Granara de Willink, 2007 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) were observed in different localities of Sousse (Tunisia). This is the first record for both of these species in Tunisia and in North Africa. For M. hirsutus, this was also the first record of the species in a Western Mediterranean country. It was observed on Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis (Malvacae). P. peruvianus was collected from Bougainvillea glabra (Nyctaginaceae) and Citharexylum quadrangularis (Verbenacae).     

Management of the tomato borer,Tuta absoluta in Tunisia with novel insecticides and plant extracts

Tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill is a vegetable crop of major importance in Tunisia. Since its detection in 2008, the tomato borer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) became a serious insect pest attacking both outdoor and greenhouse tomatoes. Its control relies primarily on insecticides; hence the diversification of active substances including natural products is urgently required. The effectiveness of novel insecticides and plant extracts for the control of T. absoluta were investigated in Tunisia on tomatoes grown in greenhouses and in the laboratory in 2011. In tomato greenhouses, the following products were evaluated: Ampligo 150ZS (chlorantraniliprole + lambda‐cyhalothrin), VoliamTargo 063 SC (chlorantraniliprole + abamectin), Tracer240 SC (spinosad), Nimbecidine (azadirachtin 0.03%), Tutafort (plant extracts), Vydate (oxamyl) and Biocatch (Verticillium lecanii). In the laboratory, the products evaluated were: Ampligo 150ZS (chlorantraniliprole + lambda‐cyhalothrin), Movento OD (spirotetramat), Evisect SP (thiocyclam), Challenger SC (chlorfenapyr), Cyproma WP (cyromazine), Vydate (oxamyl), Armorex (plant extracts), Konflic (plant extracts) and Deffort (plant extracts). Greenhouse trials show good efficacy of the following products: Tracer, Nimbecidine, Biocatch, VoliamTargo, Tutafort and Vydate. However, laboratory trials demonstrate good performance of Challenger, Ampligo, Movento, Armorex, Deffort and Konflic. The integration of these products in an integrated pest management approach is discussed.     

First record of black vine thrips,Retithrips syriacus Mayet,in Tunisia

During a study on thrips species carried out in Tunisia during 2009 and 2010, Retithrips syriacus was encountered in two different sites and on two host plants: grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and persimmon (Dyospiros kaki). This species is recorded for the first time in Tunisia and the western part of North Africa. Brief information about its worldwide distribution and morphology is presented.     

Evaluation of two methods for the protection of tomato crops against the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) under greenhouses in Tunisia

The evaluation of two methods of plant protection in tomato crops cultivated in greenhouses against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in the region of Teboulba in Tunisia was performed. This study evaluated the use of insect‐proof screens alone or in combination with one sex pheromone water trap compared to a control greenhouse not equipped with either. The study confirms that the use of one sex pheromone water trap combined with insect‐proof covering of doors and aeration openings is sufficient to guarantee good crop protection. This combined control system allowed a low density of the pest (less than 2 individuals per leaf) to be maintained and a mean number of mines below 1 mine per leaf.     

First report of Zaprionus indianus and Z. tuberculatus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Tunisia

In October 2019, unusual damage was observed on Carissa macrocarpa (Apocynaceae) fruit at the ornamental nursery of the Higher Agronomic Institute (ISA CM), Chott Mariem (Sousse, Tunisia). Samples of fruit were collected and brought to the laboratory for observation and rearing. After a few days, adult flies emerged from infested fruit. Zaprionus indianus Gupta, Z. tuberculatus Malloch (Diptera Drosophilidae) and Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera, Tephritidae) were identified morphologically. Information on the morphology, distribution and ecology of the two Zaprionus species are provided. This is the first record of Z. indianus and Z. tuberculatus in Tunisia.     

Biological Control of the Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus Hirsutus Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in the Caribbean

The hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green, was first reported in the Caribbean in 1994 in Grenada. This was the first record of the insect as a major pest in the New World. By the beginning of 2001, the pest had spread to over 25 territories from Guyana and Venezuela in the South to Bahamas in the North. The pest has also extended its distribution to Central America (Belize) and North America (California, USA). Early attempts to control the pest using pesticides resulted in failure and a classical biological control approach was adopted. Several exotic natural enemies were introduced but control was attributed to Anagyrus kamali Moursi and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant. In all countries where biological control was implemented, this resulted in success. This paper reviews the remarkable success story. Information is provided on the distribution and factors leading to rapid spread of the pest, its pest status and resultant economic losses, and implementation of the biological control effort.     

Detection and Monitoring of Larger Grain Borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Methods for detecting and for monitoring Prostephanus truncatus(Horn) are crucial components in phyto- sanitary control, research programmes and pest management against this beetle. P. truncatus is unusual in that its populations are distributed widely between natural habitats and stores holding maize grain and dried cassava roots, which necessitates a similarly wide range of sampling methodologies. This review considers successful and unsuccessful approaches to sampling the pest populations in both stores and the natural environment and concludes with a consideration of how monitoring could contribute to integrated pest management for P. truncatus.     

Report of a rapid pest risk analysis for Lambdina fiscellaria (Guenée, [1858]) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) for the island of Ireland

The hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria (Guenée), is a serious forest pest in North America with three subspecies that vary in their geographical range and larval host preferences. Both broadleaved and coniferous trees are infested, though the largest impacts are on coniferous forestry where trees can be completely defoliated and killed. The pest was identified as a potential threat to forestry on the island of Ireland during a horizon‐scanning exercise to identify pests of Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr. (Sitka spruce) and was subject to a rapid pest risk analysis (PRA). Though judged to be unlikely, pathways identified were uncontrolled wood commodities and mosses and lichens harvested from forests in North America and exported for use in ornamental displays. Lambdina fiscellaria is found in a range of climate types, and is likely to be able to complete its lifecycle in the Irish climate – although there is uncertainty concerning its ability to adapt to European trees. Lambdina fiscellaria has only a limited capacity for spread, as virgin females are burdened by their eggs and are poor fliers. This was judged to reduce potential impacts in the PRA area – as the slow rate of spread would provide time to develop monitoring and control methods well ahead of the pest reaching its maximum extent on the island of Ireland. The pest still poses a considerable risk to coniferous forestry not only on the island of Ireland but across the EPPO region where climate is suitable for the pest to establish. Regulation and implementation of phytosanitary measures prevent introduction of the pest should be considered.