Spinosad resistance development in wild olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae) populations in California

BACKGROUND: Among target pests of the insecticide spinosad is the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae). In Cyprus, spinosad has been sporadically used since its registration in 2002, whereas in Greece its use has been very limited since its registration in 2004, particularly in biological olive cultivars in Crete. By contrast, in California it has been the only insecticide used against the olive fruit fly since its registration in 2004. This study aimed at examining the resistance status of the olive fruit fly to spinosad. RESULTS: Populations from California, Greece and Cyprus, plus a laboratory population, were tested. Bioassays were performed by oral or topical application of different concentrations of the insecticide. Cypriot populations demonstrated no resistance as compared with that of the laboratory population. Among the Greek populations, only one from Crete demonstrated a fourfold increase in resistance, whereas five populations from California demonstrated a 9–13‐fold increase. CONCLUSION: The observed resistance increase was associated with spinosad applications in the respective areas. These values are relatively low and do not yet pose a serious control problem in the field. However, the observed variation documents that spinosad tolerance has increased in areas where the insecticide has been more extensively used. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Efficacy of the pyrethroid alpha-cypermethrin against Bactrocera oleae populations from Greece, and improved diagnostic for an iAChE mutation

BACKGROUND: The most important pest of olive orchards worldwide is the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin). Its control in Greece has been based on organophosphates (OPs), but their intense use has led to the development of resistance. A test previously developed to monitor the trait may not be as robust as originally thought. The pyrethroid alpha-cypermethrin has recently been registered for bait sprays, as an alternative to OPs. RESULTS: The susceptibility of 20 B. oleae populations to alpha-cypermethrin was examined. Variation was observed in their response, with LD(50) ranging from 0.14 to 3.28 ng insect(-1) and resistance factors from 2.3 to 54.7. Resistance mechanisms were investigated. Cytochrome P450 monoxygenase activities showed an association with resistance. Sequences in the domain IIS4-IIS6 of the B. oleae para-type sodium channel were also analysed, but no resistance-associated mutations were identified. Finally, a novel diagnostic assay able to reliably monitor the frequency of the iAChE G488S resistance mutation was developed. CONCLUSION: This is the first attempt to evaluate the efficacy of alpha-cypermethrin against B. oleae from Greece. Data showed that it can be used effectively, but also highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring. The IIS4-IIS6 sodium channel region is the default area in which to look for resistance mutations if target-site resistance to pyrethroids arises. The application of the novel iAChE molecular diagnostic may facilitate the introduction of pyrethroids alongside OPs currently in use.     

Detection of resistance-associated point mutations of organophosphate-insensitive acetylcholinesterase in the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin)

We have recently identified two resistance-associated point mutations of organophosphate (OP)-insensitive acetylcholinesterase in the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae, the most important olive orchard pest world-wide. We have developed simple PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism assays for each mutation, utilising an AccI restriction site created by Ile214Val, and a BssHII restriction site destroyed by a neutral change always accompanying the second mutation Gly488Ser. Samples from Greece homozygous for both mutations proved the most insensitive to dimethoate. The frequencies of these mutations in field-collected samples from several countries were investigated. Ninety-three percent of samples from Greece and Albania, where OPs have been extensively used in B. oleae control, were homozygous for both mutations. Resistance-associated alleles were detected at lower frequencies, but still with both mutations in conjunction in the majority of cases, in western Mediterranean countries with limited use of OPs. Samples from South Africa, however, did not have either of the resistance-associated mutations. The double mutation haplotype clearly confers a strong selective advantage in field populations of B. oleae exposed to OPs.     

Control of the Olive Moth in Cyprus

Damage caused by larvae of Prays oleae has great economic impact for the olive growers in many of the chief olive-growing areas of Cyprus. P. oleae has three generations per year affecting successively the flowers, the fruit and the leaves. The fruit generation is the most destructive, the larvae living inside the stone of the fruits and the attacked fruit falling prematurely from the tree either in late June of in late August. The trials reported in this paper were aiming to find the best time to spray for more effective control of the fruit generation. Olive trees were sprayed four times at weekly intervals using the insecticide formothion. The treatments which started on 25 May were completed by 16 June 1976. The best period was found to be that particular stage of fruit growth at which the fertilized fruit started to grow normally and they can easily be distinguished from the non-fertilized. Having found the best time to control the fruit generation in 1976, three insecticides were tested in 1978. These were cypermethrin, formothion and triazophos.     

Crop losses due to olive moth mediated by ethylene

BACKGROUND:Studies for nine years in southern Spain on the olive moth, Prays oleae Bern., have tested the possibility of altering oviposition behaviour on newly formed olive fruits by means of a single ethylene application. RESULTS: A single spraying of ethylene on the olive trees at the beginning of fruiting significantly decreased the olive moth egg populations and consequent the olive fruit fall. At the same time, no negative effect was found in the activity of natural oophagous predators of the olive moth. CONCLUSIONS: The ethylene treatments against P. oleae yielded substantial economical benefits each year (a mean of euro526 ha(-1)), benefits that fluctuated depending on the olive crop and on the annual fruit fall caused by this major pest.     

Organophosphorus insecticide residues in virgin Greek olive oil, 1988–1990

Organophosphorus insecticide residues have been monitored for two years in virgin olive oil after dimethoate and fenthion treatments to control the olive fruit fly. No dimethoate residues were detected in any of the samples. For the first and second years, 50% and 21%, respectively, of the samples contained no detectable fenthion residues, while 4% and 6%, respectively had residue concentrations exceeding the Codex Alimentarious Maximum Residue Limit (1 mg kg^?1). The mean concentration was 0·236 mg kg^?1 oil and the estimated daily intake of fenthion 0·0002 mg kg^?1 body weight (Acceptable Daily Intake 0·001 mg kg^?1 body weight). The parent compound was the most important residue in fresh samples, while aged samples contained a higher amount of the metabolite fenthion sulfoxide. The contribution of the oxygen analogues (P= 0 metabolites) of fenthion to the total residue concentration was<5% in most cases.     

Evaluation of commercial traps of various designs for capturing the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract

The attractiveness of six different traps, one hand-made and five commercially available, on olive fruit fly adults, was compared in the field. Experiments were undertaken at three different localities of Messinia Co., SW Greece, with varying conditions of fruit load and pest population density. The Glass-Plastic Elkofon Trap attracted more adult flies than any other type of trap. Satisfactory catches were also given by the Glass McPhail trap, the Plastic McPhail trap and the Plastic Elkofon trap, whereas low attractiveness was demonstrated by the Bottle trap and the Pouch trap. It is clear from the findings of this study that trap captures of the olive fruit fly are significantly influenced by trap design (e.g. shape, materials, special features), especially during the period of the high population peak (mid-September – early November) as well as in olive orchards with a high pest population density. In olive orchards with a low pest population density no significant differences were recorded among captures of different trap types. We discuss ways of improving the mass-trapping technique as a control method against olive fruit fly.     

The Use of ULV Malathion Bait Sprays for the Control of Olive Fly (Dacus oleae Gmel.) by Aerial Applications in Cyprus

Bait spraying at a rate of 1 lit./ha. (0,2 lit. of ULV Malathion at 96%+ 0,8 lit. protein hydrolysate Atropaz) gave positive results in the control of the olive fly and olive moth but was insufficient against the olive weevil. Applications at low and ultra-low volume were clearly more economical and permitted larger areas to be treated. Therefore, it is suggested that the use of malathion concentrate aerial bait spraying be expanded in Cyprus in the control of olive fly.     

Resistance to some organophosphorus insecticides in field populations of Myzus persicae from sugar beet in 1974

Following the failure of insecticides to control Myzus persicae on sugar beet, populations from the field were examined for susceptibility to dimethoate. Topical application of discriminating doses of dimethoate showed a 30-fold variation in susceptibility between different populations. After this preliminary screening, clones were established from some populations and their resistance determined by both topical application and a systemic bioassay. This confirmed resistance to dimethoate and demonstrated resistance to demeton-S-methyl. There was no resistance to some other compounds tested. In all populations tested, resistance was associated with increased carboxylesterase activity.     

Hymenopteran Parasitoids on Fruit-infesting Tephritidae (Diptera) in Latin America and the Southern United States: Diversity, Distribution, Taxonomic Status and their use in Fruit Fly Biological Control

We first discuss the diversity of fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) parasitoids (Hymenoptera) of the Neotropics. Even though the emphasis is on Anastrepha parasitoids, we also review all the information available on parasitoids attacking flies in the genera Ceratitis, Rhagoletis, Rhagoletotrypeta, Toxotrypana and Zonosemata. We center our analysis in parasitoid guilds, parasitoid assemblage size and fly host profiles. We also discuss distribution patterns and the taxonomic status of all known Anastrepha parasitoids. We follow by providing a historical overview of biological control of pestiferous tephritids in Latin American and Florida (U.S.A.) and by analyzing the success or failure of classical and augmentative biological control programs implemented to date in these regions. We also discuss the lack of success of introductions of exotic fruit fly parasitoids in various Latin American countries. We finish by discussing the most pressing needs related to fruit fly biological control (classical, augmentative, and conservation modalities) in areas of the Neotropics where fruit fly populations severely restrict the development of commercial fruit growing. We also address the need for much more intensive research on the bioecology of native fruit fly parasitoids.     

Susceptibility of eight Algerian olive cultivars to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bactrocera oleae</Emphasis> infestation – a pomological and nutritional quality perspective

The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), is the major olive pest in the Mediterranean Basin, being responsible for high losses in olive production. The objective of this work was to study the influence of B. oleae infestation on the pomological parameters and nutritive value (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and ash) of eight olive cultivars (Abani, Aellah, Blanquette de Guelma, Chemlal, Ferkani, Limli, Rougette de Mitidja and Souidi) from Algeria. The results displayed different degrees of susceptibility of the studied cultivars to this pest. Fruit size (weight) and the Fruit weight / stone weight ratio are significantly correlated with the attack. The statistical treatment of the results (PCA and HAC) highlighted different behaviors from the cultivars, concerning the attack. There are some cultivars more susceptible, being the nutritional value also affected. The lipid and protein contents were positively correlated with the attack and the carbohydrates negatively, suggesting a careful choice by the B. oleae. Ovipositional preference of olive fruit fly females and the success of larval development in different olive cultivars are crucial to establishing new approaches in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) against this pest.     

Infections of Glomerella cingulata on olive in Italy1

Olive anthracnose, caused by strains or populations of Glomerella cingulata (anamorph Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) pathogenic for olive, was introduced into southern Italy before or during the 2nd World War presumably from Albania or Greece. In the following 20 years, severe outbreaks of fruit rot and dieback of twigs and branches were recorded in several areas of Puglia, Calabria, Sicilia and Sardegna. After the 1970s, the epidemics gradually regressed. At present, the disease is restricted to certain humid areas of southern Italy. Factors associated with this regression are discussed, including a supposed change in virulence of the fungus, possibly as a consequence of mixing of the introduced strains infecting olive trees with local, less pathogenic populations of G. cingulata. The first results of a comparison of olive isolates with isolates of the pathogen from citrus and Annona muricata in Calabria suggest that the population from olive is relatively homogeneous and can be distinguished from the population infecting other hosts by a number of morphological, pathogenic and biochemical characteristics.     

Insecticide resistance of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), in mainland China

BACKGROUND: In order to investigate the extent of resistance of oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), which is a widespread pest throughout tropical, subtropical and temperate fruit crops, 25 populations of this insect were collected from 13 sites in mainland China in 2007 and 2008. In addition, resistant strains were established that showed increasing development of resistance. RESULTS: Compared with the susceptible strain, one population of B. dorsalis expressed high resistance (RR = 70.4‐fold), 16 populations expressed medium resistance (11.5‐fold < RR < 25.8‐fold) and eight populations had low resistance or remained susceptible (1.4‐fold < RR < 8.9‐fold) to trichlorphon. As regards β‐cypermethrin, one population showed high resistance (RR = 44.0‐fold), nine populations expressed medium resistance (12.2‐fold < RR < 28.4‐fold), 14 populations expressed low or minor resistance (3.0‐fold < RR < 9.7‐fold) and one population remained susceptible (RR = 1.1‐fold). As regards avermectin, five populations had developed high resistance (44.3‐fold < RR < 104‐fold), seven populations expressed medium resistance (11.4‐fold < RR < 38.6‐fold) and three populations expressed low or minor resistance (3.5‐fold < RR < 5.6‐fold). A continuous resistance selection in the laboratory strain showed that the resistance ratios to trichlorphon, β‐cypermethrin and avermectin were 71.6‐fold, 333‐fold and 70.4‐fold respectively. CONCLUSION: The data provided a comprehensive survey of insecticide resistance in Bactrocera dorsalis in mainland China. All results suggested that early resistance management programmes should be established for restoring the efficacy of pesticide‐based control measures. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Efficacy of spinosad bait sprays to control <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bactrocera oleae</Emphasis> and impact on non-target arthropods

A field study was conducted during 2005 and 2006 in Terra Quente, northeastern Portugal, to evaluate the efficacy of the spinosad-based insecticide Spintor Cebo® (Dow Agrosciences Ibérica, S.A.) against the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), as well as the impact of the treatments on non-target arthropods. Results suggest that this insecticide could be as effective as dimethoate and since it was reported as having more benign toxicological and ecological profiles, it seems to be a good alternative to control the pest in Continental Mediterranean climates such as Terra Quente. However, its use should be evaluated carefully, mainly in conditions that increase the arthropod biological control agents’ propensity for feeding on it (e.g. absence of pollen, nectar and honeydews) to identify unintended impacts on conservation biological control of olive pests as a result of its application.     

德宏局辖区边境口岸10年监测实蝇的结果与分析

利用德宏边境口岸10年的实蝇监测数据,从实蝇种类、种群数量和结构动态变化方面分析实蝇发生发展情况。结果如下:(1)10年间德宏地区共监测鉴定出13种实蝇,其中种群数量最多的是桔小实蝇、瓜实蝇和南瓜实蝇;(2)3种主要实蝇10年来发生数量呈上升态势,2009年增速最快,1年监测到的实蝇占10年总量的28.1%;(3)桔小实蝇已经成为德宏地区最大的优势种群,到2009年,它在3种主要实蝇中已占79.0%的绝对多数,增速也最快。     

Insecticide resistance in Tephritid flies

Tephritid flies attack a large variety of fruits, which constitute highly-priced commodities in many countries. Insecticides have been used extensively for their control.Although resistance development in fruit flies has not kept pace with that in other insects, possibly due to their high mobility and tendency for wide spatial dispersal, recent studies have indicated that selection pressure has now reached the point where resistance is detectable in the field and control may therefore become problematic. The status of resistance to the commonly used insecticides in the most significant Tephritid pests, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata, the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis, the olive fly Bactrocera oleae and the melon fly Bactrocera cucurbitae, is reviewed. Emphasis has been placed on the resistance mechanisms that have been elucidated at the biochemical and molecular level. Prospects for using this knowledge alongside genomic information in Tephritidae to develop novel strategies of potential practical importance for resistance management are discussed.     

中国水稻主产区褐飞虱对3种杀虫剂的抗性监测

2006-2009年,用稻茎浸渍法连续监测了广西南宁市、广东阳江市、湖南东安县、福建福清市、江西上高县、湖北孝感市、浙江金华市、江苏通州市和安徽和县共9个地区褐飞虱种群对吡虫啉、噻嗪酮和氟虫腈的抗性变化。结果表明:褐飞虱种群对吡虫啉的抗性仍处于高水平至极高水平抗性阶段(105.5~459.7倍),但2009年监测到东安、孝感、上高种群对吡虫啉的抗性已有下降趋势;褐飞虱种群对氟虫腈的抗性有增长趋势,2006到2009年褐飞虱种群对氟虫腈由敏感至低水平抗性(<6.9倍)发展到了中水平至高水平抗性(13.5~43.3倍);由于2005年吡虫啉在高抗地区的禁用,褐飞虱种群对噻嗪酮的抗性上升速度加快,2009年已处于低水平至中水平抗性阶段(7.0~14.4倍)。这表明在吡虫啉、氟虫腈被禁用后,大面积单一使用噻嗪酮进行防治,褐飞虱对噻嗪酮的抗性有可能加速发展。     

The Use of Cidial and Rogor Formulations in Ultra-low Volume Treatments from Helicopters

When various technical problems connected with ULV spraying from helicopters had been solved the practical application of insecticides was started. Rogor L 30 (dimethoate) was successfully used against Dacus oleae Gmel. and Cidial 50 L (phenthoate) against mosquitoes. The results of the use of Cidial against Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff. are being analysed, and the possibilities of applying fungicides at ULV rates in vineyards and on poplars, tobacco and beet crops are being investigated.     

Field-simulator study of insecticide resistance conferred by esterase-, MACE- and kdr-based mechanisms in the peach-potato aphid,Myzus persicae (Sulzer)

Insecticide sprays were applied to Myzus persicae (Sulzer) populations carrying various combinations of three insecticide resistance mechanisms (esterase-based metabolic resistance and two target site mechanisms, known as MACE and kdr), supported on host plants growing in field simulator cages. The study showed that MACE confers extreme resistance to pirimicarb and triazamate (carbamate insecticides) but not to deltamethrin + heptenophos (16 + 1) (Decisquick) or dimethoate (an organophosphorus insecticide). Resistance to dimethoate depends solely on levels of esterase-based resistance, while resistance to Decisquick depends on kdr and esterase. None of the four insecticides is effective against aphids carrying MACE combined with extreme esterase-based resistance. This knowledge, in association with current monitoring of the mechanisms, will play an important role in making decisions on insecticide use against M persicae in the UK. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Report on Olive Fly Control with Ultra-low Volume Concentrate Bait Air Sprays

In the 1968 olive fly control season the effectiveness of an ultra-low volume concentrate bait consisting of 87% protein hydrolysate and 13% insecticide Malathion ULV 96% and of a standard type bait, consisting of 12% protein hydrolysate Atropaz, 1,57% malathion 57% (0.9% active ingredient) and 86.43% water, applied by air against the Dacus fly were compared. Both baits resulted in very good olive fly control and the olive fruit at the end of the season was completely free of any infestation. No differences in the effectiveness of the two baits tried could be established, however.