Effect of log seasonality on reproductive potential ofMonochamus galloprovincialis reared in scots pine logs under laboratory conditions

Insect reproduction may be affected by a number of factors including seasonal changes in larval or adult nutrition. The effect of season on the reproductive potential ofMonochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) females reared inPinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) logs was investigated by constructing fertility tables for each log that differed only in the season they were cut. Population parameters were compared among three seasonal cohorts. The intrinsic rate of increase and most of the associated population parameters of beetles that emerged from logs cut during spring were higher than for beetles emerged from summer and autumn logs. Slight differences were found between summer and autumn cohorts. We suggest that seasonal differences in the nutritional quality of logs caused differences inM. galloprovincialis survival and reproductive potential. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting March 16, 2008.     

Effect of different hosts onThaumetopoea pityocampa populations in northeast Portugal

A study was carried out at the Natural Park of Montesinho, NE Portugal, in order to evaluate the effect of different pine species (Pinus pinaster Ait.,P. nigra Arn. andP. sylvestris L.) onThaumetopoea pityocampa populations. The structure of the egg batches, the impact of the egg parasitoids on natural mortality of the pest and the species of parasitoids present, as well as their emergence dynamics, were analyzed. The length of the egg batches varied among pine species with the longest ones onP. nigra. The mean number of eggs per batch differed betweenP. sylvestris and the two other hosts studied, with fewer eggs per batch on the first. No differences were found in the size of eggs among pine species. The egg mortality varied between 25.8% and 33.0%, with no differences among hosts. Parasitism was the main cause of death.Baryscapus servadeii (Mercet.) was the most abundant parasitoid species, followed byOoencyrtus pityocampae (Dom.) andTrichogramma embryophagum Htg.B. servadeii dominated in the egg batches collected fromP. pinaster andP. nigra, whereasO. pityocampae was most frequent onP. sylvestris. The emergence ofB. servadeii started in the middle of March and continued until August, with the emergence peak at the end of May. The emergence ofO. pityocampae started at the end of April and continued throughout September, with maximum values in June. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Sept. 20, 2006.     

Further studies on the role of monoterpenes in pine host selection and oviposition ofThaumetopoea pityocampa

In a young mixed pine plantation (Pinus nigra andP. pinea) in central Italy, the influence of the pine needle monoterpenes (R)-(+)-limonene, (S)-(−)-limonene and (1S)-(−)-β-pinene on the oviposition activity of the pine processionary moth,Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis et Schiffermüller), was assessed. Two application methods were compared: spraying the trees with the substances emulsified with water, and setting up polyethylene dispensers from which the monoterpenes evaporated. During the moth’s flight period weekly treatments (at 500 mg of monoterpene /l water) were carried out and the evaporation from the polyethylene dispensers (each with 5 g of a single monoterpene) was checked on each occasion by weighing the dispensers. The GLM analysis did not uncover any difference between the methods of application or between the pine species.T. pityocampa laid a significantly (P=0.01) lower number of egg masses on the trees treated with (1S)-(−)-β-pinene than on those treated with the other substances and on the control trees. A ∼45% reduction in egg mass number was obtained on the pines treated with (1S)-(−)-β-pinene, independent of the level of infestation, method of application or pine species. (R)-(+)-limonene and (S)-(−)-limonene were not effective. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting July 29, 2008.     

Chemical control of isolated invasive conifers using a novel aerial spot application method

Conifer species, which have formed the foundation of commercial forestry industry in many countries, are known to be invasive in natural ecosystems, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. Controlling isolated invasive conifers before they reach reproductive maturity is an essential element of any strategy that aims to reduce spread rate of these species. Using a novel helicopter‐mounted spot‐application gun, which delivers a precise dosage to the crown of each tree, the objective of this research was to test the efficacy of three triclopyr‐based treatments against the four most vigorous wilding conifer species (Pinus contorta, Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris and Pseudotsuga menziesii) under New Zealand field conditions. Herbicides tested were triclopyr at two different rates and a combination of triclopyr and picloram. Treated trees covered a wide range of heights (c. 0.5–16 m), and measurements of mortality taken two years post‐herbicide application were used to examine variation in efficacy of the herbicides. Successful treatment was defined by a mortality rate of 85% or higher. A logistic regression model was fitted to the mortality data and used to derive threshold tree heights at which 85% mortality occurred, H₈₅. For all four species, the most effective treatment was application of 1000 ml of herbicide mixture per tree that contained 120 and 20 g, respectively, of the active ingredients triclopyr and picloram. There was a significant decline in efficacy of this treatment with increases in tree size for all four species. Values of H₈₅ for this treatment were 7.4 m for P. nigra, 8.3 m for P. menziesii, 9.7 m for P. contorta and >10 m for P. sylvestris. The methods developed here could be used to effectively manage emerging conifer infestations before they become problematic.     

Note: five new invasive species of longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Israel

Five invasive species of longhorn beetles, all known as pests and originating from different geographical areas, are recorded from Israel for the first time:Phoracantha recurva (Newman) andXystrocera globosa (Olivier) were collected in nature;Chlorophorus annularis (Fabricius),Neoplocaederus basalis (Gahan) andRhagium inquisitor (Linnaeus) were reared from imported timber. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting May 29, 2008.     

Effects of defoliation caused by the processionary moth on growth of Crimean pines in western Turkey

An outbreak of the pine processionary moth (PPM), Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tams (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae), began in spring 1998 and lasted 6 years in a Crimean pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) plantation in western Turkey. The effects of PPM on the radial, height and volume growth of Crimean pine trees were investigated by examining the increment losses for three defoliation intensities (groups). PPM activity in Crimean pine stand was assessed through radial increment analysis of cores extracted at breast height. In 2004, increment cores were collected from moderate and high defoliation and low defoliation dominant or co-dominant trees. Based on the sample, annual radial growth indices from 1998 to 2004 were calculated. Growth functions were defined as the cumulative sum of radial, height and volume increment graphically compared between Crimean pine defoliation group sample trees. The sample trees are the same subspecies and varieties. After the defoliations, radial, height and volume growth of low defoliation group trees was found to be significantly greater than that of the other affected groups. During the 1998–2004 period the total radial growth of low, moderately affected and highly affected trees was, respectively, 49, 33 and 31 mm; the total height growth was 3.1, 1.8 and 1.0 m; and the total volume growth was 50, 14 and 10 dm³.     

New distribution records ofMatsucoccus josephi andPineus pini (Homoptera) on pine trees in parts of the near east

Information is presented on new occurrences of two homopteran pests,Matsucoccus josephi Bodenheimer et Harpaz (Matsucoccidae) andPineus pini (Macquart) (Adelgidae), in Israel, Jordan and southern Lebanon.M. josephi occurs in Israel in almost all natural relicts of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis). It infests all plantations of Aleppo pine, brutia pine (Pinus brutia ssp.brutia) and Eldar pine (P. brutia ssp.eldarica) north of 31°12′ lat. N. Heavy damage has been observed in the Judean Foothills, Judean Mts. and northern Samaria.M. josephi and its specific predator,Elatophilus hebraicus Pericart (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), are recorded for the first time in Jordan and southern Lebanon. The scale was found in all visited Aleppo pine and brutia pine stands in Jordan and in natural and planted brutia pine in southeastern Lebanon. Damage byM. josephi in Jordan was observed only in young plantations of Aleppo pine; in Lebanon no signs of injury were recorded.P. pini was found for the first time in Jordan, where it causes severe damage to young stands of Aleppo pine and stone pine (Pinus pinea). Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization. No. 1225-E, 1993 series.     

The attraction of cerambycids and other xylophagous beetles, potential vectors of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, to semio-chemicals in Slovenia

The attractiveness of different semio-chemicals to potential vectors of the phytoparasitic nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus was investigated in conifer forests in Slovenia. From 2007 to 2009, the presence of xylophagous beetles in Pinus nigra, P. sylvestris, P. halepensis, Picea abies and Abies alba stands was assessed at eight locations. Insects were collected at 1-month intervals during the growing season using four cross vane traps per location with a collecting container with propylene glycol and attractants (ethanol+??-pinene, Pheroprax? and Gallowit?). The trapped insects represented 24 families of the order Coleoptera, and we identified 94 species. The most numerous group was the weevil subfamily Scolytinae (76.55% of all insects collected), followed by the family Cerambycidae (8.12%), and the weevil subfamily Curculioninae (1.67%). With regard to species number, the most frequent wood-borers were Cerambycidae (24 taxa), Scolytinae (12 species) and Buprestidae (8 species). The most abundant species was Spondylis buprestoides, followed by Arhopalus rusticus, Monochamus galloprovincialis and Arhopalus ferus. At all locations, the largest catch of Cerambycidae occurred in July. The most effective attractant was ethanol+??-pinene, followed by Gallowit?; the least effective attractant was Pheroprax?. Among Monochamus species, M. galloprovincialis represented 17.54%, M. sutor 0.09% and M. sartor 0.04% of the long-horned beetles collected. Monochamus individuals were most numerous in the P. nigra stand and were attracted in the greatest numbers by Gallowit?, followed by ethanol+??-pinene. The cerambycid catch was highly correlated with the catch of non-target bark beetle predators (Cleridae, Staphylinidae, Histeridae, Trogositidae, Nitidulidae, Rhizophagidae) in the traps.     

Enhancement of sphaeropsis canker of aleppo pine by the Israeli pine bast scale

An interaction between the fungal pathogenSphaeropsis sapinea (Fr.) Dyko & Sutton, causal organism of Sphaeropsis canker, and the Israeli pine bast scaleMatsucoccus josephi (Homoptera: Margarodidae), causal agent of pine decline, was studied, since both were prevalent on Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) stands.Sphaeropsis sapinea was isolated from larvae (stage II) and molts of the Israeli pine bast scale collected in four Aleppo pine stands. When Aleppo pine saplings were infested with pine bast scale and subsequently inoculated withS. sapinea most plants died, whereas mortality of seedlings inoculated withS. sapinea alone without previous scale infestation was negligible. Scale infestation of saplings without subsequent fungal inoculation caused the death of one third of the plants. Wounding of pine shoot apices by removal of needle fascicles enhanced infection byS. sapinea. The results support the assumption thatM. josephi can play an important role in transmitting the fungal inoculum to the host tree as well as enabling its penetration to the shoots through wounds in the bark. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Dec. 20, 2004.     

Fungal Infection and Mechanical Wounding Induce Disease Resistance in Scots Pine

Scots pine trees (Pinus sylvestris) recovering from a 90–100% defoliation 2–3 years previously were pretreated with small mechanical wounds or inoculations with the blue-stain fungi Leptographium wingfieldii and Ophiostoma canum. Pretreated trees were less susceptible to a subsequent massive inoculation with L. wingfieldii than untreated control trees, which were extensively colonised by the mass-inoculation. A low pretreatment dosage of L. wingfieldii was somewhat more effective in inducing disease resistance than a higher dosage. Pretreatment with L. wingfieldii, O. canum, and mechanical wounding were about equally effective inducers of resistance in Scots pine, even though L. wingfieldii is known to produce much more extensive phloem necrosis than the other pretreatments. Thus, the strength of the induced resistance response did not depend on the amount of host tissues that was destroyed by the pretreatment. Previously, induced disease resistance has been demonstrated in Norway spruce (Picea abies), and the present study shows that similar responses can be activated in Scots pine.     

Genetic diversity of the pine pathogen Lecanosticta acicola in Slovenia and Croatia

Brown spot needle blight (BSNB), a disease of pine trees caused by the fungus Lecanosticta acicola, has been known in Slovenia since 2008 and in Croatia since 1975. Recent outbreaks in Slovenia prompted this study to compare L. acicola populations in these two neighbouring European countries. Sixty-nine isolates collected from three pine species (Pinus mugo, P. halepensis and P. nigra) were used to determine the phylogenetic relationships, genetic structure, and reproductive strategy of the pathogen. EF1-α sequences showed that Slovenian and Croatian isolates share a common ancestry with individuals from central and northern Europe. Population structure analysis revealed four distinct population clusters of L. acicola in these two countries, generally corresponding to their respective geographic location and host. An unequal ratio of mating types and a low overall genetic diversity in the population indicated a strong influence of asexual reproduction. Although some of the oldest recorded European occurrences of BSNB are from Croatia, this study provided no evidence that the population studied in Croatia was the source of the sampled outbreaks in Slovenia. Recent outbreaks of L. acicola in Slovenia are most likely due to introductions from other, yet to be identified, sources.     

Note: Tachinid parasitoids of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ancyrosoma leucogrammes</Emphasis> and notes on parasitization rates of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Clytiomya dupuisi</Emphasis>

The study deals with the tachinid parasitoids ofAncyrosoma leucogrammes (Gmelin) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae):Clytiomya dupuisi Kugler,Clytiomya sola (Rondani) andGymnosoma clavatum (Rohdendorf) (Diptera: Tachinidae). All species are recorded for the first time as parasitoids ofA. leucogrammes, andC. dupuisi was reared for the first time from a host. The parasitization rates ofC. dupuisi on adults ofA. leucogrammes varied from 7% to 9% between 1994 and 1999.C. sola andG. clavatum were reared in only small numbers. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting July 10, 2003.     

Effects of fertilization with ammonium sulphate and potassium sulphate on the development of Sphaeropsis sapinea in Corsican pine

Potted plants ofPinus nigra subsp.laricio were fertilized with ammonium sulphate (AS) and potassium sulphate (PS) each year during 3 consecutive years. The then 5-year-old plants were artificially inoculated withSphaeropsis sapinea. The fungus caused much bigger bark necroses in plants that had been fertilized with AS, than in plants fertilized with PS. It is concluded thatP. nigra growing in poor sandy soil becomes more susceptible toS. sapinea when fertilized with an excess of AS. This may explain partly the increased incidence ofS. sapinea inP. nigra stands in areas with a high rate of atmospheric NH₄-deposition in the Netherlands.     

高效新型杀松材线虫剂的筛选及其林间防效

为筛选出新型的高效松材线虫Bursaphelenchus xylophilus防治药剂,采用浸渍法室内测定了氯氟氰虫酰胺、阿维菌素、甲维盐、灭多威、特丁硫磷、甲基异柳磷和吡虫啉7种药剂对松材线虫的毒杀作用和对其繁殖能力的影响,采用高效液相色谱仪测定氯氟氰虫酰胺在马尾松体内的输导分布,并在林间开展树干注射氯氟氰虫酰胺抗松材线虫病试验。结果表明,7种药剂中氯氟氰虫酰胺对松材线虫的毒力最强,LC_(50)为0.019 mg/L,阿维菌素和甲维盐次之,LC_(50)分别为0.0213 mg/L和0.0214 mg/L。氯氟氰虫酰胺树干注射3个月内能迅速从马尾松基部传导至树梢顶部,树干边材东、南面的药剂含量显著高于西、北面,且树干不同高度的氯氟氰虫酰胺含量均高于其LC50;氯氟氰虫酰胺制剂在林间注干后,对人工接种病原松材线虫松树的防治效果为73.33%,自然感染松材线虫病松树的死亡率降至2.00%,而对照试验中人工接种松材线虫松树和自然感染松材线虫病松树的死亡率分别为93.33%和19.67%。表明氯氟氰虫酰胺制剂能有效预防松树个体的松材线虫病发生与为害,可以推广使用。     

Dermestid beetles in ‘evolution Canyon’, lower Nahal Oren, Mt. Carmel, including new records for Israel

Fifteen species of dermestid beetles were recorded at ‘Evolution Canyon’ (EC), Lower Nahal Oren, Mt. Carmel, Israel. They represent ~35% of known Israeli dermestid species. The following three species were recorded for the first time in Israel:Trogoderma svriaca Dalla Torre, 1911;Ctesias svriaca Ganglbauer, 1904; andAnthrenus (s.str.) jordaniens Pic, 1934. Adults of 13 species were collected on the more solar radiated, warmer and climatically more fluctuating south-facing slope (SFS); ten species were collected on the opposite, north-facing slope (NFS), which was cooler and climatically more stable. The abundance of adult dermestid beetles was 1.9 times higher on the SFS than on the NFS (86 and 47, respectively). Species richness and abundance distribution at EC (three collecting stations on each slope and one at the valley bottom) were significantly negatively correlated with the plant cover that consisted of trees and bushes (Spearmanr _s ,P=0.007 and 0.039, respectively) and perennials (Spearmanr _s ,P=0.039 and 0.077, respectively), indicating that non-woody plants were preferred by adult dermestid beetles.     

New natural host plants of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pini’ in Poland and the Czech Republic

The presence of phytoplasmas in seven coniferous plant species (Abies procera, Pinus banksiana, P. mugo, P. nigra, P. sylvestris, P. tabuliformis and Tsuga canadensis) was demonstrated using nested PCR with the primer pairs P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2. The phytoplasmas were detected in pine trees with witches’ broom symptoms growing in natural forest ecosystems and also in plants propagated from witches’ brooms. Identification of phytoplasmas was done using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP) of the 16S rDNA gene fragment with AluI, MseI and RsaI endonucleases. All samples showed RFLP patterns similar to the theoretical pattern of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pini’, based on the sequence of the reference isolate Pin127S. Nested PCR‐amplified products, obtained with primers R16F2n/R16R2, were sequenced. Comparison of the 16S rDNAs obtained revealed high (99·8–100%) nucleotide sequence identity between the phytoplasma isolates. The isolates were also closely related to four other phytoplasma isolates found in pine trees previously. Based on the results of RFLP and sequence analyses, the phytoplasma isolates tested were classified as members of the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pini’, group 16SrXXI.     

Monitoring of the pine sawyer beetle Monochamus galloprovincialis by pheromone traps in Italy

The pine sawyer beetle Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) (Coleoptera Cerambycidae) gained importance as a pest in Europe after the introduction in Portugal of the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the agent of pine wilt disease. As the nematode is transmitted by the adult beetles during both maturation feeding and oviposition, effective methods of monitoring of the longhorn beetle populations are needed for the surveillance of the disease spread in Europe. Although in the last years many studies focused on the efficacy of different trapping methods, the general results are still controversial. In this study, we compared the efficiency of two trap types, cross-vane and multi-funnel, and two attractive blends, a kairomonal lure (??-pinene, ipsenol and methyl-butenol) and a commercial kit specific for M. galloprovincialis (pheromone plus kairomonal lure), in order to identify the trap/blend combination more appropriate for the surveillance of the M. galloprovincialis populations. Moreover, the trap efficiency was tested also in a pine stand colonized by M. galloprovincialis after a hailstorm and in a control stand. The results showed that the multi-funnel traps baited with the specific commercial kit was the most effective combination. Interestingly, trap catch was similar in the two pine stands, despite a different density of the target species. As the trapping method was effective also at low population density of M. galloprovincialis, it may be adopted as a general tool for beetle surveillance in the forest and at ports of entry.     

Non-Host Volatiles Disrupt the Response of the Stenographer Bark Beetle, Ips sexdentatus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), to Pheromone-Baited traps and Maritime Pine Logs

Non-host volatiles (NHV) were tested on antennae of Ips sexdentatus with coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD). Significant antennal responses were found to aggregation pheromone components, ipsdienol and amitinol, an attraction inhibitor, verbenone, and non-host bark volatiles extracted from Betula pendula, including trans-conophthorin (tC) and alcohols. The tC, a blend of three green leaf alcohols (C6-alcohols), and a blend of two bark alcohols (C8-alcohols) were tested in combination for their ability to disrupt the attraction of the stenographer bark beetle to pheromone-baited traps, unbaited and pheromone-baited maritime pine logs. The strongest disruptive effect resulted from the addition of the tC combined with the blends of NHV alcohols at high release rate, achieving an 83% reduction in trap catches, 89% reduction of attacks on unbaited pine logs, and 60% on baited logs. It is proposed that the two types of NHV have an additive effect, tC playing a major role in pheromone disruption while the alcohols would interrupt host specific signals. The results suggest that I. sexdentatus uses both bark and green leaf volatiles from non-host tree species in the host selection process. These NHV are promising disruptants, which could be used to prevent stenographer bark beetle attacks on log piles or standing trees in forest. A mixture of conifers and broad-leaved species would also disturb olfactory guided host selection supporting the assumption that more diverse forests are less prone to pest insect outbreaks.     

Relationships between morphological traits and resistance to pine wood nematode in two Japanese pines

It has been suggested that certain morphological traits of Japanese pines function as resistance factors against the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. The aim of this study was to verify this concept, and to determine the relationships between traits and resistance at both the individual and family levels. Relationships between survival rate and morphological traits of Pinus densiflora and Pinus thunbergii were studied after inoculation with PWN. Morphometric parameters used were height, basal diameter of the axis, and the number of branches from the axis. Three indices of relationships were analysed: (1) among individuals within a family (survival difference between smaller and larger morphometric populations within each family); (2) among individuals (correlation between each morphometric average and survival rate in quintile populations of all subjects within each pine species based on the order of morphometric values); and (3) among families (correlation between each morphometric average and survival rate in the family). Both significant and non-significant differences were detected within a family, indicating a need for macro techniques. Among individuals, a thicker axis and more branches were correlated with increased survival, indicating that they are resistance factors. However, these correlations were not significant among different families. These results indicate that morphological traits cannot be used to evaluate resistance at a family level, even if they are significant at an individual level. Further studies on traits associated with resistance should be conducted at a family rather than an individual level, to breed for Japanese pines with resistance to PWN.