Eradication campaign for Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Cyprus1

Rhynchohorus ferrugineus (red palm weevil) was first recorded in Cyprus in September 2006 on 4 palm trees (Phoenix canariensis) in a hotel garden in the coastal area of Lemesos. All infested plants from the first point of outbreak were removed and burned. Intensive monitoring showed that R. ferrugineus was present in the areas of Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos. In the Famagusta area a consignment of palm trees was found to be infested and measures for the destruction of the consignment were taken. From the results of monitoring, the areas of Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos were placed under close supervision and infested zones and buffer zones were created. In the area of Famagusta there was no trapping of adult insects, however a demarcated area was created and will remain under close supervision for a period of 3 years. The establishment of demarcated areas was carried out according to the provisions of the EU Decision 2007/365/EC. The measures taken in the infested and buffer zones were mainly the application of chemicals through the crown of the susceptible palm plants and the removal of heavily infested palms. Since burning proved not to be an efficient method, the heavily infested palm plants were buried in approved areas, after chemical spraying. In addition the NPPO, of Cyprus has taken measures in training all plant health inspectors in the identification and handling of infested palm trees and public awareness about R. ferrugineus. Surveys continue throughout Cyprus with the use of pheromone traps and eradication measures continue within the demarcated areas with the aim of eradicating of this pest.     

Note: Biotype status ofBemisia tabaci from various crops in Cyprus

An extensive survey ofBemisia tabaci populations covering the southern half of the island of Cyprus was conducted in 2006 and 2007 in order to define the biotype status of the pest. Sampling was done both on protected and outdoor cultivations of vegetables and ornamental plants. Biotype identification was performed using molecular diagnostics based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxydase I gene. Our results indicated the presence of only the biotype B in all 25 collections. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting August 8, 2008.     

Experience with fireblight in the Czech Republic1

Erwinia amylovora has been spreading in the Czech Republic since 1986 regardless of emergency phytosanitary measures which have been taken. Its spread follows the predominant wind direction (west to east). The infested area now covers two thirds of the area of the country. Wild Crataegus spp. are the most important and widespread host plants. E. amylovora is still regulated as a quarantine pest, and areas free from fireblight are subject to special phytosanitary measures.     

Control of the Beet Weevil in Cyprus

During 1973, a severe attack by the Coleopteran Conorrhynchus brevirostris Gyll. was observed in a beet plantation near Morphou, on the north-west coast of Cyprus (M elifronides , 1976). The larva of this pest penetrates the crown of the beet root and bores out galleries via which different root-invading micro-organisms find entry; such infested roots cannot be stored and have no commercial value.
For control of this pest, several granular organophosphorous and organocarbamate insecticides were tested during 1975 and 1976, and effectively reduced infestation and damage by the beet weevil.     

First report of the palm borer <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paysandisia archon</Emphasis> (Burmeister 1880) (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) in Cyprus

In October 2008 an insect palm borer was found for the first time on the island of Cyprus, in the Paphos district, on palms of Chamaerops humilis and Washingtonia filifera. By December 2008 the species was found on isolated palm plants of Phoenix roebelenii. The species was identified as the palm borer Paysandisia archon (Burmeister 1880) at the Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia. Infested palm trunks and leaves were bored by the Paysandisia larvae. Bored trunk and crown were covered with plugs of debris.     

First report of the nipa palm hispid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Octodonta nipae</Emphasis> on queen palms in Cyprus

In December 2009, numerous adults and larvae of the nipa palm hispid Octodonta nipae (Maulik) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) were found for the first time on the island of Cyprus, in unopened young leaves of Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman palm species. All infested palms of this species evinced serious decline with all young leaves showing signs of attack, but the beetles and larvae themselves were found only in fronds from the central shoot.     

Improving Control of the Vegetable Armyworm

Abstract

Because of recently acquired resistance of armyworm in Cyprus to prophyllactic spraying of methylparathion, a full investigation into the biology of Spodoptera littoralis was launched. It is not yet clear whether immigration to the Island occurs, but some moths can overwinter in “survival pockets” on the South coast. Pheromone traps and sterilisation are suggested as an alternative method of control. A more rational use of pesticides will cause less damage to natural enemies of the pest and reduce further development of resistance.     

Dactylotrypes longicollis (Wollaston 1864) (Coleoptera, Scolytidae) introduced to the Slovak Republic

A total of 28 seeds of Phoenix canariensis, collected on the littoral of Croatia (former Yugoslavia) in August 1998, were brought to the Slovak Republic in order to grow palm trees In artificial conditions. Surprisingly, the seeds yielded 284 specimens of bark beetles which were identified as Dactylotrypes Iongicollis. This is the first evidence for the introduction of D. longicollis to the Slovak Republic.     

Criniviruses associated with cucurbit yellows disease in Greece and Cyprus: an ever-changing scene

Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) and Beet pseudo-yellows virus (BPYV) are whitefly-transmitted criniviruses that cause foliar interveinal yellowing symptoms and result in high economic losses for cucurbit production. CYSDV and CCYV are transmitted by Bemisia tabaci, whereas BPYV is transmitted by Trialeurodes vaporariorum. During 2012–2017, an extensive survey was conducted to identify the viruses causing cucurbit yellows disease in Greece and Cyprus. The study sampled the main cucurbits and alternative hosts in these regions to determine crinivirus incidence, to identify the whitefly species present in the two countries and to characterize molecularly the virus populations. Results showed that CYSDV was the most widespread virus in Greece (49.9%), followed by CCYV (20.3%) and BPYV (18.4%). Bemisia tabaci and T. vaporariorum were identified in 54.5% and 45.6% of whitefly samples, respectively. In Cyprus, CYSDV was predominant (96.7%), followed by CCYV (19.2%), while no BPYV infection was detected. Approximately 15% of weed samples from 17 different species that belong to 12 botanical families were identified as hosts for one or more of these criniviruses. Finally, sequencing of the capsid protein gene of the crinivirus isolates revealed very low levels of genetic diversity, further supporting the genetic stability of crinivirus populations. The results of this long-lasting epidemiological study in two countries of the eastern Mediterranean revealed substantial changes in the relative incidence and distribution of cucurbit-infecting criniviruses and their whitefly vectors over the past 15 years, suggesting the need for adoption of novel management strategies.     

Dactylotrypes longicollis (Wollaston 1864) (Coleoptera, Scolytidae) introduced to the Slovak Republic

A total of 28 seeds of Phoenix canariensis, collected on the littoral of Croatia (former Yugoslavia) in August 1998, were brought to the Slovak Republic in order to grow palm trees In artificial conditions. Surprisingly, the seeds yielded 284 specimens of bark beetles which were identified as Dactylotrypes Iongicollis. This is the first evidence for the introduction of D. longicollis to the Slovak Republic.     

Electron Microscopy and Molecular Characterization of Phytoplasmas Associated with Strawflower Yellows in the Czech Republic

Strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum) with symptoms resembling those associated to phytoplasma infection were observed in several areas in the Czech Republic during the period 1994–2001. Plants with leaf bronzing, reddening and necrosis, proliferation of secondary shoots, flower abnormalities and dwarfing died in advanced stages of the disease. The disease incidence ranged from 2% to 70% and caused significant loss to the flower and seed production. Transmission electron microscopy showed phytoplasmas in sieve cells of affected plants, but not in healthy ones. Association of phytoplasmas with the disease was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using phytoplasma universal ribosomal primers R16F2n/R16R2. An amplification product of the expected size (1.2 kb) was observed in all samples of the symptomatic strawflowers. The restriction profiles obtained following separate digestion with three endonucleases (AluI, HhaI, MseI) showed that phytoplasmas infecting strawflowers from different localities in the Czech Republic were uniform and undistinguishable from aster yellows (subgroup 16SrI-B). Sequence analysis of 1771 bp of the ribosomal operon amplified with primers P1/U3, R16F2n/R2 and 16R758/P7 indicated that the closest related phytoplasmas were those associated with 'Rehmannia glutinosa var. purpurea', both originating from Bohemia. This is the first report on the occurrence of a phytoplasma-associated disease of strawflower in the Czech Republic.     

Surveys for Phytophthora ramorum in the Czech Republic1

The State Phytosanitary Administration (SPA) of the Czech Republic has been conducting an official survey for Phytophthora ramorum since 2003. A single outbreak of P. ramorum was detected by the SPA on guelder rose (Viburnum bodnantense) in autumn 2003 during a phytosanitary inspection in an ornamental nursery made on the request of owner of the nursery as he had noticed plants of Viburnum bodnantense withering. The infested lot consisted of 15 plants, which were imported from Italy into the Czech Republic at the end of April in 2003. A post‐entry inspection was carried out at the place of destination just after arrival and no visual symptoms were seen at that time. The lot was destroyed by the owner of the nursery immediately after the sampling. A survey was carried out by the SPA in all nurseries in which host plants coming from the same origin as the infested plants had been planted. No other outbreak was found. Phytosanitary inspections were carried out in ornamental nurseries and garden centres, public parks and forestry sites. No outbreak was detected in 2004 (451 visual inspections) and 2005 (522 visual inspections). The status of Phytophthora ramorum in the Czech Republic is: absent, one isolated outbreak linked to an imported consignment was eradicated.     

Recent surveys for Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in the Czech Republic1

The State Phytosanitary Administration of the Czech Republic (SPA) conducted a survey of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in 2004 and 2005. In 2004 97 locations were surveyed and 60 samples were taken. B. xylophilus was not found in any of the samples. In 2005, the SPA performed 120 phytosanitary inspections on solitary conifers, and in forest stands and clumps of trees. Checks were performed on Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra trees and in coniferous woodland mainly in areas at risk of invasion from B. xylophilus. Of 70 phytosanitary inspections performed in at risk areas, 13 samples were taken for laboratory processing and analysis. Fifty phytosanitary inspections were carried out outside risk areas, mainly in forests and parks, and 28 samples were taken. The Czech University of Agriculture in Prague together with the diagnostic laboratory of the SPA carried out a second survey in 2005. Fifty‐eight samples were taken from 58 surveyed locations in forests where coniferous trees with symptoms had been found. Laboratories performed a survey of B. xylophilus vectors to find only one vector species, Monochamus galloprovincialis subsp. pistor. In total in 2005, 178 phytosanitary inspections were carried out in the Czech Republic. B. xylophilus was not detected in either samples or vectors. Thus the results of the surveying were negative in both 2004 and 2005. The status of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in the Czech Republic is: absent, confirmed by survey.     

Hymenopterous parasitoids of the cherry bark tortrix, Enarmonia formosana (Scopoli) in central-east Europe (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonoidea; Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)

Strategies targeting the biological control of the cherry bark tortrix (=CBT), Enarmonia formosana (Scopoli) in North America have also included the search for potentially useful native hymenopterous parasitoids of the pest in Europe. The search for such agents undertaken in the central-east Europe (Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary) resulted in determination of several ichneumonid species (Campoplex cf. dubitator Horst., Liotryphon sp., Lissonotus sp., Pimpla spuria (Grav.), Pimpla turionellae (L.), and some others, and a braconid (Apanteles britannicus Wilk.) in 2001–2002.     

Hymenopterous parasitoids of the cherry bark tortrix, Enarmonia formosana (Scopoli) in central-east Europe (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonoidea; Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)

Strategies targeting the biological control of the cherry bark tortrix (=CBT), Enarmonia formosana (Scopoli) in North America have also included the search for potentially useful native hymenopterous parasitoids of the pest in Europe. The search for such agents undertaken in the central-east Europe (Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary) resulted in determination of several ichneumonid species (Campoplex cf. dubitator Horst., Liotryphon sp., Lissonotus sp., Pimpla spuria (Grav.), Pimpla turionellae (L.), and some others, and a braconid (Apanteles britannicus Wilk.) in 2001–2002.     

Molecular characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xiphinema brevicollum</Emphasis> (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from the Czech Republic

Populations of Xiphinema brevicollum occurring in the Czech Republic were described morphologically and molecularly. Published species-specific primer set BL18 and BV3 was used to amplify three populations of X. brevicollum from the Czech Republic. These primers were tested against 9 species of Xiphinema and 11 species of Longidorus. Amplification was also observed for X. inaequale, X. italiae and X. lambertii. Three additional markers, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, ribosomal D2/D3 expansion segment of the 28S gene and 18S gene, were amplified and sequenced for X. brevicollum, X. inaequale and X. lambertii belonging to X. americanum-group. Comparison of cox1 sequences of X. brevicollum from the Czech Republic with X. taylori from the Slovak Republic (accession number AM086702) suggested that these populations represent the same species.     

Organophosphate resistance in olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, populations in Greece and Cyprus

The olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the most important pest of olives in countries around the Mediterranean basin. Its control has been based mostly on bait sprays with organophosphate insecticides (usually dimethoate or fenthion) for about 40 years. In the present study, the resistance status of olive fruit fly populations to dimethoate was examined in Greece and Cyprus over 2 years. Thirty-one populations from various regions of Greece, nine from Cyprus and one laboratory susceptible strain, which served as a control, were assayed by topical application of dimethoate. Considerable variation in the resistance levels to dimethoate was recorded in the populations of B. oleae, with resistance ratios ranging from 6.3 to 64.4 (ED(50) values 12.5-128.7 ng dimethoate per insect). The highest resistance ratios were found in populations from Crete, and the lowest in those from Cyprus. This variation could be attributed to different selection pressures from insecticidal applications among populations from the various regions. Migration of resistant genotypes, either autonomous or via commerce, may also be involved.     

Detection,characterization and host range studies of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pepino mosaic virus</Emphasis> in Cyprus

Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV, Genus Potexvirus, Family Flexiviridae) is a mechanically transmitted viral disease that has emerged as a significant problem of greenhouse tomato crops in Europe and around the world. Although previous studies in Cyprus suggested that the virus was not present on the island, in 2009 tomato fruits from two major tomato production areas exhibited symptoms of yellow mosaic and discolouration, similar to those induced by PepMV. Consequently, an extensive survey was conducted in all tomato producing areas of the country to identify the incidence and prevalence of PepMV in protected and open field tomato crops. Analysis of 3500 leaf samples from tomato plants and weeds with DAS-ELISA and real-time RT-PCR showed that PepMV was present in all tomato growing areas of the island. The virus was detected in both protected and open field tomato plants, as well as in 20 weed species in the families of Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Compositae, Convolvulaceae, Malvaceae, Plantaginaceae and Solanaceae. All Cypriot isolates assayed belonged to the CH2 genotype. Biological assays with two Cypriot isolates showed that they could infect cultivated and weed species including Vigna unguiculata, Solanum melongena, Nicotiana tabacum, Malva parviflora, Sonchus oleraceus, Solanum nigrum, Convolvulus arvensis, Chrysanthemum segetum and Calendula arvensis. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report Chrysanthemum segetum and Calendula arvensis as hosts of PepMV.     

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.