Seasonal incidence and enzyme-based susceptibility to synthetic insecticides in two upcoming sucking insect pests of tea

Climate change, deforestation and over reliance on chemical pesticides during the last five decades are presumed to have had a significant impact on the incidence and abundance of agricultural pests. The thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) and the greenfly (Empoasca flavescens Fabricius), which were previously considered as minor or occasionally as serious pests in localized areas of tea plantations, are now established as regular and at times major pests in tea plantations of North Bengal spread over the sub Himalayan slopes and the adjoining plains of Terai and the Dooars. Tea-planters from different pockets of North Bengal have been repeatedly reporting control failures of these pests with the use of insecticides in recommended dilutions. A study of their seasonal incidence along with activity of detoxifying enzymes was considered. The trend of a recent population study revealed that E. flavescens and S. dorsalis were abundant throughout the year, with peaks during April to June. Abiotic factors such as temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours and relative humidity (afternoon) influenced the population abundance. Insecticide-exposed populations showed higher levels of activity of the detoxifying enzymes than those collected from organic plantations and the laboratory-reared populations that had not been exposed to insecticides. Detoxifying enzymes in insecticide-exposed E. flavescens collected from Terai and the Dooars as compared with laboratory control specimens showed 3.0–5.2 and 3.0–9.7-fold increases in general esterases (GEs), 1.5–4.8 and 3.6–5.3-fold increases in cytochrome P450s (CYPs) and 1.2–3.5 and 1.5–2.5-fold increases in glutathione-s-transferases (GSTs), respectively. Similarly, S. dorsalis collected from Terai and the Dooars showed 2.0–6.0 and 2.3–5.6-fold increases in GEs, 1.5–2.3 and 1.6–2.4-fold increases in CYPs and 2.6–3.7 and 2.3–3.6-fold increases for GSTs, respectively. Bands of isozymes of esterase I–VI and I–V were found to be expressed in insecticide-exposed specimens whereas a negligible expression was evident for the bands in unexposed E. flavescens and S. dorsalis of organic plantations and laboratory-reared origins, respectively. The data obtained in the present study would be useful in developing the integrated resistance management strategies leading to effective management of the said pests.     

Insect pests of pearl millet in West Africa: A review

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) K. Schum), a major food crop in the sahelian and savanna regions of West Africa, is attacked by about 100 species of insects. Of these, the only regular pests are stem borers (Acigona ignefusalis Hmps. and Sesamia spp.) and earhead caterpillars (Masalia spp., Raghuva spp.). Sporadic pests such as hairy caterpillars (Amsacta moloneyi Druce), armyworms (Spodoptera spp. and Mythimna spp.) and grasshoppers (Acrididae) may cause severe losses to crops during prolonged droughts early in the season. A grain midge (Geromyia penniseti (Felt)) attacks late millets and causes a considerable loss in yield. Information is presented on the biology, distribution, hosts and natural enemies of these pests, and some methods of control are discussed.     

Incidence of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter europaeus’ and phytoplasmas in Cacopsylla species (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and their host/shelter plants

Psyllids, as vectors of phloem-restricted plant pathogens, are serious agricultural pests. Fruit tree phytoplasmas are transmitted by different Cacopsylla spp., while other psyllids are known vectors of liberibacters. Recently, the bacterium ??Candidatus Liberibacter europaeus?? was found in pear trees and in Cacopsylla pyri (Linnaeus), the vector of ??Ca. Phytoplasma pyri??. This new species does not cause symptoms in plants and is probably a symbiont rather than a pathogen. Based on these findings and the assumption that ??Ca. Liberibacter europaeus?? is widespread, we studied its distribution in the genus Cacopsylla and in the respective host and shelter plants (where psyllids aestivate and overwinter), as well as its possible co-presence with ??Ca. Phytoplasma?? spp. We tested 14 Cacopsylla species and 11 plant species from northwestern Italy, Hungary and Israel, characterized by warm oceanic, temperate continental and warm Mediterranean climatic conditions, respectively. ??Ca. Liberibacter europaeus?? was common within the Cacopsylla genus, being present in nine of the 14 species screened as well as in most host plants, whereas none of the shelter plants tested positive for this bacterium. Altogether, these findings indicate the presence of ??Ca. Liberibacter europaeus?? in continental zones, whereas it does not seem to be widespread in the Mediterranean region. Furthermore, lack of specific symptoms in all infected plants confirms an endophytic relationship with this bacterium, while its abundance in insects suggests a beneficial role for the host. Co-infections with phytoplasmas, observed in insects and plants, require further study to evaluate the possible interactions between them.     

四种不同种植模式茶园节肢动物的群落组成

为了解浙江省不同种植模式茶园节肢动物的群落组成,于2013—2014年对松阳县4种茶园的节肢动物群落数量、时空格局和茶丛上层益害生物比及其动态进行了调查。结果表明:林间茶园害虫、天敌物种数和总物种数显著大于其它3种茶园;林间茶园天敌个体数最多,丰产茶园害虫个体数和总个体数最多。在垂直分布上,天敌个体数在母穗园、林间茶园中以上层最多,在丰产茶园和两行密植茶园中以中层最多;害虫个体数在丰产茶园、母穗园和林间茶园以中层最多,在两行密植茶园以下层最多,分别占其全株的60%、56%、42%和51%;4种茶园益害个体数比皆以上层最多。在水平分布上,害虫个体数在丰产茶园、两行密植茶园、林间茶园皆以朝北方向最多,分别占其全株的35.0%、26.0%和26.3%;害虫个体数以茶丛内层较多,天敌个体数以外层较多;地上部分林间茶园益害个体数比约是丰产茶园的2倍。表明种植模式可改变群落空间格局和益害比。     

婺源县茶尺蠖发生规律的研究

茶尺蠖是茶叶上的重要食叶性害虫,影响茶叶的产量与品质。为了解茶尺蠖的发生规律,2011—2013连续3年应用佳多牌虫情测报灯对婺源县茶尺蠖类害虫的发生种类、数量、发生期及种群动态等进行了观测,试验结果表明,茶尺蠖发生在婺源1年内可以发生4~5代、发生期长且世代重叠,主发生期在每年的6~9月。     

Phagostimulants enhancing the efficacy ofBacillus Thuringiensis formulations against the Giant Looper,Boarmia (Ascotis) Selenaria,in avocado

In both laboratory and field trials, as well as in semicommercial scale applications, the minimum concentration ofBacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) required to secure satisfactory larval mortality ofBoarmia selenaria could be halved, from 0.5% to 0.25%, by addition of 1% of the commercial phagostimulant Coax. Another phagostimulant product, Gustol, was inactive. Coax did not attract caterpillars from a distance. However, individual, Coax-treated spots on the avocado leaf surface were consumed by the larvae to a significantly greater extent than control. The same difference in palatability was recorded when the spots were treated with a mixture of Coax and aB.t. formulation. This explains, at least partially, the aforementioned advantageous effect of Coax in practical control of the looper byB.t.     

Introduction into Israel ofTrichogramma platneri Nagarkatti,an egg parasite of Lepidoptera

Trichogramma platneri Nagarkatti (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) was recently introduced into Israel to improve the control of two lepidopterous pests,Boarmia selenaria (Schiffermiiller) andCryptoblabes gnidiella (Millière). Laboratory tests showed thatT. platneri attacks the eggs of both species. A method of freezing the eggs of the host,Ephestia cautella (Walker), at -20°C and gradual defrosting, used in the large laboratory breedings of the parasites, is described briefly. In laboratory tests 68.5% of the frozenE. cautella eggs, after 2 months of storage, were parasitized, compared with 70.3% of the fresh eggs.     

Plant invasiveness and target plant density: high densities of native Schima wallichii seedlings reduce negative effects of invasive Ageratina adenophora

Economically feasible strategies to cope with invasive species are urgently needed. Plant density can be increased to reduce competitive effects on target plants. This study indicates that increasing native plant density can be used to reduce the effect of invasive Ageratina adenophora. Seedlings of an indigenous tree species, Schima wallichii, were grown in pots containing uninvaded or invaded soil, with or without A. adenophora leaf litter on the soil surface. Schima wallichii seedlings were also grown at four densities under four levels of A. adenophora leaf litter. Root and shoot biomass and length were measured as response parameters in both bioassays. Schima wallichii growth was inhibited by A. adenophora leaf litter and invaded soil. High litter levels reduced S. wallichii root length and dry weight at low plant densities. The inhibition disappeared at high S. wallichii plant densities. As A. adenophora did not inhibit S. wallichii growth at high plant densities, adjustments of seedling density should be studied as a possible management strategy for invasion by A. adenophora and potentially by other exotic plant species. As density‐dependent growth inhibition is the key characteristic of chemical interference, we propose that phytotoxins contribute to A. adenophora invasion particularly at low densities of native seedlings.     

Steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes for biological control of the giant looper,Boarmia selenaria

The pathogenicity of steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes to caterpillars of the giant looper,Boarmia selenaria (Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), was determined under laboratory conditions. High mortality (over 80%) was achieved, in a petri dish bioassay, with a minimum of 20,000 infective juveniles (IJ) ofSteinernema carpocapsae (Filipjev) (=Neoaplectana carpocapsae Weiser), strain ‘All’. The LD₅₀ was 4250 IJ per caterpillar. Similar results were obtained withS. carpocapsae, strain ‘Mexican’,Steinernema sp., strain ‘CR’;Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, strain ‘HP88’; andHeterorhabditis sp., strain ‘IS’. The first and second instars were the most susceptible stages to nematode infection. A laboratory model assay indicated that 80–90% of the caterpillars were killed when they migrated to the soil to pupate; this occurred when IJ were applied to sandy and heavy soils at a concentration of 400 IJ/cm³ soil. A greenhouse test reconfirmed the effectiveness of utilizing the entomopathogenic nematodes in an “ambush” system against caterpillars migrating to the soil.     

Interaction of acetic acid and phenylacetaldehyde as attractants for trapping pest species of moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

BACKGROUND: Phenylacetaldehyde is a flower volatile and attractant for many nectar‐seeking moths. Acetic acid is a microbial fermentation product that is present in insect sweet baits. It is weakly attractive to some moths and other insects, but can be additive or synergistic with other compounds to make more powerful insect lures. RESULTS: Acetic acid and phenylacetaldehyde presented together in traps made a stronger lure than either chemical alone for moths of the alfalfa looper Autographa californica (Speyer) and the armyworm Spodoptera albula (Walker). However, this combination of chemicals reduced captures of the cabbage looper moth Trichoplusia ni (Hübner), the silver Y moth Autographa gamma (L.), MacDunnoughia confusa (Stephens) and the soybean looper moth Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) by comparison with phenylacetaldehyde alone. CONCLUSION: These results indicate both positive and negative interactions of acetic acid, a sugar fermentation odor cue, and phenylacetaldehyde, a floral scent cue, in eliciting orientation responses of moths. This research provides a new two‐component lure for the alfalfa looper A. californica and for the armyworm S. albula for potential use in pest management. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

三种赤眼蜂对灰白蚕蛾的卵龄选择

灰白蚕蛾Ocinara varia.是近年来华南地区为害较严重的园林害虫,为筛选有效防治灰白蚕蛾的赤眼蜂种,在室内条件下比较了短管赤眼蜂Trichogramma pretiosum、松毛虫赤眼蜂T.dendroli-mi和暗黑赤眼蜂T.euproctidis对不同卵龄灰白蚕蛾卵的寄生能力和适应能力.结果显示,随寄主卵龄的增加松毛虫赤眼蜂和暗黑赤眼蜂寄生卵数均呈下降趋势,且都在灰白蚕蛾卵龄为6h的卵上寄生卵数最多,分别为15.90粒/雌和12.20粒/雌;而短管赤眼蜂的寄生卵数随寄主卵龄的增加呈先上升后下降趋势,在卵龄为24 h时达最高,为8.25粒/雌;在各卵龄段,松毛虫赤眼蜂的寄生卵数均比其它2种蜂多;当寄主卵龄超过72 h时,3种赤眼蜂的寄生卵数均显著下降.3种赤眼蜂在寄生卵龄为6h的寄生卵上羽化率最高,当卵龄超过72 h时,其羽化率均显著下降.松毛虫赤眼蜂和暗黑赤眼蜂对6h卵龄的灰白蚕蛾卵致死能力最强,而短管赤眼蜂对24 h卵龄的灰白蚕蛾卵致死能力最强.综合分析表明,松毛虫赤眼蜂在灰白蚕蛾卵上的寄生能力和适应能力最好,是灰白蚕蛾的有效天敌.     

大螟与寄主植物关系的研究

大螟成虫产卵对寄主植物种类和生育期有明显选择性。寄主植物种类和理化性状影响幼虫的成活率,蛹体重量和性比,从而影响成虫产卵量,表明寄主植物对大螟种群数量有明显的影响。幼虫在田间的分布状况主要也是由于田边寄主植物更适合其生长发育之故。     

Isolation and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum spp. causing anthracnose of Indian mulberry (Morinda citrifolia) in tropical islands of Andaman and Nicobar, India

This study identifies the Colletotrichum spp. which cause Morinda anthracnose in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. A survey of Indian mulberry plantations was carried out to ascertain the identity of isolates associated with Morinda anthracnose. These were identified as C. gloeosporioides based on morphology and sequencing analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, demonstrating that this species is currently the causal agent of Morinda anthracnose in a tropical ecosystem. The pathogenicity test of C. gloeosporioides isolates on Morinda seedlings for 1?month revealed that the five isolates MC1, MC8, MC2 (1), MC4 and MC12 were pathogenic to the respective host with different levels of anthracnose lesion.     

Diversity of Mycosphaerella spp. and Teratosphaeria spp. in Eucalyptus globulus plantations in Brazil

Among the most important diseases affecting Eucalyptus is Mycosphaerella Leaf Disease (MLD) caused by Mycosphaerella spp. and Teratosphaeria spp. MLD has led to significant losses in eucalypt plantations in the South and Southeast Region of Brazil, as well as in several countries such as Portugal, Spain, South Africa and Australia. Symptoms of MLD include localized necrotic spots, early defoliation in juvenile plants, stem cankers, early death of branches, and in some cases, atrophy and death. In the present study, single spore isolations from leaves of E. globulus from five locations in Brazil allowed the differentiation of species of Mycosphaerella and Teratosphaeria based on ascospore germination and growth in culture. These isolates were also subjected to sequence analysis of the ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer regions, which allowed their identification to species level. The results of this study showed that six species of Mycosphaerella and four species of Teratosphaeria were associated with leaves showing symptoms of MLD in E. globulus plantations in various locations of Brazil.     

Effect of host plants on fitness traits and detoxifying enzymes activity of Helopeltis theivora, a major sucking insect pest of tea

Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse (Heteroptera: Miridae) is a major sucking insect pest of tea (Camellia sinensis) which feeds on a wide variety of alternative host plants. Feeding biology and fitness traits of H. theivora, on two alternative host plants, viz., Mikania micrantha (Asteraceae) and Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae), besides C. sinensis (Theaceae), were studied along with corresponding levels of xenobiotic defense enzymes. C. sinensis is the preferred host of H. theivora. The development time of H. theivora is significantly shorter on C. sinensis (13.3?±?0.16?days) than on the two other hosts, M. micrantha (14.2?±?0.22?days) and P. guajava (14.7?±?0.23?days). Similarly, the fecundity (C. sinensis: 172.6?±?4.5 eggs/female, M. micrantha: 128.6?±?4.4 eggs/female, P. guajava: 118.7?±?3.3 eggs/female), oviposition period (C. sinensis: 24.1?±?0.7?days, M. micrantha: 22.5?±?0.6?days, P. guajava: 21.7?±?0.8?days) and hatchability (C. sinensis: 80.9?±?1.9%, M. micrantha: 69.4?±?1.6%, P. guajava: 64.1?±?1.7%) are recorded to be significantly higher on C. sinensis. The age at reproductive maturity and egg incubation periods were lower on C. sinensis than on the two other host plants. Host-based variation in H. theivora fitness traits is interpreted in light of differential activity of three principal xenobiotic detoxifying enzymes, the general esterases (GEs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs). The activities of these enzymes in H. theivora were significantly enhanced when the insect fed on M. micrantha and P. guajava as compared with on C. sinensis.     

Resistance selection and mechanisms of oriental tobacco budworm (Helicoverpa assulta Guenee) to indoxacarb

The oriental tobacco budworm, Helicoverpa assulta, is one of the most destructive pests for numerous commercial crops, and these organisms are responsible for enormous economic losses in Chinese agriculture. Insect larvae often feed within host plant fruits, providing protection from many currently used insecticides and making field control of H. assulta very difficult. Owing to its novel mode of action, high insecticidal activity, and low mammalian toxicity, the nonsystemic insecticide indoxacarb has been considered a promising alternative for the control of lepidopterous pests of agricultural significance. Indoxacarb evidences an elevated insecticidal activity against H. assulta. After 13 generations of selection with indoxacarb and bifenthrin insecticides under laboratory conditions, the LC₅₀ of these compounds for H. assulta increased by 4.19-fold and 10.67-fold, respectively. The synergists diethyl maleate (DEM) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP) increased indoxacarb toxicity by 2.76-fold and 4.10-fold in resistant strains and, comparatively, 1.58-fold and 1.75-fold in susceptible strains, suggesting that carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) may be involved in the development of indoxacarb resistance in H. assulta. Activity and kinetic parameters observed in detoxification enzymes further demonstrated that the enhanced activity of CarE and GSTs may be critical in development of indoxacarb resistance in H. assulta. The data provides a foundation for further study of the indoxacarb resistance mechanism observed in H. assulta and the rational use of indoxacarb as a rotation insecticide with other insecticide classes for the control of H. assulta.     

Sensitivity of caterpillars of the pine tree lappet moth Dendrolimus pini to native isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes

Abstract

The pine tree lappet moth Dendrolimus pini (Lasiocampidae) is one of the most dangerous pests of pine Pinus sylvestris stands in Central Europe. To develop biological control method of this pest, the bioassay was made to assess the sensitivity of D. pini caterpillars to native EPMs strains representing two species: Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis megidis in laboratory conditions. The results showed higher activity of S. feltiae strains which parasitized 86.7 - 100% of D. pini caterpillars, compared to the 20-100% of insects parasitized by H. megidis strain. Most nematodes were found in caterpillars treated with S. feltiae (in average 40 IJs/caterpillar), the least – in individuals parasitized by H. megidis (in average IJs/caterpillar). No effect of dose and temperature on parasitizm was found with S. feltiae strains while in H. megidis increased doses resulted in higher extensity of parasitism. The results indicate higher biological activity of S. feltiae strains and advisability of their further studies in field experiments.     

Application of the consolidated species concept to identify the causal agent of strawberry anthracnose in Iran and initial molecular dating of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colletotrichum acutatum</Emphasis> species complex

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. is one of main strawberry diseases worldwide. The disease recently arrived in Iran and become epidemic in the Kurdistan province. A combination of morphological, molecular and pathogen-host interaction approaches (referred to the consolidated species concept) were applied to isolates from symptomatic strawberry tissues collected in Iran. Multi-gene phylogenetic analysis based on ITS-rDNA, beta-tubulin (TUB2) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) identified the species as the S5 clade of Colletotrichum nymphaeae. No significant intraspecies variation was observed in terms of morphology and pathogenicity. No significant genetic variation was observed among the isolates using inter simple sequence repeat analysis (ISSR) and primer pair combination of ERIC1/BOX and ERIC2/BOX fingerprinting markers. Based on the results of this study, it can be postulated that the C. nymphaeae population in Iran established itself from a single origin due to a founder effect. More generally, molecular dating based on relaxed clocks indicates co-radiation of C. nymphaeae S5 and strawberry plants and suggests high reciprocal specificity between the host and pathogen.     

Molecular markers for genotyping anastomosis groups and understanding the population biology of Rhizoctonia species

Soil-borne Rhizoctonia fungi cause serious diseases in several plant species. For the classification of these fungi, the number of nuclei in a hyphal cell and the anastomosis reaction are important criteria. Although Rhizoctonia spp. has a wide host range, the causal agents have been reported to be selective for host plant families or species and lead to severe disease. Reports of new diseases, particularly in new host plants, and severe damage in agricultural fields incurred by subdivided or newly found groups of Ceratobasidium and Waitea circinata (a varied teleomorph of Rhizoctonia) have been increasing in recent years. The food production environment is altering because of climate change, introduction of potential new host plants, and heavy use of chemicals that reduce microbial diversity. These changes favor the occurrence of new diseases incurred by undefined anastomosis groups (AGs) or subgroups of Rhizoctonia spp. On the basis of the phylogenetic relationships of AGs and subgroups in Rhizoctonia spp., molecular markers for discriminating the groups of the Rhizoctonia species complex have been developed. The application of genetic markers, in the form of microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSR), has become increasingly important in fungal genetics. The analyses of population genetics for Rhizoctonia spp. using SSR markers elucidated the modes of sexual and asexual reproduction, phylogeographical distributions, and global migrations associated with adaptation to agroecosystems.     

不同类型茶园游猎型蜘蛛亚群落特征的研究

以广东潮州市凤凰单丛茶区的高山、中山和低山茶园为研究对象,对茶园游猎型蜘蛛亚群落及其环境因子和管理状况进行调查,采用多样性指标、NMDS排序、perMANOVA检验、SIMPER分析和RDA排序等方法,研究茶园游猎型蜘蛛亚群落特征与环境因子的关系。研究结果表明:高山茶园的物种数和个体数量高,中山茶园次之,低山茶园最低,且差异显著;高山茶园的物种丰富度显著高于其他两个茶园,高山茶园和中山茶园的物种多样性指数显著高于低山茶园,但低山茶园的物种优势性高于其他两个茶园。NMDS排序表明三种茶园游猎型蜘蛛亚群落组成差异明显; SIMPER分析显示,高山茶园与中山茶园的平均相异性较小(28.90%),高山茶园与低山茶园的平均相异性较大(52.13%);多重比较分析结果表明,三种茶园游猎型蜘蛛亚群落在整体上差异显著(P0.05)。RDA排序与pRDA分析表明,海拔高度是影响茶园游猎型蜘蛛亚群落组成与分布的主要环境变量因子,其独立贡献率为62.52%;茶树盖度和除草剂是次要环境变量因子, 2个环境变量的独立贡献率分别为9.155%、10.99%,其他环境变量因子对茶园蜘蛛群落组成与结构的影响较小。研究表明,茶园开发过程中保留外围自然生境有利于茶园游猎型蜘蛛亚群落的保护,更好地利用蜘蛛防控害虫,减少农药的使用,实现有机生产,提高茶叶品质。