Contributions to the knowledge of conifer aphid fauna in Turkey and their zoogeographical distribution

The Aphidoidea (Homoptera) has 29 species which attack coniferous trees in Turkey. The family Aphididae has 25 (Aphidinae, 1; Lachninae, 22; Mindarinae, 2) species and the Adelgidae, 4. The tribe Cinarini in Lachninae has alone 22 species most of which are important. Especially Cinara cedri Mimeur on Cedrus libani and C. pilicornis (Hartig) on Picea spp. are harmful species. Schizolachnus pineti (Fabricius) is also very important. An Eastern Palearctic species in the tribe Macrosiphini in Aphidinae, Elatobium momii (Shinji), is numerous on Abies bornmülleriana in Bursa-Uluda forests. Pineus orientalis (Dreyfus) in the family of Adelgidae (Chermesidae) is the most destructive in our Picea orientalis forests in Artvin area (Eastern Black-Sea Section). 21 species out of 29 aphids on coniferous trees are of European origin; only 4 are Mediterranean, 2 Caucasus and Turkistan, one Eastern Palearctic and one of Cosmopolitan origin.     

Short communication: Satellite DNA-based species-specific identification of single individuals of the pinewood nematode <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bursaphelenchus xylophilus</Emphasis> (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae)

The pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a severe pest of coniferous trees, and has been designated as a quarantine organism in the European Union. From the sequence of a satellite DNA family characterized in the genome of this nematode, we developed a PCR procedure that allowed the specific discrimination of this species from closely related Bursaphelenchus species found on coniferous trees. Moreover, because of the repetitive nature of satellite DNA, positive amplification was achieved from B. xylophilus single individuals, which should contribute to an easy diagnostic procedure for assisting in the management of this major pest of conifer forests.     

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.     

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.     

Untersuchungen über Fichtengallenl?use, Dreyfusia spp. (Hom., Adelgidae) und deren Predatoren in der Nord-Türkei

In the East Pontic mountains at Giresun (Black Sea shore) three species of the genus Dreyfusia have been established: D. nordmannianae Eckst. and D. prelli Grosm. on Abies nordmanniana Link. and Picea orientalis Link. and Dreyfusia nov. spec. on A. nordmanniana. The latter species, earlier known from Greece and the Balkans, but not yet described is most probably unholocyctic on fir.In the Zigana mountains between Trabzon and Gümüsane a species producing plenty galls on young P. orientalis trees and closely resembling D. merkeri Eichh. has been observed. Further investigations are necessary to evaluate whether or not it lives unholocyclic on spruce.In the West Pontic mountains near Bolu D. nordmannianae was intensively studied in twig infestations on A. bornmülleriana Mattf. The pattern of attack differs greatly from the one experienced in central Europe in that almost exclusively the current year's shoots are attacked whereas the leader and the older twig axis remain free of attack. In Europe all parts of the trees are colonized.Considering the known facts about generation- and morph sequences, morph determination and phenological behaviour of D. nordmannianae the characteristics of their population dynamics in Turkey and the interactions of the curious mode of attack and the extraordinary efficiency of their special predators have been completely evaluated.     

PM 9/1(2): Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and its vectors: procedures for official control

Specific scope

This standard describes the procedures for official control with the aim of containing and eradicating Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in areas where infestation of susceptible coniferous species by B. xylophilus leads to wilt symptoms.

Specific approval and amendment

First approved in 2002–09. Revision approved in 2009‐09.

     

Experiences with Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Finland1

In 1984 a heavy Bursaphelenchus xylophilus infestation was observed in pinewood chips imported from USA and Canada into Finland. Because there are good reasons to suppose that B. xylophilus, if spread to pine forests in North Europe, can cause significant damage, the import of coniferous wood into Finland has been prohibited since autumn 1984. In surveys B. xylophilus has not been found in roundwood or in chips imported from European countries into Finland. Neither has B. xylophilus been detected in Finnish pine trees around harbours nor in paper mills handling North American wood.     

A new species of Embellisia,associated with skin disease of hyacinths

A new species of the genusEmbellisia (Hyphomycetes, Dematiaceae) was isolated from bulbs and leaves of various cultivars ofHyacinthus, Scilla andFreesia. It is characterized by dark, multiseptate conidia which are somewhat pointed at the apex and variable in shape and size. In contrast to other species of the genus it rarely forms chlamydospores in pure culture. The fungus was found on several locations in the Netherlands, and is also known in the USA and Germany. Inoculation experiments on several cultivars ofHyacinthus orientalis resulted in a high percentage of affected plants.Samenvatting Een nieuwe soort van het genusEmbellisia (Hyphomycetes, Dematiaceae),E. hyacinthi, werd geïsoleerd uit de buitenste bolrokken van cultivars vanHyacinthus orientalis. De schimmel is gekarakteriseerd door bruine, apicaal iets spitse conidiën met een wisselend aantal transversale, en dikwijls ook enkele longitudinale septa (Fig. 1), en de afwezigheid van duidelijk gedifferentieerde groepjes van chlamydosporen.Een sterk hierop gelijkende soort werd in 1876 beschreven door Massink alsCladosporium fasciculare Fr. Het opvallende voorkomen van longitudinale septa werd in zijn studie echter niet expliciet genoemd.WanneerEmbellisia hyacinthi wordt gekweekt op havermoutagar zijn na 5 dagen de meeste conidiën vrij lang, cylindrisch, met 3 of meer septa (Fig. 2a). Na langere tijd echter worden kleinere conidiën gevormd, zodat de variabiliteit der conidiën op dezelfde plaats groter wordt (Fig. 2b). Dit verschijnsel uit zich nog sterker op Czapekagar (Fig. 2c-d). Embellisia hyacinthi veroorzaakt kleine bruine plekjes op de buitenste bolrok van hyacint. Deze vorm van huidziekte is reeds lang bekend; de schimmel is ook in de USA en Duitsland gekonstateerd, en werd tevens geïsoleerd vanFreesia refracta enScilla sibirica. Soms ook komen langwerpige bladvlekken op de buitenste bladeren van hyacint voor. Een inoculatieproef werd gedaan met de cultivars la Victoire en Carnegie. De metEmbellisia hyacinthi geïnoculeerde planten vertoonden een aanzienlijk hoger aantastingspercentage dan die op het controleveld.     

Melanaspis corticosa: a new insect pest of olive trees in Europe

The presence of the South African Obscure Scale, Melanaspis corticosa (Brain) (Hemiptera, Diaspididae), was detected infesting olive trees, in Portugal. The identity of the scale insect was confirmed based on both morphological and molecular studies. Until now, this species was only known in a few African countries, including Guinea, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. This is the first record of this species in Europe and in the Palearctic region. The scale was observed in 15 different locations, in the Algarve, since its first detection at the end of 2016. Samples were collected between 21 December 2016 and 10 March 2022, covering all seasonal periods. Most of the sampling sites resulted from private requests from farmers and proprietaries received by the Plant Protection Division of the Regional Directorate of Agriculture. Although it is considered a polyphagous species, it was not observed in other plant species, besides olive trees. The actual dispersion in the region suggests that M. corticosa became established and has been expanded its distribution since its arrival. This scale insect is a potential injurious pest of olive trees and needs to be studied to clarify its pest status and develop effective pest management strategies.

     

First report of Eulachnus tuberculostemmatus (Theobald, 1915) on Pinus nigra subsp. mauretanica stands in Algeria

Pinus nigra (black pine) is a Mediterranean taxonomic complex (including different subspecies), with a discontinuous distribution. The southernmost part of its range is in North Africa, in Morocco and Algeria, where it is present as P. nigra subsp. mauretanica. Currently, an extremely limited number of trees of this subspecies still persist within its natural range, giving this taxon an outstanding ecological importance. These residual stands are threatened by many biotic and abiotic factors, putting at risk the survival of this subspecies in its natural habitat. This paper reports for the first time the presence of Eulachnus tuberculostemmatus (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae) in Algeria, and its infestation on P. nigra subsp. mauretanica. This insect was detected in three sites of the Djurdjura National Park in May 2012 and identified in February 2016. The aphid seems to be responsible for needle discoloration and premature senescence, symptoms observed since spring 2008 on the infested pines. These clusters of P. nigra subsp. mauretanica trees are protected by park regulations, and given their conservation status further investigations into this pest species, and other biotic and abiotic factors that may threaten this important tree, are required.     

Impact and control of the cone tortricid Pseudococcyx tessulatana (Staudinger), damaging the cone crop of a selected clone of cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) in Italy

The green cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is of great interest for ornamental, reforestation and windbreak use in the whole Mediterranean basin. In Italy, seed material selected for resistance to the fungus Seiridium cardinale is produced in seed orchards by controlled crosses of parent trees. The insect pest showing the highest impact on seed cone production is Pseudococcyx tessulatana (Lep.; Tortricidae), which attacks cones during the initial growth period as well as full-grown cones. The impact on the seed cone crop of the tortricid was estimated on a clone patented for its resistance to cypress canker (Agrimed 1). The attack was inversely related to the cone crop, as it concerned 36.7% of cones in 1999 (high crop year) and the 66% in 2000 (low crop year). In both years, about 90% of the surveyed branches revealed cones attacked by P. tessulatana by the 1^st life-cycle larvae, whereas only 40% of branches were also attacked by the larvae of the 2^nd life cycle. The highest attack rate per branch was always observed on branches bearing a low number of cones. The potential of two control methods against P. tessulatana to protect cones which result from crossing a mother tree Agrimed 1 with selected father trees was also evaluated in 2000. The protection given by a sleeve surrounding the branch was almost complete (0.4% cone mortality), whereas a cone mortality of 24.3% was observed on branches treated by the insecticide diflubenzuron. Sleeves appear to be useful to protect branches on which special crosses were done, but are expensive and time-consuming and may favour the attack of the mealybug Planococcus vovae inside the sleeve. The insecticide application may represent a valid alternative, especially when protection should be directed toward a high number of branches.     

Impact and control of the cone tortricid Pseudococcyx tessulatana (Staudinger), damaging the cone crop of a selected clone of cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) in Italy

The green cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is of great interest for ornamental, reforestation and windbreak use in the whole Mediterranean basin. In Italy, seed material selected for resistance to the fungus Seiridium cardinale is produced in seed orchards by controlled crosses of parent trees. The insect pest showing the highest impact on seed cone production is Pseudococcyx tessulatana (Lep.; Tortricidae), which attacks cones during the initial growth period as well as full-grown cones. The impact on the seed cone crop of the tortricid was estimated on a clone patented for its resistance to cypress canker (Agrimed 1). The attack was inversely related to the cone crop, as it concerned 36.7% of cones in 1999 (high crop year) and the 66% in 2000 (low crop year). In both years, about 90% of the surveyed branches revealed cones attacked by P. tessulatana by the 1^st life-cycle larvae, whereas only 40% of branches were also attacked by the larvae of the 2^nd life cycle. The highest attack rate per branch was always observed on branches bearing a low number of cones. The potential of two control methods against P. tessulatana to protect cones which result from crossing a mother tree Agrimed 1 with selected father trees was also evaluated in 2000. The protection given by a sleeve surrounding the branch was almost complete (0.4% cone mortality), whereas a cone mortality of 24.3% was observed on branches treated by the insecticide diflubenzuron. Sleeves appear to be useful to protect branches on which special crosses were done, but are expensive and time-consuming and may favour the attack of the mealybug Planococcus vovae inside the sleeve. The insecticide application may represent a valid alternative, especially when protection should be directed toward a high number of branches.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Corythucha ciliata</Emphasis>, a new <Emphasis Type="Italic">Platanus</Emphasis> pest in Turkey

An invasive Tingidae, the platanus lace bug Corythucha ciliata (Say, 1832) (Hemiptera: Tingidae), which specializes on Platanus spp., was found for the first time in Turkey in 2007; it was recorded from a 120 km² area in the northwestern part of the country. Infestations occurred in an area between Taşkesti and Abant in Bolu Province, which is located near major cities and two main motorways. The pest species is newly spreading in Turkey, causing noticeable damage to Platanus orientalis trees.     

Report on the survey for Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and the occurrence of other Bursaphelenchus species in Hungarian coniferous forests

An ongoing official survey to detect the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a quarantine pest, started in 2003 in coniferous forests in Hungary. Based on the results of the study from 2003–11, B. xylophilus has not yet been detected in Hungary. Two other Bursaphelenchus species (B. mucronatus and B. vallesianus) were identified in samples in 2009. Details of the survey and the measurements of B. mucronatus and B. vallesianus are provided.     

Native and exotic coniferous species in Europe – possible host plants for the potentially invasive Siberian moth,Dendrolimus sibiricus1 Tschtv. (Lepidoptera,Lasiocampidae)

The performance of young larvae of the potentially invasive Siberian moth Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschtv. has been studied for the first time on the native and exotic coniferous species which are widely distributed and of considerable commercial value in Europe. Picea, Abies, the introduced Pinus species (five‐needle pine only), and species from the exotic genera Pseudotsuga and Cedrus (all Pinaceae) are found to be suitable hosts for pest development. Two‐needle pines and species from non‐native Tsuga (also Pinaceae) are poor hosts in terms of larval performance though they may support growth of neonates (most sensitive to food quality). Coniferous species from other families: Taxaceae and Cupressaceae are inedible for the pest. The fact that the Siberian moth is able to survive and develop on all the tested genera of Pinaceae and that some of them constitute two thirds of the European forests underline how harmful this defoliator could be in the case of its introduction into European countries.     

The scale Nemolecanium graniformis (Wunn) (Homoptera: Coccidae) in Greece

The phenology and natural enemies of Nemolecanium graniformis (Wunn) (Homoptera: Coccidae) in infesting Abies cephalonica, were studied in Greece during 1998–1999. This oviparous species develops one generation per year in Central Greece (Attica) and overwinters as 2^nd instar nymph. Young adult females appear by the end of July, and the first instar nymphs by the middle of August. By the middle of October, the whole population of the scale is recorded as 2^nd instar nymphs. The parasitoids Coccophagus lycimnia (Walker), Coccophagus Westwood sp., Aphycoides Mercet sp. and the predator Exochomus quadripustulatus L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), were observed as natural enemies of the scale. The average fecundity of N. graniformis was 188.4 eggs.     

Natural occurrence and distribution of stem cankers caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytophthora megakarya</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytophthora palmivora</Emphasis>on cocoa

Epidemiological studies were conducted in five cocoa growing districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana solely infected by Phytophthora palmivora and five districts in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions prevalently infected by Phytophthora megakarya to determine the natural incidence, the vertical distribution on trees and the probable sources of stem canker infections, and to isolate and identify the causal pathogens. The incidence of canker in the solely P. palmivora infected area was higher (between 0% and 16.0%) than in the area mainly infected with P. megakarya (0.5–8.0%). Differences were found in the natural height distribution of cankers in the two areas, whilst the areas solely infected with P. palmivora showed a near normal curve, those prevalently infected with P. megakarya were positively skewed. Most of the cankers caused by P. megakarya were found at the base or near the base of the tree trunks (1–40cm above ground level), while those of P. palmivora were concentrated between 41 and 100cm from the ground level. The majority (71.8%) of cankers in the solely P. palmivora infected area were cushion-borne, followed by 24.3% from unknown sources and only 3.9% from the soil. In contrast, a significantly large proportion (32.6%) of the cankers in the prevalently P. megakarya infected area were soil-borne, although cushion-borne cankers formed the majority (48.4%) due to the presence of P. palmivora infection whilst those of unknown sources constituted 19.0%. Phytophthora megakarya was frequently isolated from all the three sources of canker infections, indicating P. megakarya readily causes stem canker on cocoa. These results emphasise the importance of different reservoirs as sources of primary inoculum for diseases caused by the two Phytophthora species particularly pod rot infection on cocoa.     

Outbreak of oriental yellow scale insect,Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead) (Homoptera: Diaspididae), on neem in Sudan

Scale insects were observed in neem trees (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) planted in Shambatarea near the bank of the Nile in Khartoum State and along Blue Nile Street in Wad Medani, Gezira State, Sudan in October 2014. Specimens of neem leaves and twigs, which were highly infested with scale insects and showing signs of wilting, were collected from different parts of the tree canopies and sent to the Insect Collection Unit at the Agricultural Research Corporation, Gezira Research Station, Sudan for identification. The pest was morphologically identified as Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). An endoparasitoid was observed to emerge from the scale insect and was identified as an encyrtid wasp. Aonidiella orientalis had been recorded previously in Shambatarea in 1969 and this paper presents the results of surveys carried out following the initial observations in Khartoum and Gezira States. This was a major outbreak, affecting the majority of the 1685 surveyed neem trees and causing damage on 62.7% of them.     

The scale Nemolecanium graniformis (Wunn) (Homoptera: Coccidae) in Greece

The phenology and natural enemies of Nemolecanium graniformis (Wunn) (Homoptera: Coccidae) in infesting Abies cephalonica, were studied in Greece during 1998–1999. This oviparous species develops one generation per year in Central Greece (Attica) and overwinters as 2^nd instar nymph. Young adult females appear by the end of July, and the first instar nymphs by the middle of August. By the middle of October, the whole population of the scale is recorded as 2^nd instar nymphs. The parasitoids Coccophagus lycimnia (Walker), Coccophagus Westwood sp., Aphycoides Mercet sp. and the predator Exochomus quadripustulatus L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), were observed as natural enemies of the scale. The average fecundity of N. graniformis was 188.4 eggs.     

Massenvermehrung von phyllophagen Schmetterlingen in Laubw?ldern des Rheinlands

Zusammenfassung  In den Jahren 1996 und 1997 wurde in ausgew?hlten Gebieten des Rheinlands die Populationsdichte von Schmetterlingsraupen erfa?t, die an Eichen (Quercas robur undQ. petraea) und an Hainbuchen (Carpinus betulus) Kahlfra?, an Rotbuchen (Fagus sylvatica) erheblichen Fra?schaden verursachten. An dem Blattfra? waren insgesamt 63 Schmetterlingsraupen beteiligt. An Eichen erfolgte Kahlfra? gleichzeitig durch mehrere Arten (Operophtera brumala, O. fagata, Erannis defoliaria undTortrix viridana), w?hrend an Hainbuche und RotbucheOperophtera fagata für den hohen Fra?schaden verantwortlich war. Standorte, an denen Massenvermehrungen nachgewiesen wurden, waren gut mit N?hrstoffen versorgt und best?tigen so die Hypothese zur Ressourcenverfügbarkeit. Die Populationsdichten der Schmetterlingsraupen waren an Eichen so gro?, da? es zu inter- und intraspezifischer Konkurrenz (scramble competition) kam. In Eichenbest?nden, die mit Rotbuchen unterbaut waren, wurde die Konkurrenzsituation unter den Schmetterlingsraupen vermindert. Somit k?nnen waldbauliche Ma?nahmen, besonders bei einer Massenvermehrung vonOperophtera fagata, zu einer Verl?ngerung der Gradation beitragen.

---

Mass occurrence of phyllophagous caterpillars in the deciduous forests of the Rhineland

We investigated species assemblages of Lepidoptera which fed onQuercus petraea, Carpinus betulus andFagus sylvatica trees growing in commercial forests in the Rhineland (Germany). In total we found 63 different species of caterpillars. Several species (Operophtera fagata, O. brumata, Tortrix viridana, Agriopis leucophaearia, A. aurantiaria andErannis defoliaria) appeared in high abundances on oak trees, which they together defoliated. Defoliation ofCarpinus betulus as well as high feeding damages onFagus sylvatica were caused mainly by a single species,Operophtera fagata. From our observations of individual caterpillars and their extraordinarily high feeding damages (=45%) onFagus sylvatica trees which were growing in the shade of oak trees, in comparison to individualF. sylvatica trees not growing beneath oak trees (feeding damage= 7%), we made the following conclusions: Firstly, in the case of mass occurrence a severe influence of scramble competition occurs between caterpillars. Secondly, a prolongation of gradation of polyphagous caterpillars is caused when stratification byFagus sylvatica living as undergrowth of oak trees occurs. Defoliated trees occurred in sites with enhanced nutrient availability. This supports the resource availability hypothesis. Although there was a surplus of nutrients in the soil and within the roots we found a deficiency of P in the leaves.