Pomphorhynchus omarsegundoi sp. n. (Acanthocephala:Pomphorhynchidae), parasite of the banded knifefish Gymnotus carapo (Gymnotiformes:Gymnotidae) from the Paraná River basin, Argentina

Pomphorhynchus omarsegundoi sp. n. from Gymnotus carapo Linnaeus from the Paraná River basin in Argentina is described in this paper. The new species is characterised by having a small body; a non-spirally twisted long neck forming an inconspicuous asymmetrical bulb more developed dorsally than ventrally; a proboscis almost cylindrical, with 11 to 12 longitudinal rows of 5 to 7 (usually 6) hooks each; presence of an apical organ; a mean neck/body ratio of about 1/8; and a post-equatorial male reproductive system, occupying 35-42% of total length. The new species can be easily distinguished from the other four South American pomphorhynchid species by the inconspicuous asymmetrical bulb and the lower number of hooks per row. Pomphorhynchus omarsegundoi is the second acanthocephalan recorded from G. carapo in the Paraná River basin.     

The occurrence of the avian schistosome Allobilharzia visceralis Kolákrová, Rudolfová, Hampl et Skirnisson, 2006 (Schistosomatidae) in the tundra swan, Cygnus columbianus (Anatidae), from North America

Twelve tundra swans, Cygnus columbianus (Ord), from Nevada and one from New Mexico were collected and examined for schistosomes. Mature worms, determined as Allobilharzia visceralis, were found in 92% of the swans, in the inferior mesenteric vein of the large intestine and its branches. In 12 cases, there was endophlebitis of the inferior mesenteric vein. The morphology of the worms is consistent with the recently described genus Allobilharzia. Placement in this genus was confirmed also by phylogenetic analysis of nuclear 28S, 18S and, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA (rDNA), and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (CO1) sequences. Data further suggest the worms are con-specific with the European A. visceralis, the only described species of the genus and which was found to be the sister taxon to the most diverse avian schistosome genus, Trichobilharzia. This is the first report of a schistosome infection from native swans in North America.     

Margaritaella gracilis gen. n. et sp. n. (Eucestoda: Proteocephalidea), a parasite of Callichthys callichthys (Pisces: Siluriformes) from the Paraná River basin, Argentina

Margaritaella gracilis gen. n. et sp. n. (Proteocephalidea: Proteocephalinae) found in the intestine of Callichthys callichthys (Linnaeus) from the Paraná River basin is described. The new genus is placed in the Proteocephalinae because of the medullary position of the genital organs. It differs from all known genera included in the Proteocephalinae by the following combination of characters: 1) scolex with a conspicuous cluster of drop-shaped gland cells posterior to suckers; 2) strobila with a low number of proglottides, all much longer than wide; 3) testes arranged in one field, composed of two parallel rows of testes separated by the uterus; 4) ovary delicate, H-shaped, with branches slender and deeply folliculate at the edges, located at 25-35% from the posterior end; 5) uterus largely extended posterior to the ovary but not reaching the end of proglottis; and 6) vitelline follicles in two narrow lateral bands, largely extended posterior to the ovary. Scanning electron microscopy revealed three types of microtriches on the tegument surface: acicular and capiliform filitriches and gladiate spinitriches. The relative size of the ovary, a character recently used in the systematics of the proteocephalidean cestodes, was calculated for the new species and compared with other species of the group. M. gracilis is the first record of a proteocephalidean cestode parasitizing a callichthyid catfish.     

Occurrence of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari,Tenuipalpidae) in the Southeast region of the state of Pará, Brazil

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - The red palm mite Raoiella indica Hirst attacks coconut, banana and açai trees. In 2007, the mite was recorded for the first time in South America....     

Relations between soil heterogeneity and common reed(Phragmites australis Trin.ex Steud.) colonization in the Keriya River Basin,Xinjiang of China

How common reed （Phragmites australis Trin. ex Steud.） colonization correlates to soil heterogeneity and environmental determinants remains unclear in arid areas. We conducted a field investigation and soil sampling in 100 plots along Keriya River Basin to uncover the relationship between common reed and heterogeneous soils. Reed colonization variables and its soil properties were measured and recorded for the analysis of their relationship using Pearson correlation and redundancy analysis methods. The comparison results of common reed characteris- tics among 100 plots showed that common reeds performed strong tolerance and ecophysiological plasticity to edaphic stresses. Common reed colonization was tightly connected to soil heterogeneity according to the correla- tion analysis between its colonization characteristics and soil properties. Common reed colonization got feedbacks on soil properties as well, including the increase of soil organic matter and the alleviation of salt uplifting. The main limiting environmental determinant of common reed colonization was soil salt, followed by pH and soil water content.     

Identification and expression profiles of nine glutathione S-transferase genes from the important rice phloem sap-sucker and virus vector Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

BACKGROUND: Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) have received considerable attention in insects for their roles in insecticide resistance. Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén) is a serious rice pest. L. striatellus outbreaks occur frequently throughout eastern Asia. A key problem in controlling this pest is its rapid adaptation to numerous insecticides. In this research, nine cDNAs encoding GSTs in L. striatellus were cloned and characterised. RESULTS: The cloned GSTs of L. striatellus belonged to six cytosolic classes and a microsomal subgroup. Exposure to sublethal concentrations of each of the six insecticides, DDT, chlorpyrifos, fipronil, imidacloprid, buprofezin and beta‐cypermethrin, quickly induced (6 h) up‐expression of LsGSTe1. The expression of LsGSTs2 was increased by chlorpyrifos, fipronil and beta‐cypermethrin. Furthermore, exposure of L. striatellus to fipronil, imidacloprid, buprofezin and beta‐cypermethrin increased the expression of the LsGSTm gene after 24 or 48 h. CONCLUSION: This work is the first identification of GST genes from different GST groups in Auchenorrhyncha species and their induction characteristics with insecticide types and time. The elevated expression of GST genes induced by insecticides might be related to the enhanced tolerance of this insect to insecticides and xenobiotics. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Neotropical Monogenoidea. 56. New species of Anacanthorus (Dactylogyridae) from the gills of matrinchã, Brycon orthotaenia (Characiformes: Characidae), in the Rio São Francisco, Brazil

Anacanthorus franciscanus sp. n. and Anacanthorus brevicirrus sp. n. (Dactylogyridae) are described from the gills of the matrinch?, Brycon orthotaenia Günther (Characidae), from the Rio S?o Francisco in Brazil. Anacanthorusfranciscanus most closely resembles Anacanthorus e[egans and A. kruidenieri from the matrinch?, Brycon melanopterus, of the Amazon River Basin. It differs from these species in part by having the bulbous proximal end of the hook shank with two translucent regions. Anacanthorus brevicirrus resembles A. franciscanus, A. kruidenieri and A. elegans but is differentiated from these species by its short straight male copulatory organ and by having one translucent region in the bulbous base of the hook shank.     

Susceptibility to neonicotinoids and risk of resistance development in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Homoptera: Delphacidae)

BACKGROUND: In recent years, outbreaks of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), have occurred more frequently in China. The objective of this study was to determine the susceptibility of N. lugens to neonicotinoids and other insecticides in major rice production areas in China. RESULTS: Results indicated that substantial variations in the susceptibility to different insecticides existed in N. lugens. Field populations had developed variable resistance levels to neonicotinoids, with a high resistance level to imidacloprid (RR: 135.3–301.3‐fold), a medium resistance level to imidaclothiz (RR: 35–41.2‐fold), a low resistance level to thiamethoxam (up to 9.9‐fold) and no resistance to dinotefuran, nitenpyram and thiacloprid (RR < 3‐fold). Further examinations indicated that a field population had developed medium resistance level to fipronil (up to 10.5‐fold), and some field populations had evolved a low resistance level to buprofezin. In addition, N. lugens had been able to develop 1424‐fold resistance to imidacloprid in the laboratory after the insect was selected with imidacloprid for 26 generations. CONCLUSION: Long‐term use of imidacloprid in a wide range of rice‐growing areas might be associated with high levels of resistance in N. lugens. Therefore, insecticide resistance management strategies must be developed to prevent further increase in resistance. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Metabolism of O,O-dimethyl S-[α-carboethoxy)benzyl]phosphorodithioate (phenthoate) in the white mouse and house flies

The metabolism of O,O-dimethyl S-[α-(carboethoxy)benzyl]phosphorodithioate (phenthoate), an organophosphorus insecticide of low mammalian toxicity, was investigated in white mice and in susceptible and resistant strains of house flies. Phenthoate was metabolized rapidly in the mouse to a wide variety of detoxication products and only an insignificant amount of phenthoate oxon was detected. The same detoxication products were produced in house flies but, compared to the mouse, substantial amounts of phenthoate oxon also were found. The selective toxicity of phenthoate between insect and mammal is attributable to the difference in the accumulation of the oxon.     

Weed or not a weed? Density,perceptions and management of Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) in West Africa: Voices from Ghana

The status (weed or beneficial shrub) of Chromolaena odorata in West Africa has been a major subject of debate since its introduction in the 1930s. Its negative impacts on agriculture and biodiversity are clear. However, indigenous people have harnessed several benefits of the plant, making management strategies less straightforward. Using indigenous voices in Ghana, the current perceptions of C. odorata in West Africa were assessed. Here, 90 respondents in three regions of Ghana were interviewed, using questionnaires, on aspects relating to the abundance, perceptions and management of C. odorata in their communities. Overall, results showed that the density of C. odorata had declined. The majority of the respondents considered C. odorata as a fallow shrub, a medicinal plant or both. However, impacts on crop production and injuries incurred during physical control were also highlighted. The local uses of the plant in Ghana included treating fevers and injuries, and as a fallow shrub for soil nutrient replenishment. Although most of the respondents classified C. odorata as a useful shrub in Ghana, they also highlighted the use of local farming tools such as cutlasses for the slash of the plant. The use of herbicides for the control of C. odorata was rare and not applied specifically for C. odorata. In conclusion, local awareness programmes on the deleterious impacts of C. odorata on ecosystem functioning and livelihoods are required for its effective management in West Africa.     

First report of the citrus leafhopper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penthimiola bella</Emphasis> (Stål) (Hemiptera,Cicadellidae) in Europe

The presence of the citrus leafhopper, Penthimiola bella (Stål) (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae), was detected in citrus orchards in Portugal. This is the first report of this cicadellid in Europe. A survey was carried out in 30 citrus orchards in Algarve, in southern Portugal, based on both the beating method and visual observation of shoots, between July and December 2012. P. bella was detected in a total of 19 orchards distributed throughout the region. The occurrence of reproducing populations of P. bella and its dispersion over a relatively large area of at least 70 km in length within Algarve suggests that this species established and has been expanding its distribution in the region for several years since its arrival. The possible pathway of introduction and its pest status are discussed.     

Factors influencing growth,sporulation and virus transfer in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryphonectria parasitica</Emphasis> isolates from Castilla and León (Spain)

Biological control with Cryphonectria hypovirus CHV1 of the chestnut blight, caused by the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica, has reduced the impact of the disease in Europe. The virus reduces the virulence of the fungus so that it causes non-lethal cankers, thus enabling the chestnut trees to overcome the disease. The virus can be transmitted horizontally by hyphal anastomosis or vertically to the conidia. In this study, we investigated growth and sporulation of the fungus as well as rates of horizontal transmission of the virus at different temperatures. We used fungal isolates of the vegetative compatibility types (vc types) that are most prevalent in Castilla and León (central northern Spain) to evaluate the effects of fungal strain on the parameters tested. In addition, we infected four isolates of C. parasitica with hypovirus subtypes CHV1-F1 and CHV1-I, to determine the influence of virus subtype on growth, sporulation and virus transfer. We assessed growth of fungal colonies and horizontal transmission of the virus at 15 °C and 25 °C. Colony growth was affected by an interaction between fungal isolates included in vc type EU1 or EU11 and virus at both 15 °C and 25 °C. However, horizontal transmission of the virus was only influenced by the fungal genotype of isolates included in vc type EU1 or EU11, and spore production was only affected by the virus subtype. Vertical transmission was also influenced by the fungal isolate and virus subtype. Growth of the fungal isolates varied depending on the virus subtype with which they were infected. This supports the theory that fungal host and virus subtype influence transmission and dissemination of hypovirulence. The fungal genotype affects colony growth and horizontal transmission of the virus. It is common to expect a good dissemination of the hypovirus with a low vc type diversity but the selection of the best combination of hypovirus and fungal isolate is crucial for the success of biological control not only for small areas but in larger chestnut populations as well.     

Effect of pre‐storage seed treatments on adult mortality,oviposition and development of Callosobruchus chinensis L. (Bruchidae: Coleoptera), and the viability of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) in India

Abstract

The adult mortality of Callosobruchus chinensis L. was 100% within 24 h after artificially infesting seeds pretreated with inert clay and stored for 12 months under ambient conditions. Pre‐treatment with thiram and delsan‐30 (TCMTB) were also effective in controlling the adults by impairing oviposition. The seeds maintained over 80% germination up to 12 months of storage under all the treatments.     

Aerial Spraying of Neemazal®-T/S Against the Forest Cockchafer (Melolontha hippocastani,Col.: Scarabaeidae) in South-West Germany: The Effects of Two Field Trials Performed in 2007 and 2008 on Local Populations

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - The forest cockchafer Melolontha hippocastani is a serious forest pest whose infestation levels have been increasing in South-West Germany since the...