Effect of diethylstilbestrol treatment of the Levant vole female during lactation,on the reproduction of her female offspring

Reproduction of 105 females of Levant vole (Microtus guentheri), which ingested diethylstilbestrol (DES) with their mothers’ milk at the age of 0–12 days, and of 62 control females, was studied. In most cases ingestion of DES did not cause sterility, but delayed sexual maturity by 1.5–2 months. This delay was observed in all of the females which ingested DES when they were newborn and 1 day old, in 50% of those that received it at the age of 2 days, and in only 30–40% of those that received it at an older age. Ingestion of DES had no effect on litter size or sex ratio. The total pup production of females which were given DES through their mothers’ milk was about half that of control females.     

Phenotypic and genotypic structure of Phytophthora infestans populations on tomato and potato in the North of Thailand in 2000–2002

A total of 80 single–lesion isolates of Phytophthora infestans were collected from tomatoes and potatoes in several locations in Chiang Mai and Tak provinces in 2000–2002. These isolates were analyzed for mating type, metalaxyl sensitivity, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype RFLP pattern as determined by probe RG57, and for microsatellite markers. All isolates were A1 mating type. Isolates from tomato were usually sensitive to metalaxyl, but isolates from potato were usually resistant to metalaxyl. With one exception, all tomato isolates were related to the US-1 clonal lineage. With two exceptions, all potato isolates were related to two European lineages. In these two provinces, the populations of P. infestans on tomatoes are clearly different from those on potatoes.     

Effect of avermectin B1 on the development and fecundity of the california red scale,Aonidiella auranth,and on two of its natural enemies:Chilocorus bipustulatus andAphytis holoxanthus

Various immature stages of male and female California red scale,Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera: Diaspididae), were treated with avermectin B₁ (MK-936) at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 ppm. Treatments at 10 ppm completely arrested crawler development and 20 and 100 ppm caused 100% mortality of 48-h and 7-day-old male and female 1st instar nymphs, respectively. The development of the 2nd instar was slightly affected by MK-936 at up to 40 ppm. Sublethal doses of the chemical applied to immature stages caused no dramatic reduction in the fecundity of the subsequent, mature females. MK-936 applied to male prepupal and pupal stages and mated females did not prevent male emergence, nor did it affect the ability of males to copulate and inseminate female scales, or the female fecundity. The development and adult emergence of treatedAphytis holoxanthus DeBach (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) larvae and pupae parasitizingChrysomphalus aonidum L. scales were not influenced by a 9 ppm MK-936 treatment; leaves sprayed with this concentration had residual toxicity onA. holoxanthus adults for only 24 h post-treatment. Feeding byChilocorus bipustulatus L. (Coleoptera: Coc-cinellidae) on 0.9 ppm MK-936-treated Florida red scales resulted in 100% mortality of 2nd instars and induced sterility in the females.     

Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Metarhizium guizhouense</Emphasis> infection on mating competition and mate choice of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bactrocera latifrons</Emphasis> (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Metarhizium guizhouense PSUM02 treated males of Bactrocera latifrons were investigated for the mating competition among males and mating choice by female flies to develop an auto-dissemination for the control of B. latifrons. In the present study, on day 1–4 of experiment, M. guizhouense–treated male flies were equally competitive with the normal male flies as we did not observe any differences in mating by treated and normal male flies of B. latifrons. Further, mating competitiveness were found low in treated adult male B. latifrons than normal male B. latifrons from 5th days of treatment until death. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of treated male flies gave average survival times (AST) of 4.3?±?0.1 days, while the healthy female and male flies in the same cage showed AST of 9.3?±?0.3 and 8.3?±?0.4 days, respectively. The AST of untreated flies in control experiment ranged from 14.2–14.5 days. In mating preference experiment, M. guizhouense–treated male flies were chosen by virgin female than gravid female flies for mating. The treated male flies caused mortality in both virgin and gravid female flies in the same cage with AST of 4.4?±?0.1, 5.6?±?0.1 and 7.4?±?0.2 days, respectively, while untreated flies showed AST ranged from 13.9–14.3 days in control. The treated male flies could transmit the fungus infection to both untreated female and male flies as well as in virgin and gravid female flies by mating and contact. Our experiments showed the potentiality of M. guizhouense PSUM02 in management of B. latifrons by auto-dissemination with treated male flies, which transmit the fungus to a healthy population to reduce insect pest infestations.     

Exposure of females and pups of the levant vole to diethylstilbestrol (DES)-treated nesting material: Effect on the breeding capacity of the female offspring

Adult Levant vole (Microtus guentheri) females, which at the age of 1 or 4 days had been in direct contact for 2 h with filter paper impregnated with a suspension of diethylstilbestrol dipropionate (DES) in soybean oil (0.125 mg DES/cm²), or whose nursing mothers had been in similar contact with DES during that period, were found to be sterile in the overwhelming majority of cases. Females slightly older (5–6 days old) at the time of such contact with DES (direct, or through their nursing mothers) retained their fertility.     

Integrative diagnosis and molecular phylogeny of dagger and needle nematodes of olives and grapevines in the island of Crete,Greece, with description of Xiphinema cretense n. sp. (Nematoda,Longidoridae)

The occurrence and geographic distribution of longidorid nematode species inhabiting the rhizosphere of cultivated and wild olive and grapevine in Crete Island were investigated. Morphological and morphometrical studies identified five Longidorus and six Xiphinema species, with frequencies of prevalence (for wild and cultivated olives and grapevines, respectively) as follows: Longidorus closelongatus (2.0–13.3 %), L. cretensis (1.0–6.7 %), L. moesicus (13.3 % only in grapevines), L. orientalis (3.3 % only in grapevines), L. pseudoelongatus (7.0 % only in olives), Xiphinema cretense n. sp. (3.0 % only in olives), X. index (3.0–23.3 %), X. israeliae (6.3 % only in olives), X. italiae (3.3–10.0 %), X. pachtaicum (26.7–42 %) and X. simile (3.3 % only in grapevines). Xiphinema cretense n. sp. is characterized by a body size 3,872–6,135 μm long, lip region anteriorly rounded, separated from the rest of the body by a depression, odontostyle and odontophore 140.6 and 80.3 μm long respectively, vulva position at 46.0–50.5 %, female tail 31.0–38.0 μm long, nearly hemispherical with curvature essentially dorsal and with a tip completely rounded or presenting a very short bulge, c ratio (119.1–186.9), c’ ratio (0.7–0.8). Molecular characterisation using D2-D3 expansion regions of 28S rRNA, 18S rRNA and ITS1-rRNA was carried out and maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analysis were used to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships among these species and with other longidorids.     

Alien scale insects (Hemiptera Coccoidea) in European and Mediterranean countries: the fate of new and old introductions

This contribution focuses on recent interceptions and introductions of alien scale insects and their current distribution in European and Mediterranean countries. Data and collections were gathered in markets, nurseries, and botanical gardens, mostly in Italy, either indoors or outdoors. New or recent records of the following alien species are presented: Exallomochlus hispidus (Morrison); Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) (Pseudococcidae); Coccus viridis (Green); Milviscutulus mangiferae (Green) (Coccidae); Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead); Aspidiotus destructor Signoret; Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead; Fiorinia fioriniae Targioni Tozzetti; Lepidosaphes pinnaeformis (Bouché); Pseudaulacaspis brimblecombei Williams (Diaspididae). New data and pest status of Phoenicococcus marlatti Cockerell (Phoenicococcidae) and Trabutina mannipara (Hemprich & Ehrenberg) (Pseudococcidae) are also reported. The possible repeated introductions of the latter from North Africa to south Italy by trans-Mediterranean winds, is hypothesized.     

Sex attractant for the honeydew moth,Cryptoblabes gnidiella

A mixture of (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11–16: Ald), (E)-11-hexadecenal (E11–16: Ald), (Z)-13-octadecenal (Z13–18: Ald), and (E)-13-octadecenal (E13–18: Ald) on rubber septa (100∶10∶100∶10 μg, respectively) was superior to virgin females in attracting maleCryptoblabes gnidiella Mill. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) to traps. A dichloromethane extract of 200 female ovipositors was separated into fractions by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) on OV-101 and Hi-Eff 8BP. Two fractions had significant electroantennogram (EAG) activity, and had the retention times ofZ11–16∶Ald andZ13–18∶Ald on each GLC column. These fractions contained insufficient material for further chemical work. SyntheticZ11–16∶Ald andZ13–18∶Ald had the greatest EAG activity of a series of monounsaturated 12?, 14?, 16?, and 18-carbon alcohols, acetates, and aldehydes. Various ratios ofZ11–16∶Ald andZ13–18∶Ald were tested in traps, and a 1∶1 mixture was the most attractive. Addition of small amounts of the correspondingE isomers significantly increased trap catches.     

Diurnal and seasonal occurrence,feeding habits and mating behavior ofMaladera matrida adults in Israel

Adult populations ofMaladera matrida Argaman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), a beetle highly injurious to agricultural crops, were studied in the coastal plain of Israel from 1985 to 1988. There were two generations annually. Adults emerged in March, April or May and disappeared in October or November. The beetles are on the wing, mate, and feed at twilight and in the dark. Feeding and mating behavior, sex ratio, and preferred food plants were studied.     

Preliminary description of a potyvirus from Vallota speciosa

Apotyvirus, isolated fromVallota speciosa, is tentatively designatedVallota mosaic virus (VMV). VMV was easily transmissible in sap and could be transferred byMyzus persicae in a nonpersistent manner. Infection was symptomless inNicotiana clevelandii andSpinacia oleracea, whereasHyoscyamus niger, chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, Tetragonia expansa andGomphrena globosa reacted with local lesions. Dilution end-point was 10⁴–10⁵, thermal inactivation at c. 60°C and ageing in vitro 4–8 days. With the electron microscope elongate particles with a normal length of about 750 nm could be detected in crude sap. In ultrathin sections virus particles were observed in the cytoplasm, dispersed as well as aggregated. Pinwheel and laminate aggregated inclusions were present in sectioned leaf material. The inclusions observed in negatively stained crude sap preparations exhibited fine linear striations with a periodicity of 5.3 nm.     

Identification and species status of the mango biotype of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in Ghana

Research work was carried out to identify and ascertain the species status of the mango biotype of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides infecting mangoes in Ghana. Forty five isolates of Colletotrichum species were collected from 12 districts in Ghana while five each were obtained from mango fruits from Florida, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The entire internal transcribed spacer region, partial beta-tubulin gene and partial glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene of isolates were sequenced and used in phylogenetic studies. The results of the sequence analysis of the first ribosomal transcribed spacer (ITS 1) region showed that 35 % of the isolates from Ghana and all the five isolates from Mexico were the mango biotype of C. gloeosporioides, while the others were not. Phylogenetic studies showed that the mango biotype of the pathogen was Colletotrichum asianum but not C. gloeosporioides as previously thought. However, the other isolates that were not the mango biotype were identified as Colletotrichum siamense and Colletotrichum species which had probably cross-infected mango from other fruit crops in the field.     

Detection and partial molecular characterization of Plum pox virus on almond trees in Turkey

Almond (Prunus dulcis) is one of the well known stone fruit species grown for its unripe fruits and delicious seeds in Turkey. In the Trakya region, however, some prevailing virus infections have reduced almond yields and quality. In ten districts of Trakya, 260 leaf samples were collected from affected almond trees in June 2010. DAS–ELISA assays and RT-PCR tests were employed for the identification of viruses. As a result of these detection studies, five of the 260 leaf samples gathered from symptomatic almond trees had Plum pox virus (PPV), 81 of them had Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), and 11 samples contained Prune dwarf virus (PDV). Only four out of 260 samples had a mixture of these viruses. Partial nucleotide sequences of five almond isolates of PPV were determined and compared with 17 other PPV isolates in databases. Computer analysis of obtained and published nucleotide sequences showed identity ranged from 75.72% to 96.87%. Of the five PPV almond isolates obtained, however, there was a close nucleotide identity of 95.82–96.61% to Turkish isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotides and amino acids showed that five PPV isolates of almond from the Trakya Region of Turkey were clustered in the same subgroup with PPV-T Turkish isolates in GenBank. Therefore we can consider almond isolates of PPV as PPV-T strain, like the two other isolates from apricot trees in Turkey.     

Effect of Cotton leaf curl virus infected plants on the biology of the whitefly,Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): Vector–virus mutualism

Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) (Geminiviridae : Begomovirus), the causative agent of leaf curl disease in cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum), is exclusively transmitted by whitefly species Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). CLCuV transmission occurs in Sriganganagar (Rajasthan), an area endemic with cotton leaf curl disease. The relationships between plant viruses, their herbivore vectors and host plants can be beneficial, neutral, or antagonistic, depending on the species involved. To further understand these relationships, fecundity and life history parameters of an indigenous non- b (Asia II genetic group) biotype whitefly, B. tabaci, were compared on 10, 25, and 40 days post-inoculation (DPI), in CLCuV-infected and healthy cotton plants to determine the effect of virus on its vector. The development time of the immature stages of whiteflies was significantly reduced on CLCuV-infected plants. The development time of the immature stages did not change with severity of symptoms at 25 and 40 DPI (45- and 60-d-old plants). Cotton leaf curl virus infection increased percent egg viability of B. tabaci. Whiteflies deposited significantly fewer eggs on virus-infected plants than on healthy plants. Whiteflies had better egg viability on younger plants than older plants, whereas plant age did not affect the fecundity. Male and female whiteflies had shorter longevity on CLCuV-infected plants than on healthy plants.     

Survey on viroids infecting grapevine in Italy: identification and characterization of Australian grapevine viroid and Grapevine yellow speckle viroid 2

Five viroid species have been reported from grapevine. Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) and Grapevine yellow speckle viroid 1 (GYSVd-1) are distributed worldwide, whereas Grapevine yellow speckle viroid 2 (GYSVd-2), Australian grapevine viroid (AGVd) and Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) are found only sporadically. However, the presence of AGVd and GYSVd-2 in several countries, including China, Turkey and Tunisia, suggests a wider dissemination, possibly also in Europe, where AGVd has never been found and GYSVd-2 has been occasionally identified in Italy. Taking advantage of a multiplex RT-PCR assay recently developed for detecting simultaneously these five viroids, vines growing in Italy in commercial vineyards and germplasm collections were surveyed. Besides confirming the widespread presence of HSVd and GYSVd-1 in the field, GYSVd-2 and/or AGVd were identified in two grapevine table cultivars (Sultanina Bianca and Red Globe) from germplasm collections. Tests extended to vines cultivated in southern Italy confirmed the presence of both viroids, which were further characterized. No major sequence divergences between the AGVd and GYSVd-2 variants from Italy and those previously described from other countries were observed. Phylogenetic analysis supported the close relationships among AGVd variants from Italy, Tunisia and Australia. To our knowledge this is the first report of AGVd in Europe and the first molecular characterization of GYSVd-2 isolates from a European country.     

Genetic groups of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis identified by DNA fingerprinting and the effects of inoculation methods on disease development

Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (CMM) strains collected in nine different prefectures in Japan were fingerprinted by inter-simple sequence repeats–polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and repetitive sequence–based PCR. Forty-three CMM strains corresponded to 22 DNA fingerprinting patterns, indicating that the CMM population in Japan has high genetic diversity. Tomato plants were inoculated with CMM by two different methods: defoliation using infected scissors and planting in soil containing infected plant debris. Defoliation resulted in a larger number of diseased plants, disease developed earlier, and plants survived for significantly fewer days. Upon planting in the infected soil, 33.3 % of plants were infected and 6.7 % were diseased, i.e., 20.1 % of infected plants developed disease symptoms. These results indicate that some plants are infected with CMM through plant debris in the soil as the primary inoculum and most infected plants maintain latent infection. Thus, growers may unwittingly carry out disbudding and defoliation of latently infected plants, resulting in secondary inoculum.     

Management of wheat blast with synthetic fungicides,partial resistance and silicate and phosphite minerals

Field trials conducted on a yellow-red latossol (pH 6.0), replicated in 2010 and 2011, sought to examine the effect of silicon, phosphite minerals, synthetic fungicides and genetic resistance for wheat blast management (Magnaporthe grisea) in Central Brazil. Disease intensity was measured on cvs. BRS 264 and BR18 subjected to the following Si treatments: pre-plant furrow application of Ca & Mg silicate (300 kg ha^-1); post-plant scattered application of Ca & Mg silicate on top of the soil (1 ton ha^-1); multiple foliar SiO₂ applications (30 g l ^-1); and non-treated control. Blast incidence and severity were scored. Further experiments were conducted on cv. BR-264, for examination of the effect of potassium phosphite and synthetic fungicides on wheat blast intensity, with the following treatments: K₂HPO₃ (1ml l ^-1); epoxinazole + pyraclostrobin (700 ml ha^-1); tebuconazole (600 ml ha^-1); tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin (750 ml ha^-1); and non-treated control. In 2010, disease intensity was lower than in 2011. In the silicate experiments, disease was significantly lower when plants were treated with foliar or furrow silicate. Si applications significantly reduced disease in BRS-264. While BR-18 consistently demonstrated lower disease levels, cv. BRS-264 generally responded more markedly to silicon applications. In the phosphite/fungicide experiment of 2010, all treatments reduced disease when compared with the control, and in 2011 phosphite efficiency was not significantly different from some fungicide treatments. Synthetic fungicides demonstrated an average blast control of 55% by severity values. Yields were increased in the phosphite-treated plots (by 9–80%), in the Si treatments (by 26–92%), and more so, and more consistently, with synthetic fungicides (by 90–121%). Combined results of all field studies, carried out under environmental conditions highly conducive to disease, indicated that control of wheat blast necessitates the joint integration of several alternatives for efficient disease management.     

Involvement of Phytophthora cryptogea in sweet cherry decline in Turkey

Sweet cherry is a major commercial crop in Turkey, the most important producer of the fruit worldwide. Sweet cherry decline was observed in an orchard in Ankara province of Turkey. Affected young trees exhibited reduced tree vigor, yellowing and wilting of leaves, and dieback symptoms resulted in tree death. A Phytophthora sp. was consistently isolated from necroses that appeared on taproots and crowns. The pathogen was identified as Phytophthora cryptogea based on several morphological features and DNA sequence of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. P. cryptogea was pathogenic on excised shoots and 1-year-old cherry rootstocks. This is the first report of P. cryptogea causing disease of sweet cherry in Turkey.     

Arthropod fauna and main insect pests of plane trees in Israel

Fifty-four insect and four mite species are included in a list of the entomofauna of plane trees in Israel. Only two species are monophagous:Phyllonorycter platani (Stgr.) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) andEdwardsiana iranicola Zachv. (Heteroptera: Cicadellidae). Four species are noxious:P. platani, the main insect pest of the plane trees in Israel;Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae);Kalotermes flavicollis F. (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae); andE. iranicola. Of much lesser importance areTargionia vitis Sign. (Homoptera: Diaspididae),Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis Bché. andRetithrips syriacus May. (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). About half of the listed species are natural enemies and many are parasites ofP. platani. Details are given on the noxious species, together with recommendations for prevention and control.     

Studies of the effects of essential oils isolated from 14 species of Labiatae on the carmine spider mite,Tetranychus cinnabarinus

Essential oils from 14 species of Labiatae were steam-distilled and analyzed. Bean leaf discs freshly sprayed with different concentrations of the acetonic solutions of the oils caused mortality and induced repellency in adult females of the carmine spider mite,Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisd.), and egg-laying was reduced. Seven-day-old residues still had some activity. On the basis of EC-50s, the most effective oils were:Lavandula angustifolia xL. latifolia (0.09%);L. angustifolia (0.1%);Melissa officinalis (0.12%);Mentha piperata (1.3%);Salvia fruticosa (1.4%);Ocimum basilicum (1.4%); andRosmarinus officinalis (2.2%).