Biological control of aphids on capsicum1

During four growing periods from 1986 to 1989, biological pest control on capsicum was investigated in glasshouses under practical conditions. Aphids, mainly Myzus persicae, caused the most serious pest problems. As biological control agents, the commercially available predatory gall midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza and the green lacewing Chrysoperla curnea were used. Both these natural enemies were released according to the recommendations of the producers. For the releases of the gall midges, small peat samples containing the pupae of the predator were placed at a few spots in the glasshouse (1–2 pupae per m²). The lacewings were introduced as eggs on small mesh-pieces which were placed on every second plant (10–20 eggs per m²). In these experiments, control of the aphid populations was effective only if the two predators were introduced early and were released several times. During the summer, other natural enemies such as parasitic wasps, syrphids, ladybirds and predatory bugs immigrated from outdoors and enhanced the biological control of aphids.     

Optimizing aphid biocontrol with the predator Aphidoletes aphidimyza,based on biology and ecology

Aphidoletes aphidimyza is one of the most important predators used in the augmentative biological control of aphids, key pests of many crops worldwide. Adult females are very efficient in locating aphid infestations over a relatively long range, up to 45 m, and deposit eggs near or within aphid colonies. The predatory larvae are aphid generalists preying on several agriculturally important aphid species. The successful use of this biocontrol agent in agricultural systems depends on several biotic and abiotic factors. Among biotic factors, aphid species, plant structure, interspecific competition and intraguild predation may significantly impact the predator´s population dynamics. Key abiotic conditions include day lengths (above a critical threshold to prevent diapause), availability of mating sites in the crop, temperature (above 15 °C to enable egg laying), air relative humidity (above 70%) and availability of pupation sites. Although several successes have been reported in open field crops with naturally occurring or released populations, commercial releases are primarily used in protected crops. Optimized emergence boxes combining provisioning of food sources for the adults, integration with the technological advances that occurred in the greenhouse environment lately, insights into the nutritional ecology in open field crops and exploration of the genetic variability are proposed as future directions to improve adoption and efficacy of A. aphidimyza in crop protection. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Natural enemies and seasonal abundance of the blackmargined aphid (Monellia caryella) in pecan orchards in Israel

The blackmargined aphid,Monellia caryella (Fitch), exhibited a seasonal pattern with early and late peaks of the population in pecan orchards at Newe Ya’ar in the Yizre’el Valley. A similar pattern was not observed at Kibbutz Sede Eliyyahu in the Bet She’an Valley, where there was a single peak, late in the season. The occurrence of natural enemies indicated that spiders and lacewing eggs were the predators most commonly associated with population fluctuations of the aphid. In most cases the rate of increase of the blackmargined aphid was highest late in the season.     

释放异色瓢虫对北京温室甜椒和圆茄上桃蚜的控害效果

为评价异色瓢虫在温室条件下对桃蚜的控害能力及效益,在甜椒和圆茄生产温室中以生物农药防治为对照,开展释放异色瓢虫控制桃蚜的示范试验,分析天敌害虫的种群动态变化,并计算防治成本。结果显示:异色瓢虫能够持续控制甜椒温室中桃蚜种群密度,其定殖率在蚜虫暴发高峰期时最高,为64%;且甜椒产量及经济效益高于生物农药防治。在圆茄温室中,前期释放的异色瓢虫使桃蚜高峰延缓1周出现;在增加瓢虫释放量后,1周内桃蚜种群密度下降了79%,且瓢虫定殖率达到86%,控害效果较好。表明通过生产期全程监测天敌-害虫的种群动态,在植株定植15 d后每周确定益害比,通过2~3个月持续释放异色瓢虫,可有效、持续控制整个生产期桃蚜为害。     

Biological control of exotic pests in Italy: recent experiences and perspectives1

In Italy, successful application of classical biological control began in the 20th century, when Berlese released the predator Rodolia cardinalis in 1901 and the parasitoid Encarsia berlesei in 1906. Later, the ‘inoculative’ method was applied many times, limiting the misuse of insecticides and therefore achieving very positive effects for both the agricultural economy and environmental protection. When the establishment of new natural enemies failed, some exotic pests continued to damage important crops, sometimes disrupting any possibility of applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In other cases, new associations between exotic pests and native natural enemies occurred spontaneously and the importation of new species was not necessary: when no broad-spectrum plant protection products are applied, some palaearctic parasitoids, such as Diglyphus isaea, naturally control the imported American leafminers Liriomyza trifolii and L. huidobrensis and some native predators (mainly Orius spp.) often control the exotic western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis. However, the introduction of natural enemies from the area of origin of the exotic pest is often the only alternative to chemical insecticides. Since its introduction in 1979, the American Flatid, Metcalfa pruinosa, has been spreading annually into new areas of the Mediterranean, causing severe damage to many crops because none of the indigenous natural enemies are sufficiently effective. Therefore, only the introduction of exotic natural enemies, such as the parasitoid Neodryinus typhlocybae, may reduce the outbreaks.     

Genetic engineering of plant volatile terpenoids: effects on a herbivore,a predator and a parasitoid

BACKGROUND: Most insect‐resistant transgenic crops employ toxins to control pests. A novel approach is to enhance the effectiveness of natural enemies by genetic engineering of the biosynthesis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Before the commercialisation of such transgenic plants can be pursued, detailed fundamental studies of their effects on herbivores and their natural enemies are necessary. The linalool/nerolidol synthase gene FaNES1 was constitutively expressed from strawberry in three Arabidopsis thaliana accessions, and the behaviour of the aphid Brevicoryne brassicae L., the parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae McIntosh and the predator Episyrphus balteatus de Geer was studied. RESULTS: Transgenic FaNES1‐expressing plants emitted (E)‐nerolidol and larger amounts of (E)‐DMNT and linalool. Brevicoryne brassicae was repelled by the transgenic lines of two of the accessions, whereas its performance was not affected. Diaeretiella rapae preferred aphid‐infested transgenic plants over aphid‐infested wild‐type plants for two of the accessions. In contrast, female E. balteatus predators did not differentiate between aphid‐infested transgenic or wild‐type plants. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the genetic engineering of plants to modify their emission of VOCs holds considerable promise for facilitating biological control of herbivores. Validation for crop plants is a necessary next step to assess the usefulness of modified volatile emission in integrated pest management. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

The side-effects of pesticides onDiaeretiella rapae, a parasitoid of the turnip aphid (Lipaphis erysimi)

Diaeretiella rapae (M’Intosh.) is an endoparasite of the turnip aphid,Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) with a wide geographical distribution. The four Pesticides Nogos 50 EC at 600 ml per acre, Dimecron 50 WSC, Monofos 40 WSC and Tamaron 600 SL at 500 ml per acre, used in practice for the control of this pest, were tested for their side-effects onD. rapae. The parasitoid was reared on pottedBrassica napus plants infested with aphid under laboratory conditions (22±2°C, 60–70% rel. hum., 16 h light and 8 h dark). In one test, adult female parasitoids were exposed to fresh pesticide residues on glass plates and in another test, the pupae within aphid mummies were directly sprayed. The results revealed that Dimecron 50 WSC, Nogos 50 EC and Monofos 40 WSC were harmful causing 100% mortalitv toD. rapae followed by Tamaron 600 SL (97% moderately harmful) after 24 hours of application, compared to no mortality in control, where only water was sprayed. Directly spraying of pupae with Dimecron 50 WSC and Nogos 50 EC reduced adult parasitoid emergence to 9 and 7%, respectively, Monofos 40 WSC and Tamaron 600 SL to 3% compared to 78% emergence for the control within one week of treatment. The results showed that none of the tested pesticides was safe toD. rapae and according to the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) further testing under semi-field and field conditions is recommended.     

宁夏麦蚜天敌多样性及种间关系

麦蚜是宁夏小麦的主要害虫,为了实现自然天敌对麦蚜的有效控制,采用网捕法和陷阱法等采集手段,通过3年田间调查,共鉴定麦蚜天敌97种,包括寄生性天敌16种和捕食性天敌81种。将麦蚜天敌划分为单食性天敌、寡食性天敌、多食性天敌及杂食性天敌共4类功能团进行分析,结果表明,不同天敌功能团对麦蚜种群的影响存在显著的交互作用;寄生性天敌中蚜茧蜂属的燕麦蚜茧蜂与烟蚜茧蜂是优势种;捕食性天敌种类较为复杂,不同地区麦蚜天敌组成存在显著性差异,复杂的农业景观能够维持更高的天敌多样性。表明在农业生态系统中建立和恢复非作物生境能够明显提高天敌种群数量,进而提高其生物防治作用。     

Increased free amino acid contents of the invasive weed Ageratina adenophora and the effects on its specialist herbivore Procecidochares utilis

In order to verify the escape‐from‐enemy hypothesis from the changes of nutrient substance and fitness of natural enemies on alien plants, contents of free amino acids in native and invasive plant populations of Ageratina adenophora and life history parameters of specialist herbivore Procecidochares utilis reared on these plants were investigated. Our results showed that the contents of glycine, valine, γ‐aminobutyric acid, proline, serine, alanine, and arginine in the invasive plants were higher than those in the native plants of A. adenophora. There was a shorter developmental duration and higher fecundity of P. utilis when fed on the invasive plants. The results indicated a possible fitness tradeoff of natural enemies between invasive and native plants arose from nutrient substance changes.     

Impact of some alternative methods to chemical control in controlling aphids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) and their side effects on natural enemies on young Moroccan citrus groves

Aphid control in Moroccan citrus orchards is based mainly on carbamate and neonicotinoid sprays, especially methomyl and imidacloprid. The extensive use of these insecticides may have side effects on natural enemies and environment quality and raises human health concerns. This research aimed to assess the control of aphids with insecticidal soap, kaolin and augmentative biological control using the indigenous predator Adalia decempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The insecticides were applied and the predators were released in April 2009 and 2010. Under field experimentation, the methomyl and imidacloprid foliar pulverization were very effective against aphids. In contrast, the insecticidal soap and kaolin application were less efficient while A. decempunctata adults were effective only in the first week after release. The side effects on beneficial insects were also assessed and discussed. The possibility of employing A. decempunctata in an integrated pest management package in citrus groves is discussed in relation to effectiveness and side effects on beneficial arthropods.     

Insects associated with the banana aphid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pentalonia nigronervosa</Emphasis> Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in banana plantations with special emphasis on the ant community

Ant attendance, well known behavior form towards aphid species was studied in case of the banana aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae) populations in four plantations in the coastal area of Carmel (Israel), where the aphid is a major pest on banana. The study characterizes the ant community the extent of attendance and the natural enemies associate with the aphid. The ants and natural enemies were sampled on mats and suckers. The ant community in the plantations was also studied by using different ant baits. In addition, the ants’ impact on the density of the banana aphid population and the potential role of local natural enemies was evaluated in artificially infested potted banana plants set in the plantation with or without a glue barrier. More than 80% of the aphid colonies on the mats were attended by ants. Ten of the twelve ant species detected in the plantations were observed attending the banana aphid. Seventeen species of potential natural enemies of the aphid, mostly belonging to the families Syrphidae, Cecidomyiidae and Coccinellidae, were found in the aphid colonies. When ant attendance on infested potted banana plants was excluded, the number of natural enemies was higher, while the aphid density was lower, than recorded on the control plants. Our finding suggest that the ants, especially the invasive species, lower the pressure of natural enemies on the aphid population and but also probably remove large quantity of honeydew which is the source of the main damage caused by the banana aphid in the local plantations.     

Research on and use of biological methods of pest control in glasshouse crops in Poland1

In 1966/1967, the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis and the hymenopteran parasite Encarsia formosa were introduced into Poland. This introduction led to extensive research on the principles and practical use of biological and integrated programmes of pest control in glasshouse crops. Additional species were later introduced (Macrolophus costalis, Amblyseius mckenziei, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Cycloneda limbifer, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri), and research was also undertaken on local species such as Aphidoletes aphidimyza and Aphidius matricariae. At present, after 25 years of research, modem and effective mass rearing of natural enemies has been organized, and they are applied over 600 ha of glasshouse crops. For correct development of biological methods in glasshouses, new introductions, research, and mass rearing of new species are necessary.     

Mating disruption for the control of Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) may contribute to increased effectiveness of natural enemies

BACKGROUND: New directives on sustainable use of pesticides have encouraged research on efficient alternative pest control methods. In the case of the California red scale (CRS), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), this imperative, along with the many difficulties in controlling this pest, have led to the investigation of new approaches. Previously developed mating disruption (MD) dispensers, together with the augmentative releases of the parasitoid Aphytis melinus DeBach, are here considered as a combined strategy for use against A. aurantii. RESULTS: Efficacy of MD was demonstrated by a mean reduction of 80% in CRS male catches and a mean fruit damage reduction of 83% compared with the control. A delay in the development of A. aurantii instars was observed in the MD plot. This delay increased the period of exposure of the susceptible instars to natural enemies, which resulted in higher predation and parasitism levels in the MD plot. Under laboratory conditions, A. melinus mating behaviour and effects on A. aurantii were not significantly altered in a CRS-pheromone-saturated environment. CONCLUSION: Mating disruption pheromone did not affect the behaviour or level of parasitism by A. melinus or the incidence of other generalist predators. Therefore, A. aurantii pheromone appears to be compatible with augmentative releases and biological control, making its use a good strategy for CRS management. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

安徽省茶园假眼小绿叶蝉优势种天敌的评判

为明确茶园天敌与假眼小绿叶蝉Empoasca vitis之间关系的变化动态,用灰色关联度法和生态位法研究天敌与假眼小绿叶蝉在数量、时间、空间上的关系,综合分析假眼小绿叶蝉优势种天敌位次在茶树品种间和年份间的差异。结果显示,根据密切指数之和比较发现,2015年在乌牛早茶园与白毫早茶园中,与假眼小绿叶蝉跟随关系密切的前3位天敌中均有锥腹肖蛸Tetragnatha maxillosa和粽管巢蛛Clubiona japonicola,这2种天敌在2种茶园中的密切指数之和分别为5.493和5.784;2016年天敌中均有八斑球腹蛛Theridion octomaculatum和粽管巢蛛,这2种天敌在2种茶园中密切指数之和分别为5.296和5.448。2015年与2016年相比,乌牛早茶园前3位天敌中均有粽管巢蛛,白毫早茶园前3位天敌中均有锥腹肖蛸和粽管巢蛛。表明2个品种茶园不同年份假眼小绿叶蝉前3位优势种天敌为粽管巢蛛、锥腹肖蛸和八斑球腹蛛。     

Zur Kenntnis der Blattminen-MotteCameraria ohridella Desch. & Dim. (Lep., Lithocolletidae) anAesculus hippocastanum L. in der Tschenchischen Republik

Cameraria ohridella was recorded first in 1985 in Macedonia. It gradually expanded to north and west and at present it is a serious pest of Horse ChestnutAesculus hippocastanum in the Czech Republic, having been established at about 80 localities. There are 4–5 overlapping generations with sizes of the larvae of 0.4–4.0 mm. The larva develops inside the leaf tissue in the upper parenchym layer of the leaflet and causes a mine, the size of which is broadened with growing larva. First adults start to fly at the end of April. After mating the females lay single eggs on the leaves. Larval development lasts 25–30 days followed by the prepupa I and II. The latter spins a cocoon in which the pupa of the last generation hibernates. The development from L4 to the prepupa lasts for 3–6 days at 22°C. During the summer it is possible to find all larval and prepupal stages in attacked leaves. FourAesculus species:A. parviflora Walk,A. carnea Haey.,A. glabra Walk andA. indica J. Hobb. were found to be resistent toC. obridella. A. lutea H. J. was liftle andA. pavia L. was heavily attacked. The parasitization ofC. o. larvae was very low. Only 2 parasites were found in 1500 mines in the first and second generation ofC. o., and 40 parasites in 1000 mines of the fourth and fifth generation. The highest mortality takes place in moths, eggs and young larvae. It was found in all 4 generation that there were i. m. 50 eggs/leaflet from which i. m. 3 hibernating pupae resulted. Supposing 2 moths (1♀, 1♂)/leaflet emerged in spring which produced 50 eggs (75 eggs/♀—33% moth mortality), the density of eggs in the first generation after hibernating being the same as in the last (fourth) generation before hibernating. As to the whole populations density in this case we can calculate as following: 3 pupae/leaflet on the tree=3000 pupae/leaflets pro m² on the soil=2000 emerging moths pro m²=50,000 moths (25,000 ♀♀) pro tree (namely 25 m² projecting area of the tree crown×2000 moths).      

Distribution and Ecology of the Russian Wheat Aphid,Diuraphis noxia (Kurdj.), expanded to Central Europe (Hom.: Aphididae)

A part of the territory of the Czech Republic represents the up-dated northern limit of distribution (status 1997) which the Russian wheat aphid (=RWA),Diuraphis noxia (Kurdj.) has reached during its expansion from the southeast to central Europe. The newly defined area is classified as one of the adventive routes which may be derived from the main expansion of RWA from its native home (central-western Asia) into the broader Mediterranean area. Distribution and its history, and ecology (life-cycle, host plants, seasonal history, both native and introduced natural enemies) of RWA are presented on ground of field evidence and trials obtained in 1995–1997 in the Czech Republic. The origin of RWA, its distribution and establishment in the target area, as well as prognosis of its further expansion, are reviewed and discussed. Steps and approaches to RWA detection in the crop, as well as some notes on its management, are added.     

捕食外来入侵扶桑绵粉蚧对异色瓢虫生活史特征的影响

扶桑绵粉蚧Phenacoccus solenopsis是近年来入侵我国的多食性害虫,挖掘本土天敌资源是开展生物防治该害虫的重要途径.为明确扶桑绵粉蚧对异色瓢虫Harmonia axyridis的营养价值,以该瓢虫在春季的主要本土猎物豌豆修尾蚜Megoura japonica为参照食谱,以扶桑绵粉蚧以及与豌豆修尾蚜混合猎...     

Response of two lacewing species to biorational and broad-spectrum insecticides

Green lacewings, includingChrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister) andCeraeochrysa cubana (Hagen), are predators of small, soft-bodied insects including whiteflies. The silverleaf whitefly,Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring [formerlyB. tabaci (Gennadius) strain B], is an important pest of agronomic, vegetable and ornamental crops. Practical use of these lacewings as biological control agents would be facilitated by better understanding of their responses to both biorational (selective) and broad-spectrum insecticides. The topical and residual toxicity of azadirachtin (Azatin-EC^TM), insecticidal soap (M-Pede^TM), paraffinic oil (Sunspray Ultra-Fine Spray Oil^TM) and the pyrethroid bifenthrin (Brigade^TM) to eggs, larvae and adults of the lacewings were studied in the laboratory. Larvae ofC. cubana were much more tolerant to residues of bifenthrin than wasC. rufilabris and were somewhat more tolerant to topically applied soap. At normal field concentrations, azadirachtin (0.005%, by wt a.i.), paraffinic oil (1.0% by volume) and soap (1.0% by volume) were not toxic to larvae or adults of either species either topically or residually. Oil was toxic topically to eggs but azadirachtin and soap were not. Bifenthrin was toxic topically and residually to larvae and adults but was not so toxic to eggs as was oil. Thus, selectivity of all materials tested was relative to lacewing species and lifestage. The relative tolerance to insecticide residues exhibited byC. cubana larvae may be related to its trash-carrying habit, suggesting that use of trash-carrying chrysopids in place of non-trash carriers for augmentative biological control would increase options for non-disruptive chemical intervention when necessary.     

北亚脉扁蜂形态特征和生物学特性

为明确李树上新纪录害虫北亚脉扁蜂Neurotoma sibirica的生物学特性，通过田间调查和室内饲养观察，记述该虫的形态特征、生活史及生物学特性。结果表明，北亚脉扁蜂在吉林省吉林市1年发生1代，以老熟幼虫在树下5~15 cm深的土层中做土室越冬。每年4月中旬幼虫开始化蛹，5月上旬成虫羽化出土，5月中旬为成虫盛期，成虫产卵从5月上旬持续到5月下旬，单雌产卵量为13~43粒，卵期5~9 d。6月上旬为北亚脉扁蜂幼虫为害盛期，幼虫为6龄或7龄，幼虫期14~21 d，6月中、下旬老熟幼虫陆续入土越冬。北亚脉扁蜂幼虫在李、紫叶李、杏、榆叶梅4种寄主上均可完成发育，在自然条件下李树受害率可达100%，紫叶李树受害率为40%，杏树受害率为20%。北亚脉扁蜂天敌有龟纹瓢虫Propylea japonica、异色瓢虫Harmonia axyridis、斯马蜂Polistes snelleni、日本弓背蚁Camponotus japonicus、2种姬蜂及1种病原菌。