The bamboo spider mite Aponychus corpuzae Rimando (Acari: Tetranychidae); first record in the West‐Palaearctic

Aponychus corpuzae Rimando 1966 is an Oriental and East‐Palaearctic tetranychoid mite dwelling mainly on bamboo plants. In November 2012, it was recorded for the first time on Phyllostachys bambusoides (Poaceae, Bambuseae) in South‐Western Slovenia near Nova Gorica, which is also the first occurrence of this species in Europe. Later on it was discovered on the same bamboo species in several places in the area as well as in one place in North‐Eastern Italy (Gorizia) near the border with Slovenia. Its repeated findings for three consecutive years suggest that the species has become established in this area. The morphological and morphometric features of the local populations were compared with the data given in the literature. Photographs of the findings are also provided.     

Note on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Wahlgreniella nervata</Emphasis> (Gillette, 1908) (Hemiptera: Aphididae): a new pest of Damask rose in Turkey

Alate viviparous females of Wahlgreniella nervata (Gillette) were found on a Damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) plantation in Isparta Province, Turkey. The aphid is recorded for the first time from Turkey. Besides, Damask rose is a new host for this species. Brief information about this aphid including a key to the alate females of aphid species known to infest Damask rose in Turkey is provided.     

Investigation of mealybug (hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) species from Turkey by RAPD

Molecular markers are commonly used for determining the relationship between insect species. In this study, we investigated the relationship of six mealybug species,Planococcus citri (Risso),Planococcus ficus (Signoret),Planococcus vovae (Nasonov),Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti),Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret) andPhenacoccus aceris (Signoret), sampled from Turkey, using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). Of the 50 RAPD primers tested, 18 identified a total of 256 fragments of which all were polymorphic. Sufficient discrimination betweenP. citri andP. ficus was provided by several RAPD primers. The genetic distance values calculated for each pair-wise comparison ranged from 0.156 to 0.504. Cluster analyses of RAPD data clearly separated the species into two groups. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting May 4, 2007.     

A new approach to the use of meteorological and suction trap data in predicting aphid problems1

The network of suction traps operated by the Rothamsted Insect Survey has provided records of aphid activity since 1965. Previous attempts to use this information with meteorological data for predicting aphid problems have concentrated mainly on simple linear regression techniques. In this paper the value of a more complex multiple regression approach is investigated using additional data from an increased range of sites, species and years. Data from 1966 to 1988 are used to produce models to predict the date of the first record of each of 49 aphid species at each of six sites. The models used were particularly successful in predicting the date of the first record at a range of sites in 1989 of four species: Myzus persicae, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Sitobion avenae and Phorodon humuli.     

Molecular characterization and diagnostics of stubby root and virus vector nematodes of the family Trichodoridae (Nematoda: Triplonchida) using ribosomal RNA genes

Plant parasitic nematodes of the family Trichodoridae cause substantial yield losses in many agricultural crops. Rapid and accurate identification of trichodorids to the species level is critical for selection of appropriate measures for control. This study analysed 99 sequences of the D2–D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA gene and 131 sequences of the 18S rRNA gene from the stubby nematodes belonging to the genera Nanidorus, Paratrichodorus and Trichodorus. Species delimiting was based on the integration of morphological identification, which is not provided in the present article, and molecular‐based phylogenetic inference and sequence analysis. Twenty‐two valid species and several species complexes were identified among nematodes included in the analysis. PCR‐RFLPs of the partial 18S rDNA and the D2–D3 expansion segments of the 28S rDNA were tested and proposed for identification of these nematodes. Gel PCR‐RFLP profiles and tables with restriction fragment lengths for several diagnostic enzymes are provided for identification. Some problems of taxonomy and phylogeny of nematodes of the family Trichodoridae are also discussed.     

Plant Viruses Transmitted by Thrips

All thrips (order Thysanoptera) that are known to be vectors of plant viruses are identified and described. Thrips transmit plant viruses in the Tospovirus, Ilarvirus, Carmovirus, Sobemovirus and Machlomovirus genera. Tospoviruses are the cause of a number of significant emerging diseases, such as capsicum chlorosis and scape blight of onion. They infect thrips as well as plant hosts and the relationship between pathogen and vector is intimate. Once infected at the larval stage, adult thrips usually transmit tospovirsuses for life. Transmission to plant hosts occurs when thrips feed. Information on the distribution and hosts of all recognised thrips vectors is provided. Fourteen tospovirus species are described with information provided on other tospoviruses that have not yet been designated as species. The history of the research that has led to present knowledge is reviewed in chronological order for each tospovirus. The possible origin of tospoviruses is discussed. Information is presented on viruses, which are thrips-transmitted by mechanical processes, in other genera. Pathways of spread of thrips vectors in relation to the threat of tospoviruses to European agriculture are discussed.     

Cellulose-decomposing fungi in polder soils and their possible influence on pathogenic fungi

For a study of the colonisation of the IJsselmeerpolders by fungi, attention was fixed on the cellulose-decomposing fungi, since these are considered to represent the more stable part of the mycoflora of soils. If one assumes that in the North East Polder, cultivated for approximately 25 years, the fungal population is approaching stability, the progress of colonisation of the younger polders can be judged by comparison of the number of species found and their frequency.It is shown that the progress of fungal colonisation did not depend only on the time during which a soil has been dry, but also on the use that has been made of it. Of the species known as antagonists of other fungi,Trichoderma spp. provided an increasingly larger proportion of the total population as the soils were further from stability.It is concluded that the increase of fungal antagonists may well be one of the causes of the decline of such parasites asOphiobolus graminis andRhizoctonia solani. Special mention is made ofGliocladium roseum, the parasitism of which towardsR. solani could be demonstrated in paired cultures.     

The grapevine aphid <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Aphis illinoisensis</Emphasis>: an invasive pest in Israel

Apterous and alate viviparous females of Aphis illinoisensis Shimer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were collected on grape, Vitis vinifera L., in three different regions of Israel. Detailed information is given about this species distribution in Israel. A key is provided to the apterous females of aphid species known to infest grape in Israel.     

Additive infestation model (AIM) analysis for the study of two-weed species interference

A graphical method of analysis designed to study the efficacy of herbicide mixtures, the additive dose model, was adapted for use in analysing the effect of two-weed species interference on crop yield. It is possible to categorize two-weed species interference as synergistic or antagonistic with regard to the effect on crop yield. It is also possible to quantify the degree to which the effect of species mixture deviates from additivity. Within the analysis, different forms of regression models may be used to estimate interference from one species or another, or for species in combination, provided that the models used are all special cases of the same basic model. This allows for flexibility in summarizing data. The method was demonstrated using data from field experiments in which the influence of Stellaria media     

The psyllid Macrohomotoma gladiata Kuwayama, 1908 (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Homotomidae): a Ficus pest recently introduced in the EPPO region

The psyllid Macrohomotoma gladiata, is a new insect pest of Ficus originating from Asia which has recently been found in Spain (Alicante) on urban Ficus microcarpa trees. This species may be of phytosanitary concern because of its leaf wrapping habits, wax secretion and honeydew excretion that may lead to direct and secondary twig damage. Although more studies are needed on the biology of M. gladiata, it is suspected that it might behave in the Euro‐Mediterranean as an invasive alien species. The predation by Anthocoris sp. (nemoralis?) needs to be investigated in order to assess its effectiveness as a natural biological control agent. This is the first report of M. gladiata from the EPPO region.     

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.     

Spread of Impatiens glandulifera from riparian habitats to forests and its associated impacts: insights from a new invasion

Impatiens glandulifera is a globally successful invader that primarily spreads along riparian habitats; however, during the last ~20 years, it has started to colonise forests, but little has been published on impacts of this recent spread. Several factors may have contributed to this phenomenon: (i) high propagule pressure from large and widespread riparian populations, (ii) extensive anthropogenic and natural disturbances in the forest ecosystems, (iii) increased use of forest machinery efficiently spreading the seeds together with (iv) a wide environmental tolerance of the species. The impacts of I. glandulifera on native communities in forests are manifold. Contrasting effects are reported on native plant species diversity, richness and growth of saplings of co-occurring species, as well as negative effects on soil mycorrhizal fungi. We suggest that the eradication of I. glandulifera populations in forests is more feasible than along watercourses because the recolonisation in forests is limited and, in some cases, populations are outcompeted by woody species during succession.     

Effect of plant nectars on adult longevity of the stinkbug parasitoid,Trissolcus basalis

Abstract

The egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) is an important biological control agent of stinkbugs worldwide. Although honey has been used as adult food in culturing the parasitoid, no previous studies have explored the potential for maximising its fitness by provision of plant nectars in conservation biological control. In laboratory experiments, we measured the longevity of adult T. basalis females provided with each of 10 nectar-bearing flowering plant species: Lobularia maritima L., Brassica napus L., Tagetes patula L., Ocimum basilicum L., Fagopyrum esculentum Moench., Cosmos bipennatus Cav., Calendula arvensis L., Coriandrum sativum L., Tropaeolum majus L. and Phacelia tanacetifolia Bentham. Longevity was greatest (33 days) on flowering T. patula shoots and significantly lower on shoots of this species from which the inflorescence had been removed (8 days). Of the other plant species, only L. maritima flowers did not enhance longevity. These results indicate that adults of T. basalis benefit from access to floral nectar and also suggest plant species that merit field testing to identify species best suited to enhancing the efficacy of this parasitoid in conservation biological control.     

Endophytic fungi in the invasive weed Impatiens glandulifera: a barrier to classical biological control?

The rust fungus, Puccinia komarovii var. glanduliferae, has been introduced into the UK for biological control of the invasive weed, Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam). However, establishment of the pathogen has differed across the country, which may be partly explained by variation in plant genotype. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is a further layer of phenotypic resistance, provided by indigenous foliar endophytic fungi. Culturable endophytes were isolated from a number of different balsam populations, and the commonest species were inoculated into ‘clean’ balsam plants, to test their interactions with the rust. We found that endophyte communities within balsam are low in diversity and become more dissimilar with increasing distance between populations. Three endophytes (Colletotrichum acutatum, Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium oxysporum) were common and appeared to be antagonistic to the rust, reducing pustule number and mitigating the effect of the pathogen on plant biomass. I. glandulifera thus partially conforms to the endophyte-enemy release hypothesis, in that as an introduced species, it has an impoverished endophyte complement, acquired from the local environment. However, these endophytes represent a potential barrier to effective biological control and future weed control strategies need to find strains of rust that can overcome plant genetic resistance and the overlaying phenotypic resistance, conferred by endophytes. Future classical biological control programmes of weeds must therefore take into account the fungal bodyguards that invasive species may acquire in their introduced ranges.     

A taxonomic study ofNorbanus Walker (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) from China

The Chinese species of the pteromalid genusNorbanus Walker are reviewed. Six valid species, including four newly recorded species, are recognized. Diagnoses and a key to species are provided. The specimens are deposited in the Zoological Museum, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.     

A new<Emphasis Type="Italic">Praon</Emphasis> species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) of the<Emphasis Type="Italic">Uroleucon</Emphasis> parasitoid complex from the mediterranean area

A new hymenopteran aphid parasitoid species (Praon uroleucon sp. n.) fromUroleucon sp. infestingCarduus acanthoides L. is described from Yugoslavia. It is diagnosed and illustrated with scanning electron microscope photographs and line drawings. The new species is placed in thePraon dorsale species group, and a key to species of that group is provided. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Dec. 9, 2002.     

Natural enemies of the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus peruvianus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): first report of some parasitoids in Italy

The bougainvillea mealybug, Phenacoccus peruvianus Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), was first detected in Sicily in 2002 at high population levels on Bougainvillea glabra Choisy (Nyctaginaceae). In 2016, during a recent monitoring activity, natural enemies of this pest were detected for the first time. This report represents the first identification of P. peruvianus parasitoids in Italy and some information on the recovered entomophagous species is provided.     

Diversity of European begomoviruses: identification of a new disease complex*

The diversity of whitefly‐transmitted begomoviruses in Europe is low, most being exotic, introduced species. The only agriculturally important viruses are two species causing tomato yellow leaf curl. These viruses are believed to have originated in the Middle East but have since spread right across the Mediterranean region. Two ornamentals (Abutilon and Lonicera japonica) were introduced into Europe from the New World and the Far East, respectively, for the striking symptoms induced by the viruses which infect them. The virus infecting honeysuckle (Honeysuckle yellow vein mosaic virus) has been shown to be part of newly identified cluster of begomoviruses which require an additional component, a satellite molecule termed DNA β, to induce symptoms in their host plants. A further begomovirus, Ipomoea yellow vein virus, which infects the weed Ipomoea indica, is present in the Mediterranean region. The precise origin and relationship of this virus to other begomoviruses is unclear.     

Chili anthracnose: Colletotrichum taxonomy and pathogenicity

Chili anthracnose is caused by Colletotrichum species mostly associated with the acutatum, truncatum and gloeosporioides complexes. Since 2009 the Colletotrichum taxonomy has been extensively revised based on multigene phylogenetics, which has had a large impact on the number of species known to cause anthracnose disease of chili. This review discusses (i) the taxonomy of Colletotrichum spp. infecting chili, and (ii) the impact of Colletotrichum pathotypes on breeding for resistance to anthracnose. To date, 24 Colletotrichum species have been identified as pathogens of chili anthracnose, with the three main pathogens being C. scovillei, C. truncatum and C. siamense. Identification of several pathotypes within these three Colletotrichum species, particularly pathotypes that can overcome resistance in the related Capsicum species, Ca. chinense and Ca. baccatum, will be of major concern to plant breeders as they develop resistant chili genotypes from the transfer of resistance genes from these Capsicum species into Ca. annuum. Accurate identification of the Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose and improved understanding of the biology of the Colletotrichum species and their interaction with the host will enable the application of improved integrated disease management techniques.