Nouveau signalement de Hypocryphalus scabricollis (Eichhoff, 1878) en Tunisie,un ravageur émergent sur figuier (Ficus carica L.)

Hypocryphalus scabricollis (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae) is a new pest on fig trees (Ficus carica L.). The severe damage observed on this host in Tunisia is described and illustrated. This paper describes the morphological identification of the species and gives information on the biology of the pest and initial recommendations for its control. This is a first report for Tunisia.     

Current status of the rice water weevil Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus in Italy: eleven‐year invasion

The rice water weevil Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Brachycerinae) was detected in Northern Italy in 2004. As Italy is the major European rice producer, and the rice water weevil is considered to be one of the major pests of rice in the world, a multiyear study was carried out to determine the spread of the pest in Northern Italy, to evaluate its establishment potential and to improve the knowledge on its biology in this new habitat. The survey allowed the distribution of the insect in Italian rice areas to be evaluated and confirmed that L. oryzophilus behaves as a monovoltine parthenogenetic species in Northern Italy. Information about the phenology of the insect and its management are also provided.     

Spread of the spotted wing drosophila – Drosophila suzukii (Diptera,Drosophlidae) and new distribution records in Dalmatia region of Croatia

A specific survey for the detection of Drosophila suzukii Matsmura 1931 (Diptera, Drosophilidae) in Dalmatia region of the Republic of Croatia during 2013, confirmed that the pest is present and widespread. Adults were detected in traps suspended in Prunus cerasus L. (sour cherry), Prunus persica L. (peach), Ficus carica L. (fig) and Morus alba L. (mulberry) orchards and individual trees, during the fruit maturation period, in 16 (of the 51 locations) where traps were placed in Dubrova?ko–neretvanska, Splitsko–dalmatinska, ?ibensko–kninska and Zadarska counties. This confirmed the rapid spread of D. suzukii in Croatia and this pest is a great concern for areas that are not yet infested that have favourable conditions for the pests’ development. The results of the survey highlight the importance of the development and implementation of long‐term sustainable control.     

Introduction into Italy of Gryon pennsylvanicum (Ashmead), an egg parasitoid of the alien invasive bug Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann

Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heteroptera, Coreidae), a Nearctic species, was accidentally introduced into Northern Italy in the late 1990s, from where it has spread throughout Europe. The bug causes abortion of immature cones of Pinus pinea L., with economic impact on the pine‐nut industry. As part of a pest control research program, the egg parasitoid Gryon pennsylvanicum Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Platygastridae) was collected from British Columbia, Canada, and legally introduced to a quarantine climatic chamber in Florence, Italy. The egg parasitoid will be tested against native non‐target heteropterans, an environmental impact assessment will be conducted, and a mass rearing method will be developed if appropriate. The ultimate goal is to release G. pennsylvanicum into Italian P. pinea forests for classical biological control of L. occidentalis.     

First record of the mealybug Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) in Algeria

The mealybug Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) is recorded from Algeria for the first time. This pest was first detected in the summer of 2018 in private gardens in Salamandre, on the coastal side of Mostaganem City in north‐western Algeria, feeding on three ornamental plants: Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis L., Hibiscus syriacus L. (Malvaceae) and Cestrum nocturnum L. (Solanaceae). In October 2018, it was also found on Aloysia citriodora Palàu (Verbenaceae) growing near Hibiscus. The first samples collected had been attacked by hymenopteran parasitoids. Surveys of ornamental nurseries and greenhouses growing vegetables in the area indicate that, at present, P. madeirensis seems to be restricted to ornamental plants. More surveys over larger areas are needed to determine its distribution and the likely origin of its introduction to Algeria.     

Rhyzopertha dominica (F., 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae): a stored grain pest on olive trees in Sicily

In October 2014 samples were collected from olive trees growing in South‐Eastern Sicily (Italy) that were showing wilting symptoms. In the field, clear signs of flagging appeared on young twigs and lateral shoots, and many leaves had fallen to the ground. Initial laboratory examinations of attacked twigs revealed the presence of a large number of adults of Rhyzopertha dominica (F., 1792). Sampling was repeated during the following 2 years, and while an outbreak of the pest did not occur, continuous damage was observed. In 2016, exclusively using pheromone‐baited traps in olive trees, a large number of adults were captured. The main local climatic parameters were monitored from 2014 to 2016 and compared with the population levels. The incidence of damage and survival of R. dominica in an environment different from its usual one (stored grain) deserves attention, especially considering that climate change could greatly affect pest demographics and put olive trees in this area and further afield at risk of increased damage.     

First report of fig mosaic virus infecting common fig (Ficus carica) in Japan

For the first time, fig mosaic virus (FMV) was detected in common fig (Ficus carica) trees in Shimane, Japan. These trees exhibited mosaic, ringspots, or distortion, accompanied by chlorosis on leaves and yellow spots on fruits. Some of the symptomatic trees were infested with the eriophyid mite Aceria ficus. The virus was detected based on RT-PCR, followed by sequencing. The amplified 300 base-pair fragments shared 83.5–91.5% identity with the corresponding region of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene of FMV isolates previously reported in Turkey, Iran, and Italy.     

Ophraella communa,the ragweed leaf beetle,has successfully landed in Europe: fortunate coincidence or threat?

We report the occurrence of the North American ragweed leaf beetle Ophraella communa in Europe. During our surveys to monitor populations of the invasive alien plant Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Europe, we found the beetle south of the Alps, in more than 130 sites in southern Switzerland (Ticino) and northern Italy (Lombardia, Piemonte and Emilia‐Romagna). At sites where O. communa was present, up to 100% of the plants were attacked with damage levels high enough to completely defoliate and prevent flowering and seed set of most ragweed plants. That in its first year of discovery, O. communa was already found over a large area of c. 20 000 km² and in all habitat types occupied by A. artemisiifolia reflects its great dispersal potential and wide habitat suitability. This oligophagous beetle is a successful biological control agent against A. artemisiifolia in China, but despite extensive host specificity tests, the risk of attack and the level of damage of sunflower under field conditions remain unclear. The recently launched COST Action on ‘Sustainable management of Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Europe (SMARTER)’ offers an ideal framework to respond quickly to the recent establishment of O. communa in Europe and to collect data that can help determine whether this event should be considered a troublesome introduction or whether it is likely to become the first case of a successful biological control of an invasive weed in continental Europe.     

Singhiella simplex (Singh) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), a new aleyrodid species for Italy causing damage on Ficus

The ficus whitefly Singhiella simplex (Singh) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is recorded for the first time in Italy. It was detected in Reggio Calabria (Southern Italy) in a public garden. The monitoring of its presence has highlighted its distribution in most of the city's urban green areas. S. simplex was found on Ficus benjamina and F. microcarpa trees, most of which were severely defoliated. The wide distribution and the high level of the infestations suggest that the introduction of this insect is not recent.     

Aspidiella hartii (Cockerell 1895) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on yam (Dioscorea spp.) tubers: a new pest regularly entering the European part of the EPPO region

Yam is an important West African crop and is an inexpensive source of carbohydrate. Many people of Central African origin living in South Italy buy imported tubers to prepare their preferred recipes. Aspidiella hartii (Cockerell) infests yam tubers marketed in Bari (South Italy). Adult female scales on tuber bark are brownish, subcircular and about 1.2 mm wide. Ventral shields (‘flags’) from dead individuals are also abundant. The pest reproduces during storage and covers the tuber. Removal of plant sap shrivels the tubers during their trade, reducing quality, viability and marketability of the product. Severe A. hartii infestation of tubers can also inhibit their resprouting or kill the plant in the country of origin. Dipping yam in concentrated pyrethroids, or organophosphate insecticide, storage in sawdust, paddy husk or wood ash or paraffin wax coating may help to control the pest, although dipping in pyrethroids or organophosphate insecticide is not allowed in Europe. The armoured scale also infests Colocasia sp. (Taro, Araceae) and Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (sweet potato, Convolvulaceae) causing similar damage. The presence of A. hartii host plants in Europe and the possible host‐shift of this pest to other crops in the region pose a risk for EPPO countries.     

The Asian planthopper Ricania speculum (Walker) (Homoptera: Ricaniidae) on several crops in Italy: a potential threat to the EPPO region?

In August 2014, twenty adults of Ricania speculum (Walker) (Homoptera: Ricaniidae) were collected on plants of Citrus spp. in La Spezia province (Liguria, Italy). This planthopper, which is native to parts of China and other Asian countries, is highly polyphagous and a pest of several crops such as citrus, cotton, coffee, oil palm and tea. As a newly introduced pest in Europe, R. speculum needs to be monitored for its potential spread, especially in Southern European countries and for the damage it may cause to agriculture in the region.     

First record of the red gum lerp psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in Tuscany (Italy)

The invasive Australian pest Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, the red gum lerp psyllid, is recorded for the first time in Tuscany (Italy). Its occurrence in this new region, just 2 years after its first record in Italy, shows how rapidly its population has found suitable environmental conditions in Italian territories.     

Investigations on Oecophylla longinoda (Latreille) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as a biocontrol agent in the protection of cashew plantations

BACKGROUND: Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) has become a very important non‐traditional tree crop in Ghana. The crop is, however, attacked by sap‐sucking insects, particularly the mosquito bug, Helopeltis schoutedeni Reuter, the leaf‐footed bug, Pseudotheraptus devastans (Dist.), and the coreid bug, Anoplocnemis curvipes (F.), which feed on shoots, panicles and fruits. Their damage is characterised by withering of the latter. In Ghana, Oecophylla longinoda Latr. occurs in large numbers on cashew and other native plants, but little is known about its relationship with insect pests. The relationship between O. longinoda and shoot and panicle damage by sap‐sucking bugs and the effectiveness of O. longinoda as a biocontrol agent in the protection of cashew as compared with two chemical insecticides, lambda‐cyhalothrin (Karate^®) and cypermethrin + dimethoate (Cyperdim^®), were therefore investigated at Bole in the northern region of Ghana. RESULTS: There was a negative correlation between numbers of O. longinoda nests and pest damage. Trees treated with cypermethrin + dimethoate (969 mg AI mL^?1 tree^?1) and lambda‐cyhalothrin (100 mg AI mL^?1 tree^?1) recorded the smallest bug numbers, followed by O. longinoda. Trees infested by Oecophylla longinoda and trees treated with cypermethrin + dimethoate and with lambda‐cyhalothrin had less than 6% pest damage to shoots, panicles and fruits, while water‐sprayed trees recorded damage as high as 36.8% (shoots) in February, 32.9% (panicles) in February and 37.8% (fruits) in March. Cypermethrin + dimethoate again recorded the highest (485.0 kg ha^?1) nut yield, followed by O. longinoda (431.0 kg ha^?1), with water recording the lowest (93.0 kg ha^?1) nut yield. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that O. longinoda can be used to control some sucking bugs as effectively as some insecticides. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

First data on the flight activity and distribution of the ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) on carob trees in Sicily

The factors influencing the entry and the spread of the black twig borer, Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff), in the Mediterranean environment have not yet been characterized. Following its first report in Sicily (southern Italy) in 2016, and due to the high level of damage it causes on one of its host plants (Ceratonia siliqua L.), the flight activity of the pest was studied there. Monitoring was performed from spring 2017 to summer 2018 by exposing red cross‐shaped sticky traps combined with ethanol‐baited bottle traps. The three monitored sites were selected at different altitudes, representing the southern Mediterranean environment where the carob tree is widely present. The results showed that the pest populations are influenced by climatic factors. In particular, the first adults were caught when the maximum daily temperatures were stably higher than 20°C over several continuous days. Xylosandrus compactus occurred widely in the monitored territory and was continuously caught from spring to autumn. Furthermore, the traps used proved to be effective for intercepting the spring flight of the overwintering females. Moreover, the ability of the beetle to spread from a new infested area was also studied. It seems that the pest can spread more than 8 km from the last infested site of the previous flying season. It was not present above altitudes of 400 m in the conditions of the present study. This study represents the first step to better understand the behaviour of X. compactus in a newly colonized environment.     

A protocol for analysing the costs and benefits of phytosanitary measures*

This paper describes a protocol developed within the PRATIQUE project for applying cost/benefit analysis to select appropriate phytosanitary measures for use against quarantine pests. The protocol consists of nine steps, each underpinned by clear guidelines for collating and structuring the relevant data, to assist risk managers with the challenging task of assessing the benefits and costs of phytosanitary measures in a consistent, transparent and reproducible manner. Together with the decision‐support scheme that generates contingency plants and prioritizes action during pest outbreaks, it provides a framework for decision making on phytosanitary measures and helps to provide economic justification for selecting appropriate measures. The practical application of the protocol is demonstrated using two examples: cost/benefit analysis of eradication measures against Anoplophora glabripennis in Northern Italy; and eradication and containment measures against Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in Germany.     

Characterization of Lasiodiplodia species causing leaf blight,stem rot and fruit rot of fig (Ficus carica) in Malaysia

Fig (Ficus carica) is an exotic deciduous plant that is grown worldwide. Fungal diseases pose a major threat to fig plants, affecting their fruit quality and production. This study was conducted to characterize the fungal isolates associated with leaf blight, stem rot and fruit rot of F. carica in Malaysia through morphological analysis, DNA sequencing, multigene phylogenetic analysis and pathogenicity tests. From September 2018 to March 2019, 30 blighted leaves and 30 rotted stems and fruits of F. carica were collected from several nurseries in Malaysia. Thirty fungal isolates that belonged to Lasiodiplodia theobromae (27 isolates) and L. brasiliensis (three isolates) were identified based on morphological characteristics, comparison of DNA sequences and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), elongation translation factor 1-α (tef1-α), β-tubulin (tub2) and DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit (rpb2). Among the 27 isolates of L. theobromae, nine isolates were obtained from leaves, eight isolates from stems and 10 isolates from fruits, whereas the three isolates of L. brasiliensis were obtained from stems (two isolates) and a leaf (one isolate). The results of pathogenicity tests revealed that L. theobromae and L. brasiliensis isolates were responsible for leaf blight and stem rot of F. carica, whereas fruit rot was caused by L. theobromae isolates. The present study highlighted two different species, L. theobromae and L. brasiliensis, as the causal agents of leaf blight and stem rot of F. carica. Additionally, L. theobromae caused fruit rot of F. carica in Malaysia.     

First record of Dryocosmus kuriphilus in Greece

After the first introduction of chestnut gall wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus, in Italy, it has spread rapidly in several other European countries, probably largely due to trade in chestnut plants. Despite the measures taken to prevent further spread of this pest to other countries, D. kuriphilus was detected in Greece for the first time in 2014. However, surveys have shown that the pest is still of very limited distribution in Greece. Having faced the damage caused by chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) over the last 50 years, the production of chestnuts in Greece is now seriously threatened by chestnut gall wasp, which has already caused extensive losses in chestnut production of other countries. In order to minimize the impact of chestnut gall wasp, control measures are being designed involving the release of the parasitoid Torymus sinensis.     

Pest risk analysis for Solanum elaeagnifolium and international management measures proposed

Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav., originating from the Americas, has been unintentionally introduced in all the other continents as a contaminant of commodities, and is considered one of the most invasive plants worldwide. In the Euro‐Mediterranean area, it is a huge threat in North African countries. It is also present in European Mediterranean countries (France, Greece, Italy and Spain), but still has a limited distribution. Through a logical sequence of questions, pest risk analysis (PRA) assessed the probability of S. elaeagnifolium entering, establishing, spreading and having negative impacts in European and Mediterranean countries. As this assessment revealed that the entry of the pest would result in an unacceptable risk, pest risk management options were selected to prevent the introduction of the plant. Preventive measures on plants or plant products traded internationally may directly or indirectly affect international trade. According to international treaties, PRA is a technical justification of such international preventive measures.     

Use of predatory mirids for control of the tomato borer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Sardinian greenhouse tomatoes

The introduction of Tuta absoluta in Sardinia (Italy) has caused an important increase in the number of insecticide treatments applied for pest management on greenhouse tomatoes, thus raising growers' demand for alternative control options. To evaluate the efficacy of releasing two specimens of Macrolophus pygmaeus or Nesidiocoris tenuis per m² for the control of tomato borer infestations, an investigation was conducted under field conditions between August 2010 and July 2011. The tests were carried out on 18 commercial greenhouse crops. Fifteen other greenhouses, where no biocontrol agents were released, were also surveyed as controls. The release of the mirid bugs resulted in poor population growth of predators, which reached a peak density of 1.79 individuals per plant. In approximately half of the cases, this was caused by the application of pesticides (usually abamectin and oxamyl) which are highly toxic to the predatory mirids. However, even in crops where only products regarded as harmless to beneficials were used (e.g. Bacillus thuringiensis‐based insecticides), both M. pygmaeus and N. tenuis failed to achieve the levels necessary for effective pest control. Presumably factors other than pesticide‐related mortality contributed significantly to delaying mirid population build‐up. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the feasibility of improving the efficacy of releases of the predatory mirids by the implementation of measures that may contribute to enhancing the establishment of these beneficials on tomato crops.     

Distribution and damage caused by Halyomorpha halys in Italy

Since the first occurrence of Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in Italy in 2012, the pest has spread in the Po Valley causing severe damage in summer 2015, particularly in pear orchards. At present, populations of H. halys have been reported in the regions of Emilia‐Romagna (Modena, Reggio Emilia and Bologna provinces), Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto and Friuli. The damage caused by H. halys is typical of pentatomids and is aggravated by the pest's polyphagy and by the behaviour of adults which move continuously from plant to plant, from hedges or herbaceous crops to fruit orchards. The unpredictability of H. halys’ movements, along with the effect of the aggregating pheromone that concentrates the pest in certain areas of the orchards, therefore making chemical spraying complicated.