Host acceptance behavior of the parasitoid Aphelinus mali and its aphid-host Eriosoma lanigerum on two Rosaceae plant species

The presence of a natural enemy in a habitat refuge is no guarantee of emigration by these into crop fields, when pest population outbreaks occur. Parasitoids from a refuge may not prefer foraging on the pest crop, exhibiting host fidelity, and therefore not constituting a source of natural enemies for improving biological control. An effective refuge must not only be a suitable sink for natural enemies, providing an acceptable host when these are not present in the crop, but it must also be a suitable source of parasitoids that readily accept the aphid-host on the crop. Therefore, crop-originated parasitoids would have to accept pests from the refuge as hosts to lay eggs in, and refuge-originated parasitoids would have to accept and lay eggs in pests from the crop. We here study the host fidelity of populations of Eriosoma lanigerum originating from two host plants (firethorn and apple) through reciprocal transfer experiments. Thereafter, the host fidelity of parasitoids from populations in the two host plants (firethorn and apple) was assessed. Reciprocal transfer experiments of parasitoids did not show an association between apple-originated parasitoids and their preference for any of the aphid hosts. Conversely, parasitoids from firethorn exhibited a higher number of attacks and in less time when aphids from apple were offered, suggesting a preference for apple-originated aphids. If future field work confirms these findings, firethorn could become an important management tool for enhancing biological control of woolly apple aphid in apple orchards, without being a substantial source of aphids.     

Challenges of pheromone-based mating disruption of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cydia strobilella</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dioryctria abietella</Emphasis> in spruce seed orchards

Seed orchards function as the primary source of high-quality seeds for reforestation in many European countries, but their seed yields can be severely reduced due to seed- and cone-feeding insects. We evaluated various parameters of pheromone-based mating disruption for control of the moths Cydia strobilella and Dioryctria abietella, which are major pests in European Picea abies seed orchards. We applied different types of pheromone dispensers (rubber septa or wax droplets) at different densities and heights, and with different amounts of active components, covering whole orchards or part of an orchard. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by analysing male captures in pheromone-baited assessment traps, and presence of larvae in cones. A dramatic decrease (94–100%) in capture of males in traps occurred in all pheromone-treated plots compared to control plots for both moth species. In contrast, a subsequent reduction in larval numbers in cones was only achieved when wax droplets were used as the dispensing formulation at high density and at the highest pheromone dose tested, and only in half of the trials for each pest species. Electrophysiological recordings using antennae of male C. strobilella indicated elevated pheromone concentrations in a treated plot versus a control plot. Our results show that mating disruption has potential to reduce cone damage in spruce seed orchards caused by C. strobilella and D. abietella, but optimisation of the technique is required to achieve consistent and efficient population suppression of these pests.     

板栗树冠节肢动物群落的时间生态位研究

测定了板栗树冠节肢动物群落主要害虫和天敌的时间生态位，分析了各类群在时间资源序列上分布的数量特征和资源利用状况，研究了各类群之间的竞争与共存机制.研究结果表明：在害虫和天敌中分别以象甲和瓢虫类的时间生态位宽度最大，象甲和蜘蛛类的时间生态位重叠指数最大，其次为蜘蛛和瓢虫类;象甲类和瓢虫类在时间资源上分布较广，对资源具有较强的竞争作用.蜘蛛类对象甲类具有较强的跟随捕食作用.蜘蛛类和瓢虫类对时间资源具有较强的竞争作用。     

Are wild flowers and insect honeydews potential food resources for adults of the olive moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prays oleae</Emphasis>?

The use of non-crop resources by natural enemies and their potentialities to enhance their effectiveness as pest control agents is increasing as a method for conservation biological control. Nevertheless, the effect of consumption of non-crop resources by pests has been generally overlooked being this knowledge crucial to favor natural enemies but not pests. In the present work, insect honeydews and flowers suitability as food resources for the olive tree key-pest Prays oleae were analyzed under laboratory conditions. The selected honeydews were excreted by Saissetia oleae and Euphyllura olivina, two olive pests, and the selected plants were seven abundant species in the olive grove agroecosystem that bloom simultaneously with the flight period of the anthophagous generation of P. oleae. In this work, some of these resources were identified as potential food sources for P. oleae. Despite the general findings, which indicate that honeydews have less nutritional value for insects than nectar, P. oleae reached the best survival and reproduction performance with the insects’ honeydews. Several of the tested flowers were identified as potential food resources for P. oleae, being Malva sylvestris the one that originated the best performance. Moreover, our results suggest that P. oleae females are synovigenic and emerge with nutritional reserves for reproduction. We highly recommend accomplishing further research before establishing these resources in biological control methods in order to confirm their effect on pests in fields.     

Pheromone-based decision support tools for management of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Halyomorpha halys</Emphasis> in apple orchards: development of a trap-based treatment threshold

The invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), has become a serious pest in mid-Atlantic apple orchards. Because no decision support tools exist for H. halys management, calendar-based insecticide applications have been the only successful technique for mitigating H. halys injury in orchards. Following the identification of the two-component aggregation pheromone of H. halys, we conducted a study to determine whether biological information generated by traps baited with this pheromone and pheromone synergist could be used to make management decisions. In this study, experimental apple orchards were treated with a H. halys-targeted insecticide only when a predetermined cumulative threshold of either 1, 10, or 20 adults per trap was reached. Once threshold was reached, two alternate row middle sprays 1 week apart were triggered and the threshold was reset. For comparison, some orchards were also subjected to a weekly alternate row middle spray or left untreated as controls. At harvest, significantly less fruit injury was observed when treated weekly or using a threshold of 1 or 10 H. halys adults per trap to trigger insecticide applications. Orchards treated using a cumulative threshold of 20 adults per trap or when left unsprayed had significantly higher fruit injury. In addition, insecticide applications were reduced by 40% using a threshold of 10 adults per trap. Our results suggest that baited pheromone traps can be used as decision support tools to trigger insecticide applications when needed to mitigate risk and effectively manage H. halys in apple orchards.     

Influence of the surrounding landscape on the colonization rate of cereal aphids and phytovirus transmission in autumn

Ecological control has often focused on factors enhancing control of pests by their natural enemies, while factors reducing the colonization rate of crops by pests have been comparatively neglected. We present an approach to assess landscape influence on the intensity of wheat colonization by a major crop pest, the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi. We used trays containing wheat seedlings to monitor field colonization by R. padi and barley yellow dwarf viruses’ transmission in two areas in France in autumn. We assessed the influence of landscape components likely affecting aphid colonization, i.e. maize and grasslands as source of migrants on the number of aphids landing per tray, as well as the host plant of origin and the viruliferous potential of migrants. During the survey, maize was the main source of migrants. Virus transmission was detected in a few cases (4 % positive assays). Colonization was increased by the presence of maize, but reduced by the presence of grasslands at the landscape scale considered here (i.e. at a radius of 1000 m). Our study contributes to a better understanding of disease dynamics in agricultural landscapes. By identifying features of the landscape that surrounds fields and affects these dynamics, growers can develop more efficient crop protection strategies relying on habitat manipulation and rational use of pesticides.     

Pest management based on petroleum spray oil in navel orange orchard in Ganzhou,South China

Comparisons between petroleum spray oil (PSO)-based pest management (pest management based on petroleum spray oil) and conventional pest management were made in a navel orange orchard from 2004 to 2005 in Ganzhou, Jiangxi province, South China. PSO-based management reduced chemical pesticide use and increased the species richness of natural enemies. To control the key pests below the economic threshold, PSO use, compared with chemical pesticide, reduced the cost of pest management. PSO had no negative effects on fruit yield and quality, and could form the basis of a practical and sustainable pest management program in navel orange. C. Chen and J. Zheng contributed equally to this work.     

Identification of attractive blend for spotted wing drosophila, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila suzukii</Emphasis>, from apple juice

Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), is an exotic fruit fly from Southeast Asia that was introduced to the temperate regions of North America and Europe in 2008. It attacks a wide variety of fruits and has become a devastating pest of soft-skinned fruit crops. Due to the rapid spread of SWD across the newly invaded continents, fresh fruit markets have a zero-tolerance policy regarding D. suzukii infestation. Specific and efficient D. suzukii detection tools are urgently needed so that farmers can deliver timely management interventions to meet market demands. Since SWD is known to be attracted to damaged and rotting fruits, headspace volatiles from fresh and fermented apple juices were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Special attention was given to the compounds produced and/or enriched during the fermentation process. After performing a series of laboataory and field tests, we identified a quinary blend, which is more efficient and selective for D. suzukii than the currently standard apple cider vinegar and commercially available SWD lure under field conditions. Identification of SWD attractant will help growers accurately detect D. suzukii adult infestations in orchards, thereby allowing for timely pest management interventions while reducing conventional insecticidal usage to protect our crops, environment, and ecosystem.     

改革传统用药 生产无公害苹果

针对胶东半岛苹果园长期大量使用化学农药,在量杀伤天敌,果园生态结构恶化,害虫抗药性日趋严重,次要害虫暴发,果实残毒量增加等问题。作者总结了６年来研究,生产无公害苹果的经验。提出了少用化学农药,不用剧毒,全杀,对害虫易产生高抗性的１６０５、乐果,菊酯类农药,以应用昆虫生长调控药剂,生物药剂,高脂膜和果实套塑膜袋等技术措施为主,最大限度保护生态平衡,达到生产无公害苹果的目的。     

Possible coexistence of native and exotic parasitoids and their impact on control of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Halyomorpha halys</Emphasis>

Introduction of exotic natural enemies for biological control of invasive pests may disrupt existing ecological interactions, which may influence the outcome of biological control introductions. The interactions between Asian egg parasitoids, proposed as classical biological control agents of the highly polyphagous invasive pest Halyomorpha halys (Stål), and parasitoids native to the introduced area are largely unknown. Therefore, adult and larval interspecific competition between the exotic Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) and the European Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy) was assessed (1) by observing aggressive interactions between adults of the two species following parasitization and (2) by providing each parasitoid species with previously parasitized H. halys egg masses at various time intervals. The results suggest that T. japonicus and A. bifasciatus engage in counterbalance competition, with the former being a superior extrinsic competitor (egg guarding and aggressiveness) and the latter being a superior intrinsic competitor (successful development from multiparasitized eggs of all ages). We suggest that the presence of T. japonicus is unlikely to have a negative impact on A. bifasciatus, and that those two species can coexist and potentially act synergistically in the biological control of H. halys.     

Quantifying the respective and additive effects of nectar plant crop borders and withholding insecticides on biological control of pests in subtropical rice

Conservation biological control avoids the need for mass releases of costly agents and the risks associated with introducing exotic agents by promoting existing natural enemies. This is done by alleviating insecticide-induced mortality and by manipulating the habitat to provide resources such as nectar, but there is a dearth of information on the relative and interactive effects of these two approaches. Here we used a large-scale factorial experiment with plots comprised of entire fields to test the effects of, and interactions between, withholding insecticides and planting borders of sesame (Sesamum indicum) on natural enemies and pests over 2 years. We used yellow sticky traps, sweeping netting and sentinel bait plants to monitor natural enemies and pests in the canopy and basal zones of the rice crop. Numbers of rice planthopper egg parasitoids and lepidopterous egg parasitoids in the rice canopy, as well as planthopper parasitism rates, were significantly greater in plots that were unsprayed and bordered by sesame, and scarcest in sprayed crops without sesame. Spraying of sesame-bordered crops gave parasitoid numbers similar to sprayed crops without sesame. Spiders in the canopy were significantly reduced in numbers by spraying, but there was no main effect of sesame borders. This study demonstrates that withholding insecticides and sowing nectar plant borders each have measurable as well as additive benefits on in-crop densities of ecosystem service providers responsible for predating and parasitising pests but the identity of the natural enemy determines the impact of these management practices.     

Soil organic carbon stocks and fractions in different orchards of eastern plateau and hill region of India

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in soil fertility and productivity. It occurs in soil in labile and non-labile forms that help in maintaining the soil health. An investigation was undertaken to evaluate the dynamics of total soil organic carbon (C _tot), oxidisable organic carbon (C _oc), very labile carbon (C frac ₁), labile carbon (C frac ₂), less labile carbon (C frac ₃), non-labile carbon (C frac ₄), microbial biomass carbon (C _mic) and SOC sequestration in a 6-year-old fruit orchards. The mango, guava and litchi orchards caused an enrichment of C _tot by 17.2, 12.6 and 11 %, respectively, over the control. The mango orchard registered highest significant increase of 20.7, 13.5 and 17.4 % in C frac ₁, C frac ₂ and C frac ₄, respectively, over control. There is greater accumulation of all the C fractions in the surface soil (0–0.30 m). The maximum total active carbon pool was 36.2 Mg C ha^?1 in mango orchard and resulted in 1.2 times higher than control. The passive pool of carbon constituted about 42.4 % of C _tot and registered maximum in the mango orchard. The maximum C _mic was 370 mg C kg^?1 in guava orchard and constituted 4.2 % of C _tot. The carbon management index registered 1.2 (mango orchard)- and 1.13 (guava and litchi orchard)-fold increase over control. The mango orchard registered highest carbon build rate of 1.53 Mg C ha^?1 year^?1 and resulted in 17.3 % carbon build-up over control. Among the carbon fractions, C frac ₁ was highly correlated (r = 0.567**) with C _mic.     

松山自然保护区核桃楸扁叶甲的发生与防治

2007年6月在松山自然保护区发现核桃楸扁叶甲虫害严重,通过对扁叶甲的生活形态、世代、食性、天敌的观察及核桃楸受虫害程度的普查,得出了虫害的特点,并针对其发生面积大,制定了以生物、物理和化学方法为主要手段的可控防治措施,以期为有关部门提供采取可控防治措施的参考资料,有效控制病虫害,对保护松山地区的特殊植被具有重要意义。     

Attract,reward and disrupt: responses of pests and natural enemies to combinations of habitat manipulation and semiochemicals in organic apple

The widespread use of pesticides along with the simplification of the landscape has had undesirable effects on agroecosystems, such as the loss of biodiversity and the associated ecosystem service biological control. How current production systems can be remodelled to allow for a re-establishment of biological pest control, while preserving productivity, is a major challenge. Here, we tested whether a combination of tools could augment or synergize biological control of insect pests in apple (Malus domestica), comprised of a tortricid pest complex, a geometrid pest complex and the rosy apple aphid. The tools aimed at disrupting mating behaviour of multiple pest species (multispecies mating disruption, “Disrupt”, MMD), attracting natural enemies (a blend of herbivory-induced volatiles, “Attract”, A), or providing refuge and rewards for a diverse insect community (perennial flower strip, “Reward”, R) over a 3-year period. Suction samples were consistently richer in generalist predators but not in parasitoids when multiple tools including MMD?+?A?+?R or MMD?+?A were employed. In addition, lepidopteran pest levels were significantly lower in these plots than in MMD or MMD?+?R at the end of the 3-year experiment. This was, however, not reflected in survival of artificially established aphid colonies. Our data indicates that multiple, complementary tools can greatly enhance natural enemy level, but also that long-term implementation is needed to fully realize the augmentatory or synergistic potential of complementary components and restore biological control as an ecosystem service of practical relevance.

     

A push–pull strategy to control aphids combines intercropping with semiochemical releases

Even if insect pest populations can be reduced by increasing plant diversity through intercropping, natural enemies are not always favored in such systems. Alternatively, semiochemical substances have been tested to enhance biological control, with inconsistent results. Combining both strategies can be an interesting way to maximize pest control. In this work, a 2-year setup involving wheat–pea strip intercropping combined with the release of E-β-farnesene (EBF) or methyl salicylate (MeSA) was tested as a push–pull strategy to simultaneously repel aphids and attract beneficials. Two types of slow-release formulation (i.e., oil and alginate beads) containing EBF or MeSA were deployed with the intercropping. The abundance of aphids was significantly decreased, while hoverfly larvae and mummified aphids increased on both pea plants and wheat tillers by the release of oil-formulated EBF and MeSA. The proportion parasitism of the aphid-parasitism rate [mummies/(aphids + mummies)] was also increased by treating both crops in both years. Releasing EBF through oil rather than alginate beads proved significantly better for attracting natural enemies and reducing aphids. Aphids were negatively correlated with the density of hoverflies (both adults and larvae) and numbers of mummies. All these results showed that combining intercropping with the release of EBF or MeSA formulated in oil can significantly reduce aphid density and attract their natural enemies. Therefore, the combination of both strategies could help farmers reduce the use of insecticides.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Euzophera bigella</Emphasis> (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dasineura oleae</Emphasis> (F. Low) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae): Emerging olive crop pests in the Mediterranean?

The olive is one of the most important crops in Greece as in many Mediterranean countries. Several insects are considered serious pests of the olive crop. In this study, we report two new pests for olive trees in Greece and possibly in the Mediterranean region: the quince moth Euzophera bigella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and the olive leaf gall midge Dasineura oleae (F. Low) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Although E. bigella is not considered a pest of olive trees, in the summer of 2011, the quince moth was recorded for the first time infesting olive trees in several orchards in the rural area of the Municipality of Amphipolis (Region of Central Macedonia). Infestation induced cracking and swelling symptoms on the bark of limbs and the periderm of trunks, accompanied by extensive internal bark necrosis, which caused the desiccation of limbs or even the death of whole trees. D. oleae has been reported infesting olive trees in Greece; however, it was not considered a pest of the crop. In February 2010, extensive infestations by D. oleae were detected in the coastal zone of Elounda, Lassithi (Region of Crete). Infestations were observed on the leaves causing elongate galls and deformations, while in highly infested trees defoliation was reported. Because of the scarceness of these infestations, the results reported in this study are discussed in relation to cases reported from other countries and/or on other crops. In addition, a review of the distribution, biology and control methods of these species is provided in an attempt to summarize the scattered information currently available.     

A new multistage dynamic model for biological control exemplified by the host–parasitoid system <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera exigua</Emphasis>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chelonus oculator</Emphasis>

Over the last few decades, important advances have been made in understanding of host–parasitoid relations and their applications to biological pest control. Not only has the number of agent species increased, but new manipulation techniques for natural enemies have also been empirically introduced, particularly in greenhouse crops. This makes biocontrol more complex, requiring a new mathematical modeling approach appropriate for the optimization of the release of agents. The present paper aimed at filling this gap by the development of a temperature- and stage-dependent dynamic mathematical model of the host–parasitoid system with an improved functional response. The model is appropriate not only for simulation analysis of the efficiency of biocontrol agents, but also for the application of optimal control methodology for the optimal timing of agent releases, and for the consideration of economic implications. Based on both laboratory and greenhouse trials, the model was validated and fitted to the data of Chelonus oculator (F.) (Hym.: Braconidae) as a biological control agent against the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lep.: Noctuidae). We emphasize that this model can be easily adapted to other interacting species involved in biological or integrated pest control with either parasitoid or predator agents.     

欧洲苹果园害虫综合治理研究进展

随着人类对高质量绿色果品要求的提高,世界各国以天敌为中心的苹果害虫综合治理研究报道逐渐增多,欧洲在此方面处于领先地位。本文综述了欧洲苹果害虫综合治理的近期研究进展,其中特别强调害虫生物控制措施的推广和应用,以期推动我国苹果害虫综合治理研究和应用的发展。     

Repellent and attractive effects of herbs on insects in pear orchards intercropped with aromatic plants

There is increasing interest in the use of vegetation such as aromatic plants as intercrops to biologically control insect pests in agroecosystems and orchard ecosystems. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the repellent effects of aromatic plants on orchard pests (e.g., scarabaeid pests) can lead to improved application of intercropping cultivation practices in orchards. We tested eight intercropping treatments, each containing a different species of aromatic plant, in a pear orchard, along with a natural grass treatment and a clean tillage (control) treatment. The results showed that intercropping reduced the annual cumulative number and abundance of scarab beetles relative to the control. The annual dynamics of scarab populations were also significantly altered where intercrops were used. However, with the exception of Ichneunmonidae, the natural parasites of scarabs showed no preference for the aromatic plants. A correlation analysis indicated that the reduction in some of the scarab beetle species was related to the abundance of certain specific natural enemy species. In addition, the diversity, evenness and degree of dominance of natural enemy species may have contributed to the decrease in scarab populations. This study shows that intercropped aromatic plants can be applied to control the scarab beetles in orchard ecosystems, but that effects vary across aromatic plant species.     

Pest risk analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Metcalfa pruinosa</Emphasis> in Austria

The North American planthopper Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) (Hemiptera: Flatidae) was accidentally introduced into Europe, and subsequently caused economic damage to orchards and vineyards in some South-European countries. In 2003, a mass occurrence of M. pruinosa was discovered in Vienna, followed by new infestations of several sites. A Pest Risk Analysis was conducted, according to the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization decision support scheme for quarantine pests, to evaluate the risk to Austrian agriculture by M. pruinosa. The highest risk of further introduction into Austria arises from trade of deciduous plants infested with M. pruinosa eggs from Italy and France where this pest is common and which are important trading partners of Austria. Entry by vehicle traffic is considered moderately likely. Active spread by flight of adult M. pruinosa is considered significant only for local dispersal. The CLIMEX^® program was applied to predict M. pruinosa’s potential geographical distribution and to identify areas at risk. In Austria, southern Burgenland and south-east Styria as well as parts of Vienna, Lower and Upper Austria provide the most suitable climate for M. pruinosa’s development. Organic production areas in theses regions are especially at risk of being damaged. To prevent economic impact and for long-term control of M. pruinosa, biological control with its natural enemy Neodryinus typhlocybae (Ashmead 1893) (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae) is recommended.