Phenacoccus madeirensis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): a new species of mealybug in Tunisia

In August 2013, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was identified for the first time in Tunisia, in the region of Akouda (Sousse, coastal area of Tunisia) on Cestrum nocturnum (Solanaceae) during a survey. The infestation was observed on leaves, shoots and also on the collar. This is the first record of P. madeirensis in Tunisia and the first record of this pest in North Africa. Two other mealybugs Peliococcus cycliger and Planococcus citri were also recorded during this survey. They have previously been reported in Tunisia.     

First report of invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) in Croatia

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), has been spreading over Europe since the first documented records from Liechtenstein in 2004 and Switzerland in 2007. It is considered to be a pest in many agricultural crops and a household nuisance. In 2017 the species was observed in Croatia for the first time, in the city of Rijeka on the north Adriatic coast. Halyomorpha halys has already been recorded in three nearby countries (Italy, Hungary and Serbia), and therefore the arrival of this species had been expected from neighbouring populations or from distant sources via trading goods. To identify the pathway of entry, the haplotypes of H. halys (Stål, 1855) individuals were analysed by comparing a part of the mitochondrial COI gene with other haplotypes present in the GenBank database. Individual specimens shared the most common haplotype with nearby Italian and Hungarian populations.     

Impact of seed blend and structured maize refuge on Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) potential phenological resistance development parameters in pupae and adults

BACKGROUND

Helicoverpa zea, an economic pest in the south-eastern United States, has evolved practical resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry toxins in maize and cotton. Insect resistance management (IRM) programs have historically required planting of structured non-Bt maize, but because of its low adoption, the use of seed blends has been considered. To generate knowledge on target pest biology and ecology to help improve IRM strategies, nine field trials were conducted in 2019 and 2020 in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to evaluate the impact of Bt (Cry1Ab + Cry1F or Cry1Ab + Cry1F + Vip3A) and non-Bt maize plants in blended and structured refuge treatments on H. zea pupal survival, weight, soil pupation depth, adult flight parameters, and adult time to eclosion.

RESULTS

From a very large sample size and geography, we found a significant difference in pupal mortality and weight among treatments in seed blends with Vip3A, implying that cross-pollination occurred between Bt and non-Bt maize ears. There was no treatment effect for pupation depth, adult flight distance, and eclosion time.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study demonstrate the potential impact of different refuge strategies on phenological development and survival of an important pest species of regulatory concern. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Presence of the invasive whitefly Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Greece

Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Quaintance) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), commonly known as the citrus (or orange) spiny whitefly, is an important pest of various economic crops such as citrus and tea and causes severe economic losses. It is reported for the first time in Greece, in the island of Corfu (North‐West Greece) on sweet orange trees (Citrus sinensis). Morphological and molecular data has been used for species identification. Sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene from Greek populations have been compared with sequences of the species from Italy and Montenegro, as well as with COI sequences retrieved from GenBank, to examine the genetic diversity of the species. Based on the preliminary results, it appears that the population from Corfu probably arose through several independent introductions.     

First records of the ash whitefly Siphoninus phillyreae Haliday (Hemiptera,Aleyrodidae) in Belgium

In recent years, a whitefly species has become more abundant in Belgian pear orchards, and a survey over six locations in the province of Limburg in 2017 showed it to be exclusively Siphoninus phillyreae Haliday, the ash whitefly. Although the puparia of the species are fairly easy to recognize in the field, S. phillyreae most probably has previously been overlooked but present in Belgium. Although the species is an important pest in some parts of the world, so far no significant damage has been observed in Belgian pear orchards. This is the first report of this pest in Belgium.     

Distribution and biology of the yellow‐spotted longicorn beetle Psacothea hilaris hilaris (Pascoe) in Italy

The Asiatic yellow‐spotted longicorn beetle, Psacothea hilaris hilaris, was found for the first time in Northern Italy in 2005. As this xylophagous insect is considered one of the most important pests of Morus spp. and of Ficus carica in its countries of origin, a multi‐year study was carried out to determine the spread of the pest in Northern Italy, to evaluate its establishment potential and to improve knowledge on its biology in the new habitat. The survey confirmed that P. hilaris hilaris has established in Italy and has colonized an area of about 60 km². The species overwinters as eggs or larvae. Adults are present from June to October. Damage has been recorded mostly on Ficus carica plants, and very rarely on Morus alba. Both young and older plants, healthy and weakened hosts can be attacked by the pest. Severely attacked plants become weakened and eventually die.     

Report of a rapid pest risk analysis for Lambdina fiscellaria (Guenée, [1858]) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) for the island of Ireland

The hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria (Guenée), is a serious forest pest in North America with three subspecies that vary in their geographical range and larval host preferences. Both broadleaved and coniferous trees are infested, though the largest impacts are on coniferous forestry where trees can be completely defoliated and killed. The pest was identified as a potential threat to forestry on the island of Ireland during a horizon‐scanning exercise to identify pests of Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr. (Sitka spruce) and was subject to a rapid pest risk analysis (PRA). Though judged to be unlikely, pathways identified were uncontrolled wood commodities and mosses and lichens harvested from forests in North America and exported for use in ornamental displays. Lambdina fiscellaria is found in a range of climate types, and is likely to be able to complete its lifecycle in the Irish climate – although there is uncertainty concerning its ability to adapt to European trees. Lambdina fiscellaria has only a limited capacity for spread, as virgin females are burdened by their eggs and are poor fliers. This was judged to reduce potential impacts in the PRA area – as the slow rate of spread would provide time to develop monitoring and control methods well ahead of the pest reaching its maximum extent on the island of Ireland. The pest still poses a considerable risk to coniferous forestry not only on the island of Ireland but across the EPPO region where climate is suitable for the pest to establish. Regulation and implementation of phytosanitary measures prevent introduction of the pest should be considered.     

First record of the tomato leafminer,Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Sudan

An outbreak of larvae and adults of a devastating moth was noted to be causing severe damage in tomato grown in greenhouses at Khartoum State, Sudan during June 2010. Symptoms included foliage mining and leaves drying. Photographs of symptoms and larvae and adults of the pest (and subsequently specimens) were sent to Russell IPM, UK and the Finnish Museum of Natural History for identification. The pest was identified as Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). This is the first official record of T. absoluta in Sudan, based on surveys in tomato production areas in Khartoum, Gezira, Red Sea and North Kordofan States and eggplant and potato in Khartoum State. Severe yield loss due to the serious feeding damage on foliage and fruits infestation was reported on tomato and eggplant fields at Khartoum State.     

Biological Control of the Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus Hirsutus Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in the Caribbean

The hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green, was first reported in the Caribbean in 1994 in Grenada. This was the first record of the insect as a major pest in the New World. By the beginning of 2001, the pest had spread to over 25 territories from Guyana and Venezuela in the South to Bahamas in the North. The pest has also extended its distribution to Central America (Belize) and North America (California, USA). Early attempts to control the pest using pesticides resulted in failure and a classical biological control approach was adopted. Several exotic natural enemies were introduced but control was attributed to Anagyrus kamali Moursi and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant. In all countries where biological control was implemented, this resulted in success. This paper reviews the remarkable success story. Information is provided on the distribution and factors leading to rapid spread of the pest, its pest status and resultant economic losses, and implementation of the biological control effort.     

Spread and occurrence of tulip tree aphid in Europe: new record of Illinoia liriodendri (Monell, 1879) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from Hungary

The genus Illinoia is found primarily in North America. Illinoia liriodendri (Monell, 1879), the tulip tree aphid, was observed and identified for the first time in Hungary. Nymphs, apterous and alate viviparous females in colonies of I. liriodendri were found on a tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae), in Debrecen, Hungary. Tulip tree aphids feed on the underside of tulip tree leaves. The consequences of this are honeydew and associated black sooty mould which is unsightly and causes sticky residues to drop onto footpaths and parked cars. If the infestation is very severe this may reduce photosynthesis. A short report is presented here on the first finding of this pest in Hungary, and its characteristics.     

A new pest on soybean in Turkey: Melanagromyza sojae Zehntner (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

Melanagromyza sojae Zehntner (Hemiptera: Agromyzidae) is known as a pest of several leguminous plants, especially Glycine max, soybean, in several countries worldwide. As a result of an alert raised by soybean producers in the province of Adana, which has a large share of soybean production in Turkey, plant samples in which pupae were observed were collected from two soybean fields in Çukurova in the production season in 2018. The samples were kept in the laboratory and the emerging adults were identified morphologically as M. sojae. Observations made in soybean fields in Turkey are presented. A review of the situation for this pest and its control methods are is presented. This is the first report of M. sojae in Turkey. It is therefore recommended to perform a close monitoring of this pest to investigate more in detail the extent of the damage caused by this pest in soybean crops in Turkey, to identify its variety preferences, other other hosts, natural enemies and control methods to be used.     

First report of Myzus mumecola (Matsumura, 1917) in Europe

During the spring of 2016, the aphid Myzus mumecola (Matsumura) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) was detected on its preferential host plant, Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosaceae), in Italy. This was the first record of the species in Europe. Several populations of the aphid have been collected in various apricot orchards in Emilia‐Romagna, in the localities of Imola, Campiano, Cesena and Castiglione di Cervia. The species is considered to be an apricot pest in India and East Asia. Details on the morphology, biology and distribution of this aphid species and the damage it causes are given.     

On the species ofRhyacionia Hübner [1825] (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Turkey

Three forest pest species of the genusRhyacionia Hübner [1825] (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) that are known to damagePinus species are found in Turkey:R. buoliana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775),R. pinicolana, (Doubleday, 1849) andR. pinivorana (Lienig & Zeller, 1846).R. pinivorana is recorded for the first time from Turkey.R. pinicolana, first recorded in 1999, is now reported for the second time from Turkey. Photographs are presented of adult males and their genitalia of all taxa and the species distribution is shown on a map.     

Molecular and morphological identification of the mealybug,Phenacoccus solani Ferris (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): first report in Egypt

During the summer and autumn of 2016, pumpkins, Cucurbita spp. (Cucurbitaceae), were observed to be infested by mealybug species. Populations were collected on various pumpkin fruits from Rosetta, a port city at the North‐Western Nile River delta, Lower Egypt. This study aimed to identify the principle mealybug species infesting the major pumpkin‐producing regions in Egypt, by molecular and morphological characterization. DNA from 15 specimens and morphological data from 22 specimens were used to confirm the identity of the mealybug species. The species present were identified as Phenacoccus solani Ferris, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, and Planococcus citri (Risso). This is the first record of Phenacoccus solani Ferris (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Egypt.     

First record of Xylotrechus chinensis (Coleoptera,Cerambycidae) in Greece and in the EPPO region

Xylotrechus chinensis belongs to the entomofauna of China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan. Prior to this paper it has been intercepted twice outside its native range, once in Philadelphia (USA) and once in Germany (Europe). In spring 2017, it was detected for the first time in Greece, in Heraklion city (Island of Crete) infesting the trunk of trees of Morus species planted near the harbour of the city. It can thus be hypothesized that X. chinensis was transported from its native range with commodities that are handled in the harbour. Eradication efforts are being taken in order to prevent its further spread, which could threaten several other tree species because X. chinensis attacks a wide range of hosts. This is the first record of this pest from the EPPO region.     

First report of Eulachnus tuberculostemmatus (Theobald, 1915) on Pinus nigra subsp. mauretanica stands in Algeria

Pinus nigra (black pine) is a Mediterranean taxonomic complex (including different subspecies), with a discontinuous distribution. The southernmost part of its range is in North Africa, in Morocco and Algeria, where it is present as P. nigra subsp. mauretanica. Currently, an extremely limited number of trees of this subspecies still persist within its natural range, giving this taxon an outstanding ecological importance. These residual stands are threatened by many biotic and abiotic factors, putting at risk the survival of this subspecies in its natural habitat. This paper reports for the first time the presence of Eulachnus tuberculostemmatus (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae) in Algeria, and its infestation on P. nigra subsp. mauretanica. This insect was detected in three sites of the Djurdjura National Park in May 2012 and identified in February 2016. The aphid seems to be responsible for needle discoloration and premature senescence, symptoms observed since spring 2008 on the infested pines. These clusters of P. nigra subsp. mauretanica trees are protected by park regulations, and given their conservation status further investigations into this pest species, and other biotic and abiotic factors that may threaten this important tree, are required.     

First record of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Syria

The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda is a lepidopteran pest that can damage and destroy a wide variety of crops. It is widely present in the Americans and has been invasive in Africa since 2016. Larvae of S. frugiperda were found for the first time in four rural farms on maize plants (Zea mays) located in Tafas town (Dara’a Governorate, in the south‐west of Syria) in November 2020. Infested maize showed the typical damage symptoms caused by S. frugiperda. Furthermore, morphological identification of larvae based on standard parameters of larvae confirmed the identity of the pest as fall armyworm. Considering the recent introduction of the pest into the EPPO region, it could be concluded that the pest probably entered Syria through natural spread (active flight and via wind currents) from Jordan, which borders Syria in the southern part and where the pest was found very recently.     

First report of brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Greece

In autumn 2011, stink bugs were found causing a nuisance in houses in the centre of Athens, Greece. Specimens were identified by D.A. Rider at North Dakota State University as Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The species is native to Asia; it was detected in the USA in 1996 and has recently been introduced into Europe (2008). This paper provides the first report of the presence of H. halys (brown marmorated stink bug) in Greece. Some data on its phenology and economic impact are also provided.     

The current status of pesticide resistance in Australian populations of the redlegged earth mite (Halotydeus destructor)

BACKGROUND: The redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor Tucker, is an important pest of broad‐acre farming systems in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. In 2006, high levels of resistance to synthetic pyrethroids were discovered in this species in Western Australia. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2010, the authors monitored resistance in field populations and found it had spread considerably within the state of Western Australia. Twenty‐six paddocks from 15 individual properties were identified with resistance, and these paddocks ranged over 480 km. To date, resistance has not been detected in any other Australian state. Resistance in H. destructor appears to be found across the entire pyrethroid group, but not to other chemical classes such as organophosphates and carbamates, or other chemistries with novel modes of action. CONCLUSION: The high levels of resistance occurring in Western Australia have caused considerable economic losses due to ineffective chemical applications and mortality of crop plants at seedling establishment. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive resistance surveillance programme to be developed for H. destructor within Australia. Growers need to consider non‐chemical approaches for pest control and should be encouraged to implement pesticide resistance management programmes for H. destructor. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

白蜡窄吉丁(鞘翅目:吉丁甲科)的生物防治研究进展

白蜡窄吉丁Agrilus planipennis Faimaire原分布在东北亚国家,包括俄罗斯远东地区,在原产地由于为害不重而受关注度不高,因此没有被列入世界各国危险性有害生物监测重点名单之中。但自21世纪初其传入美国和加拿大之后,已造成重大灾害,成为迄今为止北美地区危害性最大和造成经济损失最为严重的外来入侵森林害虫。由于该害虫的高度隐蔽性,在传入地的早期检测非常困难,发现该虫的地点往往其种群已经定殖多年,因此根除策略难以奏效。美国在白蜡窄吉丁入侵初期进行的根除策略失败后迅速启动了生物防治计划。通过国际合作研究,美国从中国引进了3种寄生性天敌:白蜡吉丁柄腹茧蜂Spathius agrili Yang、白蜡吉丁啮小蜂Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang和白蜡吉丁卵跳小蜂Oobius agrili Zhang & Huang,经大量人工繁殖后在林间进行了释放,现已在当地成功建立了天敌种群,开始发挥越来越重要的控制作用。本文对最近10多年来白蜡窄吉丁生物防治方面的研究进展进行了回顾和简要综述,希望对我国同类蛀干害虫的研究工作有所启示。