First record of Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in Apulia,Southern Italy

The presence of Aleurocanthus spiniferus is reported for the first time in Italy. The orange spiny whitefly was identified in April 2008 in the Apulia region. This is also the first record of this citrus pest in Europe.     

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.     

Liberibacters associated with orange jasmine in Brazil: incidence in urban areas and relatedness to citrus liberibacters

Two surveys (2005/2006 and 2009) were conducted in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, to investigate the incidence of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and ‘Ca. L. americanus’, two liberibacters associated with citrus huanglongbing (HLB) disease and both transmitted by Diaphorina citri, in orange jasmine (Murraya exotica), a widespread ornamental tree in cities and villages. The graft‐transmissibility of the two species, and their DNA relatedness to citrus‐associated liberibacters, were also investigated. Quantitative PCR was applied to PCR‐positive orange jasmine and HLB‐positive citrus growing in backyards and orchards to assess their inoculum source potentials. Liberibacters were detected in 91 of 786 sampled orange jasmine plants in 10 of 76 sampled locations. PCR‐positive trees exhibited yellow shoots and/or dieback symptoms indistinguishable from those on PCR‐negative trees. ‘Candidatus Liberibacter americanus’ was more common in 2005/2006 (96·6%) and ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ in 2009 (84·8%). rplJ nucleotide sequences were identical within all populations of either species. Graft transmission succeeded only in homologous host combinations, including ‘Ca. L. americanus’ (2/10) from/to orange jasmine and ‘Ca. L. americanus’ (5/18) and ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ (5/9) from/to citrus. Symptoms were mild and developed less rapidly in orange jasmine than in citrus, probably as a result of lower liberibacter multiplication rates. Respective titres of ‘Ca. L. americanus’ and ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ in orange jasmine averaged 4·3 and 3·0 log cells g^?1 tissue, compared with 5·5 and 7·3 in citrus. The results indicate that orange jasmine does not favour liberibacter multiplication as much as citrus. However, its importance in HLB epidemics should not be underestimated as it is a preferred host of D. citri and is not under any strict tree‐eradication programme or measures for insect control.     

Definitive confirmation of establishment of Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner) (Hemiptera,Coccidae) in Sicily (Italy), with notes on its association with a new host,Syzygium myrtifolium Walp.

The nigra scale, Parasaissetia nigra (Hemiptera, Coccidae), has occurred for a long time on many ornamental plants in continental Italy. Records of the presence of this polyphagous scale in the island of Sicily have remained unconfirmed. This study confirms the establishment of this damaging insect in Sicily, where the scale has been found on a new host, Syzygium myrtifolium.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Rate, placement and timing of aldicarb applications to control Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), in oranges

BACKGROUND: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a cosmopolitan insect pest of citrus and vectors the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, a suspected causal organism of citrus greening or ‘huanglongbing’ disease. Aldicarb 150 g kg^?1 GR (Temik^® 15 G) was evaluated at three rates, two placements and three timings for ACP control in orange trees. RESULTS: Application of aldicarb at 5.6, 2.8 and 1.4 kg AI ha^?1 in March 2006 reduced adults by 58–66%, 45–46% and 25–37% respectively compared with untreated controls in two separate trials. No difference was observed in placement (one versus two sides of the tree) or tree size (8 years old versus 12 years old). Application at 5.6 kg ha^?1 in January 2007 reduced adults by 86% and shoot infestation by 77% in spring, and was generally better than the November and especially February applications. Even more striking results were evident on adults caged on treated plants for 25 days in March. Spiders and ladybeetles were equally abundant in treated and untreated trees. CONCLUSION: Aldicarb application at 5.6 kg ha^?1 to the bed side of mature citrus trees 2–3 months before spring growth can suppress ACP through spring without a direct effect on principal psyllid natural enemies. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

List of trees and shrubs infested by Kalotermes flavicollis (Kalotermitidae) in Greece

In Greece, the damage caused to trees and shrubs by termites has been increasing over the last 10 years. Local government and citizens have become interested in this pest due to frequent accidents caused by trees falling onto pavements, cars and people. This led the authors to carry out a survey to list the termite‐infested plant species, mainly on urban streets and in fields all over the country. The only termite species found was Kalotermes flavicollis (family Kalotermitidae). The present study highlights the current situation in Greece and provides a list of the fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs found to be infested by K. flavicollis, during the survey.     

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.     

Effect of irrigation on the dynamics of Phytophthora citrophthora populations in soil of citrus orchards1

Effects of irrigation on the dynamics of soil populations of Phytophthora citrophthora have been studied in three citrus orchards in East Sicily (Italy). Significant increases of inoculum levels were detected 24 h after irrigation. In one orchard throughout summer, population of P. citrophthora beneath the tree canopy was more than 15 propagules g-¹ soil, a value which is considered a threshold level for root rot infections.     

First report of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus psorosis virus</Emphasis> in Japan

Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV) was detected from citrus trees for the first time in Japan. The diagnosis was confirmed by molecular, serological, and biological indexing. RT-PCR detected CPsV from two citrus trees among ca. 200 tested. Both trees were variety Shiranui of [Citrus unshiu Marc. × C. sinensis (L.) Osb.] × C. reticulata Blanco, and neither had the bark scaling symptom typical of CPsV. The CPsV isolate could be genetically related to those from Spain, Italy, Florida, and California.     

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.     

Characterization of Neofusicoccum parvum causing canker and dieback on Brachychiton species

Brachychiton species are planted in Italy as ornamental trees. A survey in a nursery in Sicily (Italy) revealed the presence of young B. acerifolius and B. populneus showing severe trunk cankers, massive gummosis from the bark cracks, wood discolouration, and twig dieback. Morphological characterization was based on conidia measurement, and molecular characterization was carried out performing phylogenetic analysis (Maximum Parsimony) based on multi-locus approach of partial ITS, EF-1α, and tub2. Identification of the causal agent resulted in Neofusicoccum parvum (Botryosphaeriaceae). Pathogenicity tests were conducted in order to fulfill the Koch’s postulates. Five and three-years-old potted Brachychiton plants were inoculated (indoor and outdoor) using mycelial plugs. All the inoculated plants showed severe symptoms similar of those observed in the nursery during the survey. Some of the inoculated plants were completely dead. Re-isolations fully confirmed the causal agent. For our knowledge, this is the first report worldwide of N. parvum attacking Brachychiton spp.

     

Efficacy and phytotoxicity of multiple petroleum oil sprays on sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.)) and pummelo (C. grandis (L.)) in Southern China

The efficacy of pest control of three different oil formulations in multiple low-concentration spray programmes on sweet orange and pummelo were compared with unsprayed and normal farmer-treatments over three years. Phytotoxicity of sprays was assessed in terms of fruit and leafdrop, fruityield and external fruitquality. Trees sprayed with any type of oil had lower pest numbers than unsprayed trees. On sweet orange, the heaviest oil was better than the normal farm practice at controlling chaff scale on fruit and red mite and whitefly on leaves. On pummelo it provided the best control of red mite on leaves. All three oils were as effective as the normal farm practice in control of rust mite on sweet orange fruit and leaves and red mite, rust mite and red scale on pummelo fruit. On sweet orange trees there was no evidence of phytotoxicity, and the external quality of fruit generally improved over time. On pummelo trees, oil sprays were unable to improve the external fruitquality. The number of pummelo per tree was reduced in three of the oil spray schedules in 1995 and one in 1996, but the total weight of fruit harvested per tree was unaffected.     

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.     

警惕新入侵昆虫梣粉虱[Siphoninus phillyreae(Haliday)]在中国大陆扩散

梣粉虱是新近入侵中国大陆的一种危险性果树和园林植物害虫,2010年9月在上海市闵行区发现其严重为害梨树。本文介绍了梣粉虱的识别特征、危害特性、寄主植物种类、地理分布范围和防治措施,为预防该虫在我国的进一步传播扩散提供科学依据。     

First record of the Madeira mealybug,Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), in Jordan

The Madeira mealybug, Phenacoccus madeirensis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is recorded from Jordan for the first time. Specimens were collected from heavily infested ornamental geranium plants, Pelargonium sp. (Geraniaceae), Chrysanthemum sp. (Asteroideae), Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis L. (Malvaceae), Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poellnitz (Crassulaceae) and basil, Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae). In addition, this mealybug was taken from infested leaves of cherry tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L., and sweet pepper, Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae). Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is recorded as a new host for P. madeirensis. Slide mounts were prepared, and voucher specimens were preserved at the University of Jordan Insect Museum. An urgent survey should be initiated to determine the current distribution of the pest in Jordan. Inspection of ornamental nurseries should be given priority and plant protection officials should pay particular attention to this serious pest.     

应用苹果蠹蛾线虫防治荔枝拟木蠹蛾的研究

荔枝拟木蠹蛾(Arbela dea Swinhoe)是荔枝、龙眼等热带、亚热带果树及林木的常见害虫,其幼虫蛀茎或枝条成坑道,夜出啃食树的韧皮部为害。1988—1989年,作者应用苹果蠹蛾线虫(Steinernema carpocapsae A24)1—8×10~3条/ml水悬浮液,注射进荔枝拟木蠹蛾的坑道或喷雾至隧道,防治面积1500亩(100ha),防效达89%—100%,有效地压低了荔枝拟木蠹蛾在这地区的为害,是一种经济的、有效的生物防治手段。     

利用腹管食螨瓢虫控制柑桔全爪螨的研究

本文报道分布于中国东南部的腹管食螨瓢虫Stethorus siphonulus Kapur大面积控制柑桔全爪螨Panonychus citri(McGregor)首获成功;试验示范面积2000多亩,证明保护食螨瓢虫,一般株有瓢虫20—40只者,可无需用药。在春季移殖散放食螨瓢虫,除能控制春季桔全爪螨外,尚可继续控制桔全爪螨的秋季种群,全年无需喷药防治。倘若单独在秋梢期散放食螨瓢虫,秋梢害螨亦可得到显著的控制。移殖散放食螨瓢虫的指标为叶平均有桔全爪螨(包含卵在内各虫态)10只以上,方能建立起瓢虫群落。一般30—40亩果园,只需集中在10株桔树上散放食螨瓢虫200只左右(每株20只),短期内即可繁殖扩散至全园。在大面积桔园,适时进行瓢虫转株再移殖,可以迅速扩大控制范围。