Current status of red palm weevil in Turkey

The red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) is the most serious pest of palms in Turkey. Weevil infestation was first detected in Turkey in summer 2005 in parks and gardens of Mersin province, along the Mediterreanean coast of Turkey. Following the discovery of the pest, destruction of infested plant material, prophylactic insecticide chemical treatments, as well as adult weevil trapping were carried out on palm plantations. Traps containing a commercial aggregation pheromone were hung on palm trees at a high density, in order to monitor the pest infestation and reduce the weevil population by mass trapping. A significant decrease in the number of trapped beetles and destruction of infested plant material was observed in 2009 and continued in the following years in several cities in Turkey. Therefore, it has been observed that mass trapping and curative pesticide applications have played a significant role in the suppression of R. ferrugineus populations in palm plantations.     

Experience with Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu eradication measures in Slovenia*

After causing damage in Asia and the USA, Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu recently established in Europe on Castanea. The first outbreak in Europe occurred at a C. sativa nursery for production of plants for planting in Cuneo (Piemonte, Italy) in 2002. The Piemonte official service notified Slovenia that a consignment originating from an infested nursery was sold to Slovenia. Prompt phytosanitary action was taken in Slovenia in 2005 in order to trace back plants from this consignment and prevent establishment of the pest. In the period 2006–2009, intensive surveys of forests and fruit production areas showed absence of the pest in the majority of the Slovenian territory, including the demarcated area from 2005. An earlier introduction of infested plants from Cuneo in January 2004 remained undiscovered until 2007. Despite the radical measure of eliminating the infested orchard and removing infested Castanea trees in the forest bordering this orchard, the pest was not eradicated in this outbreak area. Individual infested trees in the forest were confirmed at a distance of up to 10–34 km in 2008, and a further 15 km in 2009. The results of annual surveys, eradication campaigns based on generic contingency elements and the change of strategy after the finding of infested forests are presented.     

Secondary Ambrosia Beetles in Apparently Healthy Trees: Adaptations, Potential Causes and Suggested Research

Some ambrosia beetles are primary attackers of healthy, living trees, but in recent years normally secondary species have been increasingly observed attacking living trees, either as exotics or in their native geographic ranges. We identified five factors that could underlie an increasing prevalence of attack by secondary ambrosia beetles on living trees: (1) early flight before the host tree has recovered the ability to resist attack in the spring, possibly associated with climate change; (2) nutritional independence from the host that may enable ambrosia beetles to feed on ambrosia fungi that live on dead tissue in a living tree; (3) potentially pathogenic fungi that could become more pathogenic with climate change or through hybridization with exotic strains; (4) cryptic behavior that facilitates international transport and the establishment of exotic species and genotypes; and (5) a complex chemical ecology that enables secondary ambrosia beetles to locate stressed living trees that may temporarily appear to be suitable hosts for secondary beetles. We propose four avenues of research that will lead to an increased understanding of attack of living trees by ambrosia beetles, and may facilitate the implementation of effective pest management strategies and tactics: (1) intensive surveys, particularly for exotic beetle species and associated fungal strains; (2) molecular genetics studies that would facilitate the identification of known and new strains and genotypes, particularly of ambrosia fungi; (3) studies of the pathogenicity of ambrosia fungi as well as other fungi that could predispose trees to attack; and (4) investigations of the chemical ecology of tree-attacking species that could lead to new pest management tools and tactics.     

Measurement of parameters and application of the maximum pest limit concept for importation of hosts of tephritid fruit flies

In developing its quarantine policy for the importation of fruit-fly host material, New Zealand has used the concept of a maximum pest limit. An equation which links the maximum permissible numbers of fruit flies with lot size (N), mean number of mature fruit fly larvae per infested fruit (μ), proportion of infested fruit (p), and treatment efficacy (μ) has been suggested. We discuss the research which is needed to obtain accurate measurements of the parameters in the model. Decisions based on these parameters support the development of a quarantine policy that can be justified scientifically. Methods for collection of biological data to determine μ and p are detailed. It is suggested that efficacy trials to measure φ should be based on dose/mortality assessments. Experimental techniques used in efficacy trials should focus on assessment of variability and determination of confidence limits. Application of the maximum pest limit equation is discussed.     

Anoplophora species in Europe: infestations and management processes1

By the end of summer 2005, four sites of infestation by Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) had been detected in three European countries: Austria in 2001, at Braunau am Inn; France in 2003, at Gien, and in 2004, at Sainte‐Anne‐sur‐Brivet; and Germany in 2004, at Neukirchen am Inn. Two sites of infestation by Anoplophora chinensis have been detected in two European countries: Italy in 2000, at Parabiago, and France in 2003, at Soyons. The history of the A. glabripennis and A. chinensis discoveries is presented, as well as the respective management responses (monitoring and destruction of the infested trees). By the end of summer 2005, the eradication was not yet fully achieved in any of the four A. glabripennis‐infested sites. In contrast, no new A. chinensis‐infested trees had been found at Soyons, France, since 2003. At Parabiago, Italy, monitoring is taking place: the A. chinensis infestation affects 16 municipalities over more than 60 km². By summer 2005, destruction on a large scale of the infested trees had not yet taken place, but tree‐cutting of more than 1000 trees had been planned for winter 2005‐06. Given the current substantial extent of the A. chinensis infestation near Milan, and the density of the established A. chinensis populations, there is a high probability that the status of the pest in Italy will soon be raised from ‘introduced’ to ‘invasive’.     

Pyrethroid sensitivity monitoring in Germany of oilseed rape pest insects other than pollen beetle

Pyrethroid resistant pollen beetles ( Meligethes aeneus ) are widely distributed in Germany and other European countries. Other insect pests on oilseed rape are also exposed to pyrethroids which often have more than one application per season. In spite of this scarce information about the sensitivity of other oilseed rape pest insects is available. To address this monitoring of pyrethroid sensitivity of different oilseed rape pest insects has been carried out since 2005. Laboratory experiments were conducted using an adult-vial-test design with samples collected in different areas of Germany.
Most samples of Ceutorhynchus napi , C. assimilis , C. pallidactylus , Dasineura brassicae , Phyllotreta spp. and Psylliodes chrysocephala tested from 2005–2007 showed 100% mortality at 0.003 and 0.015 µg/cm² lambda-cyhalothrin used as reference test pyrethroid. Some samples especially of C. pallidactylus , C. napi and C. assimilis showed a lower mortality with alive and healthy beetles at 0.015 µg/cm² lambda-cyhalothrin. For all samples tested from 2005–2007 100% mortality was found only at higher rates of 0.0375 or 0.075 µg/cm² lambda-cyhalothrin.
To date, no clear pyrethroid resistance has been detected in other oil seed rape pest insect populations in Germany.     

Current status of red palm weevil infestation in date palm plantations in Israel

The red palm weevilRhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (RPW) is the most serious pest of date palms in the Middle East. Weevil infestation was first detected in Israel in the summer of 1999 in date plantations in the Jordan Valley, on the west bank of the Jordan River and in the northern area of the Dead Sea. For 2 years following the discovery of the pest, prophylactic insecticide chemical treatments as well as adult weevil trapping were carried out over 450 ha of date palm plantations. Traps loaded with a commercial aggregation pheromone, ferrugineol, supplemented with ethyl acetate and a fermenting mixture of dates and sugarcane molasses, were posted in high trap density (approx. ten traps per ha) in order to monitor weevil infestation and reduce the RPW population by mass trapping. A significant decrease in number of trapped beetles and infested trees was observed in 2001 and continued in the following years. No infested trees have been found since 2002, indicating a decrease in RPW population. The sex ratio of trapped adults during 3 years of study was significantly female-biased (∼2.5:1). Therefore, mass trapping might have played a significant role in the suppression of RPW populations in date plantations. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Dec. 19, 2004.     

Temporal Dynamics of Corn Flea Beetle Populations Infested with Pantoea stewartii, Causal Agent of Stewart's Disease of Corn

ABSTRACT In order to better understand the epidemiology of the Stewart's disease of corn pathosystem, quantitative information concerning the temporal dynamics of the amount of pathogen inoculum present in the form of Pantoea stewartii-infested corn flea beetles (Chaetocnema pulicaria) is needed. Temporal changes in the proportion of P. stewartii-infested corn flea beetle populations were monitored by testing individual corn flea beetles for the presence of P. stewartii using a peroxidase-labeled, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Approximately 90 corn flea beetles were collected each week from seven locations in Iowa from September 1998 through October 2000 using sweep nets. The proportion of P. stewartii-infested beetles at the end of the 1998 growing season ranged from 0.04 to 0.19. In spring 1999, the proportion of overwintering adult corn flea beetles infested with P. stewartii ranged from 0.10 to 0.11 and did not differ significantly from the previous fall based on chi(2). During the 1999 corn-growing season, the proportion of infested corn flea beetles ranged from 0.04 to 0.86, with the highest proportions occurring in August. In fall 1999, the proportion of beetles infested with P. stewartii ranged from 0.20 to 0.77. In spring 2000, the proportion of overwintering adult corn flea beetles infested with P. stewartii ranged from 0.08 to 0.30; these proportions were significantly lower than the proportions observed in fall 1999 at Ames, Chariton, and Nashua. During the 2000 corn-growing season, the proportion of P. stewartii-infested corn flea beetles ranged from 0.08 to 0.53, and the highest observed proportions again occurred in August. Corn flea beetle populations sampled in late fall 2000 had proportions of infested beetles ranging from 0.08 to 0.20. This is the first study to quantify the temporal population dynamics of P. stewartii-infested C. pulicaria populations in hybrid corn and provides new quantitative information that should be useful in developing risk models to predict the seasonal and site-specific risks associated with Stewart's disease of corn.     

查清我国东部地区无苹果蠹蛾发生

苹果蠹蛾[Laspeyresia pomonella(L.)]是世界检疫性害虫。英联邦农业局(CAB)受联合国粮农组织(FAO)的委托,多次公布的该虫世界分布图上,一再将我国东部(尤其渤海湾沿岸)划为该虫分布区,从而严重影响我国苹果、梨的出口;同时,一些有该虫分布的国家也据此要求我国放宽对苹果进口的检疫规定,构成了对我国苹果、梨生产的严重威胁。为查清该虫在我国的分布实况,作者在1991年监测调查的基础上,于1992—1993年,在辽、鲁、冀、京、豫五省市进行了多点重复监测调查。3年来,各基点于4—10月进行该虫性诱剂诱集监测,监测面积累计达648.2ha,代表不同地区不同类型果园;于7—10月进行果园调查及剖果检查,共计44次,调查了77县(区)的176个果园,累计调查面积达5058.9ha,共抽查了15163株果树的1978419个果实。结果在上述地区连续三年未发现该虫。结合对CAB图依据文献的核查,发现其错误引用丁资料。因此,本文论证了我国东部地区无苹果蠹蛾的分布,CAB图应予更正。     

光肩星天牛幼虫感染绿僵菌后血淋巴中游离氨基酸含量的变化

采用高效液相色谱法测定了感染绿僵菌Metarhizium anisopliae后光肩星天牛Anoplophora glabripennis幼虫血淋巴中游离氨基酸的含量。结果表明,光肩星天牛幼虫血淋巴中共检测出 17种游离氨基酸,感染绿僵菌后不同时段,游离氨基酸总量呈现先下降后上升的变化趋势。感染24 ~72 h时,幼虫血淋巴中游离氨基酸总量与对照组相比均呈小幅下降趋势,各时间点氨基酸总量互有高低,但相差不大;感染72 h后至120 h时,游离氨基酸总量明显下降,120 h时降到最低值1 042.33 mg/100 mL;之后急剧上升,144和168 h时分别为120 h时的1.44和1.51倍。赖氨酸、缬氨酸、苯丙氨酸、精氨酸、酪氨酸、苏氨酸、异亮氨酸、组氨酸、亮氨酸、丙氨酸、甘氨酸、蛋氨酸含量的变化与游离氨基酸总量的变化趋势大体一致;而脯氨酸、丝氨酸、谷氨酸、天门冬氨酸、胱氨酸的含量呈波动变化。     

Laboratory and field evaluation of the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic nematodes to the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliv.) (Col.: Curculionidae)

Ten Egyptian and imported entomopathogenic nematodes were evaluated for their pathogenicity to R. ferrugineus in both the laboratory and the field. In the laboratory, most nematodes were pathogenic to the pest larvae, pupae and adults. Larvae and adults were more susceptible to nematode infection (mostly 100% mortality) than pupae enclosed in their cocoons. In the field however, the highest insect larval mortality was 66.67% and most of nematodes failed in controlling the pest. Such failure could be due to hot weather, the tunnelling behaviour of the pest larvae and the too much sap in the infested sites in the trunks of palm trees.     

Laboratory and field evaluation of the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic nematodes to the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliv.) (Col.: Curculionidae)

Ten Egyptian and imported entomopathogenic nematodes were evaluated for their pathogenicity to R. ferrugineus in both the laboratory and the field. In the laboratory, most nematodes were pathogenic to the pest larvae, pupae and adults. Larvae and adults were more susceptible to nematode infection (mostly 100% mortality) than pupae enclosed in their cocoons. In the field however, the highest insect larval mortality was 66.67% and most of nematodes failed in controlling the pest. Such failure could be due to hot weather, the tunnelling behaviour of the pest larvae and the too much sap in the infested sites in the trunks of palm trees.     

Guidance on sampling to detect pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in trees, wood and insects

The pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the causal agent of pine wilt disease. It is a quarantine pest for most countries in the world. Surveys for the occurrence of the nematode may be necessary in the framework of internationally agreed phytosanitary standards, in order to delimit infested areas or to demonstrate the absence of B .  xylophilus and thus to identify pest free areas. Import inspections of wood and wood products also need sound monitoring systems. It is obvious that the quality of survey/monitoring, as well as the results of diagnosis, are strongly dependent on the sampling procedure. Although, in the literature, numerous results of surveys and monitoring are documented, sampling procedures vary and there is no scientific or statistically based sampling system published for B. xylophilus . The current paper relates background information concerning the biology of the nematode, its vector beetles and the development of pine wilt disease and the influence of these factors on sampling procedures, and attempts to define a more systematic methodology.     

Eradication campaign for Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Cyprus1

Rhynchohorus ferrugineus (red palm weevil) was first recorded in Cyprus in September 2006 on 4 palm trees (Phoenix canariensis) in a hotel garden in the coastal area of Lemesos. All infested plants from the first point of outbreak were removed and burned. Intensive monitoring showed that R. ferrugineus was present in the areas of Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos. In the Famagusta area a consignment of palm trees was found to be infested and measures for the destruction of the consignment were taken. From the results of monitoring, the areas of Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos were placed under close supervision and infested zones and buffer zones were created. In the area of Famagusta there was no trapping of adult insects, however a demarcated area was created and will remain under close supervision for a period of 3 years. The establishment of demarcated areas was carried out according to the provisions of the EU Decision 2007/365/EC. The measures taken in the infested and buffer zones were mainly the application of chemicals through the crown of the susceptible palm plants and the removal of heavily infested palms. Since burning proved not to be an efficient method, the heavily infested palm plants were buried in approved areas, after chemical spraying. In addition the NPPO, of Cyprus has taken measures in training all plant health inspectors in the identification and handling of infested palm trees and public awareness about R. ferrugineus. Surveys continue throughout Cyprus with the use of pheromone traps and eradication measures continue within the demarcated areas with the aim of eradicating of this pest.     

利用管氏肿腿蜂防治光肩星天牛技术研究

光肩星天牛Anoplophora glabripennis是我国重大的森林害虫,对我国造林绿化和林业生态工程建设造成了严重危害。由于其为蛀干害虫,隐蔽性生活,难以防治。利用天敌开展生物防治是控制天牛的重要措施,作者研究探讨了利用管氏肿腿蜂Sclerodermus guani防治光肩星天牛技术。测定了管氏肿腿蜂对光肩星天牛1~3龄幼虫的室内控制作用,研究了林间防治防治技术。结果表明,在室内试验条件下,管氏肿腿蜂由于是抑性外寄生性,其产卵之前的刺蛰可造成天牛幼虫直接死亡,对1、2、3龄幼虫的平均致死率分别为100%、92.10%和87.29%;可寄生3龄天牛幼虫。在管氏肿腿蜂防治光肩星天牛小幼虫的林间试验中,管氏肿腿蜂对光肩星天牛小幼虫的致死率为27.79%~37.87%,平均为32.51%,放蜂比例以蜂虫比8~10:1的寄生率最高。     

Bark beetle outbreak on weakened ash trees and applied control measures1

Ash dieback symptoms were noticed for the first time in 2004 in Slovakia. Information suggests that symptoms occurred before this, but not on such a large scale. The pathogen was isolated from necrotic wounds in 2007 and tests confirmed the pathogenicity of the isolate. From February 2009, a forest enterprise from Eastern Slovakia applied control measures in the field against a secondary pest, the bark beetle Hylesinus fraxini Panzer. A total of 527 trap trees were prepared on a site of approximately 200 ha. Trap trees were densely infested, and the authors judged the method as very effective against H. fraxini.     

First record of ambrosia beetle (Euplatypus parallelus) infestation on cashew from Goa, India

The occurrence of ambrosia beetle Euplatypus parallelus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculioninae: Platypodinae) infestation on cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is reported for the first time from Goa, India. Most of the infested trees were either previously attacked by cashew stem and root borer Plocaederus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) or were pruned trees. The visible symptoms of attack include appearance of numerous round bore holes on the tree trunk and branches, and extrusion of fibrous dust frass on the tree trunk and in loose piles at the base of the tree. Large numbers of larvae, pupae and adults were observed in the galleries of the affected trees. Adult beetles measure 4.0–4.3 mm in length and are brown in color, having long and slender bodies with yellow hairs. They have a characteristic feature of absence of pores on the pronotum. Male and female insects were identified based on the elytral declivity.     

Infestation potential of Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, 1951 (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) in different natural populations of Castanea sativa Miller: an experimental ex situ test

The Asian chestnut gall wasp was accidentally introduced in Italy in 2002 and spread across Europe in the following years, becoming a serious threat for chestnut cultivations and rural economies of many countries. Exploring the variation in susceptibility of the host genetic resources is crucial to face the spreading of this pest. We used an experimental approach for testing the differential susceptibility within and between populations of European chestnut. For doing this, we compared both the infestation level and the rate of immune individuals in trees from populations of Spain, Italy, and Greece. We found that the level of infestation is not significantly different in the different provenances but that a higher rate of immune trees occur in Greece. Our results suggest that two different contingents of trees compose Greek populations: one major group of trees with the same susceptibility as the other populations and a second minor group of trees resistant to gall wasp infestation. Our data lay the basis for improving the currently adopted measures to mitigate gall wasp impacts.     

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.