Seasonal abundance and spatial distribution of the predator<Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrolophus costalis</Emphasis> and its prey<Emphasis Type="Italic">Myzus persicae</Emphasis> on tobacco

Field studies were conducted to assess the population and the spatial dynamics of the predatory bugMacrolophus costalis Fieber (Hemiptera: Miridae) and of its prey, the aphidMyzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea), on tobacco. From an untreated tobacco field in Tithorea (central Greece), tobacco leaves were collected from the upper and the lower half of the plants from June until September, in 1999 and 2000. The numbers ofM. costalis andM. persicae individuals per leaf were counted. Most aphids were observed during July and August (early and mid season), with densities dropping markedly in September. In contrast,M. costalis population densities increased late in the season (September). Significantly higher numbers of aphids were found on the upper half of the plants than on the lower half. In contrast, significantly moreM. costalis individuals were observed on the lower half. Iwao’s Regression Analysis was used in order to characterize the spatial pattern of the two species. According to this model, in both sampling seasons, aphids andM. costalis nymphs displayed an aggregated spatial pattern, whileM. costalis adults were found to be randomly distributed among sampling units. Although moreM. costalis individuals were recorded on leaves with relatively high aphid densities, this species did not react numerically to changes in prey density. In addition, a significant number of bugs were found on leaves with low aphid densities or no aphids at all. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Dec. 18, 2002.     

Aphid and host plant species in the Arava Valley of Israel: Epidemiological aspects

A survey of aphid species which colonize or reproduce on wild and cultivated plants in the Arava Valley of Israel was carried out at the end of winter 1986. Thirty-three aphid species were collected on wild plants and 23 in green tile or yellow traps exposed in cultivated plots. Aphids were recorded from 77 plant species in 22 botanical families.Myzus persicae, Aphis craccivora, Brachyunguis harmalae, Acyrthosiphon gossypii andAphis gossypii were present on plants in 19 botanical families. M. persicae was the most frequently trapped aphid species in both green tile and yellow traps. The possible origin of the aphid species found in the desert was considered in view of the ecology and geography of the region. The role of aphid species trapped in the Arava Valley, in the epidemiology of potato virus Y (PVY) and zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), is discussed. Publication of the Agricultural Research Organization. No. 2305-E, 1988 series.     

Seasonal abundance of different stages of the citrus thrips,Scirtothrips aurantii, on two mango cultivars in South Africa

The citrus thrips,Scirtothrips aurantii Faure (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a pest of mango in South Africa. The aim of the study was to monitor the different stages ofS. aurantii in mango orchards throughout the year. Populations ofS. aurantii were monitored using different methods,i.e., yellow sticky traps, dispersal/emergence traps, counts on fruit and in flowers. Eggs and emergence holes on the new leaves were recorded. The number of adults increased at the end of flowering (September) and remained at high levels until fruiting (November). Low numbers were present from May to August. Much higher population levels were present during 1995/96 than during the 1996/97 season. There was higher infestation present on the cultivar ‘Sensation’ than on ‘Zill’.S. aurantii was present on the fruit for only a short period (less than 10 weeks) during the season and the population was maintained on flush that was present throughout the year.     

Effect of heat-stress predisposition on the development of Scytalidium wilt of ‚Star Ruby’ grapefruit,caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scytalidium lignicola</Emphasis>

Scytalidium wilt, caused by Scytalidium lignicola, has become prevalent on ‚Star Ruby’ grapefruit in orchards in the Jordan Valley, an area with a warm climate in the north of Israel. It occurs in the summer in certain years, soon after extreme hot and dry weather conditions have prevailed for several consecutive days, but not in other years with regular summer temperatures. The effect of temperature conditions before and after inoculation with S. lignicola on disease development on ‚Star Ruby’ was studied in greenhouse chambers with three day/night temperature regimes: ‚Very Hot’ (47 °C/34 °C); ‚Hot’ (36 °C/28 °C); and ‚Moderate’ (30 °C/20 °C). Among the pre-inoculation regimes, ‚Very Hot’ was most conducive to infection, whereas the ‚Hot’ regime sustained canker development only when followed by a ‚Very Hot’ post-inoculation regime. The moderate pre-inoculation conditions appeared to have a negligible, if any, effect on canker development, even with a ‚Very Hot’ post-inoculation regime. Wilt developed in infected saplings if they were exposed to the ‚Very Hot’ temperature regime either pre- or post-inoculation, but did not develop under the cooler conditions. Saplings of ‚Star Ruby’ exposed to a ‚Very Hot’ regime developed heat-stress symptoms, similar to those observed on ‚Star Ruby’ in the Jordan Valley. Under a constant ‚Very Hot’ regime, both canker expansion and subsequent foliar wilt developed on ‚Flame’, but not on ‚Marsh Seedless’ or ‚Rio Red’ grapefruit. The study confirmed an hypothesis that predisposition induced by extremely hot temperature is a prerequisite for infection of susceptible hosts by S. lignicola.     

Effect of certainBrassica plants on biology of the cabbage aphidBrevicoryne brassicae under laboratory conditions

The development time, mortality, survivorship and reproduction of the cabbage aphidBrevicoryne brassicae (L.) were evaluated on detached leaves of sixBrassica species (cabbage cv. ‘Yalova 1’, cauliflower cv. ‘Early Snowball’, broccoli cv. ‘Marathon’, turnip cv. ‘Antep’, rapeseed cv. local variety, and wild mustard) at a constant temperature of 20°C. Total development time ofB. brassicae was the shortest (8.9 days) on cauliflower and the longest (10.4 days) on cabbage. Mortality of immature stages varied from 16% on cabbage to 88% on turnip. Longevity of the cabbage aphid was the shortest (6.2 days) on mustard, and the longest (21.8 days) on cauliflower. The net reproductive rate was highest (35.98) on cauliflower, and lowest (1.89) on turnip. The intrinsic rate of increase was 0.2345 on cauliflower, followed by 0.2009 on cabbage, 0.1976 on broccoli, 0.1662 on mustard, 0.1357 on rapeseed, and 0.0465 on turnip. Cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli were susceptible host plants for the cabbage aphid. Rapeseed, turnip and mustard showed resistance to the pest.     

Biological features and life table parameters of the mealy plum aphidHyalopterus pruni on different apricot cultivars

Development, survival, reproduction rate, and population growth parameters of the mealy plum aphidHyalopterus pruni (Geoffroy) (Hom.: Aphididae) were evaluated on four different apricot cultivars (Tyrinte, Sakıt, Colomer, and Bebeco) under field conditions in the Van region of Turkey. Experiments were carried out on exterior leaves of trees, 1.5–2 m above the ground. Plexiglas clip-cells (25×6 mm) with the upper side covered by muslin were used in the experiments. The mealy plum aphid performed better on Tyrinte than on the other cultivars tested. The fastest development time (first instar to adult; 9.4 days), highest daily reproduction rate (2.6 offspring/aphid/day), and highest total fecundity (48.1 offspring/aphid) were obtained on Tyrinte. The intrinsic rate of increase — a good indicator of the growth potential of a population — of individuals fed on Tyrinte was significantly greater than that of individuals fed on cvs. Colomer and Bebeco. While mean generation times (T _o ) of populations on different cultivars were close to each other, the net reproductive rate was the highest (29.45 offspring/aphid/generation) on Tyrinte and the population doubling time on Tyrinte was 18.7%, 25.2% and 26.3% faster than those of individuals on other cultivars tested. The results obtained in this study indicated that Tyrinte appeared to be the most susceptible to the mealy plum aphid among the cultivars tested. http://www.phytoparasitica.org. posting Nov. 23, 2004.     

棉花蚜螨繁殖率及棉蚜再猖獗

氰戊菊酯曾对棉蚜有极好的防治效果,而对棉叶螨防治效果极差。棉蚜抗药性的发展使药效发生了变化,近来的试验表明,该药对蚜虫药效很差,对伏蚜根本无效,１００和２００ｐｐｍ对棉蚜已属低浓度,可使其繁殖率增加４－８倍,在田间使用氰戊菊酯可形成大的棉蚜群体。在相同浓度下一般可抑制棉叶蚜群体,使药后存活很少的棉叶螨在种间竞争中处于劣势而使群体越来越小。氰戊菊酯的复配剂－丰收菊酯弥补了氰戊菊酯的不足,可同时控制蚜     

Releases in israel ofAphelinus perpallidus,a recently introduced parasite of the pecan blackmargined aphid,Monellia caryella

Six shipments totaling 3452 mummies of the blackmargined aphid,Monellia caryella (Fitch), parasitized withAphelinus perpallidus Gahan, were obtained by air freight during the years 1982-1985 from Texas A&M Research Center, El Paso, Texas. About two-thirds of the mummies did not yield parasites. A colony ofA. perpallidus was established in the laboratory. Under laboratory conditions the percentage of emerged parasites was higher than that in the imported mummies, and the parasite had very limited impact on the aphid population. Field releases of the parasite were made but no establishment ofA. perpallidus was observed through the years.     

Report on the palm aphid, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cerataphis brasiliensis</Emphasis> on ‘Kalparaksha’ coconut cultivar

Aggregations of palm aphid Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel) (Aphididae: Hemiptera) on the unfurled spindle leaf of ‘Kalparaksha’ variety of coconut, a selection from Malayan Green Dwarf, is reported for the first time. C. brasiliensis has not yet been observed from other coconut varieties, viz., West Coast Tall, Chowghat Orange Dwarf, Chowghat Green Dwarf, and Dwarf x Tall hybrids planted in the research farm of Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kayangulam, Kerala, India. Only the apterous form of the palm aphid was noticed in the semi-tall variety and a variety-induced emergence of C. brasiliensis is indicated under natural conditions. Due to the presence of two phoretic ant species, no natural predator was observed in the aphid colonies. Two sprays of dimethoate (0.05%) at an interval of 15–20 days were effective in suppression of the pest on Kalparaksha.     

大豆蚜防治适期与防治指标研究

在辽宁,6月下旬大豆蚜种群增长最快,是大豆蚜防治的关键时期。日前,生产上推行百株蚜量一万头的防治指标,可放宽。辽河中下游平原铁丰18大豆,可放宽到2.38—4.07万头;辽豆3号放宽到2.65—3.30万头。以查蚜量为指标,生产上应用困难较大。经研究,卷叶株率与百株蚜量密切相关,(?)=4.283 1.8419x(r=0.90)所以提出以卷叶株率为大面积生产防治的指示指标,铁丰18为10%,辽豆3号为8%。     

Impacts of atmospheric CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> concentrations and soil water on the population dynamics,fecundity and development of the bird cherry-oat aphid<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhopalosiphum padi</Emphasis>

The impacts of elevated CO₂ and soil water on the population dynamics, adult fecundity and nymphal period of the bird cherry-oat aphidRhopalsiphum padi (Linnaeus) were evaluated in three experiments: (i)Combined effects of CO ₂ and soil water on aphid populations. Spring wheat was grown in pots at three CO₂ concentrations (350, 550 and 700 ppm) and three soil water levels (40%, 60% and 80% of field water capacity, FWC) in field open-top chambers (OTC) and infested with the bird cherry-oat aphid. Aphid population dynamics were recorded throughout the growing season; at the same time, adult fecundity and duration of the nymphal period were recorded. Chemical composition of spring wheat leaves was also analyzed. (ii)Indirect effects of CO ₂ concentrations and soil water on aphid adult fecundity and nymphal period. The experiment was conducted with the leaf discs method in the laboratory. Aphids were reared on leaf discs excised from the treated wheat in OTC with different CO₂ and soil water levels. (iii)Direct effects of CO ₂ concentrations on aphid adult fecundity and nymphal period. Aphids were reared on leaf discs excised from the wheat grown under natural conditions. The experiment was conducted with the leaf disc method in OTC with the three CO₂ concentrations. It was found that the direct effect of CO₂ concentration on aphid population parameters was minor. CO₂ and soil water affected aphid population indirectly through their effects on wheat characteristics. The aphid population under 550 ppm CO₂ was far larger than the one under 350 ppm CO₂, whereas the population under 700 ppm CO₂ was slightly higher than that under 550 ppm CO₂. The largest aphid population was obtained with the 60% soil water treatment, regardless of CO₂ treatment. The effects of CO₂ concentration on aphid population were, however, not significantly correlated with soil water level. Adult fecundity increased with CO₂ concentration, the highest fecundity being achieved under 60% FWC treatments. The nymphal period was not affected by CO₂ concentration. The shortest period occurred under 60% FWC. Atmospheric CO₂ and soil water had significant effects on the chemical composition of the wheat leaves. Aphid population size was positively correlated with leaf water content, concentrations of soluble proteins, soluble carbohydrates and starch, and negatively correlated with DIMBOA and tannins concentrations. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Oct. 20, 2003.     

Effect of a UV-deficient environment on the biology and flight activity of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Myzus persicae</Emphasis> and its hymenopterous parasite<Emphasis Type="Italic">Aphidius matricariae</Emphasis>

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to study the effect of UV filtration on the population growth, distribution and flight activity of the green peach aphidMyzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae), and on the fecundity and host-finding behavior of the parasitic waspAphidius matricariae (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). The work was done in the Arava Valley of Israel, in walk-in tunnels covered with polyethylene film, to compare the effects of UV-absorbing filmversus those of regular film. Following artificial aphid infestation on pepper grown under the tested films, aphid population growth and spread under the UV-absorbing films were significantly less than under the regular films. The greatest impact of UV-absorbing film on aphid behavior was observed in winter and early spring, when temperature conditions favor aphid development. Elimination of UV by UV-absorbing film did not affect the parasitic activity ofA. matricariae. Previous results had indicated that covering the greenhouse with UV-absorbing films inhibited the invasion of aphids and other insect pests into it. That effect, in combination with those described in the present paper, makes the use of UV-absorbing films an effective component of IPM that aims to reduce the application of toxic insecticides. Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization, No. 524/2002. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Oct. 13, 2003.     

The predation consequence of continuous breeding vs starting a new colony of a polyphagous insect predator

The predation rates of a recently collected population of the mirid Macrolophus pygmaeus versus one continuously bred in the laboratory, reared under the same conditions for three generations, were compared in 24-h choice experiments using first to fourth instar nymphs of the aphid Myzus persicae on aubergine and sweet pepper. On aubergine, the mean wet weights for first, second, third and fourth instar nymphs of M. persicae were 46%, 36%, 8% and 14% greater, respectively, compared with aphids on pepper. Adult females from a recently collected field population of M. pygmaeus (MpK) consumed more second and third instars compared with first and fourth instars on aubergine and pepper (79% and 88% of biomass consumed, respectively). M. pygmaeus females (MpV) from a population maintained in the laboratory for more than 15 years consumed more first and second instar nymphs on aubergine. On pepper, consumption by MpV females was relatively constant between instars and unlike other combinations, where third instars contributed the greatest amount of biomass consumed (43–60%), fourth instars contributed the most biomass consumed (51%). The total aphid biomass consumed by the MpK population was twofold greater on pepper and 4.7-fold greater on aubergine when compared with the MpV population. The MpK population consumed more aphid biomass on aubergine compared with pepper while the reverse was the case for the MpV population. Such intraspecific differences may have a significant influence on their efficacy as predators in biological control systems.     

Incidence of potato viruses and characterisation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Potato virus Y</Emphasis> variability in late season planted potato crops in Northern Tunisia

Surveys were conducted of symptomatic potato plants in late season crops, from the major potato production regions in Northern Tunisia, for infection with six common potato viruses. The presence of Potato leafroll virus (PLRV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato virus X (PVX), Potato virus A (PVA), Potato virus S (PVS) and Potato virus M (PVM) was confirmed serologically with virus infection levels up to 5.4, 90.2, 4.3, 3.8, 7.1 and 4.8%, respectively. As PVY was prevalent in all seven surveyed regions, further biological, serological and molecular typing of 32 PVY isolates was undertaken. Only one isolate was shown to induce PVY^O-type symptoms following transmission to tobacco and to react only against anti-PVY^O-C antibodies. Typical vein necrosis symptoms were obtained from 31 samples, six of which reacted against both anti-PVY^N and anti-PVY^O-C antibodies showing they contained mixed isolates, while 25 of them reacted only with anti-PVY^N antibodies. An immunocapture RT-PCR molecular test using a PVY^NTN specific primer pair set in the 5’NTR/P1 genomic region and examination of recombinant points in three genomic regions (HC-Pro/P3, CI/NIa and CP/3’NTR) showed that all 25 serotype-N PVY isolates were PVY^NTN variants with similar recombinations to the standard PVYNTN-H isolate. This is the first report of the occurrence of the PVY^NTN variant and its high incidence in late season potatoes in Tunisia.     

Modelling regional level spatial distribution of aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) growth in Indian mustard using satellite-based remote sensing data

Abstract

We developed a procedure for preparing a model for mapping spatially distributed zones of aphid pest (Lipaphis erysimi) outbreaks at a regional level. This study employed near-surface meteorological parameters derived from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Television and Infra-Red Operational Satellites (TIROS) Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) data and field observations of disease infestation. The study area comprised three sites representing semi-arid and sub-humid regions of dominant Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)-growing regions of India. A model based on TOVS-derived cumulative surface air temperature and minimum specific humidity (SpH) was developed to estimate the date of ‘aphid onset’ (first appearance), date of peak infestation and location of severity with respect to aphid population density. Aphid population growth rate during the linear growth phase between aphid onset to peak was computed using SpH-weighted temperature and dates of sowing of the crop (crop age). Sowing dates of mustard crop, of northwest India, were obtained from spectral growth profiles derived from time series remote sensing (RS) products of the SPOT-4 VEGETATION sensor. Estimated dates of peak aphid infestation and peak population showed a strong match with the observed data. The location of peak aphid population density was depicted in each spatial grid of 25×25 km² for parts of northwest India. The simulated aphid population build-up and date of peak population density was validated with observed data for an unknown site in the Sriganganager district, Rajasthan state, India. Comparison of predicted dates of attaining peak aphid population with observations showed a deviation of ±7 days. After validation, the regional level model was applied over a large area of a mustard-growing region for varying dates of sowing, surface air temperature and specific humidity, to show the spatial distribution of aphid growing severity zones (population density) and to predict dates of severe aphid infestation (peak population) at each grid level in the region.     

冬麦害虫天敌发生规律的研究

1980～1983年在新疆玛纳斯调查,发现冬麦田天敌很多,仅捕食的每亩常在万头以上,其中蜘蛛、瓢虫、食虫蝽是主要类群。蜘蛛的发生与飞虱、叶蝉等关系密切,并以齿须微蛛占优势,该蛛5月底6月上旬达高峰。瓢虫以七星瓢虫为主,多异瓢虫次之,均在麦田繁殖一代,以6月上、中旬幼虫最多,是控制蚜害的主力。麦田蚜茧蜂主要为多脊蚜茧蜂和菜蚜茧蜂,其发生与蚜虫种类、密度有关,蚜害盛期其寄生率有限,但仍可在综合防治中发挥一定的作用。     

Aphid transmissibility of different European beet polerovirus isolates

Different field isolates of the ‘beet poleroviruses’ Beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV) and Beet chlorosis virus (BChV) (genus Polerovirus, family Luteoviridae) collected in France and Poland were evaluated for transmissibility from and to sugar beet plants by different aphid species. In general, both BMYV and BChV were efficiently transmitted by Myzus persicae and by a French clone of Macrosiphum euphorbiae. In contrast, transmissibility of the two poleroviruses by an English clone of M. euphorbiae was evidently weaker, although the aphid samples contained the virus as demonstrated by RT-PCR. None of the BMYV or BChV isolates was transmitted by Aphis fabae or Myzus ascalonicus. In attempting to correlate biological properties with molecular variations, the RT proteins were sequenced. Some amino acid point variations, presumably affecting aphid transmissibility, were identified.     

Bionomics and importance of two species ofChaetocnema in rice yellow mottle virus transmission in lowland rice in Tanzania

Regular samplings were done of two important vectors in farmers’ fields during the 1999/2000 and 2000/01 rice seasons at crop stages susceptible to rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) on a traditional rice variety (‘Supa’) under rainfed lowland conditions to provide information on the bionomics and importance of these vectors in the disease transmission. The population ofChaetocnema sp. (nr.varicornis Jacoby) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was significantly higher in hotspot than non-hotspot areas. However, there was no significant difference in theC. pulla Chapuis population between these two areas. In general, theChaetocnema sp. population was higher than that ofC. pulla, and both vectors reached the peak of their population at 63 days after planting. Early planting in the hotspot areas is suggested as a disease management strategy. Both vectors are naturally infective andChaetocnema sp. proved more efficient thanC. pulla in the transmission of RYMV.     

The side-effects of pesticides onDiaeretiella rapae, a parasitoid of the turnip aphid (Lipaphis erysimi)

Diaeretiella rapae (M’Intosh.) is an endoparasite of the turnip aphid,Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) with a wide geographical distribution. The four Pesticides Nogos 50 EC at 600 ml per acre, Dimecron 50 WSC, Monofos 40 WSC and Tamaron 600 SL at 500 ml per acre, used in practice for the control of this pest, were tested for their side-effects onD. rapae. The parasitoid was reared on pottedBrassica napus plants infested with aphid under laboratory conditions (22±2°C, 60–70% rel. hum., 16 h light and 8 h dark). In one test, adult female parasitoids were exposed to fresh pesticide residues on glass plates and in another test, the pupae within aphid mummies were directly sprayed. The results revealed that Dimecron 50 WSC, Nogos 50 EC and Monofos 40 WSC were harmful causing 100% mortalitv toD. rapae followed by Tamaron 600 SL (97% moderately harmful) after 24 hours of application, compared to no mortality in control, where only water was sprayed. Directly spraying of pupae with Dimecron 50 WSC and Nogos 50 EC reduced adult parasitoid emergence to 9 and 7%, respectively, Monofos 40 WSC and Tamaron 600 SL to 3% compared to 78% emergence for the control within one week of treatment. The results showed that none of the tested pesticides was safe toD. rapae and according to the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) further testing under semi-field and field conditions is recommended.     

Genetic variability and population structure of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Grapevine virus A</Emphasis> coat protein gene from naturally infected Italian vines

Grapevine virus A (GVA) is considered one of the viruses associated with rugose wood (RW), one of the most economically important diseases of grapevine. Thirty-seven GVA isolates collected from grapevine cultivars from Marche (central-eastern Italy), Apulia and Campania (southern Italy), were subjected to molecular characterization. The genetic and population diversity was studied in the coat protein (CP) gene by RT-PCR-RFLP analysis with three restriction enzymes (MseI, AluI, and AciI), and nucleotide sequencing. A new primer pair (CP1F/R) allowing amplification of the whole CP gene (621 bp) was developed. RFLP with AciI yielded the highest number of variants in GVA isolates, showing seven different ‘simple’ profiles (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G). ‘Complex’ profiles were also found, and the most common variant combination was A + B in 39% of isolates. The analysis of GVA sequences confirmed the presence of plants infected with more than one GVA variant and suggested that RT-PCR-RFLP is suitable for evaluating population diversity of GVA enabling a screening of different haplotypes. The distribution of RFLP profiles and the phylogenetic analysis were not correlated with the location of infected plants, showing the presence of a GVA population with genetic diversity in the average with those of RNA viruses.