Effect of ground cover management on Thysanoptera (thrips) in clementine mandarin orchards

Conservation biological control by means of ground cover offers an interesting alternative to chemical control. A complex of Thysanoptera (thrips) species inhabits citrus, some of which are considered pests. This study investigated the effect of ground cover management on thrips species composition, distribution, and seasonal abundance in four commercial clementine mandarin (Citrus clementina Tanaka) orchards. Three soil management systems were compared: resident vegetation, Festuca arundinacea Schreber (Poales: Poaceae), and bare soil. Cover management affected thrips species diversity and abundance. Two of the main species causing fruit damage in Spanish citrus, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) and Thrips tabaci Lindeman, were abundant in the resident ground cover. However, their abundance was strongly depressed in the F. arundinacea cover. The resident vegetation cover could provide a range of suitable host plants supporting populations of potential thrips pest species beyond the citrus blooming period. The F. arundinacea cover, which hosted Poaceae-specific thrips species, could also provide alternative food sources for Phytoseiidae mites. These predatory mites could reduce populations of potential thrips and other citrus pests below economic injury level. Our results confirm the suitability of F. arundinacea as a cover crop for clementine mandarins.     

Comparative performance of the cotton bollworm,Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on various host plants

The effect of various host plants; chickpea (varieties Arman, Hashem, Azad and Binivich), bean varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), common bean (Khomein), white kidney bean (Dehghan), red kidney bean (Goli), cowpea (variety Mashhad) and tomato (variety Meshkin) on the life table parameters of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) were evaluated under laboratory conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5 % RH and a 16:8 h light:dark photoperiod). Records for larval period, pupal period, and development time of H. armigera were longest on tomato (24.9, 15.1, and 45.4 days, respectively) and shortest on chickpea Arman (17.5, 9.1, and 31.7 days, respectively). Among various host plants fecundity (total number of eggs laid per female) was highest (2,665 eggs) on chickpea Arman and the lowest (700 eggs) on tomato. The net reproductive rate (R ₀) was significantly affected by various host plants being highest on chickpea Arman (1,422) and lowest on tomato (111.3 females/female/generation). The highest and lowest intrinsic rates of natural increase (r _m) were observed on chickpea Arman (0.244 day^?1) and tomato (0.123 day^?1) varieties, respectively. Cluster analysis of the life table parameters of H. armigera on various host plants indicated that tomato, in comparison to other plants was an unsuitable host to H. armigera.     

Identifying plant DNA in the sponging–feeding insect pest <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila suzukii</Emphasis>

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a highly polyphagous invasive pest threatening fruit production in the Americas and Europe. The current knowledge of its host plants is mainly based on oviposition and larval development in fruits, while little is known on the diet of the adult flies. This information is important for developing effective control strategies. Here, we examine DNA-based techniques to determine food plants of D. suzukii. Adult flies were fed with raspberries (Rubus idaeus) and allowed to digest up to 72 h after feeding. Raspberry DNA was detected by diagnostic PCR for up to 48 h post-feeding with a significant negative effect of time on DNA detection success but no significant differences between male and female flies in detection probabilities. As D. suzukii walks on plants, its body surface can get contaminated with DNA. With a bleaching experiment, we succeeded to remove contaminating external plant DNA, while the DNA in the gut content stayed unaffected. Finally, field-collected flies were subjected to a next-generation sequencing approach, demonstrating that plant DNA from different host plants can be efficiently detected in both bleached and non-bleached specimens. In order to safeguard against erroneous host plant detections, we recommend bleaching flies before they are subjected to DNA extraction. The current findings encourage the use of DNA-based gut content analysis in D. suzukii to obtain a better understanding of its feeding ecology which is a prerequisite for developing successful control strategies.     

Population dynamics of Dasiops inedulis (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) and its biotic and abiotic mortality factors in Colombian sweet passionfruit orchards

Throughout South America, the lonchaeid flies Dasiops spp. are important herbivores of passionfruit crops. However, little is known on the biology and ecology of these insects, resulting in inadequate pest management schemes. In this study, we describe Dasiops inedulis population dynamics in Colombian sweet passionfruit (SP; Passiflora ligularis Juss.) and elucidate biotic mortality factors at different fly developmental stages. From August 2009 to July 2010, D. inedulis and Dasiops spp. abundance was assessed through monthly McPhail bait trapping and collection of SP flower buds, flowers, and immature fruits. Mortality levels of D. inedulis were determined for early instar larvae by ovary dissection and for late-instar larvae or pupae by prey removal trials. Maximum infestation reached 80 % in fruits and flower buds, and bud infestation correlated with precipitation during the previous month. Two days after oviposition, 8.2 ± 2.3 (mean ± SD) Dasiops sp. eggs were found in SP ovaries and 4.4 ± 1.2 late-instar larvae were recovered from immature fruits at day 14. Upon larval drop on the orchard soil, 74.8 % larvae burrowed within the soil within 9 min, while 12.5 % larvae were attacked by ants. In-field mortality of young pupae amounted to 75.3 ± 7.0 %, with vertebrate predators likely causing 12.1 ± 6.0 % mortality. Late-instar larvae and pupae appear highly vulnerable to natural enemy action, with the ground-foraging predator community mainly composed of ants (80.37 %) and ground beetles (9.17 %). Our findings should help develop integrated pest management (IPM) tactics for SP crops.     

Feeding and mating behaviour of Chinese citrus fly Bactrocera minax (Diptera,Tephritidae) in the field

The Chinese citrus fly, Bactrocera minax, is a major tephritid fruit fly pest that infests Citrus spp. fruits. The pest was removed from the national quarantine pest list in China in 2009 owing to its wide spread across the country, and it is currently considered a major threat to citrus industry in Asia. The frequent high infestation levels of B. minax in China emphasize the need for a more comprehensive understanding of its biology and ecology so that more efficient control measures can be developed and applied. In the framework of developing a sterile insect technique program against B. minax, we studied the feeding and mating activities of B. minax in situ (Citrus orchards and surrounding habitats) through open field surveys and video recordings. In the pre-oviposition period, sexually immature adults largely foraged for food (e.g. honeydew from aphids, nectar and sooty mould) on non-host plants. Then, sexually mature adult flies shifted to lick sooty moulds, bird faeces and, to a lesser extent, an unknown substance on the Citrus leaves and fruits during the mating and oviposition periods. Finally, during the post-oviposition period, the flies were observed feeding on ooze from grapes. The mating behaviour patterns of B. minax in the field were described as follows: first, the male established its territory close to the potential oviposition substrate (Citrus fruit), second, the female landed on the fruit and began inspection and ovipositor boring behaviour on the fruit surface (no male courtship observed e.g. wing vibration), and third, the male mounted and copulated with the female. The present study shed light on the feeding ecology and mating behaviour of B. minax in the field; this knowledge will facilitate development of better management strategies against this tephritid fly.     

Identification of pests and assessment of their damage on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carapa procera</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lophira lanceolata</Emphasis> in Burkina Faso,West Africa

Nontimber forest products are a source of income for women in rural African communities. However, these products are frequently damaged by insect pests. The present study investigates the diversity and damage rates of insect pests that attack Carapa procera seeds and Lophira lanceolata fruits. The experiment was set up in western Burkina Faso and, for C. carapa, consisted of pests collected from seeds that had fallen to the ground and from stockpiled seeds. For L. lanceolata, pests were collected from fruits on the trees, and on the ground. The collected samples were sent to the laboratory to estimate the proportion of damaged seeds/fruits and rear the insects. The results showed that Ephestia spp., Tribolium castaneum, Oryzeaphilus spp., and Tenebroides mauritanicus were the pests of Carapa procera seeds and Lophira lanceolata fruits. Ephestia spp. was recorded as the main pest of both C. procera and L. lanceolata, whereas T. castaneum was only detected from seeds of L. lanceolata. For C. procera, the stocks were the most infested (29 %) by Ephestia spp. The infestation rate of fruits of L. lanceolata by Ephestia spp. on trees (31.42 ± 3.75 %) was less than the rate of fruits by T. castaneum on the ground (44.00 ± 3.5 %). The different body sizes of Ephestia spp. may indicate the occurrence of two putative species, one from C. procera and another one from L. lanceolata. This work provides important information that could contribute to the setting up of a local-scale sustainable management framework for oil tree pests in Burkina Faso and surrounding countries.     

Varietal susceptibility to the corn wireworm Melanotus communis (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in sugarcane

Wireworms (larval Elateridae) reduce the stand of newly planted sugarcane (complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) directly by damaging growing points and indirectly by facilitating disease introduction. No research has evaluated resistance or tolerance of sugarcane genotypes grown in Florida to wireworm. Eleven genotypes of sugarcane and a S. spontaneum genotype were subjected to corn wireworm, Melanotus communis (Gyllenhall) (Coleoptera: Elateridae), in greenhouse experiments to evaluate potential host plant resistance. The experiments were designed to measure the effects of wireworms on the first 90 days of growth. Sugarcane stalk sections were planted in trays of soil with and without wireworms in 2010 and 2011. Stand count, dry weight, and percentage of nodes damaged were evaluated. Wireworms reduced stand and dry weight by 40–60 %. Several genotypes were able to produce acceptable stands in wireworm-infested trays by emerging quickly and producing many tillers. CP 88-1762, CP 89-2143, and CP 03-1912 did not suffer statistically significant losses of stand or biomass due to wireworms in either year. Our findings suggest that genotype resistance should be considered as an important component of an integrated program aimed at reducing the use of insecticides to control wireworms in sugarcane.     

Negative effect of removing pulp from unripe fleshy fruits: seed germination pattern of Celtis sinensis in relation to the temporal context of fruit consumption

We explored the temporal effects of fruit consumption on the subsequent seed germination pattern of a fleshy-fruited tree, the Chinese hackberry (Celtis sinensis). Via nursery-based sowing experiments, we investigated (1) how pulp removal affected seed germination patterns at the different stages of fruit maturation, and (2) how the timing of seed dispersal (August, October, and December) affected the germination patterns of seeds from ripe fruits after the removal of pulp. We found that the removal of pulp from around the seeds of ripe fruit had no effect on the percentage and timing of germination. In contrast, the removal of pulp from seeds of unripe fruits largely reduced the germination percentage. The time of sowing did not affect the germination percentage, whereas the timing of germination was delayed for seeds that were sown later or under shaded environments.     

Recent spread and climatic ecological niche of the invasive guava fruit fly, Bactrocera correcta, in mainland China

The guava fruit fly, Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) (Diptera:Tephritidae), is a harmful exotic insect pest in mainland China, which was first recorded in Yuanjiang County of Yunnan province in 1982. In order to elucidate its rate of spread, extensive field surveys were conducted during 2003–2011. Through 2011, B. correcta was found in areas below 1,500 m in altitude within the Longitudinal Range-Gorge Region of southwestern China (21–28°N latitude, 97–107°E longitude). The northernmost site where B. correcta was found was in Miyi County (26.48°N Latitude, 102.00°E longitude, Alt. 1,060 m) in Sichuan province. Within the currently infested area of mainland China, B. correcta mainly occurred in low-altitude valleys and basins, and displayed a patchy distribution. The mountain chains tend to run south to north, forming a natural barrier to insect flight eastward and westward. Human-assisted transport of infested fruits was the likely factor by which B. correcta moved across mountain chains. The analysis indicated that high-altitude portions of the northern Longitudinal Range-Gorge Region may block B. correcta spread northward.     

Population dynamics,phenology, and overwintering of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bactrocera dorsalis</Emphasis> (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hubei Province,China

Since 2004 the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) has become widespread and economically important in Wuhan, Hubei Province, central China. In this article, the population dynamics of B. dorsalis were monitored using methyl eugenol-baited traps during 2008–2009 in Wuhan. Adults were captured from early July to the end of December in a citrus orchard and peaked in October and early November. Adult population peak coincided with the ripeness period of sweet oranges in October. Infestation with B. dorsalis was more serious in 2009 than in 2008. Field surveys of host plants for this fly species combined with rearing experiments indicated that pear was the first host plant infested by B. dorsalis. We recorded the following host shift pattern: pear (Pyrus communis L.), jujube (Zizyphus jujuba L.), persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.), and sweet orange (Citrus unshiu Marcor). Our findings suggest that B. dorsalis completes four to five generations per year in this area and most serious damage occurred in the 4th generation in the citrus orchards. The availability of preferred host fruits and the low winter temperature are key factors influencing population fluctuations. Overwintering potential experiments of adults, larvae, and pupae were also carried out in the field. Results suggest that a small proportion of pupae were able to survive winter in Wuhan and emerged successfully the following year. Practical and theoretical implications of the results regarding the invasion potential and management strategy of B. dorsalis in Hubei Province are discussed.     

Behavioural responses of Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande larvae to methyl jasmonate and cis-jasmone

The larval stages of Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) cause more direct feeding damage to plants than the adults. We, therefore, investigated the behaviour-modifying effects on second instar larvae of two jasmonic acid derivatives. The artificial application of methyl jasmonate and cis-jasmone, both at 1 % concentration, deterred the larvae from settling in a dual choice bean leaf disc assay. We observed a dose-dependent feeding deterrence of both jasmonates and calculated the concentration required to reduce the feeding damage by 50 % relative to the control treatment (FDC₅₀) for each jasmonate. The feeding damage was reduced by the application of cis-jasmone at 1 % concentration, but not by the jasmonates at the respective FDC₅₀ in no-choice leaf disc bioassays. However, significantly more larvae left jasmonate-treated whole potted bean plants by migrating to the soil compared with control plants. Our results may be exploited extending behavioural manipulation by using plant compounds in thrips control programmes to the full lifecycle of the pest. Plant compounds could be used in integrated and biological pest management strategies against F. occidentalis in combination with the application of various above and below ground control measures.     

元江芒果蓟马的危害特性及其防治

芒果蓟马是危害芒果十分严重的害虫,在元江发现有黄胸蓟马、褐蓟马、红蓟马危害芒果花序及果实。花穗受害率达100％,严重影响芒果的产量和质量。1992～1994年通过对蓟马生活史及消长规律的观察,掌握了蓟马在元江以芒果为寄主,1年发生8～9代,3月底至4月初为发生高峰期,至6月上旬后数量迅速下降,危害降低的危害特性。5种不同药剂的防效试验表明用24％万灵、21％灭杀毙、15％氧化乐果、40％速扑杀1000倍药液进行防治,防效达76．2％～83．6％。大田防效达77％以上,可有效控制多种蓟马的危害,花期连续喷撒3～4次,可保证花期座果。     

Mechanical but not physical dormancy is a cause of poor germination in teak (Tectona grandis L.f.)

Poor seed germination is a significant problem for propagation of teak and it particularly hampers the deployment of genetically improved material into plantations. Seed dormancy is the putative cause for delayed and sporadic germination of teak seed but specific dormancy mechanisms have not been proven. In this paper we investigate whether physical or mechanical dormancy could affect teak germination. Physical dormancy was disproved when we observed water in every examined locule of fruit which had been immersed for 12–24 h (n = 1,700 fruits from six diverse sources). Mechanical dormancy was found to affect teak seed germination by means of valve structures which must open for the radicle to emerge. All 1,450 germinating seeds in 16 samples emerged from the endocarp via the detachment of a valve. Germination over 16 days was compared between extracted seeds (ex situ) and seeds within their endocarp (in situ) to determine the effect of mechanical dormancy on germination. Significantly greater germination of the ex situ seeds (62 ± 2% SE; n = 486) than of the in situ seeds (32 ± 2% SE; n = 564) indicated that mechanical dormancy is an important factor in the poor germination of teak.     

Chemical composition,insecticidal and repellence activities of essential oils of three Achillea species against the Khapra beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

Essential oils of Achillea biebersteinii, Achillea santolina and Achillea mellifolium were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The plant oils were tested for their toxic and repellent activities against the Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium (Everts) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). T. granarium was sensitive to the oils via topical application, contact and fumigation bioassays, where A. biebersteinii oil was the most toxic regardless of the technique used. Using topical application, a dosage of 15 μg/mg insect of A. biebersteinii oil was sufficient to kill 100 and 83.2.0 % after 7 days exposure of adults and 2nd instar larvae, respectively. Meanwhile, twice this concentration of A. santolina and A. mellifolium oils caused 90.4 (72.5 %) and 73.8 (60.1 %) adult and larval mortality after 7 days, respectively. Using fumigation and 7 days exposure, a concentration of 50.0 μl/l air of A. biebersteinii oil displayed the strongest activity (percentage adult and larval mortalities of 100.0 and 88.0 %), respectively, while A. santolina and A. mellifolium oils at the same concentration caused 92.5 (76.8 %) and 76.1 (61.3 %) adult and larval mortality, respectively. The three oils were strongly repellent to the larvae and adults of T. granarium. The repellent activity was time and concentration-dependent, where A. biebersteinii oil was the most effective, even though at low concentrations (percentage repellency of 100 and 81.0 % were recorded against adults and larvae after 6 h exposure to a concentration of 0.22 μl/cm², respectively). Results suggested the potential use of Achillea oils as natural grain protectants against T. granarium.     

Seasonal abundance of western flower thrips and its natural enemies in different French bean agroecosystems in Kenya

The seasonal abundance of western flower thrips (WFT) [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)] and its natural enemies on French beans in two agro-ecological zones (AEZs) (high and mid altitude) in Kenya, was studied in three growing cycles from January to December 2009. French beans were sampled every 2 weeks for WFT and natural enemies. Results show that colonization of French beans with WFT in both farm scales studied in the two AEZs started at 2- to 3-leaf stage. There was an increase in the population density of WFT from budding stage to podding/flowering stage, and it declined at crop senescence. The population densities of WFT on French beans were lower in the first compared with the second growing cycle and the highest in the third growing cycle. Two natural enemies of thrips, Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Ceranisus menes (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), were recorded on French beans. The population density of C. menes was positively correlated with thatof WFT, while the population densities of Orius spp. and WFT were not correlated. The population density of WFT was not correlated with temperature and relative humidity, but was negatively correlated with rainfall. Our results suggest that the population density of WFT in the two AEZs differs along growing cycles and plant phenological stages. Management strategies targeted at WFT would need to start at early crop stages (3-leaf to budding stage), depending on growing cycle, to prevent further build-up of thrips population.     

Temperature-dependent development of Sesamia nonagrioides

The effect of various constant temperatures on survival, development and adult longevity of Sesamia nonagrioides Lefébvre (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was studied under laboratory conditions. The following temperatures were tested: 14, 17, 21, 25 and 31 °C. The percentage of individuals that completed development at each temperature as well as the days needed for the emergence of the pupa and adult eclosion were measured. Adult longevity was estimated under the same conditions. Development time decreased significantly with increasing temperature within the range 14–25 °C. Survival was higher at medium temperatures (17–25 °C) in comparison with that at more extreme temperature regimens (14 and 31 °C). Egg and first larval instars were the stages where S. nonagrioides suffered the highest mortality levels at all temperatures. The highest survival was recorded with experimental individuals aging between the third and fifth larval instar. Thermal requirements of development (developmental thresholds, thermal constant, optimum temperature) of S. nonagrioides were estimated with application of linear and one nonlinear models (Logan I). Upper and lower developmental thresholds ranged between 31.2 and 36.2 and 7.0 and 10.3 °C, respectively. The optimum temperature for development (where maximum rate of development occurs) was estimated at between 28.1 and 30.3 °C. The thermal constant for total development was estimated at 1,000.0 degree-days. Adult longevity was also affected by temperature, as it was significantly reduced at higher temperatures (21–31 °C) compared to the lower ones (14 and 17 °C). This information would be useful in determining the critical temperatures which may affect the distribution of S. nonagrioides concerning potential climate change.     

Bioactivities of caffeic acid methyl ester (methyl-(E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate): a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative from Solanum melongena L. fruits

Feeding deterrent and growth inhibitory effects of caffeic acid methyl ester (CME) isolated from the fruit extract of eggplant, Solanum melongena L. along with two known phenolic acids, caffeic acid (CA) and chlorogenic acid (CG) and azadirachtin (taken as active control), were evaluated against Spodoptera litura Fab. and Achaea janata L. (Lep., Noctuidae). The structure of CME was determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic (UV, FTIR, ¹H, and ¹³C NMR) data analysis. CME has exhibited strong feeding deterrent activity against S. litura and A. janata larvae with ED₅₀ values of 52.02 and 41.02 μg/cm² leaf area, respectively. CA and CG were relatively less effective compounds when compared with CME. The results also revealed that the isolated compound CME caused marked larval growth inhibition in S. litura and A. janata larvae after 7 days of feeding on a treated diet. The effect on growth of larvae was concomitant with the reduced feeding and digestibility of ingested food. So the activities of digestive proteases within the midgut of larvae were examined using specific substrates to understand the digestive physiology in the larval guts. The bulk of the activity was associated with serine proteases comprising trypsin-, chymotrypsin-, and elastase-like enzymes, which decreased in diets containing CME, whereas, interestingly increased with CG. From the results, we conclude that CME isolated from S. melongena fruit extract shows feeding deterrent and larval development inhibitory activities that may prove useful in the management of S. litura and A. janata larvae.     

Continuous nondestructive monitoring of larval feeding activity and development of the bamboo powderpost beetle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dinoderus minutus</Emphasis> using acoustic emission

The life history and feeding biology of the bamboo powderpost beetle Dinoderus minutus remain poorly understood because the beetles’ oviposition, development, and feeding take place inside bamboo culms. In this study, acoustic emission (AE) monitoring was applied for continuous nondestructive analysis of larval feeding activity and development from the first instar to adult eclosion. Newly hatched larvae were inoculated individually into pieces of madake (Phyllostachys bambusoides) culms. AE hits were recorded using single AE sensors fixed onto the bamboo pieces. Generation of AE hits indicated that larval feeding activity had begun after inoculation. Based on the time course of the hourly AE hit rate, the larvae were feeding constantly during each instar, and feeding activity only ceased during periods of ecdysis and pupation. Half of the individuals examined underwent seven instars and the other half underwent eight instars. The time course of AE hit rate per 5 min exhibited periodic cycles, where continuous meals were separated by inactive phases of ca. 5 min, with an average dominant period of each instar ranging between 0.76 and 2.19 h. After correcting the AE data based on distance attenuation of AE waves, the tendency that AE amplitude increased as the larvae developed through ecdysis events became more apparent. AE monitoring continued after adult eclosion, and the feeding activity of the newly emerged adults continued almost ceaselessly during the Reifungsfrass period.     

Population status and gender imbalance of the marula tree, Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra in northern Namibia

The population status of many wild fruit trees that support rural people in Africa remains poorly understood despite its importance for their management. Here, we establish a baseline for size class distribution and gender ratios for marula (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra), a widespread but sparsely distributed species of wooded farmland, that has both traditional importance to rural communities and an emerging commercial potential. A population of marula trees around two neighbouring villages in northern Namibia was surveyed in August 2001. The stem diameter at 1.3 m height (dbh) of all individuals ge1 cm dbh in 40 fields, totalling 286 ha in area, was measured and their gender was recorded as female, male or unknown. Over 400 trees were enumerated, the largest >100 cm dbh. Despite the low threshold (1 cm dbh) for inclusion, relatively few trees (around 40%) were ¡20 cm dbh, suggesting the population may not be self-sustaining. The area was nevertheless well-stocked, with ca 1 tree ha^?1 ge20 cm dbh – an unusually high density for Sclerocarya. Tree gender becomes evident when individuals reach about 15 cm dbh. In one village, the sex ratio of larger trees (40–80 cm dbh) was significantly skewed in favour of females. This was attributed to selective elimination of individuals that have failed to fruit and was much less pronounced in the second village. The sparse distribution and gender imbalance of trees have implications in relation to management requirements for ensuring adequate pollen flow.