Search for Climatic Models for Forecasting Microtine Outbreaks1

Models for forecasting outbreaks of harmful Microtines are discussed in terms of the three most important types of rodent damage to agriculture and forestry in the European part of EPPO region: problems to field crops by Microtus arvalis and related species, to horticulture and forestry by M. agrestis and some other species, and injury to the underground parts of various crops by Arvicola terrestris. Two models were developed in parallel but independently for M. arvalis, one in the USSR, the other in France; the former approach included M. socialis. A joint Scandinavian project resulted in models for M, agrestis and Clethrionomys glareolus: the outcome is exemplified by the former case and a few comments are given on other types of model development. The probable mechanism of climatic influence through the food chain on the population dynamics of Microtine rodents is discussed and it is concluded that climatic models are a useful tool in planning rodent control strategies. The role of the EPPO Working Party on Field Rodents as a coordinating body in the development of rodent forecasts is also reviewed.     

Plant Damage by Bank Voles (Clethrionomys glareolus [Schreber]) and Related Species in Europe1

A survey of the ecological adaptations of the bank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus (Schreber), indicates that this species is a potential pest, particularly to forest tree seeds and bark. Observations from most parts of Europe show clear cases of damage to seeds, young shoots and buds and bark of young trees above the snow level. Worst losses appear in central and eastern Europe. The bank vole may also attack a few year old seedlings (either bark or complete consumption). Widespread seedling attacks, which are economically very important in some countries, have, however, not been definitely proven for this species. In northern Europe, the bank vole may also cause damage to hay in barns. Bank vole populations show greatest fluctuations in eastern and northern Europe. The cycle length is variable. Damage (except, possibly, seed consumption) appears mainly during or just after the appearance of peak populations. Baits with zinc phosphide seem to be the most efficient control method. A number of other preparations have been tried more or less successfully. In summary, knowledge of the economic importance of the bank vole is very restricted. Specific studies are suggested for improving such an evaluation.     

Studies on the apple fruit moth,Argyresthia conjugella Zeller (Yponomeutidae: Lepidoptera): Identification,distribution and extent of damage in India

Abstract

A fruit‐damaging insect on apple in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh has been identified as the apple fruit moth/miner, Argyresthia conjugella Zeller, a common pest of apple in Asian, European and American countries. It seems to be native to India, where its primary host, the sorb tree, Sorbus aucuparis Linn. is present. Studies on the distribution and extent of damage during 1983 and 1984 revealed that the pest was distributed in the Kinnaur district at altitude between 2445 to 2900 m and in yearly isotherms of 0 to 10° C. The damage varied from zero to above 50%. Its spread to other apple growing areas of the state is unlikely due to unsuitable agroclimatic conditions.     

Outbreak of Arvicola terrestris in rice fields in Yugoslavia1

Macedonia is the southern boundary for the distribution of Arvicola terrestris (water vole) in the Balkan peninsula. Until recently, these voles were found in the region only sporadically, showing none of the cyclic population fluctuations characteristic of microtines in the continental part of Europe. An investigation was started in 1984 when the first visible signs of damage to rice in Ko?ansko Valley, caused by numbers of voles, were noted. Since then, population numbers have increased, reaching a density of 1000 individuals per ha on one locality. The causes of such an unexpected outbreak and the methods for determining role abundance are discussed. The construction of a dam and the extension of rice cultivation have reduced the natural habitats of both vole predators and their competitors. Increased pesticide and fertilizer usage have also affected the fauna unfavourably. Efficient control was attained by means of zinc phosphide baits, specially before the rice growing season (i. e. in winter and early spring).     

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.     

Common vole (Microtus arvalis) ecology and management: implications for risk assessment of plant protection products

Common voles (Microtus arvalis) are common small mammals in some European landscapes. They can be a major rodent pest in European agriculture and they are also a representative generic focal small herbivorous mammal species used in risk assessment for plant protection products. In this paper, common vole population dynamics, habitat and food preferences, pest potential and use of the common vole as a model small wild mammal species in the risk assessment process are reviewed. Common voles are a component of agroecosystems in many parts of Europe, inhabiting agricultural areas (secondary habitats) when the carrying capacity of primary grassland habitats is exceeded. Colonisation of secondary habitats occurs during multiannual outbreaks, when population sizes can exceed 1000 individuals ha^?1. In such cases, in‐crop common vole population control management has been practised to avoid significant crop damage. The species' status as a crop pest, high fecundity, resilience to disturbance and intermittent colonisation of crop habitats are important characteristics that should be reflected in risk assessment. Based on the information provided in the scientific literature, it seems justified to modify elements of the current risk assessment scheme for plant protection products, including the use of realistic food intake rates, reduced assessment factors or the use of alternativee focal rodent species in particular European regions. Some of these adjustments are already being applied in some EU member states. Therefore, it seems reasonable consistently to apply such pragmatic and realistic approaches in risk assessments for plant protection products across the EU. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Five-year Surveillance of Small Mammal Abundance in Scandinavian1

A large-scale surveillance system was established in 1971. It was based on the practical needs for information on the fluctuation in numbers of harmful rodents and the desirability of forecasts. The sampling method used was the Small Quadrat Method (SQM). The annual surveys covered about 50 localities in Norway, Sweden and Finland, the total number of SQ's being over 2,000, and the total number of specimens caught approaching 18,000. In terms of numbers, the dominant rodent species were Microtus agrestis (L.) and Clethrionomys glareolus (Schreber), the former clearly dominating in Finland, the latter in most regions of the other 2 countries. In southern Sweden and Norway, Apodemus species were also relatively abundant, as was Sorex araneus L. in certain regions. During the 5-year period under study, the numbers of M. agrestis peaked twice (1972 and 1975) in Finland but only once in Sweden and Norway. The peak years of C. glareolus mosdy coincided with those of M. agrestis but, in some areas, were slightly earlier. Fluctuation in numbers of Insectivora did not seem to be correlated with that of the rodents. The usefulness of the SQ indices as a basis of short-term forecasts is apparent, while criteria for long-term forecasts require further analysis.     

Small Rodent Abundance in Relation to Reforestation Measures and Natural Habitat Variables in Northern Sweden1

Results of an extensive survey, 1972–1975, aimed at establishing the influence of forest management practices and other environmental variables on small rodent abundance are discussed. The study area included several habitat types and, in total, 1,878 small quadrats were marked out in 47 regeneration areas. Most areas were sampled twice a year, in the spring and autumn, and more than 5,000 voles were trapped; the species Clethrionomys glareolus (Schreber) and Microtus agrestis (L.) were trapped in about equal numbers, while C. rufocanus (Sundevall) was rather sporadic. The cycle increase started earlier in C. glareolus than in M. agrestis and C. rufocanus. Data on environmental variables were collected partly by means of field observations and pardy from the literature. An analysis of the effect of environmental variables revealed considerable interaction making identification of primary factors difficult. The populations of C. glareolus and C. rufocanus generally decreased with an increase in time since clear-cutting. For M. agrestis, highest numbers were found on sites in which clear-cutting had been carried out 5–15 years previously. The influence of surface treatment, in particular, was found to be dependent on the population cycle. During increase and early peak phases, C. glareolus was found in smaller numbers in regenerated areas treated by burning or ploughing, compared with those where only normal patch scarification had been carried out. During the very gradual decline in numbers, conditions were the reverse. During increase and early peak phases, the highest catches of M. agrestis were made in scarified areas. This inverse relationship between the 2 species was also found in connection with many of the other environmental variables studied. M. agrestis was the most typical “regeneration phase” species, positively influenced by environmental factors such as moderately coarse grained soil texture, low soil acidity, moderate humus thickness, increasing moisture up to a certain level and a vegetation type with forbs predominating as opposed to the Vaccinium type. The pattern of displacement indicates that competition occurs between M. agrertis and C. glareolus.     

Non-toxic control techniques for Microtus spp. in apple orchards1

Alternative control techniques to the use of endrin ground spray were investigated in apple orchards in Washington (US). Non-toxic control strategies using cultural practices proved highly successful in reducing high populations of Microtus montanus to low levels. Early spring raking and mowing followed by the application of herbicides to a strip along the tree line appeared to have the greatest effect. Regular mowing between the tree rows and the maintenance of bare ground under the trees prevented significant build-up of the population. Similar cultural work also substantially improved the efficacy of subsequent rodenticide applications. The economic impact of the vole damage on apple orchards, even those composed of mature trees, is substantial and the expense of intensive cultural work is justified where high vole populations are possible.     

Population Dynamics of the Field Vole (Microtus agrestis [L]): a Model1

The basic hypothesis underlying a population dynamics model for the field vole (Microtus agrestis [L.]) in central Scandinavia is described and discussed. The hypothesis is that most aspects of population dynamics of the field vole may be understood by analyzing the nutritional (energy and matter) balance of individual animals and their differential allocation of available nutrients. Digested nutrients are assumed to be utilized for maintenance cost, M; growth, A S; reproduction, R; and dispersion behaviour (including dispersal), D. The simulation model whose main ideas are described verbally is being developed at present. The model is intended to simulate density, age structure, reproductive activity of different categories of the population and spatial distribution; grazing impact apportioned among the most important potential food species (or group); interaction with sympatric rodents, their predators and parasites. Special emphasis is placed on the spatial heterogeneity of the landscape. The population dynamics model is of the Monte Carlo type and considers the realization of a series of events by calculating average probabilities and “drawing” random numbers. The model simulates individual animals in a large heterogeneous area. Qualitative predictions based on our basic hypothesis are discussed and compared with available field information.     

Pesticide use,arthropod fauna and fruit damage in apple orchards in a Nordic climate

BACKGROUND

Integrated pest management (IPM) has a long history in fruit production and has become even more important with the implementation of the EU directive 2009/128/EC making IPM mandatory. In this study, we surveyed 30 apple orchards in Norway for 3 years (2016–2018) monitoring pest- and beneficial arthropods as well as evaluating fruit damage. We obtained growers’ diaries of pest management and used these data to study positive and negative correlations of pesticides with the different arthropod groups and damage due to pests.

RESULTS

IPM level had no significant effects on damage of harvested apples by arthropod pests. Furthermore, damage by arthropods was mainly caused by lepidopteran larvae, tortricids being especially important. The number of insecticide applications varied between 0 and 3 per year (mean 0.8), while acaricide applications varied between 0 and 1 per year (mean 0.06). Applications were often based on forecasts of important pest species such as the apple fruit moth (Argyresthia conjugella). Narrow-spectrum insecticides were commonly used against aphids and lepidopteran larvae, although broad-spectrum neonicotinoid (thiacloprid) insecticides were also applied. Anthocorid bugs and phytoseiid mites were the most abundant natural enemies in the studied orchards. However, we found large differences in abundance of various “beneficials” (e.g., lacewings, anthocorids, parasitic wasps) between eastern and western Norway. A low level of IPM negatively affected the abundance of spiders.

CONCLUSION

Lepidoptera was found to be the most important pest group in apple orchards. Insecticide use was overall low, but number of spray applications and use of broad-spectrum insecticides varied between growers and regions. IPM level did not predict the level of fruit damage by insects nor the abundance of important pests or most beneficial groups in an apple orchard. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Monitoring the appearance and possibility for prevention of the apple sawfly in Croatia

The apple sawfly Hoplocampa testudinea Klug has recently become a widespread pest in Croatian apple orchards. It causes severe damage in the blooming period due to the fact that infested fruit fall off.This article shows results collected over three years of field research on trap catches of sawflies, the period of laying eggs, the appearance of larvae and detection of damage. In the climate of northwestern Croatia, adult sawfly appear in April during the blooming period of the early apple variety of Idared.     

Fossorial Forms of the Water Vole,Arvicola terresths (L.), in Europe1

The species Arvicola terrestris (L.) comprises 2 main life types:an aquatic form which is more common, and a form with fossorial habits which is confined to continental Europe, from the Cantabric Cordilliera to the Carpathian Mountains. However, forms inhabiting a primary wet biotope and a secondary dry one occur in a large border zone in the north of the range of the fossorial form. The fossorial type lives underground in grassland and some types of crops. Very recently, the structure and the occupation of burrows of this subterranean rodent were studied, as well as its digging behaviour and rhythm of activity. The fossorial form of A. terrestris is very easily captured, which makes it possible to estimate its density and to follow population evolution. This microtine shows cyclic population fluctuations and, during outbreaks, causes severe damage to grassland, both by its burrowing activity and by consuming plants. In orchards, it gnaws root systems of fruit trees, mainly of apples. Damage is also serious in gardens and in horticultural crops, especially to plants with fleshy roots. This vole does not eat cereals and does not invade forests. Control methods generally used are surface treatment with organochlorine insecticides (banned in most countries), poisoning (but no efficacious toxic baits are available), fumigation of burrow systems and trapping. Taxonomic research is needed for a better understanding of the status of the different life types of A. terrestris. The biological, ecological and ethological characteristics of these forms must be defined in order to develop and test adequate control methods.     

From biology to management of Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii)

Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii) is a rodent species of the Cricetidae family, inhabiting southern European agroecosystems. It is considered to be the main cause of rodent‐attributed damage in Italy. To achieve an effective management, detailed knowledge of this species is needed. However, the available information about this species is fragmentary and incomplete. In this paper, the existing knowledge of Savi's pine vole taxonomy, reproduction, population dynamics, habitat and food preferences is reviewed in order to organise available information and identify priority areas of future research. Some of the changes in farming practices that have occurred in recent decades may have increased the impact of Savi's pine vole populations in crop fields. To manage this pest species effectively, an integrated strategy is recommended (involving habitat management, trapping and, when appropriate, the use of rodenticides). The apparent lack of cyclical population outbreaks and the relatively small litter size and long gestation and interpartum period of this species suggest that it could be more manageable than other vole species, while its strict herbivorous diet, stable population size in open habitats and wide distribution seem to indicate it as an ideal model species for risk assessment studies. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry     

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

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

Prognose von Wühlmaussch?den in Forstkulturen

Zusammenfassung  In den Jahren 1980–1990 wurden auf insgesamt 100 Probefl?chen Wühlmausf?nge für die Schadensprognose in Forstkulturen durchgeführt. Die gefangenen Tiere wurden im Labor eingehender untersucht und verschiedene Parameter mit der Dichteentwicklung der Schadnager verglichen. Für einen beschr?nkten Zeitraum von etwa 3 Monaten war die ?u?erlich me?bare L?nge der m?nnlichen Gonaden mit der Populationsentwicklung korreliert. Bei einer mittleren L?nge der Testes über 3,5 mm wurde eine Zunahme der Populationsdichte beobachtet (Gradation). Bei einer geringeren Gonadenl?nge war die Populations-entwicklung rückl?ufig (Retrogradation). Dieser Zusammenhang kann für eine Schadensprognose bedeutsam sein.

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Predicting damages of voles in forest cultivations

Voles like the Field VoleMicrotus agrestis, the Common VoleM. arvalis, the Bank VoleClethrionomys glareolus and the Water VoleArvicola terrestris can cause severe damages in forest cultivations by gnawing the trunks and the roots of the young trees. Damages occur during winter time when the population density of these species is high and food resources are limited. The forecast of the development of vole populations is needed to prepare countermeasures against vole damages. The increase or decrease of a vole population can be predicted, if the fertility of the caught specimens is observed. The gonadal size of the males was a suitable predictor for the trend of the development of a vole population. The change of population density of the Bank Vole in a time interval of 3 month (September–December) was highly correlated (r=0.86) with the gonadal index of males. The percentage of pregnant or lactating femals was also a good indicator, but less suitable for practical use. It is assumed, that the hormones of the hypophysis like FSH, LH and Prolactin rule the growth of the gonads, the fertility and the reproduction in a vole population. Testis size is an indicator for the activity of these fertility hormones and for the reproductive process. It can be used to predict the development of vole populations for a limited time interval.

     

Aspidiella hartii (Cockerell 1895) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on yam (Dioscorea spp.) tubers: a new pest regularly entering the European part of the EPPO region

Yam is an important West African crop and is an inexpensive source of carbohydrate. Many people of Central African origin living in South Italy buy imported tubers to prepare their preferred recipes. Aspidiella hartii (Cockerell) infests yam tubers marketed in Bari (South Italy). Adult female scales on tuber bark are brownish, subcircular and about 1.2 mm wide. Ventral shields (‘flags’) from dead individuals are also abundant. The pest reproduces during storage and covers the tuber. Removal of plant sap shrivels the tubers during their trade, reducing quality, viability and marketability of the product. Severe A. hartii infestation of tubers can also inhibit their resprouting or kill the plant in the country of origin. Dipping yam in concentrated pyrethroids, or organophosphate insecticide, storage in sawdust, paddy husk or wood ash or paraffin wax coating may help to control the pest, although dipping in pyrethroids or organophosphate insecticide is not allowed in Europe. The armoured scale also infests Colocasia sp. (Taro, Araceae) and Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (sweet potato, Convolvulaceae) causing similar damage. The presence of A. hartii host plants in Europe and the possible host‐shift of this pest to other crops in the region pose a risk for EPPO countries.     

Biopesticide based sustainable pest management for safer production of vegetable legumes and brassicas in Asia and Africa

Vegetables are one of the important crops which could alleviate poverty and malnutrition among the smallholder farmers in tropical Asia and Africa. However, a plethora of pests limit the productivity of these crops, leading to economic losses. Vegetable producers overwhelmingly rely on chemical pesticides in order to reduce pest‐caused economic losses. However, over‐reliance on chemical pesticides poses serious threats to human and environmental health. Hence, biopesticides offer a viable alternative to chemical pesticides in sustainable pest management programs. Baculoviruses such as nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) and granulovirus (GV) have been exploited as successful biological pesticides in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Maruca vitrata multiple nucleocapsid NPV (MaviMNPV) was found to be a unique baculovirus specifically infecting pod borer on food legumes, and it has been successfully developed as a biopesticide in Asia and Africa. Entomopathogenic fungi also offer sustainable pest management options. Several strains of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana have been tested and developed as biopesticides in Asia and Africa. This review specifically focuses on the discovery and development of entomopathogenic virus and fungi‐based biopesticides against major pests of vegetable legumes and brassicas in Asia and Africa. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry     

Thousand cankers disease in Europe: an overview

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is traditionally present in most European countries as an ornamental tree, and in Southern Europe in particular it is grown for both fruit and wood. Since the 1980s, to supply the increasing demand for walnut timber, large areas of southern and central Europe, from France to Hungary, have been planted with black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) to provide wood for furniture production. The fungus Geosmithia morbida and its vector Pityophthorus juglandis, causing the thousand cankers disease of walnut in the USA in the last 2 decades, were recently reported in Europe (in Italy) on both walnut species. Thousand cankers disease can have a high negative impact on the landscape and economy of many agricultural and forest areas. Following a detailed pest risk analysis performed by EPPO in 2015, both organisms were included in the EPPO A2 List of pests recommended for regulation as quarantine pests. The main biological, epidemiological and monitoring aspects of thousand cankers disease and its status in Europe are reported.     

The importance of forecasting and warning systems in implementation of integrated pest management in apple orchards in Turkey*

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has been widely implemented in apple orchards in various regions of Turkey. Between 1995 and 1999, in Central Anatolia and the Aegean Region, apple scab (Venturia inequalis) and codling moth (Cydia pomonella) were key pests, and implementation of pest control was based on forecasting and warning systems. During the project, orchards in which IPM was implemented and in which farmers applied conventional practices were compared. In nine provinces in which IPM projects were carried out in 1999, the damage due to codling moth was 0–1.3% in IPM orchards while it was 0.4–21.8% in nearby non‐IPM orchards. It is clear that damage did not reach the acceptable threshold level of 2% in any of the IPM orchards, while damage was much higher than the threshold in conventionally‐farmed orchards. The number of fungicide applications against apple scab decreased to 5–6 applications from 10–15 applications in the Eğirdir district of the Isparta Province in 1996 as a result of IPM implementation. No insecticides were applied against codling moth in IPM orchards in the Nigde Province in 1998 and 1999 because population levels of the pest were low and under the economic threshold. Apple producers received training and 1200 producers from Central Anatolia became experts in IPM for their own orchards, learning to make appropriate decisions about pest control. The Apple IPM Guideline was prepared and disseminated. In Turkey modern equipment for forecasting and warning systems was employed and, in the last decade, forecasting and warning networks have been improved. Computer‐based systems have increased the speed and accuracy of forecasting as well as decreasing its costs. A computerized national forecasting network in apple orchards now transmits data from the field to system headquarters automatically. The national forecasting network has been expanded and covered 12 208 800 apple trees in 34 provinces in 2006, using 115 electronic forecasting and warning stations.