Evaluating the presence of larvae of Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) developing on olive trees in some central-southern Italian regions

Phytoparasitica - The present study was conducted in four central-southern Italian regions (Abruzzo, Campania, Molise, Puglia) in the years 2008 and 2016–2018, with the aim to verify in hilly...     

Experimental infection of cattle, sheep and pigs with 'Hobi'-like pestivirus

To date, limited information is available on the ability of 'Hobi'-like pestiviruses (putative bovine viral diarrhoea 3) to infect and cause disease in animal species traditionally affected by pestiviruses. In order to obtain new insights into host range and pathogenic potential of this atypical pestivirus, BVDV-seronegative calves (n=5), lambs (n=5) and piglets (n=5) were experimentally infected with the European 'Hobi'-like strain Italy-1/10-1, whereas two animals per species served as uninfected controls. Appearance of clinical signs, leukopenia, viremia, viral shedding and seroconversion were monitored for 28 days post-infection. Calves and lambs were successfully infected, displaying respiratory signs (nasal discharge), moderate hyperthermia and leukopenia, viremia and viral shedding through the nasal and faecal routes. Antibody responses were observed in both animal species by ELISA and virus neutralisation assays. In contrast, inoculated piglets did not display any clinical signs nor leukopenia and viral RNA was not detected in any biological samples. Nevertheless, the presence of detectable antibodies by virus neutralisation accounted for a successful, albeit limited infection of these animals.     

Development of site-specific IPM against European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (D. & S.) in vineyards

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for site-specific IPM of the European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis & Shiffermüller), in a Mediterranean agricultural landscape in central Italy. In 2005-2006, sampling was conducted to verify the spatio-temporal distribution of L. botrana eggs, larvae and adult populations in the investigated agro-ecosystem. On the basis of these results, we applied tactics in 2007 and 2008 to reduce the outer source of the infestation by establishing a pheromone trap barrier system to prevent the movement of male adults from the olive groves into the vineyards, and to test the hypothesis that a within-field site-specific control results in reduced insecticide requirements compared with a traditional uniform IPM protocol. Sampling and control operations were carried out to avoid an increase of economic and labour efforts, leaving as much as possible the costs at the same level of a standard monitoring program. The results highlighted that male hot spots in olive groves disappeared, and that the number of larval nests on vine inflorescences was significantly decreased, when additional traps were deployed (2007-2008) compared to the period before (2005-2006). The site-specific control, i.e. treating only egg hot spots with Bacillus thuringensis var. kurstaki, allowed for a decrease in the surface of the treated vineyard and, consequently, the quantity of insecticide utilised. In 2008, no significant differences between uniform and site-specific IPM in vineyards were observed in the number of damaged berries and the percentage of infested bunches. The results are discussed with respect to the spatial pattern of pest populations, site-specific IPM tactics, sampling operations and pest control costs.     

Spatial patchiness and association of pests and natural enemies in agro-ecosystems and their application in precision pest management: a review

Natural enemies can effectively reduce pest populations when they coincide spatially and temporally with those populations. Therefore, along with temporal synchronization, the spatial association of pests and natural enemies is also necessary to increase the efficiency of biological control. The aims of this review were to assess the current state of knowledge concerning the spatial association of pests and their natural enemies in agro-ecosystems, evaluate its application in precision pest management programs and highlight the relevant gaps in the existing literature. Spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE) and geostatistics are adequate sets of statistical tools used to study spatial patchiness and association of pests and natural enemies, especially in field crops. Spatial association between pests and natural enemies is dynamic and many biotic and abiotic factors can influence it. According to the literature, there are important gaps in the research about the spatial association of pests and natural enemies in orchards and stored products, as well as about the effects of environmental factors on the spatial association between these organisms. Mapping the spatial distribution and association of pests and natural enemies’ populations has not been used in precision biological control until recently. Precision applications focus on the targeted application of agricultural inputs in management zones rather than whole-field treatments. Information about spatial distribution and association of pests and natural enemies can be used to improve pest management practices through precision or site-specific applications of chemical and biological control measures.

     

Spatial analysis of pheromone trap catches of codling moth (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cydia pomonella</Emphasis>) in two heterogeneous agro-ecosystems,using geostatistical techniques

From 2000 to 2002, local distribution and dispersion patterns of the codling moth,Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), captured in pheromone traps were investigated in two heterogeneous agro-ecosystems (A and B) of the Molise region, in central Italy. The main objectives of this study were to determine the temporal and spatial variations in distribution and abundance of codling moth inside and outside apple orchards located in these study areas, and to evaluate the importance of the presence of several host plants in relation to the observed distribution. Trap catches of male moths were clumped during almost all sampling weeks. Spatial characterizations obtained by means of geostatistical methods illustrate that the high trap capture foci were confined to the productive apple orchards for both agro-ecosystems or in small groups of apple trees, and in the case of study area B, in a zone containing pear trees, service trees and walnut trees. Occasionally moths were found in traps installed outside these zones. Furthermore, the position of high male population foci seems not to change during a single flight period. The results obtained are discussed with respect to the improvement of Integrated Pest Management programs employed in apple orchards situated in heterogeneous landscapes. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting July 14, 2004.