Sample preparation,extraction efficiency,and determination of six arsenic species present in food composites

Several sample preparation techniques were investigated to maximize the efficiency of arsenic species extraction from food composites. The optimized method includes lyophilization of food followed by prewashing with acetone and extraction by sonication with 50/50 methanol/water. Six arsenic species were separated and quantitated using an ammonium carbonate buffer system by ion exchange chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The performance of the method for speciated arsenic components was evaluated using a matrix containing high fat food composite fortified with arsenic species. A certified reference material, dogfish muscle, was used to evaluate extraction methods for total arsenic content in food composites. More than 200 food composite samples were analyzed during an 18 month period, demonstrating the reliability of the analytical method over a long time period.     

Melanaspis corticosa: a new insect pest of olive trees in Europe

The presence of the South African Obscure Scale, Melanaspis corticosa (Brain) (Hemiptera, Diaspididae), was detected infesting olive trees, in Portugal. The identity of the scale insect was confirmed based on both morphological and molecular studies. Until now, this species was only known in a few African countries, including Guinea, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. This is the first record of this species in Europe and in the Palearctic region. The scale was observed in 15 different locations, in the Algarve, since its first detection at the end of 2016. Samples were collected between 21 December 2016 and 10 March 2022, covering all seasonal periods. Most of the sampling sites resulted from private requests from farmers and proprietaries received by the Plant Protection Division of the Regional Directorate of Agriculture. Although it is considered a polyphagous species, it was not observed in other plant species, besides olive trees. The actual dispersion in the region suggests that M. corticosa became established and has been expanded its distribution since its arrival. This scale insect is a potential injurious pest of olive trees and needs to be studied to clarify its pest status and develop effective pest management strategies.

     

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.     

Alien scale insects (Hemiptera Coccoidea) in European and Mediterranean countries: the fate of new and old introductions

This contribution focuses on recent interceptions and introductions of alien scale insects and their current distribution in European and Mediterranean countries. Data and collections were gathered in markets, nurseries, and botanical gardens, mostly in Italy, either indoors or outdoors. New or recent records of the following alien species are presented: Exallomochlus hispidus (Morrison); Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) (Pseudococcidae); Coccus viridis (Green); Milviscutulus mangiferae (Green) (Coccidae); Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead); Aspidiotus destructor Signoret; Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead; Fiorinia fioriniae Targioni Tozzetti; Lepidosaphes pinnaeformis (Bouché); Pseudaulacaspis brimblecombei Williams (Diaspididae). New data and pest status of Phoenicococcus marlatti Cockerell (Phoenicococcidae) and Trabutina mannipara (Hemprich & Ehrenberg) (Pseudococcidae) are also reported. The possible repeated introductions of the latter from North Africa to south Italy by trans-Mediterranean winds, is hypothesized.