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Ceracris kiangsu (Orthoptera: Arcypteridae), is greatly affected by climatic factors and exhibits strong adaptability, posing a serious threat to the ecological environment. Therefore, predicting its potential suitable habitat distribution provides a proactive theoretical basis for pest control. This study using the Biomod2 package of R simulated and predicted the current and future potential distribution, area changes, changes in the center points of suitable habitats, and niche shifts of C. kiangsu under two different greenhouse gas emission scenarios, SSP1-26 and SSP5-85. The results show that: (1) Currently, the high suitability areas for C. kiangsu are mainly distributed in Yunnan, Jiangxi, Hunan provinces in southern China and phongsaly province in northern Laos. In the future, the center of the suitable habitat distribution pattern of C. kiangsu will remain unchanged, primarily expanding outward from medium and high suitability areas. Additionally, significant suitable habitats for C. kiangsu were discovered in Southeast Asian countries without previous pest records. (2) Compared to the present, the overall suitable habitat area for C. kiangsu is expected to expand, particularly under the SSP5-85 climate change scenario. (3) In the SSP1-26 and SSP5-85 climate scenarios, the geometric center of the suitable habitat generally shows a trend of gradually shifting northeast. (4) Under different climate scenarios, the suitable habitat of C. kiangsu has highly overlapping, indicating that the suitable habitat of C. kiangsu in the invaded areas is broader than in its native regions. In conclusion, the research findings represent a breakthrough in identifying the potential distribution areas of C. kiangsu, which is of great practical significance for the monitoring and control of C. kiangsu pest infestation in China and Southeast Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive poplar leaf miner Leucoptera sinuella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae), has spread throughout poplar plantations in central Chile. We developed and validated models based on two methodologies of foliar damage estimation, and from different bands and indexes obtained from Sentinel-2 satellite images. We estimated foliar damage with field visual application of an ordinal severity scale, or with a laboratory estimation of leaf mined area with an image software (ImageJ) from a sample of leaves using an ordinal severity scale. We developed four models for the visual estimation on the field using red band and three spectral indexes, while we developed four models for the laboratory image software estimation using near infrared (NIR) band and the same three spectral indexes. Models developed from field visual estimation with red band (R2 = 0.88) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) (R2 = 0.89) produced better results, as well as from image software estimation with NIR band (R2 = 0.86) and NDVI (R2 = 0.83). The field visual estimation and red band model got the best validation results, with R2 of 0.90, mean square error of 0.73, mean absolute error of 0.59, and a slope of 0.91. This model could predict the severity of foliar damage by L. sinuella in poplar plantations, representing a potentially useful monitoring tool for decision-making in the management of the poplar leaf miner in large areas of poplar plantations in central Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex crassispinus is considered an important pest in forest plantations in southern Brazil. This work aimed to study the fungal community associated with A. crassispinus colonies, subjected to treatments with subdoses of granulated baits (sulfluramid), which might reduce the ability of the ants to care for their symbiotic fungus and other fungi (maybe biocontrol fungi) would take over, to prospect for potential biological control agents. Samplings of fungus gardens and dead ants allowed the identification of 195 fungal isolates, distributed in 29 families, 36 genera, and 53 species. The most frequent genera were Trichoderma (49.2%), Penicillium (13.8%), Chaetomium (6.2%), and Fusarium (3.6%). This is the first study that conducted a survey of antagonistic and entomopathogenic fungi to A. crassispinus and its symbiotic fungus, reporting for the first time the occurrence of potential biological control agents. Escovopsis weberi, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizomucor variabilis, Trichoderma atroviride, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma koningiopsis, and Trichoderma spirale are considered some of the potential biocontrol organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucalyptus spp. (Myrtaceae) is economically important worldwide and is native from Australia. Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) is an insect that causes damages in eucalyptus plantations. Field observations show that highly infested plants (susceptible), less infested plants (less susceptible), and non-infested plants (resistant) can coexist at the same eucalyptus cultivation area. The aim of this study was to compare the preferences of Glycaspis brimblecombei with Eucalyptus spp. essential oil composition, evaluating the thermal behavior and searching for repellent compounds using chromatography. Simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA–DTA) results suggest that the less volatile essential oils were obtained from more resistant eucalyptus, with total mass loss temperature between 168 and 176 ºC. This behavior is due to the ratio between monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in essential oils. Furthermore, D-limonene, caryophyllene, geranyl acetate, and other compounds may be correlated to the resistance against the insect. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) showed that susceptible samples had the highest concentrations of eucalyptol (77.0% and 49.8%) and lower concentration (3 and 9%) and variability of sesquiterpenes (7 and 10 compounds); additionally, they did not present β-guaiene, calamenene, α-copaene, α-terpinyl acetate, 1,4-cadinadiene, D-limonene, and caryophyllene in their essential oil composition. The eucalyptus resistance against Glycaspis brimblecombei is related to concentration and variability of sesquiterpenes, as well as the presence of specific compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bark beetle Ips typographus is the most destructive insect pest in Norway spruce-dominated forests. Its potential to establish multiple generations per year (multivoltinism) is one major trait that makes this beetle a severe pest. Ips typographus enters diapause to adjust its life cycle to seasonally changing environments. Diapause is characterized by developmental and reproductive arrest; it prolongs generation time and thus affects voltinism. In I. typographus a facultative, photoperiod-regulated diapause in the adult stage has been described. In addition, the presence of an obligate, photoperiod-independent, diapause has been hypothesized. The diapause phenotype has important implications for I. typographus voltinism, as populations with obligate diapausing individuals would be univoltine. To test for the presence of different I. typographus diapause phenotypes, we exposed Central and Northern European individuals to a set of photoperiodic treatments. We used two ovarian traits (egg number and vitellarium size) that are associated with gonad development, to infer reproductive arrest and thus diapause. We found a distinct effect of photoperiod on ovarian development, with variable responses in Central and Northern European beetles. We observed obligate diapausing (independent of photoperiod) individuals in Northern Europe, and both facultative (photoperiod-regulated) as well as obligate diapausing individuals in Central Europe. Our results show within-species variation for diapause induction, an adaptation to match life cycles with seasonally fluctuating environmental conditions. As the diapause phenotype affects the potential number of generations per season, our data are the basis for assessing the risk of outbreaks of this destructive bark beetle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The defoliating caterpillar Sarsina violascens causes economic losses in Brazilian Eucalyptus crops. Information on the susceptibility of Eucalyptus species and hybrids to insect pests is scarce. As such, this study aimed to assess the development of S. violascens on Eucalyptus species and hybrids under laboratory conditions. Neonate caterpillars were reared on leaves of Eucalyptus grandis, E. urophylla, E. camaldulensis and E. globulus; and hybrids of E. urophylla x E.urophylla, E. urophylla × E. grandis, E. grandis × E. camaldulensis and E. urophylla × E. camaldulensis. Biological parameters such as instar and larval phase duration, pupal weight, adult longevity and fecundity, and eclosion rate were evaluated. Eucalyptus globulus is not an S. violascens host, leading to 100% larval mortality in the first instar. Eucalyptus grandis extended the larval phase of the insect and decreased larval survivorship and female pupal weight, resulting in high levels of deformity in adults and low egg eclosion, in addition to exhibiting significant antibiosis to S. violascens. Eucalyptus camaldulensis and VM-1 extended the larval period and reduced pupal weight. Eucalyptus urophylla was better suited to the development and reproduction of S. violascens than other Eucalyptus species and hybrids. E. grandis is a promising source of resistance to S. violascens. The use of resistant species and hybrids contributes to pest management, reducing the need for chemical control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling forest pests to maintain the sustainability of forests and ecosystem balance is one of the interests of modern forestry. In the evaluation of damage risks associated with forest pests, pheromone traps attract attention by providing early warnings. With the development of these traps in line with modern technology, more reliable data are obtained; these data are important in the identification and planning of pest management. In this study, a pheromone trap with electronic control unit was tested under field conditions. The capture of adult Ips sexdentatus under natural conditions during 103 days of the flying period was evaluated; 97.2% of the beetles captured in the trap were the target species. The comparison of the number of beetles recorded by the trap and manual counts revealed that the trap worked with an error margin of approximately 4%. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between these two counting methods. During the study, 59% of the total beetles were captured between May 27 and June 25. The average temperature at the period of the capture was 20.09 °C, average humidity was 66%, and average wind speed was 2.9 m/s. Of the captures, 73.9% occurred in the temperature range of 15–24.9 °C, 61.1% occurred in humidity range of 61–90%, 89.6% occurred at a wind speed of 0.3–5.4 m/s, and 77.3% occurred within the period from sunrise to sunset. When these four parameters were evaluated together, the most strongly associated parameter was daylight, followed by temperature, wind speed, and humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Siberian moth (Dendrolimus sibiricus) is a serious pest of conifers in Russia, Northern Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. The western border of the pest's distribution in Russia is disputed, but it is present west of the 60th meridian east. The pest has the potential to defoliate a wide range of conifers. Results: The pest is not present in Norway or other European countries, except Russia. Natural spread and human mediated transport are potential pathways for the pest. Human mediated pathways considered are: Living trees for planting, coniferous wood in the rough and foliage and branches. There has been no import of living trees from Russia to Norway during the past 30 years, and there is currently no import of coniferous wood commodities containing bark from areas, where D. sibiricus occurs. Conclusions: The probability of D. sibiricus entry by natural spread is unlikely, mainly because of the geographical distance and the partial sea barriers between Norway and the infested areas. The probability of entry by human mediated pathways is unlikely due to the very limited volume of the import. Should the pest enter Norway, the probability of establishment and spread is unlikely, due to the suboptimal climatic conditions, and the fact that the two dominant conifers in the country, Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), are intermediate and poor hosts, respectively. The potential damage, should D. sibiricus enter Norway, is considered low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coptotermes formosanus, known in its native China as the 'House White Ant', was introduced to the southeast USA likely in the 1950s, where it is known as the Formosan subterranean termite. In the USA it is best known as a pest of buildings in urban areas, however C. formosanus also attacks live trees along streets and in urban parks, suggesting it may be able to invade forests in the USA. A survey of 113 forest patches around Charleston South Carolina and New Orleans Louisiana, where C. formosanus was first recorded, found that 37% and 52%, respectively, were infested. Resistograph measurement of internal hollows in tree trunks in forest patches infested with C. formosanus found infested sites contained more and larger hollows compared with non-infested sites. Compared with forest patches free of C. formosanus, infested patches had 32% more trees with hollows in Charleston, and 115% more in New Orleans. Similarly, compared with patches free of C. formosanus, hollows were 2–3 times larger in infested patches in Charleston, and 2–6 times larger in New Orleans. Quercus (oak) and Acer (maple) were the most damaged trees in Charleston, whereas Carya (bitternut hickory), Taxodium (bald cypress), Nyssa (blackgum) and Liquidamber (sweetgum) were the most damaged in New Orleans. As termite damaged trees are more likely to die, these differing damage levels between tree species suggests that C. formosanus may alter community structure in US forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding pine weevil [Hylobius abietis (L.)] feeding preferences and their relations to chemical defenses of pines may lead to improved protection of conifer seedlings across Europe and Asia. Previous studies showed reduced weevil damage in methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treated seedlings and that weevil preference for Monterey pine (Pinus radiata Ait.) or Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster D. Don) depended on feeding conditions. The present study explored whether volatile terpenes in plant tissues of control and MeJA-treated seedlings of these two pine species could explain differences in weevil feeding and seedling growth. Volatile terpenes of hexane extracts of needles and phloem were separated and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results confirmed that MeJA application reduced pine weevil feeding in both pine species, but the increase in resistance was not explained by any general change in the concentration of mono- and sesquiterpenes after MeJA application. MeJA effects on volatile terpenes differed between the two pine species. Responses to MeJA application were more intense in Monterey pine, for which total mono- and sesquiterpenes were induced and growth rates affected, even at the lowest concentration of MeJA (5 mM). In Maritime pine, seedling growth was affected only at the highest MeJA concentration (25 mM), and no effect was observed on total volatile terpenes. Contrasting effects of MeJA on key monoterpenes were also observed. In needles, the content of (−)-β-pinene, a monoterpene with deterrent properties against the pine weevil, increased in MeJA-treated seedlings of Monterey pine, but not in Maritime pine. In the phloem of Maritime pine, the MeJA treatment reduced the concentration of the pine weevil attractant (+)-α-pinene, whereas it was increased in Monterey pine. Altogether, results indicated that weevil preferences between the two species could be altered if resistance of seedlings were previously induced with MeJA. The differential inducibility of key volatile terpenes between the two pine species may be part of the explanation as to why pine weevil preferences to the two pine species differ between field and lab conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The citrus longhorned beetle (CLB), Anoplophora chinensis (Forster), is a wood-boring beetle native to eastern Asia, where it is a major pest of citrus. It is highly polyphagous and attacks many species of broad-leaved trees. Expanding international trade, especially of bonsais and nursery trees imported from eastern Asia, has led to introduction of CLB beyond its native range, especially in Europe where it is currently a serious threat to ornamentals, the tree nursery industry, and urban forests, and is a potential threat to natural forests and the citrus industry. We present the history of 38 years (1980-Dec 2017) of CLB interceptions and discoveries of infestations in Europe; eradication activities, which are based on the CLB management rules developed by the European Union; and the current status of CLB infestations in Europe. There have been 115 reports of detection of CLB in 11 countries since the first report in 1980 (59 interceptions and 56 infestations, of which 49 were found in Italy). CLB is reported as eradicated from nine of the 11 countries as of December 2017, but populations are still established in Italy and Croatia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large pine weevil Hylobius abietis is an important pest of reforestation in northern Europe. In field trials, we assessed the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) alone and in combination with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) against immature stages. We used commercial strains of Metarhizium brunneum and Beauveria bassiana and a strain of Beauveria caledonica isolated from the pest’s habitat. The EPN used were Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis downesi. Efficacy was assessed by weevil infection in stumps and by numbers of adult weevils emerging in traps above the stumps. EPF infected up to 23% of pine weevils, at depths up to 25 cm below ground. Three EPF application methods were compared, but application method did not affect infection rates. When applied at half doses, EPF and EPN had additive effects: M. brunneum and S. carpocapsae caused a reduction in emergence of 58% relative to control, M. brunneum and H. downesi 93%, B. caledonica and H. downesi 86%. EPN alone offered good suppression of H. abietis populations and suppression by the mixture did not surpass suppression afforded by EPN alone. Our trials show B. caledonica is a promising species, rivalling the success of the other two species. Applied EPF, especially M. brunneum, can persist for at least 2 years in the forest setting. Additionally, different fungi can have differential action against weevils above versus below ground; therefore, EPF combinations may be beneficial. Based on our trials, further development of strains and application methods are required before EPF can be recommended for suppression of pine weevil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sirex woodwasp, Sirex noctilio, is a significant pest of exotic stands of Pinus species in the southern hemisphere, and an emerging threat in north-eastern America. The potential global distribution of S. noctilio was assessed using the process-oriented niche modelling software CLIMEX. Model parameters were inferred from S. noctilio’s known native distribution in Eurasia and northern Africa, its exotic range in Brazil, New Zealand and South Africa, and from ecophysiological laboratory observations of both S. noctilio and its symbiotic wood-decay fungus, Amylostereum areolatum. Model predictions were validated using independent distribution data from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Americas. Damage significance and spatial distribution data of S. noctilio infestations in New Zealand were compared with growth and suitability outputs of the model, to explore if the impact of S. noctilio could be related to climate. However, no correlation between modelled climate suitability and field infestation severity were found. The resulting model indicated that S. noctilio is currently occupying a fraction of its potential climatic niche in the regions it has invaded. Taking into account areas where suitable hosts occur, results suggest that S. noctilio could further extend its range into additional plantations in southern Queensland in Australia and central Brazil, and into native and exotic stands of Pinus throughout north-east America. Stands of Pinus that are isolated at present from current S. noctilio infestations, such as those in California, Central America and Western Australia, may also be at risk if control measures are ineffective in preventing its spread. Differences in parameter selection and risk projections of our model and a previously published CLIMEX model of S. noctilio are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large pine weevil Hylobius abietis (L.), LPW, is a major pest of trees in replanted coniferous forests in northern Europe. The use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) applied against developing stages for population suppression is increasingly recognized as an effective alternative to plant protection using chemical pesticides. Here, we report results from a series of trials we conducted over 2 years using two species of EPN, Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) and Heterorhabitis downesi (Stock, Griffin, and Burnell) with different foraging strategies. Trials were conducted at lodgepole pine sites in Ireland on both mineral and peat soil type. EPN suspension was applied to the stumps of felled pine trees, and EPN efficacy was determined afterwards by directly assessing parasitism rates after debarking one quarter of the stumps and by collecting emerging adult weevils from traps erected over other treated and control stumps. Our results suggest that both species of EPN are equally effective in suppressing LPW populations to below the current, informal thresholds of economic damage. EPN were equally efficient in controlling LPW in peat and in mineral (lithosols/regosols and acid brown earth/brown podzolics) soils. Weevil density and distribution within pine stumps in peat versus mineral sites can explain patterns of LPW parasitism and suppression. Our results also suggest that infestation level (number of weevils per stump) can be an important factor in forecasting EPN application success as there is evidence of negative density-dependent parasitism when weevil densities were high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bronze bug Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae), which is native to Australia, damages eucalyptus plantations. In Brazil, this insect was recently introduced, but its distribution on eucalyptus plants remains to be studied. The best sample collection points of T. peregrinus are important to determine infestations of adults, nymphs and eggs on eucalyptus canopy. This study was conducted with Eucalyptus grandis (Myrtaceae). Ten leaves per branch of the prospected trees were collected and the number of T. peregrinus adults, nymphs and eggs on each was counted. Leaves sampled in the middle one-third of the canopy of E. grandis yielded representative data for the T. peregrinus biological cycle. This insect showed vertical intra-plant distribution of 58.28, 46.66 and 49.19 % of adults, nymphs and eggs, respectively, in this stratum. The horizontal distribution of T. peregrinus was 35, 46 and 41 % of adults, nymphs, and eggs in the east, west, and south quadrants, respectively. Thus, Thaumastocoris peregrinus should be sampled on leaves of the middle one-third part of E. grandis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Logging residues (slash) constitute an increasingly important source of renewable energy in forested countries, but their intensive extraction can reduce biodiversity. Important research issues include the mitigation potential of reduced logging and slash extraction levels, and their feasibility in production forestry. We performed a comparative study on beetle assemblages in relation to slash extraction practices in Estonia, where silviculture retains higher deadwood amounts than in intensive forestry systems, slash extraction level is ca. 50 %, and final fellings retain at least 5 % of the standing stock. We sampled beetles using flight-interception traps on six pairs of retention cut sites (one conventional and one slash-harvested; average size ca. 2 ha; in three forest site-types). The material comprised 11,948 beetle specimens identified to species level (500 species). Species of conservation concern occurred regularly in all sites, while a total of 18 putative pest species comprised only ca. 3 % of individuals in both treatments. There were no clear influences of slash extraction on species richness, abundance or assemblage composition. The main gradients in the assemblage composition were trapping season and site type; the latter co-varying with tree-species composition and deadwood volumes. We conclude that slash harvesting that retains (depending on forest type) 5-25 m ha of coarse deadwood and 10-35 m ha of fine deadwood neither reduces beetle diversity (at least of highly mobile species in the short term) nor affects pest outbreaks in our study system. To sustain beetle diversity, sufficient deadwood legacies should be supplemented with live-tree retention for a continuous deadwood supply during post-harvest succession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forest cockchafer Melolontha hippocastani is a serious forest pest whose infestation levels have been increasing in South-West Germany since the mid-1980 s. During the past 25 years several control measures have been taken to manage its populations. In 2007 and 2008, 122 and 73 hectares of forest stands comprising of deciduous trees were sprayed with NeemAzal®-T/S (1% azadirachtin A) by helicopter, respectively. Here we summarize the results of the accompanying research with the aim to evaluate the efficacy of NeemAzal®-T/S in the control of M. hippocastani populations under field conditions. As expected from azadirachtin's mode of action, no immediate mortality occurred but maturation feeding and oogenesis was interrupted. It appeared that precise timing of the application is a crucial issue regarding the level of its effect on the population density. In 2007, the first application was performed in good synchrony with the climax of female emergence from the soil, resulting in a remarkable decline of the population density in the next generation of beetles in 2011. In 2008, our data suggest that maturation feeding and oogenesis had already been completed when the agent was sprayed. Hence, no significant decline of the population density could be registered in 2012. Practicability of the use of NeemAzal®-T/S against M. hippocastani in forests is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small visual-decoy-baited traps for the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), have been researched as an alternative to current technologies, but have relied on real beetles rather than synthetic materials. We hypothesized that visual decoys created by three-dimensional (3D) printing can provide such a substitute. Branch traps displaying decoys consisting of real EAB females or 3D-printed decoys were compared to controls without decoys. Traps of the three varieties were placed on neighboring branches along with one ( Z)-3-hexen-1-ol lure per tree and checked daily. Both real and 3D-printed decoys similarly increased EAB trap captures compared to controls. The numbers of both sexes were higher on the decoy-baited traps, but the increase in male captures was more pronounced. Males were also ensnared closer to the decoys than females. Daily trap-capture patterns showed sparse activity of EAB adults before June 18, 2013 followed by a peak in captures of both males and females until June 28, 2013. Beginning at approximately July 1, 2013, there was a second peak of EAB captures, which consisted almost entirely of males caught on the decoy-baited traps. The native ash borer Agrilus subcinctus was found earlier in the season and was also significantly attracted to both the real EABs and the 3D-printed decoys compared with control traps. Four purple prism traps were also deployed concurrently and captures tallied on three different days within the season. The results demonstrate efficacy of a small, inexpensive, and fully synthetic decoy-based branch trap system for EAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Eucalyptus, native to Australia, is the host of psylloid insects such as the red gum lerp psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei, a major Eucalyptus pest introduced into Brazil among other countries. The encyrtid Psyllaephagus bliteus is a primary parasitoid used in the biological control of G. brimblecombei. This study aimed to determine the parasitism of G. brimblecombei by P. bliteus released in eucalyptus plantations. Investigations were carried out in a 19-ha eucalyptus plantation comprised of 9-year-old Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae) in the municipality of Luiz Antônio, São Paulo State, Brazil. Twenty P. bliteus pairs were released at five points in the study area between May and September 2006 and 2007 approximately every 20 days. For evaluation of parasitism, ten leaves per twig were randomly selected and unparasitized nymphs of G. brimblecombei, mummies (parasitized nymphs of G. brimblecombei) and empty mummies (after emergence of P. bliteus adults) were counted on their abaxial and adaxial parts before and after each release of P. bliteus. The parasitism rates of G. brimblecombei in 2006 and 2007 were 0.21-5.92% and 0.28-7.03% in the control; these values rose to 28.28-78.57% and 30.32-79.34%, respectively, in areas involved in parasitoid release. Parasitism levels of G. brimblecombei nymphs in areas with P. bliteus release were affected by the environmental temperature, which is discussed as a potential limitation to the establishment of this parasitoid and to its effectiveness as a biological control agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although climate change frequently has been linked to observed shifts in the distributions or phenologies of species, little is known about the potential effects of varying temperatures on parasitoids and their relationships with hosts. Using the egg parasitoid Oobius agrili (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) we examined host utilization patterns of this species across a range of temperatures (20-35 °C) to explore how changing climate could affect the interaction with its host-the emerald ash borer (EAB) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), a serious invasive forest pest that has killed tens of millions of ash ( Fraxinus spp.) trees in North America. Results from our study showed that the window of host susceptibility to O. agrili parasitism declined significantly from 14.8 to 2.6 days in an inverse second-order relationship with increasing exposure temperatures from 20 to 35 °C. In contrast, parasitoid host attack rate changed in a bell-shaped second-order relationship-i.e., increased with temperatures from 20 to 25 °C, but decreased at about the same rate when temperatures increased from 30 to 35 °C. This range of temperatures also significantly affected the development and mortality of immature parasitoids with 35 °C resulting in 100 % mortality. There was little mortality (0-4.5 %) and no significant differences in the percentage (20.9-34.9 %) of immature O. agrili that entered diapause (as mature larvae) at 20, 25, and 30 °C. However, there were significant differences in the time event of adult wasp emergence within this temperature range. The median time for 50 % of immature O. agrili emerging as adults at 20, 25, and 30 °C were 38, 18, and 17 days after parental wasp oviposition, respectively. Together these findings indicate that the non-linear and unequal temperature effects on these host utilization parameters are likely to result in differential host parasitism rates, and thus could reduce the efficacy of this parasitoid in suppressing host populations due to climate change (global warming and extreme heat). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red gum lerp psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) was first recorded in Brazil in 2003 and since then has caused serious damage in Eucalyptus forests. The damage is mainly due to defoliation, sooty mold and dieback, thus requiring the development of efficient management strategies. The settling and ovipositional preference of G. brimblecombei by species and clones of Eucalyptus were evaluated in free- and no-choice tests. Preliminary tests were done to determine the density of psyllid couples that produced the greatest densities of eggs, leaf position selection for oviposition, and whether oviposition was affected by preimaginal conditioning. Apical leaves were used more frequently for oviposition by the psyllid, and the number of eggs decreased from the apex to the base. The densities of 10 and 15 psyllid couples per seedling produced the highest oviposition. There was no evidence of preimaginal conditioning. In the free-choice test, E. grandis, E. urophylla, VM-1, I-144, C-219 and H-13 were less attractive to G. brimblecombei adults, with H-13, E. grandis and E. urophylla having the least oviposition. In the no-choice test, E. urophylla, GG-100 and E. grandis also demonstrated a lower oviposition, but E. camaldulensis and 3025 were highly susceptible. The low preference for the genotypes E. grandis and E. urophylla suggests the occurrence of a non-preference type resistance against the red gum lerp psyllid. Our results can be utilized for the development of management programs for G. brimblecombei in Eucalyptus forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although invasion of exotic ambrosia beetles (fungus feeders) and bark beetles (phloem feeders) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is considered a major threat to forest health worldwide, no studies have quantitatively investigated the anthropogenic and environmental factors shaping the biogeographical patterns of invasion by these insects across large spatial scales. The primary aim of this study was to assess the relative importance of international trade and several environmental variables of the recipient region on species richness of established exotic Scolytinae. As a reference, we also evaluated the relationships between the same environmental variables and species richness of native Scolytinae. Using an information- theoretic framework for model selection and hierarchical partitioning, we evaluated the relative importance of the potential drivers of species richness of native and exotic Scolytinae in 20 European countries and the 48 contiguous continental US states. Analyses were conducted separately for ambrosia and bark beetle species. Value of imports was a strong predictor of the number of exotic Scolytinae species in both regions. In addition, in the USA, warmer and wetter climate was positively linked to increased numbers of both native and exotic ambrosia beetles. Forest heterogeneity and climatic heterogeneity and secondarily forest area were key drivers in explaining patterns of species richness for native bark beetles but not for exotic species in both regions. Our findings suggest that if current infestation levels continue on imported plants and wood packaging material, increasing international trade will likely lead to more establishments of exotic Scolytinae with concomitant negative effects on forest health in both Europe and the USA. Compared to Europe the risk of invasion appears higher in the USA, especially for ambrosia beetles in the southeastern USA where the climate appears highly suitable for exotic establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking Linkou Forestry Bureau, Heilongjiang Province, China as the demonstration plot and Dendrolimus pinidiatrea as an example, we developed a WebGIS-based information service platform for forest pest forecast using J2EE and ArcGIS Server technology. The service platform is able to predict the occurrence period, amount of pest, occurrence tendency, and pest zones in the B/S environment and realized the display, querying, analysis and editing of the spatial data and the automatically integrated control of multilevel Data. Additionaly, the service platform offers the visualization of geographic service and predicted results. It provides a solution for prediction of forest pest and forest resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of genetic variation within and among 20 European sites infested by the large pine weevil, Hylobius abietis, was analysed using dominant amplified fragment length polymorphism markers. Analysis of molecular variance was performed at the European, regional and local scales. Most of the genetic variability was found within rather than among populations and the global fixation index averaged over loci was low (0.07). We found no evidence of genetic drift, even in relatively isolated sites. This genetic pattern tends to confirm the high dispersal ability of the weevil and the influence of human-mediated expansion of its range through conifer plantations across Europe since the 19th century. Assignment tests demonstrated that the regional forest is a pertinent geographic scale for defining populations in the large pine weevil. Testing the potential influence of the larval host-plant identity (Scot Pine vs Norway Spruce) on the genetic structure revealed a weak but significant effect in two of the three regions tested (in Ardèche and in Limousin but not in Finland). One locus varied with host-plant use in the two French regions, indicating a potential role in host-plant adaptation. However, host-race formation is not observed in H. abietis; we discuss this result in the light of our current knowledge of this insect's biology. Altogether, this study shows that the use of different host plants for development does not constitute a strong barrier to gene flow for H. abietis and confirms the high dispersal ability of this forest pest.Heredity (2006) 97, 46–55. doi:10.1038/sj.hdy.6800837; published online 17 May 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three forest pest species of the genus Rhyacionia Hübner [1825] (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) that are known to damage Pinus species are found in Turkey: R. buoliana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775), R. pinicolana, (Doubleday, 1849) and R. pinivorana (Lienig & Zeller, 1846). R. pinivorana is recorded for the first time from Turkey. R. pinicolana, first recorded in 1999, is now reported for the second time from Turkey. Photographs are presented of adult males and their genitalia of all taxa and the species distribution is shown on a map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Belgium, the current distribution and abundance of Xylosandrus germanus (Coleoptera, Scolytidae), a relatively new species to the Belgian fauna, is poorly known. Therefore, data on the range and population levels of this ambrosia beetle, on a regional and local scale respectively, are presented. Based on those results, the beetles’ range is discussed. Among the analysed biotic and abiotic factors that could influence the species’ settlement and population levels, climatic ones, and temperature in particular, seem to exert a crucial influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]