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The goji berry psyllid, Bactericera gobica Logniova (Homoptera: Psyllidae), is one of the most important pests on goji berry plants (Lycium barbarum L.), whose fruits are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and food. However, chemical control is still the predominant control strategy of this pest. Recently, two species of predatory mites, Neoseiulus setarius Ma, Meng & Fan and Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes were found to be associated with B. gobica in China. To assess their predation potential against B. gobica, the functional responses of these two phytoseiid species feeding on different densities (2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 and 32 individuals) of B. gobica eggs and 1st instar nymphs were compared at a temperature of 25ºC ± 1º C. Logistic regression analysis revealed that both predatory mite species exhibited type Holling-II functional responses on eggs and 1st instar nymphs of B. gobica, with the predation number increased for both predators as the density of prey increased. Overall, N. setarius consumed more prey compared to N. barkeri across all levels of prey densities. Meanwhile, the highest attack rate (α = 0.0283), the lowest handling time (Th = 1.1324 h prey− 1), and the highest estimated maximum predation rate (T/Th = 21.19 prey day− 1) were all observed for N. setarius fed with 1st instar nymphs of B. gobica. These findings suggest that it is worthy considering utilizing N. setarius and N. barkeri as candidate biocontrol agents of B. gobica, with N. setarius appearing to be a more effective predator than N. barkeri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed- mustard is an important source of edible oil but vulnerable to attack by various insect pests. More than three dozen insect pests are known to be related with rapeseed mustard crop in India. Among them, mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) is a major pest on rapeseed-mustard. Bio-efficacy of PAU homemade neem extract (PAU HMNE) @ 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 L ha−1 along with standard check, Actara (thiamethoxam 25 WG) @ 100 g ha−1 was tested against L. erysimi on gobhi sarson under organic farming conditions. All treatments were applied twice, first when aphid population reached at economic threshold level, ETL (50–60 aphids per 10 cm terminal portion of the central shoot of plant) and second after 7 days of first spray. Water spray and untreated control were kept for the comparison purpose. Three replications were kept for all the treatments. Aphid incidence was recorded on 10 cm terminal portion of central shoot from 10 randomly selected tagged plants per plot. On pooled mean basis, Actara 25 WG @ 100 g ha−1 was found to be most effective against mustard aphid offering highest per cent reduction over control (PROC) viz. 85.01- 94.67 and 83.75–89.66% during 2020–21 and 2021–22, respectively, but it also registered highest predators' mortality. In contrast, a locally prepared neem extract, PAU HMNE @ 10.0 L ha−1 was next to record high PROC, i.e., 37.44 to 48.28% and 43.57 to 50.06% in 2020–21 and 2021–22, respectively, and highest predators' population. A highest seed yield of mustard (14.80 and 16.85 q ha−1) was marked in Actara 25 WG @ 10.0 L followed by PAU HMNE @ 10.0 L (13.83 and 16.24 q ha−1) over the untreated control plots with lowest seed yield (11.30 and 14.60 q ha−1) in 2020–21 and 2021–22, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic borne pollutants negatively affect organisms. This study aimed to determine the impact of traffic pollution on Auchenorrhyncha species and their usage as biomonitor for metal pollution. The study was carried out in the cherry orchard near the Amasya-Samsun D100/E80 motorway in Amasya, Türkiye. Metal concentrations in specimens tended to decrease with the increasing distance from the motorway. Significant variations were determined in some metal concentrations based on distance from the motorway. The maximum and minimum metal concentrations were obtained from 0 to 100 m, respectively. Negative relationships were determined between distance from the motorway and Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb concentrations in Arboridia versuta (Melichar, 1897), and Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb concentrations in Psammotettix provincialis (Ribaut, 1925). Metals were accumulated in the body of specimens. Therefore, it is thought that Auchenorrhyncha species may be used as a biomonitor for metal pollution due to their high metal concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is the most devastating insect-pest in cotton crop. It is vector of the cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV) and is responsible for huge losses to cotton industry in Pakistan and worldwide. It is mainly controlled by insecticides but the injudicious use of insecticides has resulted in insecticide resistance and population resurgence in addition to various harmful effects on the humans, non-target organisms and the environment. Transgenerational studies are very helpful to choose a best insecticidal option. In the current study, age-stage two-sex life table analysis was used to identify transgenerational effects of sublethal doses of afidopyropen. The adults of B. tabaci were treated with three concentrations of afidopyropen i.e., LC10, LC30 and LC50. The results indicated significant changes in the progeny i.e. the fecundity decreased in treated population; and female and male longevity of their progeny were more in control as compared to treated populations. Similarly, population parameters like intrinsic rate of growth (r), net reproductive rate (R0) and limiting rate of growth (λ) were significantly decreased in the treated adult progeny with values of 0.08–0.11, 4.85–7.46 and 1.09–1.12 per day, respectively. Based on the reduced biotic potential, afidopyropen can be suggested as an effective alternative option for the management of B. tabaci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), is a global pest of cotton crops. The whitefly causes severe damage to plants both directly and indirectly due to its high dispersal ability, small size, and high reproductive potential. Besides all the possible factors regarding the outbreak of whitefly populations, the major one is widespread use of insecticides, which not only cause resistance development in whiteflies but also cause mortality in beneficial insects. This study reports the integration of the insecticidal crude protein extracted from Citrullus colocynthis seed, Citrullus colocynthis fruit, Azadirachta indica leaves, Azadirachta indica seed, and insecticidal crude protein of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against Bemisia tabaci mitotype Asia II-1 under lab conditions. After 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, mortality percentage was recorded. Leaf dip bioassay method were used. Citrullus colocynthis seed crude protein + A. indica seed crude protein determined the highest rate of mortality (86.3 ± 1.66%) and (82.3 ± 1.66%), followed by C. colocynthis seed crude protein + B. bassiana crude protein (83.3 ± 1.66%) and (80.6 ± 2.88%), and C. colocynthis seed crude protein + A. indica leaf crude protein (80.3 ± 2.88%) and (78.3 ± 1.66%), respectively, after 96 h against the adult and nymphal instars of whitefly mitotype Asia II-1 under control condition. This study would help in the application of integration of plant crude protein and entomopathogenic fungi crude protein as alternative techniques for management of B. tabaci in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species Diplocolenus (Verdanulus) stepposussp. n. with a Ponto-Kazakhstanian steppe distribution is described. The species is monophagous on the Volga fescue Festuca valesiaca (Poaceae). Arguments in support of the distinctness of the subgenus Verdanulus are given. Some morphological transformations of the male genitalia in the genus Diplocolenus as a whole are discussed. It is hypothesized that the subgenera Diplocolenus s. str. and Verdanus Oman spread into the Nearctic independently and at different times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dove tree (Davidia involucrata Baill.) is a famous ornamental tree species. As a relic species from the Tertiary, it has strong resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. However, extensive curling leaves and necrosis have been observed in the dove trees distributed in the Badagong Mountain Nature Reserve since 2020. The symptom is caused by the parasitism of an insect surrounded by foam. The insect selectively parasitizes on the lower surface of the dove tree leaves, leading to leaf necrosis, thus threatens the survival of juvenile plants. Morphological characters of the insect indicated that it belongs to the Cercopidae family of Homoptera, and molecular markers identified it as Mesoptyelus nigrifrons. To our knowledge, this species, as well as other species of the Cercopidae family, has not been reported to live in areas above 700 m altitude. This is the first report of Mesoptyelus nigrifrons predominantly parasitizing the dove tree in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus, Leptofloriagen. n., is erected; its type species Delphax leptosoma Flor, 1861 was previously placed in the genus Florodelphax Vilbaste, 1968 with the type species Delphax paryphasma Flor, 1861. Delphax paryphasma is returned to the genus Struebingianella W. Wagner, 1963; thus, Florodelphax is synonymized with this genus, and a new synonymy is established: Struebingianella W. Wagner, 1963 = Florodelphax Vilbaste, 1968, syn. n. Two new subgenera are described in the genus Unkanodes Fennah, 1956: Parapatesubgen. n. with the type species Calligypona latespinosa Dlabola, and Pliapatesubgen. n. with the type species Elymodelphax tanasijevici Dlabola. New species Thymalops erianthisp. n. from Middle Asia and Eurysa lugubrissp. n. from Middle Asia and the Caucasus are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nowadays, instead of chemicals, using microbial pesticides is very important and significant to protect the environment. Verticillium lecanii (Z), the entomopathogenic fungus, is widely used for management of many pests. The aim of this work is to determine whether the small leafhopper, Empoasca flavescens F. (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), can be exterminated only by biopesticide—V. lecanii or not. Results: After spraying with diluted suspension of V. lecanii spores on the small leafhopper, E. flavescens, the effects of infection and reinfection in accordance with the time, spore density and growth stage of the small leafhoppers were studied. When E. flavescens was sprayed with over 1.25 × 108 spores/ml of diluted suspension of fungal spores indoors, the reduction % was over 80% after 5 days and the decrease of imagoes was higher than that of larvae. Outdoors, E. flavescens was reduced by 50% for 3 years after treatment, while the reduction % was about 90% by reinfection year by year. Conclusion: Ninety percentages of E. flavescens on peach trees can be effectively exterminated in 2 years by spraying the diluted suspension of V. lecanii spore, and no chemical pesticides are needed for the control of E. flavescens in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipaphis erysimi (Lipaphis erysimi erysimi and Lipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae) group, often known as the mustard or turnip aphid, is one of the most devastating specialist aphid of Rapeseed-mustard, causing yield losses of 9 to 96%. This study was carried out with a goal of precisely identifying the dominant specialist aphid of Rapeseed-mustard and to address the issues such as genetic differentiation from different Rapeseed-mustard growing regions covering all the six zones of India. The dendrogram, Principal component analysis (PCA) and phylogenetic relationships revealed that populations of Jorhat (North Eastern India) were highly diverged. Phylogenetic relationship produced by Tamura 3-parameter with Gamma distribution (T92 + G) model using mtCOI demonstrated the presence of L. e. pseudobrassicae in all of the surveyed locations in India including Chintapalli (Andhra Pradesh) a Southern India, where it was reported for the first time. Neutrality tests viz. Tajima and Fisher test supported neutral theory of evolution. Furthermore, our findings in mapping the distribution of L. e. pseudobrassicae in various locations will pave the way for future research and the development of area-wide management tactics for L. e. pseudobrassicae in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies were conducted to find out settling response and bionomics of canola aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae on five different canola varieties viz. Atlex-161, Bulbul, Rainbow-161, Shiralee and Takwara-161 and five lines viz. DN-1, DN-3, DN-4, DN-5 and DN-6 at constant laboratory conditions and to find out the potential of predator, Chrysoperla carnea against B. brassicae infesting canola crop under field conditions. The results indicated that DN-5 and DN-6 were least attracted whereas; DN-1 and Altex-161 were found as the most attracted varieties and lines for B. brassicae. The shortest developmental duration of nymphal instars was found on DN-1 and Altex-161. The pre reproductive period was significantly longest (1.50 days) on DN-3 and shortest (0.66 days) on Bulbul. The reproductive period was maximum (18.51 and 18.34 days) on DN-1 and Bulbul with no-significant difference. The minimum reproductive period of 8.76 days was recorded on DN-5. Total progeny produced by the aphids during the life time was highest (34) when fed on DN-1, followed by Altex-161 with 30.71 nymphs. Aphids reared on DN-6 were unable to reproduce. Maximum infestation of aphids was recorded in control plot (36.87) whereas, minimum infestation was found in T4 (17.22) where maximum number of C. carnea egg cards were installed. Similarly, maximum number of C. carnea was also recovered from T4. The use of resistant varieties and predator, C. carnea is recommended for the timely and safer management of canola aphid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition, insecticide-induced hormesis, a biphasic phenomenon, can contribute to pest resurgence. The cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora (Koch) (Homoptera: Aphididae), is a vital insect that infests legume crops. Its hormesis of flupyradifurone has not been previously established. Age-stage two-sex life analysis is used to investigate the sublethal and transgenerational effects of flupyradifurone on two successive generations of A. craccivora. A leaf-dip bioassay method revealed high toxicity of flupyradifurone against A. craccivora, with lethal concentration 50% value (LC50) of 1.82 mg L−1 after 48 h exposure. Treatment of parent generation (F0) with LC10 and LC25 of flupyradifurone significantly increased the longevity and fecundity of the directly exposed adults. The results of transgenerational effects showed that the treatment of (F0) with LC25 induced significant hormetic effects in progeny generation (F1). Furthermore, flupyradifurone at LC25 significantly enhanced the biological traits, such as intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (R0) compared with the control. Similarly, both LC10 and LC25 induced a significant increase in the mean generation time T (d). Conversely, both treatments caused a significant decrease in the doubling time (DT). Data in the present study demonstrate that the exposure of (F0) to flupyradifurone at LC10 and LC25 enhanced longevity and fecundity in the directly exposed adults of A. craccivora, and induced transgenerational hormesis across the subsequent (F1) generation. These results should be taken into consideration when using flupyradifurone for controlling cowpea aphid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is a sporadic pest of cotton and several other agricultural crops. The expansion of insecticide resistance has compelled the assessment of chemically novel insecticides. Therefore, the lethal effects of systemic insecticides, flonicamid 50 WG (pyridincarboxamide) and spirotetramat 240 SC (ketoenole) were assessed against different life stages (egg, nymph, pupae and adult) of B. tabaci in the laboratory. The sublethal effects of these insecticides in relation to life table parameters of B. tabaci were also investigated. Spirotetramat was most effective against all nymphal instars and pupae but was relatively less toxic against adult stage of B. tabaci compared to flonicamid. Whereas, flonicamid was highly effective against adult, less effective against nymph and least effective against pupae in comparison to the efficacy of spirotetramat. Flonicamid and spirotetramat possessed weak ovicidal potential at all different tested concentrations. LC50 values (72.96, 76.14 and 85.51 ppm) revealed two-fold toxicity of spirotetramat as compared to LC50 values (123.40, 133.43 and 178.56 ppm) of flonicamid against 1st, 2nd and 3rd instar-nymph, respectively. Flonicamid was 54 folds more toxic against B. tabaci adults with LC50 value of 3.99 ppm than that of spirotetramat (218.36 ppm). With sublethal concentration of flonicamid and spirotetramat, the intrinsic rate of increase of population per day (r = 0.080 and 0.093, respectively) and estimated finite rate of increase in population (λ = 1.083 and 1.097, respectively) were considerably decreased than control (r = 0.157 and λ = 1.170). However, the values of life table parameters (r and λ) were significantly smaller after exposure of flonicamid than spirotetramat. The net reproductive rate (R0= offspring/ female) and mean generation time (T = days) of female B. tabaci were significantly reduced (7.085 and 21.03, respectively) with spirotetramat than those of flonicamid (40.88 and 46.11, respectively). Flonicamid extended the developmental duration of immature stages and the emergence of female and male (sxj: 34 and 39 days, respectively) compared to Spirotetramat. Spirotetramat significantly decreased the rate of age stage survival (lx), age-stage specific fecundity (fxj), age-specific fecundity (mx) and age-specific maternity (lxmx) compared to flonicamid and control treatment. The male and female treated with spirotetramat survived (life expectancy: exj) longer (47 and 37 days, respectively) than flonicamid (26 and 12 days, respectively). The least vxj reproductive curve for females was observed with spirotetramat (11.83) at 16th day compared with control (24.46) at 16th day and the highest with flonicamid (66.50) at 35th day of age. This study is the first stride towards establishing a scientific base for the efficient use of tested insecticides for pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Homoptera; Aleyrodidae) is one of the utmost destructive pests of field crops. The insect has developed resistance against synthetic pesticides due to repeated and undiscerning usage of pesticides having same mode of action. Solicitation of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (NPs) from Azadirachta indica extract is an emerging biological nanotechnology. It could prove to be a better substitute to synthetic pesticides for the proficient management of B. tabaci. The current study was premeditated for assessment of entomocidal impact of green synthesized silver NPs for the effective control of various life stages of B. tabaci under controlled conditions. Synthesis of the NPs was being done through standard protocols and surface morphology was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Results revealed that silver nano formulation at 1200 ppm proved the most effective (41.11, 71.11, 80 and 82.22%) reduction in whitefly 3rd instar nymphs after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of the post-treatment, respectively as compared to other concentrations of silver NPs used. The same concentration of silver NPs was also the most effective against adult population of whitefly, resulted in 37.77, 67.78, 76.66 and 77.77% suppression afterward 24, 48, 72 and 96 h application respectively. Rest of the concentrations gave the lower results. The LC50 data indicated that LC50 = 411.054 ppm concentration were required to kill the 50% of test population of 3rd instar nymphs of whitefly while LC50 = 465.331 ppm were required to kill the 50% of adult population of whitefly after 96 h exposure time. The assimilation of nanoparticles impregnated with biopesticides can be a best option to make the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of whitefly successful leading to boost up the worth and value of cotton crop in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arguments by P. Pesson and S. Singh on the homology of the clypeus and labrum in Coccina are supported. The labrum rudiment at the apex of the anteclypeus in coccids and reduction of lora in Margarodidae s. l. are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius L. (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Aphrophoridae), is the main vector of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca strain ST53, the causal agent of the Olive Quick Decline Syndrome. Philaenus spumarius and other Auchenorrhyncha are known to communicate via vibrations, whereas the possible occurrence of semiochemical communication has been poorly investigated so far. Through a chemical ecology approach, we provide evidence of intraspecific chemical communication in P. spumarius. In Y-tube olfactometer bioassays, males were attracted to unmated females as well as toward the headspace volatile extracts collected from unmated females. Conversely, females did not respond to unmated male volatiles or their extracts, nor did males and females respond to volatiles from individuals of the same sex. Electroantennography assays of unmated male and female headspace extracts elicited measurable responses in the antennae of both sexes. Male responses to body wash extracts from both sexes were stronger compared to female responses. Thus, suggesting the presence of compounds that are highly detected by the male's olfactory system. The female head seemed to be the source of such compounds. This is the first record of intraspecific chemical communication in P. spumarius and one of the very few records in Auchenorrhyncha. Possible biological roles are under investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abandonment of insecticide treatments to achieve sustainable crop production calls for a combination of methods to obtain satisfactory pest control. To this end, net houses and biological control are two promising methods, though we suspected that most natural enemies are blocked outside the net houses. In Kenya, tomato crops are particularly threatened by Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood 1856) and Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) that are targets of most insecticide treatments in this country. We investigated in an on-farm experiment (i) the abundances of T. vaporariorum and T. absoluta in open fields and in net houses, (ii) the diversity of arthropod natural enemies of these pests, and (iii) the effect of net houses on the natural regulation. To complete, in the laboratory, we checked the capacity of natural enemies to pass through different net types. We identified several natural enemies, mainly the mirid bug Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter 1895) that was the most abundant predator for both pests. One parasitoid species was also identified for each pest, i.e. Encarsia formosa Gahan (1924) and Copidosoma sp. for T. vaporariorum and T. absoluta respectively. Net houses reduced drastically the pest populations. Predators were less abundant under net houses, while parasitoids did not seem to be affected by the nets. Encarsia formosa was shown to be able to pass through the different net types, while N. tenuis adults were not. These results raise the potential for augmentative biological control under net houses. Using kairomones to attract natural enemies, or introducing natural enemies under the net houses through inoculative releases, are two approaches to increase the abundance of natural enemies under net houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosicha mangiferae (Green) (Homoptera: Margarodidae) is sucking, polyphagous, highly fecund and destructive insect pest of mango, citrus, guava, and plum java. Control of this pest in citrus orchards is dependent upon use of insecticide from several groups which might reduce the efficacy of several chemicals. In this study, we have generated the baseline toxicity data of ten formulated insecticides viz., deltamethrin, bifenthrin, fenpropathrin, methidathion, chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, spirotetramat, and flonicamid against adult females of D. mangiferae by conducting leaf-dip bioassays in the laboratory, over the period of consecutive three years from 2017–2019 in order to assess the susceptibility status of field collected populations from citrus orchard of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. Results showed that bifenthrin, thiamethoxam, spirotetramat and flonicamid exhibited higher toxicities to D. mangiferae adult females owing to very low LC50 values. Significantly larger LC50 values were obtained for all other insecticides such as deltamethrin, fenpropathrin, methidathion, chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid, and imidacloprid which indicated that these insecticides showed comparatively lower toxicities. It can be concluded that insecticides with very low LC50 values should be incorporated in the management program of D. mangiferae to increase control efficiency and minimize the resistance development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), has become a key pest of transgenic cotton crop in Pakistan. As insecticides are losing effectiveness, there is dire need to work on microbial and bioinsecticides for early season management of whitefly. The current study was designed for the evaluation of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae and synthetic insecticides against whitefly to find out their effectiveness under laboratory and field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, significantly higher mortality (74-84%) was observed in treatments of synthetic insecticides (spirotetramat, flonicamid, pyriproxyfen and buprofezin) and bioinsecticides (Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae) against laboratory reared whitefly populations. However, when applied against whitefly at three locations under field conditions, these products (insecticides and entomopathogenic fungi) reduced the population ranging from 14-63% for nymphs and 16-62% for adults of whitefly. Synthetic insecticides, insect growth regulators (spirotetramat and pyriproxyfen) were found effective as nymphicidal action, whereas flonicamid and diafenthiuron were better as adulticidal action. Bioinsecticides showed the least effectiveness under the field conditions. This study is the first report of field evaluation from Pakistan and would help in application of entomopathogenic fungi as alternative technique for pest management in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic resistance in rice through native traits is an important tactic to manage Brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Staal (Homoptera: Delphacidae) which is one of the most dreaded pests in the farmer's field causing serious crop losses. Many sources of resistance, both from cultivated and wild accessions, are known with almost 36 resistance genes mapped to different chromosomes through phenotypic and genotypic selections. A majority of resistance genes identified are effective for BPH biotypes prevailing in Southeast Asia and China. For South Asia, very few BPH resistance genes are effective but without their utilization for the development of commercial hybrids and varieties. A new source of resistance HSPP 6417 has been identified in the present paper, which displayed resistance to 11 populations of BPH collected from different rice ecologies of India. The new source HSPP 6417 had an adverse effect on the population dynamics of BPH by inhibiting the population build-up on the plants. The resistance of HSPP 6417 was equivalent to the only source of resistance in India, G7253 used to develop a commercial rice hybrid AZ8433 DT. On crossing HSPP 6417 with other prolific restorer lines of the commercial hybrids, the major genes were found to control its modes of inheritance. Field trials with F4 generation revealed that resistance was stable with good agronomic performance under infestations. The implications of using such a source of resistance for developing BPH resistant hybrids are discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Journal of Tropical Insect Science (Int J Trop Insect Sci) is a peer-reviewed journal established in 1980 to promote insect science mainly in the tropics. This study aimed to provide a Bibliometric overview of Int J Trop Insect Sci publications and citations between 2012 and 2020, ending September 2020. A sample of 488 documents extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) was analysed using widely used bioclimatic indicators. The articles were written by 1726 authors. During this period, the most productive authors comprised S Roy, followed by S Ekesi, S Subramanian and M Tamo. The dominant keyword was 'resistance', followed by 'Homoptera'. India took a leading position in Single Country Publications (SCP) while Kenya took the lead in Multiple Country Publications (MCP). Bibliometric analysis reveals vibrant collaboration between African and Western countries and active publication of multi-country authored articles. We conclude that there is an increasing trend for collaboration among different countries on the general topic of insect science. Research in insect science has the potential to impact both academic researchers and practitioners the knowledge use chain. This study will help researchers, journal editors, science policy makers managers, and others working in the biodiversity space and potential research gaps needing for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead, was first reported in Ethiopia in 2010 from mango orchards belonging to "RAJ Agro Industry Loko Mango Farm", formerly named as "Green Focus Ethiopia LTD". White mango scales were monitored for the presence of natural enemies at three study sites in western Oromia and Assosa zone of Benishangul-Gumuze Regional State. Specimens of A. tubercularis, its predators, and its parasitoids were identified via DNA sequencing. DNA sequences of the COI gene of all Ethiopian scales sampled were identical and confirmed as a single haplotype of A. tubercularis. Three predators of A. tubercularis were recovered. These included two Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), Rhizobius lopanthe (Blaisdell) and, a species of Platynaspis, and a third unidentified beetle species from the family Nitidulidae.DNA sequences of the parasitoid specimens identified two species of Encarsia, E. lounsburyi Berlese & Paoli and E. citrina Craw (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). These natural enemies were identified for the first time as resident natural enemies of A. tubercularis in Ethiopia. During specimen collection, the newly associated adults and larvae of the predators were found feeding voraciously on live A. tubercularis. The parasitoids were found parasitizing all stages of sessile A. tubercularis. The novel association of resident predators and parasitoid wasps with A. tubercularis has likely developed recently in Ethiopia. Future work will help determine if the resident natural enemy complex can be used for conservation biological control of A. tubercularis, to improve cost-effective pest management of this exotic insect pest in Ethiopia, along with other compatible control options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton production is affected by various insect-pests attack. Among the insect pests, sucking pests impose serious crop damage. In sucking pests, the leafhopper Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida), considered as a severe pest. Cultivation of susceptible hybrids and reduction in conventional insecticide applications wreak havoc of sucking pest problem. Up to 50% yield losses been reported for the pest leafhopper alone. Host plant resistance is an important component of integrated pest management strategy for leafhopper resistance. Identification of sources of resistance is way to minimize yield losses. In this study, 54 genotypes along resistant check (NDLH1938) and susceptible check (DCH32) screened for resistance in field. Based on initial resistance evaluation studies at field level, 21 genotypes were selected for further studies such as host preference studies and nymphal emergence studies in greenhouse and host plant resistance by pest infestation evaluation in field. In field screening, nine genotypes namely AKH1355, GISV 216, AKH 2012–8, GSHV 173, GISV 267, AKH 1301, GSHV 171, NDLH 2010 and AKH 2006–2 constantly showed resistance on par with resistant check (NDLH1938). Both host preference studies and nymphal emergence tests identified seven genotypes RS 2711, GISV 267, LHDP 1, AKH 1355, RS 2765, F 2164, and GISV 216, which performed on par with resistant check. Leaf anatomical parameters like distance from the lower epidermis to phloem, thickness of phloem bundle are major obstacles for stylet penetration and affect the feeding of leafhoppers. However, leaf thickness, which facilitates the insect to feed easily, succulent nature of such thick leaves preferred by the insects. Biochemical profiles revealed that higher level of chlorophyll, nitrogen, protein and amino acids favors the leafhopper infestation. In contrast, phenol compound act as feeding deterrent, as most of the resistant genotypes showed higher level of phenol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the risk posed by the imminent invasion of Xylella fastidiosa in Mediterranean countries, scientific focus has shifted towards studies on the ecology of the bacteria's potential vectors belonging to the Auchenorrhyncha suborder. In order to gain knowledge regarding the management of this pest,it is essential to evaluate the potential impact of Auchenorrhyncha weed hosts and their population composition on the ecology of these species. Under this light, the relationship between Auchenorrhyncha species abundance and composition and wild plant species of a citrus orchard in central Greece (Attica) was studied. The orchard was divided in two sections based on weed management treatments: one with weeds being removed by mowing and the other without any weed treatment. Yellow sticky traps, replaced in a weekly basis, were installed in each orchard section while a migration Malaise trap was installed in the border of the two sections. Additional sampling from different weed species and citrus trees using an entomological net was carried out weekly. Results showed that the presence of weeds (especially those belonging to the Poaceae family), affected both auchenorrhynchan insect diversity and population levels. A marked preference of insects for weed plants compared with citrus trees was observed with the later plants usually being visited only after weed removal. The implications of the above observation on weed management as a means of controlling potential Xylella fastidiosa vectors belonging to the auchenorrhynchan species was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apricot aphid, Myzus mumecola (Matsumura) (Homoptera: Aphididae), was recorded as a new pest of apricot in Hungary in the spring of 2020. Identification was based on morphological and genetical (mitochondrial COI region) characteristics. M. mumecola most likely arrived in Hungary in the last 2–3 years and has quickly become a widespread pest causing significant damage to young apricot trees. Colony development, damage and differences in susceptibility between cultivars are described. The presence of Plum pox virus in M. mumecola samples was detected, and all isolates belonged to the PPV-D subgroup. Illustrations of the most important diagnostic characters of M. mumecola are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus, Ptorthusgen. n. with the type species Ptorthus kermanicussp. n., is described from Iran (Fars Province), and Adolenda marusikisp. n., from India (Uttar Pradesh State, Himalaya). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitebacked planthopper, Sogatella furcifera Horvath (Homoptera: Delphacidae) is a migratory and very serious pest of rice crop in Pakistan. The experiment was carried out to study the population dynamics by capturing Whitebacked planthopper (WBPH) in light traps and its association with abiotic factors (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall). Population dynamics was monitored using light traps installed in four rice growing districts viz., Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Narowal and Bahawalnagar of Punjab province in Pakistan. Results revealed that mostly population of WBPH started to appear on traps during first week of September and peak population of WBPH recorded in 2nd and 3rd week of October with a decline started in the end of November. Weather variables shown significant relationship with WBPH population dynamics. Rainfall showed positive increased influence synchronization with pest population in light traps. The correlation data exhibited positive correlation of WBPH population on light trap with relative humidity in September. Minimum temperature disclosed significant and negative association with WBPH population in October. Results of the present investigation suggest that weather variables significantly affected the population dynamics of S. furcifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. is a major pest of cruciferous crops all over the world. The population dynamics of the pest is highly influenced by weather factors. A field study was carried out in 2018/19 at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center (DZARC) to determine the role of weather factors on cabbage aphid population dynamics. Four brassica crops namely Ethiopian Kale, head Cabbage, Cauliflower and Broccoli were planted on two different dates at fifteen days interval. Results revealed that, maximum aphid population of 164.7 ± 2.93 and 70.2 ± 2.64 aphid/ inch2 leaf area were recorded on the date 15/12/2018, on late planted kale and head cabbage crops, respectively. The highest mean infestation for all tested crops (22.77aphids/inch2 leaf area) was observed on late planted crops as compared to 0.82 aphids/inch2 leaf area on early plantings. Accordingly, early planted crops were 96.4% safer than late planted crops for aphid infestations. Correlation analysis showed that, the maximum temperature had a significant influence on aphid population specifically on kale crop (r = 0.676, p = 0.032). Although, the relative humidity, minimum and average temperature, rainfall and wind speed has shown none significant correlation with aphid population growth. There was variation in aphid population, crop preference and infestation peak in relation to weather factors. In general, during the experiment higher aphid population was observed on kale crop when the maximum temperature and relative humidity were < 26.750C and 72%, respectively. This study provided information on time of initial infestation and also the peak activity of the particular insect in relation to temperature. Therefore, the population peak timing reported in this study (45th SMW) is useful as a critical infestation period for scheduling cabbage aphid management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gesunde Pflanzen is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The status of the sugarcane scale Melanaspis glomerata (Green) (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in an international collection of Saccharum spontaneum L., maintained as a part of world sugarcane germplasm at the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute Research Centre, Kannur, Kerala state, India, was examined in 2016 and 2017. The scale appeared in May coinciding with cane formation and the infestation started increasing during the post-monsoon period (September–December) which continued until harvest (January). Scale infestation varied widely among the accessions of S. spontaneum in the two experimental years. Infestation rates (cane basis) were significantly higher in 2017 than in 2016. Infestation rate and intensity (internode basis) were positively correlated in 2017. When the 79 accessions examined were grouped into three categories on the basis of higher infestation rate in the two study years, 21 (26.6%) were placed in least susceptible, 38 (48.1%) in moderately susceptible and 20 (25.3%) in highly susceptible categories. The highest infestation rate (100.00%) was recorded in the accession US 56–10-14 and lowest (2.94%) in SES 106B; two accessions, namely SH 61–4-1 and SH 61–4-3 were totally free from infestation. Non-parametric analysis of infestation parameters indicated higher intensity in foreign than Indian accessions. Plant height was positively and number of internodes negatively correlated with infestation rate in the low infestation year (2016). Also, infestation rate (2016) was significantly higher in accessions with inconspicuous wax band than those with prominent wax band; intensity (2017) was significantly highest in accessions with conoid internode shape in comparison with cylindrical and obovate shapes. However, canopy and leaf characteristics did not influence attack rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Homoptera: Liviidae) is an important vector of citrus Huanglongbing, a serious threat to the development of citrus industry in China. Studies on the reproductive behavior of D. citri could contribute to understanding the crucial time to centrally control D. citri adults. The latest research results on the reproductive behavior of D. citri in recent years were reviewed, including the behaviors and mechanisms of the location and recognition of conspecific adults, mating choices, mating, and oviposition. The relationship between reproductive and flight behaviors and the rhythm of flight needs further study to explore the infestation regularity of D. citri and provide helpful information to develop integrated pest management strategies. It is expected that the review of reproductive behavior of D. citri will provide reference for scientific research, population monitoring, and comprehensive management of D. citri in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate (OP) pesticide, possess broad-spectrum insecticidal activity against Lepidoptera, Diptera, Homoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, and Hemiptera. Organophosphate pesticides have acute neurotoxicity because they suppress acetylcholine esterase (AChE) which regulates the enzyme of neurotransmitters by reducing acetylcholine concentration at synaptic junctions. On exposure to OP, AChE is inactivated and leads to accumulation of acetylcholine in the junction. Moreover, due to their persistence nature they biomagnify at different food chain levels. In the present study, a newly isolated indigenous bacterial strain Tistrella sp. AUC10 was exploited for its ability to degrade chlorpyrifos pesticide. The isolate completely degrades (99.86%) chlorpyrifos. The degraded metabolites of chlorpyrifos by Tistrella sp. AUC10 were identified by GC–MS analysis. Based on the GC–MS analysis, a putative pathway of degradation of chlorpyrifos by Tistrella sp. AUC10 has been proposed. It emulsified various hydrocarbons and also confirms biosurfactant production on CTAB agar. This study is the first report on elucidation of the mechanism of degradation of chlorpyrifos by Tistrella sp. Furthermore, phytotoxicity studies of the parent compound and the biodegraded chlorpyrifos products revealed drastic reduction in the toxicity of metabolites as compared to the parent chlorpyrifos. This implies that the biodegraded metabolites of chlorpyrifos are of non-toxic nature. This study thus indicates the efficacy of Tistrella sp. AUC10 for the treatment of chlorpyrifos contaminated agricultural fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and its fruit possess sociocultural, health and economic importance in Middle East. The date palm plantations are prone to Dubas bug (DB; Ommatissus lybicus DeBergevin; Homoptera: Tropiduchidae) attacks that severely damages the tree's growth and reduces fruit production. However, the transcriptome related datasets are not known to understand how DB activates physiological and gene regulatory mechanisms during infestation. Hence, we performed RNA-Seq of leaf infected with or without DB to understand the molecular responses of date palm seedlings. Before doing that, we noticed that DB infestation significantly increase superoxide anion and malondialdehyde production to two-folds as compared to healthy control. Stress-responsive genes such as proline transporter 2, NADP-dependent glyceraldehyde and superoxide dismutase were found significantly upregulated in infected seedlings. The infection repercussions were also revealed by significantly higher contents of endogenous phytohormonal signaling of jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) compared with control. These findings persuaded to dig out intrinsic mechanisms and gene regulatory networks behind DB infestation to date palm by RNA-Seq analysis. Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of 6,919 genes and down-regulation of 2,695 genes in leaf during the infection process. The differentially expressed genes were mostly belongs to cellular functions (calcium and MAPK), phytohormones (auxin, gibberellins, abscisic acid, JA and SA), and secondary metabolites (especially coumarinates and gossypol). The data showed that defense responses were aggravated by gene networks involved in hypersensitive responses (PAR1, RIN4, PBS1 etc.). In conclusion, the results revealed that date palm's leaf up-regulates both cellular and phytohormonal determinants, followed by intrinsic hypersensitive responses to counter infestation process by Dubas bug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among all the insect pests, brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) (Homoptera: Delphacidae) is one of the most destructive pests of rice causing severe yield losses. In this study, an attempt was made to map QTL associated with resistance to BPH using a RIL (F7) population derived from the cross Swarna/PTB33 using standard seedling seedbox screening technique (SSST) at seedling stage, modified mass tiller screening (MMTS) at tillering stage and field screening (FS) at vegetative and reproductive stages in three replications. The mean damage score values of mapping population evaluated for BPH resistance in SSST (score 4.4), MMTS (score 4.1) and FS (score 4.6) methods were showed significantly higher resistance than the recipient parent Swarna (Score 9). Out of 327 SSR markers, 105 markers revealed polymorphism between the parents. QTL analysis detected 4 major QTL on chromosomes 1, 6 and 12 and 2 minor QTL on chromosome 3 and 6 derived from PTB33. Among 4 QTL detected QBph6.1 (RM7158-RM19606), QBph6.3 (RM402-RM276) and QBph12.1 (RM28378-RM28427) were associated with high phenotypic variance and tightly linked markers which enable their practical utility in marker assisted selection. The results indicate phenotypic analysis at sensitive stage (maximum tillering to soft dough stage) of crop growth for BPH resistance would help in improving the efficiency of QTL detection and efficient introgression of these QTL's into elite rice cultivars, an important approach to develop stable resistance to BPH and in understanding the quantitative resistance to BPH in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L. Walp) is an important grain legume for human and livestock nutrition, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Homoptera: Aphididae), is one of the most widespread and destructive insect pests of cowpea and host-plant resistance is an effective approach to minimize the pest damage at seedling stage. This study was aimed at identifying resistant sources to A. craccivora within the cowpea mini core collection, a set of accessions from the largest world cowpea germplasm collection maintained at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). A total of 375 lines including 373 from IITA mini core collection, one resistant (TVu-801) and one susceptible (TVx-3236) checks were evaluated through artificial infestation in screening cages during the seedling stage. In cages, genotypes were planted in single rows containing four plants. They were arranged in an augmented design in which the two checks were sown in individual cages. Scoring for aphid population and damage levels were carried out on individual plants at 7, 14, and 21 days after planting. Advanced bioassays and biochemical analyses were conducted to investigate the mechanism of resistance to A. craccivora. Overall, three genotypes TVu-6464, TVu-1583, and TVu-15445 showed good levels of resistance comparable to the resistant check TVu-801. The HPLC analyses proved that both low sucrose levels in the plant, as well as high levels of kaempferol and quercetin, aglycones of phenolic compounds, were related with high resistance to aphids. The above genotypes with promising levels of resistance to A. craccivora will be used in cowpea breeding programs to develop improved resistant lines against this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gesunde Pflanzen is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Efficacy of insecticides and biological control agents in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program requires a full understanding of both these factors and their interactions. With this in mind, a study was conducted to build an IPM strategy to control Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae) in field Mustard (Brassica compestris) crops using a combination of insecticides and biological control agents. Five different insecticides (methomyl, matrine, carbosulfan, thiamethoxam, and pymetrozine) were used to test the survival of Aphidius matricariae wasps under field and laboratory conditions. Under laboratory conditions five different concentrations (1%, 0.5%, 0.25%, 0.13% 0.06%) along with the control were made of each insecticide. Parasitoids exposed to Pymetrozine showed the highest percent emergence at 82.96%, 65.18%, 64.07%, 53.70% and 46.66% of from mummified aphids followed by thiamethoxam, carbosulfan, matrine and methomyl, whereas under field conditions none of these insecticides showed negative impacts on the emergence of A. matricariae wasps. In the presence of insecticides, no significant effect on emergence of A.matricariae wasps from mummified aphids was observed with pymetrozine showing 90.91% emergence of A. matricariae wasps, carbosulfan 81.25%, matrine 80.27%, thiamethoxam 77.29% and methomyl 75.49% emergence, respectively. In addition to observing the effect of insecticides on the emergence of A. matricariae, efficacy of these insecticides against populations of M. persicae was also studied. In order of efficacy, thiamethoxam > matrine > pymetrozine > carbosulfan > methomyl showing 91.37%, 89.61%, 72.46%, 56.6% and 54.35% reductions in aphid populations, respectively. The results of this study show that a biological control agent together with these insecticides can be used simultaneously as part of an IPM program to control M. persicae in field Mustard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bois noir, a disease of the grapevine yellows complex, is associated with 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' and transmitted to grapevines in open fields by the cixiids Hyalesthes obsoletus and Reptalus panzeri. In vine-growing areas where the population density of these vectors is low within the vineyard, the occurrence of bois noir implies the existence of alternative vectors. The aim of this study was to identify alternative vectors through screening of the Auchenorrhyncha community, phytoplasma typing by stamp gene sequence analyses, and transmission trials. During field activities, conducted in Northern Italy in a vineyard where the bois noir incidence was extremely high, nine potential alternative insect vectors were identified according to high abundance in the vineyard agro-ecosystem, high infection rate, and harbouring phytoplasma strains characterized by stamp gene sequence variants found also in symptomatic grapevines. Transmission trials coupled with molecular analyses showed that at least eight species (Aphrodes makarovi, Dicranotropis hamata, Dictyophara europaea, Euscelis incisus, Euscelidius variegatus, Laodelphax striatella, Philaenus spumarius, and Psammotettix alienus/confinis) are alternative vectors of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' to grapevines. These novel findings highlight that bois noir epidemiology in vineyard agro-ecosystems is more complex than previously known, opening up new perspectives in the disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenicity of four fungal strains, two of Beauveria bassiana (designated as BB-72 and BB-252), and two of Lecanicillium lecanii (designated as V-4 and CS-625) to green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Homoptera: Aphididae) was assessed. All treatments showed highly significant effects on the mortality of the aphid when applied as filtrate or conidia. The application methods did not have a significant effect on the mortality rate. The overall mortalities caused by both applications were statistically similar. The maximum overall mortality was caused by BB-72, followed by CS-625 in both application methods. On the other hand, (V-4) caused the minimum mortality rate, followed by (BB-252), which was statistically similar to those caused by V-4. The time also had significant effects on aphid mortality rates. The mortality was the minimum after 3 days reaching its maximum after 10 days. As the number of days increased, there was a corresponding increase in the mortality showing a direct relationship between mortality and time. The maximum mean individual mortality of 95% was caused by CS-625, followed by BB-72 (92%) after 10 days with the conidial application. Similarly, the combined effects of the three most virulent fungal strains showed highly significant differences on the mortality of peach aphid. The combination BB-72 + BB-252 showed the highest percent mortality, followed by BB-72 + BB-252 + CS-625. The combinations BB-72 + CS-625 and BB-252 + CS-625 had statistically similar effects of causing aphid mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insecticidal and phytotoxicity activities of oils from castor (Ricinus communis), pongamia (Pongamia glabra), sesame (Sesamum indicum), neem (Azadirachta indica) and neem based formulations in combination with a detergent Powder as a surfactants (0.1%) were studied against adults of Bemisia tabaci at their peak activity period during 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons under laboratory and field conditions. Among the oils, castor oil caused a reduction of whitefly populations by 55.4 & 64.2 and 40.5 & 42.8% under laboratory and field conditions, respectively during both the years, pongamia oil 58.4 & 51.7 and 44.9 & 39.2%, sesame oil 45.5 & 56.4 and 30.8 & 36.9%. Neem oil and its formulated products were reported to be comparatively less effective in reduction of whitefly population after chemical treatments i.e. difenthiauron 50 WP (76.2 & 81.5 and 63.5 & 55.2% under laboratory and field conditions, respectively). Phytotoxicity observed after application of recommended doses of castor, pongamia, sesame and neem oil and its formulated products did not cause any problem on tender cotton leaves. The detergent based solutions were difficult to mix and oily layers appeared after mixing, hence mixing the oils and detergent solutions with sticker Triton-X-100 @1.0 ml/l is more effective and easy to apply on cotton plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like many fossil insect groups, the systematic framework of extinct 'Homoptera' is mainly based on venational traits of isolated wings; most taxa of Mesozoic Sinoalidae, however, were erected with whole-bodied specimens. On the basis of new fossil data and phylogenetic analyses, this froghopper family is herein chosen as a case study to discuss the potential influence of the absence and/or neglect of body information in palaeoentomological studies. Mesodorus orientalis Chen et Wang, gen. et sp. nov., found in the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, bears a venational topology of fore- and hindwings similar to that of the genus Fangyuania from the same horizon and locality, but distinctly differs from the latter and other known sinoalids in possessing a series of unique body characters. Given the similar wing features, Jiania crebra and J. gracila were proposed to be synonyms in a recent study; these two congeners, however, are apparently discernable in their ovipositor and so the synonym should be rejected. Three main clades were recovered within the Sinoalidae in our cladistic analyses, including Clade I (Stictocercopis + Chengdecercopis), Clade II (Huabeicercopis + Luanpingia + Sinoala + Jiania + Shufania), and Clade III (Fangyuania + Mesodorus), and their relationship is as following: Clade I + (Clade II + Clade III). The Jurassic Clade I, as the basal lineage, is remarkably different from other sinoalids in bearing wings with complex venation, but similar to the Jurassic Clade II in body structures. The Cretaceous Clade III possesses a reduced wing topology similar to Clade II, but differs from the latter in possessing a series of novel body characteristics for each taxon (i.e., Fangyuania and Mesodorus). Unsurprisingly, our finds confirm that the information from body structures, vital to understanding the biodiversity and evolutionary history of extinct insects, should not be ignored in palaeoentomological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a recent survey on insect pests of ornamental plants in Spain, the leafhoppers Chloropelix canariensis Lindberg 1936 and Balclutha brevis Lindberg 1954 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) were found. These species, described from Canary Island, are recorded here for the first time from Spain and continental Europe. Adults and immature stages of C. canariensis and B. brevis have been found associated with Pennisetum setaceum (Forsskal) Chiovenda (Poaceae) practically all the year round. Emergence period of the adults, morphological features, and some biological notes are provided to C. canariensis. Furthermore, a review is given on alien Auchenorrhyncha species introduced in Europe. From literature, 30 species have been accidentally introduced, representatives of the following seven families: Delphacidae (1 sp.), Issidae (1 sp.), Acanaloniidae (1 sp.), Flatidae (1 sp.), Ricaniidae (3 spp.), Membracidae (1 sp.), Cicadellidae (22 spp.). Four species previously erroneously or equivocally cited for Europe as alien species must be excluded from the list. Details on the first record and country in Europe, the year of publication of the first record, original distribution, current distribution and host plants are given for each species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For many organisms, dispersal may be a high-risk activity, and dispersers are likely to have behavioral, physiological, or other adaptations that increase the probability they will successfully settle in new habitat. Dispersing aphids, for example, are small-bodied, relatively weak flyers that must navigate through a complex landscape where non-host species may be much more common than suitable hosts are. While previous research has focused on how dispersing aphids locate and evaluate host species, little is known about how they interact with the non-host species they encounter while host searching. Here, I report on an experiment to test the hypothesis that dispersers of Aphis fabae spend less time evaluating non-host species with which they have had prior experience than novel non-host species. Aphids consistently spent less time in contact with familiar non-host species than novel non-host species, but the magnitude of this effect varied for different non-host species. Aphids that had previously encountered rose spent less time interacting with rose than with raspberry or goldenrod, and aphids that had previously encountered raspberry spent less time interacting with raspberry than with goldenrod. Aphids that had previously encountered goldenrod showed a less pronounced and statistically non-significant reduction in time spent interacting with goldenrod relative to either raspberry or rose. The ability to recognize previously encountered non-hosts may allow aphids to navigate more efficiently through an environment in which they face many more non-hosts than hosts, and therefore increase the probability that a disperser will ultimately locate and settle on an appropriate host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat fragmentation resulting from anthropogenic land-use change may negatively affect both biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function. However, susceptibility to fragmentation varies between species and may be influenced by for instance specialization, functional traits and trophic level. We examined how total and specialist species richness, species composition and functional trait composition at two trophic levels (vascular plants and sap-feeding hoppers) vary with habitat fragmentation (patch size and connectivity) in dry calcareous grasslands in southeast Norway. We found that fragmentation affected plant and hopper species composition both totally and of habitat specialists, but with a net species loss only for the specialists, indicating greater susceptibility of specialized species. Reductions in patch size and increasing isolation negatively affected plant specialists with different sets of traits, effectively reducing the number of species with trait combinations suitable to persist in small and isolated patches. Fragmentation influenced trait composition of the total hopper community, but not of habitat specialists. A lesser degree of habitat association could explain why hoppers, despite belonging to a higher tropic level, seemed to be less susceptible to fragmentation than plants. Nonetheless, our study shows that habitat fragmentation affects both species richness, species composition and trait composition of plants and hoppers, indicating that fragmentation leads not only to a loss of species, but also alters dominance hierarchies and the functionality of grassland communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is the most serious threat to citrus crops worldwide, and its management relies exclusively on frequent applications of chemical insecticides. Entomopathogenic fungi may play an important role for regulating this citrus pest. Two virulent fungal strains, Isaria fumosorosea ESALQ-1296 and Beauveria bassiana ESALQ-PL63, were selected among 17 fungal isolates under laboratory conditions and caused 77.8 and 78.4% adult mortality, respectively, while in semifield trials the adult mortality reached up to 83.5% with B. bassiana and 80.6% with I. fumosorosea. The bioefficacy of these two fungi on D. citri adults was assessed through monthly applications during 1 year in a commercial citrus grove located in Itapetininga, São Paulo, Brazil. The application of I. fumosorosea ESALQ-1296 and B. bassiana ESALQ-PL63 was as effective as the chemical insecticides in most trials. The fungal-induced mortality of D. citri adults ranged from 96.1% in December 2011 to 57.8% in October 2012. This mortality level tended to build up with the increase in the maximum relative humidity; the percentage of sporulated cadavers was positively correlated with both higher relative humidity and rainfall but negatively associated with maximum temperatures. These results support the use of I. fumosorosea or B. bassiana as an eco-friendly biopesticide for the integrated management of D. citri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect-plant interactions may be unintentionally affected when introducing genetically modified (GM) crops into an agro-ecosystem. Our aim was to test the non-target effects of a late blight-resistant GM potato on Myzus persicae in greenhouse and climate room experiments and understand how position and number of R gene insertions can affect non-targets in GM events. We also aimed to compare results to baseline differences among three conventional potato varieties varying in resistance to late blight. Aphid development and survival were affected by some GM events in the first generation, though effects disappeared in the second generation. Effects were not dependent on the presence of a marker gene or the insertion of a second resistance gene. Positional effects of gene insertion influenced aphid performance on certain GM events. However, aphid fitness varied considerably more between conventional potato varieties than between Désirée and the GM events. Comparing different GM events to the non-transformed variety is relevant, since unintended effects of insertion can occur. Our protocols can be recommended for in planta risk assessments with aphids. Ecological perspective is gained by selecting several measured endpoints and by comparing the results with a baseline of conventional cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some aphid species are known to have mutualistic relationships with tending ants; that is, the aphids supply the ants with honeydew and are protected by the ants. Although spider mites and honeydew-producing aphids often live on the same host plant, it has not previously been determined whether the ants tending these aphids affect spider mite survival. Using replicated microcosms, each containing an artificial ant nest, we compared experimentally the survival of two-spotted spider mites on kidney bean plants with and without cowpea aphids. Our results showed significantly fewer spider mites on plants with aphids, indicating that spider mites were preyed upon by ants tending aphids. On the other hand, there was no detectable plant-mediated indirect effect of aphids on mite performance in the microcosms. Therefore, we conclude that aphids indirectly reduced the survival of spider mites living on the same host plant via their tending ants. Nonetheless, spider mites did not avoid settling on plant leaves infested with aphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bemisia tabaci Genn. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Tetranychus urticae Koch. (Acari: Tetranychidae) are major pests in cucumber greenhouses. The combination and different release regimes of 3 predators; Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.), Orius albidipennis (Reuter) and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot compared with a traditional pesticide program (PG) was evaluated in commercial cucumber greenhouses during the summer plantation of the two seasons, 2015 and 2016. Three release rates were evaluated; 2 individuals of C. carnea + 4 individuals of P. persimilis /m2 biological control greenhouse 1 (BCG1), 2 individuals of O. albidipennis + 4 individuals of P. persimilis /m2 (BCG2) and 1 individuals of C. carnea + 1 individuals of O. albidipennis/m2 (BCG3). The greatest suppression of pest population was recordedin BCG3 (the combination of the 3 predators). The population of B. tabaci reached 1.2, 1.2, 0.2 and 2.32 individuals/inch2/plant in 2015 and 0.56, 0.5, 0.29 and 0.7 individuals/inch2/plant in 2016 in BCG1, BCG 2, BCG 3 and PG, respectively, in the 12th week. Correspondent population of T. urticae reached 0.62, 0.16, 0.2 and 6.5 individuals/inch2/plant in 2015 and 2.2, 2.52, 0.5 and 10 individuals/ inch2 /plant in 2016. There was a significant difference between BCG3 and PG for the whitefly and mite populations. The total yield under the 3 BCGs was (63.88 and 62.15%) more than in the PG in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Generally, the pests' populations in the BCGs decreased and the yields increased in all treatments compared with the PG in the two seasons. Use of the combination of the 3 predators is recommended as a pest management practice at the summer plantation of cucumber in the greenhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Hemipteran pests cause significant yield losses in European cereal fields. It has been suggested that local management interventions to promote natural enemies are most successful in simple landscapes that are dominated by large arable fields. Objectives: We study how farming category (conventional, new and old organic fields) and landscape complexity affect pests, natural enemies and biological control services in spring barley. We further analyse if yields are related to pest infestation or biological control services. Methods: The amount of pasture and the length of field borders were used to define landscape complexity around barley fields in Southern Sweden. Arthropods were sampled with an insect suction sampler and predation and parasitism services were estimated by field observations and inspections of pest individuals. Results: Pest infestation was affected by landscape complexity, with higher aphid, but lower leafhopper numbers in more complex landscapes. Aphid predation was higher under organic farming and affected by effects on predator abundance and community composition independent of landscape complexity. Auchenorrhyncha parasitism was neither significantly affected by landscape complexity nor by farming category. Higher aphid predation rates and lower aphid densities were characteristic for organically managed fields with higher barley yields. Conclusions: Our results suggest that it is possible to increase both aphid biological control services and barley yield via local management effects on predator communities independent of landscape complexity. However, the success of such management practices is highly dependent on the pest and natural enemy taxa and the nature of the trophic interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aphid parasitoid, Aphelinus albipodus Hayat & Fatima (Hym.: Aphelinidae) is one of the common aphid parasitoid species in Egypt. Some of the biological aspects of the parasitoid when parasitizing the mealy plum aphid Hyalopterus pruni (Geoffroy) (Homoptera: Aphididea) were studied under laboratory conditions. The parasitoid female started parasitizing its host 6 hrs post emergence. Highest activity of the females was recorded at 25°C. Percentage of emergence attained 89.44±4.52%, when the parasitoid females aged 1-4 days. Developmental time of the parasitoid immatures ranged 11-13 days from mummy's formation to adult. The parasitoid adults emerged from the all nymphal instars but with t he lowest numbers (57.59±31.25) from the 4th instar, while the highest (90.03±7.66) was from 3rd instar. The mean sex ratio was 1♂:1.06♀. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]