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Liriomyza trifolii is an economically-significant polyphagous pest that infests plants grown in both field and greenhouse conditions. Unfortunately, the lack of genomic resources has hindered our understanding of its ecological adaptation and invasiveness. To address this, we assembled a chromosome-level genome sequence of L. trifolii using a combination of short Illumina reads, PacBio HiFi long sequencing, and Hi-C scaffolding technology. The genome size was calculated at 122.64 Mb, the scaffold N50 value was 23.84 Mb, and 96.25% of the assembled sequences mapped to five chromosomes. BUSCO analysis showed high completeness with 95.28% gene coverage. A total of 11,883 protein-coding genes were identified along with 20.60 Mb of transposable elements. In summary, the genome of L. trifolii provides a valuable genetic resource for understanding invasive pests and developing effective management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The tribe Dacnusini is a small braconid parasitoid wasp within the subfamily Alysiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), consisting of 31 valid genera and more than 877 species worldwide. Most members are exclusively endoparasitoids of leaf-mining Diptera (Agromyzidae), and several species have been utilized in commercial biological control programs, underscoring their essential role in natural pest management. However, due to low interspecific variability and significant morphological convergence, distinguishing between genera and species within the genera in Dacnusini presents a challenge. In this study, we report three genera, Victorovita Tobias, Coloneura Foerster, and Laotris Nixon, that were discovered in China for the first time. By integrating DNA barcoding and morphological evidence, three new species were identified through multiple species delimitation methods. Additionally, two new species records from China are reported, and identification keys for species of Laotris Nixon, 1943 are provided. Dacnusini is a species-rich tribe in the subfamily Alysiinae, with most species exclusively serving as parasitoids of leaf-mining Diptera (Agromyzidae). The number of genera discovered in China remains limited, which is apparently insufficient considering the global diversity of species and genera within this tribe, particularly given the vast and ecologically diverse landscapes of China. In the present study, three new record genera, Victorovita Tobias, Coloneura Foerster, and Laotris Nixon, were documented for the first time in China. In addition, the species delimitation approach and haplotype network analyses based on the COI sequences, combined with morphological evidence, were employed to delimit species. The findings indicated three new species: Laotris glabella sp. nov., Laotris aethidentata sp. nov., and Victorovita aequalis sp. nov. Additionally, K2P divergences showed no overlap between intra- and interspecific genetic distances in the Laotris and Victorovita species. Detailed descriptions for new species and keys to the species of Laotris and Victorovita are provided in this paper, along with the documentation of two new species records for China: Victorovita caudata (Szépligeti, 1901) and Coloneura stylata Foerster, 1863. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of the geographic origin of invasive species can be critical to effective management and amelioration of negative impacts in the introduced range. Liriomyza huidobrensis is a polyphagous leafmining fly that is a devastating pest of many vegetable and floriculture crops around the world. Considered native to South and possibly Central America, L. huidobrensis became invasive in the 1980s and has since spread to at least 30 countries on five continents. We used phylogeographic analysis of over 2 kb of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and II sequence data from 403 field‐collected specimens from both native and introduced populations to investigate the geographic origins of invasive L. huidobrensis worldwide. Within South America, there was substantial genetic variation, as well as the strong phylogeographic structure typical of a native range. In contrast, leafminers from the introduced range and Central America all contained little genetic variation and shared the same small set of haplotypes. These haplotypes trace to Peru as the ultimate geographic origin of invasive populations. Central America is rejected as part of the original geographic range of L. huidobrensis. Within Peru, the primary export region of Lima shared an extremely similar pattern of reduced haplotype variation to the invasive populations. An additional 18 specimens collected at US ports of entry did not share the same haplotype profile as contemporary invasive populations, raising perplexing questions on global pathways and establishment success in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment conducted during kharif, 2019-20 (July 2019-February 2020) at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India on the management of pod fly with recommended chemicals (Imidacloprid 17.8 SL 0.20 ml+jaggary 10 g l-1 as first spray at 10 days after pod formation and second spray with Thiamethoxam 25 WG 0.2 g+jaggary 10 g l-1 at 15 days after first spray) in pigeonpea varieties sown under different dates revealed, minimum pod damage (21.07%), seed damage (14.51%) and yield (1062.66 kg ha-1) in variety TS 3R. However, significantly higher pod damage, seed damage and yield of 31.47%, 24.89% and 1251.13 kg ha-1, respectively was found in variety BSMR 736. Among different sowing dates, the crop sown on 20th July recorded significantly least pod damage (21.07%) and seed damage (14.06%) compared to 20th August sown crop which recorded significantly higher pod damage of 32.13% and seed damage of 25.86%. Yield was significantly higher in 20th July sown crop (1295.89 kg ha-1) and it was lower in the crop sown on 20th August (1032.90 kg ha-1). With respect to management, minimum pod damage (17.07%) and seed damage (11.52%) was noticed in protected plots while it was maximum in unprotected plots with 35.02 and 26.62% pod and seed damage, respectively. The yield was significantly higher in protected plots (1242.37 kg ha-1) when compared to unprotected plots (1080.65 kg ha-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, Kazakhstan is an underexplored territory regarding the study of leaf miners. This article aims to present new data on the defoliators of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) in cultivated plants of North-Eastern Kazakhstan (the Pavlodar Region). Occurrence of Fenusa pumila Leach, 1817, as well as additional new data on the previously known leafminer species are presented for the first time for the Pavlodar Region. Groups of birch-defoliating insects were chosen as model objects. The research conducted in the territory of the Pavlodar Region revealed six species of leaf miners belonging to three genera Stigmella Schrank, 1802, Phylloporia Heinemann, 1870, and Fenusa Leach, 1817. All representatives are obligate miners that develop at the larval stage in the mesophyll of birch leaves. This group of insects harmfully affects plants, often causing their death, which in turn proves the importance of studying them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the diversity of agromizids (leaf miners) in the South Caucasus, the species external morphological features, their host plants, the development of larvae and pupae and to assess the degree of crop infestation by leaf‐miners.The study was carried out within the framework of the scs 21‐002 scientific program “Leaf miners as pests of agricultural plants (Diptera: Agromyzidae): the latest control measures”. Type samples were fixed in 75 % ethyl alcohol and deposited in the Agrarian Scientific Research Laboratory of the Scientific Centre of Zoology and Hydroecology. Species were identified by examining the male genitalia. The degree of damage of the host–plant was determined based on intensity indicators.As a result of this research, a new species of the Calycomyza genus was discovered in the South Caucasus fauna. Larvae of C. jucunda (Wulp, 1867) were found on the leaves of Beta vulgaris, a host plant mentioned for the first time here. As a Nearctic species, it was also first discovered in the southern Caucasus.The study of the male genitalia indicates expansion of the biogeographical distribution of Calycomyza species, as most of them are found in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. In terms of intensity, C. jucunda is classified as a less dangerous species for agricultural crops.

Liriomyza huidobrensis is a leafminer fly and significant horticultural pest. It is a quarantine listed species in many countries and is now present as an established pest in Australia. Liriomyza huidobrensis uses a broad range of host plants and has potential for spread into various horticultural systems and regions of Australia. Rapid in-field identification of the pest is critically needed to assist efforts to manage this pest. Morphological identification of the pest is effectively limited to specialist examinations of adult males. Generally, molecular methods such as qPCR and DNA barcoding for identification of Liriomyza species require costly laboratory-based hardware. Herein, we developed two independent and rapid LAMP assays targeted to independently inherited mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Both assays are highly sensitive and specific to L. huidobrensis. Positive signals can be detected within 10 min on laboratory and portable real-time amplification fluorometers. Further, we adapted these assays for use with colorimetric master mixes, to allow fluorometer free in-field diagnostics of L. huidobrensis. Our LAMP assays can be used for stand-alone testing of query specimens and are likely to be essential tools used for rapid identification and monitoring of L. huidobrensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the vast diversity of phytophagous insects that feed on vascular plants (tracheophytes), insects that feed on bryophytes remain understudied. Agromyzidae, one of the most species-rich phytophagous clades in Diptera, consists mainly of leaf-mining species that feed on tracheophytes. However, a recent discovery of thallus-mining species on liverworts and hornworts within the Liriomyza group of Phytomyzinae provides an opportunity to study host shifts between tracheophytes and bryophytes. This study aimed to explore the origin and diversification of thallus-miners and estimate the pattern and timing of host shifts. Phylogenetic analysis of Phytomyzinae has revealed that the thallus-mining agromyzids formed a separate clade, which was sister to a fern pinnule-miner. The diversification of bryophyte-associated agromyzids since the Oligocene involved multiple host shifts across various bryophyte taxa. The diversification of the thallus-mining Phytoliriomyza may have occurred at the same time as the leaf-mining agromyzid flies on herbaceous plants, indicating a dynamic history of interactions between bryophytes and herbivores in angiosperms-dominated ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf miners, Liriomyza spp., have developed as a severe pest in recent years, reducing the production of several ornamental and crops in Indonesia. As a result, monitoring and control mechanisms have been proposed. This research aimed to investigate community structure and identify Liriomyza spp., which impacts crops and natural parasitoids in Bali Province. Leaf samples of vegetables, ornamental plants, and related species were collected in all regencies/cities of Bali Province in 2019 and 2020 and preserved in the laboratory for observation and counting of leaf miners and related parasitoids. The findings revealed that four Liriomyza spp. were detected in host plants, namely Liriomyza sativae Blanchard (Diptera: Agromyzidae), Liriomyza huidobrensis Blanchard (Diptera: Agromyzidae), Liriomyza chinensis Kato (Diptera: Agromyzidae), and Liriomyza trifolii Burgess (Diptera: Agromyzidae). Asteraceae species were the most common host plants attacked by leaf miners in the field. The same occurrence was discovered at both heights (high and lowlands). The dry season is the most crucial component in the abundance of Liriomyza spp. In addition, parasitoids of the type Opius cromatomiyae Belokobylskij and Wharton (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Hemiptarsenun varicornis Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were identified in abundance in Asteraceae plants. Similarly, the parasitization rate of the two parasitoids was found to be high in plants of the Asteraceae and Brassicae families. This approach highlights the decision-making process for controlling Liriomyza spp. on diverse host plant families by developing ecologically beneficial and sustainable parasitoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh to examine the effect of various biopesticides on leaf miner population in Solan Lalima variety of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) under the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh during 2018-2019. Different combinations of biopesticides were employed in the study, including Trichoderma viride, neem cake, neem oil, cow urine, Bacillus thuringiensis and HaNPV, each used at different concentrations. The results of the study indicated that yield per ha, gross income per ha, net return per ha and BC ratio were highest in the treatment comprising T viride 50 g + FYM 10 kg/plot + neem oil 5 ml/l (53,657.00 kg, Rs 1,073,140.00, Rs 710,790.00 and 1.96 respectively). Therefore, this treatment could be recommended for control of leaf miner in tomato var Solan Lalima in mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the most common and serious tomato plant pests, leafminer flies (Liriomyza sativae) are considered one of the major tomato-plant-damaging pests worldwide. Detecting the infestation and quantifying the severity of these pests are essential for reducing their outbreaks through effective management and ensuring successful tomato production. Traditionally, detection and quantification are performed manually in the field. This is time-consuming and leads to inaccurate plant protection management practices owing to the subjectivity of the evaluation process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a machine learning model for the detection and automatic estimation of the severity of tomato leaf symptoms of leafminer fly attacks. The dataset used in the present study comprised images of pest symptoms on tomato leaves acquired under field conditions. Manual annotation was performed to classify the acquired images into three groups: background, tomato leaf, and leaf symptoms from leafminer flies. Three models and four different backbones were compared for a multiclass semantic segmentation task using accuracy, precision, recall, and intersection over union metrics. A comparison of the segmentation results revealed that the U-Net model with the Inceptionv3 backbone achieved the best results. For estimation of symptom severity, the best model was FPN with the ResNet34 and DenseNet121 backbones, which exhibited lower root mean square error values. The computational models used proved promising mainly because of their capacity to automatically segment small objects in images captured in the field under challenging lighting conditions and with complex backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laotris luzulae Godfray, sp. nov. is described in the small genus Laotris Nixon, 1943, (Braconidae, Alysiinae, Danusini) from five specimens reared from Cerodontha silvatica (Groschke, 1957) (Diptera, Agromyzidae) mining Luzula sylvatica (Huds.) Gaudin (Juncaceae) in Devon and Gloucestershire in the southwest of Great Britain. Six further specimens from Somerset caught as adults in the 1950s are also noted. It differs morphologically from the three described species of Laotris and shows a 4.2% and 6.6% genetic distance at the CO1 barcode locus from an undescribed North American species and from the European L. striatula (Haliday, 1839), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diglyphus Walker, 1844 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is an economically important genus including species acting as biocontrol agents against agromyzid leafminer pests. A new species of Diglyphus, Diglyphus difasciatus Liu, Hansson & Wan, sp. nov., was discovered during the identification of agromyzid leafminers and their associated parasitoid wasps collected from 2016 to 2022 in China, based on morphological characteristics and molecular analyses of COI, ITS2 and 28S genes. Diglyphus difasciatus is similar to D. bimaculatus Zhu, LaSalle & Huang, distinguished by two interconnected infuscate vertical bands on the fore wing and the color of the scape. Molecular data support D. difasciatus and D. bimaculatus as two different species. The mean genetic distances between D. difasciatus and D. bimaculatus were 11.33%, 8.62%, and 0.18%, based on the COI, ITS2, and 28S genes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetables are considered high value crops based on their growing areas and productivity, even if they are affected by a variety of insect pests throughout the whole growing season. Leaf miner is an immature of an insect that lives inside and consumes the leaf tissues of vegetable plants. Adult females of leaf miner puncture the leaf with their ovipositor, forming tube pattern, and feed on the punctured parts. Host plants survey of leaf miner in Multan (Pakistan) area was conducted. Twenty host plants were found in 2017, whereas twenty-four host plants were found infested with Liriomyza spp. (Diptera) in 2022 i.e., watermelon (24% infestation), long melon (75%), pumpkin (71%), round gourd (67%), snake melon (70%), bitter gourd (50%), long gourd (89%), bottle gourd (93%), pointed gourd (80%), snap gourd (86%), ridge gourd (83%), cucumber (98%), mung bean (98%), eggplant (60%), Petunia alba (88%), Zinnia elegies (30%), cotton (10%), okra (5%), berseem (7%), tomato (89%), Pea (52%) and Canola (28%). No infestation of leaf miners was observed on potato, chilies, and sweet potatoes. Color attraction results in 2017 and 2022 showed that there was maximum attraction of tomato leaf miner towards yellow sticky cards as compared to blue sticky cards. Varietal preference of tomato crop showed that Baby red variety was the most preferred by leaf miner (Liriomyza spp.), and comparatively Sehar was the least preferred variety. Field efficacy of four different insecticides against leaf miner were also tested. Insecticidal effects attributed as percent reduction of leaf miner infestation that showed the highest reduction values were observed after 7 DOA for Spinetoram (76.98%), whereas Bifenthrin (57%). Deltaphos (43 %) was the least toxic insecticide against Liriomyza spp. Integrated approaches are recommended to manage vegetable leaf miner like application of yellow sticky traps, discouraging preferred host plants, application of insecticides with novel modes of actions like spintoram and spinosad for effective management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aulagromyza heringii (Hendel) is a widespread leaf miner fly all over Europe, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and China of Fraxinus excelsior. Infested leaves with leaf-miner larvae were collected from F. excelsior in Tehran province in 2016. During laboratory rearing, adult flies and parasitoids were obtained and identified. We present here the first recorded instance of Lamprotatus crassipes Thomson, 1876 (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) serving as a parasitoid of Aulagromyza heringii, and also report the first occurrence of both A. heringii and the genus Lamprotatus Walker, 1843 in Iran. Diagnoses for Aulagromyza heringii and Lamprotatus crassipes are given along with photos. A brief overview of their biological features is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and its impact on agricultural crops is driving the expansion of cropping systems to plants better adapted to rising temperatures, prolonged periods of drought, poor soils, and high salinity. One such crop is quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Willd (Caryophyllales: Amaranthaceae), a traditionally Andean grain that has been recently adopted in dry, high-elevation regions of Colorado, Idaho, and Washington. However, in 2021, a stem-boring fly, Amauromyza karli Hendel (Diptera: Agromyzidae), was reported in quinoa grown in Colorado's San Luis Valley and abruptly halted expansion of this climate-resilient crop. This new agromyzid pest has caused complete yield loss in some instances and contributed to substantial declines in quinoa acreage from 3,000 acres in 2021 to 900 acres in 2022. Distinguishing morphological features of A. karli adults include a yellow head, light yellow halteres, a dark brown body, and a dark brown femur and tibia that are yellow near the tips. Larvae feed within quinoa stems and destroy the pith, which disrupts nutrient transport and causes death or significant declines in yield and quality. Here, we summarize the impact of A. karli on quinoa, and discuss life history and management for other agromyzid species that can inform management of A. karli. Research focused on effective integrated management tactics including use of biological control, host plant resistance, and systemic insecticides is urgently needed to suppress this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of insets to react efficiently to fluctuation in temperature is crucial for them to survive in variable surroundings. Rapid cold hardening (RCH) is a process that increase cold tolerance in most insect species. The molecular mechanisms of RCH remain largely unknown, and whether it is associated with transcriptional changes is unclear. In this study, we compared the transcriptomes of Liriomyza trifolii and L. sativae exposed to RCH to investigate the transcript abundance due to RCH in both species. RNA-seq revealed 93,166 assembled unigenes, and 34,303 of these were annotated in the L. trifolii and L. sativae transcriptome libraries. After a 4-h treatment at 1°C (RCH) compared with control, 268 and 606 unigenes were differentially expressed in L. trifolii and L. sativae, respectively. When comparing pupae exposed to 2h cold shock directly with pupae went through 4h acclimation prior to 2h cold shock, 60 and 399 unigenes were differentially expressed in L trifolii and L sativae, respectively. Genes that were commonly expressed in both L. trifolii and L. sativae, included cytochrome P450, cuticular protein, glucose dehydrogenase, solute carrier family 22 and cationic amino acid transporter. Additionally, several pathways including galactose metabolism and peroxisome were significantly enriched during RCH. Our results show that the transcriptional response is correlated with RCH in the pupal stage of the two Liriomyza species, but more transcriptional changes were identified in L sativae than in L. trifolii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: The recognition of the Miocene Climate Optimum (MCO) in terrestrial palaeoenvironments of the Eastern Mediterranean is restricted to Lesbos and Lemnos Islands, Greece. This area is significant for its wood microfossils. A recentlydiscovered fossil wood assemblage from Gökçeada (Imbros) Island, Turkey, including tree species similar to the Greek findings, is thought to have an early Miocene age. Here, we revise the age of the latter plant fossiliferous locality, re-evaluate the area for the study of MCO for the terrestrial palaeoecosystems of the Eastern Mediterranean and the nomenclature errors referring to the occurrence of fossil wood. We present the plant-insect-environment interactions using detailed anatomical descriptions, of an extinct conifer and its extinct cambium miner feeding traces observed in its secondary xylem. Methods: Three thin sections were prepared with standard palaeoxylotomical techniques from a small section of the silicified wood; the sections were observed under a light microscope. The anatomy of the conifer and its damage patterns were compared with those of extant and fossil Cupressaceae and Agromyzidae, respectively. Pivotal results: The common anatomical features of the studied wood specimen and Hesperocyparis macrocarpa (Hartw.) Bartel and a shared characteristic (the number of the cross-field pits - a feature we consider of diagnostic value) with Xanthocyparis vietnamensis Farjon & T.H. Nguyên led to its assignment to the Hesperocyparis-Xanthocyparis-Callitropsis clade. The detailed study of the wound scars and anatomical abnormalities, the anatomical-environmental associations, and structural-functional reactions follow the identification of the wood's anatomy sensu Carlquist providing decisive results. Conclusions: Based on the distinctive characteristics presented, we identify our macrofossil as Cupressinoxylon matromnense Grambast, a stem or an extinct lineage of the Hesperocyparis-Xanthocyparis vietnamensis-Callitropsis nootkatensis clade with feeding traces of the fossil cambium miner of the genus Protophytobia Süss (Diptera: Agromyzidae), and anatomical damage and reaction tissue on adventitious shoots. The use of Protopinaceae and Pinoxylon F. H. Knowlton from the eastern Mediterranean are re-evaluated and corrections are provided. The age of the studied plant fossiliferous locality in Gökçeada is revised as middle Miocene, allowing the proposal of an eastern Mediterranean MCO hotspot, including Lesbos, Lemnos, and Gökçeada (Imbros) Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agromyzidae is a dipteran family that has diversified as internal plant feeders. Although most agromyzid species feed on herbaceous angiosperms, only a limited number of species has been recorded as miners of bryophytes. Extensive searches and rearing of bryophytivores in the Japanese Archipelago were made, resulting in that thallus-mining agromyzids are overwhelmingly widespread and diverse on thalloid liverworts and hornworts. By examining the morphology of adult flies, it was revealed that the agromyzid fauna comprise 39 species, of which 37 species are newly described. All the species are assigned to the genus Phytoliriomyza Hendel based on some shared morphological character states as follows: costa reaching M1; orbital setulae minute and erect (rarely proclinate); male epandrium with combs of fused tubercle-like setae and/or hypertrophied arms bearing tubercle-like setae; male distiphallus comprising a pair of stout, extended tubules; female cercus with two stout, apical, trichoid sensilla. Of the 39 agromyzid species in Japan, 36 species are associated with liverworts: 5 spp. on Marchantia (Marchantiaceae), 2 spp. on Dumortiera (Dumortieraceae), 3 spp. on Plagiochasma, 1 sp. on Asterella, 6 spp. on Reboulia (Aytoniaceae), 1 sp. on Wiesnerella (Wiesnerellaceae), 15 spp. on Conocephalum (Conocephalaceae), and 3 spp. on Riccia (Ricciaceae). Three species are associated with hornworts: 1 sp. on Folioceros (Anthocerotaceae), 1 sp. on Megaceros (Dendrocerotaceae), and 1 sp. on Notothylas, Phaeoceros (Notothyladaceae), and Anthoceros (Anthocerotaceae). The results suggest that 37 of the 39 species are host-specific at least to plant genus level, and that the inter-specific differences in male genitalia and color patterns of scutum, antenna, and maxillary palpus have contributed to reproductive isolation on the bryophytes that the flies share. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise The recognition of the Miocene Climate Optimum (MCO) in terrestrial palaeoenvironments of the Eastern Mediterranean is restricted to Lesbos and Lemnos Islands, Greece. This area is significant for its wood microfossils. A recently-discovered fossil wood assemblage from Gökçeada (Imbros) Island, Turkey, including tree species similar to the Greek findings, is thought to have an early Miocene age. Here, we revise the age of the latter plant fossiliferous locality, re-evaluate the area for the study of MCO for the terrestrial palaeoecosystems of the Eastern Mediterranean and the nomenclature errors referring to the occurrence of fossil wood. We present the plant–insect–environment interactions using detailed anatomical descriptions, of an extinct conifer and its extinct cambium miner feeding traces observed in its secondary xylem. Methods Three thin sections were prepared with standard palaeoxylotomical techniques from a small section of the silicified wood; the sections were observed under a light microscope. The anatomy of the conifer and its damage patterns were compared with those of extant and fossil Cupressaceae and Agromyzidae, respectively. Pivotal results The common anatomical features of the studied wood specimen and Hesperocyparis macrocarpa (Hartw.) Bartel and a shared characteristic (the number of the cross-field pits – a feature we consider of diagnostic value) with Xanthocyparis vietnamensis Farjon & T.H. Nguyên led to its assignment to the Hesperocyparis–Xanthocyparis–Callitropsis clade. The detailed study of the wound scars and anatomical abnormalities, the anatomical–environmental associations, and structural–functional reactions follow the identification of the wood’s anatomy sensu Carlquist providing decisive results. Conclusions Based on the distinctive characteristics presented, we identify our macrofossil as Cupressinoxylon matromnense Grambast, a stem or an extinct lineage of the Hesperocyparis–Xanthocyparis vietnamensis–Callitropsis nootkatensis clade with feeding traces of the fossil cambium miner of the genus Protophytobia Süss (Diptera: Agromyzidae), and anatomical damage and reaction tissue on adventitious shoots. The use of Protopinaceae and Pinoxylon F. H. Knowlton from the eastern Mediterranean are re–evaluated and corrections are provided. The age of the studied plant fossiliferous locality in Gökçeada is revised as middle Miocene, allowing the proposal of an eastern Mediterranean MCO hotspot, including Lesbos, Lemnos, and Gökçeada (Imbros) Islands.

The present investigation was conducted during 2018/2020 seasons in Menoufia governorate, to study the effect of three faba bean varieties, weather factors and three levels of fertilization on the population density of Liriomyza trifolii L. The obtained results stated that the population density recorded two peaks during the first season (2018-2019) on Misr1 and Misr 2 varieties, while three peaks on Giza 843. During the second season (2019- 2020) three peaks of abundance occurred on Misr1 and Giza 843, while on Misr 2 occurred four peaks. The larval population reached the highest value of 40.9, 54.4 and 59.8 larvae/leaf (1st. season), while in the second season recorded 37.1, 37.7 and 47.5 larvae/leaf for the three varieties, Misr1 and Misr 2 varieties and Giza 843, respectively. The highest infestation percentage was recorded100% in 1st. season, while in 2nd season recorded 100, 98.4 and 92.3% on the three varieties, respectively. Data obtained revealed no significant differences between the three varieties when fertilized with the three levels, while significant differences were recorded between Misr 1and Misr 2 compared with Giza 843variety during both seasons of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerodontha australis Malloch (wheat sheath miner) is a leaf mining fly native to New Zealand and eastern Australia that feeds on grasses and cereals. It is thought to have limited economic impact despite being one of the most widespread and common insects in New Zealand pastures. In this study, data on C. australis were gathered over an 18‐month period from field plots of endophyte‐free Lolium perenne. Observations from pot trials on parasitism and other leaf miner species are also presented. Larval numbers were highest in late spring to early summer. One distinct peak per year of eggs and pupae indicated that this species may not be multivoltine, contradicting previous literature. Damage levels were high in spring/summer, with leaf mining in up to 53% of tillers sampled and, in mid‐summer, extending into the pseudostem in up to 41% of sampled tillers. Measurement of cephaloskeleton lengths confirmed that this species has three larval instars. Generally, only one larva per tiller survives to pupation, indicating density dependent regulation of populations, and larval/ pupal parasitism can reach high levels in summer. This study provides new information on the seasonal biology of C. australis, and its potential impact on L. perenne pastures in Waikato, New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species level identification of Agromyzidae based on morphology is often challenging due to their small size and morphological homogeneity. DNA barcoding has been used regularly to assist with the identification of economically important species of Agromyzidae, but rarely as a tool for species delineation or identification in biodiversity surveys. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether DNA barcoding and the BIN (Barcoding Index) system could assist with species identification, species delineation, male/female association, and diversity assessment of Agromyzidae material previously determined to morphospecies from Mitaraka, French Guiana. Amplification success was low, with sequences over 400 bp recovered for only 24 (48%) of the selected specimens. Sequences assigned to 17 morphospecies formed 16 distinct branches or clusters separated by very high (minimum of 10%) sequence divergence. Following the reassessment and subsequent reassignment of one specimen, congruence between morphology and DNA barcodes was high with a single instance of two morphospecies sharing identical sequences. While DNA barcoding did not assist with identification (none of our sequences matched those of named taxa in BOLD or GenBank), it did provide support for most of our morphospecies concepts, including male/female associations. The BIN system also provided access to information about the distribution and habitat preferences of several taxa. We conclude that DNA barcoding was a useful approach to study the species diversity of our samples but that much work remains to be done before it can be used as an identification tool for the Agromyzidae fauna of Mitaraka and the rest of the Neotropical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural crops around the world are attacked by approximately 3,000–10,000 species of pest insect. There is increasing interest in resolving this problem using environmentally friendly approaches. Wolbachia (Hertig), an insect endosymbiont, can modulate host reproduction and offspring sex through cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). The incompatible insect technique (IIT) based on CI- Wolbachia is a promising biological control method. Previous studies have reported an association between CI and Wolbachia density, which may involve a quorum sensing (QS) mechanism. In this study, we investigated the effect of manipulating QS in Wolbachia using several chemicals including 3O-C12-HSL; C2HSL; spermidine (QS inducers), 4-phenylbutanoyl; and 4-NPO (QS inhibitors) on American serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii [Burgess]), an agricultural pest. The results showed that inducing QS with 3O-C12-HSL decreased the proportion of hatched eggs and increased Wolbachia density, whereas QS inhibition with 4-phenylbutanoyl had the opposite effects. Thus, manipulating QS in Wolbachia can alter cell density and the proportion of hatched eggs in the host L. trifolii , thereby reducing the number of insect progeny. These findings provide evidence supporting the potential efficacy of the IIT based on CI- Wolbachia for the environmentally friendly control of insect pest populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cynipoid wasp Gronotoma micromorpha (Perkins) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) is a parasitoid of the leaf miner Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae). The effects of adult age and body size on egg maturation in G. micromorpha were determined. The results showed that its egg load (number of mature eggs per female) increased when offered honey, water, but not hosts for 3 or 6 days after adult emergence. However, there was no significant difference in the egg loads of 3- and 6-day-old wasps. These findings and the results of previous studies on other cynipoid parasitoids suggest that when hosts are not available, females of parasitoid Cynipoidea enhance their reproductive capacity in anticipation of a future improvement in the availability of hosts by using carbohydrates and reserves stored during the larval stage. Moreover, large female wasps had higher egg loads throughout their lifetime. Given that rapid increases in the population density of L. trifolii are commonly reported in greenhouses, the demographic data of 0- and 3-day-old G. micromorpha females fed honey, need to be compared in the future. The effects of body size on the fecundity and longevity of G. micromorpha wasps should also be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In growing four tomato varieties in greenhouses, the effect of a conventional and integrated scheme for control of tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta Meyrick, 1917) was studied. Six consecutive treatments were performed at ten-day intervals. The conventional scheme includes the following products: Confidor Energy OD 0.08%, Ampligo 150 ZC 400 ml/ha, Coragen 20 SC 200 ml/ha, Exalt 25 SC 2400 ml/ha, Voliam Targo 063 SC 800 ml/ha and Voliam Targo 063 SC 800 ml/ha. In the integrated scheme the following products for plant protection are used - Confidor Energy OD 0.08%, Sineis 480 SC 250 ml/ha, Sineis 480 SC 250 ml/ha, Voliam Targo 063 SC 800 ml/ha, Neem Azal T/S 0.3% and Neem Azal T/S 0.3%. The effectiveness of the plant protection products against the tomato leaf miner, the degree of pest attack of the different varieties and the tomato productivity were studied in this experiment. It was established that in the conventional and in the integrated treatment scheme, the highest efficiency was shown by the product Voliam Targo 063 SC, applied in a dose of 800 ml/ha on the seventh day after spraying. The percentage of damaged plants was the lowest in the variety Clarosa F1 (4.00%), with the application of the conventional plant protection scheme. The results were similar in the integrated scheme -- 6.00%, while in the control the degree of infestation reached 18.00%. The percentage of damaged fruits in both treatment schemes was 6.00%, significantly lower than in the control (24.00%). The highest tomato productivity was observed with the application of the conventional plant protection scheme in Manusa F1 variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in the carbon dioxide concentration (CO2) in the atmosphere has occurred in recent years, influencing the different biological aspects of herbivorous insects. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of CO2 increase on the biological aspects of Liriomyza sativae Blanchard leafminer in melon plants. For this, two experiments were carried out: (i) to evaluate the effect of melon plants grown in CO2-enriched environments on the immature developmental stages of L. sativae and L. sativae adult longevity, and (ii) to verify the impact of increased CO2 concentration on L. sativae adult survival, feeding punctures, and oviposition. The experiments were carried out in growth chambers maintained in the temperature regime of 20-26-33 °C (simulating the minimum, average, and maximum daily temperature) and under two CO2 concentrations (400 ppm and 770 ppm).The immature stages and the egg-adult period of L. sativae were longer when they were grown on plants grown in high CO2 levels (770 ppm), but no difference in adult longevity was observed. The viability of the immature phases was not different between the two CO2 concentrations. Furthermore, there was no difference in the number of eggs and feeding punctures between treatments. Thus, the increase in CO2 concentration prolongs the duration of the immature stages of L. sativae; however, it does not affect their viability. Adult survival, fertility, and feeding punctures were also unmodified by the environment enriched with CO2.

The agromyzid (Diptera: Schizophora: Agromyzidae) fauna of America north of Mexico is described in the first part of this publication, including a genus key and discussions on morphology, life history and classification. The second part is a species-level revision of the family in the "Delmarva" states of the United States of America, that is, of the District of Columbia and the surrounding states of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. The fauna of this region includes 156 species. This study presents 346 new state and provincial records and 23 new country records, two of which are new continental records (Agromyza abiens Zetterstedt and A. apfelbecki Strobl). Liriomyza endiviae Hering is no longer considered to occur in North America. Fifteen species are newly described: Agromyza echinalis sp. nov., Melanagromyza brunkei sp. nov., M. eoflacensis sp. nov., M. glyptos sp. nov., M. rutella sp. nov., Ophiomyia capitolia sp. nov., O. cuprea sp. nov., O. galiodes sp. nov., O. heleios sp. nov., O. kalia sp. nov., O. laticolis sp. nov., Cerodontha (Poemyza) ungula sp. nov., Phytomyza avicursa sp. nov., P. catenula sp. nov., and P. winkleri sp. nov. Four new species-level synonyms and one genus-level synonym are provided: Agromyza marmorensis Spencer syn. nov. is included as a synonym of A. aristata Malloch; Melanagromyza fastosa Spencer, syn. nov. is included as a junior synonym of Ophiomyia tiliae (Couden); Melanagromyza verbesinae Spencer is considered a synonym of M. vernoniana Steyskal; Phytomyza ranunculoides Spencer, syn. nov. is included as a junior synonym of Phytomyza loewii Hendel; the genus Liomycina Enderlein, syn. nov. is included as a junior synonym of Phytobia Lioy. Ophiomyia ultima (Spencer), comb. nov. is recombined from Melanagromyza. Euhexomyza albicula Spencer, stat. reinst., comb. nov. is resurrected from synonymy with E. winnemanae (Malloch). New host records are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Agromyzidae of Malta is reviewed and all 81 species are listed with additional data. Three genera are reported for the first time: Japanagromyza Sasakawa, Aulagromyza Enderlein and Phytoliriomyza Hendel. Two species in the genus Aulagromyza Enderlein and one in Phytomyza Fallén cannot be named at present. The commonest species on the islands, the pest species and 37 new records are indicated. The phenology of the species belonging to this family as applies to the Maltese Islands is tabulated and discussed.

A new species, Hemiptarsenus jilinus Tao, sp. nov., is described and illustrated. All the type specimens were reared from Chromatomyia horticola (Goureau) (Diptera: Agromyzidae), a leafminer attacking the plants Ixeris polycephala Cass. and Pterocypsela indica (L.) Shih, in Jilin Province, north-eastern China. A key to Chinese species of the genus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study conducted during (2017-2018 and 2018-2019) at Plant Protection Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt on tomato variety 765 planted on the 10th of September for each season in an approximate area (315 m²) in order to compare the efficiency of three Neonicotinoids [Thiamethoxam (Actara 25% WG), Imidacloprid (Best 25% WP), Acetamiprid (Mospildate 20% SP)] in Nano and commercial formulation size using recommended dose for them and the half-recommended dose for nano-insecticides against tomato leaf miner, Liriomyza trifolii Burgess (Diptera: Agromyzidae). The randomized complete block design (RCBD) was applied with three replicates/treatment and three control in a total of 21 plots. The replicate (plot) size was 3 ×3.5 m and consists of three rows planted with 5 plants/row. The nano and commercial insecticide sizes showed highly significant results in reducing the infestations of mines in tomato during the studied seasons in the first and second week after (1st and 2nd) spray compared with control. The nano-thiamethoxam 1x was the best for mines reduction followed by nano-acetamiprid, and nano-imidacloprid. However, there were no significant differences between commercial and nano-formulations in mines reduction % and the highest reductions showed by nano treatments. However, the treated tomato by the halfrecommended rate of nano and commercial formulations showed the same reduction results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The miner fly Liriomyza sativae (Blanchard) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is an insect of economic importance for tomato culture. The conventional control with insecticides is complex due to the mining eating habit that provides protection to the larvae inside the leaves. Therefore, farmers can opt for biological control agents, or substances that provide protection to the plant. Thus, the objective of our research was to evaluate the use of silicon to induce resistance in tomato plants against L. sativae. The results showed that in tomato plants treated with SiO2/F and K2SiO3/F there was a reduction in the net reproduction rate (Ro), in the intrinsic rate of increase in number (rm), in the finite rate of increase (?), in the average interval between generations (IMG), in the doubling time (TD), in the number of eggs/female/day and the accumulated egg laying of F1 females of L. sativae. The products SiO2/F and K2SiO3/F gave the tomato a protective effect against injuries caused by L. sativae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the material recently collected in the Transcarpathian Ukraine, three previously unknown species of the mining flies are described: Ophiomyia kireshii sp. n., O. mukhorytsa sp. n. and Agromyza paralucida sp. n. Heads, wings, male and female terminalia are illustrated and DNA sequences of the new species are provided. In addition, five species previously unknown to occur in Ukraine were found and added on the list of Ukrainian Agromyzidae: Melanagromyza nartschukae Pakalniškis, 1996, Ophiomyia pseudonasuta Černý, 1994, Agromyza anderssoni Spencer, 1976, A. hendeli Griffiths, 1963, and A. lucida Hendel, 1920. All species go with short general data on their distribution in Ukraine and rare species are provided with detailed distribution information that not listed earlier. The number of confirmed Ukrainian Agromyzinae species is now 105.

The vegetable leaf miner, Liriomyza sativae (Diptera:Agromyzidae), is an invasive polyphagous species originally known to be found in America and now spread in many parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific region. During 2016, L. sativae was observed for the first time infesting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) leaves in experimental farms of an institute at Umiam (Meghalaya state of northeastern India). Based on museum specimens, this species was reported from India on tomato during 1994. Nevertheless, no further information is hitherto available from India apart from just new record. Considering the pest status of L. sativae across the globe, it is crucial to understand its expansion range, severity, biological attributes, and seasonal incidence on tomato in India. Taxonomic identification of different species of Liriomyza leaf miners is very complex due to morphological resemblance, and consequently, species-level identification is often done incorrectly by mistaking one species for another. Therefore, we characterized L. sativae at the molecular level and developed species specific DNA barcodes by using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene. Moreover, the information on the correct distribution, seasonal incidence, and basic biological attributes of different stages of L. sativae is reported and discussed.

Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a leafminer that causes ruinous damage to many leafy vegetables including lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) by stippling and tunneling the leaves. In this study, a population of 125 F3 families was developed from the intraspecific cross of 'Valmaine' (resistant) and 'Okeechobee' (susceptible) romaine cultivars for inheritance analysis and molecular mapping of the resistance loci controlling stippling damage. The experiments were conducted in an insectarium (controlled environment). Stippling damage proved to be heritable because the broad-sense heritability (H2) was 0.58. A segregation analysis suggested that a single dominant allele, Sd1 locus, controls resistance against L. trifolii. Furthermore, a quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis identified one novel QTL, named Stippling on LG5 (qSTP5), flanked by two SNPs that were mapped to a 5.2 cM (8.5 Mb region) interval, explaining over 13% of the total phenotypic variance. Desirable allele for resistance to L. trifolii was derived from resistant cultivar Valmaine. Identification of SNPs closely linked to the QTL responsible for L. trifolii resistance should facilitate plant breeders to develop resistant romaine lettuce cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Agromyzidae of Malta is reviewed and all 81 species are listed with additional data. Three genera are reported for the first time: Japanagromyza Sasakawa, Aulagromyza Enderlein and Phytoliriomyza Hendel. Two species in the genus Aulagromyza Enderlein and one in Phytomyza Fallén cannot be named at present. The commonest species on the islands, the pest species and 37 new records are indicated. The phenology of the species belonging to this family as applies to the Maltese Islands is tabulated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumber is one of the nutrients rich vegetables with high market value. Being an important vegetable, it also suffers from several insect pests. The vegetable leafminer (VLM), Liriomyza sativae Blanchard (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is important pest of vegetables and ornamental plants worldwide, including in Iran. To understand the damaging nature of this pest and yield loss caused, cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. Sina 189 was exposed to different infestation levels: 0 (control), 10, 20, 40 and 50 individual per net for 24 h in cage study greenhouse. Number of mines, mined area, and yield loss were varied significantly with 40 -50 individual infestation rates. There was also a significant positive relationship between number of mine and damaged area. A linear regression analysis showed 300-400 g yield loss per 1000 cm?-d damage. However, yield loss was not associated with plant ages. It is crucial to understand damaging nature of L. sativae, and to determine its economic threshold for cucumber for optimizing management options and cost effective against this leafminer fly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the material recently collected in the Transcarpathian Ukraine, three previously unknown species of the mining flies are described: Ophiomyia kireshiensis sp. n., O. mukhorytsa sp. n. and Agromyza paralucida sp. n. Heads, wings, male and female terminalia are illustrated and DNA sequences of the new species are provided. In addition, four species previously unknown to occur in Ukraine were found and added on the list of Ukrainian Agromyzidae: Melanagromyza nartshukae Pakalniškis, 1996, Ophiomyia pseudonasuta Černý, 1994, Agromyza anderssoni Spencer, 1976 and A. hendeli Griffiths, 1963. All species go with short general data on their distribution in Ukraine and rare species are provided with detailed distribution information that was not listed earlier. The number of confirmed Ukrainian Agromyzinae species is now 105. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Liriomyza bryoniae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) for the EU. L. bryoniae (the tomato leaf miner; EPPO code: LIRIBO) is a polyphagous Palaearctic species which probably originates from southern Europe, where it occurs commonly outdoors and has now spread to many parts of central and northern Europe, where it is only found in greenhouses. The species is also reported in North Africa and in several countries in Asia. L. bryoniae can have multiple overlapping generations per year. Eggs are inserted in the leaves of host plants. Three larval instars feed internally within leaves and stems of field vegetables. Pupation generally takes place in the soil and very occasionally on the upper or lower surfaces of the leaves. L. bryoniae is regulated in the EU by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (Annex III) in specific protected zones only (the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom). However, L. bryoniae is not specifically mentioned in any of the annexes of Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072 concerning controls regarding certain protected zones. The wide current geographic range of L. bryoniae, both in open fields and greenhouses, suggests that it is able to establish in most areas in the EU, including the protected zones, where its hosts are present and where impact would be possible both in open fields as well as greenhouses. All criteria for consideration as a potential protected zone quarantine pest are met. Besides, being L. bryoniae widely distributed in the EU and being plants for planting the primary pathway it could also qualify as regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maternally inherited endosymbiont, Wolbachia pipientis, plays an important role in the ecology and evolution of many of its hosts by affecting host reproduction and fitness. Here, we investigated 13 dipteran leaf-mining species to characterize Wolbachia infections and the potential for this endosymbiont in biocontrol. Wolbachia infections were present in 12 species, including 10 species where the Wolbachia infection was at or near fixation. A comparison of Wolbachia relatedness based on the wsp/MLST gene set showed that unrelated leaf-mining species often shared similar Wolbachia, suggesting common horizontal transfer. We established a colony of Liriomyza brassicae and found adult Wolbachia density was stable; although Wolbachia density differed between the sexes, with females having a 20-fold higher density than males. Wolbachia density increased during L. brassicae development, with higher densities in pupae than larvae. We removed Wolbachia using tetracycline and performed reciprocal crosses between Wolbachia-infected and uninfected individuals. Cured females crossed with infected males failed to produce offspring, indicating that Wolbachia induced complete cytoplasmic incompatibility in L. brassicae. The results highlight the potential of Wolbachia to suppress Liriomyza pests based on approaches such as the incompatible insect technique, where infected males are released into populations lacking Wolbachia or with a different incompatible infection.

Adult and immature stages of a new species, Brachys cleidecostae sp. nov., are described and illustrated. This species represents the first leaf-mining buprestid with two broad, prominent horn-like apophyses on vertex, resembling broad horns. The material was collected within unusual shaped leaf mines in Alibertia sessilis (Vell.) K. Schum (Rubiaceae), a native species from Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado). This is the first record of Brachys associated with a host plant of family Rubiaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liriomyza is a large genus that includes polyphagous and invasive species (L. trifolii, L. sativae, and L. huidobrensis), and oligophagous species such as L. Chinensis in China. Effective control of these invasive and oligophagous species is not easy due to the fast invasion rate, interspecific competition, and pesticide resistance. In this study, we investigated population genetics of five Liriomyza species L. trifolii, L. sativae, L. huidobrensis, L. bryoniae, and L. chinensis based on COI and EF-1a genes, and microsatellite DNA. These five Liriomyza species revealed highly conservative characteristics in the COI gene among populations collected from different geographical regions and host plants. By contrast, the mutation rate of the EF-1a gene was higher than COI, and phylogenetic tree based on EF-1a showed that haplotypes of L. trifolii and L. sativae were not distinguished well. Genetic differentiation in microsatellite loci was obvious among the five species. Our results also indicated that geographic isolation had a greater impact on genetic differentiation in L. trifolii than the host plant. Populations of L. trifolii in China showed a high to moderate level of genetic differentiation and they had divided into two groups representing the coastal areas of southern China and northern regions. The genetic diversity of the southern group was higher than the northern group. We speculated that the invasion of L. trifolii likely occurred in southern regions of China and then spread northward. Bottleneck analyses revealed that the L. trifolii population in China was in a steady growth period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]