Search

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has been extensively used in phylogenetics and species-level evolutionary investigations. The lepidopteran family Tortricidae (leaf-roller moths), including the genus Grapholita, contains numerous species of economic importance, but for the majority of Grapholita species, their mitogenomes remain poorly studied. Here, we sequence and annotate the full mitogenome of Grapholita delineana, an important pest of hemp worldwide and compare it with the mitogenomes of two congeneric species available from GenBank. The G. delineana mitogenome is 15,599 bp long, including 37 typical mitochondrial genes and an A + T-rich region. Gene content, order and orientation are identical to other reported tortricid mitogenomes. Analyses of nucleotide diversity, Ka/Ks, genetic distance and number of variable sites together suggest that nad6 is the fastest-evolving gene among the mitochondrial PCGs of Grapholita. Our analyses indicate that Grapholita, as presently defined, is not monophyletic, confirming previous morphological and multiple-gene studies, using mitogenomic evidence. Our study provides information on comparative mitogenomics of Tortricidae especially Grapholita.

As a result of the long-term (2011-2018) researches in plum orchards the intensity types of the plum fruit moth butterflies flight seasonal dynamics – low, normal and high have been established which are observed during the vegetation period. The two latters are dangerous for crop so they are problematic for producers and require the flight dynamics control. The weather conditions indicators have been systematized. The mathematical parameters have been determined between those indices and the insect imago population density. The types of intensity of the seasonal flight dynamics (low, normal, and high) that can be observed during the vegetation period have been established. The onset of the imago flight of the plum fruit moth after overwintering at the normal intensity is observed under the sum of effective temperatures (SET) of 80.9 and precipitations up to 33.1 with a probability of 0.545, whereas at high the intensity these indicators were 116.0 °C, 26.3 mm and 0.273 respectively. As for the generation which overwintered the usual flight type of G. funebrana Tr. has been noted at SET 332.7, precipitations 44.8 with a probability of 0.636, and high type, at 410.1 °C, 37.5 mm and 0.182 respectively. The summer generation under the normal intensity developed at SET 710.7, precipitations sum 48.3 and probability 0.555, at high intensity, 604.3 °C, 52.6 mm and 0.364 respectively. In the right-bank part of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, the imago flight began at the end of April – in the beginning of May. The imago flight ends mostly at the end of September but may last until mid-October when autumn is warm. The average number of the butterflies of the generation wich overwintered under normal and high intensity types, varied to 15.1 and 20.9 respectively, and in the summer generation decreased to 7.8 and 10.5 specimens. Under the low intensity type, the amount of imago after wintering average at 5.0 and for the summer generation 5.8 specimens. The maximum G. funebrana density after wintering under the normal and high types of flight intensity was 19.4 and 30.1 and for the summer generation 15.7 and 27.1 specimens respectively. These figures under the low flight intensity for the both generations were 8.7 and 5.9 specimens respectively. The analysis of variance showed that the average imago number in traps (56.9 %) was determined by the intensity type, the generation share was 24.7 %, and the interaction between the two factors was within 12.6 %. The maximum imago trapping rates depended mainly on the intensity type – 90 %, and the other factors proportions studied were 3.3 and 6.7 %.

We discuss seven species of tortricid moths that are leafminers at least in early instars. These include Grapholita thermopsidis Eiseman & Austin, new species, which feeds on Thermopsis rhombifolia (Pursh) Richardson (Fabaceae), along with two others for which larval hosts were previously unknown: Catastega triangulana Brown (Ericaceae: Arctostaphylos pungens Kunth) and Sparganothis xanthoides (Walker) (Polemoniaceae: Phlox divaricata L.). Parasitoids of G. thermopsidis include Dolichogenidea sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Zagrammosoma mirum Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). The female genitalia of Epinotia nigralbana (Walsingham), a species that mines leaves of Arctostaphylos throughout larval development, are illustrated for the first time. Rhopobota finitimana (Heinrich), which feeds on Ilex spp. (Aquifoliaceae), is confirmed to mine leaves as has been documented previously in R. dietziana (Kearfott). Talponia plummeriana (Busck), which is known to feed in the developing ovaries of pawpaw (Annonaceae: Asimina spp.), also feeds in leaves before boring in the twigs and stems. Cenopis lamberti (Franclemont), previously reported from Persea sp. (Lauraceae), was reared from Symplocos tinctoria (L.) L’Hér. (Symplocaceae). Apart from the two exceptions noted above, all of these species exit their mines in later instars to feed in leaf shelters.

Two Grapholita species (G. molesta and G. dimorpha) cause serious losses in apple production by means of direct fruit damage and destruction. These two congeners occurred at similar seasons in the same orchards. Furthermore, the two species occurred in similar population sizes in apple orchards, though G. molesta occurred much more in total occurrence density than did G. dimorpha in a pear orchard. The two species share two major sex pheromone components, (Z)-8-dodecenyl acetate (Z8-12:Ac) and (E)-8-dodecenyl acetate (E8-12:Ac), but differ with regard to the relative mixture ratio necessary to create conditions of maximal attraction. To develop a simultaneous mating disruption (SMD), a mass ratio of 95:5 of Z8-12:Ac and E8-12:Ac was selected due to its high cross-calling activity and subsequent high mating disruption against both species. When the mixture was applied to orchards, it resulted in significant mating disruption against both species. However, mating disruption efficacy was slightly higher in G. dimorpha than in G. molesta. Application dose and dispenser type affected efficacy duration of SMD. In addition, the high density occurrence of G. molesta significantly reduced the SMD efficacy. Using a wax-type of dispenser, an application of SMD in 100 g per hectare dispersed in early spring recorded >90% mating disruption efficacy through the entire growing season against both Grapholita species.

A new species, Grapholita diehli n. sp., is described and illustrated from northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Among numerous new species of Tortricidae from Indonesia is one represented by a single specimen collected in Sumatra in 1992. Extensive sampling by many collectors over the past two centuries has resulted in no additional specimens of this unusual moth. The new species is the first described tortricid with a large light area apically in the hindwing; numerous other species have the hindwing highlighted overall, only basally, or not at all. The more typical condition is uniformly colored hindwings.

A survey of Lepidoptera reared from seeds and fruits primarily on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, yielded 444 specimens of Tortricidae representing 20 species. Nearly 90% of reared tortricids and 65% of the species are members of the tribe Grapholitini, a group that includes numerous economically important pests of fruit worldwide. We present host records for the following species: Histura panamana Brown, Platynota obliqua Walsingham complex, Platynota subargentea Walsingham, Spinipogon triangularis Brown, Cryptaspasma perseana Gilligan and Brown, Steblopotamia streblopa (Meyrick), Cydia pyraspis (Meyrick) complex, Eriosocia guttifera (Meyrick), Riculorampha ancyloides Rota and Brown, Grapholita mabea Razowski, Ricula croceus Brown, Ricula lacistema Brown, Ricula sp. 1, Ricula sp. 2, Talponia sp. 1, Talponia sp. 2, and four unidentified Grapholitini. In a comparison of studies focused on fruit- and seed-feeding insects in Thailand, Panama, and Kenya, Grapholitini represented 73% (in Thailand) to 90% (in Panama) of the total number of reared specimens of Tortricidae, and 45% (in Kenya) to 65% (in Panama) of the total number of tortricid species. However, a similar survey in Papua New Guinea produced considerably different results, with Grapholitini representing 46% of the tortricid specimens and only 20% of the species.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLH) performed a pest categorisation of Grapholita inopinata, (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), the Manchurian fruit moth, for the territory of the EU. G. inopinata is a well-defined species that is recognised as a major pest of Malus spp. in Far East Russia, Eastern Siberia and northern China. G. inopinata is less common in Japan where it is not a serious pest. G. inopinata is not known to occur in the EU. G. inopinata is listed in Annex IIAI of 2000/29 EC as a harmful organism regulated on Cydonia, Malus, Prunus and Pyrus from non-European countries. Adult G. inopinata emerge in the summer, mate and lay eggs on host leaves and fruit. Larvae burrow into the fruit to develop. Larvae exit fruit and overwinter under bark, under leaf litter or in the soil. Import of host fruit provides a potential pathway into the EU. Restrictions on the import of host plants for planting close other potential pathways. G. inopinata occurs in a range of climates in Asia, some of which also occur in the EU. Wild and commercially grown hosts are available within the EU. G. inopinata has the potential to establish within the EU. There could be one or two generations per year as in its native range. Impacts could occur in pome fruit orchards. The level of impacts would be uncertain. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of introduction of G. inopinata. G. inopinata meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA PLH to satisfy the definition of a Union quarantine pest. G. inopinata does not meet the criteria of occurring within the EU, nor plants for planting being the principal means of spread, so does not satisfy all the criteria for it to be regarded as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP). (c) 2018 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.

Phanerotoma libertinecidanew species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Cheloninae) is described and put in context with the latest North American revision of the genus. The species has been reared repeatedly from Grapholita libertina Heinrich (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), which is found on lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea var. minor Loddiges, Loddiges, and Loddiges (Ericaceae)). Its natural history is also described.

Fruit-bagging is being used as a pest management tool to control fruit moths on several continents. However, nothing is known about how this physical control method affects population genetics of these moths. Focusing on the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita (= Cydia) molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), we used five polymorphic microsatellite loci and two mitochondrial gene sequences to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic structure of populations from three fruit-bagged and two unbagged apple orchards in five regions of a major fruit-growing area of China. We sampled each orchard 3× during the season and found high genetic diversity in the samples of populations collected. Populations from fruit-bagged and unbagged orchards were genetically significantly differentiated, indicating a clear effect of the pest management method applied. Genetic structures of the populations under a given management regime changed in the course of the season in a characteristic manner, and within the same regime, patterns were always similar at a given sampling time. There was no significant isolation by geographical distance. Population genetics from both orchard types did not resemble one another at the beginning of the season, but they did rather at the end. Potential reasons for this unexpected direction of change in population genetic structure are discussed, and we hypothesize that diapause-related characteristics may account for the patterns observed. The current study documents that pest management methods applied can have an important impact on the genetic diversity and genetic structure of targeted pest insect populations.

Biological control requires specific tools for the accurate detection and identification of natural enemies in order to estimate variations in their abundance and their impact according to changes in environmental conditions or agricultural practices. Here, we developed two molecular methods of detection based on PCR-RFLP with universal primers and on PCR with specific primers to identify commonly occurring larval parasitoids of the tortricid fruit pests and to estimate parasitism in the codling moth. Both methods were designed based on DNA sequences of the COI mitochondrial gene for a range of parasitoids that emerged from Cydia pomonella and Grapholita molesta caterpillars (102 parasitoids; nine species) and a range of potential tortricid hosts (40 moths; five species) damaging fruits. The PCR-RFLP method (digestion by AluI of a 482 bp COI fragment) was very powerful to identify parasitoid adults and their hosts, but failed to detect parasitoid larvae within eggs or within young C. pomonella caterpillars. The PCR method based on specific primers amplified COI fragments of different lengths (131 to 463 bp) for Ascogaster quadridentata (Braconidae); Pristomerus vulnerator (Ichneumonidae); Trichomma enecator (Ichneumonidae); and Perilampus tristis (Perilampidae), and demonstrated a higher level of sensibility than the PCR-RFLP method. Molecular estimations of parasitism levels in a natural C. pomonella population with the specific primers did not differ from traditional estimations based on caterpillar rearing (about 60% parasitism in a non-treated apple orchard). These PCR-based techniques provide information about within-host parasitoid assemblage in the codling moth and preliminary results on the larval parasitism of major tortricid fruit pests.

Two internal apple feeders of Grapholita molesta and Grapholita dimorpha share two major sex pheromone components (stereoisomers) and exhibit a similar circadian rhythm of mating behavior. This study aimed to determine the genetic factors diversifying these two congeners with respect to sex pheromone biosynthetic machinery. Transcriptomes of sex pheromone glands in both species were analyzed with a deep sequencing technology. To find out the gene(s) responsible for the stereoisomer ratios of G. molesta and G. dimorpha, a hypothetic sex pheromone biosynthetic pathway was predicted based on the transcriptomes of their sex pheromone glands. Some orthologs of Δ10 desaturase and FARs in the synthetic pathway were specifically expressed in sex pheromone glands. The relatively high variation in DNA sequence and expression levels between G. molesta and G. dimorpha suggest their crucial roles in generating differential ratios of the sex pheromone stereoisomers in these two sympatric congeners.

Ripe fruits of Chytranthus obliquinervis were sampled from a tree in Buda Forest in coastal Kenya. Four species of insects were reared from the fruits, two species of Tephritidae, an undescribed species of gelechiid moth, and a new species of tortricid moth, Grapholita chytranthusi Razowski, sp. n., described herein. No parasitoids were reared. Notes on the biology, distribution, and conservation status of the host and its pests are included.

The two congener species Grapholita molesta and Grapholita dimorpha share two major sex pheromone components: cis-8-dodecenyl acetate (Z8-12Ac) and trans-8-dodecenyl acetate (E8-12Ac). In fact, commercial sex pheromone lures composed of only these two major components attract the males of both species. In this study, we aimed to determine the reproductive isolation components of these two species by analyzing the effects of the minor sex pheromone components and host plants. First, different ratios of the two major sex pheromone components were greatly favored by either male species. Sex pheromone gland extracts of G. dimorpha contained a lesser proportion of Z8-12Ac than that of G. molesta. In the three (apple, pear, and peach) orchards investigated in this study, a larger number of G. molesta males were attracted to the 95:5 pheromone mixture (Z8-12Ac and E8-12Ac, respectively), while a larger number of G. dimorpha males were attracted to the 85:15 mixture. Second, there was a significant variation in male attractions in different host plants. G. molesta males were more attracted to the sex pheromone lure in the apple orchards than that in the pear and peach orchards. In contrast, G. dimorpha males were more attracted to the lures in the pear and peach orchards than that in the apple orchard. Third, the minor sex pheromone components were important for reproductive isolation. Among the four minor components tested, addition of (Z)-8-dodecenol (Z8-12OH) to the major sex pheromone components significantly suppressed male attraction in G. dimorpha and slightly elevated male attraction in G. molesta. The discriminating effect of Z8-12OH was further validated using male electroantennogram analysis. These results suggest that reproductive isolation between two congeners can be achieved by variations in the minor sex pheromone components and in the host plants, as well as by changes in the ratio of the two major components.

The plume fruit moth, Grapholita dimorpha Komai, a fruit tree pest occurring in the northeast Asia, was firstly reported to infest apple in Korea in 2009, but its direct damage to other fruit trees has been poorly studied. In this study, we investigated shoots and fruits of both peach and plum trees and compared their damage rates by G. dimorpha to those by G. molesta, a congeneric species. In order to discriminate the two moth species, we developed a molecular diagnosis method using species-specific primer sets on different PCR conditions and distinguished the two species collected from the damaged shoots or fruits. The shoots and fruits of peach were infested mostly by G. molesta. However, in plums, the shoots were damaged by G. molesta and the fruits mostly by G. dimorpha. In addition, these two species showed a clear difference in host preference in fruit damage, where 92.5% of the Grapholita moths collected in peach fruits were identified as G. molesta, but 97.0% of the moths in plum fruits were G. dimorpha. The difference of the damage between the two fruit trees may give important information for monitoring of the two moth species in these orchards.

Eighteen species of Afrotropical Tortricidae are discussed, eleven of which are described as new: Plinthograptis iitae sp. n., Lobesia hecista sp. n., Teiteccopsis davisorum sp. n., Anthozela daressalami sp. n., Herpystis isolata sp. n., Fulcrifera horisma sp. n., Cydia zariae sp. n., Cydia ergoda sp. n., Microsarotis samaruana sp. n., Ioditis mokwae sp. n., Grapholita hymenosa sp. n.

A common characteristic of many invasive herbivorous insects is their ability to utilize a broad range of host plants. By using various hosts in phenological succession, multivoltine herbivores may increase the number of successful annual generations, at the same time as potentially increasing their overall fitness. To achieve such success, herbivores must be able to develop efficiently on the nutritional resources offered by their hosts. The oriental fruit moth Cydia (=Grapholita) molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is one of the most damaging invasive insect species. Peach (Prunus persica) is its primary host, whereas the pome fruits apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh) and pear (Pyrus communis) are considered as secondary hosts. In many parts of its geographical range, including southern Europe, populations of the moth switch from peach to apple or pear orchards during the growing season. The present study tests whether this temporal switch is supported by the physiological capability of the larvae with respect to developing efficiently on fruits of these taxonomically- related host plants. Larvae are reared on peach, apple or pear fruits; several life- history traits are measured; and correlations between the traits are calculated. The results obtained show that larvae do not have the same physiological capability with respect to using apple or pear fruits as hosts compared with using peach fruit. Pear fruit in particular is a sub-optimal diet. These findings suggest that, in the case of continuous geographical expansion, concomitantly with global warming, apple orchards might support oriental fruit moth populations better than pear orchards, and that the switch onto novel hosts might be accompanied by restricted population growth.

Understanding herbivore diversity both at the species and genetic levels is a key to effective pest management. We examined moth samples from multiple locations from a major apple growing region in China. For specimen collection, we used a pheromone trap designed to attractGrapholita molesta(Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Surprisingly, we found a second species captured at high proportions. Its external morphology (e.g., male genitalia and forewing coloration) was the same as forGrapholita funebranaTreitschke (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) specimens from Europe. However, the barcode sequence of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) diverged markedly between specimens from China and Europe, and the genetic distance value between the specimens from the two regions as estimated using the Juke-Cantor (JC) model amounted to 0.067. These morphological and molecular findings together point to a cryptic species inG. funebranafrom China. Further molecular analyses based on COI and COII genes revealed its extremely high genetic diversity, indicating that the origin of this species includes the sampling region. Moreover, molecular data suggest that this species passed through a recent population expansion. This is the first report on a cryptic species inG. funebrana, as well as the first report on its genetic diversity.

Fruit borers such as Grapholita molesta, G. dimorpha and Carposina sasakii are major pests of plum in Korea. Population densities and seasonal occurrence were monitored using the synthetic sex pheromone trap in Uiseong and Gyeongsan, two important major plum growing area in Korea. In 2010 and 2011, adults of G. molesta were caught from mid April with the peak of late April, and then undergone three more generations in Gyeongsan. Grapholita dimorpha appeared from late April and they showed three peaks until late September. Both Grapholita species occurred a few days later in Uiseong than in Gyeongsan where the latitude is lower. There was no difference of the phenological occurrence of C. sasakii between Gyeongsan and Uiseong, showing the same patterns of two or three peaks. Population size was in order of G. molesta, G. dimorpha and C. sasakii with 63:16:20 and 47:35:18 in Gyeongsan and 51:18:31 and 46:13:36 in Uiseong, in 2010 and 2011 respectively. There was no difference between the numbers of Grapholita species caught in the trap installed inside and outside of the orchards.

In North Korea, the first report of the family Tortricidae, comprising 34 species, was made in 1969. It includes three species of the genus Grapholita (G. inopinata, G. molesta, and G. turionana). Among them, G. turionana is now placed under the genus Blastesthia. In the present study, a total of four species of the genus Grapholita are recognized from North Korea, based on material deposited in the Hungarian Natural History Museum, Hungary. Of them, Grapholita molesta (Busck), is reported for the first time from North Korea. In the present study, G. inopinata was not found. All the known species are enumerated with illustrations of adults and genitalia. Also a key for the genus is given.

Apanteles mohandasi Sumodan & Narendran (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a specific solitary endo-parasitoid of Pammene critica Meyrick (1905) earlier known as Grapholita (Cydia) critica (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a major pest on Cajanus cajan (L.). This study provides biological details, a brief morphological diagnosis with illustrations, and molecular characterization of the parasitoid. The taxonomic studies confirm the correct placement of A. mohandasi Sumodan & Narendran 1990 stat. rev. in place of Dolichogenidea mohandasi. Apanteles mohandasi is also compared with the closely allied species, A. taragamae Viereck and A. sauros Nixon, and DNA barcode data obtained for A. mohandasi and A. taragamae. The size of amplified CO1 gene was 494bp for the two species. The alignment score of 75% was obtained between the two species on pair-wise alignment by Clustal W tool using Megalign, DNASTAR Inc. for the sequences of A. mohandasi (GenBank Acc.No: JX083404) and A. taragamae (GenBank Acc.No: JX0830405) ...

Behavior genetics, 42 (4), ISSN:0001-8244, ISSN:1573-3297

The ability of a sufficient number of individuals to disperse is crucial for long-term survival of populations. However, dispersal is often energetically costly, and thus is expected to trade-off against other life-history traits. In insect pest species, the occurrence of individuals with high flight activity challenges management practices. We performed artificial selection on flight activity and measured correlated responses to selection in the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita (= Cydia) molesta, a widely distributed and expanding lepidopteran pest of fruit crops. Both sexes rapidly responded to the imposed regime of divergent selection, indicating an adaptive potential of flight activity in this species. Upward-selected moths died sooner than downward-selected ones, providing evidence for a cost of flight activity to adult survival, reputedly associated with enhanced metabolic rates. Oppositely-selected females had similar total reproductive output, disproving a trade-off between dispersal and reproduction, although females with higher flight activity laid their eggs sooner. The ratio of body weight to forewing surface (forewing loading) did not significantly differ between selected lines. The present study contributes to the understanding of dispersal evolution, and also provides new insights into life-history theory as well as important baseline data for the improvement of pest management practices. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 100, 879‐889.

This study examined cross-species amplification of 33 microsatellite markers, previously developed for Cydia pomonella, in three related fruit moth species of the same tribe (Grapholitini), namely Grapholita molesta, Grapholita funebrana and Grapholita lobarzewskii. Eight microsatellite loci yielded polymorphic products for G. molesta, nine for G. funebrana and 11 for G. lobarzewskii. At all these loci, the number of alleles ranged between four and 11 in G. molesta, and between four and nine in G. funebrana and G. lobarzewskii each. The successful cross-amplified loci can be used for research on population genetics and gene flow of the three target species.

The fruit pests Cydia pomonella (L.), Grapholita molesta (Busck), Grapholita funebrana Treitschke, and Grapholita lobarzewskii Nowicki (all Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) are sympatric in Europe, and some of them are expanding their distribution range worldwide by continuous invasion into new areas. Identification of the small larvae by morphological characters and damage symptoms is difficult, and many misidentifications among these tortricids of the tribe Grapholitini are reported. In the current study, the species were separated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses. Samples were obtained from different countries and continents, and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) fragments of one individual per species and geographical site were sequenced. Based on the alignments of the amplified COI sequences, the PCR-RFLP method was established with 42 individuals and successfully validated using a total of 122 individuals of the four species. Results document that this method allows for discrimination of larvae, pupae, and adult specimens of all four species and can be used for a rapid and reliable identification of C. pomonella, G. molesta, G. funebrana, and G. lobarzewskii. Moreover, it can easily be expanded to other internal tortricid fruit feeder species that occur on different continents.

The lingonberry fruitworm, Grapholita libertina Heinrich, is a tortricid moth whose larvae infest wild lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. variety minus Lodd) fields in Newfoundland, Canada. This study investigated the potential for predicting G. libertina larval damage by using adult pheromone trap captures. Spatial patterns of capture were studied in relation to subsequent larval and damaged berry distributions in four wild lingonberry fields during 1998, 1999 and 2000. A model was tested that incorporated the effects of resource availability and coincident plant composition on insect distribution. In 1998 and 2000, the mean adult capture/trap correlated well with larval (R2 = 0.38–0.63) and damaged berry (R2 = 0.41–0.59) density within grids at each site. In 1999, larval and damaged berry densities were not significantly correlated to adult distributions, and were more dependant on a limited host berry distribution (R2 = 0.54 and 0.47, respectively). The results of this study suggest that co...

In an effort to develop an efficient monitoring method for the lingonberry fruitworm, Grapholita libertina Heinrich, an economically important pest of lingonberries, Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. var. minus Lodd. (Ericaceae), in Newfoundland, various known sex attractants for other species of the genus Grapholita Treitschke were evaluated for their ability to attract G. libertina moths in field trials in eastern Newfoundland. The chemicals tested were (E,E)-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol acetate (EE8,10-12:Ac), (E)-8-dodecen-1-ol acetate (E8-12:Ac), (Z)-8-dodecen-1-ol acetate (Z8-12:Ac), and (Z)-8-dodecen-1-ol (Z8-12:OH). Field trials in 1996 showed highest attraction to E8-12:Ac, with Z8-12:Ac and Z8-12:OH also being attractive. Trials in 1997 demonstrated that a blend of E8-12:Ac, Z8-12:Ac, and Z8-12:OH at a ratio of 85:10:5, respectively, was attractive to G. libertina males. All chemicals captured significantly more moths than did controls and all moths examined were males indicating these chemicals may be constituents of the naturally occurring female sex pheromone.

The hemp borer, Grapholita delineana, is newly described from feral hemp in Vermont, USA. It may pose a serious pest should hemp cultivation resume in the USA. A similar situation occurred in the 1960s, when G. delineanasuddenly became a serious pest in southeastern Europe. Evidence suggests the pest was imported from its native range via infested hemp seed. Larvae of G. delineanabore into stalks and destroy fiber, or they infest flowering tops and destroy seed. The larvae and adults are described, along with their life history, geographic range, and host range. Careful phytosanitary measures can prevent the spread of G. delineanainto quarantine areas, such as western Europe, Canada, and the entire southern hemisphere. Breeding hemp plants for resistance to G. delineanamay prevent future epidemics. Vermont feral hemp appears to be more resistant to G. delineanathan feral hemp growing in the Midwestern USA; the Vermont germplasm may have descended from plants imported in the 1830s, called “Smyrna”...

Here we report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Grapholita dimorpha Komai (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) (GenBank accession No. KJ671625). This is the second species with sequenced mitochondrial genome from the genus Grapholita. The length of this mitochondrial genome is 15,813 bp with an A+T content of 74.84%, including 13 protein-coding, 2 rRNA and 22 tRNA genes, and an A+T-rich region (Table 1). As in most other sequenced mitochondrial genomes of Lepidoptera, trnM was rearranged to the upstream of trnI-trnQ-trnM cluster compared with the pupative ancestral arrangement of insects. All protein-coding genes start with ATN start codon except for the gene cox1, which uses CGA as in other lepidopteran species. Seven protein-coding genes stop with termination codon TAA. Six protein-coding genes use incomplete stop codon T. The A+T-rich region is located between rrnS and trnM with a length of 848 bp, longer than that in most other lepidopteran species.

The oriental fruit moth Grapholita ( = Cydia) molesta is a key fruit pest globally. Despite its economic importance, little is known about its population genetics in its putative native range that includes China. We used five polymorphic microsatellite loci and two mitochondrial gene sequences to characterize the population genetic diversity and genetic structure of G. molesta from nine sublocations in three regions of a major fruit growing area of China. Larval samples were collected throughout the season from peach, and in late season, after host switch by the moth to pome fruit, also from apple and pear. We found high numbers of microsatellite alleles and mitochondrial DNA haplotypes in all regions, together with a high number of private alleles and of haplotypes at all sublocations, providing strong evidence that the sampled area belongs to the origin of this species. Samples collected from peach at all sublocations were geographically structured, and a significant albeit weak pattern of isolation-by-distance was found among populations, likely reflecting the low flight capacity of this moth. Interestingly, populations sampled from apple and pear in the late season showed a structure differing from that of populations sampled from peach throughout the season, indicating a selective host switch of a certain part of the population only. The recently detected various olfactory genotypes in G. molesta may underly this selective host switch. These genetic data yield, for the first time, an understanding of population dynamics of G. molesta in its native range, and of a selective host switch from peach to pome fruit, which may have a broad applicability to other global fruit production areas for designing suitable pest management strategies., PLoS ONE, 8 (11), ISSN:1932-6203

Se entregan nuevos antecedentes para siete especies de Tortrícidos de importancia económica en Chile, de acuerdo al estudio de ejemplares criados en condiciones de laboratorio. Esto comprende, principalmente, una descripción del último estado larvario basada en la quetotaxia, una recopilación de registros de hospederos y nuevas citas.

Attraction of many gravid female herbivore insects to suitable host plants is mediated largely by olfactory cues. Behaviorally, synergism among odor mixtures constituents underlies this attraction in some systems. Yet, the representation of synergistic odor-mixture effects is unknown in the antennal lobe, the first processing center for olfactory information in insect brains. Using both behavioral and physiological data we demonstrate that in the oriental fruit moth, Cydia (Grapholita) molesta, a minor constituent of a plant-derived synthetic mixture plays a key role in behavioral discrimination and in neural representation of mixtures. Behaviorally, minute amounts of benzonitrile added to an unattractive 4-compound mixture resulted in a bioactive 5-compound mixture that was as attractive to mated female moths as the natural blend. Physiologically, the bioactive benzonitrile-containing mixture elicited strong activation of one additional, new type of glomerulus that showed specific synergisms for this mixture. The specific pattern of activated glomeruli elicited by the addition of benzonitrile demonstrates a physiological correlate to the behaviorally observed synergism, and emphasizes the key role of a minor component of a complex mixture. While minor constituents of mixtures are often overlooked, they may, as conclusively documented here, be determinant for successful recognition and behavioral discrimination of suitable host plants by herbivore insects.

Grapholita orbexilana , new species, is described from Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio, USA. The larvae feed exclusively on Orbexilum onobrychis (Fabaceae), a plant of conservation interest in the Midwest. The moth is univoltine; its complete annual life cycle is detailed. Adult morphology readily distinguishes G. orbexilana from all other midwestern species of Grapholita ; diagnostic information is provided. Observations on morphology, larval host plant preference, and pheromone attraction are presented to support the assignment of G. orbexilana to the jungiella species group of the subgenus Grapholita

We present an annotated and illustrated catalogue of fifty type specimens of Afrotropical Tortricidae deposited in the insect collection of the Royal Museum for Central Africa. In addition to primary types, paratypes and/or paralectotypes are described and illustrated when available. Also, syntypes of the treated species deposited in other museums are listed and discussed. The taxonomic position of each species is reviewed. Three genera are described as new: Cornips Razowski, Nepheloploce Razowski, and Recaraceria Razowski. One new species, Cornips gravidspinatus Razowki, is described from the type series of Tortrix dryocausta Meyrick. Twenty-three new combinations and three new synonymies are proposed: Argyrotoxa praeconia Meyrick is transferred to Rubidograptis; Argyrotoxa canthararcha Meyrick to Accra; Homona cyanombra Meyrick, Homona myriosema Meyrick, and Catamacta manticopa Meyrick to Lozotaenia; Niphotixa dryocausta Meyrick and N. agelasta Bradley to Cornips; Tortrix enochlodes Meyrick and Tortrix scaeodoxa Meyrick to Clepsis; Catamacta imbriculata Meyrick and Capua pylora Meyrick to Epichoristodes; Homona hylaeana Meyrick to Meridemis; Argyroploce nephelopsycha Meyrick and Cydia euryteles Meyrick to Endothenia; Argyroploce nephelopyrga Meyrick to Nepheloploce; Polychrosis hendrickxi Ghesquiere, Eucosma orphnogenes Meyrick and Eucosma regionalis Meyrick to Sycacantha; Argyroploce carceraria Meyrick and Olethreutes hormoterma Meyrick to Recaraceria; Laspeyresia mixographa Meyrick to Eucosmocydia; Laspeyresia gypsothicta Meyrick to Grapholita. Eucosma niveipalpis Meyrick is a new synonym of Brachioxena sparactis Meyrick; Polychrosis hendrickxi Ghesquiere is a new synonym of Sycacantha nereidopa Meyrick, comb. n.; and Laspeyresia cynicopis is a new synonym of Fulcrifera periculosa Meyrick.

Parasitism of the oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta is recorded in New Zealand by 7 species of Hymenoptera; 1 pteromalid, 2 braconids and 4 ichneumonids and by one dipteran in the family Tachinidae. The biology and significance of these species as parasitoids of oriental fruit moth is described. Hyperparasitism is recorded, only at a low level, from 2 congeneric ichneumonids. Overseas experience with native and introduced parasitoids of G. molesta is briefly reviewed and suggestions made as to the potential significance of these species and of species already in New Zealand but not currently recorded from oriental fruit moth.

Grapholita libertina Heinr. larvae are a pest of economic importance in lingonberries (partridgeberries), Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. var. minus Lodd, in Newfoundland. Both domestic and export markets are affected. Surveys conducted during the period 1973–1982 to determine distribution and larval population levels, in localities where berries were harvested commercially, indicated they were infested to varying intensities in all 15 localities studied. Highest infestations occurred at Pouch Cove (5 September 1974 — 122 larvae per kilogram of ripe berries) and on Witless Bay Line (9 August 1977 — 276 larvae per kilogram of green berries).In experiments conducted from 1980 to 1982 at six locations, there was a significant decrease in level of infestation as the crop reached maturity. Our results suggest that delaying the opening of the lingonberry harvest season until the last week of September decreased the risk of infestation.Observations on the life history of G. libertina and a naturally occurring hymenopterous parasite are presented.

All four geometrical isomers of 7,9- and 8,10-dodecadienes with acetate, alcohol, and aldehyde functional groups were synthesized and field tested. The field survey produced sex attractant lures for 14 insect species. Species in the generaCydia, Grapholita, Eucosma, Pelochrista, Petrova, Phenta, Hedya, and Pseudosciaphila were captured. Defined lures were developed for some of the species captured. Gas chromatographie retention times for all geometrical isomers of 7,9- and 8,10-dodecadienes with acetate, alcohol, and aldehyde functional groups are reported. A study of the isomerization of 8,10-dodecadienyl acetates and aldehydes impregnated in rubber septa is reported.