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We discovered an egg batch of a moth species laid on the leaves of Ficus microcarpa (L.f) (Rosales: Moraceae) at Kyushu University. The larvae hatched from the eggs were fed on both F. microcarpa and Morus alba (L.) (Rosales: Moraceae) . Mulberry latex is known to be toxic to most lepidopteran larvae, with the exception of a few, such as Bombyx mori (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). However, to our surprise, the larvae developed normally, pupated, and emerged as fertile moths. We also investigated whether the larvae of the species fed on M. alba leaves and developed normally throughout the larval stage. Finally, we identified the species as Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) through observation of the external morphology of the moths and sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing translocation of people and goods has led to the introduction of species outside their native range. Amongst these "alien" or "non-native" species, a wide range of introduced trees have established in the Mediterranean, with their health, growth and/or value being negatively affected by insect pests. Encyrtidae are well-known for their use as biological control agents of scale insects and psyllids, with the latter groups including non-native pests of economic significance for introduced ornamental plants. Surveys in Greece and Cyprus unveil a total of 11 encyrtid wasps out of which three represent new records for Greece, i.e., Coccidoxenoides perminutus Girault, 1915, Cryptanusia aureiscutellum (Girault), and Isodromus ustianae Hoffer & Trjapitzin, 1967, and three for Cyprus, i.e., Isodromus luppovae Trjapitzin, Leptomastix gigantum Japoshvili, and Psyllaephagus macrohomotoma Singh & Agarwal, 1993. Psyllaephagus schauffi sp. nov. was collected from Greece and Cyprus, being described and illustrated as a new species to science. Additionally, Cacopsylla pulchella (Löw) is recorded as a new host for Prionomitus mitratus (Dalman), with the presence of the latter species in Greece being confirmed. The number of known encyrtid wasps for Greece and Cyprus are raised to 90 and 29, respectively, whereas further studies are necessary to assess the biodiversity of Encyrtidae distributed in both countries as well as the impacts of non-native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti-inflammatory effect of the ethyl acetate extract of F. microcarpa bark (EAFMB) was investigated in acute and chronic (21 days) inflammation induced in Wistar albino rats. EAFMB (200 mg/kg b.w.) exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory effects to the reference drug, with a reduction of 59.48% at 4 h in acute inflammation and 83.96% on day 21 in chronic inflammation. Bioassay-guided fractionation using DPPH radical scavenging activity led to isolating and identifying three compounds from EAFMB: oleanolic acid, catechin, and p-hydroxycinnamic acid. All these compounds demonstrated the concentration-dependent inhibition of COX enzymes and the protection of egg albumin from heat-induced denaturation. Catechin exhibited the highest COX inhibition (COX-1 and COX-2 IC50 = 9.02 and 50.38 μM, respectively) and anti-denaturation effect (IC50 = 27.13 μg/mL) compared to oleanolic acid and p-hydroxycinnamic acid. These isolated compounds are likely responsible for the anti-inflammatory activities of F. microcarpa bark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese banyan, Ficus microcarpa is an ornamental fig tree, widely planted throughout Southern Greece. Native to Asian - Australasian regions, it can be found in plazas, parks, roadsides as well as private gardens. Along with its host, various insect species have managed to follow and establish themselves outside of their native range. In Rhodes, the mass defoliation of an emblematic fig tree, led to the subsequent finding of Josephiella microcarpae infestation. Repetitive samplings in the following years confirmed the establishment of the species on the island, which constitutes the first record of this species in Greece. Collected specimens from Rhodes and Cyprus were sequenced for the COI DNA barcoding region. Further investigation of fig trees throughout various locations in Southern Greece, proved fruitless. Based on our findings, the distribution of J. microcarpae in Greece seems restricted in the city of Rhodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrohomotoma gladiata (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Homotomidae) has been recently recorded in the Mediterranean Basin causing serious damage on the widely cultivated ornamental tree Ficus microcarpa L.f. The population structure and seasonal fluctuation of M. gladiata were studied on F. microcarpa in Athens, Greece, from February 2019 to February 2020. In the samples, the presence of its natural enemies was recorded too. Eggs were recorded in May, August and from October to early January; the first two nymphal instars were recorded throughout the year but not in August and September whereas their densities reduced in early May; the middle-aged and the late instars nymphs were recorded in March and April and then appeared again in June and July. Based on our results 1) during winter, only young nymphs of M. gladiata were present; 2) under autumn and winter conditions, young nymphs do not develop further; and 3) most likely M. gladiata has a bivoltine life cycle or may complete a partial third generation in autumn. Parasitized M. gladiata nymphs by a Psyllaephagus Ashmead species were recorded from April to August, with the parasitism rate reaching to 81%. The predator Anthocoris nemoralis (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) was present in low numbers in spring. This work revealed useful information for the phenology and rational management of this pest and the potential of its natural enemies in its control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Urban trees play a key role in ameliorating extreme urban climates in cities. At the micro-level, it is crucial to investigate the variations in microclimates affected by the canopies of different tree species. The significance of this research is to provide scientific evidence for the selection of tree species in urban planning that can improve the local microclimate. This study examines the factors of microclimate (air temperature, relative humidity, wind environment, and solar radiation) underneath the canopy of four different evergreen tree species in hot and humid areas. Furthermore, the correlation between the physiological characteristics of these tree species and microclimate was statistically analyzed using data on the physiological parameters of the trees and microclimate factors.Methods: In this study, four tree species were selected for field measurements: Ficus microcarpa L. f., Ficus virens Aiton, Bauhinia x blakeana Dunn, and Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl. We used the HOBE (H21-0024, onset) to measure three climatic parameters (Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Instantaneous Wind Speed), and the Li-6400 Portable Photosynthesis System to measure five plant physiological parameters: Stomatal Conductance (Gs), Leaf Temperature (Tleaf), Leaf Surface Relative Humidity (RHsfc), Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), and Leaf-level Vapor Pressure Deficit (Vpdl). The observations were conducted during winter (January 16 - January 22) and summer (August 7 - August 22). The investigation periods were 9:00–11:00, 12:00–14:00, and 16:00–18:00, and data were recorded at 15-min intervals. The observational data obtained were analyzed using statistical methods, including one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis.Results: The results of this study indicated that the four tree species being measured had different effects on the microclimate at the sites in both the winter and summer seasons. During the 7-day observation in the summer, the cooling effect of the four tree species was significant. The relative humidity underneath the canopies was 3%–11% higher than that of weather stations. The instantaneous wind speed in the afternoon was relatively higher than at other times. The solar radiation intensity was dramatically reduced by 85%–95%. During the 7-day observation in the winter, the trees had a warming effect in the morning. The relative humidity underneath the canopies was 10%–20% higher than that of the weather stations. The areas underneath the canopies were windless in the afternoon. The solar radiation intensity was reduced by 78%–95%. Ficus microcarpa was found to be one of the most effective tree species for increasing the relative humidity and reducing solar radiation intensity in hot and humid areas. Additionally, the highest instantaneous wind speed was observed in the areas underneath the canopies of F. virens and C. camphora. Statistical tests revealed that the air temperature and the instantaneous wind were extremely significantly correlated with Tleaf and RHsfc.Conclusion: The four urban tree species studied had varying degrees of effect on air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and reducing solar radiation intensity in the areas underneath their canopies. Furthermore, these trees demonstrated varying abilities to improve microclimate conditions in different seasons. The four trees had a cooling effect in the summer. The instantaneous wind speed was calm in the afternoons during the winter in contrast to being relatively high speed in the afternoons during the summer. This characteristic is beneficial to warmth in winter and coolness in summer. In terms of the internal influence mechanisms, the results of the analysis indicated that microclimate factors were significantly correlated with the physiological parameters of the trees. Tleaf, RHsfc, and Vpdl were significant physiological parameters and had different contribution rates to microclimate factors.

The anti-inflammatory effect of the ethyl acetate extract of F. microcarpa bark (EAFMB) was investigated in acute and chronic (21 days) inflammation induced in Wistar albino rats. EAFMB (200 mg/kg b.w.) exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory effects to the reference drug, with a reduction of 59.48% at 4 h in acute inflammation and 83.96% on day 21 in chronic inflammation. Bioassay-guided fractionation using DPPH radical scavenging activity led to isolating and identifying three compounds from EAFMB: oleanolic acid, catechin, and p-hydroxycinnamic acid. All these compounds demonstrated the concentration-dependent inhibition of COX enzymes and the protection of egg albumin from heat-induced denaturation. Catechin exhibited the highest COX inhibition (COX-1 and COX-2 IC50 = 9.02 and 50.38 μM, respectively) and anti-denaturation effect (IC50 = 27.13 μg/mL) compared to oleanolic acid and p-hydroxycinnamic acid. These isolated compounds are likely responsible for the anti-inflammatory activities of F. microcarpa bark.

The Indian laurel-leaf fig (Ficus microcarpa) is an important ornamental tree widely distributed in the urban areas of Italy. Surveys conducted in 2019 and 2020 on several tree-lined streets, squares, and public parks in Catania and Siracusa provinces (Sicily, southern Italy) revealed the presence of a new disease on mature trees. About 9% of approximately 450 mature plants showed extensive branch cankers and dieback. Isolations from woody tissues obtained from ten symptomatic plants consistently yielded species belonging to the Botryosphaeriaceae family. The identification of the recovered fungal isolates was based on a multi-loci phylogenetic (maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood) approach of the ITS, tef1-α, and tub2 gene regions. The results of the analyses confirmed the presence of three species: Botryosphaeria dothidea, Neofusicoccum mediterraneum, and N. parvum. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on potted, healthy, 4-year-old trees using the mycelial plug technique. The inoculation experiments revealed that all the Botryosphaeriaceae species identified in this study were pathogenic to this host. Previous studies conducted in California showed similar disease caused by Botryosphaeriaceae spp., and the pathogenic role of these fungi was demonstrated. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Botryosphaeriaceae affecting Ficus microcarpa in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID 19; an infectious disease; firstly identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and has since spread globally, resulting in an ongoing pandemic. Searching for protease inhibitors is a challenging task in controlling COVID 19. Genus Ficus is known to be a rich source of phenolic compounds. Metabolic profiling of leaves methanolic extract of Ficus microcarpa (Moraceae) revealed nine compounds (1–9) mainly phenolics. Docking studies concerning these compounds against SARS-CoV-2 main protease showed that quercetin 3,7-O-α-L-dirhamnoside (1) and rutin (3) possessed significant binding stability at the N3 binding site in different activity degrees, which is comparable with COVID-19 main protease inhibitor, darunavir. Our study suggests that compounds quercetin 3,7-O-α-L-dirhamnoside and rutin might be potential candidates for the development of therapies against SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

During an inventory study of Psylloidea species carried out in Tunisia, the alien psyllid, Macrohomotoma gladiata Kuwayama, 1908 (Hemiptera Psylloidea Homotomidae), recently recorded in the country, has been detected on ornamental Ficus microcarpa, in public and private parks and gardens in many locations of the urban areas of the governorates of Tunis and Ariana, showing a fast spread in the area. This psyllid species has been observed causing damages and vegetative disorders to Ficus trees, especially white wax secretion, leaf wrapping and honeydew excretion on leaves and twigs. The number of infested trees increased from our first observations in late 2020 to early 2021. An Anthocoris sp. (Hemiptera Anthocoridae) has been observed to naturally prey on M. gladiata in many investigated locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian laurel-leaf fig (Ficus microcarpa) is an important ornamental tree widely distributed in the urban areas of Italy. Surveys conducted in 2019 and 2020 on several tree-lined streets, squares, and public parks in Catania and Siracusa provinces (Sicily, southern Italy) revealed the presence of a new disease on mature trees. About 9% of approximately 450 mature plants showed extensive branch cankers and dieback. Isolations from woody tissues obtained from ten symptomatic plants consistently yielded species belonging to the Botryosphaeriaceae family. The identification of the recovered fungal isolates was based on a multi-loci phylogenetic (maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood) approach of the ITS, tef1-α, and tub2 gene regions. The results of the analyses confirmed the presence of three species: Botryosphaeria dothidea, Neofusicoccum mediterraneum, and N. parvum. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on potted, healthy, 4-year-old trees using the mycelial plug technique. The inoculation experiments revealed that all the Botryosphaeriaceae species identified in this study were pathogenic to this host. Previous studies conducted in California showed similar disease caused by Botryosphaeriaceae spp., and the pathogenic role of these fungi was demonstrated. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Botryosphaeriaceae affecting Ficus microcarpa in Europe.

Plants that become invasive outside their native range often benefit from the absence of their native-range herbivores. Ficus microcarpa is a widely-planted Asian–Australasian species of fig tree that has become invasive in parts of its introduced range. As in most places where it is planted, the pollinator of F. microcarpa has been introduced to Cyprus, together with at least six other Asian fig wasp species. We recorded the other insects feeding on the leaves, buds and stems of this fig tree in southern Cyprus. Eight sap-sucking insects were recorded, and one leaf-galling species, with some present at high frequencies and densities. The insects were a mix of introduced polyphagous species and introduced F. microcarpa specialists. They included the first European record of the fig leaf galling psyllid Trioza brevigenae, which was described from India. Ficus microcarpa has not escaped from its native-range phytophages, but they appear to be free of their own specialist parasitoids and predators. The result is a herbivore load than may be comparable with what the plant experiences in its countries of origin. This is likely to reduce the invasiveness of F. microcarpa, but at the same time makes the plant a less attractive option for future planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition and antioxidant potentials of the essential oils obtained from white and green leaves of Ficus microcarpa were investigated. The essential oils were derived using hydro-distillation method and Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry analysis was used to detect the different constituents in the essential oils. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl radical antioxidant assay was performed to investigate the free radical scavenging capacity of the essential oils. Twenty phytochemicals were common to both essential oils while some notable differences were observed between them. Phytol (40.90%) and copaene (15.85%) were the most abundant compounds in the white leaves while megastigmatrienone (14.98%), 1,3-cyclohexadiene (9.20%) and 1-hexanol (8.80%) were the most abundant in the green leaves. The essential oil from the white leaves with a higher concentration of phytol exhibited the greater antioxidant potential. The plant may, therefore, be employed as a viable phytochemical bio-resource in medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder, characterized by hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. Natural products and its derived active compounds may be achievable alternatives for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In present study we investigated the antidiabetic potential of Ficus microcarpa and isolated bioactive compounds i.e., Plectranthoic acid (PA) and 3,4,5,7-Flavantetrol (FL). Anti-hyperglycemic potential was evaluated via α-glucosidase, α-amylase and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) assays. 5’AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) activation potential was assessed by using primary hepatocytes. Distribution of PA in different parts of Ficus microcarpa was evaluated by using rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ethyl acetate fraction (FME) exhibited significant inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPP-4, therefore, was selected for isolation of bioactive compounds. Among isolated compounds PA was more potent and possessed pleotropic inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 39.5, 55.5, and 51.4 μM against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPP-4, respectively. Our results showed that PA is also a potent activator of AMPK which is a central hub of metabolic regulation. Molecular docking studies confirmed the activity of PA against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPP-4. Rapid HPLC method revealed that maximum concentration of PA is present in the stem (2.25 μg/mg dry weight) of Ficus microcarpa. Both in vitro and in silico studies proposed that Ficus microcarpa and its isolated compound PA could be an important natural source for alleviating the symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus and we suggest that PA should be explored further for its ultimate use for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder, characterized by hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. Natural products and its derived active compounds may be achievable alternatives for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In present study we investigated the antidiabetic potential of Ficus microcarpa and isolated bioactive compounds i.e., Plectranthoic acid A (PA-A) and 3,4,5,7-Flavantetrol (FL). Anti-hyperglycemic potential was evaluated via α-glucosidase, α-amylase and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) assays. 5'AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) activation potential was assessed by using primary hepatocytes. Distribution of PA-A in different parts of Ficus microcarpa was evaluated by using rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ethyl acetate fraction (FME) exhibited significant inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPP-4, therefore, was selected for isolation of bioactive compounds. Among isolated compounds PA-A was more potent and possessed pleotropic inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 39.5, 55.5, and 51.4 μM against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPP-4, respectively. Our results showed that PA-A is also a potent activator of AMPK which is a central hub of metabolic regulation. Molecular docking studies confirmed the activity of PA-A against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPP-4. Rapid HPLC method revealed that maximum concentration of PA-A is present in the stem (2.25 μg/mg dry weight) of Ficus microcarpa. Both in vitro and in silico studies proposed that Ficus microcarpa and its isolated compound PA-A could be an important natural source for alleviating the symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus and we suggest that PA-A should be explored further for its ultimate use for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the successive extracts of the FMB on ethanol induced chronic hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, to understand the mechanisms of its pharmacological actions, the in vivo antioxidant activity and major phytoconstituents of FMB were investigated. Methodology: Ficus microcarpa L. fil., (FM) is commonly known as 'Indian Laurel', is used for liver complaints in Indian traditional practice. The hepatoprotective effect of four successive extracts (petroleum ether 60-80o, ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous) of FM bark (FMB) were studied in chronic ethanol induced liver damage. The protective potential measured by monitoring biochemical parameters and histopathological alterations. Result: The ethyl acetate extract of FMBE produce significant hepatoprotection by stabilizing the biochemical parameters in a dose dependent manner, comparable to that of standard drug, silymarin; also showed the positive involvement of endogenous antioxidant system. Further, it was confirmed by histology examination of liver. Phytochemical studies confirmed the presence of the phenolic and triterpenoids compounds such as catechin, oleanolic and betulinic acid. Conclusion: Hepatoprotective ability of FMB involves antioxidant mechanism associated with up-regulation of endogenous antioxidant system due to presence of phenolics and triterpenoids. Thus, the present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use in the management of chronic liver disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed in order to isolate and identify unknown allelochemicals from Ficus microcarpa, and to investigate the inhibitory to bloom-forming of green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Through gradient elution, fraction C2, whose inhibition of alga growth in diverse extracts was the strongest was shown to cause significant reductions of maximum quantum yield, as well as electron transport rates of C. pyrenoidosa. The study data also showed that the increase of fraction C2 concentration decreased the activity of total superoxide dismutase (SOD), but increased the activities of catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. These results demonstrate that the active fraction C2 not only induced the photoinhibition or photodamage of PSII reaction centers, but also triggered the synthesis of reactive oxygen species which may change cell membrane penetrability, thereby leading to the eventual death of C. pyrenoidosa. Furthermore, the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses showed that the most potential allelochemical in active fraction C2 was 2-Propyl phenol, which may exhibit potent allelopathy.

Copyright of Ciência Florestal (01039954) is the property of Ciencia Florestal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the successive extracts of the FMB on ethanol induced chronic hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, to understand the mechanisms of its pharmacological actions, the in vivo antioxidant activity and major phytoconstituents of FMB were investigated. Methodology: Ficus microcarpa L. fil., (FM) is commonly known as 'Indian Laurel', is used for liver complaints in Indian traditional practice. The hepatoprotective effect of four successive extracts (petroleum ether 60-80o, ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous) of FM bark (FMB) were studied in chronic ethanol induced liver damage. The protective potential measured by monitoring biochemical parameters and histopathological alterations. Result: The ethyl acetate extract of FMBE produce significant hepatoprotection by stabilizing the biochemical parameters in a dose dependent manner, comparable to that of standard drug, silymarin; also showed the positive involvement of endogenous antioxidant system. Further, it was confirmed by histology examination of liver. Phytochemical studies confirmed the presence of the phenolic and triterpenoids compounds such as catechin, oleanolic and betulinic acid. Conclusion: Hepatoprotective ability of FMB involves antioxidant mechanism associated with up-regulation of endogenous antioxidant system due to presence of phenolics and triterpenoids. Thus, the present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use in the management of chronic liver disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to compare the nutritional value, chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity of leaves, fruits, and roots from Ficus microcarpa. The results showed that all plant parts are rich sources of sulfated polysaccharides and phenolics; in aerial roots, polyphenols and flavonoids dominate. Epicatechin, coumaric acid, and quercetin were present in roots, leaves, and fruits, but in different amounts. Gallic acid and rutin were detected only in roots extracts. The minerals compositions indicated that K, Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn were present in all plant parts. The antioxidant properties determined by hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays, and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were better in root and in correlation with the chemical composition changes. Practical applications Our results provided evidence that the F. microcarpa could be a potential source of natural antioxidant that may replace synthetic product and prevents from oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species. Moreover, due to its potential antimicrobial activity, F. microcarpa can be used in pharmaceutical industry to treat damages caused by some pathogenic germs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new alien psyllid, Macrohomotoma gladiata (Kuwayama 1908), has been detected for the first time in Montenegro, in August 2016, on ornamental Ficus microcarpa L.f. trees grown within a hotel complex in the urban area of Budva, on the Adriatic coast. The psyllid was observed to cause serious damage on leaves and twigs of the host plant and produce conspicuous white waxy secretions. Short notes on morphology, biology and ecology of this new pest are given in the present paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this short review on Ficus microcarpa L. f., the first for the species, current information of the botany, uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology is presented and discussed. A common tree in coastal areas of the West Pacific region, F. microcarpa is characterised by its curtain of dangling aerial roots and small pink fruits. Considered sacred with spiritual significance, the species is an important food sources for birds and mammals, and a popular shade and ornamental plant. Used as traditional folk medicine to treat various diseases and disorders, F. microcarpa is rich in triterpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and phenolic acids. The aerial roots are most studied, and yielded the highest number of compounds (86), notably, triterpenoids (56), phenylpropanoids (13) and phenolic acids (12). Pharmacological properties of F. microcarpa include antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weeping fig thrips Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmerman (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) is an invasive pest that is being spread via shipments of ornamental Ficus (Rosales: Moraceae). We tested 50 Ficus cultivars from 12 species for their suitability as hosts for G. uzeli under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that G. uzeli reproduced well only on F. benjamina L.; other species were much less suitable. Plants of F. benjamina sustained folded leaf galls in new growth within 2 to 3 d of being exposed to adult thrips. In subsequent tests, we noted some differences among 27 F. benjamina cultivars in terms of the degree of infestation (number of leaves galled) and reproductive output of G. uzeli over 1 to 2 generations. Plant variegation did neither affect the number of galled leaves nor the number of thrips recovered in our studies. Our results suggest that genetic variation exists among F. benjamina cultivars in resistance to G. uzeli infestation. Additionally, Ficus species other than F. benjamina may be substituted in cases where G. uzeli is potentially troublesome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new psyllid pest of ficus, Macrohomotoma gladiata (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea), is reported for the first time from North America (California, U.S.A.). Notes on another adventive psyllid species that has been collected from ficus in California, Homotoma ficus, are given, together with a list diagnostic features that separate between M. gladiata and H. ficus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several species of Ficus present leaf galls and the goal of this research is to study the structural alterations involved in the formation of leaf galls caused by Gynaikothrips ficorum on F. microcarpa, an ornamental plant. The galls of young and mature leaves were separated into two developmental stages based on the presence of lesions on leaf lamina and the degree of leaf folding. Swellings of the lamina were observed in young and mature leaves during gall development which coincided with the areas of cellular hypertrophy and tissue hyperplasia. Swellings were detected in a greater amount and more precociously on young leaves when compared to mature ones. In young leaves, the cecidogenetic responses were quicker and led to further structural differences because younger cells are not completely differentiated. Cell hypertrophy and tissue hyperplasia were striking processes involved in the ontogenesis of the studied gall, similar to other galls induced by thrips. Nevertheless, in spite of the numerous sites of feeding and the wide area of attack, F microcarpa galls can be considered rudimentary, since no new tissue differentiation was observed.Galhas foliares são comuns em diversas espécies de Ficus. O objetivo deste trabalho é estudar as alterações estruturais envolvidas na formação das galhas foliares induzidas por Gynaikothripsficorum (Thysanoptera) em Ficus microcarpa, uma planta ornamental. As galhas de folhas jovens e maduras foram separadas em dois estádios de desenvolvimento, com base na presença de lesões e no grau de dobramento da lâmina. Durante o desenvolvimento da galha formam-se intumescimentos na lâmina tanto nas folhas jovens quanto nas maduras, os quais coincidem com as áreas de hipertrofia celular e hiperplasia dos tecidos. Estes intumescimentos foram detectados em maior quantidade e mais precocemente em folhas jovens, que, por possuirem células menos diferenciadas, mostraram respostas cecidogenéticas mais rápidas. A hipertrofia e, a hiperplasia foram os processos marcantes na ontogênese desta galha, assim como ocorre em outras induzidas por tripes. Entretanto, apesar dos numerosos sítios de alimentação e a grande área de ataque, as galhas foliares de F. microcarpa podem ser consideradas rudimentares, pois não se observa a diferenciação de novos tecidos.

Many plants are grown outside their natural ranges. Plantings adjacent to native ranges provide an opportunity to monitor community assembly among associated insects and their parasitoids in novel environments, to determine whether gradients in species richness emerge and to examine their consequences for host plant reproductive success. We recorded the fig wasps (Chalcidoidea) associated with a single plant resource (ovules of Ficus microcarpa) along a 1200 km transect in southwest China that extended for 1000 km beyond the tree's natural northern range margin. The fig wasps included the tree's agaonid pollinator and other species that feed on the ovules or are their parasitoids. Phytophagous fig wasps (12 species) were more numerous than parasitoids (nine species). The proportion of figs occupied by fig wasps declined with increasing latitude, as did the proportion of utilized ovules in occupied figs. Species richness, diversity, and abundance of fig wasps also significantly changed along both latitudinal and altitudinal gradients. Parasitoids declined more steeply with latitude than phytophages. Seed production declined beyond the natural northern range margin, and at high elevation, because pollinator fig wasps became rare or absent. This suggests that pollinator climatic tolerances helped limit the tree's natural distribution, although competition with another species may have excluded pollinators at the highest altitude site. Isolation by distance may prevent colonization of northern sites by some fig wasps and act in combination with direct and host-mediated climatic effects to generate gradients in community composition, with parasitoids inherently more sensitive because of declines in the abundance of potential hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host specificity tests on Gynaikothrips ficorum (Marchal) and Gynaikothrips uzeli (Zimmerman) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) have shown that under experimental conditions, G. ficorum will induce leaf galls on both Ficus benjamina L. and Ficus microcarpa L. f. (Rosales: Moraceae), but G. uzeli will induce galls only on F. benjamina. A further interesting aspect of the results is that gall induction by G. uzeli on F. benjamina appears to have been suppressed in the presence of F. microcarpa plants in the same cage. Liothrips takahashii (Moulton) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), an inquiline in the galls of these Gynaikothrips, is reported for the first time from Australia, mainland China, Malaysia, Costa Rica, and western USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]