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The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae(Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an important pest of several worldwide crops. This study evaluated the effects of plant micronutrients (alpha-iron (Fe), zinc sulfate (Zn), copper sulfate (Cu), and manganese sulfate (Mn)) on digestive enzymes, intermediary metabolism, and antioxidant responses of M. persicae reared on bell pepper plants under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that M. persicae reared on Mn-treated plants had the digestive enzymes α-amylase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and elastase inhibited. Moreover, the aphids fed on Mn-treated plants showed the highest activities of catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase, and lower increase rate of malondialdehyde. These findings indicate that micronutrients can impact the aphid metabolism, which may aid control strategies against this insect pest. We raise the potential for beneficial use of foliar fertilizer application as a pest management tool that could be further evaluated on a production and economical scale, as well as with other insect pests.

Nowadays, the applications of nanotechnology in pesticide formulation have rapidly increased to improve the efficacy and safety of biopesticides. In the present study, the essential oil (EO) of aerial parts of Thymus daenensis Celak was isolated through hydro-distillation. The composition of T. daenensis EO was then identified using gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry (GC–MS). Nanocapsule containing T. daenensis EO prepared via in situ polymerization technique using oil/water-based emulsion method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to determine morphology and surface of the nanocapsules. The mean diameter and poly-dispersity index (PDI) of nanocapsules were determined through dynamic light scattering technique. Finally, contact and fumigant toxicities of raw and encapsulated T. daenensis EOs were evaluated against cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.). GC–MS technique revealed that major chemical compounds of T. daenensis EO were thymol (56.61%) and carvacrol (17.02%). TEM images showed that nanocapsules loaded with T. daenensis EO have clear core–shell structures with spherical shapes. The range of diameter of nanoparticles was between 8.30 to 17.61 nm with the median diameter (x50) of 12.10 nm and a PDI of 0.098. Based on the relative toxicity ratios, contact LC50 and LC90 of nanocapsulated formulation (208.28 and 1026.44 ppm) were significantly smaller than raw EO (702.57 and 2367.62 ppm). Similarly, fumigant LC50 and LC90 of nanocapsulated formulation (10.55 and 32.31 μl/l air) were significantly smaller compared with raw EO (18.66 and 45.65 μl/l air). The findings were discussed regarding pest management, pesticide efficacy, and wildlife and environmental safety.

The English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is one of the most serious pests of cereals as the transmitter of viral diseases, mainly in wheat, Triticum aestivum. This agricultural pest is controlled with chemical insecticides, which is environmental pollutants and toxic for human. This study evaluated the potential of alternative environmentally friendly compounds to control this insect pest. The activities of digestive, antioxidants, and intermediary metabolism enzymes of S. avenae reared on wheat plants treated with bio-fertilizers (Biofarm and Probio96) and micronutrients (Librel Zinc and α-Iron) in the greenhouse were evaluated. The results reveal that α-amylase, total protease, trypsin, chymotrypsin, amino- and carboxypeptidases, alanine- and aspartate- aminotransferases, and acid phosphatase enzymes had lower activities in S. avenae reared on Biofarm treated plants compared to control. On the other hand, aphids reared on treated plants with Biofarm had the highest activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate oxidase, γ- glutamyl transferase, as well as lactate dehydrogenase. Moreover, the oxidized/reduced thiols ratio and malondialdehyde indicated higher activity in the aphids reared on Biofarm-treated plants than control. These results suggest that the bio-fertilizer Biofarm may compromise the physiology of S. avenae as a potential alternative toll in the integrated pest management of this aphid.

During a survey of the eriophyoid mites in Lorestan province of Iran two new eriophyoid mites described and illustrated: Aceria poldokhtariensis Lotfollahi & Bahirai sp. nov. from Populus euphratica Oliv. (Salicaceae) and Aceria torilarvensis Lotfollahi & Bahirai sp. nov. from Torilis arvensis (Huds.) Link (Apiaceae). They are the first eriophyoid mites collected on P. euphratica and T. arvensis respectively, and the later one is the first Aceria species found on plants of genus Torilis.

Wheat, Triticum aestivum L., is damaged by many insect pests including Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Induced host-plant resistance is an important strategy to reduce damage of the cereal aphids. This study evaluated the effects of wheat seed treated with biofertilizers (Biofarm and Probio96) and the leaves treated with micronutrients (Librel Zinc and α-Iron) on biological parameters of the S. avenae in greenhouse conditions. The treatments have effects in the secondary metabolites in wheat leaves. The higher phenol and anthocyanin contents of wheat leaves occur in Biofarm treatment (345.70 and 0.750 mg/mL, respectively). The lower fecundity of S. avenae (5.33 offspring) occurs on plants treated with Biofarm treatment. The net reproductive rate of aphid fed on plants treated with different treatments changes from 1.63 to 29.56 offspring individual− 1, with the lower and higher values on Biofarm and control treatments, respectively. The lower and higher values of intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) of S. avenae occur on wheat treated with Biofarm (r = 0.018, λ = 1.018 day− 1) and control (r = 0.148, λ = 1.016 day− 1), respectively. The results indicate that treating seed with biofertilizers (Biofarm and Probio96) is an environmentally safe method and could be used to manage S. avenae.

This study attempted to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of essential oil nanoliposomes from three plants by two preparation methods including thin film sonication and heating. Also, the durability of fumigation toxicity of the essential oil nanoliposome and pure essential oil of Mentha pulegium against Tribolium castaneum Herbst adults were compared. The smallest mean size of the nanoliposome was prepared by the thin film sonication method (PMentha pulegium > Ferula gummosa > Zattaria multiflora. These findings indicate that both preparation methods had the same effect on the formation of nanoliposomes, their characteristics, and their storage stability. The durability of fumigation toxicity of the nanoliposome M. pulegium essential oil had a significant effect on mortality of T. castaneum adults in comparison with pure essential oil of this plant. The result showed that nanoliposome encapsulation of M. pulegium essential oil significantly increased fumigation toxicity against T. castaneum. Therefore, essential oil encapsulation into a nanoliposome carrier can potentially be used in pest management.

The effects of temperature on developmental rate of Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer (Diptilomiopidae) were determined at six constant temperatures (17, 20, 25, 30, 33 and 36 °C) on fig leaves. The total developmental time of females decreased as temperature increased from 17 (21.62 days) to 33 °C (6.02 days), and then increased at 36 °C (6.47 days). Using the ordinary and Ikemoto and Takai (2000) linear models the estimated lower temperature thresholds (Tmin) for total developmental time of females were 10.78 and 10.37 °C and the constant temperatures (k) were 140.25 and 144.78°-days (DD), respectively. Data also were fitted to SSI nonlinear temperature-dependent model. The estimated TL, intrinsic optimum temperature (TФ) and Th for total immature stages of females by SSI model were 11.11, 23.72 and 37.98 °C, respectively. With use of the obtained data from rearing R. ficifoliae under constant temperatures in laboratory and temperature data in Khorramabad region in 2017, the real developmental rate of this mite in natural conditions was described. The highest (100%) and lowest values (51.67%) of survival rate for immature stages were found at 25 and 36 °C, respectively. The presented information could be used to predict the population dynamics of main pest R. ficifoliae for an effective management.

Prey-stage preference, functional response, numerical response, and mutual interference of Typhlodromus bagdasarjani Wainstein & Arutunjan feeding on Eotetranychus frosti (McGregor) (Tetranychidae)...

The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), is native to Asia but has been introduced to many countries, both intentionally and unintentionally. In the Middle East region, H. axyridis was so far only known from Iran and Turkey. This study reports H. axyridis for the first time from a country with a hot desert climate, Saudi Arabia. The single specimen that was found is most likely the result of unintentional release. Successful spreading of H. axyridis in Saudi Arabia will be limited because of high temperatures during summer and scarcity of prey (aphids). New records from Iran and Turkey suggest fast spreading of H. axyridis in these parts of the Middle East. In addition, we also present new records from Iran and Turkey for H. quadripunctata (Pontoppidan, 1763), the other species in the genus that occurs in the Middle East region. A key and illustrations are provided for both species.

Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer (Trombidiformes; Diptilomiopidae) is one of the important pests of fig trees that is widely distributed in fig orchards located in south-western Iran. The effect of six ambient temperatures (17, 20, 25, 30, 33 and 36°C) on life table parameters of R. ficifoliae was studied under laboratory conditions at 60±5% relative humidity and a photoperiod of 16: 8 h (L: D) on fig leaves. The life table parameters were estimated according to the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. In addition, the bootstrap technique was used for estimating the variances and standard errors of the population parameters. R. ficifoliae successfully developed and reproduced from 17 to 33°C, but the females reared at 36ºC laid a few eggs and died after several days. The longest and shortest total longevity of females were recorded at 25°C (48.50 days) and 33°C (14.33 days), respectively. The fecundity increased as temperature increased from 11.04 eggs at 17°C to 25.04 eggs at 25°C, then decreased and reached 12.44 eggs at 33°C. The lowest and highest values of the intrinsic rate of increase (r) were 0.043 and 0.234 day-1 that obtained at 17 and 30°C, respectively. The mean generation time (T) significantly decreased from 33.39 days to 9.63 days with increasing temperature from 17°C to 33°C. Our findings show that females reared at higher temperatures (>25°C) exhibit greater overall reproduction rates in comparison to lower temperatures.

Flies damage the livestock industry in many ways, including damages, physical disturbances, the transmissions of pathogens and the emergence of problems for livestock like Myiasis. In this research...

Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida (Tetranychidae) is an important pest of soybean in Iran and other soybean growing areas. The effect of six new genotypes of soybean (DI74, DI32, Williams*Davis, Linford...

The life history and predation rate of Typhlodromus bagdasarjani Wainstein & Arutunjan feeding on nymphal stage of Eotetranychus frosti (McGregor) (Tetranychidae) were determined at 25 ± 1°C, 60 ± ...

Based on reviewing the previous relevant literature on Iranian ladybirds as well as identifying and studying coccinellid specimens collected during 2013–2016 from various localities in Lorestan pro...

Tegolophus glycyglabri Lotfollahi, Hayatolgheyb & Jafari sp. n. is described from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Leguminosae) in Hatamvand village, Lorestan province, Iran. This is the third eriophyoid mite and the first Tegolophus species described from the plant species of the genus Glycyrrhiza.

We report on two lady beetle species, Oenopia conglobata (Linnaeus) and Adalia bipunctata (Linnaeus), sympatric in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran, closely resembling each other in coloration. This may be an interesting example of Mullerian mimicry. The putative model, O. conglobata, retains its typical pink elytral background with 16 black spots, whereas the locally most common form (forma fasciatopunctata) of the polymorphic mimic, A. bipunctata, exhibits a similar pink background that is otherwise absent in the species. This pink coloration is achieved by a small amount of red pigments deposited over the white color of the lower layer of the elytra.

The present study aimed to explore some simple ways to optimize the mass rearing of Cotesia vestalis (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), one of the most important biocontrol agents of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). The effects of host and parasitoid initial densities on the quantity and quality of produced wasps were investigated. In particular, a factorial experiment was established using three different host densities (20, 50, and 100 P. xylostella larvae per cage) in presence of C. vestalis at three different densities (2, 5, and 7 females, with a 24-h exposure) in well-ventilated cages. There was a significant effect of wasp's initial density on the percentage parasitism (measured based on the cocoon and emerged adult wasps); comparatively the greatest percentage parasitism was obtained with five wasps per cage. Initial host density had no significant effects on the percentage parasitism, sex ratio, and larval period, but it influenced the survival rate (measured based on the cocoon and adult emerged) and pupal period of produced wasps, and also percentage host mortality. The density of 20 host larvae was the best in this regard. These findings were discussed in the contexts of optimum mass rearing, life history, and potential of C. vestalis as a biological control agent.

The Iranian checklist of the tribe Chilocorini Mulsant, 1846 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is updated. In total, 13 species belonging to four genera (Brumoides Chapin, 1965, Chilocorus Leach, 1815, Exochomus Redtenbacher, 1843, and Parexochomus Barovsky, 1922) are listed from Iran. An identification key to all genera and species currently known from Iran is presented along with illustrations of adult specimens and male genitalia.

Cenopalpus irani Dosse (Tenuipalpidae) is one of the important pests of apple trees that is widely distributed in apple orchards located in the Western regions of Iran. The effect of four ambient temperatures (20, 25, 30 and 32°C) on demographic parameters of C. irani was determined under laboratory conditions at 50 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (light: dark) fed on apple leaves. The total developmental time of immature stages of C. irani decreased with increasing temperature from 20°C to 32°C. Total egg-to-adult development time varied from 19.74 ± 0.29 to 47.63 ± 0.49 days for C. irani females. The highest value of egg hatching rate (95%) and the survival rate for immature stages (89.5%) was found at 30°C. The longest and shortest oviposition periods were recorded at 20°C (50.17 ± 1.55 days) and 32°C (26.38 ± 0.81 days), respectively. The value of fecundity increased as increasing temperature from 20°C (25.78 ± 0.99 eggs) to 30°C (34.60 ± 1.21 eggs), then decreased at 32°C (29....

The Iranian species of the tribe Hyperaspidini Mulsant, 1846 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are reviewed. The current list includes 12 species, all placed in a single genus Hyperaspis Chevrolat, 1836. Hyperapsis asiatica Lewis, 1896 and H. pumila Mulsant, 1850 are excluded from the Iranian list of Coccinellidae. Diagnoses of the tribe Hyperaspidini and the genus Hyperaspis are given. Images of adult beetles and diagnostic characters of the male genitalia of all species distributed in Iran are shown. A key to identification of the species is presented. Distribution records are provided for each species along with information on host plants and prey species when available.

The life history and predation rate of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot feeding on Eotetranychus frosti (McGregor) (Tetranychidae) or Cenopalpus irani Dosse (Tenuipalpidae) were determined at 25±1°C, with 16:8 h L: D, at an average daily relative air humidity of 60±10% on apple leaves. A. swirskii successfully completed development, oviposition, and survival on both diets. Individuals of predator reared on E. frosti prey showed improved performance as compared to C. irani prey. The results indicated that its average duration of all immature stages on E. frosti and C. irani were 6.94 and 7.48 days, respectively. The adult female longevities were 39.81 and 32.41 days on the E. frosti and C. irani diets, respectively; also females laid a total of 34.69 and 25.96 eggs on the two different prey species, respectively. The intrinsic rates of increase (r) and net reproductive rate (R0) on E. frosti and C. irani were 0.179 and 0.140 day−1 and 18.50 and 11.68 female offspring, respectively. The transformation rate (Qp), stable predation rate (ψ), and finite predation rate (ω) of A. swirskii were higher on C. irani than when fed on E. frosti diet due to their higher predation rate. The transformation rate (Qp) of the predatory mite was 20.20 and 32.28 prey on E. frosti and C. irani, respectively. The net predation rate (C0) was not significantly different for A. swirskii on the two diets. The results of this study suggested that A. swirskii can successfully complete its life cycle on both preys and have excellent performance as biological control agent against both pest species.

Enemothrombium wohltmanni Saboori, Shojaei, and Hakimitabar n. sp. (Acari: Microtrombidiidae) is described and illustrated from larvae ectoparasitic on unidentified Chironomidae (Diptera). This is the third larval-described species of this genus in the world and the first Asian species. A key to species of Enemothrombium larvae of the world is presented.

The Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella Zeller) is a worldwide pest of stored grains and other grain-based foods. In this research, the insecticidal activity and synergistic effects of the entomopathogenic fungus (Beauvaria bassiana) and three botanical compounds including: essential oils of Artemisia haussknechtii and Citrus vulgaris and extract of Azadirachta indica were tested against third instar larvae of E. kuehniella. All experiments were conducted in laboratory conditions at 28±1oC, 65±5% RH and a photoperiod of 12: 12 (L: D). Results showed that all the botanical compounds and entomopathogenic fungi exhibited larvicidal activity against E. kuehniella. The LC50 values by probit analysis were 479.13 and 110.98 μl/l air, for essential oils of A. haussknechtii and C. vulgaris, 47502.6 ppm for extract of A. indica and 6.3 × 104 conidia/ml for B. bassiana, respectively. Results showed that the mixture of essential oil of C. vulgaris and B. bassiana fungi had synergistic effect on mortality of E. kuehniella larvae (SR=1.20).

Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer is one of the most important pests of fig in southwestern Iran.Phytoseius plumifer Canestrini & Fanzago is a phytoseiid mite on fig that is found naturally in Iran and can feed and reproduce on R. ficifoliae and other pest mites. The life table parameters of this predator on adult stages of R. ficifoliae were determined under laboratory conditions at 25±1°C, 65±5% RH and a photoperiod of 12:12 h (L: D). The results demonstrated that P. plumifer can develop on adult stages of R. ficifoliae. The developmental time of egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph and all immature stages was 1.94±0.08, 1.12±0.05, 2.71±0.07, 2.92±0.04 and 8.73±0.07 days, respectively. The egg hatch rate and the survival rate for immature stages were 100%. Female adult longevity and life span were 39.36±0.26 and 48.10±0.25 days, respectively. The sex ratio was 65% female. The mean generation time (T), net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and finite rate of increase (λ) were...