Search

New data on 36 species of leafrollers (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) collected during field trips in 2014–2021 in the Lower Volga Region are given. Six species are recorded as new to Volgograd Province, 5 species, to Astrakhan Province, 6 species, to Kalmykia, and 2 species, to the entire Volga Region. Images of the species recorded for the Volga Region for the first time are provided. Based on examination of the type material, the female genitalia of Cochylimorpha blandana (Eversmann, 1844) are described for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last instar larva and the pupa of Hybolabus amazonicus Voss, 1925 are described and illustrated, based upon adults and immatures collected in the Amazonian Region (Acre and Amazonas, Brazil). The larvae live and develop inside a leafroll made by the female weevil. Although the species has already been reported damaging leaves of the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl., Lecythidaceae) in the states of Acre and Amazonas, the preimaginal stages have not been formerly described. These are the first descriptions of larva and pupa of a species of the genus Hybolabus Jekel, 1860. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leafrollers are polyphagous pests whose larvae damage fruit and cause market access problems for fruit crops exported from New Zealand. Leafroller larvae and pupae were collected mainly from four fruit crops, but also from hedges, ornamental trees, and understory weeds in orchards and vineyards of Hawke's Bay, a major fruit production region. Samples were collected from 1974 to 1977 and 1993 to 2015. This timespan was divided into periods that broadly coincided with broad-spectrum insecticide management, the transition to selective insecticides, and the full implementation of integrated fruit production (IFP) programs in apples, grapes, and stone fruit. Eight tortricid species were identified, but the accidentally introduced Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and two native species, Ctenopseustis obliquana (Walker) and Planotortrix octo Dugdale, comprised 95% of the samples. The proportions of these three species varied according to interactions between four factors: pest management regime, collection period, property location, and host plant. In the 1970s under broad-spectrum insecticide programs, the native species dominated on all hosts. By the mid-late 1990s when IFP was introduced, all the main leafroller species were in decline. However, E. postvittana declined to a lesser extent than the two native species, and consequently, it became relatively more prominent. This change in species composition was delayed in two districts where localized cases of organophosphate insecticide resistance occurred in C. obliquana and P. octo. From 2000 onwards, E. postvittana was the dominant species in all districts and on all hosts, albeit with a much-reduced pest status, except on hedges and ornamental trees where C. obliquana prevailed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitoid communities in organic and integrated pest management (IPM) kiwifruit orchards have previously been found to differ significantly, but we do not know if this affects the quality or quantity of biocontrol services. We compared parasitism of two leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) pest species, Ctenopseustis obliquana (Walker) and Cnephasia jactatana (Walker), in the two types of orchard. Within each orchard, we focussed on a large shelterbelt between the kiwifruit vines and an alternative land-use to also investigate whether the shelterbelts and neighbouring habitat were a source of pests or beneficial insects for these orchards. Sentinel larvae were used to determine both parasitoid identity and parasitism rate each month during the kiwifruit growing seasons in 2013/14 (16 orchards) and 2014/15 (12 orchards). The numbers of Tortricidae and parasitoids in the shelterbelt on each orchard in each month was also assessed in 2014/15. Four parasitoid species emerged from the sentinel larvae, although average parasitism rates were very low (1–3%). There were no detectable effects of orchard management, shelterbelt type or neighbouring land-use on parasitism rates. Parasitoid numbers were low in all orchards in 2014/15, although more parasitoids were collected from the IPM orchards than the organic ones. This may have been in response to the increasing numbers of Tortricidae in the shelterbelts on the IPM orchards during the season, a trend that was not observed in the organic orchards. Both shelterbelt composition and neighbouring land-use were found to affect total combined counts of Tortricidae and parasitoids, with higher counts in shelterbelts composed of Cryptomeria japonica and where adjacent land contained native bush or tree-based scrub. Each may therefore be a source of both taxa for the orchards. Modifications to the shelterbelts that increase parastoids but not Tortricidae are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, symptoms of vein yellowing and leaf roll in pepper crops associated with the presence of poleroviruses (genus Polerovirus, family Luteoviridae) have been emerging in many countries worldwide. Spain was the first country in Europe where the yellowing disease of pepper was observed. In this work, a polerovirus isolate from Spain that infects pepper and has been shown to be transmitted by the aphid Aphis gossyppii (Spain-Almería 2-2013) was sequenced and compared with isolates from Japan, Israel, China and Australia. The genome (6125 nt in length, GenBank accession number KY523072) of the isolate from Spain has the typical organization of poleroviruses and contains seven open reading frames (ORF0 to ORF5 and ORF3a), putatively encoding proteins P0 to P5 and P3a. A comparison of the sequence from Spain with the four complete sequences available for poleroviruses infecting pepper showed a closer relationship to the isolate from Israel and supports the existence of a complex of at least five polerovirus species. Given that the symptoms caused by all pepper poleroviruses described to date are similar, if not identical, we propose to name them “pepper vein yellows virus 1” to “pepper vein yellows virus 5” (PeVYV-1 to PeVYV-5), with PeVYV-5 corresponding to the polerovirus from Spain described in this work. Our results and those published over the last few years have shown that the emergent poleroviruses threatening pepper crops around the world are highly complex due to recombination events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argyrotaenia tucumana Trematerra & Brown, 2004 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) was detected feeding on peach fruit crops in the south of Santa Fe province. The damages observed in January 2017 were superficial and close to the peduncle of the fruit. This is the first record of this pest on this crop in Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In declining birches (Betula sp.) from different European stands affected by the “birch leaf-roll disease” (BLRD) a novel virus is identified by means of RNA-Seq virome analysis. The virus represents a new member in the genus Badnavirus, family Caulimoviridae, tentatively named Birch leaf roll-associated virus (BLRaV) and it is the first badnavirus found to infect birch. Complete genome sequences (7,862–7,864 nucleotides) of three viral isolates of Finnish and German origin have been determined. The virus sequences show a typical badnavirus organization with three major open reading frames (ORFs) and a fourth potential ORF overlapping with the end of ORF3. ORFs 1-2-3 show low level of amino acid identity to the corresponding proteins encoded by other badnaviruses, reaching a maximum of 44% identity (ORF3). Grapevine vein-clearing virus appears as the closest badnavirus when considering the polymerase region. So far, we can exclude evidence for presence of endogenous BLRaV elements in the birch genome, while evidence for the episomal activity of BLRaV is provided. The viral population holds significant haplotype diversity, while co-infection by different BLRaV variants are observed in single hosts. BLRaV presence is associated with the BLRD in both silver (B. pendula) and downy birch (B. pubescens). These results challenge the earlier hypothesis of a causal role of Cherry leaf roll virus in BLRD. Further work is now needed to finally prove that BLRaV is the causal agent for the BLRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the growing seasons of 2014 through 2016, a total of 336 leaf samples from bell pepper (showing leafroll and interveinal yellowing) and arable weeds were collected from Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. The use of a polerovirus generic reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay confirmed their presence in the bell pepper samples. Sequencing of the generic amplicon revealed high similarity (87.6 to 98.1 % in nt) with four poleroviruses; Tobacco vein distorting virus, Pepper vein yellows virus. Pepper yellows virus, and Pepper yellow leaf curl virus. To further characterize one of these isolates (105 D), a larger pair of the genome (~1.300 nt) spanning approximately from the 3' end of ORF2 to the middle of ORF3. was amplified and sequenced. Blasting the resulting sequence revealed the low amino acid and nucleotide identity percentages in the coat protein and movement protein partial genes with viruses depositee in GenBank. Next-generation sequence was used to acquire a larger par of the genome, which resulted in the reconstruction of isolate 105D\s partial genome (5,496 nt). Sequence similarity analysis revealed the presence of a divergent polerovirus isolate belonging to a new species that wa: tentatively named Pepper leafroll chlorosis virus (PeLRCV). Using ; specific RT-PCR assay for this isolate confirmed the presence of this new viral species in the symptomatic peppers. Aphid transmission ex periments showed that PeLRCV is vectored by Aphis gossypii and tha it can infect at least five out of the 15 different plants species tested Based on our findings, PeLRCV is a new member of genus Polerovirus in the family Luteoviridae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sex pheromone communication in moths has attracted the attention of evolutionary biologists due to the vast array of pheromone compounds used, addressing questions of how this diversity arose and how male reception has evolved in step with the female signal. Here we examine the role of changing gene expression in the evolution of mate recognition systems in leafroller moths, particularly focusing on genes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of sex pheromones in female pheromone glands and the peripheral reception repertoire in the antennae of males. From tissue-specific transcriptomes we mined and compared a database of genes expressed in the pheromone glands and antennae of males and females of four closely related species of leafroller moths endemic to New Zealand, Ctenopseutis herana and C. obliquana, and Planotortrix excessana and P. octo. The peculiarity of this group, compared to other Lepidoptera, is the use of (Z)-5-tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-7-tetradecenyl acetate, and (Z)-8-tetradecenyl acetate as sex pheromone components. Results: We identify orthologues of candidate genes from the pheromone biosynthesis pathway, degradation and transport, as well as genes of the periphery olfactory repertoire, including large families of binding proteins, receptors and odorant degrading enzymes. The production of distinct pheromone blends in the sibling species is associated with the differential expression of two desaturase genes, deast5 and desat7, in the pheromone glands. In male antennae, three odorant receptors, OR74, OR76a and OR30 are over-expressed, but their expression could not be clearly associated with the detection of species-specific pheromones components. In addition these species contain duplications of all three pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) that are also differentially expressed among species. Conclusions: While in females differences in the expression of desaturases may be sufficient to explain pheromone blend differences among these New Zealand leafroller species, in males differential expression of several genes, including pheromone binding proteins, may underpin differences in the response by males to changing pheromone components among the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf rolling is considered as one of the most important agronomic traits in rice breeding. It has been previously reported that SEMI- ROLLED LEAF 1 ( SRL1) modulates leaf rolling by regulating the formation of bulliform cells in rice (Oryza sativa); however, the regulatory mechanism underlying SRL1 has yet to be further elucidated. Here, we report the functional characterization of a novel leaf-rolling mutant, curled leaf and dwarf 1 ( cld1), with multiple morphological defects. Map-based cloning revealed that CLD1 is allelic with SRL1, and loses function in cld1 through DNA methylation. CLD1/ SRL1 encodes a glycophosphatidylinositol ( GPI)-anchored membrane protein that modulates leaf rolling and other aspects of rice growth and development. The cld1 mutant exhibits significant decreases in cellulose and lignin contents in secondary cell walls of leaves, indicating that the loss of function of CLD1/ SRL1 affects cell wall formation. Furthermore, the loss of CLD1/ SRL1 function leads to defective leaf epidermis such as bulliform-like epidermal cells. The defects in leaf epidermis decrease the water-retaining capacity and lead to water deficits in cld1 leaves, which contribute to the main cause of leaf rolling. As a result of the more rapid water loss and lower water content in leaves, cld1 exhibits reduced drought tolerance. Accordingly, the loss of CLD1/ SRL1 function causes abnormal expression of genes and proteins associated with cell wall formation, cuticle development and water stress. Taken together, these findings suggest that the functional roles of CLD1/ SRL1 in leaf-rolling regulation are closely related to the maintenance of cell wall formation, epidermal integrity and water homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Somatic embryogenesis is the preferred method for cell to plant regeneration in Vitis vinifera L. However, low frequencies of plant embryo conversion are commonly found. In a previous work we obtained from cut-seeds of a grapevine infected with the Grapevine leafroll associated viruses 1 and 3 (GLRaV-1 and GLRaV-3), high rates of direct regeneration, embryo plant conversion and sanitation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of this procedure for regeneration of other grapevine varieties which include some infected with one to three common grapevine viruses (GLRaV-3, Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) and Grapevine fleck virus (GFkV)). As grapevine is highly heterozygous, it was necessary to select from among the virus-free plants those that regenerated from mother tissues around the embryo, (true-to-type). Results: Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration were achieved in a first experiment, using cut-seeds from the 14 grapevine varieties Airén, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mencía, Merlot, Monastrell, Petit Verdot, Pinot Blanc (infected by GFLV and GFkV), Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo (infected by GFLV) and Verdil. All regenerated plants were confirmed to be free of GFkV whereas at least 68% sanitation was obtained for GFLV. The SSR profiles of the virus-free plants showed, in both varieties, around 10% regeneration from mother tissue (the same genetic make-up as the mother plant). In a second experiment, this procedure was used to sanitize the varieties Cabernet Franc, Godello, Merlot and Valencí Blanc infected by GLRaV-3, GFkV and/or GFLV. Conclusions: Cut-seeds can be used as explants for embryogenesis induction and plant conversion in a broad range of grapevine varieties. The high regeneration rates obtained with this procedure facilitate the posterior selection of true-to-type virus-free plants. A sanitation rate of 100% was obtained for GFkV as this virus is not seed-transmitted. However, the presence of GLRaV-3 and GFLV in some of the regenerated plants showed that both viruses are seed-transmitted. The regeneration of true-to-type virus-free plants from all infected varieties indicates that this methodology may represent an alternative procedure for virus cleaning in grapevine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tectonic dynamics and niche availability play intertwined roles in determining patterns of diversification. Such drivers explain the current distribution of many clades, whereas events such as the rise of angiosperms can have more specific impacts, such as on the diversification rates of herbivores. The Tortricidae, a diverse group of phytophagous moths, are ideal for testing the effects of these determinants on the diversification of herbivorous clades. To estimate ancestral areas and diversification patterns in Tortricidae, a complete tribal-level dated tree was inferred using molecular markers (one mitochondrial and five nuclear) and calibrated using fossil constraints. We found that Tortricidae diverged from their sister group c. 120 Myr ago (Ma) and diversified c. 97 Ma, a timeframe synchronous with the rise of angiosperms in the Early-mid Cretaceous. Ancestral areas analysis, based on updated Wallace's biogeographical regions, supports the hypothesis of a Gondwanan origin of Tortricidae in the South American plate. We also detected an increase in speciation rate that coincided with the peak of angiosperm diversification in the Cretaceous. This in turn probably was further heightened by continental colonization of the Palaeotropics when angiosperms became dominant by the end of the Late Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial pesticides form critical components of integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Little, however, is known regarding the impacts of these organisms on the indigenous microbial community. We show that Metarhizium anisopliae strain CQMa421 was highly effective in controlling the rice leafroller, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee. In addition, M. anisopliae distribution and its effects on phyllosphere microbial diversity after application in field trials were investigated. Phylloplane specific distribution of the fungus was observed over time, with more rapid declines of M. anisopliae CFUs (colony-forming units) seen in the top leaf layer as compared to lower layers. Application of the fungus resulted in transient changes in the endogenous microbial diversity with variations seen in the bacterial observed species and Shannon index. Notable increases in both parameters were seen at 6-day post-application of M. anisopliae, although significant variation within sample replicates for bacteria and fungi were noted. Application of M. anisopliae increased the relative distribution of bacterial species implicated in plant growth promotion and organic pollutant degradation, e.g., Methylobacterium, Sphingobium, and Deinococcus. These data show minimal impact of M. anisopliae on endogenous microbial diversity with transient changes in bacterial abundance/diversity that may result in added benefits to crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional response of third-instar larvae of green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), to four densities of single-instar larvae of the five instars of obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), was evaluated at 25 ± 1°C in a laboratory. The aims were to determine the type and other characteristics of functional response including predatory capacity of green lacewing for possible use in augmentative biological control in apple ( Malus × domestica Borkh; Rosales: Rosaceae) orchards where obliquebanded leafroller was recently introduced in Mexico. Abundance of the pest increased rapidly, causing significant foliar damage and some fruit blemish. Third-instar green lacewing larvae based on logistic regression analysis showed Type II functional response to four densities of single-instar larvae of obliquebanded leafroller. Among the five instars of prey, the largest average number consumed per green lacewing predator was a relative density of four second-instar larvae at a rate of 1.93 in 24 hours. Also, substantial average consumption was by two third-instar prey larvae per predator whereby an average of 1.5 third-instar obliquebanded leafrollers were consumed per third-instar green lacewing in 24 hours. The third-instar predator captured and consumed third-instar prey larvae in the shortest handling time ( h), i.e., only 6.46 minutes, whereas the handling times for the other instars ranged from 23.48 minutes for the fifth instar to 31.56 minutes for the fourth instar. However, attack coefficients ( a) of green lacewings were slightly greater for third- and fourth-instar prey larvae, with 0.19 hour (11.4 minutes) and 0.15 hour (9.0 minutes) until the first attack, respectively, compared to 0.09-0.11 hour (5.4-6.6 minutes) until the first attack for the other instars. Results indicated that the green lacewing could be considered a prospective candidate for use as a biological control agent against lepidopteran leafrollers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The citrus leaf roller (CLR),Archips rosanus, a threatening pest of leaves and fruitlets on fruit trees, which in recent years has led to considerable damage to different citrus trees in some parts of the Mazandaran province of Iran. Insect activity on citrus trees causes the growth of buds and leaves to stop and foliage to dry. Pest oviposition as egg masses occurs on the host tree’s trunk. Eggs spent a year in the hibernation stage and, in the following spring, hatched the first instar larvae that fed on the opened buds. The distributions of CLR egg masses, deposited in 2015–2016, were evaluated on the Thomson novel cultivar (Citrus sinensisL.) in the northern region of Iran. The results showed that the numbers of egg masses laid on the trees at different height ranges of 0–50, 50–100, 100–150 and 150–200 cm were, respectively, 38.65, 33.78, 18.54 and 9.03%. The mean number ofA. rosanuseggs per mass, however, was not significant at different heights of the tree. Also, most of the egg masses were laid in the north and south directions in comparison with the west and east directions, with no significant difference in mean number in different geographical directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissipations of three insecticides: chlorantraniliprole, chlorpyrifos-methyl and indoxacarb in apples were studied following their foliar application on apples intended for production of baby food. The apples were sprayed with formulations for control of codling moth ( Cydia Pomonella L.) and leafrollers ( Tortricidae). Six experiments were conducted; each insecticide was applied individually on dessert apples. A validated gas chromatography-based method with simultaneous electron capture and nitrogen-phosphorus detection (GC-ECD/NPD) was used for the residue analysis. The analytical performance of the method was satisfactory, with expanded uncertainties ≤36% (a coverage factor, k = 2, and a confidence level of 95%). The dissipations of insecticides were studied in pseudo-first-order kinetic models (for which the coefficient of determination, R , ranged between 0.9188 and 0.9897). Residues of studied insecticides were below their maximum residue limits of 0.5 mg/kg at an early stage of growth of the fruit. The half-lives of chlorantraniliprole, chlorpyrifos-methyl and indoxacarb were 16-17, 4-6 and 20-24 days, respectively. The initial residue levels declined gradually and reached the level of 0.01 mg/kg in 1 month for chlorpyrifos-methyl, 2 months for chlorantraniliprole and 2.5 months for indoxacarb. To obtain the insecticide residue levels below 0.01 mg/kg, which is the default MRL for food intended for infants and young children, the application of the studied insecticides should be carried out at recommended doses not later then: 1 month before harvest for chlorpyrifos-methyl, 2 months for chlorantraniliprole and 2.5 months for indoxacarb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outbreak of a new disease occurred in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fields in northwest Argentina starting in the 2009-10 growing season and is still spreading steadily. The characteristic symptoms of the disease included slight leaf rolling and a bushy phenotype in the upper part of the plant. In this study, we determined the complete nucleotide sequences of two independent virus genomes isolated from cotton blue disease (CBD)-resistant and -susceptible cotton varieties. This virus genome comprised 5,866 nucleotides with an organization similar to that of the genus Polerovirus and was closely related to cotton leafroll dwarf virus, with protein identity ranging from 88 to 98%. The virus was subsequently transmitted to a CBD-resistant cotton variety using Aphis gossypii and symptoms were successfully reproduced. To study the persistence of the virus, we analyzed symptomatic plants from CBD-resistant varieties from different cotton-growing fields between 2013 and 2015 and showed the presence of the same virus strain. In addition, a constructed full-length infectious cDNA clone from the virus caused disease symptoms in systemic leaves of CBD-resistant cotton plants. Altogether, the new leafroll disease in CBD-resistant cotton plants is caused by an atypical cotton leafroll dwarf virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf rolling is an important agronomic trait in crop breeding. Moderate leaf rolling maintains the erectness of leaves and minimizes shadowing between leaves, leading to improved photosynthetic efficiency. Although some genes controlling leaf rolling have been isolated from rice and other plant species, few studies have examined leaf rolling in wheat. In the present study, the leaf rolling regulator gene, TaMYB18 , was identified in a large-scale transgene project involving the transformation of 1455 wheat transcription factor genes into rice. Three homologous sequences of TaMYB18 were isolated from hexaploid wheat and localized to chromosomes 5A, 5B and 5D, respectively. TaMYB18, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor, localized to the nucleus. TaMYB18 overexpression induced leaf rolling in transgenic rice. Additionally, the three members of TaMYB18 exhibited functional redundancy in rice. Furthermore, the function of TaMYB18 in regulating leaf rolling in rice was a dose-dependent. Taken together, these results indicate that TaMYB18 may play an important role in the regulation of leaf development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leafroller Argyrotaenia montezumae (Walsingham) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) was found feeding on blackberry leaves (Rubus sp.) in three localities of Michoacan, Mexico, for the first time in 2008. Several biological parameters of this insect were assessed under laboratory conditions (25 ± 2°C, 75 ± 5% relative humidity, and a photoperiod of 16:8 [L:D] h). The egg, larval (five instars), prepupal, pupal, and adult stages lasted 7.28, 21.62, 3.89, 8.37, and 17.64d, respectively. Larval growth of A. montezumae followed Dyar's rule, and the growth ratios for the widths between the genae and the distance between the frontal setae of the head were 1.43 and 1.54, respectively. Female and male pupae weighed 33 and 21 ± 0.56 mg, respectively. The adult sex ratio (percentage of females) was 48%. When females oviposited on the inner walls of a transparent plastic container, the cumulative number of eggs per female over a lifetime was 391, with preoviposition and oviposition periods of 3.5 and 8.1 d, respectively. Peak oviposition activity was recorded when female age ranged from 4 to 8 d (47.35 and 52.12 eggs per female, respectively). The egg hatching percentage was 92.24%. The influence of the oviposition substrate color on the fecundity of A. montezumaewas assessed using high-density polyethylene of different colors. The overall number of eggs per female was higher on green (352.5), blue (327.86), and yellow (250.60) substrates than on transparent (192.22) and pink (197.00) substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stresses caused by viral diseases and drought have long threatened sustainable production of grapevine. These two stresses frequently occur simultaneously in many of grapevine growing regions of the world. We studied responses of in vitro-grown plantlets (Vitis vinifera) to Grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 (GLRaV-3) and PEG-induced drought stress. Results showed that stress induced by either virus infection or drought had negative effects on vegetative growth, caused significant decreases and increases in total soluble protein and free proline, respectively, induced obvious cell membrane damage and cell death, and markedly increased accumulations of O2·- and H2 O2. Co-stress by virus and drought had much severer effects than single stress on the said parameters. Virus infection alone did not cause significant alternations in activities of POD, ROS, and SOD, and contents of MDA, which, however, markedly increased in the plantlets when grown under single drought stress and co-stress by the virus and drought. Levels of ABA increased, while those of IAA decreased in the plantlets stressed by virus infection or drought. Simultaneous stresses by the virus and drought had co-effects on the levels of ABA and IAA. Up-regulation of expressions of ABA biosynthesis genes and down-regulation of expressions of IAA biosynthesis genes were responsible for the alternations of ABA and IAA levels induced by either the virus infection or drought stress and co-stress by them. Experimental strategies established in the present study using in vitro system facilitate investigations on 'pure' biotic and abiotic stress on plants. The results obtained here provide new insights into adverse effects of stress induced by virus and drought, in single and particularly their combination, on plants, and allow us to re-orientate agricultural managements toward sustainable development of the agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the effects of Grapevine Leafroll associated Virus 3 (GLRaV-3) on fruit composition and chemical profile of juice and wine from Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sauvignon blanc grown in New Zealand, composition variables were measured on fruit from vines either infected with GLRaV-3 (established or recent infections) or uninfected vines. Physiological ripeness (20.4 °Brix) was the criterion established to determine the harvest date for each of the three treatments. Date of grape ripeness was strongly affected by virus infection. In juice and wine, GLRaV-3 infection prior to 2008 reduced titratable acidity compared with the uninfected control. Differences observed in amino acids from the three infection status groups did not modify basic wine chemical properties. In conclusion, GLRaV-3 infection slowed grape ripening, but at equivalent ripeness to result in minimal effects on the juice and wine chemistry. Time of infection produced differences in specific plant physiological variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moths use their sense of smell to find food sources, mating partners and oviposition sites. For this they possess a family of odorant receptors (ORs). Some ORs are used by both sexes whereas others have sex-specific roles. For example, male moths possess ORs specifically tuned to sex pheromones produced by conspecific females. Here we identify sets of ORs from the antennae of New Zealand endemic leafroller moths Planotortrix octo (48 ORs) and P. excessana (47 ORs) using an RNA-Seq approach. Two orthologous ORs show male-biased expression in the adult antennae of both species (OR7 and OR30) and one other OR in each species was female-biased in its expression (PoctOR25, PexcOR14) by qPCR. PAML analysis conducted on male-biased ORs indicated positive selection acting on the male-biased OR7. The fact that OR7 is likely under positive selection, that it is male-biased in its expression and that its orthologue in C. obliquana, CoblOR7, responds to sex pheromone components also utilised by Planotortrix species, suggests that this receptor may also be important in sex pheromone reception in Planotortrix species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several grapevine leafroll-associated viruses ( GLRaVs) have been found frequently in grapevines behaving GLD. Among them, GLRaV-2 is the only one belonging to Closterovirus, and mainly induces leafroll symptoms and graft incompatibility. In this study, new degenerate primer pairs designed against the HSP70 gene were applied in polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) and nested PCR ( nPCR) to detect GLRaV-2 in 132 samples collected from 14 provinces and regions of China. Of the samples, 51.5% were infected with GLRaV-2, and most did not exhibit GLD symptoms. Some popular grape cultivars had a high incidence of GLRaV-2 infection, such as Cabernet Sauvignon (92.3%), Chardonnay (80%), Red Globe (75%) and Italian Riesling (73.7%). 'Beta' rootstocks, previously identified as negative samples, were also found to be highly infected with GLRaV-2 (50%). GLRaV-2 isolates obtained in this study showed identities ranging from 68.9% to 100% and 76.47% to 100.0% at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the HSP70 gene showed that all GLRaV-2 isolates in China belong to three of five reported phylogenetic groups. Different variants belonging to the PN and RG groups were present in a single isolate. The results showed that the new degenerate primer pairs could detect more GLRaV-2 isolates than the previously reported primers. This is the first detailed report on the prevalence and gene diversity of GLRaV-2 in China and also provides an nPCR method to improve the sensitivity of PCR as an alternative method when no real-time PCR device is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. In this laboratory study, the clutch size and handling time of Goniozus jacintae were investigated, a comparison of its life-history performance between primary and secondary (laid after infanticide events) broods was carried out, and the lipid and protein concentrations in the haemolymph of non-parasitised and parasitised hosts were estimated. 2. It was found that G. jacintae temporarily paralysed its host larvae for 66 min and briefly guarded its brood for 66 min. The clutch size of G. jacintae increased from two to seven with increasing larval fresh weight of its host, and both ovicide and larvicide of primary clutches occurred in 81% of encounters. 3. Secondary clutches of G. jacintae were significantly larger than primary clutches in two of three ovicide treatments for the same host individuals. Secondary clutches also experienced greater brood survivorship than primary clutches. 4. Lipid concentrations were consistently higher in the haemolymph of parasitised hosts, and protein concentrations were initially higher (until egg hatch), but increased at a lower rate in parasitised hosts than in non-parasitised hosts. 5. This study is the first to provide evidence that improved nutritional quality could be an important benefit of infanticide for an insect parasitoid, allowing for larger clutch size and improved brood survivorship among secondary broods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two generalist parasitoids, Dolichogenidea tasmanica (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Therophilus unimaculatus (Turner) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) attack early instars of tortricid moths, including the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). The two parasitoids co-exist in natural habitats, while D. tasmanica is dominant in vineyards, whereas T. unimaculatus occurs mainly in adjacent native vegetation. This difference suggests possible competition between the two species, mediated by habitat. Here, we report on the extent of interspecific differences in host discrimination and the outcome of interspecific competition between the two parasitoids. The parasitoids did not show different behavioural responses to un-parasitized hosts or those that were parasitized by the other species. Larvae of D. tasmanica out-competed those of T. unimaculatus, irrespective of the order or interval between attacks by the two species. The host larvae that were attacked by two parasitoids died more frequently before a parasitoid completed its larval development than those that were attacked by a single parasitoid. Dissection of host larvae parasitized by both species indicated that first instars of D. tasmanica attacked and killed larval T. unimaculatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulliform cells are large, thin-walled and highly vacuolated cells, and play an important role in controlling leaf rolling in response to drought and high temperature. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating bulliform cell development have not been well documented. Here, we report isolation and characterisation of a rice leaf-rolling mutant, named shallot-like 2 ( sll2). The sll2 plants exhibit adaxially rolled leaves, starting from the sixth leaf stage, accompanied by increased photosynthesis and reduced plant height and tiller number. Histological analyses showed shrinkage of bulliform cells, resulting in inward-curved leaves. The mutant is recessive and revertible at a rate of 9%. The leaf rolling is caused by a T- DNA insertion. Cloning of the insertion using TAIL- PCR revealed that the T- DNA was inserted in the promoter region of LOC_Os07 g38664. Unexpectedly, the enhanced expression of LOC_Os07 g38664 by the 35S enhancer in the T- DNA is not responsible for the leaf rolling phenotype. Further, the enhancer also exerted a long-distance effect, including up-regulation of several bulliform cell-related genes. sll2 suppressed the outward leaf rolling of oul1 in the sll2oul1 double mutant. We conclude that leaf rolling in sll2 could be a result of the combined effect of multi-genes, implying a complex network in regulation of bulliform cell development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiological management of migration-reproduction trade-offs in energy allocation often includes a package of adaptions referred to as the oogenesis-flight syndrome. In some species, this trade-off may be overestimated, because factors like flight behavior and environmental conditions may mitigate it. In this study, we examined the reproductive consequences induced by different flight scenarios in an economically-important Asian migrant insect, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis. We found that the influences of flight on reproduction are not absolutely positive or negative, but instead depend on the age at which the moth begins flight, flight duration, and how many consecutive nights they are flown. Adult flight on the 1st or 2nd night after emergence, flight for 6 h or 12 h nightly, and flight on the first two consecutive nights after emergence significantly accelerated onset of oviposition or enhanced synchrony of egg-laying. The latter can contribute to subsequent larval outbreaks. However, flight after the 3rd night, flight for 18 h at any age, or flight on more than 3 consecutive nights after adult emergence did not promote reproductive development, and in some scenarios even constrained adult reproduction. These results indicate that there is a migration/reproduction trade-off in C.medinalis, but that it is mitigated or eliminated by flight under appropriate conditions. The strategy of advanced and synchronized oviposition triggered by migratory flight of young females may be common in other migratory insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The baldcypress leafroller, Archips goyerana Kruse (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a specialist on Taxodium distichum (L.) Richard and has caused serious defoliation in swamps of southeastern Louisiana, accelerating decline of baldcypress forests concurrently suffering from nutrient depletion, prolonged flooding, and saltwater intrusion. We investigated the composition of the sex pheromone of this species. Coupled gas chromatography–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses indicated that male antennae were sensitive to four compounds [(Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11-14:OAc), (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11-14:OAc), (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:OAc), and (Z)-11-tetradecen-1-ol (Z11-14:OH)] present in female abdominal tip extracts in an approximately 100:1.5:0.6:10 ratio. In trapping trials performed in a cypress–tupelo swamp in southeastern Louisiana, moths were attracted to blends of these four components presented in approximately the female-produced ratios. Elimination of Z11-14:OH had no impact on moth response, whereas elimination of any of the three acetates strongly reduced or eliminated attraction. A blend in which the E11:Z11 ratio of 14:OAc was 5:100 was much less attractive than the same blend with the female produced ratio of 1.5:100. A. goyerana is closely related to the sympatric species Archips argyrospilus (Walker) with which it was previously synonymous. Our data revealed differences between the pheromone composition of A. goyerana and that reported for A. argyrospilus, which could account for the apparent absence of cross-attraction between these species. We conclude that a lure containing a 100:1.5:0.6 ratio of Z11-14:OAc, E11-14:OAc, and Z9-14:OAc has the potential to be used in traps to detect and measure A. goyerana populations and thereby monitor an important biotic factor contributing to the loss of coastal baldcypress forests. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A new species of Apanteles from Mexico is described and illustrated. Apanteles montezumae Sánchez, Figueroa and Whitfield, new species, attacks Argyrotaenia montezumae Walsingham and Amorbia cuneana (Walsingham) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on Rubus sp. in Michoacan state, Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How new mate recognition systems evolve when changes are required in both the male and female components remains a conundrum. Here, we investigated the molecular basis of pheromone reception in two species of tortricid (leafroller) moth, Ctenopseustis obliquana and C. herana. Male C. obliquana are attracted to a 90:10 blend of ( Z)-8-tetradecenyl acetate (Z8-14:OAc) and ( Z)-5-tetradecenyl acetate (Z5-14:OAc), whereas C. herana males are attracted to Z5-14:OAc alone. We used a transcriptome sequencing approach from adult male and female antennae to identify 47 olfactory receptors (ORs) from each species and assessed their expression levels in male and female antennae using RNA-Seq counting and quantitative RT-PCR. Three male-biased and one female-biased OR were identified in C. obliquana by quantitative RT-PCR, and four male-biased and one female-biased receptor in C. herana. The male-biased receptors, CoblOR7, CoblOR30, CherOR7, CherOR30, CherOR1a and CherOR1b were tested for their ability to respond to sex pheromone components in a HEK293 cell calcium assay. CoblOR7 and CherOR7 responded to Z8-14:OAc, however, no receptor for Z5-14:OAc was identified. In addition to Z8-14:OAc, CherOR7 also responded to Z7-14:OAc, indicating that this receptor may be under relaxed constraint. Of the 29 amino acid differences between CoblOR7 and CherOR7, significantly more are located in the third and the sixth transmembrane domain regions. Overall, these findings are consistent with studies revealing the presence of neurons tuned to both Z8-14:OAc and Z5-14:OAc in both species, but that for C. herana males, the ability to detect Z8-14:OAc is currently not required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resident natural enemies can impact invasive species by causing Allee effects, leading to a reduction in establishment success of small founder populations, or by regulating or merely suppressing the abundance of established populations. Epiphyas postvittana, the Light Brown Apple Moth, an invasive leafroller in California, has been found to be attacked by a large assemblage of resident parasitoids that cause relatively high rates of parasitism. Over a 4-year period, we measured the abundance and per capita growth rates of four E. postvittana populations in California and determined parasitism rates. We found that at two of the sites, parasitism caused a component Allee effect, a reduction in individual survivorship at lower E. postvittana population densities, although it did not translate into a demographic Allee effect, an impact on per capita population growth rates at low densities. Instead, E. postvittana populations at all four sites exhibited strong compensatory density feedback throughout the entire range of densities observed at each site. As we found no evidence for a negative relationship between per capita population growth rates and parasitism rates, we concluded that resident parasitoids were unable to regulate E. postvittana populations in California. Despite a lack of evidence for regulation or a demographic Allee effect, the impact of resident parasitoids on E. postvittana populations is substantial and demonstrates significant biotic resistance against this new invader. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leafrollers Argyrotaenia montezumae Walsingham and Amorbia sp. are tortricids associated with blackberry plants, in Michoacan, Mexico. In this study we analyzed and compared the abundance and diversity of parasitoids associated with these leafroller species in two commercial plantings in Los Reyes, Michoacan. A total of 1682 young leaves infested with leafroller larvae were collected, of these 994 specimens of four parasitoid species were obtained. The parasitoids were Chelonus sp. (41.6%), Apanteles n. sp. (34.2%), Colpoclypeus michoacanensis Sánchez & Figueroa (23.1%), and Bracon sp. (1%). Apanteles n. sp. recorded the highest percent of parasitism (26.9%) and it was also the species that appeared more frequently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The blackberry, Rubus sp., crop in the state of Michoacán, Mexico is the second-most important crop after avocado, Persea americana Mill., in relation to value of production and employment. In this study was identified a blackberry leafroller, its parasitoids, and population dynamics in two commercial orchards at Michoacán, Mexico, during the growing seasons of 2007 and 2008. Collected rolled leaves containing larvae and pupae where maintained in a laboratory until leafroller adults and their parasitoids emerged. Population dynamics of moths were determined using wing traps containing the sex pheromone of Argyrotaenia citrana (Fernald) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Numbers of males caught peaked in September and November 2007 at the two locations. After these months, numbers gradually decreased to almost zero during the dry season in 2008. Moths that emerged were identified as Argyrotaenia montezumae (Walsingham) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Of the A. montezumae larvae collected in the field, 38% were parasitized by Apanteles near aristoteliea Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), 9% by Colpoclypeus michoacanensis Sánchez and Figueroa (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), and 3% by unidentified specimens of the family Ichneumonidae. Males of A. montezumae were attracted to the sex pheromone of A. citrana. The greatest number of moths trapped during the growing season coincided with the periods of intense vegetative growth and harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The article discusses research which investigated the distribution of the leafroller fauna in Turkey. Topics explored include the agricultural importance of the Tortricidae family where the specie belongs, the specimen collection performed in various Turkish provinces including Afyon, Bolu, and Isparta, and the identification of species including Acleris cristana, Acleris kochiella, and Aethes margaritana.

An antigen-coated plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ACP- ELISA) method was developed and validated for the detection of Bean leafroll virus ( BLRV) and Pea enation mosaic virus ( PEMV), two of the important viral pathogens of several legume crops. The coat protein ( CP) gene of each of the viruses was bacterially expressed as a fusion protein containing an N-terminal hexa-histidine tag and used as an antigen to produce antisera in rabbits. The antiserum to BLRV could detect the virus in leaf samples in up to 1:1000 dilution, and the PEMV antiserum detected the homologous virus in leaf samples of dilutions up to 1:6400. No serological cross-reactivity was observed between anti- BLRV and anti- PEMV sera. The ACP-ELISA assays were then used for estimating the prevalence of these two viruses in alfalfa, pea and vetch over a three-state area in the US Pacific Northwest over a 2-year period and virus incidence was mapped. Availability of rapid and sensitive ELISA assays facilitate virus disease mapping efforts and screening germplasm for virus resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight biotypes of the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov), have been discovered in the United States since 2003. Biotypes are identified by the distinct feeding damage responses they produce on wheat carrying different Russian wheat aphid resistance genes, namely, from Dn1 to Dn9. Each Russian wheat aphid biotype has been named using plant damage criteria and virulence categories that have varied between studies. The study was initiated to compare the plant damage caused by all the eight known Russian wheat aphid biotypes, and analyze the results to determine how Russian wheat aphid virulence should be classified. Each Russian wheat aphid biotype was evaluated on 16 resistant or susceptible cereal genotypes. Plant damage criteria included leaf roll, leaf chlorosis, and plant height. The distribution of chlorosis ratings followed a bimodal pattern indicating two categories of plant responses, resistant or susceptible. Correlations were significant between chlorosis ratings and leaf roll (r² = 0.72) and between chlorosis ratings and plant height (r² = 0.48). The response of 16 cereal genotypes to feeding by eight Russian wheat aphid biotypes found RWA1, RWA2, RWA6, and RWA8 to differ in virulence, while Russian wheat aphid biotypes RWA3, RWA4, RWA5, and RWA7 produced similar virulence profiles. These biotypes have accordingly been consolidated to what is hereafter referred to as RWA3/7. Our results indicated that the five main biotypes RWA1, RWA2, RWA3/7, RWA6, and RWA8 can be identified using only four wheat genotypes containing Dn3, Dn4, Dn6, and Dn9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoplasmal diseases occur wherever peach (Prunus persica) trees are grown. However, the causal agents differ considerably in taxonomy, insect vector relationships and geographic locations. X-disease of peach is widespread in North America, but does not occur elsewhere in the world. X-disease is induced by 'Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni', a member of the X-disease phytoplasma group (16SrIII group, subgroup 16SrIII-A). Peach rosette, peach red suture, and peach yellows, which occur in eastern United States and Canada are all caused by the X-disease phytoplasma. Another North America disease, peach yellow leaf roll (PYLR) is present in a limited area of northern California. Its causal agent is classified in the apple proliferation (AP) group, 16SrX group, as a subtype of the pear decline phytoplasma. In Europe, phytoplasmal diseases of peach are reported under the name European stone fruit yellows and incited by 'Ca. P. prunorum', a member of the AP group, subgroup 16SrX-B. 'Ca. P. prunorum' is closely related to the PYLR agent. In Lebanon and Iran, peach trees are affected by almond witches' broom, a lethal disease incited by 'Ca. P. phoenicium', a member of the 16SrIX group, subgroup 16SrIX-B. Phytoplasmas of other phylogenetic groups, known to infect a wide range of plant hosts, have been identified in declining peach trees in several fruit-growing areas of the world. The pathological relevance of several 'non-peach' phytoplasmas requires further investigations as their presence was ascertained by nested PCR assays only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete genome of a novel bipartite begomovirus (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) was cloned from a severely diseased yellow Peruvian chili pepper ( Capsicum baccatum cv. Pendulum) plant collected in the department of La Libertad, Northern Peru and full-length sequenced. The two genomic components share a common region of 156 nucleotides with a 100% sequence identity. Analysis of the genome organisation and phylogenetic comparisons revealed that the virus is a typical New World begomovirus. The closest related begomovirus, an isolate of Tomato yellow vein streak virus ( ToYVSV), shared only 76.8% nucleotide sequence identity for the DNA-A component. Therefore, following species demarcation criteria of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, this virus isolate belongs to a new begomovirus species for which the name pepper leafroll virus ( PepLRV) is proposed. Pepper plants infected with the cloned PepLRV isolate developed leaf roll symptoms similar to those observed in field-infected plants suggesting this virus as the causal agent of the disease syndrome observed in the field. Widespread occurrence of PepLRV throughout Peru was demonstrated, infecting plants of diverse cultivated species such as tomato, pepper, common and pallar beans, and of the weed species Nicandra physaloides. Low genetic diversity was observed among PepLRV isolates present in this country with no evident geographical or temporal structure of the population, typical of a recent founder effect. This is the first report of a begomovirus infecting pepper and bean crops in Peru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual communication in the Lepidoptera typically involves a female-produced sex pheromone that attracts males of the same species. The most common type of moth sex pheromone comprises individual or blends of fatty acyl derivatives that are synthesized by a specific enzymatic pathway in the female's pheromone gland, often including a desaturation step. This reaction is catalyzed by fatty acyl desaturases that introduce double bonds at specific locations in the fatty acid precursor backbone. The two tortricid moths, Ctenopseustis obliquana and C. herana (brown-headed leafrollers), which are endemic in New Zealand, both use ( Z)-5-tetradecenyl acetate as part of their sex pheromone. In C. herana, ( Z)-5-tetradecenyl acetate is the sole component of the pheromone. Labeling experiments have revealed that this compound is produced via an unusual Δ5-desaturation of myristic acid. Previously six desaturases were identified from the pheromone glands of Ctenopseustis and its sibling genus Planotortrix, with one differentially regulated to produce the distinct blends used by individual species. However, none were able to conduct the Δ5-desaturation observed in C. herana, and presumably C. obliquana. We have now identified an additional desaturase gene, desat7, expressed in the pheromone glands of both Ctenopseustis species, which is not closely related to any previously described moth pheromone desaturase. The encoded enzyme displays Δ5-desaturase activity on myristic acid when heterologously expressed in yeast, but is not able to desaturate any other fatty acid (C8-C16). We conclude that desat7 represents a new group of desaturases that has evolved a role in the biosynthesis of sex pheromones in moths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]