Abstract: Pesticide resistance has developed as a result of long‐term and extensive use of chemical pesticides. Essential oils from aromatic plants may provide a new and safe alternative to conventional insecticides. In this study, the insecticidal activities of the essential oil of Melaleuca...

Abstract: Pollinators make foraging decisions based on numerous floral traits, including nectar and pollen rewards, and associated visual and olfactory cues. For insect-pollinated crops, identifying and breeding for attractive floral traits may increase yields. In this study, we examined floral trait variation within cultivated sunflowers and its effects on bee foraging behaviours. Over 2 years, we planted different sunflower inbred lines, including male-fertile and male-sterile lines, and measured nectar volume, nectar sugar concentration and composition, and corolla length. During bloom, we recorded visits by both managed honey bees and wild bees. We then examined consistency in relative nectar production by comparing field results to those from a greenhouse experiment. Sunflower inbred lines varied significantly in all floral traits, including the amount and composition of nectar sugars, and in corolla length. Both wild bee and honey bee visits significantly increased with nectar sugar amount and decreased with corolla length, but appeared unaffected by nectar sugar composition. While wild bees made more visits to sunflowers providing pollen (male-fertile), honey bees preferred plants without pollen (male-sterile). Differences in nectar quantity among greenhouse-grown sunflower lines were similar to those measured in the field, and bumble bees preferentially visited lines with more nectar in greenhouse observations. Our results show that sunflowers with greater quantities of nectar sugar and shorter corollas receive greater pollination services from both managed and wild bees. Selecting for these traits could thus increase sunflower crop yields and provide greater floral resources for bees.

Abstract: In the United States of America, the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is commonly managed with transgenic corn (Zea mays L.) expressing insecticidal proteins from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt). Colonies of this pest have been selected in the laboratory on each commercially available transformation event and several resistant field populations have also been identified; some field populations are also resistant. In this study, progeny of a western corn rootworm population collected from a Minnesota corn field planted to SmartStax® corn were evaluated for resistance to corn hybrids expressing Cry3Bb1 (event MON88017) or Cry34/35Ab1 (event DAS-59122-7) and to the individual constituent proteins in diet-overlay bioassays. Results from these assays suggest that this population is resistant to Cry3Bb1 and is incompletely resistant to Cry34/35Ab1. In diet toxicity assays, larvae of the Minnesota (MN) population had resistance ratios of 4.71 and >13.22 for Cry34/35Ab1 and Cry3Bb1 proteins, respectively, compared with the control colonies. In all on-plant assays, the relative survival of the MN population on the DAS-59122-7 and MON88017 hybrids was significantly greater than the control colonies. Larvae of the MN population had inhibited development when reared on DAS-59122-7 compared with larvae reared on the non-Bt hybrid, indicating resistance was incomplete. Overall, these results document resistance to Cry3Bb1 and an incomplete resistance to Cry34/35Ab1 in a population of WCR from a SmartStax® performance problem field.

Abstract: Drosophila suzukii Matsumara (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an invasive vinegar fly that infests ripe and ripening soft skinned fruits. In the south-eastern United States, blackberry (Rubus spp.) crops are heavily impacted by D. suzukii, and current management tactics rely on the use of broad-spectrum insecticides targeted to adult populations. An improved understanding of D. suzukii biology and ecology are necessary to create sustainable management options. Knowledge of how D. suzukii interacts with resources will enable targeted management actions in the future. In this present study, we monitored larval infestation throughout the blackberry canopy and found that infestation was highest in the inner portion of the canopy and lower in more exposed locations. We also documented higher humidity within the cane canopy relative to the edge of the field. A difference in abiotic conditions may create within-crop microhabitats that D. suzukii is able to exploit. Future research will explore how to take advantage of these microhabitats in pest management programs.

Abstract: In this publication, we review the biology, ecology, invasion history, impacts and management options of Emerald ash borer (EAB) Agrilus plannipennis, with a particular focus on its invasion in Europe. Agrilus planipennis (EAB) is a wood-boring beetle native to East Asia. Having caused massive damages on ash species in North America in the last decades, it was first recorded in Europe in 2003 in Russia (Moscow). All ash (Fraxinus) species native to Europe and North America are known to be susceptible to EAB attacks, which cause high tree mortality even among formerly healthy trees. Recorded expansion rates are between 2.5 and 80 km/year in North America and between 13 and 41 km/year in European Russia. Given current expansion rates, EAB is expected to reach Central Europe within 15–20 years. A combination of mechanical, biological and chemical control and phytosanitary measures may reduce its impact, which nevertheless most likely will be substantial. There is an urgent need to identify native enemies in Europe, to test suitable biocontrol agents and to develop early detection and management measures. Although it is obvious that EAB will become a major pest in Europe, early and dedicated response will likely be able to reduce the level of ash mortality, and thus improve the opportunity for long-term survival of ash as an important component in European forests.

Abstract: The efficacy of different attractant trap combinations for monitoring of Afrotropical fruit flies was evaluated in commercial fruit production areas and natural areas in the northern parts of South Africa. Five food-based attractants: three-component Biolure, a combination of ammonium acetate and trimethylamine, a combination of ammonium acetate and putrescine, torula yeast and Questlure, were evaluated in McPhail-type traps. Two male lures targeting Ceratitis species: EGO Pherolure and trimedlure, were evaluated in Sensus bucket traps. Three male lures targeting Dacine fruit flies: methyl eugenol, cue lure and zingerone, were evaluated in Moroccan bucket traps. The three-component Biolure was among the most effective food-based attractant for females of Ceratitis capitata, C. rosa (R1 and R2), C. cosyra and Bactrocera dorsalis. EGO Pherolure attracted a wider range of Ceratitis species than trimedlure but was equally as effective as trimedlure for males of C. capitata and C. rosa (R1 and R2). Dacine flies were specific in their responses to male lures. Bactrocera dorsalis males responded mainly to methyl eugenol. Males of Dacus species responded to either cue lure or zingerone. Zingerone attracted two cucurbit-infesting Dacus species: D. frontalis and D. durbanensis. For B. dorsalis, C. capitata and C. cosyra in commercial fruit production areas, patterns of female catches in traps containing food-based attractants were different to patterns of male catches in male lure-based traps. Implications of these trapping results are discussed.

Abstract: The effectiveness of natural enemies to control pests can be enhanced through habitat manipulation. However, due to the differences in their ecology, generalist and specialist species may respond differently to the same manipulation. Moreover, interactions among natural enemies (i.e. cannibalism, intraguild predation, hyperparasitism) may complicate the assumption that a higher density of natural enemies would increase the level of biological control. We investigated the natural enemy guild composition and the predation rate along flower vs. grass margins at the edge of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) fields in Denmark. Natural enemies were sampled by pitfall trapping and by suction sampling; predation intensity was measured using two different sentinel prey methods: artificial caterpillars made of plasticine, and sentinel aphid colonies. Specialist and generalist species responded differently to the two margin types: specialists (mostly parasitic wasps) were attracted by the flower margins, while generalists (ground beetles, rove beetles and spiders) were more active in grass margins. The number of artificial caterpillars attacked was significantly greater in grass margins (mean = 48.9%, SD = 24.3) than in flower margins (mean = 30.7%, SD = 17.4). We found a significant positive relationship between the number of artificial caterpillars attacked by chewing insects, and activity density for large (≥15 mm) ground beetles. Predation of sentinel aphids in wheat fields did not vary significantly in relation to margin type. Our results suggest that flowering margins may be beneficial for canopy-active specialist natural enemies, but grassy margins are more useful for ground-active generalist predators.

Abstract: The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a major invasive pest that has spread throughout many countries in the Mediterranean basin and parts of Asia over the last decade. The control of T. absoluta has relied heavily on the use of chemical insecticides, a strategy that has led to the evolution of resistance. In this study, biological and molecular methods were used to determine the susceptibility of five strains of T. absoluta to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos and to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to this class of insecticides. High levels of resistance to chlorpyrifos were observed in all five strains tested. Cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding the organophosphate target site, ace‐1, of T. absoluta revealed the presence of an alanine to serine substitution at a position that has been previously linked with organophosphate resistance across a range of different insect and mite species. The presence of this mutation at high frequency in T. absoluta populations originating from various countries further supports the suggestion that the rapid expansion of this species is, in part, mediated by the resistance of this pest to chemical insecticides.

Abstract: The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, is the vector of the laurel wilt disease fungal pathogen, Raffaelea lauricola. Since the vector's initial detection in the USA in the early 2000s, laurel wilt has killed millions of redbay, Persea borbonia, trees and other members of the plant family Lauraceae. To protect host trees from beetle attack and laurel wilt infection, we tested the efficacy of host- and non-host-derived and commercial compounds as X. glabratus repellents in field experiments. In our first trial, the major constituents of the non-host tree, longleaf pine, Pinus palustris, and SPLAT Verb (verbenone 10%) were paired with manuka oil attractants and beetle captures were counted. Verbenone and a 1 : 1 blend of myrcene and camphene were intermediate to both the manuka positive and blank negative controls. Subsequently, we tested different blends of methyl salicylate (MeSA), a host defence and signalling compound, and verbenone in SPLAT dispensers using freshly cut redbay bolts as an attractant. All treatments reduced X. glabratus captures and boring holes as compared to the redbay (-) repellent positive control; however, SPLAT Verb and SPLAT MeSA-Verb (5% each) achieved the highest repellency, with results comparable to that of the non-host (laurel oak). These trials establish that host-derived and commercially available repellent compounds can reduce X. glabratus attacks and therefore have potential as part of an integrated management strategy against laurel wilt and its vector.

Abstract: Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), known commonly as spotted wing drosophila, is a vinegar fly originating from South-East Asia and a major pest to many soft-skinned fruits. Due to the species recent arrival in North America in 2008, many fruit varieties are yet untested for susceptibility to infestation. While previous work has focused on Vitis vinifera, this study aimed to determine grape susceptibility of cold hardy varieties based on hybrids of V. labrusca, V. riparia and V. vinifera. Field sampling was conducted in Southern Wisconsin (USA) vineyards to establish adult and larval abundance and determine whether the number of adults caught in traps correlates with fruit infestation. Host susceptibility was further assessed through no-choice bioassays of both intact and damaged fruits. The field study found D. suzukii adults present in all varieties, low larval abundance and no correlation between adult abundance and larval presence. Peak adult abundance occurred mid-season between veraison and harvest, while larval infestation rates were highest near harvest. In laboratory no-choice tests, significantly more eggs, larvae and adults occurred in damaged than undamaged grapes. In damaged grapes, larvae and adult abundance was comparable between varieties and to the highly susceptible control of undamaged raspberry; however, D. suzukii developed significantly faster in raspberry than grapes. Fruit characteristics (°Brix, titratable acidity, pH) in grapes were uncorrelated with D. suzukii performance. Together, these findings suggest that cold hardy grapes are overall resistant to D. suzukii if intact and highly susceptible if damaged.

Abstract: Bioassays tested insecticidal activity of Erythritol from the nutritive sweetener, Truvia, and an insect growth regulator, Lufenuron, against life stages (eggs, larvae, pupae, adults) of Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen) and Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), the spotted wing Drosophila (SWD). These compounds were chosen for their demonstrated acute toxicity to adult and larval Drosophila and potential use on organic fruit farms. D. melanogaster fed on standard Drosophila diet media moistened with water containing known concentrations of Erythritol. Likewise, SWD consumed standard diet media as well as thawed host fruit (blackberries and blueberries) treated with solutions of Erythritol, Lufenuron or both. During the first bioassay, Erythritol at lower concentrations between 0 and 500 mm (~61 000 ppm) in water and mixed with instant diet media increased adult survival from ~80% to 97% for D. melanogaster and SWD. However, from aqueous concentrations ranging from 1750 (~414 000 ppm) to 2000 mm (~244 000 ppm), Erythritol killed 100% of adult Drosophila in culture vials. One hundred per cent mortality for SWD and D. melanogaster occurred at ≥0.5 m (~61 000 ppm) Erythritol added to diet media or topically applied to host fruit. In a second bioassay, 0.013–1.000 ppm of aqueous Lufenuron, a chitin synthase inhibitor, when added to dry diet media prevented 90–99% of SWD from reaching the pupal stage. In another assay, ~67% of SWD eggs or neonates (early first instars) died inside blackberries pre-treated with (dipped in) a soapy solution of 10 ppm Lufenuron. Pre-treating blackberry fruit with an Erythritol–Lufenuron mixture reduced SWD brood survival by 99%. Likewise, during our last fruit-based bioassay, 98% of eggs and neonates died inside blueberries similarly pre-treated. During the last experiment, Lufenuron in diet media also rendered adult females sterile. Sterility, however, dissipated over 7 days once females began feeding on a Lufenuron-free diet media.

Abstract: The highly invasive oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), has been declared present in the northern parts of South Africa since 2013. A study was thus initiated in July 2014 to determine the host range and field population of the pest species in the region. Fruit were collected from commercial fruit production, interface (smaller commercial blocks surrounded by natural savannah vegetation) and natural areas (savannah vegetation) throughout Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. Field sites consisted of five commercial fruit production sites, two interface sites and two natural areas. Fruit samples from the tree and the ground were collected and incubated separately to determine infesting fruit fly species and the degree of infestation. Adult B. dorsalis populations were monitored at each field site using three methyl eugenol-baited bucket traps to estimate population pressure and to determine with the use of time series analysis if monthly trap captures were correlated with fruit infestation. Bactrocera dorsalis was reared from seven plant species: two from commercial orchards (Mangifera indica cv. [Tommy Atkins, Sensation], Citrus sinensis cv. [Valencia]), and five from other plant species (Psidium guajava, Anacardium occidentale, Solanum mauritianum, Xylotheca kraussiana, Vangueria infausta). Fruit utilized by B. dorsalis was also infested or damaged by other species, which may indicate opportunism by the pest, and the potential for competitive interactions. Time series analyses show adult population increased 2 months after an increase in mean temperature in all sites, 4 months after rainfall in natural and interface sites, and 1 month and 3 months after fruit infestation in commercial and natural and interface sites, respectively. This study shows B. dorsalis utilizing a limited range of hosts in South Africa. However, the host range of B. dorsalis may expand as it may not yet have encountered all potential hosts.

Abstract: Ecological engineering using vegetable or flower strips is promoted as a potential pest management strategy in irrigated rice. Farmers in the Philippines often plant rice levees (bunds) with vegetables, particularly string beans (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walpers) to supplement income, but without considering the potential for pest management. This study examines the effects of planted bunds on rice herbivores and their natural enemies. We compared arthropods in (a) rice fields that had string beans planted on bunds, (b) fields without string beans and without any insecticide applications and (c) fields without string beans but with insecticide treatments (standard practice). Rice yield was similar across all treatments; however, the vegetation strips produced an extra 3.6 kg of fresh string bean pods per metre of bund. There were no apparent increases in major natural enemy groups in fields with string beans compared to fields with conventional bunds. Fields with insecticide treatments had higher damage from leaffolders (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The sprayed fields also had lower parasitism of planthopper eggs and fewer predatory dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata). Furthermore, the mortality of planthopper (Delphacidae: Hemiptera) and stemborer (Pyralidae) eggs by parasitoids and predators was density dependent only in the unsprayed fields (with and without string beans). Our results demonstrate that planting string beans on rice bunds improves the productivity of rice farms, but our ecological engineering system did not appreciably affect natural enemy or herbivore abundance; however, chemical insecticides adversely affected pest regulatory ecosystem functions leading to higher pest damage.

Abstract: The transgenic maize (Zea mays L.) event MON 88017 produces the Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) toxin Cry3Bb1 to provide protection from western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) larval feeding. In response to reports of reduced performance of Cry3Bb1-expressing maize at two locations in Illinois, we conducted a two-year experiment at these sites to characterize suspected resistance, as well as to evaluate root injury and adult emergence. Single-plant bioassays were performed on larvae from each population that was suspected to be resistant. Results indicate that these populations had reduced mortality on Cry3Bb1-expressing maize relative to susceptible control populations. No evidence of cross-resistance between Cry3Bb1 and Cry34/35Ab1 was documented for the Cry3Bb1-resistant populations. Field studies were conducted that included treatments with commercially available rootworm Bt hybrids and their corresponding non-Bt near-isolines. When compared with their near-isolines, larval root injury and adult emergence were typically reduced for hybrids expressing Cry34/35Ab1 either alone or in a pyramid. In many instances, larval root injury and adult emergence were not significantly different for hybrids expressing mCry3A or Cry3Bb1 alone when compared with their non-Bt near-isolines. These findings suggest that Cry34/35Ab1-expressing Bt maize may represent a valuable option for maize growers where Cry3Bb1 resistance is either confirmed or suspected. Consistent trends in adult size (head capsule width and dry mass) for individuals recovered from emergence cages were not detected during either year of this experiment. Because of the global importance of transgenic crops for managing insect pests, these results suggest that improved decision-making for insect resistance management is needed to ensure the durability of Bt maize.

Abstract: Commercial traps and lures have recently become available for monitoring male and female Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Australia, with possible applications in monitoring and mass trapping. This study investigated the attractiveness of commercially available male [Capilure® (CPL), Trimedlure (TML) cone, plugs, and wafers] and female-targeted synthetic lures (three-component BioLure®, BioLure® Unipak, Ceratitis® Unipak, TMA Plus® Unipak and Biotrap® gel), and five female-targeted traps [Maxi® trap, Sorygar Tephri-trap, Probodelt® cone trap, and BioTrap Globe® traps (two versions)]. Results showed that TML and CPL lures were equivalent up to 8 weeks, but TML-baited traps captured 1.2–4.6 times more male medflies than CPL-baited traps with lures aged 9–16 weeks. For female-targeted trapping, all tested lures were female selective. Ceratitis® Unipak was equivalent to three-component (3-C) BioLure®, whilst BioLure® Unipak captured 1.1–1.5 times more medflies than 3-C BioLure®. The least efficient lures were TMA Plus® Unipak and Biotrap Fruit Fly Attractant Gel. Tephri-traps were the least efficient trap, with Maxi traps catching 1.9–6.7 times more medflies than the Tephri-trap. The appropriate selection of lures and traps for applications in monitoring and mass trapping are discussed.

Abstract: The role of natural enemy diversity in biological pest control has been debated in many studies, and understanding how interactions amongst predators and parasitoids affect herbivore populations is crucial for pest management. In this study, we assessed the individual and combined use of two species of natural enemies, the parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday, and the predatory brown lacewing Micromus variegatus (Fabricius), on their shared prey, the foxglove aphid, Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach), on sweet pepper. We hypothesized that the presence of intraguild predation (IGP) and predator facilitation (through induced aphid dropping behaviour) might have both negative and positive effects on aphid control, respectively. Our greenhouse trial showed that overall, the greatest suppression of aphids occurred in the treatment with both the parasitoid and the lacewing. While the combination of lacewings and parasitoids significantly increased aphid control compared to the use of parasitoids alone, the effect was not significantly different to the treatment with only predators, although there was a clear trend of enhanced suppression. Thus, the combined effects of both species of natural enemies were between additive and non-additive, suggesting that the combination is neither positive nor negative for aphid control. High levels of IGP, as proven in the laboratory, were probably compensated for by the strong aphid suppression provided by the lacewings, whether or not supplemented with some level of predator facilitation. For aphid management over a longer time scale, it might still be useful to combine lacewings and parasitoids to ensure stable and resilient aphid control.

Abstract: Social wasps in the Polybia genus are important for use as pest-control agents in agricultural systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the behavioural responses of Polybia fastidiosuscula Saussure (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) to volatiles from maize, both constitutive volatiles and those induced by the herbivory of Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). To assess the behavioural response of P. fastidiosuscula to S. frugiperda larvae, undamaged plants, S. frugiperda-damaged plants, mechanically damaged plants, mechanically damaged plants plus regurgitant from larvae and extracts from various treatments, bioassays were conducted in a Y-olfactometer. In addition, the volatiles from plants subjected to different treatments were collected via aeration, and they were quantified and identified. The wasps showed a greater preference for plants with damage induced either by larval feeding or by being mechanically damaged plus regurgitant than for undamaged plants or either larvae alone or mechanically damaged plants. Wasps were more attracted to extracts from plants + S. frugiperda larvae and to an extract from mechanically damaged plants + the regurgitant of larvae compared to hexane. The primary compounds induced by herbivory for 5?6 h after the beginning of the damage or regurgitant treatment were identified as a-pinene, b-myrcene, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, limonene, (E)-ocimene, linalool, DMNT, (E)-b-farnesene, TMTT and indole. The results presented here show that the social wasp P. fastidiosuscula uses herbivore-induced plant volatiles from maize to locate its prey.

Abstract: The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) is a widespread, abundant and ecologically disruptive invader that is present throughout major portions of coastal California and on half of the California Channel Islands. On Santa Cruz Island, the Argentine ant had invaded about 2% of the island's area in four distinct locations as of 2012. Given the negative ecological effects resulting from Argentine ant invasions, we sought to develop a cost‐effective method of eradication. Here, we describe the results of large‐scale, field‐tested methods for Argentine ant eradication and post‐treatment detection. Our eradication protocol employs a novel toxicant‐delivery system: an aqueous solution of sucrose and 6 ppm of thiamethoxam mixed with hydrating polyacrylamide beads. Ants feed on the solution present on the bead's surface for about 24 h after which time bead dehydration prevents feeding. We distributed hydrated beads by helicopter over 74 ha of infested areas plus a 50‐m buffer on 14 occasions between June 2013 and September 2014. Treatments reduced Argentine ant activity to subdetectable levels within four months. In 2014, we conducted a high‐intensity detection protocol using lures (n = 55 363) in areas treated in 2013. This effort did not detect Argentine ants. In 2015, we conducted a medium‐intensity detection protocol using lures (n = 2250) in areas treated in 2013 and 2014 but not searched in 2014; this sampling effort did not detect Argentine ant activity except for a single remnant infestation (c. 0.3 ha in area), which was retreated in 2015. The cost of treatments was approximately $1400 per ha; this cost is comparable to other ant eradication efforts. The cost of our preferred detection method, which used lures spaced every 10 m, was $500 per ha. These results demonstrate sufficient protocol efficacy to justify expansion of treatments to other infested areas in ecologically sensitive areas.

Abstract: Monitoring of pest presence and population development in the crop during the season is essential for integrated pest management. Although many tools, for instance coloured sticky traps, have been developed, the full advantage of available information is rarely taken into account in decision-making. The reasons behind include high workload in practice but also the poorly studied relationships between trap catches and populations in the crop. Here, we investigate whether commercially available coloured sticky traps can be used as tool to monitor population densities of a pest–predator system in glasshouse tomato. The response of Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) (Hemiptera, Miridae) to blue and yellow sticky traps was tested in laboratory and glasshouse experiments. The results indicate that M. pygmaeus can be monitored equally well with both trap colours. The number of trapped insects showed good correlation with the population densities on the crop. Under growing conditions, more M. pygmaeus were trapped on blue compared with yellow sticky traps. However, due to the known preference of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae), yellow traps should be used for a combined pest–predator monitoring.

Abstract: The tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a devastating pest of tomato plants originating from South America. In this study, the effect of three tomato cultivars on the life table parameters of T. absoluta was investigated. Data were analysed based on age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The net reproduction rate (R0) of T. absoluta on Falkato, Isabella and Grandella cultivars was determined as 15.73 ± 3.35, 17.66 ± 3.33 and 10.03 ± 4.10 eggs, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) value on those cultivars was 0.09 ± 0.007, 0.095 ± 0.006 and 0.074 ± 0.017 day−1, respectively. Finite population rates of increase (λ) were 1.095 ± 0.008, 1.099 ± 0.007 and 1.076 ± 0.018 day−1, and mean generation times (T) on the three cultivars were 30.09 ± 0.29, 30.22 ± 0.27 and 31.12 ± 0.65 days, respectively. The egg incubation period, pre-adult duration and fecundity on these tomato cultivars was also calculated. The results showed no significant differences between r, R0, and T on the three tested tomato cultivars. These findings can be useful for developing an integrated pest management strategy against this noxious pest.

Abstract: Athetis lepigone (Moschler) is a new agronomic pest which has caused serious damages to summer maize in China. In order to effectively monitor it, it is necessary to carry-out a worldwide investigation on its potential geographical distribution. In this study, we give two ecological niche models, Genetic Algorithm for Rule-set Production and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), to predict the potential geographical distribution of A. lepigone. The results indicate that the suitable areas for A. lepigone are mainly in China (Beijing, Tianjin, central and southern Hebei, northern Jiangsu, Shandong, most of Henan, northern Anhui, central and southern Shanxi, central and southern Shaanxi, small parts of north-west in Hubei, eastern Gansu, parts of Ningxia, western of Xinjiang and Dandong, and Liaoning) and other Asian countries (South Korea, North Korea and Japan). Parts of Europe (south-western Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, parts of Austria, western Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, northern Italy, Denmark, western Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, southern Finland and Sweden) are also highly suitable for A. lepigone. In addition, in the states of the USA including Michigan, New York, Chicago, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana are also favourable for its occurrence although till now no reports about of this species has been recorded. A jackknife test in MaxEnt showed that the mean temperature of the driest quarter was the most important environmental variable affecting the distribution of this pest.

Abstract: Sclerodermus pupariae Yang et Yao (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) is used as a potential biocontrol agent for several buprestid and cerambycid larvae. This study aimed to enhance the efficiency of mass-rearing of this parasitoid by investigating the fitness gain of this bethylid wasp, including the proportion of successful parasitism and development, brood size, sex ratio, proportion of winged female offspring, body size and longevity of female offspring, under eight different maternal parasitoid density treatments using Thyestilla gebleri Faldermann as host in the laboratory. The results indicated that the foundress densities did not affect the parasitism or emergence rate of this parasitoid. Brood size of the parasitoids increased significantly when the number of maternal wasps ranged from one to four. However, further increases in foundress number did not affect the parasitoid brood size. The sex ratios of S. pupariae were always female-biased. The proportions of male in the progeny colonies were <10% throughout all experimental treatments. The percentage of winged female progeny was not significantly influenced by the density of adult maternal parasitoids. Body sizes of parasitoids significantly declined with increasing maternal parasitoid densities. Although the parasitoid body size reduced when maternal wasp number was higher, it could be compromised by the relatively higher number of female offspring produced. Further, more than 70% of the parasitoids remained alive when they were stored at 12°C for four months throughout the experiments. These findings suggest that exposure of four female wasps to a single host larva would result in the highest fitness of S. pupariae. Our findings might provide a new approach to enhance the efficiency of mass-rearing of this bethylid wasp.

Abstract: Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are believed to play an important role in olfactory recognition. In this study, expression pattern and fluorescence binding characteristics of MaltOBP13 from the Japanese pine sawyer beetle, Monochamus alternatus Hope, were investigated via qPCR analysis of MaltOBP13 mRNA level and binding assay of MaltOBP13 and ligands. qPCR monitoring indicated MaltOBP13 mainly expressed in newly emerged males, particularly highly expressed in the last abdominal segment of males, and the expression level was significantly higher in 13-day-old mated adults than those of other stages. To further understand the function of the MaltOBP13 protein in odorant reception, the binding affinity of recombinant MaltOBP13 to ligands was tested by fluorescence binding assays with N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine as a fluorescent probe. The results of this assay indicated that MaltOBP13 exhibited a high binding affinity for pine volatiles and binding capacity was higher in acidic conditions than in neutral environment, indicating a possible role in finding host plants.

Abstract: Twenty‐two honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies were placed in four different cornfield areas in order to study the potential in situ effects of seed‐coated systemic neonicotinoid pesticides used in cornfields (Zea mays spp) on honeybee health. Two apiaries were located in two independent neonicotinoid‐treated cornfield areas and two others in two independent untreated cornfield areas used as controls. These experimental hives were extensively monitored for their performance and health traits over a period of one year. Trapped pollen was collected and microscopically identified to define the visited flowers and the amount of corn pollen collected by bees. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was performed to detect pesticide residues in honeybee foragers and trapped pollen. Honeybee colonies located in neonicotinoid‐treated cornfields expressed significantly higher varroa mite loads than those in untreated cornfields. However, brood production and colony weight were less disturbed by the treatment factor. Sublethal doses of neonicotinoids were detected in the trapped corn pollen and none in bee foragers. Overall, our results show that forager bees collected 20% of corn pollen containing variable concentrations of neonicotinoids. Colonies located in treated cornfields expressed higher varroa loads and long‐term mortality than those in untreated cornfields. On the other hand, no significant differences were observed regarding the brood production and colony weight.

Abstract: Fruit flies are among the most economically important fruit pests worldwide. The larvae are phytophagous and constitute a major production constraint in the horticultural industry. Various indigenous fruits were sampled from 2010 to 2015 in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces of South Africa to determine the presence of fruit fly species. The Oriental fruity fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), the Marula fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) and the Natal fruit fly, Ceratitis rosa sensu lato Karsch were reared from the indigenous fruits. B. dorsalis was reared from one marula, Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. (Anacardiaceae) sample. All three Ceratitis species were reared from the Mobola plum, Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. (Chrysobalanaceae) and Kei‐apple, Dovyalis caffra (Hook.f. & Harv.) Sim (Salicaceae). Wild plum, Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh. (Anacardiaceae), African mangosteen, Garcinia livingstonei T.Anderson (Clusiaceae), Cape ash, Ekebergia capensis Sparrm. (Meliaceae), waterberry, Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex Krauss (Myrtaceae) and stemfruit, Englerophytum magalismontanum (Sond.) T.D.Penn. (Sapotaceae) were hosts to both C. capitata and C. rosa s.l. C. capitata was also reared from num‐num, Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan (Apocynaceae), simple‐spined num‐num, Carissa spinarum L. (Apocynaceae), brown ivory, Berchemia discolor (Klotzsch) Hemsl. (Rhamnaceae), wild coffee, Coffea racemosa Lour. (Rubiaceae) and common red milkwood, Mimusops zeyheri Sond. (Sapotaceae). C. cosyra was also found in the fruit of S. birrea and the wild mango, Cordyla africana Lour. (Leguminosae). C. rosa s.l. was also reared from Natal plum, Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC. (Apocynaceae), waterpear, Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. (Myrtaceae), Natal dovyalis, Dovyalis longispina (Harv.) Warb. (Salicaceae) and wild apricot, Dovyalis zeyheri (Sond.) Warb. (Salicaceae). No fruit flies were reared from Ficus spp. (Moraceae).Various indigenous hosts could serve as a reservoir for infesting cultivated crops.

Abstract: The susceptibility of the dusky wireworm, Agriotes obscurus (L.) (Coleoptera: Elateridae), to different species and strains of entomopathogenic nematodes was tested in a virulence assay in the laboratory. Larvae were exposed to different nematode doses of 50 and 100 IJs/cm2. At a dose of 50 IJs/cm2, only a commercial strain Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar and the native strain Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) B14 caused increased mortality compared with the control (11.1% and 13.3% mortality, respectively). At the higher dose tested, all strains (except Steinernema sp. D122) were virulent to A. obscurus larvae. Steinernema carpocapsae B14 caused higher mortality of wireworm (75.6%) and was used for the assay conducted in cages, with a dose of 100 IJs/cm2, in field conditions. The results showed that S. carpocapsae B14 controlled 48.3% of A. obscurus larvae, demonstrating that some entomopathogenic nematodes have the potential to control larvae of A. obscurus. However, further work is needed to improve their efficacy.

Abstract: Mirids (Sahlbergella singularis and Distantiella theobroma) are the most important insect pests affecting cocoa production across West Africa. Understanding the population dynamics of mirids is key to their management, however, the current recommended hand-height assessment method is labour intensive. The objective of the study was to compare recently developed mirid sex pheromone trapping and visual hand-height assessment methods as monitoring tools on cocoa farms and to consider implications for a decision support system. Ten farms from the Eastern and Ashanti regions of Ghana were used for the study. Mirid numbers and damage were assessed fortnightly on twenty trees per farm, using both methods, from January 2012 to April 2013. The mirid population increased rapidly in June, reached a peak in September and began to decline in October. There was a significant linear relationship between numbers of mirids sampled to hand-height and mirid damage. High numbers of male mirids were recorded in pheromone traps between January and April 2012 after which there was a gradual decline. There was a significant inverse relationship between numbers of trapped adult mirids and mirids sampled to hand-height (predominantly nymphs). Higher temperatures and lower relative humidities in the first half of the year were associated with fewer mirids at hand-height but larger numbers of adult males were caught in pheromone traps. The study showed that relying solely on one method is not sufficient to provide accurate information on mirid population dynamics and a combination of the two methods is necessary.

Abstract: Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) (Drosophila suzukii), a major invasive pest of small fruit crops, was first found in Pennsylvania and Maryland during the 2011 crop season, and since then, it has been established throughout the fruit growing regions of both states. A season-long field study was conducted to find out the seasonal occurrence of SWD in several fruit crops (e.g. blueberry, tart and sweet cherry, floricane-fruiting summer red raspberry, blackberry, primocane-fruiting fall raspberries and table grapes) in Pennsylvania and Maryland in 2014. This is the first study determining seasonal occurrence of SWD using a standard commercial lure (Pherocon® SWD Dual-Lure™)-baited traps in this region. In both states, SWD adults were not captured prior to the month of July, and populations of SWD were found to build up in fruit crops only from mid-July onwards. This indicates early season fruit crops or varieties are not at risk from SWD fruit injury in these two states. Such early fruit crops, for instance strawberry, sweet and tart cherry, are generally harvested before SWD populations build up in this region. In this context, implications of SWD population in various small fruit crops grown in this region and the utility of SWD Dual-Lure ™ in season-long monitoring of SWD population are discussed.

Abstract: Dietary exposure studies are initial steps in environmental risk assessments of genetically engineered plants on non-target organisms. These studies are conducted in the laboratory where surrogate species are exposed to purified and biologically active insecticidal compounds at higher concentrations than those expected to occur in transgenic crops foliage. Thus, dietary exposure (early tier) tests provide robust data needed to make general conclusions about the susceptibility of the surrogate species to the test substance. For this, we developed suitable artificial diet and used it to establish a dietary exposure test for assessing the toxicity of midgut-active insecticidal compounds to the larvae of the Asian ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Using boric acid as a model compound, we validated the bioassay established for H. axyridis larvae. An artificial diet containing boric acid which negatively affected survival, development and adult weights was offered to larvae and indicated that the bioassay was able to detect toxic effects of insecticidal substances incorporated in diets. Using this dietary exposure test, environmental risk assessment of Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab, Cry1Ca, Cry1F and the non-Cry protein Vip3Aa was evaluated by analysing pupation rates, adult emergence rates, 7-day larval weights, and freshly emerged male and female weights among the toxin treatments and a pure artificial diet. These life-table parameters did not vary among artificial diets containing 200 μg/g Bt proteins or pure artificial diet. In contrast, boric acid adversely affected all life-table parameters. Thus on these bases, we concluded H. axyridis larvae are not sensitive to these Bt proteins expressed in genetically engineered crops.