Abstract: Adult female Paraseiulus triporus (Chant & Yoshida-Shaul) and Proprioseiopsis dacus (Wainstein) are redescribed and illustrated based on specimens collected in Iran. These two species were collected from citrus trees in Mazandaran Province, Tonekabon County. The morphology of the mites collected in Iran is compared with that given in the original descriptions. Proprioseiopsis dacus is recorded for the first time in Iran.

Abstract: ...................................................................................................................................iii Dedication.................................................................................................................................iv Acknowledgment.......................................................................................................................v List of Tables..........................................................................................................................xiii List of Figures..........................................................................................................................xv Chapter 1. General introduction.............................................................................................1 1.1 Background.....................................................................................................................1 1.2 Cucurbit crops................................................................................................................1 1.3 Fruit flies.........................................................................................................................2 1.4 The Greater melon fly, Dacus frontalis (Becker).........................................................3 1.4.1 Taxonomy history.....................................................................................................3 1.4.2 Global distribution...................................................................................................5 1.4.3 Economic important and host plants.......................................................................5 1.4.4 Life cycle and infestation symptoms........................................................................6 1.4.5 Dacus frontalis Control strategy.............................................................................9 1.4.6 Current control in Libya..........................................................................................9 1.5 Review of integrated fruit fly management...............................................................10 1.5.1 Cultural practices..................................................................................................11 1.5.2 Attract and kill technique.......................................................................................11 1.5.3 Sterile insect technique..........................................................................................12

Abstract: ANATOMICAL, STRUCTURAL, ULTRASTRUCTURAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE MALE ACCESSORY REPRODUCTIVE GLANDS OF Dacus oleae GMEL., IN RELATION TO SEXUAL MATURITY AND ACTIVITY In the present work the authors explain on anatomica! and physiological bases, some known ethological findings about male reproductive biology of Dacus oleae Gmel., e.g.: l) neonate Dacus males, although mature spermatozoa are present in their testiculi, do not exibit sexual activity soon after emergence, but only some days later; 2) sexually mature males after a mating do not resume sexual activity before a relatively long (soine 24 h) time has elapsed. The following features a-re described and illustred in detail: a) the topographical anatomy of the male reproductive system of Dacus oleae, with particular regard to the accessory glands (4 p~irs); b) physiological histology both in the « sacciform » ( l pair) and « tub~lose » (3 pairs) accessory glands , in neonate males , in sexually mature males , before and after mating; c) ultrastructure of sacciform and tubulose glands in the three cases cohsidered above. The results obtained are discussed, and the following conclusions are drawn: l) Dacus oleae males emerge with immature accessory reproductive glands. This is why they do not mate soon after emergence, but only some days later. 2) The maturation process of these glands consists: a) for the sacciform glands. almost solely in producing and accumulating secretion into the lumen; b) for the tubulose glands, in an evid~nt modification of the morphology and physiology of secretory cells in addition to the production . and accumulation of secretion into peculiar cellular reservoirs and in the lumen. Both development and functionality of the aci:essory glands are directly controlled by the centrai nervous system. 3) The sacciform glands are of Uiee apocrine type and they give a (most probably) proteinaceous secretion . 4) The tubulose' g1ands are of the merocrine type and they give a secretion that most probably consists,.of carboxylate mucopolisaccarides. . . 5) The presence of secretion in the accessory glands is required ·by the Dacus male in the search female for mating. Gli autori nel presente lavoro vogliono dare un contributo alla conoscenza della biologia della riproduzione del Dacus oleae Gmel. In particolare si vuole dare una spiegazione su basi anatomo-istologiche e fisiologiche a due fatti importanti: a) i maschi neosfarfallati del Dacus, nonostante dispongano gia di spermatozoi maturi, non sono sessualmente attivi subito, ma lo diventano solamente dopo un certo numero di giorni (periodo immaginale preriproduttivo); b) i maschi sessualmente maturi non sono in grado di ripetere subito la copula, ma hanno bisogno, tra un accoppiamento e l'altro, di un periodo di riposo rela- tivamente lungo (almeno 24 ore). Vengono descritti ed illustrati con disegni e fotografie a) l'anatomia topogra- fica dell'apparato genitale maschile di Dacus oleae, con particolare riferimento alle ghiandole accessorie; b) l'istologia funzionale dei due tipi di ghiandole pre- senti (l paio « sacciformi » e 3 paia « tubulose »), in soggetti appena sfarfallati ed in altri sessualmente maturi, prima e dopo l'accoppiamento; c) l'ultrastruttura dei due tipi di ghiandole nei tre casi menzionati. Vengono discussi i risultati ottenuti, giungendo sostanzialmente alle conclu- sioni seguenti. I maschi neosfarfallati hanno bisogno di un periodo immaginale preriprodut- tivo per fare maturare le ghiandole genitali accessorie ed accumulare nei serbatoi delle medesime una certa quantita di secreti; la mancanza (o l'insufficienza) dei quali lascia i maschi medesimi sessualmente inattivi. Per la stessa ragione questi ul- timi, divenuti maturi ed una volta accoppiatisi, non sono in grado di ripetere la copula se non dopo un periodo di riposo relativamente lungo, necessario alle ghiandole genitali accessorie per la nuova produzione e l'accumulo di secreto in quantita sufficiente.

Abstract: African Tephritid fruit flies are distributed in three main genera, Bactrocera, Ceratitis and Dacus constituting both indigenous and invasive species. They use a diverse and complex range of semiochemicals for host location and reproduction. This chapter reviews the identification of these semiochemicals and includes examples of lures developed from some of these chemicals for the management of economically important fruit fly species.

Abstract: The current classification of African tephritids is the interim result of a continuous process of minor and major changes that, in the last 20 years, has resulted in the description of more than 60 new species from the seven tephritid genera of main economic relevance in Africa (Bactrocera, Capparimyia, Ceratitis, Dacus, Neoceratitis, Trirhithrum and Zeugodacus). In this context of dynamic change, rapid and accurate fruit fly identification is critical, particularly with respect to the early detection of pest invasions. Valuable resources for fruit fly identification include: the tephritid reference collections and repositories distributed within and outside the African continent; publicly available online databases; and the single- and multi-entry keys for the morphological identification of African tephritids. Identification through DNA barcoding represents a cost effective tool for the molecular diagnosis of African fruit flies and it has proved particularly useful for the identification of immature stages, of damaged specimens and of incomplete specimens. The molecular diagnosis of tephritids also represents a partial solution to the gradual loss of taxonomical expertise on this and other insect groups. In this chapter the advantages and limitations of the available identification tools and resources are discussed.

Abstract: Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are amongst the most destructive and widespread pests of fruits and vegetables in the Indian Ocean Islands (Comoros, Mayotte, Madagascar, Reunion Island, Republic of Mauritius and Seychelles). In Mauritius, the bait application technique (BAT) and the male annihilation technique (MAT) have been used successfully to suppress populations of Bactrocera zonata, Ceratitis rosa and Ceratitis capitata in backyards over an area of 300 km2. Population suppression of B. zonata was further improved in one 10 ha area by weekly releases of sterile flies (sterile insect technique [SIT]). Area-wide fruit fly control in cucurbit plantations in selected localities was initiated with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency. BAT, MAT and sanitation were used in farmers’ fields to suppress populations of Zeugodacus cucurbitae, Dacus demmerezi and Dacus ciliatus. Farmers used fewer pesticides while cucurbit infestation by fruit flies was reduced from >30 % to <5 %. In 1996 and again in 2013 Bactrocera dorsalis was detected in Mauritius; it was successfully eradicated using BAT and MAT on both occasions. The presence of a fruit fly surveillance programme for early detection, availability of materials and trained personnel contributed towards the successful eradication of B. dorsalis from Mauritius. A similar programme was initiated in Reunion Island in 2009 over an area of 50 ha; fewer insecticide applications were made while yields of courgette increased compared with plots treated only with insecticide sprays.

Abstract: Over 4000 species that occur worldwide, 700 species belong to Sub family: Dacine and from most important genus are Dacus and Bactrocera which have about 50 species are regarded as major pest species on Cuccurbitaceaein addition to the other wild species like Citrullus colocynthuss chard and Luffa aegytiaca Miller (Mahdi, 2000). In taxonomical study for Tephritidae species in Iraqi provinces (Al Safar, 2011) was recorded three species attack cucurbit plants in different area in Iraq, which are Dacus ciliatus Loew, Dacus frontalis Becker and Myiopardalis pardalina (Bigot) (Al saffar, 2011).

Abstract: Both of the lesser pumpkin fly, Da- cus ciliatus (Loew) and the greater pumpkin fly, Dacus frontalis Becker are belonging to order Diptera family Tephri- tidae (Typetidae or Trupaneidae) a group of about 4000 known species, nearly about 80% of which have larvae develop in the seed bearing organs (flowers or fruits) of higher plants, and therefore known as fruit flies (White, 2000). The fruit flies in Egypt are not well known and the only comprehensive treatments are now very old, like Efflatoun (1924). D. ciliatus was recorded as a serious pest on cucurbitaceae since 1947 by Azab and Kira (1954), continued nearly till 1980 and disappeared then appeared again after 25 years in Egypt (Fetoh, 2003). The greater pumpkin fly, D. frontalis recorded in Egypt only by foreign scientists like Munro (1984), White (2000) and Carrol et al. (2002), In 1992 D. frontalis was rec- orded for first time as a serious pest on cucurbitaceous plants in Libya (Abo- Geshem et al., 2003). Recently, Fetoh and Hegab (2007) recorded D. frontalis as a pest on cucurbitaceae. Both flies are serious pests that cause high loss in yield and cause damage sometimes reached 100%. According EPPO (2009) both species could be arranged as highly serious agricultural quarantine pests under rank A1. Generally, accurate identifica- tion of insect species is essential, espe- cially in the sibling species, in order to give right information for ecology, biolo- gy and control methods also in quarantine restrictions (Drew and Hancock 1994). Molecular biology as a new approach helps to classify and control pests in clear, easy and quick manner. The main objec- tive of the present work is differentiating between both of the lesser pumpkin fly, D. ciliatus and the greater pumpkin fly, D. frontalis by comparative taxonomy throughout molecular characterizations and variations in protein using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel elec- trophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and esterase profile using electrophoresis (EST- PAGE) as well as morphological charac- ters and histological sections to facilitate identification methods, control measures and the agricultural quarantine applications.

Abstract: A Mattinata (Foggia), sul versante meridionale del Gargano, nel 1968 l'Istituto di Entomologia Agraria di Palermo in collaborazione con l'Osservatorio Fitopatologico di Bari e nel 1969 l'Osservatorio Fitopatologico di Bari, hanno condotto prove di lotta biologica contro il Dacus oleae Gmel. mediante allevamento in laboratorio e distribuzione negli oliveti dell'Opius concolor Szep. - La zona comprende 120.000 piante su una superficie di 1.100 Ha circa; gli Opius distribuiti sono stati 11.056.000 nel 1968 e 10.030.000 nel 1969. Nel corso di tali prove di lotta l'Autore ha rilevato: -- che l'apporto benefico del Braconide e stato modesto e che, comunque, il parassita non e in grado di controllare lo sviluppo del Dacus specialmente quando gli attacchi di questo hanno un decorso rapido e intenso per il veri- ficarsi di favorevoli condizioni climatiche; - che i parassiti ectofagi, specialmente nel periodo estivo, sono molto attivi, eliminando anche il 90-95% delle larve e pupe di Dacus: tale azione, diretta sul fitofago, indirettamente coinvolge anche l'Opius che allo stato di uovo, larva o pupa viene eliminato insieme alla vittima dai Calcididi quando questi ne attaccano le larve o, come l'Eupelmus, in gran numero i pupari. Questo fatto, accertato mediante osservazione esterna e dissezione delle larve e delle pupe di Dacus, trova conferma nella constatazione che fra i parassiti ectofagi sfarfallati da olive infestate predomina l'Eupelmus, il quale e l'unico fra i parassiti indigeni del Dacus che si sviluppa anche sul contenuto dei pupari, Opius compreso; - l'Imenottero Formicide Crematogaster scutellaris 01. principalmente in agosto e settembre distrugge un gran numero di uova e di pupari del Dacus. Vengono inoltre riportate osservazioni comprovanti un'azione negativa eser- citata sull'Opius dai trattamenti antidacici mediante Dimetoato. Nell'autunno 1969 e stata accertata la presenza dell'Opius concolor in grande quantita in zone della Puglia ove non era stato mai segnalato, essendo difl:uso in modo continuo a partire dall'area di distribuzione fino ad una di- stanza di 200 km circa. The author reports own observations on Dacus oleae Gmel. parasites (indigenous: Eupelmus urozonus Dalm., Eurytoma martellii Dom., Pnigalio mediterraneus Ferr. e Del., Cyrtoptyx dacicida (Masi), and the imported: Opius concolor Szep)) executed near Mattinata (Foggia, Apulia) in 1968-1969 during tests of biological control against D. oleae carried out on 120.000 olive trees of the same cultivar, on an area abaut 4.250 sq. mi. which have a amphitheatre shope (exposed to South-East and open toward the sea). The level part of thes is during summer partially irrigated and so constitutes a very particular biotope. From July to October 1968 11.056.000 Opius were rebeased. In the same period, Dacus infestation was: in the irrigated olive groves: 51% on the 27th July, 80-95% during August, and 96% on 21st October; in the other part of the observation area (not irrigated): about 2% on the 19th August, but then gra- dually increasing unti! 85% on 21st October. In an olive grove reserved as control (it is 3-4 sta. mi. far) for the unirrigated area Dacus infestation had a trend like (a little higher) those percentages above reported, and on 21st October it was 91%. The parasitism everage during 27th July - 21th October was: in the irrigated groves 57,4% (33,3 Calcididae and 24,1 Opius); in dry groves: 71% (33,4 Calcididae and 10 Opius). In all tbree observation areas tbe tops of parasitism (80-100%) bave been found in August and . Tbe of every single parasite species emerged trom tbe mtested ohve frmts was: Eupelmus Sl,S%; Eurytoma 19,6%; Pnigalio 27,6%; Cyrtoptyx 1,2%. . In summer (mainly August-September) many Dacus eggs and pupana (also witb parasites) were destroied in olive fruits by adults of Crematogaster scuteliaris Ol. Tbe everage of destroied eggs by Crematogaster was m l%8: 5,1%, 34,3%, and 48% respectivly in tbe three observation areas (irrigated, unirrigated, control), while destroied Dacus puparia were 8,8%, 7,5%, 39,1%. In 1969 10.030.000 Opius bave been released: Dacus infestation in tbe irrigated groves began early in July and it was 45-55% in August-September and 75% on tbe 10th November. In tbe unirrigated groves tbe infestation began late in July and it was 17-20% in August-September, and in two groves 40% on 10th November; while in the other two contro! groves it was 100% since the 19th of October. The parasitism undergone by the Dacus (it is ascertained by means of direct observations and larvae and pupae dissection) was 30-60% for the Calcididae and 20-40% for tbe Opius. However this has been eliminated (directly or indirectly) by the Calcididae especially in summer, often in the measure of 20-40% and until 84%. During July-October Crematogaster scutellaris destroied Dacus eggs on everage 2%, 8,7% and 7,4% in the observation areas (irrigated, unirrigated, control) respectively; while Dacus puparia destroied by Crematogaster were 29,6%, 60,7% and 53,2% respectively. Dimetoato treatments against the Dacus kill eggs and larvae of the Opius into tbe Dacus larvae, but they are inoffensive for Opius larvae and pupae that are already in the puparia of the Dacus on the moment of the chemical applichation. The Calcididae emerged from infested olive fruits in 1969 were: 61,2% Eupelmus; 33,6% Eurytoma; 4,6% Pnigalio; 0,6% Cyrtoptyx. The ratio between females and males of the Opius emerged from infested drupae was 1/1,32. In November Dacus larvae parasitised by Opius have been found up to abaut 130 st. mi. far from the experiment area. Altogether, in the experimental conditions above mentioned Opius has chown itself to be of little utility. because sudden, it is not able to control the Dacus when the attacks of this are intense and also because it is parasitised in a remarkable measure by the Calcididae. especially during summer.

Abstract: Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the most important cucurbitaceous crops in Iraq and worldwide, within the family Cucurbitaceae. The possible origins of cucumber are India an d Africa (Al.Sahaf et al., 2011). Cucumber is attacked by several pests including sweet potato white fly Bemisiata baci, thrips (Thripsta baci, T. palmi) (Al.Sahaf et al., 2011; Hamodi and mohammad, 2012; Mahdi, 2000), aphids Aphis spp.andred pumpkin beetle (Rhaphidopalpa foveicollis). It can be infested by arthropods including the two spotted spider mite Tetrany chusurtica in Spring and Autumn seasons. Melon fly Dacus frontalis is one of the most important pest that limits cucumber production in Iraq. The damage caused by this insect depends on host plant and environmental conditions. The damage caused by melon fly on its hosts, mainly cucurbitaceous hosts, may reduce fruit quality like holes made due to oviposition, resulting fruit wrinkling or distortion. More damage occurs due to International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 5 Number 6 (2016) pp. 522-526 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com

Abstract: The diversity of frugivore fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species was studied from May-October, 2014 in orchards of mango, cashew, guava and water melon situated in Paikoro and Lapai Local Government Areas of Niger State, Nigeria, The flies were trapped using Ball and Steiner traps baited with torula yeast and a para-pheromone, methyl eugenol, respectively. Traps were cleared at 7-day intervals and serviced monthly. Trapped flies were collected in zip-packs, transferred into 75% alcohol and identified in the laboratory. Twenty-three fly species within the genera Bactrocera, Ceratitis, Dacus, Perilampsis and Trirhithrum were collected, with Ceratitis species being the richest. The trap with para-pheromone trapped higher number of species than that with torula yeast bait. Bactrocera invadens was the most abundant species at all sites. Alpha diversity index showed that the mango orchard was richer in species than other sites while Beta diversity index revealed high similarities among sampling sites.

Abstract: The majority of African fruit fly species are controlled using behavioural methods (e.g. attract and kill). Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has also been successfully used for a few African fruit fly pests, mostly outside of the African region. A thorough understanding of the feeding and mating behaviour of fruit fly pests is required when using behavioural control methods and SIT for fruit fly control. The feeding and mating behaviour of key African fruit fly pests are reviewed. Feeding and mating behaviours have been elucidated for only a few species with a wider global distribution. For the remaining Ceratitis, Bactrocera and Dacus species with a limited worldwide distribution, there are still important knowledge gaps in their behavioural ecology. With horticulture expanding in Africa and increasing trade of horticultural produce from the region, it is important that these knowledge gaps are filled so that control methods can be optimised.

Abstract: Phytophagous insects differ in their degree of specialisation on host plants, and range from strictly monophagous species that can develop on only one host plant to extremely polyphagous species that can develop on hundreds of plant species in many families. Nutritional compounds in host fruits affect several larval traits that may be related to adult fitness. In this study, we determined the relationship between fruit nutrient composition and the degree of host specialisation of seven of the eight tephritid species present in La Reunion; these species are known to have very different host ranges in natura. In the laboratory, larval survival, larval developmental time, and pupal weight were assessed on 22 fruit species occurring in La Reunion. In addition, data on fruit nutritional composition were obtained from existing databases. For each tephritid, the three larval traits were significantly affected by fruit species and the effects of fruits on larval traits differed among tephritids. As expected, the polyphagous species Bactrocera zonata, Ceratitis catoirii, C. rosa, and C. capitata were able to survive on a larger range of fruits than the oligophagous species Zeugodacus cucurbitae, Dacus demmerezi, and Neoceratitis cyanescens. Pupal weight was positively correlated with larval survival and was negatively correlated with developmental time for polyphagous species. Canonical correspondence analysis of the relationship between fruit nutrient composition and tephritid survival showed that polyphagous species survived better than oligophagous ones in fruits containing higher concentrations of carbohydrate, fibre, and lipid. Nutrient composition of host fruit at least partly explains the suitability of host fruits for larvae. Completed with female preferences experiments these results will increase our understanding of factors affecting tephritid host range.

Abstract: Invasive species can be detrimental to a nation's ecology, economy and human health Rapid and accurate diagnostics are critical to limit the establishment and spread of exotic organisms The increasing rate of biological invasions relative to the taxonomic expertise available generates a demand for high-throughput, DNA-based diagnostics methods for identification We designed species-specific qPCR primer and probe combinations for 27 economically important tephritidae species in six genera (Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Carpomya, Ceratitis, Dacus and Rhagoletis) based on 935 COI DNA barcode haplotypes from 181 fruit fly species publically available in BOLD, and then tested the specificity for each primer pair and probe through qPCR of 35 of those species We then developed a standardization reaction system for detecting the 27 target species based on a microfluidic dynamic array and also applied the method to identify unknown immature samples from port interceptions and field monitoring This method led to a specific and simultaneous detection for all 27 species in 75 h, using only 02 μL of reaction system in each reaction chamber The approach successfully discriminated among species within complexes that had genetic similarities of up to 9848%, while it also identified all immature samples consistent with the subsequent results of morphological examination of adults which were reared from larvae of cohorts from the same samples We present an accurate, rapid and high-throughput innovative approach for detecting fruit flies of quarantine concern This is a new method which has broad potential to be one of international standards for plant quarantine and invasive species detection