Adult Midges Research Articles

Evaluation of Insecticides for Suppression of Sorghum Midge on Sorghum,1996

Abstract Selected insecticides were evaluated for sorghum midge control at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Farm near College Station, TX. Seed of hybrid sorghum (AT X 399 x RT X 430) was planted 29 May on rows spaced 30 in. apart. Insecticide treatments were compared in plots, 6 rows X 40 ft long, arranged in a RCB design with 4 replications. Insecticides were applied to the middle 2 rows of plots. Insecticides were applied between 0800 and 0900 h CDT by using a hand-held backpack sprayer with TX-3 hollow cone nozzles at 35 psi, producing a finished spray volume of 4.9 gpa. Insecticides first were applied 23 Jul when 10-50% of the panicles were flowering; insecticides then were applied 26 Jul when 90-100% of the panicles were flowering. Adult sorghum midge abundance was assessed just prior to each application by counting the number of sorghum midges enclosed in clear plastic bags on 10 individual sorghum pan-icles. The panicles were cut from the plant and returned to the laboratory for examination and sorghum midge counts. Grain yield data were collected from the 2 middle rows per plot. Panicles were hand harvested from 2 selected 8.75-ft sections of row/plot and mechanically threshed. Data were statistically analyzed by using ANOVA and LSD.

Blueberry Gall Midge

ABSTRACT Natural infestations of blueberry gall midge (Dasineu-ra oxycoccana Johnson) on blueberries were studied in Florida and southeastern Georgia for three flowering seasons (1992-1994). If high populations of adult midges were present when the flower buds were beginning to expand, many rabbiteye cultivars suffered 50% to 100% crop loss. In southeast Georgia, adult midge populations normally remained low through the period when flower buds were most susceptible to damage, probably because of cool winter temperatures. From Gainesville south in Florida, midge populations were normally high at the time blueberry flower buds passed through the vulnerable stages from January through early April. Rabbiteye culti-vars varied greatly in susceptibility of the flower buds to the midge. ‘Premier’ and ‘Windy7 were highly susceptible. ‘Powderblue’ and Brightweir were highly resistant. Flower buds of most southern highbush cultivars were highly resistant. Sprouting blueberry vegetative buds were also infested and killed by the midge. On highly susceptible rabbiteye cultivars in Florida, this greatly delayed full foliation in the spring. In north Florida, the midges appeared to undergo multiple generations between early January and early June, and then to make no new bud infestations until the following winter.

Temperature and the Biomass of Flying Midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) in the High Arctic

We tested the hypothesis that habitat temperature is the driving variable determining both the short-term and seasonal patterns of abundance (biomass) of Eying adult non-biting midges (Chironomidae) in the high Arctic. Malaise traps were used to record the Eight activity patterns of adult chironomids during the 1992 and 1993 seasons at two contrasting sites, a polar semi-desert and a tundra heath adjacent to Ny Angstrom lesund, Spitsbergen, Svalbard. The relationship between flight activity, measured as chironomid biomass captured, and macro and microclimatic parameters was examined. Mean and minimum screen temperatures were the best single predictors of chironomid activity. Best subsets regression was used to establish predictive relationships between biomass captured and climatic parameters for each site. Again, macroclimatic temperature variables emerged as the best predictors, together with much smaller contributions from relative humidity and precipitation. The species composition of the chironomid community changed as the summer progressed and the 'average' individual became smaller. However, when cumulative biomass captured per trap was plotted against cumulative day degrees above zero, starting at snow melt, the relationship on both sites in 1992, an average year, was approximately linear or at most slightly curved. This suggested that biomass capture was mainly a function of temperature and time. By contrast, in 1993, the warmest year on record (1961-93), the initial response was again almost linear but later became asymptotic, suggesting that the supply of chironomids available for capture was depleted, despite suitably high temperatures. This contrast between years (100 day degrees) provided an opportune analogue for the likely effects of climate warming on chironomid activity. The implications for the food supply of tundra-breeding birds are discussed in the context of the known emergence patterns of Arctic chironomids

春期, 河口湖周辺域に大量飛来する"不快昆虫"としてのユスリカ成虫に関する研究

The species composition and abundance of the chironomid midges were investigated by using a board trap during the period from March to May 1994 at three different stations along the shoreline in the eastern part of Lake Kawaguchi. A total of 38,498 adult midges were collected, the great majority (98.4%) of which were Biwatendipes tsukubaensis Sasa et Ueno. This was followed by Glyptotendipes tokunagai Sasa, (1.1%) and then a very low representation of Chironomus yoshimatsui Martin et Sublette and C. plumosus Linnaeus (0.5%). The dominant species of chironomids which emerged from the littoral region of the lake, however, changed with the month. First, massive emergence of B. tsukubaensis began from mid-March to late April, and then G. tokunagai from late March to early May. From mid-April, C. yoshimatsui emerged and was followed by C. plumosus. Thus, the period in which the four main chironomid species continuously emerged was from mid-March to early May. Therefore, throughout the spring season people living around the lake have the strong impression that the nuisance of chironomid midges has continuously increased and that these are attracted to the light of hotels, houses and some buildings during the breeding season.

Estimation of rice yield losses due to the African rice gall midge,Orseolia oryzivoraHarris and Gagne

Abstract The African rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzivora Harris and Gagne (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is an important pest of rice, Oryza sativa, in Burkina Faso as well as other countries in West and East Africa. In spite of its importance, little is known regarding the relationship between gall midge populations and grain yield losses. To determine yield losses the gall midge was reared in cages and adult midges were placed on caged plants of the rice variety ITA 123 at different population levels. The seven treatments consisted of different numbers of insects infested on the plants; 0 insect pairs (non‐infested check), and 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 midge pairs/cage. The loss in yield in relation to the non‐infested control was highly positively correlated (R2 = 0.81) with the percentage of gall midge damaged tillers. The infestation by the insect on the plants resulted in the compensatory production of tillers which developed in response to the gall midge damage but the compensation was not sufficient to ma...

Evaluation of Insecticides for Suppression of Sorghum Midge on Sorghum, 1995

Abstract Selected insecticides were evaluated for sorghum midge control at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Farm near College Station, TX. Seed of hybrid grain sorghum (ATx399 X RTx430) was planted 16 May on rows spaced 30 inches apart. Insecticide treatments were compared in plots, 6 rows X 40 ft long, arranged in a RCB design with 4 replications. Insecticides were applied to the middle 2 rows of plots. Insecticides were applied between 0800 and 0900 h CDT by using a hand-held backpack sprayer with TX-3 hollow cone nozzles at 35 psi, producing a finished spray volume of 4.9 gpa. Insecticides were first applied when 30-50% of the panicles were flowering; insecticides were applied on 15, 19, and 23 Jul. Adult sorghum midge abundance was assessed just prior to each application by counting the number of sorghum midges on 10 individual sorghum panicles enclosed in clear plastic bags. The panicles were cut from the plant and returned to the laboratory for examination and sorghum midge counts. Grain yield data were collected from the 2 middle rows per plot. Panicles were hand harvested from 2 selected 8.75-ft sections of row/plot and mechanically threshed. Data were statistically analyzed by using ANOVA and LSD.

Purification and characterization of an allergenic monomeric hemoglobin from a chironomid distributed worldwide, Polypedium nubifer.

The Pol n component MV, a potent experimental allergen for mice, was purified to homogeneity from extracts of a chironomid distributed worldwide, Polypedium nubifer (PN). The Pol n I component MV was shown to have cross-reactivity to hemoglobins (Hb) derived from all species of chironomids tested. Determination of the amino acid sequence of the first 37 N-terminal residues revealed that it had 30-59% homology to Hb of an European chironomid, Chironomus thummi thummi, which had been known as an important allergen for humans. By Western blot analysis, we showed that sera from asthmatic patients, which had positively reacted to the extract of the adult PN midge, bound to the purified Pol n I component MV. Furthermore, using rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against synthetic polypeptides corresponding to the N-terminal residues, it was demonstrated that the N-terminal amino acid sequence between position 15 and 35 contained antigenic epitope(s) for human IgE. The results indicate that the Pol n I component MV is an allergen for human beings as well as for mice, and useful as a diagnostic tool for chironomid allergy.

Control of Pinon Spindle Gall Midge With Foliar-Applied Insecticides, 1995

Abstract Trials were conducted on established pinon pine, approximately 12 ft in height, located on the campus of Colorado State University in Ft. Collins. Plots consisted of individual branches, each averaging approximately 2 ft in length. Plot design was a RCB with 5 replications. Treatments were applied using a hand-operated pump mister on 3 Jul, covering foliage to the point of run-off. At the time of treatment, adult midge emergence was increasing and near peak. Plots were sampled on 8 Aug by removing 3 terminals per branch and counting the number of swollen and normal new needle pairs. A percent swollen needle bundle estimate was then calculated for each experimental unit.

MIDGES MAY INJURE DRUPELETS AND REDUCE FRUIT-SET IN BLACKBERRIES

Blackberry drupelet development is influenced by a number of agents (Ellis et al., 1991; Moore and Skirvin, 1990). We have observed poor drupelet-setting and `nubbins' that were not attributable to common pests, such as tarnished plant bug or diseases. In seeking causes for such problems during 1986, we discovered tiny (diptera) larvae in unopened flower buds and newly opened blossoms of wild-growing and domestic blackberries. Pistils and stamens of infested buds and blossoms showed signs of necrosis; injuries seemed worse in buds that contained more larvae. We confirmed relationships among bloom-time symptoms, drupelet setting, and fruit weight by tagging symptomatic and asymptomatic postanthesis blossoms on 22 May 1989. One week before the normal harvest season, symptomatic berries averaged 38 mg and asymptomatic berries averaged 208 mg. Twelve symptomatic blossoms (27%) produced no drupelets, 19 (43%) produced one to 10 drupelets, and no symptomatic blossom yielded a normal berry. We devised or adapted larval collection and rearing apparatuses and procedures to obtain adult midges that were needed for taxonomic speciation of this new blackberry pest. During 1994, SEL identified resultant specimens as Contarinia agrimoniae Felt. This genus previously had not been recorded from Rubus buds, and little is known of C. agrimoniae habits, life cycle, etc. Additional studies are needed to identify procedures for management of C. agrimoniae.

Evaluation of Insecticides for Suppression of Sorghum Midge on Sorghum, 1994

Abstract Selected insecticides were evaluated for sorghum midge control at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Farm near College Station, TX. Hybrid grain sorghum (ATx399 × RTx430) was planted 20 May in rows spaced 30 inches apart. Insecticide treatments were compared in plots, 8 rows × 40 ft long, arranged in a RCB design with 4 replications. Insecticides were applied to the middle 2 rows of plots. Insecticides were applied between 0800 and 0900 hours CDT by using a hand-held backpack sprayer with TX-3 hollow cone nozzles at 35 psi, producing a finished spray volume of 5.6 gpa. Application began when 10-30% of the panicles were flowering; insecticides were applied 10, 13, and 16 Jul. Adult sorghum midge abundance was determined just prior to each application by counting the number of sorghum midges on 10 individual sorghum panicles enclosed in clear plastic bags. The panicles were cut from the plant and returned to the laboratory for examination and sorghum midge counts. Grain yield data were collected from the 2 middle rows per plot. Panicles were hand harvested from selected 8.75 ft sections of row/plot and mechanically threshed. Data were statistically analyzed by using ANOVA and LSD.

Causative allergens of allergic rhinitis in Japan with special reference to silkworm moth allergen.

To determine the importance of silkworm moth allergens, we tested 267 patients with allergic rhinitis with CAP-RAST, a new assay system for detecting specific IgE in sera. We used the following allergen sources: house-dust mite, Candida, Alternaria, cat dander, orchard grass, ragweed, mugwort, Japanese hops, Japanese cedar, Japanese cypress, cotton, silk, larval chironomid midge, adult chironomid midge, and silkworm moth. As expected, the highest positive rate of reaction, as determined by CAP-RAST, was 73.8% for Japanese cedar, followed by 53.2% for mite and 50.6% for Japanese cypress. Although the positive rate for silkworm moth was not as high as for cedar pollen, one-third of patients had specific IgE against silkworm moth. The positive rate of reaction to silkworm moth was much higher than that to chironomid. It was interesting to note that the patients reported had not been documented as having frequent contact with silkworm moth allergen. Correlations between silkworm moth and silk, and silkworm moth and chironomid midge were found to be significant (P < 0.001). Silkworm moth allergen showed the third highest reaction rate in patients with severe symptoms. These results suggest that silkworm moth allergen should be considered to be important in patients with allergic rhinitis in Japan.

Exploitation of Sorghum Nonpreference Resistance to Sorghum Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Using Mixed Plantings of Resistant and Susceptible Sorghum Hybrids

The effectiveness of sorghum resistance to sorghum midge, Contarinia Sorghicola (Coquillett), was improved in mixed plantings of resistant and susceptible sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, hybrids in 1989 and 1992. Mixed plantings drew sorghum midges from the resistant to the susceptible plants, and damage to resistant plants was lessened. Adult sorghum midge abundance averaged 5.5 and 1.6 sorghum midges per panicle during the flowering period in 1989 and 1992, respectively. Mean sorghum midge damage ratings for susceptible and resistant plants were 5.9 and 2.4, and 7.7 and 1.6 in 1989 and 1992, respectively. Damage to resistant plants decreased and per panicle yield increased as the composition of susceptible sorghum plants in mixed plantings increased. Total grain yield (yield of resistant and susceptible plants combined) was highest when the proportion of susceptible plants was from 10 to 30% in 1989 and was 20 and 30% in 1992 and declined when percentage of susceptible plants was increased further. Total grain yields were less when all plants were resistant than when 10 to 30% and 20% of the plants were susceptible in 1989 and 1992, respectively.

Distribution, Seasonal Occurrence, and Patterns of Parasitism of Heleidomermis magnapapula (Nematoda: Mermithidae), a Parasite of Culicoides variipennis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in California

A statewide survey indicated that the mermithid nematode Heleidomermis magnapapula Poinar & Mullens was widespread in California. The nematode occurred in many manure-polluted habitats where the insect host, Culicoides variipennis (Coquillett), was found, but was absent from two saline or alkaline habitats. Nematodes emerged from larvae of C. variipennis between February and November. Field-collected, late-instar C. variipennis were held individually to determine the extent of parasitism. Parasitism ranged from 0 to 69% in southern California. Hosts parasitized by a single nematode most commonly yielded females, whereas hosts harboring multiple nematodes yielded males. The sex ratio was 2.4 males per female. Only three of 5,308 adult midges were found to be parasitized.

アレルギー性鼻炎患者のＣＡＰ‐ＲＡＳＴ成績

In an attempt to determine the usefulness of insect RAST, 267 patients with nasal allergy were tested with CAP-RAST: mite, candida, alternaria, cat dander, orchard grass, ragweed, mugwort, Japanese hops, Japanese cedar, Japanese cypress, cotton, silk, larval chironomid midge, adult chironomid midge, and silkworm moth allergen supplied by Pharmacia AB. We also performed intradermal skin tests with extracts of 12 allergens: mite, house dust, cat dander, candida, alternaria, Japanese cedar, Japanese cypress, orchard grass, ragweed, mugwort, Japanese hops, and silk.1) The highest rate of RAST in 267 patients was 73.8% for Japanese cedar, followed by 53.2% for mite, 50.6% for Japanese cypress, and 47.6% for orchard grass.2) The positive response to insect RAST was also high: silkworm moth 32.1% and adult chironomid midge 19.4%. These results suggest that silkworm moth, chironomid, and silk are important allergens in nasal allergy.

Evaluation of Insecticides for Suppression of Sorghum Midge on Sorghum, 1991:

Abstract An organophosphate and a pyrethroid were evaluated for sorghum midge control at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Farm near College Station, TX. Grain sorghum was planted 28 May on rows spaced 30 inches apart. Insecticide treatments were compared in plots, 6 rows X 35 ft long, arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Insecticides were applied using a hand-held backpack sprayer in the inner 2 sorghum rows through TX-3 hollow case nozzles at 36 psi with a spray volume of 6.4 gal/acre. Applications began when 25-30% of the panicles were flowering; treatments were applied on 24, 27, and 30 July. Data on kernel loss and grain yield were collected from one of the 2 inner rows. Adult sorghum midge abundance was determined just prior to each application by counting midges on 10 individual sorghum panicles enclosed with clear plastic bags. The panicles were cut from the plant and returned to the laboratory for examination and midge counts. Visual estimates of midge damage were made by rating damage to 10 panicles/plot, on a 1-9 scale where 1 = 0-10% and 9 = 81-90% kernel loss. Panicles were hand-harvested from selected 8.75 ft sections of row/plot and mechanically threshed. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and REGWMRT.

野外における人工光源を用いたユスリカ成虫の走光性に関する研究 : ユスリカ成虫の飛来行動と光との関係

野外における人工光源を用いたユスリカ成虫の走光性に関する研究 : ユスリカ成虫の飛来行動と光との関係

Cadmium, zinc, lead and copper inChironomus riparius (Meigen) larvae (Diptera, Chironomidae): uptake and effects

Cadmium, Zn, Pb and Cu uptake and effects in larvae ofChironomus riparius (Meigen) were studied in an integrated laboratory investigation, in which metal analyses in different instar stages, uptake kinetics and effects on development and growth were considered in three separate experiments. In short-term experiments with fourth instar larvae, it was demonstrated that only a minor portion of metals was adsorbed on the larval exoskeletons. No conclusive evidence on the uptake mechanism was found, but active uptake of trace metals seemed highly unlikely. In partial life cycle experiments, all four metals studied were readily accumulated in chironomid larvae. Uptake could be described satisfactorily utilizing a first-order one-compartment uptake model which incorporated growth. In all cases steady state conditions were approached and high uptake and elimination rate constants were estimated. Distinct differences between essential (Zn and Cu) and non-essential (Cd and Pb) metals were noted. Larval growth was significantly impaired upon exposure. Finally, long-term exposure experiments with low Cd concentrations (0.010 and 0.025 mg 1−1) resulted initially in growth impairment and high mortality in first instar stages, but surviving larvae restored growth and adults emerged even before control adults. In similar experiments with Zn (0.1 and 1.0 mg 1−1), development of larvae was significantly retarded. High Zn concentrations in larvae were noted and almost no adult midges emerged.

Studies on the Massive Flights of Chironomid Midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) as Nuisance Insects and Plans for their Control in the Lake Suwa Area, Central Japan. 1. Occurrence of massive flights of Tokunagayusurika akamusi.

Adult Chironomidae (Diptera, particularly Chironomus plumosus and Tokunagayusurika akamusi) emerging from eutrophic lakes or polluted bodies of water in Japan have become intolerable because they pose a severe nuisance and cause economic problems. In the Lake Suwa area, massive flights of adult midges of T. akamusi have occurred frequently, and caused problems in the daily life of local residents or for the tourist business. The author tried to clarify the biological and hygienic problems involved in these massive flights. In order to control adult midges, the distribution of larvae in the lake, the period and quantity of emergence from water, the time of flight, and the dispersal range of T. akamusi midges were studied. The results obtained are as follows: 1. Larvae of T. akamusi are distributed over the whole lake, especially in the east and southeast part with high densities. Mean biomass was about 100 g wet weight/m2 in Lake Suwa. On the shore near these areas, dense swarms of adult midges were found. 2. Emergence of T. akamusi from Lake Suwa was observed at the end of September and lasted till the middle of November. The emergence peaked in the middle of October. The time of flight was mainly at 17: 30-19: 30. 3. The dispersal ranges of adult midges were confirmed with two methods, i.e. the ordinary light trap method and a questionnaire survey of 544 residents. The result obtained with the questionnaire survey was consistent with that of the light trap method and the questionnaire survey made it possible to collect information in a wider area than the usual one. 4. T. akamusi midges reached areas over 3 km from the lake, but more than 90 percent of the midges flew within 500 m of the lake's shoreline. However, even in the more distant places where there was a source of bright light there were many adult midges. 5. The wind (at 18: 30) was the main factor which expanded the dispersal range of adults. We observed that many adults appeared after a strong wind (6-7 m/s). 6. Many adult midges were collected by light trap at the top of a building with a height of 45 meters.

Studies on the Massive Flights of Chironomid Midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) as Nuisance Insects and Plans for their Control in the Lake Suwa Area, Central Japan. 3. Some experimental trials for control of nuisance midges and proposed counterplans.

In the present paper the author tried to forecast the massive emergence of adult Tokunagayusurika akamusi midges from Lake Suwa. Furthermore, several control measures for chironomids were examined. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The forecast for the emergence of adult midges from the lake. A survey of the chironomid larva population was carried out at three stations in the lake. T. akamusi emerged at about the tenth day after the decrease of the larval number and at this time the temperature of the bottom water was within the range of 11-18 degrees C. The flights of adult midges were closely related to environmental factors such as air temperature, the strength and the direction of the wind and the light conditions. 2. The attraction of adult midges to lamps of various colors and wattages was studied. A comparative study on various colors of lights of the same intensity (100 W) showed that white was more attractive to chironomids than yellow, and that both colors were preferred to red, green, or blue. The experiment on light intensity showed that 100 W was more effective than 40 W and 20 W and that no differences in preference were observed between 100 W and 60 W white lamps. Therefore, the light intensity was thought to be more important than color for the control of adult midges. 3. Cyprinus is the natural enemy of the larva and pupae of T. akamusi. The total numbers of adult T. akamusi emerging from Enclosure A (in which there were 10 times as many Cyprinus as in the natural lake water), Enclosure B (no predator was present), and Station C (the natural lake) were 458, 1108, and 684 ind./m2, respectively. It was estimated that 38% of larvae or pupae were eaten by the fish in the lake, and by putting Cyprinus into the water, the percentage increased to 58%. It seems that Cyprinus has a significant effect in reducing the number of midges in field trials. 4. The control of T. akamusi may also be achieved by employing general prevention, by physical and biological means, depending upon the nature of the breeding source, and the cooperation of inhabitants and persons concerned is necessary to carry out the control of adult midges. 5. The proposals for the control of the nuisance caused by chironomid midges are as follows: (1) To make the inhabitants aware of the ecological role of chironomids in the lake, and the importance of protection of the natural ecosystem.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Life History Patterns of Nearctic Mountain Midges (Diptera:Deuterophlebiidae)

Mountain midges (Diptera:Deuterophlebiidae) are widespread and seasonally abundant in streams of western North America. As part of a comprehensive systematic investigation of the Deuterophlebiidae, I examined the life histories of all Nearctic species, including aspects of habitat, reproductive biology, and phenology. Collection techniques were also evaluated. This paper is based on qualitative data obtained during a seven-year period (1981-1988) and from more than 500 collection sites, and on a quantitative phenological study in 1986 of 17 populations from the Pacific Northwest. Deuterophlebiids generally are considered stenobionts, requiring cold, mountain streams; however, many species inhabit a diversity of stream types, from small, high-gradient creeks to large, low-gradient rivers. The immature stages of all species are restricted to riffle habitats where current velocities typically exceed 1 m/s. Adult mountain midges exhibit marked diel synchrony, with emergence, flight, and mating during only the...