Appletree Borer Research Articles

Efficacy of Egyptian Parasitic Nematodes, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (BA1) and Steinernema carpocapsae (BA2) in Bio-control of Economically Important Pests

Background: Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are obligate lethal parasites of insects and are globally used as safe biocontrol agents against a wide range of insect pests. They occur in most agricultural soils all around the world. The insecticidal activity of two native EPNs Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (BA1) and Steinernema carpocapsae (BA2), isolated from the Egyptian soil was examined against eight different economic insect pests under laboratory conditions. These pests are the Greater wax moth larvae, Galleria mellonella; the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littorallis; the cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon; the european corn borer, Osterinia nubilalis; the greater sugarcane borer, Sesamia critica; the apple tree borer, Zeuzera pyrina; the sugar beet fly, Pegomyia mixta and the tortoise beetle Cassida vittatta. Three nematode concentrations (100, 50, and 25 /ml water) of infective juveniles (IJs) were applied per insect. The test was conducted at 25± 2 °C and about 70± 2 % RH. Results: The median lethal concentration (LC50) of H. bacteriophora BA1– was almost– higher than that of S. capocapsae BA2 against the different tested insect pest larvae. The percentage of the cumulative mortality ranged between 46 and 100% in general, according to the tested concentration and/or the nematode species. The comparison between the mortality percentages caused by BA1 and BA2 nematodes to differently treated insect larvae revealed that BA1 was almost more virulent than BA2. Results showed that the lowest LC50 value was found to be 2.15 IJs, for H. bacteriophora BA1 isolate. Conclusions: The results showed that both indigenous EPNs isolates had a good impact in the management of the eight economic insect pests tested in this study had insecticidal properties and could be positively enrolled in integrated pest management programs against different insect pests.

Apple Tree Borers at Menoufia, Egypt with Special Reference to the Phytochemical Changes and Their Relation to the Infestation with Synanthedon myopaeformis Borkh. (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae).

The first part of the work aimed to study the survey of apple trees borers that attack apple orchards in two different geographical regions, at Abo-Mashour and Al-Khatatba locations (Menoufia governorate). Five species were recorded in the study showed, these borers were Synantheden myopaeformis Borkh., Zeuzera pyrina L., Hypothenemus eruditus Westwood., Scolytus amygdali Guer. and Chlorophorus varius Mull (non recorded at Al-Khatatba) . Highest percentages of infestation (26.08 & 21.33 %) were recorded for Sy. myopaeformis followed by Z. pyrina (17.83 &13.01%) at Abo-Mashour and Al-Khatatba, respectively. An annual increase of infested trees with these borers, especially Sy. myopaeformis (10.59 & 9.59) and Z. pyrina (9.22 & 6.62 )give serious indicators to quick devastation and the death of infested trees. The weather factors detected a significant correlation with infestation by different borers except Ch. varius. Also significant differences for both Z. pyrina and S. amygdale were detected in the two regions under study, while the infestation showed insignificant differences of both Sy. myopaeformis and H. eruditus The second part of the study aimed to investigate the role of phytochemical components within apple trees and their relation to the infestation with apple clearwing moth Sy myopaeformis. The analysis by GC-MS chromatograph showed differences in both Chemical composition and the percentages of compounds in the tested wood samples from apple trees under study. In the uninfested young trees (resistant trees), the levels of 9-Octadecenoic acid (Oleic acid), 9-Hexadecanoic acid and Ethyl iso-allocholate were found at higher rates than the uninfested old trees, as they were 31.42%, 14.83% and 5.37% respectively. The infested old trees showed high levels of these chemical compounds compared to uninfested ones as the percentages of 9-Octadecenoic acid (Oleic acid), 9-Hexadecanoic acid and Ethyl iso-allocholate increased by 5.8 fold, 3.1 fold and 3.1 fold, respectively, while the percentages in uninfested old trees were 7.42%, 5.39% and 3.34% respectively.

Impact of Cover Cropping on Non-Target Arthropod Pests of Red Maple Trees in Nursery Production

Cropping practices can affect the complement of arthropod pests present in production. The impact of cover cropping on key red maple (Acer rubrum [L.]) (Sapindaceae) nursery pests was evaluated. Cover cropping has been identified as a sustainable management method for a key maple pest, flatheaded appletree borer (Chrysobothris femorata [Olivier]) (Buprestidae), but the impact of the cover crop on other non-target arthropod pests in maple production also must be taken into account when determining the usefulness of cover cropping as a pest management tool. In addition to flatheaded appletree borer, other important arthropod pests of red maple in the southeastern United States include maple shoot borer (Proteoteras aesculana [Riley]) (Tortricidae), maple leaftier (Episimus tyrius [Henrich]) (Tortricidae), potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae [Harris]) (Cicadellidae), ambrosia beetles (e.g., Xylosandrus crassiusculus [Motschulsky]) (Curculionidae), and spider mites (Oligonychus aceris [Shimer] and Tetranychus urticae [Koch]) (Tetranychidae). In the fall of 2015, 400 red maple trees were transplanted into a cover cropped field of crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum [L.]) (Fabaceae) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum [L.]) (Poaceae). Four nursery tree row management treatments were evaluated: (1) cover crop, (2) cover crop + insecticide, (3) no cover crop, and (4) no cover crop + insecticide. Treatment plots consisting of 25 trees were replicated 4 times in a 2 × 2 factorial design. All trees were evaluated annually in 2016 and 2017 for damage by the previously mentioned arthropod pests. Overall, the cover crop did not increase damage by the common suite of red maple pests. However, the cover crop did compete with trees for nutrients, water, and space, thereby reducing tree growth and the formation of new maple shoots. The low number of new shoots on maple trees in the cover crop rows, and subsequent availability and suitability of host material was the main driver of pest damage differences among treatments.

Incidence and Severity of Buprestid Infestation in Field-Grown Acer platanoides Related to Cardinal Orientation of Understock Bud Union

Flatheaded appletree borers (FAB) (Chrysobothris femorata Olivier) pose a significant risk to field production of shade and flowering trees because attack by one larva can render a tree unsalable. This insect attacks wounded and stressed trees, susceptible cultivars, or newly transplanted trees that might be stressed by desiccation, high temperature or both. The insect is managed by a combination of monitoring and scouting using purple panel traps, growing degree days and plant phenology, and use of chemical insecticides. An observational study of field-planted liners of ‘Royal Red’ Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) determined that FAB only attacked the area directly around the stubbed portion of the rootstock at the union where the cultivar was budded. Trees with the stubbed area facing north or northeast were 46 to 61% less likely to be attacked by FAB than if the stubbed area was facing southwest.

Flatheaded Apple Tree Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Nursery-Grown Red Maples: Phenology of Emergence, Treatment Timing, and Response to Stressed Trees

Emergence of adult flatheaded apple tree borers, Chrysobothris femorata (Olivier), from red maple (Acer rubrum L.) trees and cut bolts was monitored in central Kentucky from 1984–1986. A forecasting system based on accumulated degree-days (DD) was developed for predicting optimum treatment dates. Date of first emergence ranged from May 8 to June 6, corresponding to a mean accumulation of 412 Centigrade DD (742 F DD) calculated from a base temperature of 10°C (50°F). A single application of lindane or chlorpyrifos applied soon after adult borers began to emerge protected young red maple trees from infestation. Adult C. femorata were trapped in nurseries from May until August. Twenty-five species of adult Buprestidae representing 5 genera were attracted to experimentally stressed red maples. Although results were variable, stressed trees were generally more attractive and/or susceptible to borers.

The Ubiquity of Statistics

Recent experiences as a member of the President's Commission on Federal Statistics, and later of the Committee on National Statistics, have led me-and my Commission or Committee colleagues-to a realization that the scope of federal statistics is far more extensive than the usual stereotype. To explain the ubiquity of statistics in national affairs, let me begin by summarizing a small statistical investigation that I carried out all by myself. . . no staff, no high-speed computation, and no publication plans aside from this talk. I am an enthusiast of the Government Printing Office, which publishes an enormous number of analyses, reports, instruction books, self-education brochures, atlases, and so on about an almost limitless range of topics. As a Government Printing Office buff, I receive a biweekly list called United States Government Publications. A recent issue listed, among many others, reportson biostatistical programs for time-shared computers, on hydrocarbons and air pollution, on control of apple tree borers, and on career opportunities for psychiatrists. Surely something is there for everyone. I chose four of these Selected Publication lists arbitrarily over the year starting in July 1970. For each listed publication I made a quick judgement about statistical relevance, using a trichotomy.

Investigations on Control of the Bronze Birch Borer and the Flatheaded Apple Tree Borer

Investigations in control of the bronze birch borer, Agrilus anxius Gory, and the flat headed apple tree borer, Chrysobothris femorata (Olivier), were conducted at the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station during 1956 and 1957. Several of the oregano phosphates and various concentrations of DDT were applied to the respective host trees. Parathion was consistently effective in the three tests in which it was used. The results with DDT were erratic, but the data indicate that one application of a relatively strong concentration of DDT combined with a liquid latex or polyethylene on the trunks of newly transplanted shade trees may be adequate for the control of the flat headed apple tree borer.

A Reply to Burrill and Parris on the use of Calcium Cyanide Raw Linseed Oil Mixture for the Control of the Round Headed Apple Tree Borer

This is a defence of the calcium cyanide raw linseed oil mixture for use against the round headed apple tree borer. Extracts have been selected from the paper by Burrill and Parris to show that their criticisms were unjust, since they admit its safeness when used according to directions. When injury occurred, methods were adopted by them which were neither advised nor implied. The mixture has been used successfully for several years and it is still being recommended.

Injury to Apple Trees from the use of a Calcium Cyanide Raw Linseed Oil Mixture in Controlling the Round-Headed Apple-Tree Borer

In the Champlain Valley fruit section of New York State, a few growers reported very severe injury to apple trees from the use of a calcium cyanide-raw linseed oil mixture for the control of the round-headed apple tree borer, Saperda candida Fab. It was found that the injury was most severe when the Cambium was exposed by cutting out part of the borers before the material was applied, but that ¼″ to ½″ of cambium beyond the borer tunnel was killed even when no such cutting was done. Preliminary tests indicate that perhaps the use of some oil other than raw linseed will reduce the danger of injury to the tree.

A Method for the Extermination of the Roundheaded Apple-Tree Borer

As a substitute for the digging-out process, fumigation with carbon disulphide proved very successfu1. Against the tree, with the open side over the borer holes, a cell with open top, resembling a large mud wasp's nest, is built of plastic clay or mud. A teaspoonful of carbon disulphid is poured in and the cell closed with a plug of clay. The surface of the cell is then wetted and smoothed down, and carefully sealed to the tree and the earth. This method gives 100% control when properly done, requires less time than the digging-out process, and neither mutilates nor injures the tree.

NOTES ON TWO BORERS INJURIOUS TO THE MOUNTAIN ASH

In the late publication of the Department of Agriculture on “Foresttree Imsects” three species are mentioned as affecting the trunk of Pyrus americana, viz: The round and flat-headed apple-tree borers and an unknown longicorn larva. I have recently found two additional species fully as injurious as those mentioned. These are Podosesia syringœ and Zeuzophora semifuneralis.

A NEW CLOTHES BEETLE

One of the most interesting studies of teh scientific entomologist—more interesting because of its economic importance—relates to variation of habits of insects, consequent upon variation in their environment. The carpte beetle, Anthrenus scrphulariœ Linn, feeds on flowers in its native Europe. In the new atmosphere of America, it feeds and thrives upon carpets, shawls and other woollen goods. The apple maggot, Trypet pomonella, feeds upon our wild haw and other wild fruits. Civilization exterminates its old-time aliment; and it betakes itself to our apples, cherries and plums/ The curculio, apple-tree borers, bark lice, etc., are other illustrations of the same truth.