Cinara Cupressi Research Articles

Future Climate Change and Anthropogenic Disturbance Promote the Invasions of the World's Worst Invasive Insect Pests.

Invasive insect pests adversely impact human welfare and global ecosystems. However, no studies have used a unified scheme to compare the range dynamics of the world's worst invasive insect pests. We investigated the future range shifts of 15 of the world's worst invasive insect pests. Although future range dynamics varied substantially among the 15 worst invasive insect pests, most exhibited large range expansions. Increases in the total habitat suitability occurred in more than ca. 85% of global terrestrial regions. The relative impacts of anthropogenic disturbance and climate variables on the range dynamics depended on the species and spatial scale. Aedes albopictus, Cinara cupressi, and Trogoderma granarium occurred four times in the top five largest potential ranges under four future climate scenarios. Anoplophora glabripennis, Aedes albopictus, and Co. formosanus were predicted to have the largest range expansions. An. glabripennis, Pl. manokwari, Co. formosanus, and So. invicta showed the largest range centroid shifts. More effective strategies will be required to prevent their range expansions. Although the strategies should be species-specific, mitigating anthropogenic disturbances and climate change will be essential to preventing future invasions. This study provides critical and novel insights for developing global strategies to combat the invasions of invasive insect pests in the future.

Abundance of Cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi, and tree damage in cultivated Cupressus lusitanica in Gambo, Arsi Negelle

Abundance of Cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi, and tree damage in cultivated Cupressus lusitanica in Gambo, Arsi Negelle

Changes in Antioxidative, Oxidoreductive and Detoxification Enzymes during Development of Aphids and Temperature Increase.

Temperature, being the main factor that has an influence on insects, causes changes in their development, reproduction, winter survival, life cycles, migration timing, and population dynamics. The effects of stress caused by a temperature increase on insects may depend on many factors, such as the frequency, amplitude, duration of the stress, sex, or the developmental stage of the insect. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in the enzymatic activity of nymphs and adult aphids Aphis pomi, Macrosiphum rosae and Cinara cupressi, and changes in their response to a temperature increase from 20 to 28 °C. The activity of enzymatic markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), β-glucosidase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD)) in aphid tissues was analysed for three constant temperatures. The results of our research showed that the enzymatic activity of aphids (measured as the activity of antioxidant, detoxifying and oxidoreductive enzymes) was mainly determined by the type of morph. We observed a strong positive correlation between the activity of the detoxifying and oxidoreductive enzymes and aphids’ development, and a negative correlation between the activity of the antioxidant enzymes and aphids’ development. Moreover, the study showed that an increase in temperature caused changes in enzyme activity (especially SOD, CAT and β-glucosidase), which was highest at 28 °C, in both nymphs and adults. Additionally, a strong positive correlation between metabolic activity (heat flow measured by microcalorimeter) and longevity was observed, which confirmed the relationship between these characteristics of aphids. The antioxidant enzyme system is more efficient in aphid nymphs, and during aphid development the activity of antioxidant enzymes decreases. The antioxidant enzyme system in aphids appears to deliver effective protection for nymphs and adults under stressful conditions, such as high temperatures.

Influence of selected biogenic amines on development and demographic parameters of a temperate population of Cinara (Cupressobium) cupressi (Hemiptera, Aphididae)

Cinara (Cupressobium) cupressi, the cypress aphid, is a serious pest of Cupressus spp. and other Cupressaceae, considered to be one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. The potential influence of selected biogenic amines (tryptamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine) on development and demographic parameters of a temperate population of the cypress aphid was investigated under laboratory conditions. Within parthenogenetic generations, the use of biogenic amines resulted in a significant reduction in the total fecundity and the average daily fecundity both in the fundatrix (F0) and the fundatrigeniae (F1), whereas this influence in the F5 generation was insignificant. In all parthenogenetic generations treated with amines, the dissected female abdomen contained a greater number of mature embryos compared to control samples. Cadaverine caused marked changes in the body length of all viviparous generations studied and a significant reduction in the number of developing embryos, compared to the control sample. The use of biogenic amines did not significantly affect the number of eggs produced by oviparous females but had an impact on their lifespan. Our results indicate that biogenic amines application may disrupt feeding behavior and thus leads to reduced fecundity, consistent with the observation of reduced embryo production. Consequently, bioamines can be used as an alternative agents to control this important pest species.

Tree Diversity and Damage by Cypress Aphid, Cinara cupressi, on Juniperus procera in Gulele Botanical Garden and Entoto

Juniperus procera is an important tree species in Ethiopia. Increasing demand for fuelwood and construction material has also created markets for J. procera products. The impact of cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi, on J. procera is becoming catastrophic in the country. However, the level of cypress aphid damage on J. procera has never been studied in Entoto Mountain forest and Gullele Botanical Garden (GBG) in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the cypress aphid densities and extent of damage caused by the cypress aphid on solely and mixed planted J. procera in Entoto Mountain forest and GBG in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by evaluating aphid adult and nymph densities and damage to J. procera trees. Eight plots of 50 m ∗ 50 m planted with pure J. procera and mixed J. procerawere selected at each site. Five 5 m ∗ 5 m subplots were formed. To assess aphid density hthree tree twigs per whorl were sampled from each tree in the subplots randomly. The collected samples were examined in the laboratory for the presence of nymph and adult cypress aphid. Tree damage was assessed by visually observing the percentage of infestation in the tree crown and was scored on a 1–5 scale. The results showed significant differences in aphid densities between the sites. The highest aphid count was observed at Entoto Mountain. Besides, the solely planted J. procera trees had higher cypress aphid numbers than the mixed plantation. The mean percentage of aphid-infested trees in Entoto and GBG was 53.6 and 46.4, respectively. Tree mortality was extremely low in both sites and planting systems. The level of aphid damage was also significantly different between the planting systems, where mixed plantations had a lower aphid infestation level. Tree damage was directly correlated with the density of aphids collected. In conclusion, cypress aphid was apparent in both sites, and most of the trees were infested by this pest. However, the extent of damage varied with the planting system. Therefore, it is recommended to consider a mixed plantation of trees as one of cypress aphid management tools in J. procera.

Incidence of Pests and Diseases in Tree Nurseries and Plantations in Kimondi Forest, Nandi County, Kenya

Increasing demand for wood is putting pressure on forest resources that are equally under threat from insect pests and diseases. Reported average annual forest loss stands at 0.2% globally, 0.8% in Africa, and 1.6% in Kenya. To meet the increasing demand for forest products in Kenya, the government and private sector have established plantations of non-native tree species dominated by Eucalyptus species, Cupressus lusitanica, and Pinus patula. To ensure successful forest plantation establishment and management schemes, there is a need for sufficient knowledge and understanding of tree growth conditions and threats including pests and diseases. This study aimed at determining the incidence of plantation and tree nurseries in Kimondi Forest, Kenya. Tree plantations were mapped into 2.5 Ha rectangular portion transects parallel to the forest roads. In randomly selected portions, observations were carried out for disease and pest signs and symptoms on various tree parts (leaves, stem, roots, fruits, and twigs). In the tree nurseries, 3 m × 1 m rectangular quadrants were placed on seedling beds and similar observations were made. Collected data indicated a high incidence of nursery seedling pests (5.3 % leaves and 5.1% stems) on Eucalyptus species and least on P. patula (2.4% leaves and 3% stems). Higher incidence of plantation pests (35.0% leaves of Eucalyptus sps.) and least on P. patula stems (1.2%) were recorded. On the other hand, twelve (12.0%) of C. lusitanica and (1.8%) Eucalyptus species plantation twigs were infested by pests. A high incidence of nursery seedling disease (9.8%) was observed on C. lusitanica leaves and least on P. patula stems (3.6%). Higher incidence of plantation diseases (32 %) on leaves of Eucalyptus sps. and least on C. lusitanica stem (1.4%) was recorded. In both tree nurseries and plantations, roots and fruits remained free from pests and disease. Major tree pests and diseases identified in Kimondi forests include (Human, wildlife, livestock, Cinara cupressi, Gonipterus scutellatus, Pinus pini, and Leptocybe invasa) and (damping-off, Fusarium wilt, Botryosphaeria canker, cypress canker, and Mycosphaerella spp.) respectively. These results suggest a need for regular monitoring and intervention measures to control pest and disease infestation in the Kimondi forest.

Microbial Control of Invasive Forest Pests with Entomopathogenic Fungi: A Review of the Current Situation.

The health of the forestlands of the world is impacted by a number of insect pests and some of them cause significant damage with serious economic and environmental implications. Whether it is damage of the North American cypress aphid in South America and Africa, or the destruction of maple trees in North America by the Asian long horned beetle, invasive forest pests are a major problem in many parts of the world. Several studies explored microbial control opportunities of invasive forest pests with entomopathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and some are successfully utilized as a part of integrated forest pest management programs around the world. This manuscript discusses some invasive pests and the status of their microbial control around the world with entomopathogenic fungi.

Status of cypress aphid on Cupressus lusitanica and Juniperus procera in protected and cultivated forests of South Wollo, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, Cupressus lusitanica and Juniperus procera are important tree species. The incidence of the cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi, which has not been reported before on the exotic Cupressus lusitanica is becoming catastrophic. The appearance of the insect was reported for the first time in 2003 in Ethiopia. However, information is scarce on the status of this species in northeast Amhara state. The objectives of this study were to assess the extent of damage, abundance and status of the cypress aphid on C. lusitanica and J. procera in the protected and cultivated forests of South Wollo, Ethiopia. Results reveal that tree compositions of the three study areas differed. The dominant tree species were C. lucitanica (15–80%), Olea europaea (5–90%) and J. procera (14–70%). The cypress aphid showed significantly higher levels of infestation on C. lusitanica (35–90%) than on J. procera (1–16%). Moreover, there was higher C. lusitanica mortality (40–93%). In contrast, there was low infestation (1–16%) on J. procera and no mortality. The results reveal that the cypress aphid causes enormous losses of C. lusitanica. Therefore, it is recommended that insect surveillance be strengthened and the introduction bioagents be considered and integrated with other insecticides to minimize the degree of C. lusitanica infestation and loss.

Lecanicillium attenuatum isolates affecting the invasive cypress aphid (Cinara cupressi) in Chile

The cypress aphid (Cinara cupressi) is listed among the hundred most important invasive pests in the world. In Chile, it was first detected in 2003 and currently is present throughout the country. In the course of a survey of their natural enemies in Chile, three strains of entomopathogenic fungi were isolated. The isolates were identified and tested against the aphid in laboratory experiments. Two further entomopathogenic fungi (ARSEF 5126 and 5128), formulated in the mycoinsecticides Vertalec® and Mycotal®, were used as reference strains. The three Chilean isolates were identified genomically as Lecanicillium attenuatum and were pathogenic to third-instar nymphs. The isolate ARSEF 13279 yielded the lowest overall lethal concentration (LC50), 3 × 105 conidia ml−1 at four days post-inoculation, and the shortest lethal time (LT50), 3.7 days after inoculation with 106 conidia ml−1. The results indicate that the isolates have considerable potential as microbial control agents of the invasive cypress aphid.

Morphometric Variation on the Cypress Aphid Cinara cupressi (Buckton) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Associated to Urban Trees.

Cinara cupressi (Buckton) is an important aphid pest of the Cupressaceae family, originally reported in Chile in 2003. Since then, it has spread over 4,000km, contributing to conservation issues, mostly associated with native and urban trees of the Cupressaceae. In the present work, the morphometric variation of C. cupressi was examined to determine if the species present in Chile corresponds to a specific entity, and to identify variations among specimens from different localities in the study area. Colonies were collected from urban trees from northern, central, and southern Chile. Morphometric data for 14 characters in aphids from 63 localities in all the distribution ranges were measured and analyzed by multivariate analysis. Results showed that the species present in Chile corresponds to C. cupressi like a single specific entity, showing no morphological variation across the regions sampled. Our data will be discussed within the context of correct taxonomic identification for the implementation of effective biological control strategies.

Neozygites osornensis sp. nov., a fungal species causing mortality to the cypress aphid Cinara cupressi in Chile

An entomophthoralean fungus causing epizootics in populations of the cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi Buckton, in Chile is described as a new species, Neozygites osornensis Montalva et Barta. The aphid pathogen is described based on morphological characters. An exhaustive description, illustrations and a comparison with closely related species are provided. The fungus differs from similar Neozygites species by smaller hyphal bodies, nuclei, primary conidia, capilliconidia and capilliphores and by noticeably different shape of capilliconidia. A key to aphid-pathogenic species of Neozygites is also included.

Use of satellite-derived hyperspectral indices to identify stress symptoms in an Austrocedrus chilensis forest infested by the aphid Cinara cupressi

We explore the suitability of vegetation indices derived from satellite hyperspectral data for identifying stress symptoms induced by the invasion of cypress aphid (Cinara cupressi Buckton complex) in a Ciprés de La Cordillera (Austrocedrus chilensis (D. Don) Pic.Serm. & M.P. Bizzarri) forest, located in the Andes mountain range of central Chile. A set of 11 indices related to leaf physiology was retrieved from the processing of a Hyperion image of the study area. The indicies were correlated with the percentage of chlorosis and necrosis of the crown foliage of infested trees estimated visually in the field. The strongest correlations were recorded for two anthocyanin reflectance indices and the photochemical reflectance index. Vegetation indices sensitive to foliage quantity were weakly correlated with field data, likely due to the influence of wind-induced defoliation. Even when tree stands presented fairly similar levels of chlorosis and necrosis, as well as moderate vegetation cover, the results indicate that vegetation indices derived from hyperspectral images are potentially very useful in the detection, assessment and monitoring of the damage caused by the aphid.

Molecular Identification ofCinara cupressiandCinara tujafilina(Hemiptera, Aphididae)

A condition called "cypress mortality" affects forest of Austrocedrus chilensis (D. Don) Pic. Ser et Bizarri in Argentina. Their classic groups of symptoms has been described as a slow process of defoliation that culminating in death of the tree; nevertheless, dying and recently dead trees with abundant foliage are frequently observed in which foliage changes to red. Cinara (Cupressobium) cupressi (Buckton) is considered the agent responsible for reddening this indigenous conifer in Chile. Therefore, the relationship between the presence of C. cupressi and the new aerial symptoms in A. chilensis from Argentina required evaluation. However, Cinara (Cupressobium) tujafilina (del Guercio) also has been reported from this host, and the differentiation of both species of Cinara is time consuming and requires a great expertise because they share many morphologic and microscopic characters. A rapid molecular method of identification of C. cupressi and C. tujafilina is desirable to detect and differentiate them. We report the development and evaluation of a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method based on the mitochrondial cytochrome oxidase I gene to identify C. cupressi and C. tujafilina in colonies of aphids. The first detection of C. cupressi from A. chilensis in Argentina, is reported based on the new method.

Efecto de Cinara cupressi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) sobre el ciprés de la cordillera (Austrocedrus chilensis) después de aplicar control químico

A. Baldini, J. Oltremari, and A. Holmgren. 2008. Effect of Cinara cupressi on Austrocedrus chilensis following chemical control. Cien. Inv. Agr. 35(3):341-350. Cinara cupressi is an introduced species of insect that can kill forest trees due to a toxic compound that it injects while feeding. The pest is widely distributed in Chile, infesting species of Austrocedrus, Cupressus, Chamaecyparis, Juniperus, Thuja and Cupressocyparis hybrids. Austrocedrus chilensis is affected in all of its geographical distributions. In Africa, Cinara cupressi was identified for attacking the genera Callitris and Widdringtonia, which are phylogenetically related to Fitzroya, Austrocedrus and Pilgerodendron. This aphid can also adapt to F. cupressoides and Pilgerodendron uviferum and therefore threaten both species. The present study aimed to determine the usefulness of an insecticide treatment applied after aphids are detected on A. chilensis, based on the evolution of the damage after the insecticide application. Damage levels were determined based on the various types of symptoms caused by the aphid on the plants. Dimetoate was injected into the trunk, and the evolution of damage was registered every twenty days eight times. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the results of this method of chemical control were statistically significant only for trees showing slight insect damage at the time of the insecticide application. The aphid damage was neither stopped nor retarded significantly when the insecticide was applied onto trees already showing moderate or high levels of insect damage.

Comparative studies on populations of Pauesia juniperorum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a biological control agent for Cinara cupressivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Pauesia juniperorum (Starý), a solitary endoparasitoid which attacks several Cinara spp. in the subgenus Cupressobium, was introduced into Africa for the control of the cypress aphid Cinara cupressivora Watson & Voegtlin (previously identified as Cinara cupressi (Buckton)) and is now established. Data on its biology including a comparison of populations from different hosts and geographical locations are presented. From the UK this consisted of populations reared from Cinara cupressivora, Cinara fresai Blanchard and Cinara juniperi De Geer, and from France, Cinara ?fresai. Between different populations, the duration of development varied within a narrow range (15.5-18.1 days) at 22 degrees C. Data on duration of development over a range of temperatures (15-26 degrees C) for two populations, from the UK and France ranged between 14.0-31.4 days for males and 14.7-32.8 days for females. The threshold temperature for development was 6.2 degrees C and 4.1 degrees C for the populations from the UK and France, respectively. The mean egg load for different populations ranged between 46.4 and 78.5 eggs. The host species had a significant effect on egg load which was directly related to size of the respective host aphids. The lowest egg load was recorded on specimens reared from C. cupressivora which was the smallest aphid. The population from the UK had a higher intrinsic rate of increase (0.232) than the one from France (0.207).

Temperature and plant nutrient effects on the development, survival and reproduction of Cinara sp. nov., an invasive pest of cypress trees in Africa

Abstract Cinara sp. nov., previously identified as Cinara cupressi (Buckton) (Homoptera: Aphididae), is an important alien aphid pest of cypresses and junipers, and invaded Africa in the late 1980s. The work reported here was carried out as part of a larger programme aimed at the classical biological control of the aphid in Africa. Basic life history attributes including life table statistics of the aphid were quantified in order to facilitate the development of efficient aphid culturing methods and essential baseline information necessary for the culturing of potential parasitoid biological agents prior to selection for introduction to Africa. Developmental rates and fecundity were studied under four constant temperatures (10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C). The effects of several plant nutrients (nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus) supplied at different dose levels on life history attributes of Cinara sp. nov. were also studied.Unlike most other aphids, the apterous morph of Cinara sp. nov. developed through only three instars, and the alate four instars. The aphid is highly aggregative and exploits a wide range of feeding sites from young green branches to woody stems. The developmental period of Cinara sp. nov. ranged from 9.3 days at 25 °C to 22.3 days at 10 °C and the developmental threshold was 0.61 °C. Reproduction was delayed, because of the longer duration of development, and nymph production decreased with decreasing temperature. The intrinsic rate of increase ranged between 0.117 at 25 °C and 0.060 at 10 °C. Aphid size increased significantly as temperature was lowered. Wing formation was not induced when apterae were reared for up to three generations at each constant temperature but continuous crowding in the supply cultures held at 21 °C resulted in a high number of alates being formed. No appreciable effects of the different plant nutrients, supplied either singly or in combination, on the duration of instars or overall survival could be detected.

Biogeography of theCinara cupressicomplex (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Cupressaceae, with description of a pest species introduced into Africa

AbstractIn recent decades, aphids identified asCinara cupressi(Buckton) have seriously damaged commercial and ornamental plantings and native stands ofCupressus,Juniperus,Widdringtoniaand other Cupressaceae in Africa, Italy, Jordan, Yemen, Mauritius and Colombia. Aphids currently identified asCinara cupressiappear to belong to a species complex. This work was undertaken to identify the pest, its likely area of origin and any specific natural enemies, to facilitate a biological control programme. The biogeography of the species complex was studied using morphometric analysis of specimens from all the major regions where they have been collected, and analysis of host-plant ranges, parasitoid records and host association information. The cause of tree damage is shown to be an unnamed species, here described asC. (Cupressobium)cupressivoraWatson & Voegtlinsp. n., which probably originated onCupressus sempervirensin a region from eastern Greece to just south of the Caspian Sea. The remainder of the complex,Cinara cupressisensu lato, apparently consists of three morphologically similar species (C. sabinae(Gillette & Palmer) andC. cupressi(Buckton), probably originating in North America, and an unidentified species). There is insufficient data available to separate these taxa, or to determine the status ofC. canadensisHottes & Bradley, soC. sabinaeandC. canadensisare left in synonymy underC. cupressi(Buckton).Lachniella tujaedel Guercio andL. juniperi signatadel Guercio, thought to be part of theC. cupressicomplex, were found to be junior synonyms ofC. tujafilina(del Guercio); these new synonymies are proposed and lectotypes ofL. tujaeandL. juniperi signataare designated.

Variation and inheritance of resistance to cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi Buckton in Cupressus lusitanica Miller

Summary. Cupressus lusitanica seedlings from open‐pollinated seeds of 18 families were inoculated with day‐old first instar Cinara cupressi. Aphid survival was used to determine the genetic basis and inheritance of resistance to the insect. There was marked variation in aphid survival both between and within families. An individual‐tree narrow‐sense heritability of 0.76 ± 0.30 shows strong additive genetic control which could allow effective selection and breeding for resistance. Resistant parents produced resistant progeny while susceptible parents produced susceptible progeny. There were notable exceptions as some susceptible parents produced highly resistant progeny, indicating that they had acquired pollen from resistant neighbours. Recovery of aphid damaged trees is evident implying that care should be taken in selecting for resistance. The strong additive variance and potentially high heritability indicate that one cycle of selection may yield a resistant population, while intraspecific crossing may give better results. Implications of the results in a C. lusitanica breeding programme are discussed.

Intraspecific variation in host plant quality: the aphid Cinara cupressi on the Mexican cypress, Cupressus lusitanica

Abstract. In Kenya, the aphid Cinara cupressi (Buckton) has an aggregated distribution across individuals of its host plant, the Mexican cypress, Cupressus lusitanica (Mill). There are significant differences in host plant quality: C.cupressi nymphs transplanted onto cypress trees with low aphid infestations are significantly less likely to establish than aphids transplanted onto trees with high aphid infestations. Given that some transplanted nymphs establish, the previous level of infestation does not influence aphid survival. Evidence for local adaptation to individual plants was not found: nymphs transplanted to the trees from which their parents were collected neither established more readily nor showed lower mortality than those transplanted to other trees with similar levels of infestation. Therefore the variation in host plant quality has not led to the development of local adaptation to particular host plants.

Cypress aphid(Cinara cupressi)damage to a cypress(Cupressus lusitanica)stand in Kenya

Abstract A stand of Cupressus lusitanica planted in Kenya in 1927, was monitored during 1992 and 1993 to assess damage caused by Cinara cupressi (Homoptera: Aphididae), a pest first reported in the country in 1990. Damage for each of the 603 trees was scored on a five point scale on six occasions. The mean damage score for the stand decreased during the study. Some trees showed little or no damage throughout the study, many trees showed partial or total recovery, while some trees never recovered and died. At the last assessment 12% of the trees were dead. The data indicate the need for careful monitoring of stands before a decision to clear fell is made, particularly as some trees initially in the highest damage category were observed to recover. These observations should be repeated in younger trees and in different areas.