Metcalfa Pruinosa Research Articles

Detection of the Metcalfa pruinosa (Hemiptera: Flatidae) pest on the Jujube plant (Ziziphus jujuba) using a sequence of YOLOv5 models

This study aimed to detect the adult of the pest Metcalfa pruinosa observed on jujube plants using the YOLOv5 algorithm's v5s, v5m, and v5l models. Performance metrics, including box_loss, obj_loss, precision, recall, mAP_0.5, and mAP_0.5:0.95, were observed in the research. In the YOLOv5s model, the box_loss and obj_loss performance metrics were found to be the highest, with values of 0.02858 and 0.0055256, respectively. In the YOLOv5m model, the recall performance metric was identified as the highest, with a value of 0.98127. In the YOLOv5l model, precision, mAP_0.5, and mAP_0.5:0.95 performance metrics were identified as the highest, with values of 0.98122, 0.99500, and 0.67864, respectively. Consequently, the YOLOv5l model exhibits higher precision compared to others. It is believed that the YOLOv5l model is sufficient for the detection of the Metcalfa pruinosa pest.

THE EFFECT OF SOAKING DURATION OF TUBA ROOTS (Derris elliptica) ON THE MORTALITY OF THE WHITE-BACKED PLANTHOPPER PESTS (Metcalfa pruinosa)

Tuba root (Derris elliptica) is a plant that contains rotenone in roots where this content functions as a poison for insects, so tuba root has the opportunity to be used as a vegetable pesticide in pest control activities. Research on tuba roots as control of white-backed planthopper pests (Metcalfa pruinosa) on green deli water guava plants (Syzygium aqueum L.) has never been carried out, therefore research was conducted which aimed to determine the effect of long soaking of tuba roots (Derris elliptica) on the death of planthopper pests white back (Metcalfa pruinosa) on green deli water guava (Syzygium aqueum L.). The type of research used was experimental research using 5 treatments, namely soaking tuba roots for 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours. The data analysis technique uses the one way ANOVA test and the BNT test at the 0.05 level. The results of the one-way ANOVA test data analysis produced a significant value of less than 0.05, so it can be concluded that the length of soaking tuba roots influences the death rate of white-backed planthopper pests. The treatment that has the most influence on the death of white-backed planthopper pests is application three times a week using tuba root soaking for 12 hours with a mortality rate of 36%.

Predicting suitable areas for Metcalfa pruinosa (Hemiptera: Flatidae) under climate change and implications for management.

Climate change is a prominent factor reshaping the distribution of invasive species. Metcalfa pruinosa (Say 1830) (Hemiptera: Flatidae), native to North America, has invaded other continents and poses a serious threat to various agricultural crops and the human residential environment. Understanding the distribution of M. pruinosa based on climatic conditions is a critical first step to prevent its further invasion. Therefore, based on its occurrence records and associated environmental variables, a Maxent model was developed to predict suitable areas for this species in the present and future on a global scale. The model exhibited outstanding performance, with a mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and true skill statistic values of 0.9329 and 0.926, respectively. The model also indicated that annual precipitation (Bio12) and max temperature of the warmest month (Bio5) were the key environmental variables limiting the distribution of M. pruinosa. Moreover, the model revealed that the current suitable area is 1.01 × 107 km2 worldwide, with southern China, southern Europe, and the eastern United States predicted to be the primary and highly suitable areas in the latter 2 regions. This area is expected to increase under future climate scenarios, mainly in the northern direction. The study's findings contribute to our understanding of climate change's impact on M. pruinosa distribution, and they will aid governments in developing appropriate pest management strategies, including global monitoring and strict quarantine measures.

Phenology model development for Neodryinus typhlocybae: Evaluation of phenological synchrony with its host, Metcalfa pruinosa

The invasive species Metcalfa pruinosa has inflicted significant economic losses in various European and Asian regions. To combat this pest, the parasitoid wasp Neodryinus typhlocybae has been effectively introduced in Europe. Despite its success, research on the field occurrence patterns of N. typhlocybae, particularly its phenology, remains scarce. This study aims to develop a degree-day model for predicting the adult emergence of N. typhlocybae from overwintering cocoons and to assess the phenological synchrony between N. typhlocybae adults and the nymphal stages of M. pruinosa in Korea. In this study, we estimated the thermal parameters of N. typhlocybae under field temperatures and six constant temperatures (13.92, 17.71, 18.53, 20.53, 22.78, and 24.03 °C) conditions. The lower developmental temperature was estimated using the values of the coefficient of variation for the cumulative degree days of emerged individual adults. The estimated lower developmental threshold temperature was 12.3 °C. With this developmental threshold, a degree-day model was developed, and this model well-predicted emergence in field conditions. By simulating this developed model with the actual occurrence of the nymphal stages of its host, M. pruinosa, adult wasp emergence was estimated to be 1.5 weeks later than the first instar nymph of the host but faster than other nymphal stages of M. pruinosa. Thus, the findings in this study would be helpful in determining the possibility of establishing N. typhlocybae and improving the management efficiency of M. pruinosa.

Antennal olfactory sensitivity and its age‐dependence in the hemimetabolous insect Metcalfa pruinosa

AbstractMetcalfa pruinosa is a highly polyphagous, invasive insect in Europe with the capability of transferring phytoplasma. In the present study, we aim to identify volatile organic compounds that may act as semiochemicals for M. pruinosa. Using a dynamic volatile collection system, volatile organic compounds were collected from Ailanthus altissima, Aristolochia clematitis and Tagetes patula. Compounds were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. We also tested the electrophysiological responses of M. pruinosa to the collected volatile organic compounds using gas chromatography‐electroantennographic detection. In total, 77 volatile organic compounds were identified, and 29 compounds elicited an electroantennographic response. We analysed responses to volatile organic compounds extracted from Tagetes patula to compare antennal sensitivity between developmental stages and sexes. No differences were found in responders' number or response amplitude between males and females or adults and nymphs for any volatile. Based on the detected compounds, M. pruinosa adult females and males seem to have similar ecological needs in the host habitat. However, when we compared the response amplitudes among compounds, significant differences were found. These differences suggest that (E)‐4,8‐dimethyl‐nonatriene, methyl salicylate, and piperitone could have an important role in M. pruinosa's behaviour. This is the first contribution to M. pruinosa olfaction profile providing a base for future semiochemical‐based pest control tactics.

PHYTOSANITARY STATE OF WALNUT (JUGLANS REGIA L.) IN THE GREEN PLANTINGS OF THE DNIPRO СITY

Walnut is a promising element of the greening system of the Ukraine urbanized landscapes due to its resistance to environmental pollution, durability, fast growth, fruit qualities, etc. The aesthetic value and health-improving functions of Juglans regia trees in the city can be significantly weakened due to the destruction of the leaves by arthropod phyllophages and diseases. In the presented work, an analysis of the phytosanitary status of J. regia trees in green areas of Dnipro was carried out, the main leaf diseases were determined, a complex of insects and mites – phyllobionts of walnut trees, was established, and the level of their harmfulness was assessed. The research was conducted during the growing season of 2021 once a decade on 12 experimental sites, which differed in the conditions growth of J. regia trees growth. The study object was the walnut leaves and unripe fruits. 75 J. regia trees were examined. On average the damage degree to J. regia trees leaves by diseases is 46.9 %. The damage level by brown spot is 8.3 times higher than the similar indicator for white mould. The influence of anthracnose causative agent (Marssonina juglandis) often extends to walnut green fruits. The overall level of leaf damage by arthropod phyllophagous is 79.6 %. Among the types of damage are dominate the change in the leaves color due to sucking insects feeding (58.5 %) and gall-formation (53.8 %) as a result of the gall mites (Aceria erinea, A. tristriata) vital activity. The walnut arthropod phyllobionts taxonomic composition in the green areas of Dnipro city was determined. 16 species in 11 families and 4 orders were identified. The share of Hemiptera is 62.5 %, Lepidoptera – 18.8 %, Trombidiformes – 12.5 %, Thysanoptera – 6.2 %. Six species of entomophages were also identified. Two especially dangerous invasive species – Metcalfa pruinosa and Halyomorpha halys, were found on J. regia trees in some plots of the Dnipro city right bank territory. The most common and harmful species are the following: Aceria erinea, A. tristriata, Panaphis juglandis, Caloptilia roscipennella; potentially threatening – Halyomorpha halys, Metcalfa pruinosa.

Distribution and host range of the citrus flatid planthopper (Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830)) in Kyiv

Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830), the citrus flatid planthopper, has exhibited a rapid spread throughout Ukraine and established its presence in Kyiv since 2016. Despite this, comprehensive data regarding its host range and distribution within the Kyiv region remains scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to inspect the vegetation in various districts of Kyiv to discover distribution and host plants of citrus flatid planthopper. To do this, we inspected the flora in 2021–2023. In 2021, we researched the only two plots located in the Darnytskyi and Holosiivskyi districts of Kyiv, respectively. Vegetation in different locations of the Darnytskyi, Holosiivskyi, and Podilskyi districts of Kyiv was examined in 2022. In 2023, the flora in 23 distinct locations, ensuring coverage of all administrative districts within Kyiv, was surveyed. As a result, the presence of citrus flatid planthopper in all districts of Kyiv was registered. Furthermore, the distribution of M. pruinosa did not encompass the whole area of Kyiv, but only their parts. Hence, it is deduced that the distribution pattern of M. pruinosa in Kyiv is characterized by disjunction. In addition, the study found that in Kyiv, the citrus flatid planthopper damages 55 plant species belonging to 49 genera, 35 families, and 23 orders. However, given the previously known hosts of M. pruinosa in Kyiv, the total host range of citrus flatid planthopper in Kyiv includes at least 130 plant species belonging to 95 genera, 57 families, and 30 orders. Moreover, according to both this and previously known data, the most represented order, family, and genera in host range of M. pruinosa in Kyiv were order Rosales Bercht. & J. Presl, family Rosaceae Juss., genera Acer L. and Prunus L., respectively. Most frequently M. pruinosa damaged Humulus lupulus L., Juglans regia L., and species of the genus Acer L. Further investigation is needed to reveal distribution rate of M. pruinosa in all type of localities in Ukraine, to list host plants within them and to study pest biology in the newly occupied territories. Key words: hop, maple, walnut, Humulus lupulus, Acer, Juglans regia, pest, parasite.

First report of the Nearctic planthopper Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) in Poland, its current status and potential threats (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae)

First report of the Nearctic planthopper Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) in Poland, its current status and potential threats (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae)

Features and dynamics of species composition of entomoacarosystems in plum orchards

The long-term analysis of the entomocomplex of plum orchards, carried out in Krasnodar Territory, revealed variations in the quantitative composition of entomofauna of harmful species and the level of their harmfulness. It was established that, in the period from 2005 to 2021, the rotation of dominant and secondary species occurred. The main species included plum Grapholitha funebrana Treitschke and oriental Grapholitha molesta Busck fruit moths, plum black Haploca minuta Christ. and yellow Hoplocampa flava L. sawflies, plum aphid Hyalopterus pruni Geoffr. and twospotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch. Associated species included plum gall Acalitus phloeocoptes (Nal.) and hawthorn Tetranuchus viennensis Zacher. mites, fruit-tree Tibicina haematodes Scopoli and citrus flatid Metcalfa pruinosa (Say) planthoppers and leaf roller moths of Tortricidae family. The group characterised by a limited distribution area includes the Californian Quadraspidiotus perniciosus Comst. and Turanian Diaspidiotus prunorum Laing. scales, plum Sphaerolecanium prunastri Fonsc and European brown Parthenolecanium corni Bouche. scales, seed wasps Eurytoma amygdali End., brown marmorated stinkbug Halyomorpha halys (Stål) and secondary insects (unequal bark beetle Xyleborus dispar F., fruit tree bark beetle Scolytus rugulosus (P.W.J. Müller), wood leopard moth Zeuzera pyrina L). When considering the structure formation of phytophage complex according to phylogenetic specialization, taking into account trophic relationships, it was established that the proportion of polyphages is 2.5 times higher than that of oligophages and 8.5 times higher than that of monophages from the total number of registered pest species. In the past decade, a reduction of pesticide load in plum agrocenoses has been observed due to the wider use of agrotechnical methods and the inclusion of bioregulatory and biological insecticides into protection systems, which contributed to the preservation and increase of beneficial fauna. Entomophages constitute 7–10% of the total number of entomoacrocenosis dominated by Hymenoptera and Coleoptera classes and mites of Acari subclass. The long-term monitoring of species composition, rotation of dominant and secondary pest species and entomophages, variations in their number and harmfulness, seasonal dynamics, trophic relationships of plum entomoacrocenosis under varying environmental conditions and increasing intensification of agricultural production expand the possibility of phytosanitary optimisation strategy of perennial agrocenoses in the south of Russia. This contributes to the preservation of regional biodiversity, as well as to the stable production of high-quality ecologically safe products with minimal negative impact on the environment.

A case study – The occurrence of pests in stands of newly introduced energy crops in large-scale pilot experiments in conditions of Central Europe

Abstract The objective of this paper is to document the occurrence of pests recorded in a large-scale pilot field experiment, where a unique set of newly-introduced herbaceous energy crops was tested under conditions of eastern Slovakia. The set consisted of Elymus elongatus, Secale cereanum, Silphium perfoliatum, Galega orientalis, Sida hermaphrodita, Panicum virgatum, Amaranthus spp., Panicum miliaceum, Sorghum sudanense, and Sorghum bicolor. A total of 14 cultivars were tested on 4 sites during 4 crop years (2016 – 2020). At least 17 species of pests were recorded in total, as some of the species may represent the identity of the couple or several relative ones, which was rare only as usually a fower common species. The occurred pests list consists of Anisoplia lata Erichson, Agriotes lineatus L., Capreolus capreolus L., Deroceras agreste L., Oulema gallaeciana Heyden, Lepisma saccharinum L., Lepus europaeus Pallas, Meloe proscarabaeus L., Metcalfa pruinosa Say, Microtus arvalis Pallas, Philaenus spumarius L., Psylliodes chrysocephala L., Rhopalosiphum padi L., stemborers as any insect larva or arthropod boring into plant stem, Sus scrofa L., Aleyrodes proletella L., Tettigonia viridissima L., and Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood. Overall, the occurrence of pests was regular and scattered, and damages caused by them were negligible usually, but a total destruction of the crop stand even cultivar-specific was recorded too. Most of the meaningful pests are primarily field hunting animals and only secondarily commonly occurring insect species, which for further observations are desirable in order to capture the tendency of important pests’ overpopulation, confirming respectively. Although even rare finding of the single caterpillar of Xylena exsoleta exsoleta L. was recorded in a buffer zone, within the experiment no newly introduced pest species was recorded.

Harmful entomofauna in forestry and green infrastructure

The national invention of the forests of the Republic of Srpska established over 100 species, with the entire volume of wood mass being dominated by deciduous trees (beech 45%, oak 8%, other deciduous trees 7%, tribal deciduous trees 3%). Beech has the largest share in state forests in the supplies (43%), followed by fir about 20%, and spruce by 16%. Of the harmful endomofauna of fir, one third are gradeogenic species, which can cause great economic and environmental damage. Harmful endomofauna of beech number 32 species, of which economically significant primary species are prone to mass occurrences and trophical relations related to the leaf (15.75% of species). Harmful endomofauna of oak species represent 40 most common species. Outbreaking primary species make up one quarter, feed predominantly on leaves and cause defoliation (50%). Harmful for seeds or acorns are 15% of pests, which can have a detrimental effect on the reproduction and regeneration of oak forests. The most common pests in spruce forests are species that occur frequently and can only occasionally cause minor damage (56.25%). The most economically important are bark beetles and wood borers, which tend to outbreak (12.5%) and cause dammage on a hudge area. Outbreaking species are also pest of seed and cones, which participate in the spruce pest complex with 14.58%. Pests in nurseries are important for reproduction in forestry and for providing nursery stock for the establishment of green infrastructure. Of the 54 harmful species, almost a quarter are non-native species (24.07%). Often, non-native pests are transferred from nurseries to public green spaces, green corridors, and entrepreneurs are ofteen serving as a pathway for introduction of non-native harmful species into forest ecosystems. Therefore, ornamental plants are rightly considered the most important pathways for introduction of invasive alien species in mannaged and protective forests. Non-native and invasive species that are introduced in the Republic of Srpska e.g. emerging pests are folowing: Aproceros leucopoda, Cameraria ohridella, Corythucha arcuata, Corythucha ciliata, Cydalima perspectalis, Eopineus strobi, Gillettella cooleyi, Leptoglossus occidentalis, Metcalfa pruinosa, Obolodiplosis robiniae, Phyllonorycter platani, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona, Stictocephala bisonia etc. Most of these species are pests in nurseries and ongreen infrastructure. Some native insect species appear as emerging pests due to their increase of population , as an answer to changing weather conditions. One example is the ash wasp Tomostethus nigritus (F.) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae), which in the last ten years appear in local outbreaks in tree lines or other green areas at the territory of Southeastern Europe from the Balkan Peninsula to the Nordic countries. Increased populations of Zeuzera pyrina (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) were also applied in nurseries and on elements of green infrastructure. Due to the climate change, the species Ovalisia (Palmar) festiva migrated from the Mediterranean area, setting a dangerous pest in nurseries, while the linden bug Oxycarenus lavaterae is common on lindens, building large colonies but so far with no significant damage on trees. In order to prevent introduction and stop the spread of alien invasive species, there is need to ensure the maintenance of a high level of health protection status in agriculture, green infrastrucrure and forestry.

First records of Graphocephala fennahi Young, 1977 and Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae, Ricaniidae) in Russia

AbstractGraphocephala fennahi Young, 1977 (Cicadellidae) was observed for the first time in Russia in 2018 in Moscow City on hedge bindweed, Calystegia sepium (Convolvulaceae) and Rhododendron spp. (Ericaceae). A small population of Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977) (Ricaniidae) was recorded for the first time in Russia in 2022 in Sochi City, Krasnodar Territory, on the broad‐leaf privet, Ligustrum lucidum (Oleaceae). It is likely that both species of insects were accidentally introduced with ornamental plants for planting. In total, alien Auchenorrhyncha species in Russia now comprise six species, two of which are of Asian origin (Orosanga japonica and P. shantungensis; both Ricaniidae) and four are of Nearctic origin (Stictocephala bisonia [Membracidae], Metcalfa pruinosa [Flatidae], Scaphoideus titanus and G. fennahi [both Cicadellidae]).

Metcalfa pruinosa Say, 1830 as a new parasite of hop plants in Ukraine

Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) is an invasive, gregarious sap-sucking insect that spreads rapidly through Ukraine and now detects in Kyiv city, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zakarpattia, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Kyiv regions. Additionally, this sap-sucking insect parasitizes more than 300 species of plants, including the common hop (Humulus lupulus L.). H. lupulus is a valuable industrial crop grown in many countries, including Ukraine. In Ukraine, this industrial crop is grown in the Lviv, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, and Zhytomyr regions. Specifically, the Zhytomyr region accounts for almost 74% of the total area of hop plantations in Ukraine. Thus, hop-growing areas in Ukraine are closest to Kyiv city and the Kyiv region, among the M. pruinosa infested areas in Ukraine. Additionally, H. lupulus is an important ornamental plant used for vertical gardening throughout Ukraine, including Kyiv city. Given the above, this study aimed to characterize the “M. pruinosa — H. Lupulus” host-parasite system in Kyiv city. To achieve the above purpose, the authors visually inspected hop plants in Kyiv city in 2021–2022. As a result, the inspections revealed that infestation of H. lupulus by this parasite predisposed the appearance of sooty mould. The authors also identified that micromycetes belonging to the genus Cladosporium Link, 1816 caused the sooty mould and that these micromycetes used honeydew excreted by M. pruinosa as substrate. Additionally, inspections found that in Kyiv city in 2021 and 2022, 4.4% and 1.29%, and 26.4% and 1.94% of common hop plants were damaged by M. pruinosa and sooty mould, respectively. Finally, the authors described the signs of hop infestation with M. pruinosa and sooty mould-causing micromycetes, including the diagnostic ones. The diagnostic sign of hop infestation by M. pruinosa was, respectively, the presence of a whitish, sticky, woolly coating on the leaves and stems, presented from the beginning of July until the end of October. The non-diagnostic signs of hop infestation by M. pruinosa included interveinal chlorosis and necrosis, chlorotic and necrotic spots on leaves. Meanwhile, the diagnostic sign of sooty mould was the presence of a black sticky coating on the leaves.

RESEARCH OF TROPHIC CONNECTIONS AND PHENOLOGY METCALFA PRUINOSA SAY (HEMIPTERA: FLATIDAE) IN THE GRYSHKO NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF UKRAINE

The article presents data on the emergence and spread of the invasive potential of the dangerous pest Metcalfa pruinosa (Say) in the conditions of the Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The insect was recorded for the first time at the botanical-geographic site "Far East" in the NBG in May 2016. Since then, M. pruinosa the has expanded its range, and new sites of insect infestation have been found in the NBG and on private grounds outside the botanical garden. The host plants were identified and the extent of their damage was assessed. The most populated plant species belonged to the genera Rosaceae, Aceraceae, Oleaceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Araliaceae, Balsaminaceaee. The phenology of citrus flatid planthopper was investigated. It has been established that the insect has one generation per year. The development of the M. pruinosa is limited to a minimum air temperature of 17–20 °С. In the first decade of May, the appearance of larvae citrus flatid planthopper is observed. The first imagos are recorded in early or mid-July, depending on the meteorological conditions of the year. The complete disappearance of adults occurs at the end of August. In order to prevent the further introduction, spread and harmfulness of M. pruinosa in Ukraine, the following measures should be considered: (1) trade of plants for planting is necessary only from pest-free production sites, (2) periodic inspections of plants for colonization by M. pruinosa larvae should be carried out in June , (3) conduct a special inspection of wax threads, (4) apply insecticides against the young immature stages of M. pruinosa, (5) increase public awareness of this pest.

Potential Distribution of the Invasive Species Metcalfa pruinosa (Hemiptera, Flatidae) and Perspectives of its Classical Biocontrol in Ukraine

The study used GIS software and climate projections to assess the distribution potential of the citrus planthopper Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) in Ukraine, taking into account global climate change. The model showed that climatic conditions in Ukraine meet the requirements of the species in the European part of its range, considering various indicators such as the sum of active temperatures, mean annual temperature and precipitation. The whole territory of Ukraine could potentially be a range for M. pruinosa due to suitable climatic conditions and the presence of host plants, with Zakarpattia, Crimea and the forest and woodland and steppe zones of Ukraine being the most favourable. Current phytosanitary measures are not sufficient to prevent its spread and a pest management system is needed to reduce the damage. The parasitoid Neodryinus typhlocybae (Ashmead, 1893) (Hymenoptera, Dryinidae) from North America could serve as a classical biological control agent, and suitable areas in southern Ukraine have been identified using GIS modelling. To manage the risk effectively, it is recommended that M. pruinosa be added to the list of regulated, non-quarantined pests in Ukraine.

Studies Regarding the Attack of Some Invasive Species on Trees and Shrubs from Landscape Arrangements in Cluj-Napoca Municipality

Species of ornamental trees and shrubs are frequently attacked by invasive species recently introduced in Romania. Of these, the species Metcalfa pruinosa Say. (Hemiptera: Flatidae), native to the United States, is widespread. It is a polyphagous species. The attack is manifested in the leaves causing damage to the aesthetic value of the attacked plants. During the 2020-2021, the species of trees and shrubs attacked by Metcalfa pruinosa Say were identified and the frequency and intensity of the attack was determined. The studies were carried out in the spaces see and on the street alignments in Cluj-Napoca. Observations were made on all plant species to determine the frequency of the attacked leaves. The species we reported on 47 species that systematically belong to 23 families. Metcalfa pruinosa Say. was reported on most plants, and the most attacked plants were: Ligustrum vulgare L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Aesculus hippocastanum L., Acer platanoides L., Buxus sempervirens L., Thuja accidentalis L.

Mulberry Pests in Azerbaijan Conditions

A list of mulberry pests (Moraceae, Morus L.) recorded in Azerbaijan is presented. The pest complex includes 70 species. In the taxonomic structure of the pest complex the largest number of species belongs to the representatives of the class Arachnida (26 species), of which 18 species (27.8.0%) belong to Mesostigmata and 8 species (11.1%) to Trombidiformes. Representatives of the class Insecta are distributed as follows: 10 (13.9%) species to order Coleoptera, 26 species (36.1%) species to Hemiptera, 7 (9.7%) species to Lepidoptera. 1 species recorded (1.4%) belongs to the class Gastropoda of the phylum Mollusca. As a result of the research, 5 new species of adventive mulberry pests were recorded for the first time in Azerbaijan, all of them belong to different families of the order Hemiptera: Ceroplastes ceriferus (Fabricius, 1798), Coccidae — Indian wax scale; Orosanga japonica (Melichar, 1898), Ricaniidae — leafhopper butterfly,Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830), Flatidae — white cicada, Aleuroclava aucubae (Kuwana, 1911), Aleyrodidae aucuba whitefly, Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855), Pentatomidae — brown marmorated stink bug. The article provides a map of the collection areas, which was compiled using the Arc Map 10.5 (2020) program.

Chitinase Profile of Arabidopsis, Subjected to the Combined Stress of Soil Salinity, Cuscuta campestris Parasitism and Herbivores

Plants are continuously subjected to changing environmental factors, often growing in suboptimal conditions. Due to the negative impact on agricultural yield numerous researches are published every year, studying the stress response and adaptation in plants to stress factors. Most of the studies, however, are dedicated to a single stress factor. In the present study, we examined the effect of a different combination of stresses on the chitinase profile of Arabidopsis plants. First, soil salinity (abiotic stress) was applied by irrigation with 150 mM NaCl. The plants were either infected or not with the parasitic flowering plant Cuscuta campestris Yunck. (dodder) and further challenged with the herbivorous attack – the larvae of either the sciarid fly Lycoriella ingenua (Dufour, 1839) or the citrus flatid planthopper Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830). It was found that salinity and Cuscuta parasitism suppressed the response of Arabidopsis to sciarid flies, simultaneously with induction of chitinases in terms of the number of isoforms and relative activity in the parasite itself. Meanwhile, in the presence of Cuscuta, M. pruinosa tend to feed predominantly on the parasitic plant, completely ignoring the host. This was accompanied by the appearance of new chitinases, also suppressed by salinity. These results suggest complicated, antagonistic interactions between abiotic and different biotic stresses. It was also shown that the parasite is sensing the herbivore attack indirectly (in the case of L. ingenua) and transferring the stress signal to the host (in the case of M. pruinosa).

Biological features of Metcalfa (<i>Metcalfa pruinosa</i> Say, 1830) (Homoptera, Flatidae) and the issues of regulation of its abundance in the central zone of Krasnodar Territory

Aim . The study of some biological features of the potentially dangerous for the south of Russia species of Metcalfa or citrus flaccid planthopper ( Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) (Homoptera, Flatidae) and the possibility of regulating its abundance with low‐hazard pesticides (hazard class 3‐4): actara, phytoverm and the biopreparation, bitoxibacillin. Material and Methods . Metcalfa's monitoring was carried out on trees and shrubs in the city of Krasnodar and its environs in various zones of anthropogenic load in 2018‐2021. Results . An initial assessment of the effectiveness of pesticides was carried out, as well as the identification of possible sites of the presence of Metcalfa and the study of phenology. The hatching of larvae of this species occurs in spring from late April to June, one generation per year. However, in late August – early October, larvae of younger ages were found, which indicates the development of a second incomplete generation and confirms the literature data on a possible increase in the number of planthopper generations in new areas. Joint colonies of Metcalfa with lace beetles were also noted. Monitoring was carried out using light traps based on superbright LEDs. Conclusion . Based on the results of route surveys in our studies, plants from the Rosaceae family turned out to be the most attractive for planthoppers, which accounted for about 25% of the recorded species. At the peak of flight, the catchability of light traps in our experiments was up to 210. As a result of testing preparations on larvae of younger ages, treatment with Aktara (2 l/ha) showed 100% efficiency; 92‐85% – Fitoverm (1 l/ha) and 83‐78% Bitoxibacillin (4 l/ha).

Propagation, Trophic Connection, and Phenology of Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) (Auchenorrhyncha: Hemiptera) in the Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Propagation, Trophic Connection, and Phenology of Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) (Auchenorrhyncha: Hemiptera) in the Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine