Entomophagous Species Research Articles

Ultrastructural Organization and Metal Elemental Composition of the Mandibles in Two Ladybird Species.

The mandibles are among the most important appendages of insects' mouthparts. Their morpho-functional organization is correlated with the variation in dietary preferences. In this study, we investigated the ultrastructural organization and metal composition of the mandibles of two ladybird species with different dietary habits: Harmonia axyridis (an entomophagous species) and Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata (a phytophagous species). The ultrastructural organization was studied using Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy, whereas the metal composition was investigated using Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Significant differences were observed in the general organization and metal enrichment pattern between the two species. The mandibles of H. axyridis are large and present a molar part with two teeth, with the apical one showing a bifid apex. In contrast, S. vigintiquatuorpunctata exhibited a molar region with several teeth on its apical part. The study revealed significant differences in metal content between the teeth and the prostheca of H. axyridis. Mn was the most abundant element in teeth, whereas Cl was more abundant in the prostheca. In the case of S. vigintiquatuorpunctata, Si was the most abundant element in the prostheca, while Mn was more present in the teeth. A comparison between the two species revealed that both teeth and prostheca showed significant variation in the elemental composition. These findings underscore the role of dietary preferences in shaping the structural and metal composition variations in the mandibles of these two ladybird species.

Species and population distribution of plant aphids in agrobiocenose of southeast regions of Uzbekistan

In the years 2022 and 2023, comprehensive investigations and experiments were conducted in the Sardoba district of the Syrdarya region. These efforts aimed to address the threat posed by plant aphids to cotton, vegetable, and rice crops. In 2022, scientific interventions were carried out across a total area of 130 hectares, followed by an expansion to 180 hectares in 2023. The scientific endeavors were centered on identifying and systematically analyzing the types of pests prevalent in the vegetable agrobiocenosis of the Syrdarya region. The research findings revealed the widespread presence of various pests, including moths, white butterflies, spider mites, and plant aphids. Among these, special attention was directed towards studying members of the Aphididae family within the Homoptera order. Moreover, the investigation extended to identifying their natural predators, known as entomophagous species. Specifically, entomophagous species such as Coccinella septempunctata, Chrysopa carnea, and Lysiphlebus fabarum were identified as playing significant roles in regulating the population of plant aphids and maintaining ecological balance. These genera act as natural enemies of aphids, helping to control their numbers and prevent widespread infestations that could damage agricultural crops. This holistic approach not only mitigates the negative impacts of pest outbreaks but also fosters biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The findings of these investigations provide valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of agricultural ecosystems in the Syrdarya region, Uzbekistan and contribute to the development of integrated pest management practices.

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.

Determination of species of entomophages in reducing the number of pests in agro-biocenosis of Karakalpakstan

The article presents the results of studies on determining the importance of species of entomophages spread in the field in the development of pests in the agrobiocenosis biotope of Karakalpakstan. The important processes of carrying out biological control measures in the effective protection of agricultural crops from pests have been identified. The scientific basis of the effective use of entomoacarifage species of biotic factors in controlling pest species and numbers has been proven and recommended for introduction into production.

Neopulvinaria innumerabilis (Rathvon, 1854), a new species of Coccidae in Serbia

In 2016, the species Neopulvinaria innumerabilis (Rathvon, 1854), belonging to the scale insect family Coccidae, was for the first time found in Serbia, in the location Radmilovac on Cornus sanguinea L. It reproduces by gamogenesis, develops one generation annually, and overwinters as a fertilized female on the trunk or branches of its host plant. During this research, the species was detected on five host plants at six locations in Serbia. It feeds by sucking sap from leaves, young shoots and branches of infested plants, causing desiccation of leaves and individual twigs. Four species of its natural enemies were collected and reared from colonies of N. innumerabilis. Two species of parasitoid wasps, Coccophagus lycimnia (Walker) (Aphelinidae) and Metaphycus hageni Daane and Caltagirone (Encyrtidae), were found, while the ladybird Exochomus quadripustulatus L. (Coccinellidae) and the fly Leucopomyia silesiaca (Egger) (Chamaemyiidae) were identified as predators. The most abundant entomophagous species was L. silesiaca.

THE TROPHIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARASITIC ENTOMOPHAGES (HYMENOPTERA: APHIDIIDAE) AND SPECIES OF APHIDS (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE) TO THE WHEAT CROP

It was demonstrated that the aphid species Schzarium graminium and Sitobion avenae reached the highest degree of population density in the wheat crop in the first decade of June (18,0 and 16.6% respectively). It was found that aphids and entomophages reached the highest degree of development when the gray crop entered the phenological phase of buttoning. Thus, the population density of aphids was 23,0 % and that of entomophages – 16,0%. 6 species of natural entomophages were highlighted (Aphidina evri Haliday, 1834; Ephedrus sp.; Lysiphlebus sp.; Diaeretiella rapae M. Intosh, 1855; Praon volucre Haliday, 1833; Ephedrus persicae Froggatt, 1904), which can control the population density of of the 3 most widespread species of aphids (Schzarium graminium L.; Sitobion avenae F.; Myzodes persicae Sulz.) in the wheat crop.

The impact of entomophages on the population dynamics of major greenhouse cucumber pests

AbstractThe potentially effective use of entomophages against melon aphid, spider mite, tobacco thrips, and greenhouse whitefly has been demonstrated. The release rates of several entomophages have been proposed for protecting cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants from the aforementioned pests. The predatory mites Amblyseius montdorensis Schicha, Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans), and Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) were used to control the populations of thrips and greenhouse whiteflies. The dose of these entomophagous species applied was 8 to 10 individuals m–2 per plant every 3 wk. To fight spider mite, the predator Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot was used at the rate of 1 individual m–2 every 3 wk as a preventive measure. The parasitoid Aphidius colemani Viereck was released to suppress melon aphid (A. gossypii). The long‐term observations of the population dynamics of pests and the use of natural enemies to manage pests at the local level will enable us to adjust the dose of entomophages applied depending on the geographical location of the greenhouse facility, the regional climatic conditions, and weather conditions typical of certain years, etc. According to these factors, the results of this study are applicable to other greenhouse facilities with similar conditions. In future, the authors intend to elucidate an optimized method of using entomophagous species for farms located in warmer regions.

THE TROPHIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARASITIC ENTOMOPHAGES (HYMENOPTERA: APHIDIIDAE) AND SPECIES OF APHIDS (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE) TO THE WHEAT CROP

It was demonstrated that the aphid species Schzarium graminium and Sitobion avenae reached the highest degree of population density in the wheat crop in the first decade of June (18,0 and 16.6% respectively). It was found that aphids and entomophages reached the highest degree of development when the gray crop entered the phenological phase of buttoning. Thus, the population density of aphids was 23,0 % and that of entomophages – 16,0%. 6 species of natural entomophages were highlighted (Aphidina evri Haliday, 1834; Ephedrus sp.; Lysiphlebus sp.; Diaeretiella rapae M. Intosh, 1855; Praon volucre Haliday, 1833; Ephedrus persicae Froggatt, 1904), which can control the population density of of the 3 most widespread species of aphids (Schzarium graminium L.; Sitobion avenae F.; Myzodes persicae Sulz.) in the wheat crop.

Effect of parasitic entomophages in controlling plant lice pests in vegetable crops and their numbers

The impact of pests and diseases on agricultural crops has been amplified due to global environmental changes, resulting in an estimated adverse effect of 1.4 trillion dollars, which is approximately 5% of the world's gross domestic product. Research was conducted on various species of parasitic entomophages, such as Aphidius matricaria Hal, Aphidius gifuensis Ashm, Lysiphlebus japonica Tokawa, Aphidius ervi Hal, Lysiphlebus fabarum Marsh, Lysiphlebus fritzmuelleri Mack, and Lysiphlebus testaceipes Creeson, to determine their efficacy in controlling plant lice. The biological efficiency of the parasite in Aphis craccivora was 52.5%. As well as Aphis gossypii Glow, Acyrthosiphon gossypii Glow. parasite infection of species was 42.1-38.4%. Praon volucre Hal parasite in Aphis craccivora was 49.6%. Aphis Gossypii Glow phytophage infestation was 56.3%, while Acyrthosiphon gossypii Glow plant aphid infestation with Praon volucre Hal was 42.4%.

Entomophagous species of litter (Aleyrodidae)

There are several types of spider mites, some of which are specialized to feed on certain crops, and they are a major nuisance in agriculture. Predatory insects and mites, such as golden-eyes, semi-hardwings, cockroaches, and predatory mites, can successfully reduce the number of spider mites. The type of crop and the particular spider mite species have an impact on how successful these predators are. Spider mites are a frequently encountered agricultural pest, and there exist numerous types of spider mites that have adapted to feed on particular crops. In the experiment, various entomological instruments such as MBS-2, MBI-3, electron microscope Telsa-BS-613 from microscopes, and MEMMERT E05273 thermostat were used. In a study conducted in Turkey, 48 entomophagous species of greenhouse cockroaches were identified, of which 17 were found to be the primary species for controlling cockroach populations. A new species, Acletoxenus formosus Loew (Diptera: Drosophilidae), was also identified for the first time in the Turkish fauna.

Phytophages and their entomophagous species found in forest biocenosis

In this article, species-compositions of pests found in velvet forest biocenosis have been identified, of which 48 species have seen more phytophages than others. In this, it turned out that the most affected forest trees are apples, pistachios, walnuts, almonds, Hawthorn, zhiyda. 23 species of parasites-entomophages belonging to 7 families have been identified that effectively control the number of these phytophages. During the studies, 1,180 butterflies, 6,510 eggs, 1,040 worms of different ages were collected and systematic analyzes were carried out in Forest agrobiosenosis from representatives of the genus tangachaganotli (Lepidoptera) from forest trees. 22 types of phytophages have been found to be more common than others. In this, it was known that the most affected forest trees are apples, pistachios, walnuts, almonds, Hawthorn, and nephews. In observations, it was known that in Forest agrobiosenosis, types of pests are more common than in other agricultural crops.

Species of Mung Bean Main Pests of Second Sowing Date, Their Distribution

An overview of the species of the main pests of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) is given. The research was carried out in 2017-2019 in the fields of farms in the Tashkent region. Systematic analysis of species was carried out according to standard methods. Dispersion analysis of the obtained results was determined by the method of B. A. Dospekhov. 26 species of pests and 10 species of natural entomophages were identified, of which 5 species are the main ones (spider mites, turnip moth, cotton bollworm, alfalfa plant bug, southern cowpea weevil). The least damage to the culture is caused by 3 species of weevils: southern cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius, 1775)), pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum Linnaeus, 1758) and American seed beetle (Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say, 1831)). These pests infect mung bean culture up to 47.7-53.2%. The spider mite infects second sowing date mung bean twice as much as the main crop. The damage to the main crop amounted to 25.2-28.1%, and with the second sowing date — 48.1-49.7%. Based on the conducted research, it was concluded that the development of environmentally friendly, environmentally friendly methods of combating the main pests of mung bean in accordance with modern technologies is one of the most important tasks today.

Representatives of Lepidoptera groups in the biotecenosis of Uzbekistan and their effective parasite-entomophage types

In this article, we traced the development of fauna, bioecology and populations of more than 50 species of the main family Lepidoptera, found in the biocenosis of Uzbekistan. Research has been conducted in agricultural crops, forestry and natural biocenoses, and representatives of the Lepidoptera family have been involved in scientific research on species that cause great economic damage. Trichogrammatidae, Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, Chalcididae, Pteromalidae, and Tachinidae, the main entomophagous species that effectively control the number of members of the Lepidoptera family, have also been identified and systematically analyzed. The representatives of the family Trichogrammatidae, which are effective parasitic entomophagous in the management of the number of representatives of the family Lepidoptera. The study revealed that in the agrobiocenoses of cotton, mung bean, corn and cabbage in Tashkent province, the level of occurrence of three main species of nightshade pests of the family Trichogrammatidae, which are egg parasites of the family Lepidoptera, was determined. This means that the number of nights can be effectively controlled by members of the trichogramma family.

Representatives of lepidoptera groups in plant biotocenosis and their effective parasite-entomophage types

The article highlights interesting parts of ten years of scientific research, the development of fauna and bioecology and populations of more than 50 species of the main family Lepidoptera, which are found in the biocenosis of agricultural crops in Uzbekistan. Also, the species composition of representatives of the family Trichogrammatidae, Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, Chalcididae, Pteromalidae, Tachinidae from the main entomophagous species that effectively control the number of members of the family Lepidoptera was identified and systematically analyzed.

TRICHOGRAMMA APPLYING METHOD AGAINST CODLING MOTH

In recent years, the horticultural area expansion, especially due to the intensive gardens establishment,changes in the agricultural placement structure in the country requires a scientific approach to hanges in the species composition of organisms formed on the basis of the food chain over the years, the introduction of new entomophagous species, protection of fruit crops from pests in horticulture, increasing the control measures importance against them.

Study of the Efficiency of the Entomophage Habrobracon Hebetor Say to Control the Number of Etiella zinckenella Tr. on Soybean Crops

Soybean is a valuable crop in many countries of the world. The world sowing area of soybeans is about 100 million hectares. It is grown in the main agricultural regions of 90 countries. To obtain a stable yield level, it is necessary to take into account the activity of arthropod organisms, both harmful and beneficial. The species composition of arthropods of soybean agro enosis in the central zone of Krasnodar Krai has been determined. 227 species of insects and 2 species of mites were identified, including 98 species of phytophages damaging soybeans and 129 species of entomophages. These insects are distributed in 9 orders, 51 families. The most dangerous phytophages of soybeans account for 9.3% of the total number of species. Cotton moth (Helicoverpa armigera Hbn), lima-bean pod borer (Etiella zinckenella Tr.) and common spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) are widescalephytophages. We assessed the biological efficacy of the ectoparasite Habrobracon hebetor Say against E. zinckenella, this approach does not provide for total destruction, but regulation of the number by restoring the natural mechanisms of regulation. Artificial breeding of the entomophage and its early introduction into soybean cenosis allows us to effectively control the number of E. zinckenella. We described the prospects of using entomohages in green farming technologies.

Role of Aleyrodidae Entomophages in agrobiocenosis in type content and management in Uzbekistan

This article identified the entomophagous species that are constantly feeding on alfalfa, and identified 27 species of entomophagous predominant species belonging to 7 families of entomophagous species of alfalfa pests. It was observed that these are the families Neuroptera, Aphelinidae, Syrphidae, Coccinellidae, Anthocoridae, Nabidae and, Miridae. According to the ratio of entomophages, the most populous families were identified as goldflies (Shrysopidae), khan beetles (Coccinellidae), and wild caterpillars (Miridae). Their populations formed diversity. Studies have been conducted on the use of parasite encarcation parasites in the management of whitefly population. It has been used in a variety of consumption norms against leachate in open and closed conditions. Encarsia (Encarsia partinopea Masi) was used to control the amount of whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) in greenhouse conditions. In the greenhouse conditions, 87.9% biological efficiency was achieved on day 28 after the application of encarcation in a 1:10 ratio in cucumber crops, and by the end of the season, parasitic entomophages were effectively controlling the amount of whiteflies. After 24 days of application in a 1:10 ratio in cucumbers planted in the open, the biological efficiency reached 83.5%. At 30 days after application, 86.5% biological efficacy was maintained.

Range of main species of phytophages and entomophages of cotton agrobiocenosis in lower reaches of the Zarafshan river

Numerous arthropods have adapted to live in various biocenosis in the process of evolutionary transformation, especially under the influence of anthropogenic pressure, in particular cotton, which is widely distributed in Uzbekistan, especially in the lower reaches of the Zarafshan river. Among them there is a large group of phytophages, which causes substantial harm to cotton. It is also home to predatory and parasitic insects, entomophages, which are their effective regulators. The long-term impact of the anthropic factor on the complex of phytophages and entomophages in cotton agrobiocenosis could not but affect their vital activity. Meanwhile, previous studies did not fully open the nature of interaction of individual groups of arthropod animals and did not take into account the changes that occurred in the transformed natural environment. The aim of the research is to study the species composition of arthropods, to determine the main species of phytophages and entomophages, their ecology and biological principles for regulating their numbers in cotton agrobiocenosis.

Representatives of Lepidoptera groups occurred in forestry and agricultural crops and their effective entomophage types

This article summarizes the data collected on the basis of several years of scientific and practical research, and identifies the bioecology of the main Lepidoptera family with high rates of economic damage to forest and agricultural crops, developmental stages, and species composition and systematics. Accordingly, several species of parasitic entomophages belonging to the families Trichogrammatidae, Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, Chalcididae, Pteromalidae were studied and systematically analyzed for species composition.

Bioecological features of coccinellide in the southern Kashkadarya province, Uzbekistan

This research was conducted in 2019-2020 in the northern and southern administrative districts of the southern Kashkadarya province of Uzbekistan. This study on the distribution of coccinellides in agrobiocenoses has been conducted at different experimental periods. In the agrobiocenoses of Kashkadarya province, 5 subspecies of coccinellides (Scymninae, Chilocorinae, Coccidulinae, Epilachninae, and Coccinellinae), 8 tribes, and 31 species belonging to 22 genera were found. Experiments have shown that species belonging to the genera Chilocorus (Leach, 1875) are relatively rare species and are not considered specific species for cotton agrocenosis. Coccinella septempunctata was observed as the most common species. The eggs of Coccinella septempunctata were studied separately in this research. Wintering conditions in mountainous areas were also considered and particular attention was paid to the beneficial entomophagous species of coccinellides.