Cecidomyiidae Research Articles

Identification and expression profile analysis of chemosensory genes in pine needle gall midge, Thecodiplosis japonensis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae).

Insects have highly specialized and sensitive olfactory systems involving several chemosensory genes to locate their mates and hosts or escape from predators. Pine needle gall midge, Thecodiplosis japonensis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), has invaded China since 2016 and caused serious damage. Till now, there is no environmentally friendly measure to control this gall midge. Screening molecules with high affinity to target odorant-binding protein to develop highly efficient attractants is a potential pest management method. However, the chemosensory genes in T. japonensis are still unclear. We identified 67 chemosensory-related genes in the transcriptomes of antennae, including 26 OBPs, 2 CSPs, 17 ORs, 3 SNMPs, 6 GRs, and 13 IRs, using high throughput sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of these six chemosensory gene families among Dipteran was performed to classify and predict the functions. The expression profiles of OBPs, CSPs and ORs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. 16 of the 26 OBPs were biased expressed in antennae. TjapORco and TjapOR5 were highly expressed in the antenna of unmated male and female adults. The functions of related OBPs and ORs genes were also discussed. These results provide a basis for the functional research on chemosensory genes at the molecular level.

Trait variability in diaspores and fruits of Zelkova abelicea (Ulmaceae) across its distribution range

In the tree genus Zelkova (Ulmaceae), diaspores show a unique morphology amongst woody angiosperms. Shoots with leaves and fruits detach and act as flying dispersal units. Surprisingly little attention has been given to these structures, and it is unknown whether the characteristics of these diaspores vary amongst species or within the range of a single species. The endemic Cretan Z. abelicea (Lam.) Boiss. is one of two Zelkova species occurring at the western end of the distribution range of the genus. This relict species grows in a typical Mediterranean climate, in conditions completely different from the warm and moist climate that occurred during the apogee of the genus in the Paleogene, or that are still found for the three East Asiatic species of the genus. Here we studied for the first time the characteristics of diaspores, including fruit traits, of Z. abelicea across the whole range of the species. We showed that most traits are very variable amongst individual trees but less so between mountain ranges and that only diaspore stem length and proportion of sound seeds per diaspore and per tree vary significantly amongst mountain ranges. We showed that trees from central and eastern Crete produce extremely low to null proportions of sound seeds and that those trees oftentimes are smaller and have shorter diaspores with less leaves and fruits. Furthermore, we found that diaspores that were severely affected by a gall midge species (Cecidomyiidae) produced less fruits, but that seed soundness was not significantly impacted by the presence or absence of the galls. The very low proportion of sound seeds found in central and eastern Crete raises concern about the long-term persistency and regeneration of the species in those areas.

Parampelomyia, another new gall midge genus (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) associated with Vitaceae, with description of a new species developing in flower buds of the porcelain berry in Japan

We describe a gall midge Parampelomyia yukawai Elsayed and Tokuda gen. nov. sp. nov. belonging to the subtribe Schizomyiina (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Asphondyliini) based on an integrative taxonomic study. This species forms barely-swollen flower bud galls on the porcelain berry Ampelopsis brevipedunculata var. heterophylla (Vitaceae) in Japan. The new genus is distinguishable from all known schizomyiine genera by tarsomere I lacking a ventroapical extension, the bulbous base of the protrusible portion of the ovipositor, the fused and sclerotized female cerci, the bidentate gonostylus, and the larval terminal abdominal segment that bears two corniform, two asetose and six setose papillae. The new genus is compared with and separated from the similar genera Schizomyia and Ampelomyia morphologically and phylogenetically.

Effects of short-term heat stress on the performance of the predatory gall midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

ABSTRACT Aphidoletes aphidimyza is one of the most important natural enemies of aphids, but its efficiency in aphid control is affected by temperatures. We measured the life history parameters of A. aphidimyza by exposing its different life stages to 35°C for 3, 6, and 12 h. The results showed that the survival rate of eggs, first instar larvae, pupae, and mated males was decreased significantly with the increase of the exposure duration, whereas the survival rate of third instar larvae and adult females was not significant different before and after the exposure. The short-term high temperature stress also significantly decreased the predation of first and second instar larvae, whereas the predation of third instar larvae was not affected. In addition, the heat stress did not affect adult egg production, longevity, and offspring hatching rates, regardless of mating status. These results demonstrated that short periods of heat stress negatively influenced A. aphidimyza development, but the effect was dependent on duration and developmental stage. Therefore, in order to achieve the best predatory efficacy of gall midges against aphid pests, the heat stresses above 35°C should be avoided.

Injuriousness of raspberry cane midge and heat injury to remontant raspberries

The authors found that in long-term studies, the levels of damage to raspberries of the remontant type of fruiting by raspberry gall midge Resseliella theobaldi (Barn.), associated with mycosis - midge blight: the development of the disease ranges from 29 to 40%. Also, deep necrotization of the internal tissues of the stem (loss of commercial productivity) ranges from 15 to 28% of the total number of shoots. Therefore, gallic burn with an average and severe degree of damage significantly affects the growth, development, and productivity of annual shoots of remontant raspberries. In addition, gall midge burn reduces the total number of internodes formed by 10–15%, increases the number of vegetative nodes on the shoot by 13–32%, and reduces the length of the productive shoot by 12–17 cm. In addition, the diameter of the generative projection at the base is reduced by 14%, the number of generative organs is reduced by 1.4–5.2 times, the weight of 1 fruit is also reduced by 1.1–1.4 times, the productivity of 1 shoot also decreases by 1.6–5.4 times. The authors found that the severity of gall burn on a remontant weakly resistant raspberry variety can theoretically be calculated by a regression equation for the relationship between the level of disease development (X) and the degree of decrease in shoot productivity (Y): Y = -0.6395 + 0.6267X + 0.0019X2, which allows interpolating estimates for any levels of damage to stands.

Abundance, distribution mapping and DNA barcoding of Procontarinia robusta (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a mango gall midge in Bali, Indonesia

Abstract. Susila IW, Sumiartha IK, Supartha IW, Yudha IKW, Utama IWEK, Yasa IWS, Wiradana PA. 2022. Abundance, distribution mapping and DNA barcoding of Procontarinia robusta (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a mango gall midge in Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 6428-6436. Gall midge (Procontarinia robusta) is an important pest of mango plants in various countries in the world, including Indonesia. This pest causes very serious damage to mango leaves which until now has not been reported. This study aims to map the distribution and abundance of the pest population and identify the pest species using the DNA barcode method on mango tree plantations in Bali, Indonesia. The survey method was used to collect data from various districts and cities in Bali Province, Indonesia. Mitochondrial COI primers were used to identify DNA barcodes. The results showed that the highest population abundance of P. robusta was found in Denpasar City. These pests have spread evenly throughout the Province of Bali, from the lowlands to the middle and highlands. Through a molecular approach, the insect pest that causes mango leaf gall in Bali Province is identified as P. robusta as the first report that can be used by researchers, related agencies, and farmers to be alert and ready with strategies and control tactics in the future. Further research is needed related to monitoring using sex pheromones or plant volatiles and the search for natural enemies for monitoring purposes and initiation towards biological control.

A broad spectrum of host plant responses to the actions of the gall midge: case study of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Obolodiplosis robiniae (Haldeman)

This study aims to provide insights into plant-insect interaction during the formation and development of open gall structure on the leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia during gall formation by Obolodiplosis robiniae. This was the first time such far-reaching studies were performed at a biochemical and anatomical level. The gall wall is created from a few thick cells covered with epidermis. This parenchymatous nutritive tissue is rich in starch. Sclerenchyma only occurs around the vascular bundles as a result of the lignification of the parenchyma of the bundle sheaths. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the new structure was reduced and catalase activity was inhibited, which suggests another pathway of ROS decomposition – e.g. by ascorbate or glutathione peroxidase. The gall structure was combined with an increasing level of protein and non-protein thiols. Phenols seems to be a good protective factor; whose level was lower in infected leaflets. Levels of MUFA (monosaturated fatty acids) and SFA (saturated fatty acids) rose, probably as source of food for insects. The amount of fatty acid is positively correlated with the plant response. We detected that non infected leaflets produced C6:0 (hexanoic acid) and C8:0 (octanoic acid) fatty acids connected with odor. Changes in gall color as they develop are connected with photosynthetic pigments degradation (mainly chlorophylls) where the pathway of astaxanthin transformation to fatty acid is considered to be the most important process during gall maturation. Nutritive tissue is composed mainly of octadecanoic acid (C18:0) – a main source of food for O. robiniae.

Pest categorisation of Resseliella maxima.

The EFSA Panelon Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Resseliella maxima (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), the soybean gall midge, for the EU. This midge was first described in 2018 and is widespread in north-western United States. It is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Larvae feed on and develop in soybean (Glycine max, Fabaceae), and possibly in two other Fabaceae, sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) and alfalfa/lucerne (Medicago sativa). Feeding damage results in dark brown or black areas on the stems which become weak and can break near the soil; heavy infestations can cause plant death. R. maxima adults live only a few days and adult females lay eggs within 24h after emergence. Larvae of R. maxima overwinter in the soil as third instars in silken cocoons. The main natural dispersal stage is the adult, which can fly. Freshly cut host plants for animal feed contaminated with larvae provide a potential pathway for entry into the EU. However, there is great uncertainty as to whether such plants are imported from USA states where R. maxima occurs. Climatic conditions and host availability in central-western EU MS are favourable for outdoor establishment. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and spread. Except for the uncertainty concerning the likelihood of entry, R. maxima satisfies the other criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Seasonal incidence of gall midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason), a major insect pest of rice and its reaction on various rice germplasm

Seasonal incidence of gall midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason), a major insect pest of rice and its reaction on various rice germplasm

A progressive change in the virulence spectrum of Asian rice gall midge (<em>Orseolia oryzae</em>) biotype 2 after a decade in Coastal Karnataka, India

Virulence composition of traditionally designated biotype 2 field population of Asian rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood- Mason) (Cecidomyiidae: Diptera) was conducted a decade after in 2019 and 2020 at coastal Karnataka, India using three standard differentials viz., W1263 (Gm1 gene for resistance), Phalguna (Gm2 gene for resistance) and TN1 (susceptible without any gene). The local population of gall midge was virulent against all 16 standard rice gene differentials representing four groups identified to characterize the prevailing rice gall midge biotypes in India. The local gall midge populations in the test locations expressed their virulence against all three rice gene differentials with varied female to male sex ratio of their F1 progenies. This confirms the prevalence of genetically heterogeneous population in coastal regions of Karnataka. Clearly, a progressive change in the virulence spectrum of local gall midge biotype 2 was noticed a decade after observations. In south coast, 73.33 to 87.27% population showed virulent attributes of traditional biotype 2 designated in 1989. Whereas in north coast, 79.69 to 86.36% population exhibited virulence attributes towards new biotype 3 for the first time in the state of Karnataka, India. These results suggested a progressive change in the traditionally designated population of biotype 2 capable of damaging resistant varieties in the region for over three decades. Further, the single female test for their F1 progenies in all endemic locations indicated an evolution of new biotype of rice gall midge in the region.

The Feeding Behaviour of Gall Midge Larvae and Its Implications for Biocontrol of the Giant Reed: Insights from Stable Isotope Analysis.

The gall midge Lasioptera donacis, whose larval stage interferes with the reed's leaf development, is a potential candidate agent for the biological control of Arundo donax. Reed infestation is always associated with the presence of a saprophytic fungus, Arthrinium arundinis, which is believed to provide food for the larvae. Larvae also interact with a parasitic nematode, Tripius gyraloura, which can be considered its natural enemy. To deepen our knowledge of the plant-fungus-insect trophic interactions and to understand the effects of the nematode on midge larval feeding behaviour, we applied stable isotope analysis, one of the most effective methods for investigating animal feeding preferences in various contexts. The results showed that on average the fungus accounted for 65% of the diet of the midge larvae, which however consumed the reed and the fungus in variable proportions depending on reed quality (expressed as the C:N ratio). No differences in feeding behaviour were observed between parasitised and non-parasitised midge larvae, indicating that nematodes have no effect in this regard. Due to its trophic habits, L. donacis could be an effective control agent of A. donax and these results need to be considered when implementing biological control measures.

Two New Species of Mutualistic Gall Midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Responsible for the Pollination of Phyllanthus flexuosus (Phyllanthaceae) and Using Its Male Flower Buds as Brood-Sites

Two new species of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Cecidomyiinae) associated with male flower buds of Phyllanthus flexuosus (Phyllanthaceae) are described and illustrated. Clinodiplosis gagnei Elsayed, new species, induces male flower bud galls, whereas Macrolabis katoi Elsayed, new species, is an inquiline. Females of both species visit the host plant at flowering in search of suitable oviposition sites and, in doing so, become dusted with pollen of the opened male flowers and come in contact with the stigmas of female flowers. Larvae of both gall midge species overwinter in the ground, and each has only one generation per year. This is the first report of the genus Macrolabis in Japan.

Gagnemyia, A New Genus of Gall Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Galling Flowers of Alstonia Actinophylla (Apocynaceae) in Northern Australia

A new species of gall midge, Gagnemyia alstoniae Adair and Kolesik, is described from flower bud galls on milkwood tree Alstonia actinophylla (A. Cunn.) K. Schum. in far northern Australia. Galled flower buds fail to open and set seed. Larva, pupa, male, and female of the new species are described and illustrated. A new genus, Gagnemyia Adair and Kolesik, is proposed to contain the new species. Gagnemyia is tentatively placed in the tribe Clinodiplosini and is characterised by a robust aedeagus bearing asetose sensilla, an undivided male hypoproct that is wrapped around the aedeagus, a needle-like ovipositor, toothed tarsal claws and larval terminus bearing two pairs of corniform and two pairs of setiform papillae. This is the first record for Cecidomyiidae feeding on Apocynaceae in Australia.

Protocol for rearing and maintenance of Asian rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason) in greenhouse

Protocol for rearing and maintenance of Asian rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason) in greenhouse

Hundreds of billions of silent outbreaks: A historic outbreak record of the gall midge Schizomyia castanopsisae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on the Izu Islands, Tokyo, Japan, and its potential mechanism

AbstractHerbivore outbreaks cause serious damage to forest trees. In recent decades, outbreaks of the gall midge Schizomyia castanopsisae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inducing inflorescence galls on Castanopsis sieboldii (Fagaceae) occurred in the Izu Islands, Tokyo, Japan. We investigated the gall density on the islands and estimated the larval population on Miyakejima Island. We also surveyed seasonal changes in larval age structure, presence of natural enemies, larval cold tolerance, and thermal effects on the adult emergence. In addition, we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses of S. castanopsisae populations among different localities. The gall density was particularly high in southern parts (from Miyakejima to Aogashima) of the Izu Islands. The gall midge seemed to have been expanding its range toward northern parts in recent years. On Miyakejima, the larval population was estimated to be approximately 158 and 36 bn in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Parasitoids were not found in the dissection of galls. A cold temperature treatment did not affect the percentage of adult emergence. Developmental zero and thermal constant during the period from larval departure to adult emergence were estimated to be 4.7°C and 588.2°C‐days in males and 7.4°C and 476.2°C‐days in females, and the adults were predicted to emerge in April. Populations in Kyushu were genetically distinct from those in Okinawajima and the Izu Islands, but a common haplotype was found between the latter two localities. These imply that S. castanopsisae on the Izu Islands may be a recent invasion, and the absence of natural enemies causes its outbreaks.

Genetic Parameters and Divergence Studies for Gall Midge Incidence and Yield Components in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation was carried out with 30 genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa L.) to study the variability and genetic divergence for yield contributing characters and gall midge incidence at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal, Telangana during kharif, 2021 (July–November) in RBD replicated twice for eight quantitative traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was slightly higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits, indicating that environmental influences affect the expression of these traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as % of the mean values were observed for 1000 grain weight and number of grains panicle-1 suggesting that selection for the improvement of these traits may be rewarding. The PCA analysis showed that first three principal components accounted for about 91.57%. Based on D2 studies, 30 genotypes were grouped into seven clusters with the cluster I (13) containing maximum number of genotypes followed by cluster III (9) and cluster II (4). Highest inter cluster distances were observed between the clusters IV and VII (1272.49) followed by IV and V (1097.39), VI and VII (1013.83) and II and VII (944.20) indicating the importance of the genotypes present in these clusters for exploiting heterosis for the desirable traits of these clusters. Days to 50% flowering (27.58%),1000-grain weight (27.36%) and plant height (27.36%) were found to be the most contributing traits towards total genetic diversity, which could be given due importance by the breeders for development of superior rice genotypes under crop improvement programme.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies on Yield, Its Components, Quality Traits and Gall Midge Incidence in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Twenty-eight lines including 18 F1 plants, 9 parents, and one commercial were studied for estimation of genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance at Agricultural Research Station, Kunaram. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits studied indicating the presence of a considerable amount of variability among the genotypes for yield and its components, quality traits and gall midge incidence. PCV values for the number of productive tillers per plant were significantly greater than GCV indicating highly sensitive to environmental changes. The GCV and PCV were high for the percentage of gall midge incidence, the number of productive tillers per plant, the number of filled grains per panicle, and grain yield per plant, whereas, low for hulling percentage, head rice recovery, milling percentage, and kernel length. Additive gene action was predominant for Gall midge incidence, number of productive tillers per plant, number of filled grains per panicle, grain yield per plant and grain weight per 1000 grains as they registered high heritability coupled with high genetic advance values.

Phytophagous gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) of Dagestan: fauna, biology and distribution

Aim. Based on original and bibliographic data, to compile a review of the fauna of gall midges in Dagestan, Russia, including information about host plants, gall formation, life cycles and distribution.Materials and Methods. The basis for the work were materials collected in the flat and mountainous parts of Dagestan. Standard methods were used: inspection of the plants, search and mass collection of galls and damage to plants in which larvae develop; rearing imago; making permanent preparations of larvae and adults.Results. For the first time, an overview of the gall midges of Dagestan is offered. 67 species of gall midges of 41 genera were identified, of which 39 species are new to Dagestan, including 13 species new to the Caucasus: Asphondylia hornigi Wachtl, 1880, A. menthae Kieffer, 1902, A. salviaflorae Fedotova, 2003, Lasioptera eryngii (Vallot, 1829), Rosomyia spiraeae Fedotova, 1987, Dracunculomyia saissanica Fedotova, 1999, Dasineura plicatrix (Loew, 1850), D. sisymbrii (Schrank, 1803), D. trifolii (Löw, 1874), D. tamaricicarpa Fedotova, 1983, Asiodiplosis hodukini Marikovskij, 1965, A. petrosimoniae (Fedotova, 1994), Seriphidomyia butakovi Fedotova, 2000. Of these the last 4 are new to Russia. Phytophage gall midges (64 species of 36 genera) were found on plants belonging to 23 families, 46 genera and 56 species. Of the 36 genera of gall midges, 28 (77.8%) are plant‐specific to plant families, including 9 out of 28 (32.1%) monotypic. The fauna is based on the Western Palearctic and Turanian species.Conclusion. A preliminary review of gall midges in Dagestan in comparison with data on adjacent territories, indicates a very poor study of gall midges in general. Identification of the species diversity and trophic relationships of gall midges which develop on adventitious, invasive and economically important plants of the Caucasus is relevant both for protected natural areas and recreational areas.

TRY 4: A high yielding, mid early sodicity tolerant rice variety suited to Tamil Nadu

Sodicity tolerant rice culture TR 05031, a derivative of the cross ADT 39 x CO 45  was released as Rice TRY 4 during the year 2021 as a mid early duration variety  with 127 days duration with high yield,  high milling (68.1 %)  and head rice recovery (57.2 %). Twelve years of testing across 181 locations in Tamil Nadu revealed that the culture  is  high yielding (5730 kg/ha with 22.00 per cent increased grain yield over TKM 13 and 16.50 per cent over ADT 39) in salt affected soils. EDAX under SEM studies confirmed that, there was a lesser transport of sodium ions and higher transport of potassium ions from root to shoot in this culture, TR05031. Besides,       TR05 031 maintain more tracheids /unit leaf area and accumulate salts to the outer epidermal layer through specialized trichomes, providing resistance to salinity. The culture TR05031 is resistant to major diseases viz., blast and brown spot and has field resistance to major pests viz., leaffolder, stem borer and gall midge.  TR05031 with high yield, better pest and disease resistance and good cooking quality is suitable for cultivation during late samba/thaladi in salt affected patches of Tamil Nadu. The culture was released as TRY 4 during 2021 and notified by Government of India for seed production.  Keywords: Rice, TRY 4, variety, mid early, sodicity tolerance

Population Genetics of the Blueberry Gall Midge, Dasineura oxycoccana (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), on Blueberry and Cranberry and Testing Invasion Scenarios.

Simple SummaryThe blueberry gall midge—Dasineura oxycoccana (Johnson) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)—is an economically important insect pest of blueberry and cranberry in its native range (USA and Canada) as well as in other parts of the world. This pest was recently introduced and spread through other regions within North America as well as in Europe and Asia, e.g., Korea. To confirm that incipient speciation might have occurred in D. oxycoccana populations associated with blueberry and cranberry as previously reported, it is necessary that approaches on population genetics are performed with a larger sample size. To identify possible routes of worldwide introductions, it is important to trace the source and invasion process of the Korean population. Therefore, we compared the population genetic structure between D. oxycoccana populations from blueberry and cranberry from USA and Korea. We found (1) a clear separation between the two host-associated D. oxycoccana populations from blueberry and cranberry, which could be considered distinct species; (2) the occurrence of five genetically isolated D. oxycoccana subgroups from blueberry; (3) that multiple D. oxycoccana introductions likely occurred in Korea; and (4) that the dominant invasive D. oxycoccana population from Korea was likely introduced from a genotypically diverse population, which was likely introduced from an unsampled source population rather than directly from its native range.We compared the population genetic structure between populations of the blueberry gall midge—Dasineura oxycoccana (Johnson) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)—from blueberry and cranberry and determined the genetic relationships among geographical subgroups by genotyping 632 individuals from 31 different populations from their native USA regions (New Jersey, Michigan, and Georgia) and from invaded Korean regions using 12 microsatellite loci. Our population genetic analyses showed a clear separation between the two host-associated D. oxycoccana populations from blueberry and cranberry. Using data from only the blueberry-associated D. oxycoccana populations, we identified five genetically isolated subgroups. An analysis of the approximate Bayesian computation suggests that the invasive D. oxycoccana population from Korea appears to have been introduced from an unsampled source population rather than directly from its native range. Our findings will allow for an easier identification of the source of D. oxycoccana into newly invaded regions, as well as to determine their association with blueberry and cranberry, which based on our results can be considered as two distinct species.