Cecidomyiidae Research Articles

Morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla in the gall midge Gephyraulus lycantha (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

The gall midge Gephyraulus lycantha (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a serious gall-forming pest that causes devastating damage in the wolfberry, Lycium barbarum (Solanaceae) in Northwest China. In the present study, the external morphology and ultrastructure of the antennae and the antennal sensilla of G. lycantha were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the moniliform antenna of G. lycantha consisted of a scape, pedicel, and flagellum, and exhibited obvious sexual dimorphism. The male antennae were significantly longer than those of females. Moreover, male flagellomeres were spheroidal nodes separated by slender internodes, whereas those of females were cylindrical with no obvious internodes. There were sex and individual differences in antennal segment number. Male antennae had 10 − 16 flagellomeres, most of which had 15, while female antennae consisted of 8 − 14 flagellomeres, most of which had 12. Moreover, a pair of antennae in the same individual had different numbers of flagellomeres. Four types of sensilla were observed along the surface of the antennae, including sensilla chaetica, sensilla trichodea, sensilla coeloconica, and sensilla circumfila. Among the types of sensilla, sensilla chaetica were the longest and most prominent sensilla discovered on the antennal flagellum in both sexes. Sensilla trichodea were widely distributed over the antennal surface, including the scape, pedicel, and flagellum. Sensilla coeloconica were categorized into four subtypes: sensilla coeloconica Ⅰ, sensilla coeloconica Ⅱ, sensilla coeloconica Ⅲ, and sensilla coeloconica IV; however, sensilla coeloconica IV was absent in females. Sensilla circumfila were found only on cecidomyiidae insect antennae and were attached to the surface by a series of stalks, forming loops around each flagellomere. The numbers of all four types of sensilla on the male antennal windward side were significantly higher than those on the leeward side. The probable biological functions of these sensilla were discussed herein based on their morphology and ultrastructure. These results provide an important basis for further research on chemical communication and strategies for the control of G. lycantha, and it will be able to serve future group Taxonomy studies (species of cecidomyiidae), providing new taxonomic characters (general ultrastructural morphology, number of sensilla and antennal segments, distribution of different types of setae, types and subtypes sensilla), which varies between species and subspecies.

Three new species of Ametrodiplosis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Japan, with a key to the Japanese species and a molecular phylogenetic analysis.

Ametrodiplosis Rübsaamen (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Clinodiplosini) is a mostly Holarctic gall midge genus whose species are associated with a wide range of seed plant families, either as gall-inducers or inquilines. In this study, we describe three species of Ametrodiplosis from Japan: A. adetos n. sp. feeding in the flowers of Tylophora aristolochioides Miq. (Apocynaceae); A. aeroradicis n. sp. inducing aerial root galls on Trachelospermum asiaticum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Nakai and T. gracilipes var. liukiuense (Apocynaceae); and A. stellariae n. sp. forming leaf bud galls on Stellaria uliginosa Murray var. undulata (Thunb.) Ohwi (Caryophyllaceae). A molecular phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial COI and ribosomal 16S genes and nuclear ribosomal 28S gene were conducted for the three new Ametrodiplisis species and other clinodiplosine taxa sequences available in GenBank. The analysis supported the monophyly of Ametrodiplosis despite the variable life history of the three species. In addition, it indicated very low intraspecific genetic divergence among the individuals from different localities and/or host plants. A taxonomic key to the three new Japanese species of Ametrodiplosis is provided.

A new species in the Mycosphaerellaceae from Cecidomyiidae leaf galls on Avicennia marina in South Africa.

During studies to investigate the health of mangrove trees in South Africa, high numbers of Avicennia marina were found with leaf galls caused by unidentified adults and larvae of midges (Cecidomyiidae). Fungal fruiting structures were commonly observed on the abaxial areas of the galls. To determine the identity of the fungi associated with the gall midges, phylogenetic analyses using multigene sequence data were used. The nuclear large subunit (LSU), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and a portion of the actin gene region (ACT), were amplified and analyzed. The results revealed that the fungal fruiting structures represent a new taxon in the Mycosphaerellaceae described here as Zasmidium mangrovei sp. nov. This is the first report of a species in the Mycosphaerellaceae associated with cecidomyiid leaf galls on A. marina.

<p><strong>A review of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) described from Mesozoic deposits</strong></p>

Twenty-four fossil gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) described from 1917–2020 from Mesozoic deposits, mostly ambers, are reviewed. Information from the original publications is used as the basis for reinterpretation, when such is regarded as appropriate here. As a result, the fossil record of cecidomyiids from the Mesozoic comprises representatives of the following subfamilies and tribes, all mycophagous (numbers in parentheses refer to species described): Catotrichinae (1); Micromyinae: Catochini (2), Amediini (1), Campylomyzini (1), Micromyini (2) and Aprionini (1); Winnertziinae: Heteropezini (2), Diallactiini (4) and Winnertziini (1); Porricondylinae: Dicerurini (1). Other Winnertziinae (3) and Micromyinae (5) cannot be classified to tribe because information on critical morphological structures is unavailable; they are thus considered incertae sedis. Members of the Lestremiinae sensu stricto are unrecorded from the Mesozoic, as are any Cecidomyiinae (the only subfamily containing phytophages and predators). Commonly occurring reasons for misinterpretation of amber fossils are the non-recognition of artefacts and the unfamiliarity with group-specific literature regarding prevailing taxonomic concepts and the morphological diversity found in Cecidomyiidae. These causes as well as obvious differences between neontological and paleontological taxonomic practices are discussed. Amediini trib. nov. Jaschhof, 2021 is introduced as a new tribe of the Micromyinae, to absorb the genera Amedia Jaschhof, 1997 (extant, North America, type genus), Amediella Jaschhof, 2003 (extant, New Zealand) and Eltxo Arillo & Nel, 2000 (extinct, Alava amber). A diagnosis of the new tribe is given. Krassiloviolini Fedotova & Perkovsky, 2017 is a new junior synonym of Heteropezini Schiner, 1868. Amediini Plakidas, 2017 and Zarqacecidomyius singularis Kaddumi, 2007 are nomina nuda.

Study on Transcriptional Responses and Identification of Ribosomal Protein Genes for Potential Resistance against Brown Planthopper and Gall Midge Pests in Rice

BackgroundOur previous studies have revealed the roles of ribosomal protein (RP) genes in the abiotic stress responses of rice.MethodsIn the current investigation, we examine the possible involvement of these genes in insect stress responses. We have characterized the RP genes that included both Ribosomal Protein Large (RPL) and Ribosomal Protein Small (RPS) subunit genes in response to infestation by two economically important insect pests, the brown planthopper (BPH) and the Asian rice gall midge (GM) in rice. Differential transcript patterns of seventy selected RP genes were studied in a susceptible and a resistant genotype of indica rice: BPT5204 and RPNF05, respectively. An in silico analyses of the upstream regions of these genes also revealed the presence of cis-elements that are associated with wound signaling.ResultsWe identified the genes that were up or downregulated in either one of the genotypes, or both of them after pest infestation. The transcript patterns of a majority of the genes were found to be temporally-regulated by both the pests. In the resistant RPNF05, BPH infestation activated RPL15, L51 and RPS5a genes while GM infestation induced RPL15, L18a, L22, L36.2, L38, RPS5, S9.2 and S25a at a certain point of time. These genes that were particularly upregulated in the resistant genotype, RPNF05, but not in BPT5204 suggest their potential involvement in plant resistance against either of the two pests studied.ConclusionTaken together, RPL15, L51, L18a, RPS5, S5a, S9.2, and S25a appear to be the genes with possible roles in insect resistance in rice.

In silico prediction of conserved microRNAs and their targets from the Asian rice gall midge (Orseolia oryzae) expressed sequence tags

Using computational tools, the expressed sequence tags (EST) database of the rice gall midge Orseolia oryzae, a major insect pest of rice, was analyzed to predict non-coding RNAs involved in regulation of different biological processes. Using a simple protocol pipeline 10 miRNA families along with other non-coding RNAs (snRNAs, rRNAs, snoRNAs and others) were predicted. ncRNAs are mainly associated with transcription, translation, splicing and nuclear export. The predicted targets of these 10 miRNAs could be further divided into 8 functional categories after Gene Ontology analysis. These miRNAs pertain to categories that are known to control a variety of biological processes mainly related to development, genes and neurotransmitters related to the CNS maintenance and signalling within the cell. This was further corroborated with stem loop RT-PCR analysis of their expression in maggots and pupae of the insect. Data presented demonstrate that EST database of organisms could be put to use to predict conserved miRNAs and their putative targets. Further, results from the current study indicate that such studies involving prediction and/or identification of miRNAs and other non-coding RNAs as regulators within the Asian rice gall midge genome would help better understand gall midge-rice interactions.

Genomics-assisted breeding for successful development of multiple-stress-tolerant, climate-smart rice for southern and southeastern Asia.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in rainfed marginal environments is prone to multiple abiotic and biotic stresses, which can occur in combination in a single cropping season and adversely affect rice growth and yield. The present study was undertaken to develop high-yielding, climate-resilient rice that can provide tolerance to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. An assembled first-crossing scheme was employed to transfer 15 quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genes-qDTY1.1 , qDTY2.1 , qDTY3.1 , qDTY12.1 (drought), Sub1 (submergence), Gm4 (gall midge), Pi9, Pita2 (blast), Bph3, Bph17 (brown plant hoppers), Xa4, xa5, xa13, Xa21, and Xa23 (bacterial leaf blight)-from eight different parents using genomics-assisted breeding. A funnel mating design was employed to assemble all the targeted QTL and genes into a high-yielding breeding line IR 91648-B-1-B-3-1. Gene-based linked markers were used in each generation from intercrossing to the F6 generation for tracking the presence of desirable alleles of targeted QTL and genes. Single-plant selections were performed from F2 onwards to select desirable recombinants possessing alleles of interest with suitable phenotypes. Phenotyping of 95 homozygous F6 lines carrying six to 10 QTL and genes was performed for nonstress, reproductive-stage (RS) drought, blast, bacterial leaf blight (BLB), gall midge (GM), and for grain quality parameters such as chalkiness, amylose content (AC), gelatinization temperature (GT), and head rice recovery (HRR). Finally, 56 F7 homozygous lines were found promising for multiple-location evaluation for grain yield (GY) and other traits. These multiple-stress-tolerant lines with the desired grain quality profiling can be targeted for varietal release in southern and southeastern Asia through national release systems.

Penestragania apicalis (Osborn & Ball, 1898) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae, Iassinae) – a new invasive phytophages of honey locust in Eastern Europe

In July 2020, in the course of insect collection by light trapping within the city area of Donetsk, the invasive North American leafhopper Penestragania apicalis (Osborn & Ball, 1898) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Iassinae) was first recorded for Eastern Europe. This is the third specialized phytophagous species of honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) introduced to Europe. The distribution of P. apicalis within Europe is still not known, this species is most likely to be widespread throughout the places of honey locust cultivation. The main vector of invasion of P. apicalis is unintended introduction with planting material and by way of self -spread of adults. The penetration of another one specialized phytophage of honey locust into the steppe zone of Eastern Europe requires additional researching of its distribution. Registration of P. apicalis at a considerable distance from the previously known habitat indicates its wide distribution in Europe. Since it is difficult to survey the crowns of tall trees, we recommend using light traps as the simplest and most effective method for leafhoppers detecting. The level of species harmfulness in the territory of its natural range and in Euro pe has not been assessed so far; therefore, the organization of work on a detailed study of its ecological and biological characteristics is required. The formation of a multispecies complex of specialized pests can have a negative impact on the plantings of honey locust in the zone of its introduction. In this regard, the state of the P. apicalispopulation requires constant monitoring along with other invasive phytophages of Gleditsia – leaf gall midge D.gleditchiae and seed-beetle M. dorsalis.

Cecidomyiidae (Diptera, Insecta): richness of species and distribution in Brazil

Abstract: Most Neotropical species of Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) have been described from Brazil, but a list of species with occurrence in the country has never been published. Little is known about their distribution and richness in the Brazilian phytogeographic domains. Additionally, a list of host plant species has never been gathered. The present study aims to fill these knowledge gaps and provides an overview of this family in Brazil. For this, data were obtained mainly from the literature, but also from the Cecidomyiidae collection of Museu Nacional and two herbaria (RB and R). Based on the site "Flora do Brasil 2020", botanical names were updated and plant species origin and distribution were verified. A total of 265 gall midge species have been recorded in Brazil, most from the Atlantic Forest (183), followed by Cerrado (60), and Amazon Forest (29). The other phytogeographic domains shelter from five to ten species. Phytophagous gall midges occur on 128 plant species of 52 families, almost all native, being 43 endemic to Brazil (21 endemic to Atlantic Forest, five to Cerrado, and one to Amazon). Although, the taxonomical knowledge is focused on the Atlantic Forest, each domain has its own fauna composition and these informations can be useful for environmental conservational purposes. About 58% of the Brazilian fauna are known only from the type-locality. In order to fill these gaps, it is necessary and important to collect in uninvestigated areas.

A Brief Review ofResseliella citrifrugis(Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a Lesser-Known Destructive Citrus Fruit Pest

AbstractThe gall midge, Resselielia citrifrugis Jiang (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a major citrus pest in China. The pest occurs widely in regions with tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates. Larvae feed inside the fruit, leading to premature fruit drop or damaged fruits. An infested fruit can have hundreds of larvae in it. The extent of losses varies, usually between 10 and 100%, depending on the grove management level. Resselielia citrifrugis hosts include common citrus varieties. China has no area-wide management program against the pest. Field pest management measures include grove sanitation, fruit bagging, and pesticide applications. This review identifies three scientific and technological gaps that need to be filled to protect the U.S. citrus industry from this pest. First, the taxonomical and systematic status of R. citrifrugis needs to be clarified and validated before the pest can be effectively regulated. Second, traps and/or lures for early detection of the pest need to be developed before the pest arrival. Third, pest risk mitigation measures against the pest need to be evaluated and strengthened.

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According to the investigations conducted in the Yerevan parks and public gardens, the growth and development of the fragrant tree species are retarded due to the life activity of Obolodiplosis robiniae (black locust gall midge), Euura tibialis (sawflies) and Halyomorpha halys (brown marmorated stink bug); they also lose their decorative appearance. Besides, favorable conditions are created for the development of other pests. The results of trials have indicated that the mentioned strains of BT microbiological preparation are rather effective, and hence can be applied in the planned and integrated struggle against E. tibialis, O. robiniae and H. halys.

Evaluation of At-Planting Soil Treatment Thimet Against Soybean Gall Midge, 2020

Evaluation of At-Planting Soil Treatment Thimet Against Soybean Gall Midge, 2020

Gall midges (Insecta, Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) associated with Clusiaceae in Brazil: richness and distribution.

A literature compilation was done to gather information about Cecidomyiidae galls on Clusiaceae in Brazil. Botanical names were verified in the site "Flora do Brasil" as well as data on plant distribution and origin. Two herbaria were visited in order to examine galled specimens of Clusiaceae and retrieve new locality records. Thirteen gall morphotypes have been recorded on three genera (Clusia, Garcinia, and Tovomita) and eight species. Clusia showed the greatest number of galled species. Tovomita brevistaminea is the super host species. Only three gallers, Parazalepidota clusiae, Clusiamyia granulosa and C. nitida, were identified at species level, which highlights how the taxonomy of the gall midges is still poorly known. The examination of galled exsiccates resulted in the expansion of their distribution area. The low gall richness as well as the low number of galled plants on Clusiaceae can be related to the presence of resinous sticky sap and waxy cuticle. The known occurrence of gallers associated with Clusiaceae is restricted to the Atlantic Forest as their host plants. The gallers distribution is less wide than that of the host plants, indicating that their geographic limits can be further extended.

Biology of Gall Midges: Evolution, Ecology, and Biological Interactions

Biology of Gall Midges: Evolution, Ecology, and Biological Interactions

Soybean Gall Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a New Species Causing Injury to Soybean in the United States

AbstractThe soybean gall midge (Resseliella maxima Gagné) was recently identified as a new species causing injury to soybean in the Midwestern United States. Although this insect was only recently identified, it has likely been present in soybean fields for at least the last 8 yr based on anecdotal reports. The soybean gall midge has historically been observed late in the season on soybean plants that were believed to have been previously compromised by a plant pathogen or mechanical damage with little to no concern for economic losses. In late June 2018, dead and dying plants were found to be associated with the soybean gall midge across four midwestern states. The distribution of plant injury in the field, larval feeding within the stem, and timing of infestation indicate that it is likely an important pest of soybean. Yield losses in soybean gall midge infested fields can be up to 100% for the first 30 meters from the field edge, with losses of 17–31% further into the field. The rapid development of the soybean gall midge as an important pest of soybean has left large gaps in the knowledge necessary to develop an integrated pest management program.

A compilation of host plants and their gall-inducing insects for the Caatinga Biome

Abstract: Caatinga is a seasonally dry tropical forest, one of the richest in plant species. Unfortunately, many groups of herbivorous insects associated with these plants are poorly known. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of gall-inducing insects (GII) and host plants (HP) in the Caatinga. For this, we compiled the information available in the literature of inventories on GII and their HP communities, and the described gall midge species. We found 100 species, 72 genera, and 32 families of HP hosting a total of 156 morphospecies of GII and 12 species of described cecidomyiids. Plant species with only one GII species represented 74% of hosts, but in super HP (i.e., HP with a high number of GII), despite the small number of HP species, there were many GII species. Fabaceae was also the most specious family, with 30% of HP species and 40% of GII. Furthermore, our results showed a low number of species of HP and GII for the Brazilian Caatinga, that we discussed this pattern with the following arguments, first, it is likely that the number of galling insect inventories for the Caatinga is under-sampled, second the Caatinga has a relatively smaller number of plant species when compared to other biomes, and finally, we argue that the Caatinga is a seasonally dry tropical forest where the deciduousness represents a relevant factor in the colonization and performance rates of GII.

Soybean Gall Midge Efficacy, 2020

Soybean Gall Midge Efficacy, 2020

Soybean Gall Midge: How Do You Solve a Problem You Know Little About?

The soybean gall midge, identified as a new species in 2018, has already affected growers in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota. And it’s threatening the $41 billion soybean industry in the U.S. Scientists studying the pest have far more questions than answers. This article will discuss what we know and don’t know about soybean gall midge. Earn 1 CEU in Integrated Pest Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/916.

Особенности развития сортов малины ремонтантной в природно-климатических условиях Республики Коми

The paper presents an analysis of the possibility of growing remontant type raspberry varieties in an annual culture in the climate of the northern regions, which solves the problem of shoots overwintering, both in decorative gardening and industrial plantings. The first stage of research in the collection nursery in the experiment on five remontant raspberry varieties regarding the requirements for soil and climatic conditions, resistance to diseases and pests, growth characteris-tics and individual development allows us to assess the development features of remontant raspberry varieties in the conditions of the Komi Republic. The collection nursery of remontant forms of raspberries of the Institute of Agrobio-technologies of the Federal Research Centre, Komi Science Centre, Ural Branch, RAS, was founded in 2018 and is represented by 5 varieties: Ruby necklace; Firebird, Elegant, Orange miracle, Hercules (St.). The studies were carried out according to the provisions of the standard method of field experiment during the growing seasons of 2018-2019. Agrometeorolo-gical conditions in 2018 were favorable for raspberry plants, in contrast to 2019. The unfavorable bal-ance of heat and humidity in the growing season of 2019 caused the end of the development of remontant raspberries at the stage of vegetative growth (Hercules variety) or flowering phase (4 varieties). Variety Orange miracle in the condi-tions of the Komi Republic is more susceptible to the risks of developing mycoses and damage by shoot gall midge. According to the results of two years of research, the Ruby Necklace variety showed good results in the formation of a certain number of shoots, resistance to pests and diseases, and the general condition of plants.

Episodes in gall midge studies

Episodes in gall midge studies