Cecidomyiidae Research Articles

Mode of inheritance of rice resistance to African rice gall midge

Development of rice (Oryza sativa) varieties with improved traits, like resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses, is crucial, particularly for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Among the biotic stresses, the African rice gall midge (Orseolia oryzivora) is one of the most devastating pests/insects of rice in the region. The objective of this study was to determine the mode of inheritance of resistance to African rice gall midge (AfRGM) as a basis for developing insect resistant rice varieties in the SSA. Four resistant genotypes and four susceptible locally adapted genotypes of rice were crossed in half diallel crossing design. The F2 segregants and their corresponding parents, were evaluated in the cage experiment, against AfRGM in a 4 by 9 alpha lattice design, in three replications. Results showed a significant variation (P<0.05) in rice AfRGM resistance among genotypes. Significant general and specific combining abilities were observed, indicating that both additive and non-additive gene effects were important in rice AfRGM resistance. However, the non-additive effects predominated at 42 and 63 days after infection (DAI). High coefficients of genetic determination in the broad sense (0.96, 0.97 and 0.98, respectively), and moderate narrow sense (0.55, 0.45 and 0.39) at 21, 42 and 63 DAI, were obtained, with a moderate Baker’s ratio of 0.57, 0.46 and 0.40 in the 21, 42 and 63 DAI, respectively; indicating primarily non-additive inheritance among crosses.

Arthropod associates of Kenyan buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris): a field survey for biological control candidates of a globally important invasive grass

Invasive species are the second largest contributor to biodiversity loss and drivers of ecosystem change. Buffelgrass is a C4, perennial grass native to Africa and Asia that was widely introduced across tropical and subtropical rangelands as livestock forage. Buffelgrass reduces native biodiversity and ecosystem stability in its introduced range when it escapes livestock pastures. Understanding the ecology of insects associated with buffelgrass in its native range may provide an understanding of invasion processes and biological control opportunities where buffelgrass has become an invasive challenge. Here, we present the results of a six-year survey of herbivorous arthropods of a native buffelgrass population from Kenya. Buffelgrass was examined for externally and internally feeding insects of vegetative and reproductive tissues. We also categorised buffelgrass detritivores and parasitoids that may use buffelgrass herbivores as hosts. The samples were photographed and Sanger sequenced to identify them to the lowest possible taxonomic ranking. We collected information on sample abundances, phenologies, tissues consumed, and putative diet breadths. We identified 25 morphospecies representing seven orders and 16 families. The putative host plant specialisation was as high as 67% for Diptera. Phenological variation in herbivore presence correlated with seasonal rainfall and provided a guide for when to conduct follow-up biological control agent searches. The most abundant herbivore was a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that inhabits buffelgrass culms. Additional research should focus on bringing this species into containment where host choice trials can be conducted to determine if it is truly monophagous and assess its impact on buffelgrass growth.

Insect galls of Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (Rio de Janeiro State, Southeastern Brazil)

The Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (PARNASO) is an integral protection conservation unit inserted in the domain of the Atlantic forest. This Park was investigated monthly from September to December/2021 and from March to May/2022 for insect galls. Host plants were identified and their exsiccates were deposited in the herbarium (R) of the Museu Nacional. Insects obtained by gall dissection and rearing were deposited in the Entomological Collection of Museu Nacional (MNRJ). The conservational status of the host plants and their origin were verified in the site Flora e Funga do Brasil (2023). New records of host plants in Brazil are presented based on comparison with literature data. PARNASO hosts a great richness of galls (290 gall morphotypes on 43 plant families). Myrtaceae, Melastomataceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Rubiaceae, Mikania Willd. (Asteraceae), Miconia Ruiz & Pav. (Melastomataceae), and Eugenia L. (Myrtaceae), and Guapira opposita (Nyctaginaceae) were the botanical taxa with the highest number of gall morphotypes, all of them were previously indicated as super hosts in inventories in forest formations of the Atlantic forest, except Rubiaceae. PARNASO includes 148 gall-inducing species native to Brazil, being 69 endemic; among the last 23 are exclusive to the Atlantic forest. Eight gall-inducing species are endangered and four are near threathned. Most galls were found on leaves. The most frequent gall characters were: globoid shape, green color, and glabrous surface. Most galls were induced by Cecidomyiidae (Diptera), however galls of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, and Hymenoptera wera also found. These are the known patterns in Brazil. The secondary fauna was reported in 62 gall morphotypes and included parasitoids (Hymenoptera), successors (Collembola, Hemiptera and Thysanoptera), cecidophagous (Lepidoptera), and predators (spiders). Parasitoids were the most frequent. Seven gall midge species are recorded for the first time in this Park.

Integrative taxonomy reveals a new gall midge genus and species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) developing in the flower buds of Pongamia pinnata (Fabaceae) in Japan

Abstract The Ryukyu Archipelago of Japan is a biodiversity hotspot with a remarkable diversity of endemic plants and animals. Although recent biodiversity surveys have highlighted that gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) are the most species-rich taxon of insects worldwide, only 43 species are known presently in the Ryukyus. In this study, an undescribed gall midge developing in the flower buds of Pongamia pinnata (Fabaceae) was found on Ishigaki Island, southern Ryukyus, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Morphologically, the gall midge belongs to the supertribe Cecidomyiidi (Cecidomyiidae: Cecidomyiinae), but it does not fit the definition of any of the tribes and genera classified of Cecidomyiidi. A molecular phylogenetic analysis including the main tribes of Cecidomyiidi was conducted and reinforced the results of morphological examination. Therefore, Ishigakidiplosis karamaeElsayed,gen. nov. et sp.nov. was introduced for what is no doubt a previously unnamed species. This new genus sheds light on the unique gall midges of the Ryukyus and highlights the importance of conducting further surveys to elucidate their diversity and evolutionary relationships to other known gall midges.

On the study of complexes of gall‐forming insects and mites of the fauna of Dagestan, Russia

Aim. To identify complexes of gall‐forming insects and mites in the fauna of Dagestan, which, together with other inhabitants of galls, are evolutionarily associated with common plant species and genera.Materials and Methods. The materials were collected in the plains and mountains of Dagestan. Standard methods were used: inspection of plants, search and mass collection of galls; breeding imago and production of preparations of larvae and adults.Results. Assemblages of gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), gall wasps (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae), psyllids, aphids (Hemiptera, Aphalaridae, Psyllidae, Aphididae) and gall four‐legged mites (Acari, Eriophyidae) dominate. Additionally, for the fauna of Dagestan, 7 species of 5 genera Eriophyidae and 24 species of 12 genera of insects were identified, including 16 species of 7 genera Cecidomyiidae. Newly recorded for the fauna of Russia are 3 species of 2 genera of mites and 13 species of 8 genera of gall midges: Aceria labiatiflorae (Thomas), A. thomasi (Nalepa), Paraphytoptus chondrillae (Canestrini), Contarinia cardariae Fedotova, C. desertorum Marikovskij, Arthrocnodax chondrillaphylus Fedotova, A. saliciphilus Fedotova, A. origani Fedotova, A. thymiphilus Fedotova, Ozirhincus longicollis Rondani, Dasineura scorzonerifloris Fedotova, Jaapiella chondrillae Skuhravá, Spurgia seguierianae Fedotova, Euphorbomyia loewii (Mik), Marikovskiana dentipes Marikovskij. Larvae of predatory gall midges are almost always found in mite galls.Conclusion. Information about the diversity of gall‐forming complexes in Dagestan will be useful for assessing evolutionary relationships between them and plants and will give an idea of the richness of the fauna in the organisation of protected natural areas and recreational zones.

Seasonal Incidence Of Mango, Guava And Sapota Pests In Tiruvannamalai District Of Tamil Nadu, India

The roving survey was conducted to document the seasonal incidence of insect pests of mango, guava and sapota in the Thandrampattu block of Tiruvannamalai District. During the survey on mango, it was observed pests like mango leaf hopper (Idioscopus niveoparsus), mango gall midge (Procontarinia pustulate) and mango leaf twisting weevil (Apoderus tranquebaricus). In sapota, leaf webber (Nephopteryx eugraphella), bud worm (Anarsia epotias) were seen. In Guava, tea mosquito bug (Helopeltis antonii) and mealy bug (Ferrisia virgata) were seen. The incidence of mango leaf hopper was seen higher during the 14th Standard Mean Week (SMW) with 48 percent while the minimum during the 28th SMW with 22 percent. The incidence of leaf gall was maximum during the 28th SMW with 44 percent while the minimum was seen during the 14th SMW with 28.0 percent. The incidence of mango leaf twisting weevil was seen high during the 20th SMW at 65 percent while the minimum incidence was recorded during 14th the SMW at 37 percent with 7 numbers. Considering the natural enemies, the incidence of lady bird beetle per tree was found high during the 20th SMW per plant while the minimum was seen during the 22nd SMW with 4 numbers per tree. Leaf gall and leaf twisting weevil incidence were positively correlated with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and negatively correlated with rainfall while the hoppers were negatively correlated with minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. In sapota, the incidence of sapota leafwebber damage was seen high during the 14th SMW with 26 percent while the minimum was recorded during 18th SMW at 18 per cent. The incidence of sapota budworm was high during 24th SMW with 42 percent while the minimum was recorded during the 22nd SMW with 8 percent. Incidence of ladybird beetle was found high during the 16th and 28th week with 7 numbers each per plant respectively while the minimum was seen during the 22th week with 4 number per plant. The incidence of spiders was seen high during 26th and 30th MSW with 9 numbers per plant respectively while the minimum was recorded during the 14th and 18th SMW with 4 numbers per plant respectively. In sapota, leaf webber was positively correlated with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and negatively correlated with rain fall while the budworm was negatively correlated with minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. In guava, the incidence of tea mosquito bug was high during the 14th MSW at 40 per cent while the minimum was recorded during 16th MSW at 23 percent. The incidence of mealybug was high during 28th MSW with 30 per cent while the minimum was recorded during the 14th and 16th MSW with 14 percent. The mean incidence of lady bird beetle was high during 20th MSW with 9 numbers per plant while the minimum was recorded during the 22nd and 30th SMW with 2 numbers per plant respectively. The mean incidence of spiders was seen higher during 16th SMW with 9 while the minimum was recorded during the 22nd and 26th SMW with 3 per plant. Guava tea mosquito bug was positively correlated only with wind speed and negatively correlated with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall whereas the mealybug incidence was positively correlated with maximum temperature, minimum temperature and relative humidity and negative correlation with wind speed and rainfall.

Hilling as a cultural control strategy for soybean gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae).

Soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima Gagné, was recently identified as a new species causing significant injury to soybean and is currently found in 164 counties across 7 midwestern states (NE, IA, SD, MN, MO, ND, and KS). Infestation of soybean begins in late spring, when adults emerge from last year's soybean field. Infestation of a new soybean crop depends on the presence of fissures which start to form at the base of the soybean plant around the V2 stage. Field observations indicate that these fissures are only present below the cotyledonary nodes or in the area within 3-5 cm above the soil surface. To determine the importance of these fissures for R. maxima infestation and plant injury, hilling or the movement of the soil to cover the base of soybean plants at the V2-V3 stage was compared with the standard practice (no-hilling). Field studies were conducted at 3 sites in east-central Nebraska during the 2021 growing season. The results showed a significant reduction in the frequency of infested plants, larval number per plant, and plant injury for hilled compared to no-hill treatment. This reduction in the presence of larvae and plant injury corresponded with a significantly greater yield for hilled compared to the no-hill treatment. These results highlight the importance of fissures on soybean for R. maxima adult infestation as well as the potential for hilling to be used as a management strategy for R. maxima.

Genetic Analysis of Quantitative Traits, Gall Midge and Brown Spot Tolerance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes under Irrigated Ecosystem

Gall midge and brown spot of rice are a fungal disease that affect both seedlings and mature plants. To investigate resistance of rice to this disease twenty nine rice cultures were evaluated under irrigated ecosystem at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jagtial during kharif, 2020. High heritable estimates were observed for all the 8 traits studied. High estimates of heritability was recorded for important yield attributes viz., days to 50% flowering (91.4, 11.24), plant height (77.8, 9.53), 1000-grain weight (98.4, 54.5), number of grains per panicle (78.3, 40.18) and grain yield (98.7, 33.87) indicated that these traits were under the control of additive genes. Significantly positive correlations were recorded with plant height, Number of productive tillers per plant and 1000 seed weight at both genotypic and phenotypic levels, the results clearly indicated that long duration genotypes with more height and bolder grains contribute for more grain yield. Among the eight traits studied, 1000 grain weight contributed highest (67.8%) towards total divergence followed by days to 50% flowering (11.5%), number of grains per panicle (6.06) and Galls midge incidence percentage (6.06%). Genotypes, JGL 38957 of cluster II, JGL 38950 of cluster III, JGL 38935 of cluster IV and JGL 38921 of Cluster VII could be the best source to develop brown spot, gall midge resistance and high yielding rice varieties.

Efficacy of metarhizium anisopliae and beauveria bassiana as biological control agents of African Rice Gall Midge (AfRGM), Orseolia oryzivora Harris & Gagné

African rice gall midge (AfRGM), Orseolia oryzivora (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a significant pest of rainfed and lowland rice that causes about 25% to 100% yield loss. The effectiveness of chemical insecticides has been compromised due to insecticide resistance and concerns over their environmental impact, which necessitated an alternative approach that is safe and more sustainable. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana in controlling AfRGM on four popular rice cultivars under screenhouse conditions at AfricaRice/IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a 4 x 3 factorial fitted in a completely randomized design (CRD) in three replications. Results showed that although both fungi significantly reduced AfRGM tiller infestation, the degree of reduction varied with the specific fungus and rice variety grown. Beauveria bassiana exhibited better control of AfRGM on FARO 37 and FARO 44 varieties, while M. anisopliae was more effective on FARO 66 and FARO 67 varieties. Tiller infestation had a significant negative correlation with grain yield (r= − 0.87, R2 = 77). The study also indicated that the two fungi strains had no harmful effect on the chlorophyll content and positively influenced agronomic traits and grain yield.

Arthropod predator community associated with soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), in Minnesotan soybean fields.

The soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a pest that injures soybeans in the Midwest United States. Little is known about the natural enemies of R. maxima or the potential for biological control. Therefore, we performed a 2-yr survey in Minnesota to examine the predator community associated with R. maxima infestations. We found that Orius insidiosus (Say) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) and Pterostichus melanarius (Illiger) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were the most common foliar- and ground-foraging predators, respectively. Some of the commonly encountered predator species were tested in laboratory predation experiments. Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and O. insidiosus represented the foliar-foraging predators tested, and H. axyridis consumed significantly more R. maxima larvae than O. insidiosus. Among the ground-foraging predators, 4 carabids were tested. Poecilus lucublandus (Say) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and Pt. melanarius consumed significantly more R. maxima larvae than Poecilus chalcites (Say) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and Bembidion quadrimaculatum oppositum (Say) (Coleoptera: Carabidae). We conclude that Pt. melanarius should receive further attention as a potential biological control agent of R. maxima, due to its high abundance in the soybean fields in this study, temporal overlap with the pest, and high propensity to feed on the pest.

Relationships of the gall midge, Asphondylia miki Wachtl (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), with the host plant, alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and ectoparasites of its larvae and pupae (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) in the forest-steppe of the middle volga region

The studies were carried out in crops of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ssp. × varia ) in 2018-2022 in the forest-steppe of Samara Province. Asphondylia miki galls were taken into account in alfalfa crops from the beginning of their formation to the end of the growing season on sites from 0.1 to 1 m2 in 10-fold repetition. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out by methods of variance analysis. At spring sowing of alfalfa, as well as in its perennial crops, gall midge A. miki develops in two, and during summer sowing in the rst year of the culture’s life in one generation per year, pupae overwinter in galls, the imago of the wintering generation occurs in April. The greatest damage to alfalfa by the larvae of A. miki (40-68% of generative shoots) and the number of its galls (500-830 copies/m2) were observed in the rst year of the culture’s life when it was sown in summer, with the coincidence of the greatest ight of imago with the budding of the culture, which led to signi cant losses in the yield of alfalfa seeds (13-81%). In summer alfalfa crops of the rst year of development without the use of chemical plant protection agents, parasitic hymenopterans contribute to the death of larvae and pupae of A. miki in on average 60% of its galls. Among them, a gregarious ectoparasite Sigmophora brevicornis (Eulophidae) mainly preying on A. miki larvae accounted for about 77% of the individuals of the identi ed parasites. In the S. brevicornis population, males and females had similar body coloration and belonged to three phenotypes: the lightest brownish yellow, yellowish brown, and dark coloration, which accounted for 53, 28 and 19% of parasite individuals, respectively.

Spatial and temporal dynamics of soybean gall midge (Resseliella maxima) parasitism by Synopeas maximum.

Soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a pest that impacts soybean yield in the Midwest United States. While biological control using parasitoids may be a promising approach for managing this pest, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of parasitism dynamics to ensure effective implementation. We investigated R. maxima parasitism using a combination of three methods: rearing of field-collected hosts, dissection, and molecular assays. We confirmed parasitism of R. maxima by the recently described wasp Synopeas maximum Awad & Talamas (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and used our combinatorial approach to observe the spatial and temporal relationships between R. maxima and its parasitoid in the field. The number of R. maxima adults was greater in symptomatic plants on field edges than the field interior, but such a pattern was inconsistent for parasitism rates. Parasitism rates were generally highest early and late in the season, and lower in the middle of the season when the number of R. maxima was highest. In Minnesota, overall season-long parasitism rates of R. maxima were low (< 2%). To facilitate a wider investigation of the biological control of R. maxima, we designed a protocol for high throughput DNA extraction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) that can be used across a broader geography. Further research should evaluate how parasitism rates by Synopeas maximum could be promoted in production fields. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Validation of Integrated Pest Management Modules against Piercing and Sucking Insect Pest of Rice

Background: Rice is one of the most common cereal crops in India, which has been found attacked by several insect pests including hoppers, stem borer, leaf folder, gall midge and ear head bugs. Farmers typically employ insecticides as preventative and curative management which causes needless issues. Although integrated pest management (IPM) has been recommended to nullify the ill effects of chemicals pesticides, farmers are hesitant to employ the IPM’s components and mostly rely on pesticides. IPM integrates knowledge-based techniques of biological, cultural, physical, host plant resistance and chemical control strategies in order to limit pest populations considered economically acceptable. Present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of IPM strategy improving upon the crop productivity. Methods: An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module comprising of spacing, introduction of natural enemies, application of botanicals, entomopathogenic fungi, installation of yellow sticky traps and chemical pesticide (Thiamethoxam) was assessed in comparison with Farmers Practice (FP) (usual routine followed by the farmer during the cropping season) in the farmer’s fields. Result: The pooled mean data of per cent leaf incidence by Nephotettix virescens ranged between 4.59-6.25% during the two years research in IPM module, while in farmers practices mean leaf damage varied between 8.09-8.61%. Similarly, the leaf damage caused by Nilaparvata lugens ranged between 4.88-7.61% as compared to 8.64-10% in the farmers practices. The BC ration was recorded to be 1: 7.6 and 1:6.85 during 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Evidence for Vector Transmission of the Blueberry Pathogen Exobasidium maculosum, Cause of Exobasidium Leaf and Fruit Spot

Exobasidium leaf and fruit spot of blueberry, caused by Exobasidium maculosum, results in significant yield losses if not properly managed. To determine if an arthropod is involved in transmission, we conducted arthropod exclusion and trapping studies at two field sites in Georgia from 2018 to 2020. In each field, 10 pairs of potted trap plants were placed under blueberry bushes for 2 weeks during the known infection window in early spring. In each pair, one potted plant was covered with exclusion nets before being taken to the field, and the other was left uncovered. The covered plants developed significantly fewer leaf spots (mean = 2) than the uncovered plants (mean = 128), indicating that an agent necessary for infection was excluded. To identify possible vectors, a variety of traps were used to collect arthropods in both fields during the known infection window. A total of 181 insects were selected from traps, then crushed and plated on potato dextrose agar to assess for growth of E. maculosum. A species-specific PCR assay was developed and conducted to test for E. maculosum. We recovered E. maculosum from one gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and detected it in three additional insects by PCR. One could not be identified, and two were two long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae). Bioassays with spotted-wing drosophila ( Drosophila suzukii) and brown marmorated stink bugs ( Halyomorpha halys) did not show transmission of the disease. Although we did not conclusively identify specific vectors, we provide evidence of vector involvement in transmission of E. maculosum. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Study of Combining Ability in Association with Heterosis in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

In the current investigation, eight lines KNM 12444, KNM 12469, KNM 12472, KNM 13449, KNM 13555, KNM 13568, KNM 14913 and KNM 14985 were crossed with four testers namely Aganni, IBT MRR 24, INRC 3021 and WGL 1119 in Line by Tester mating design during rabi season of 2021-22. The resultant 32 F1’stogether with parents and two commercial checks, KNM 118 and KNM 1638 were evaluated for their combining ability and heterosis at Agricultural Research Station, Kunaram during kharif season, 2022.The analysis of variance for combining ability specified that significant differences were observed due to lines, testers, F1’ hybrids and various interactions indicating the existence of wider adaptability in the material examined. The ratio of gca to sca variances showed that non-additive gene action was predominant in the inheritance of panicle length, plant height, number of productive tillers/plants, grain yield per plant, kernel length, kernel L/B ratio and incidence of gall midge, whereas, preponderance of additive gene action was noticed for 1000 grain weight, days to 50% flowering, number of filled grains per panicle, kernel breadth, hulling percentage, milling percentage and head rice recovery. The gca effects of the parents revealed that, the line KNM 13555 and the testers Aganni, IBT MRR 24 were found to be the best general combiners for single plant yield and its components. Based on the significant sca effects, per se performance, standard heterosis and gall midge incidence, KNM 12469/Aganni followed by KNM 13555/INRC 3021, KNM 13568/IBT MRR 24, KNM 12472/Aganni and KNM 13449/Aganni were identified as promising for single plant yield, its components, quality traits and gall midge incidence. Hence, these parents and F1 hybrids may be further tested for future crop improvement programme.

Globular galls on Haloxylon (Centrospermae: Chenopodiaceae) induced by gall midges, and the corresponding parasitoids in China

Globular galls on Haloxylon (Centrospermae: Chenopodiaceae) induced by gall midges, and the corresponding parasitoids in China

Biocontrol of St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) provides huge ongoing benefits to New Zealand agriculture

ABSTRACT An ex-post economic evaluation of biocontrol of St John’s wort (SJW), Hypericum perforatum, in New Zealand (NZ), used ecological niche modelling, GIS-mapped land-use vulnerabilities and a logistic equation to predict that SJW could have infested 660,000 ha of low-value hill-country pasture. To calculate productivity losses, we assumed serious infestations of SJW caused 30% decreases in farm income per hectare. Investment in SJW biocontrol totalled NZ$0.28 million (2022 rates) associated with the 1943–1992 releases of the chrysomelid beetles, Chrysolina hyperici and C. quadrigemina, and the cecidomyiid gall midge, Zeuxodiplosis giardi. Biocontrol effectiveness increased linearly in our model from 1943 (when initial local defoliation occurred) to reach 99% control nationwide by 1993 (when SJW was no longer considered a significant agricultural weed). We estimate that SJW biocontrol in NZ provided a national benefit of NZ$15.5 million in 2022, with a historical benefit–cost ratio of 6254:1. Both figures remained large in sensitivity testing. Uncertainties remain concerning whether biocontrol caused all reductions in SJW, or whether SJW infestations were partially replaced by other weeds. Despite such caveats, benefits of SJW biocontrol to NZ appear huge and sustainable.

The impact of climate changes on the ranges of invertebrates (Diptera, Molluska) in Tavush province of Armenia

Aim. The work’s aim is to study the species composition of invertebrates (Insecta, Molluska) of the Tavush province of Armenia and changes of their ranges due to climatic conditions.Material and Methods. Our own collections of 2021–2022 from different areas of the Tavush province and the collections of invertebrates of the Scientific Centre of Zoology and Hydroecology served as study material. The collection and identification of dipterous insects and mollusks was carried out according to generally accepted methods. The work was performed at the Scientific Centre of Zoology and Hydroecology The scientific material is stored in the collection fund of the Scientific Centre.Results. As a result of our studies of invertebrate species composition, 28 species of horseflies (Tabanidae) are currently listed for the Tavush region: 27 species of phytophagous gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) and 10 species of mollusks. As a result of warming climate change new changes of locality have been registered for: 6 horsefly species S. (N.) caucasicus, Ch. (H.) f. flavipes, Ch. ludens, T. unifasciatus, T. indrae vappa, T. miki; 4 phytophagous gall midge species A. verbasci, D. tortrix, S. euphorbiae, R. terminalis; For one species of mollusk, H. buchi, there are new localities. All these species have expanded their habitat: in horseflies, changes in the range along vertical zonality are observed.Conclusions. As a result of this research, it was revealed that as a consequences of climate change, the ranges of some species of invertebrates – horseflies, gall midges‐phytophages and mollusks – have expanded compared to the data of previous years. All species in which there is a direct dependence of range change on climatic conditions can be further considered as bioindicators of climate change.

Eocincticornia multitudinea (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a gall midge malforming leaves of Eucalyptus in south-eastern Australia

ABSTRACT A gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), originally described as Ascelis (?) multitudinea Tepper, 1893 and erroneously placed in Coccoidea (Hemiptera), is redescribed and placed in Eocincticornia multitudinea (Tepper) n. comb. The larvae of E. multitudinea feed and induce large, spherical, green, yellow or red galls on leaves of Eucalyptus obliqua, E. piperita, E. baxteri, E. radiata, E. goniocalyx and E. fastigata in south-eastern Australia. The scope of the genus Eocincticornia Felt is updated. Zoobank LSID of publication: http://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:09B77C0C-93A8-46F1-AC1E-397654AB5E9

Secretive invasive pests &lt;i&gt;Robinia&lt;/i&gt; sp. (Fabaceae) in Voronezh

Three species of secretive invasive insects (locust gall midge Obolodiplosis robiniae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), miner moth Macrosaccus robiniella (Clemens, 1859) and locust digitate leafminer Parectopa robiniella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)) as well as locust gall midge parasitoid Platygaster robiniae Buhl Duso, 2007 (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) were noted on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia Linnaeus, 1753) and clammy locust (R. viscosa Ventenat, 1801) (Fabaceae) on the territory of Voronezh. In galls on Robinia leaves, gall midge larvae, pupae exuvia, and pupae of the parasitoid P. robiniae were found, from which adults were bred under laboratory conditions. Galls of O. robiniae and mines with larvae of the moth M. robiniella were noted both on black and clammy locust. Mines with larvae of the moth P. robiniella were recorded only on clammy locust on the territory of the forest park area of the All-Russian Research Institute of Forest Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology. The distribution of P. robiniella is possibly associated with the cleaning of leaf litter in the city. The locust gall midge O. robiniae and its parasitoid P. robiniae are reported for the Voronezh Region for the first time.