Main Pest Species Research Articles

NURSERY PEST PROBLEMS ON Acacia mangium, Cinamomum cassia and Illicium verum IN BAC KAN PROVINCE, VIETNAM

Acacia mangium, Cinamomum cassia, and Illicium verum are pivotal forestry species in Bac Kan province, where they contribute significantly to economic and environmental welfare. A. mangium's wood is essential for the pulp industry, while C. cassia and I. verum provide essential oils with extensive industrial applications. Despite their economic value, increased plantation areas have exacerbated insect pest outbreaks, affecting tree growth and yield. However, the focus of previous research on insect pests has primarily been on plantations, leaving nursery infestations largely unexplored. This study aims to overcome this gap by investigating insect pest species diversity in nurseries in Bac Kan province. Field observations and standard plot surveys were conducted in Cho Moi district and Bac Kan city, resulting in the collection of 72 survey forms. The survey revealed significant insect pest species compositions in A. mangium, C. cassia, and I. verum nurseries. Notably, Helopeltis theivora was identified as the primary pest infesting young A. mangium trees, while Echinothrips sp. emerged as the main pest species in C. cassia nurseries, and others affected I. verum nurseries. These findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and research to develop effective pest management strategies. Such insights are crucial for sustaining the economic and environmental benefits of these forestry species in Bac Kan province.

A data platform for real-time monitoring and analysis of the brown marmorated stink bug in Northern Italy

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is one of the main insect pest species causing economic damage to several agricultural commodities worldwide and one of the worst threats to tree fruit crops in northern Italy, especially in the Emilia-Romagna region. Previous efforts in implementing H. halys surveillance at the regional level were mainly focused on studying the H. halys phenology, but they were not designed to provide a public service. In this paper, we propose a data-driven approach to support the application of Integrated Pest Management strategies against H. halys. The proposal is based on the experience of a three-year project in which a network of monitoring traps has been deployed throughout the whole Emilia-Romagna region and a data platform has been implemented to enable the real-time tracking of H. halys occurrence and distribution, integrating these information with multiple data sources, and analytical capabilities through a public website. Besides the real-time pest surveillance, the data platform allowed us to increase our understanding about H. halys seasonal invasion dynamics and the main factors contributing to its spread. The results will help individual growers in protecting their crops and the whole region in promoting more efficient usage of insecticides and more sustainable and healthy agricultural productions.

Inventory and Biodiversity of the Entomofauna Associated with Shea Fruits (<i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i> C. F. Gaertn), an Important Non-Timber Forest Product in the Ziro Province of Burkina Faso

A few studies have highlighted the degradation of shea tree fruits mainly due to insects in Burkina Faso. The insects associated with these non-timber forest products are still poorly known, hence the interest of this study. The objective of the study is to make a qualitative inventory of the biodiversity of insect pests of shea fruits during the ripening period in two different ecosystems. It was carried out in 2021 in three locations of the Ziro province. 30 shea fruit trees distributed in 9 sites listed in agrosystems and protected areas were selected for monitoring and collecting insects infested with the fruits. The inventory identified 25 species in 13 families clustered in 5 orders. The order of Diptera, composed of 6 families with 15 species recorded, is the most dominant order in this diversity. Among the different families, 3 of them, Calliphoridae, Tephritidae and Muscidae, present at least 3 species each. 7 species are mainly associated with fruit damage with a predominance of Ceratitis silvestrii Bezzi (Diptera: Tephritidae). 91.33% of the emergences from infested fruits and 43.41% of the individuals trapped belong to this species. C. silvestrii, which presents a homogeneity in its distribution between locations and ecosystems, is therefore the main pest species of shea fruits in production in this zone. The results suggest the need to determine the economic importance of Tephritidae infesting shea fruits.

Adıyaman ve Siirt İlleri Nar (Punica granatum L.) Bahçelerinde Belirlenen Zararlı Böcek Türleri

This study was carried out in order to determine the insect pest species found at the orchards of Adıyaman and Siirt provinces. The studies were carried out in the Şirvan district of Siirt and Adıyaman’s the Central, Kahta and Samsat districts, where pomegranate production is intensively carried out through the years of 2017 and 2018. Samplings was carried out at the pomegranate orchards at least two weeks interval between April and October. Visual control, knock and insect rearing methods were used to obtain the insect species. According to the results from the study; a total of 42 insect species were obtained from the orders of Orthoptera (1), Thysanoptera (9), Hemiptera (18), Coleoptera (8) Lepidoptera (4) and Diptera (2). Among the identified pest species, Aphis punicae Passerini (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Apomyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were determined as the main pest species. Dioryctria simplicella Heinemann (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Arcyophora dentula Lederer (Lepidoptera: Nolidae), Chrysobothris affinis (F.), Acmaeodera wethloi Obenberger (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) were determined for the first time in Turkey's pomegranate production areas.

Repellence or attraction: secondary metabolites in pepper mediate attraction and defense against Spodoptera litura.

Resistance to insect pests is an important self-defense characteristic of pepper plants. However, the resistance of different pepper cultivars to Spodoptera litura larvae, one of the main insect pest species on pepper, is not well understood. Among seven pepper cultivars evaluated, cayenne pepper 'FXBX' showed the highest repellency to third instar S. litura larvae, Chao tian chili pepper 'BLTY2' showed the lowest repellency. Plant volatiles (1-hexene, hexanal, β-ionone, (E,E)-2,6-nonadienal, and methyl salicylate) affected host selection by S. litura. Among these, 1-hexene, hexanal, and β-ionone at concentrations naturally-released by pepper leaves were found to repel S. litura. Interestingly, S. litura larvae fed on the larva-attracting pepper cultivar, (BLTY2) had an extended developmental period, which was about 13 days longer than larvae fed on FXBX. Besides, the survival rate of larvae fed on BLTY2 was 22.5 ± 0.0%, indicating that the leaves of BLTY2 can kill S. litura larvae. Correlation analysis showed that larval survival rate, emergence rate, female adult longevity, and pupal weight were positively correlated with the vitamin C, amino acids, protein, cellulose, and soluble sugar contents, but were negatively correlated with wax and flavonoids contents. We identified two different modes of direct defense exhibited by pepper cultivars against S. litura. One involves the release of repellent volatiles to avoid been fed on (FXBX cultivar). The other involves the inhibition of the growth and development or the direct killing of S. litura larvae which feeds on it (BLTY2 cultivar). © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Field investigation- and dietary metabarcoding-based screening of arthropods that prey on primary tea pests.

Predatory natural enemies play key functional roles in biological control. Abundant predatory arthropod species have been recorded in tea plantation ecosystems. However, few studies have comprehensively evaluated the control effect of predatory arthropods on tea pests in the field. We performed a 1‐year field investigation and collected predatory arthropods and pests in the tea canopy. A total of 7931 predatory arthropod individuals were collected, and Coleosoma blandum (Araneae, Theridiidae) was the most abundant species in the studied tea plantation. The population dynamics between C. blandum and four main tea pest species (Aleurocanthus spiniferus, Empoasca onukii, Ectropis grisescens, and Scopula subpunctaria) were established using the individual number of predators and pests in each month. The results showed that C. blandum appeared to co‐occur in the tea canopy with A. spiniferus, Em. onukii, and Ec. grisescens in a longer period. The prey spectrum of C. blandum was further analyzed using DNA metabarcoding. Among prey species, A. spiniferus, Em. onukii, and Ec. grisescens were included, and the relative abundance and positive rates of target DNA fragments of A. spiniferus were greater than that of other two pests. Combined with the high dominance index of C. blandum, co‐occurrence between C. blandum and A. spiniferus in time and space and high positive rate and relative abundance of target DNA fragments of A. spiniferus, C. blandum was identified to prey on A. spiniferus, and C. blandum may be an important predator of A. spiniferus. Thus, C. blandum has potential as a biological control agent of A. spiniferus in an integrated pest management strategy.

Study the effect of two organic fertilizers, methods of fertilization on productivity, pests and predatory insects associated with eggplant under modified climatic condition

This study investigated the effects of two organic fertilizer (compost tea and humic acid) compared to chemical fertilizer on plant growth, productivity, pests and predatory insects associated with eggplant Solanum melongena var. Black beauty under net house in 1st of April at 2019 and 2020 seasons. Application of fertilizers through fertigation enhanced significantly number of leaves, stem fresh weight, average fruit weight and total fruit yield. Moreover, stem diameter, nitrogen content in leaves (%), phosphorus content in leaves (%), potassium content in leaves (%), number of fruits and total yield were enhanced significantly due to using compost tea. However, using the humic acid cause a significant enhancement in number of shoots, number of leaves, stem diameter and leaves fresh weight. In addition, application of compost tea through the fertigation cause a significant superiority in number of shoots, nitrogen content in leaves (%), phosphorus content in leaves (%), potassium content in leaves (%), number of fruits, average fruit weight and total yield. The highest significant values of leaves fresh weight and stem dry weight were mainly due using humic acid through foliar application. Three main pest species and seven different predators' species were recorded associated with pests on eggplant. The application of foliar and fertigation compost tea increased pest populations significantly compared with humic acid and control. But also, increase the predators' population.

Arthropod food webs associated with cotton: Does Bt cotton mediate community stress?

AbstractThe advent of genetically modified crops expressing insecticidal proteins of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) revolutionized the management of insect pest species. Nonetheless, such disruption does not come free from controversies and concerns. The quick spread of Bt resistance in targeted pest species is an example, and the impact in non‐targeted arthropod species is another. The former is a continuous focus of attention, while the latter faces knowledge gaps and methodological shortcomings particularly when arthropod communities are concerned. If Bt crops such as cotton are aimed at drastically reducing a key community component, such as targeted caterpillars in the Neotropical region, a significant community‐level impact is expected and deserves assessment. However, the subject is neglected with existing studies focusing on arthropod assemblages or low‐level taxa compromising their resolution. Thus, food web analysis was used here to assess the short‐term impact of Bt cotton on the associated arthropod community in a Neotropical scenario. Bt cotton and related non‐Bt cotton were cultivated for two years, and the arthropods were sampled using sweep net and whole plant collections throughout the cotton phenological cycle. The gathered data were used to build (plant–consumer–predator) trivariate networks using food web analysis. Thirty‐six arthropod species were sampled with the prevalence of whiteflies, cotton aphids, boll weevils and green leafhoppers, the main pest species in the region. Cotton genotype and cultivation year significantly affected the abundance and diversity of the associated arthropod assemblage (Fapp ≥ 2.86, p < 0.01). However, the Bt cotton‐associated food webs were similar to those of the non‐Bt cotton, indicating no significant impact of this technology on arthropod food webs. This result would be welcome, if it not indicating that Bt cotton did not provide a significant control of the main target pest species of the crop raising questions on the usefulness of the technology in the area.

Insecticide resistance and control failure likelihood among populations of the boll weevil (<i>Anthonomus grandis</i>) from Mato Grosso (Brazil)

The cotton producers from southern Mato Grosso are currently experiencing control failure with the use of the use of insecticides against the cotton boll weevil Anthonomus grandis Boheman, the main pest species of this commodity. Therefore, the present study was designed to survey insecticide resistance and the associated likelihood of control failure among boll weevil populations in the region. Ten insect populations were sampled during the 2016/2017 season and subjected to time-mortality (contact) bioassays in glass vials impregnated with dried insecticide residues at their respective label rates. The three insecticides most frequently used in the region were surveyed: the organophosphate malathion and the pyrethroids beta-cyfluthrin and zeta-cypermethrin. The survival curves showed estimates of the respective median survival time (LT50) for each combination of insecticide and insect copulation. However, there were no significant differences in susceptibility among populations. The estimates of control failure likelihood for each compound at their respective label rates also indicated negligible risk of control failure with their use. These findings are consistent with time-mortality results indicating the lack of insecticide resistant populations at the surveyed sampling sites, suggesting that the reported field control failures result from other causes such as problems with insecticide application.

Bt-induced hormesis in Bt-resistant insects: Theoretical possibility or factual concern?

The biphasic dose-response of a stressor where low amounts of a toxicant may stimulate some biological processes is a recent focus of attention in insecticide ecotoxicology. Nonetheless, the importance and management consequences of this phenomenon of pesticide-induced hormesis remain largely unrecognized. Curiously, the potential induction of hormesis by insecticidal proteins such as Bacillus thuringiensis toxins (i.e., Bt toxins), a major agriculture pest management tool of widespread use, has been wholly neglected. Thus, we aimed to circumvent this shortcoming while assessing the potential occurrence of hormesis induced by the Bt toxin Cry1Fa in its main target pest species – the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda. Concentration-response bioassays were carried out in a Bt-susceptible and a Bt-resistant population providing the purified Cry1Fa toxin in artificial diet and recording the insect demographic parameters. As significant hormetic effect was detected in both populations with a significant increase in the net reproductive rate and the intrinsic rate of population growth, the potential occurrence of Bt-induced hormesis was subsequently tested providing the insects with leaves from transgenic Bt maize expressing the toxic protein. The performance of the Bt-resistant insects was not different in both maize genotypes, indicating that the leaf expression of the Bt protein did not promote hormesis in the resistant insects. Thus, despite the Bt-induced hormesis detected in the purified protein bioassays, the phenomenon was not detected with current levels of Bt expression in maize minimizing the risk of this additional efficacy constraint besides that of field occurrence of Bt resistance.

Ichneumonids (Hymenoptera) and Tachinid Flies (Diptera) Associated to Leptidopterans in Soybean Crops

Studies on natural enemies are important to find new species and to develop management strategies to preserve them to help control pests in biological control programs. For the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, which comprises the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal biomes, few studies have been conducted on the diversity of these parasitoids, possible endemic and/or new species, as well as their potential as natural enemies. Thus, the present study was aimed at describing the diversity of parasitoids of the families Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera) and Tachinidae (Diptera) associated with pest lepidopterans in soybean crops. Weekly sampling of pest lepidopterans was carried out during four soybean seasons (2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2011/2012 and 2012/2013). Parasitoid larvae were observed in the main lepidopteran pest species of soybean during the four soybean seasons. Three genera of the Ichneumonidae family, belonging to the genera Microcharops Roman, Ophionellus Westwood, and Podogaster Brullé. Six genera of the Tachinidae family occur in the state of Mato Grosso in soybean fields. The following genera were recorded: Archytas spp. Jaennicke, Phorocera spp. Robineau-Desvoidy, Gymnocarcelia spp. Townsend, Lespesia spp. Robineau-Desvoidy, Eucelatoria spp. Townsend, Chetogena spp. Rondani. These parasitoids were found parasitizing caterpillars of the Noctuidae (Lepidoptera), in species that had not yet been reported as hosts for the Neotropical region. Further studies are needed on the beneficial entomofauna and their preservation in agricultural environments.

东北玉米种植区主要害虫种类及为害情况分析

东北玉米种植区主要害虫种类及为害情况分析

Patterns of vole gnawing on saplings in managed clearings in Central European forests

Abstract Sustainable management of European forests aims to ensure economic targets (timber production) as well as ecological aims of the forest (maintenance of biodiversity). Smaller-sized clear-cutting followed by artificial planting creates a mosaic of small forest patches suitable for many small mammals including three possible pest species – the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), the field vole (Microtus agrestis) and the common vole (Microtus arvalis). The vole gnawing pattern was studied on a number of small-sized clearings (up to 2 hectares) situated in managed forests in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). Damage by voles gnawing occurred almost in all study areas; mostly damaged were saplings on clearings at the age up to 5 years after planting, with herb layer dominated by grasses and situated above 700 m a.s.l. The field vole was identified as the main pest species and its density was identified as the most important predictor of gnawing occurrence even though its density on clearings was usually lower than that of the bank vole. Gnawing by voles caused direct mortality of saplings to a greater degree than other biotic factors including deer fraying and browsing; however, saplings were able to repress the effect of gnawing by natural re-grow of bark and the majority of damaged saplings survived, even though with significant stem deformations. While strong inter-annual variation in damage rate is reported in northern Europe, damage rates in Central European managed forests are lower (at about 3.5% per annum) but more consistent with only moderate inter-annual variation. As a result, despite the relatively low rate of damage which may occur in any given year, damage levels can accumulate over several years after planting with significant economic implications for forestry management.

The results of termite investigations (Insecta: Isoptera) are harmful in the Complex of Hue Monuments

The results of a survey on the composition of termite species in the Complex of Hue Monuments in 2014 and 2015 found 25 species belonging to 12 genera and 3 families. Termitidae had the highest number of genera and species (16 species accounted for 64% of total identified species), followed by Rhinotermitidae with 7 species (28% of identified species). The number of species declined in Kalotermitidae, only two species (8% of the species identified). In which, 8 species were analyzed to assess their damage level for the Complex of Hue monuments. Result showed that, Coptotermes gestroi had the highest level of damage and was identified as the main pest species for the Complex of Hue Monuments.

Molecular cloning and characterization of kiss1 in Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii).

Kisspeptin, encoded by kiss1, has been regarded as a major modulator of mammalian puberty and fertility due to its stimulation on GnRH. Brandt's vole is one of the main pest species on the Inner Mongolian steppes for its striking reproductive capacity and kiss1 is a key candidate gene related to reproductive regulatory cascades. In this study, kiss1 cDNA was cloned from the hypothalamus of Brandt's voles and kiss1 mRNA levels were investigated in different tissues, and at different developmental stages, using high-throughput real-time PCR. The full-length kiss1 cDNA was 682bp, containing an ORF of 405bp, encoding 134 amino acids with a conserved kisspeptin-10 region. Kiss1 mRNA was specifically expressed in ovary, testicle, small intestine, kidney, liver and hypothalamus tissues, and was undetectable in other tissues, including pituitary, heart, adrenal gland, bladder and uterus. Sexual organs of both male and female voles enter a period of rapid development in the postnatal 4weeks and reach or approach sexual maturity by 8weeks after birth. Kiss1 mRNA levels in the hypothalamus did not show a significant difference between week 2 and week 4, indicating kiss1 mRNA levels may not be related to the rapid growth of the sexual organs in early developmental stages. Kiss1 transcripts significantly increased in both sexes 8weeks after birth, and then were maintained at high levels in adults, indicating its possible role in the onset of puberty and maintaining of reproductive activity. These results are helpful to further the study of kiss1 function in reproductive regulation of Brandt's voles.

EVALUATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS OF Eucalyptus spp. FOR THE CONTROL OF THE SUBTERRANEAN TERMITE Coptotermes gestroi (WASMAN)1

ABSTRACT The subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi (Wasman) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) is considered one of the main pest species in urban areas in the Southeast Region of Brazil. For the control of this pest, the use of chemical insecticides is recommended, but this method is problematic in urban areas because of the risks of intoxication in the population and environmental contamination along with difficulties in isolating the treated areas. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternative methods aimed at minimizing the undesirable effects on the human population and the environment caused by termite control measures. The objective of this research was to evaluate the toxicity of several essential oils of Eucalyptus (E. camaldulensis, E. citriodora, E. tereticornis, E. pseudoglobulus, and E. maidenii) to the termite C. gestroi, under laboratory conditions. The oils were applied on filter papers that were infested with C. gestroi immediately after the treatment. The most toxic oil to the termite was E. citriodora, with the lowest lethal concentration (LC50: 0.63%) and the shortest lethal time (LT50: <1 h at 10%, LT50: 42.4 h at 1.25%). The least toxic oil was E. pseudoglobulus, with the highest lethal concentration (LC50: 3.66%) and the longest lethal time (LT50: 11.1 h at 10%; LT50: 473 h at 1.25%). These results indicate the potential for use of eucalyptus essential oils, especially for E. citriodora, for the control of C. gestroi. This article also provides information on the yield from essential oil extraction for different eucalyptus species.

Landscape level patterns of grasshopper communities in Inner Mongolia: interactive effects of livestock grazing and a precipitation gradient

Grasshoppers are a dominant herbivore assemblage globally and play an important role for ecosystem nutrient cycling. Yet, we lack a strong understanding of the relationship between grasshopper diversity and plant community composition at the landscape scale. Our aim was to test landscape scale relationships between plant and grasshopper communities. We used a large-scale, replicated experiment at four sites, including grazed and protected pastures across a 350 km transect and 200–400 mm precipitation gradient in the steppes of Inner Mongolia, China. We analyzed the relationships between plant and grasshopper parameters with ANOVAs and CCA. We collected 17 grasshopper species and 15,000+ individuals. The desert steppe (lowest precipitation) had the lowest grasshopper richness and diversity, but abundance was not different from the other sites. In two dry sites (desert steppe and Stipa steppe), livestock grazing decreased grasshopper diversity and increased abundance of the main pest species. In contrast, at the highest precipitation site (meadow steppe), grasshopper communities did not differ between grazing levels. Across all sites and grazing intensities, grasshopper abundance tended to be lowest and diversity highest in plant communities with intermediate levels of biomass and plant species richness. These results support the concept that appropriate land use management practices would be beneficial for increasing biodiversity, promoting grassland sustainability, and reducing outbreaks of the dominant pest grasshopper in Inner Mongolia. Our study suggests that different management approaches are necessary depending on the average annual precipitation and that the driest sites are most vulnerable to disturbance.

Assessing the relative culpability of Simulium (Diptera: Simuliidae) species in recent black fly outbreaks along the middle Orange River, South Africa

Black fly along the Orange River are major pests of livestock and labour-intensive agriculture, causing annual estimated industry losses in excess of US$30 million. The problem is attributed to winter high flows, with the main pest species being Simulium chutteri Lewis, 1965, although Simulium damnosum Theobald, 1903 and Simulium impukane de Meillon, 1936 may also be periodically problematic. During 2011, black fly outbreaks along the middle Orange River were perceived by farmers to have worsened and attributed to S. impukane. Here, we investigate the likelihood of this being the case, using a weight-of-evidence approach incorporating ecohydrological data. Results showed that it is unlikely that the 2011 outbreaks were caused by S. impukane, and more likely that the main outbreak cause remains S. chutteri. Sustained high flows and turbidity levels favour S. chutteri species over the other species of black fly, while flow conditions for a species such as S. impukane were favourable for 1% of the time only. However, during periods of lower flow and lower turbidity, other species of black fly may be favoured and contribute towards periodic outbreaks. We conclude that black fly control should focus on management issues around the control programme.

Understanding heliothine (Lepidoptera: Heliothinae) pests: what is a host plant?

Heliothine moths (Lepidoptera: Heliothinae) include some of the world's most devastating pest species. Whereas the majority of nonpest heliothinae specialize on a single plant family, genus, or species, pest species are highly polyphagous, with populations often escalating in size as they move from one crop species to another. Here, we examine the current literature on heliothine host-selection behavior with the aim of providing a knowledge base for research scientists and pest managers. We review the host relations of pest heliothines, with a particular focus on Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), the most economically damaging of all heliothine species. We then consider the important question of what constitutes a host plant in these moths, and some of the problems that arise when trying to determine host plant status from empirical studies on host use. The top six host plant families in the two main Australian pest species (H. armigera and Helicoverpa punctigera Wallengren) are the same and the top three (Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Malvaceae) are ranked the same (in terms of the number of host species on which eggs or larvae have been identified), suggesting that these species may use similar cues to identify their hosts. In contrast, for the two key pest heliothines in the Americas, the Fabaceae contains approximately 1/3 of hosts for both. For Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), the remaining hosts are more evenly distributed, with Solanaceae next, followed by Poaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, and Rosaceae. For Heliothis virescens (F.), the next highest five families are Malvaceae, Asteraceae, Solanaceae, Convolvulaceae, and Scrophulariaceae. Again there is considerable overlap in host use at generic and even species level. H. armigera is the most widely distributed and recorded from 68 plant families worldwide, but only 14 families are recorded as a containing a host in all geographic areas. A few crop hosts are used throughout the range as expected, but in some cases there are anomalies, perhaps because host plant relation studies are not comparable. Studies on the attraction of heliothines to plant odors are examined in the context of our current understanding of insect olfaction, with the aim of better understanding the connection between odor perception and host choice. Finally, we discuss research into sustainable management of pest heliothines using knowledge of heliothine behavior and ecology. A coordinated international research effort is needed to advance our knowledge on host relations in widely distributed polyphagous species instead of the localized, piecemeal approaches to understanding these insects that has been the norm to date.

Outbreaks of blackflies and related problems in Serbia: past and present situation

Due to the repeated outbreaks of blackflies, consequent economical losses and health problems, Serbia was considered as the most threatened European country in the past. During the last century (up to `60s), Simulium colombaschense caused enormous losses of livestock. Significant losses in poultry production caused by S. maculatum were also reported in 1958, while S. erythrocephalum caused severe dermatological problems in humans in 1965 and 1970. In the last fifteen years, repeated outbreaks of blackflies and reemerging of bite related problems in humans were recorded in some parts of Serbia. The research objective was to update the knowledge of blackfly pest species distribution in Serbia, with a special attention to endangered regions in the present and the past. Samplings were conducted in the period 2003-2012. Immature stages were collected from submerged substrates: in the Danube river and its tributaries, the Nera river and the Nisava river. Adults were sampled close to the breeding sites by application of CO2 baited traps or by light traps. In the lowlands 11 blackfly species were recorded. Two mammophilic species have been dominant: S. erythrocephalum in the Danube and S. ornatum (complex) in confluent streams. In 2010, S. erythrocephalum was recorded for the first time in the hilly area in southeastern Serbia. Periods of high adult population density of those two species coincided with the bite cases reports. In the Iron Gate region, 21 mainly mammophilic species were recorded in the Danube confluents exclusively. S. colombaschense, the main pest species in the past, was detected only in the Nera river, about 30 km upstream from the entrance of the Iron Gate. Present state of blackfly fauna composition indicates the existing risk of outbreaks of some species in the future. Acknowledgements: The study was supported by The Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia (projects TR31084 and III43007).