Minor Pest Research Articles

Understanding the Effects of Cardamom Cultivation on Its Local Environment Using Novel Systems Thinking Approach-the Case of Indian Cardamom Hills

Intensive cardamom cultivation in Indian Cardamom hills (ICH) has been related to severe ecological and environmental implications that can challenge the long-term sustainability of cardamom. This research study and analysis proposes a novel system approach for sustainable agroecological production of cardamom in southern India. The effects of intensive cardamom cultivation on its forest environment had been significant. A considerable increase in surface air temperature was observed in the ICH during the last three decades (1990–2020). The climate of the Cardamom hill reserves (CHR) has a very high variability of daily cycles (surface air temperature and relative humidity) compared to low variability of yearly cycles, which helped minor and major pests and diseases occur and spread throughout the season. The current hydrothermal condition of the soil fostered the occurrence of soil insect pests, resulting in higher pesticide use. Epiphytes peculiar to the CHR forest have been eliminated due to repeated, intense shade lopping of each tree. Variability occurred in cardamom growth and development and yield can be attributed to changes in the microclimatic environment prevailing in the micro habitats of the sloping hillsides. This study has revealed the possible link and various dimensions between the intensive growing practices that were positively reflected in its local climate and production system. The 75% shade level under the cardamom canopy influences the cardamom microclimatic conditions, the relative humidity close proximity with panicles was maximum (88.9%), and the mean air temperature was minimum (18.4°C). On the contrary, the relative humidity at canopy top was reduced (78.7%) but the mean air temperature was still high (27.4°C). This study also suggests that future energy transfers in the CHR production system must be understood for improving the long-term agricultural sustainability of cardamom cultivation in the ICH.

Grape Leaffolder, Desmia funeralis (Hübner) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

The grape leaffolder is a common and widely distributed species that is a minor pest of grapes in the United States. In California severe outbreaks have occurred in restricted areas during some years. These outbreaks have been associated with failures of parasites to attain their normal levels. In Florida the grape leaffolder has done substantial damage to grape leaves in September and October when growers have discontinued their spray programs after harvest. Excessive defoliation may deplete the food reserves in the vine sufficiently to reduce the size of the next crop. This document is EENY-192, one of a series of the Entomology and Nematology Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date February 2001. Revised August 2014 and February 2022.

A new PCR based molecular method for early and precise quantification of parasitization in the emerging olive pest Dasineura oleae.

BACKGROUND Dasineura oleae (Angelini 1831) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) was considered a minor pest in olive orchards, but in recent years severe outbreaks have been registered in several Mediterranean countries. Damage is caused by the feeding activity of larvae that induce gall formations and alters the physiological activity of the leaves. In Italy, this pest may be controlled by four Hymenoptera parasitoid species belonging to Platygaster and Mesopolobus genera such as Platygaster demades Walker 1835, Platygaster oleae Szelenyi 1940 (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae), Mesopolobus aspilus (Walker 1835) and Mesopolobus mediterraneus (Mayr 1903) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), but parasitization becomes evident only after gall dissection.RESULTSIn this study, we aim to: (i) design a primer for the detection of specimens belonging to Platygaster and Mesopolobus genera; (ii) develop a multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) protocol combined to a fast samples DNA extraction method; (iii) apply the developed protocol to field‐collected specimens and compare this method with traditional techniques based on visual estimation of parasitism rate on larvae. Primers were designed to anneal with cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of Platygaster and Mesopolobus genera while protocols were developed to be fast and capable to process several samples at the same time. Molecular analyses demonstrated to provide almost double of the parasitism rate assessed by visual inspection. Furthermore, on second instar larvae the PCR‐based method was able to detect ten‐fold times the parasitization rate estimated by visual inspection.CONCLUSIONThe application on a greater scale of this newly developed method could be fundamental in the determination of the biological control potential in olive orchards.

Dynamics in Pest Status of Phytophagous Stink Bugs in the Neotropics.

In this review article, we present and discuss the main factors influencing the change in pest status of phytophagous stink bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in the Neotropics. We have surveyed the published records over the past 50years and divided this timeframe into decades. This was done to rank in time the relative abundance (percentage) of the following species, known pests of commodities, in the Neotropical Region: the Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.); the green-bellied stink bugs, Diceraeus melacanthus Dallas and D. furcatus (F.); the redbanded stink bug, Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood); the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.); and the brown-winged stink bug, Edessa meditabunda (F.). The analysis showed that E. heros, D. melacanthus, and D. furcatus, formerly minor pests, in the last decade (2010s) became major pests. The once most important pest species, N. viridula and P. guildinii, decreased their pest status in the last decade. Edessa meditabunda, which never achieved high populations, showed a tendency to increase in abundance in the last two decades (2000s and 2010s). Major factors believed to influence the dynamics of pest populations of stink bugs in the Neotropics include cropping systems (no-tillage replacing conventional soil plowing, and crop rotation); genetically modified (GM) plants (mostly plants expressing insecticidal crystalline proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner - Bt); change in availability of host and associated plants in the new landscape scenario; increased usage of chemicals (insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides); and change in the role of natural enemies in modern day agriculture.

Prisustvo manje značajnih vrsta štetnih insekata u skladištima sa kukuruzom i pšenicom u Srbiji

The article presents the results of investigation into the presence and frequency of some minor insect pests in storages with maize and wheat in Serbia. The research was conducted in period 2019-2021. The following minor pest species were analyzed: cadelle beetle, European meal worm, dried-fruit beetle, spider beetles, and carpet beetles. Data on their morphology, ecology, harmfulness and presence in Serbian storages are provided for each taxon.

Occurrence of pentatomid bug, Degonetus serratus (Distance) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) feeding on teak in Gujarat

Pentatomidae are usually considered as minor and occasional pests feed on large number of cultivated crops as well as wild plants. During field visit, pentatomid bug, Degonetus serratus (Distance) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) was observed on teak plants in forest areas of Tapi district. The infestation was found sporadic along the river side teak plantation. This paper presents the first report of the occurrence of D. serratus and its sporadic infestation on teak which hitherto was not reported on teak from Gujarat.

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on alfalfa in Serbia: Seasonal dynamics and pest status

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the most important forage legume and one of the most widely grown crops in Serbia. Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are one of the most significant groups of pests of that crop. Three aphid species, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis craccivora and Therioaphis trifolii, are considered as important pests of alfalfa in Serbia. The most abundant of them, T. trifolii, is more adapted to warmer temperatures and it is the predominant aphid species during summer months, while A. pisum is prevalent during the spring period. In warmer climates, an increasing abundance of T. trifolii and decreasing populations of A. pisum have been observed in alfalfa in Serbia. On the other hand, A. craccivora is a minor pest of alfalfa, which rarely occurs in high numbers. The present paper synthesizes the existing knowledge about these three aphid pests of alfalfa, including their morphology, biology, seasonal dynamics, pest status and effects of temperature on their development.

Potential of Entomopathogenic Nematodes for the Control of Plangia graminea (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) under Laboratory Conditions

Plangia graminea, locally known as a katydids or “krompokkels”, is a minor pest of vineyards in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Is feed on leaves, and sporadically on the skin of grapevine berries. Under natural conditions, katydids are not of much agricultural importance, but pest outbreaks during favourable conditions can result in significant foliar damage. Observations indicate an increase in katydid abundance and damage intensity in recent years. Currently, no agrochemicals are registered for the control of this species, and its present natural enemies are unlikely to provide sufficient control without augmentation. In this study, 12 entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species were evaluated against the nymphs of Plangia graminea in laboratory bioassays, and mortality by infection was investigated. Seven locally occurring nematode species achieved significant mortality, with H. zealandica, H. indica, S. jeffreyense and S. yirgalemense being found to perform the best (> 90% mortality).

Mushroom Phorid Flies—A Review

Diptera are among the most serious arthropod pests affecting mushroom crops. Phorid flies, especially Megaselia halterata, have traditionally been globally considered as a minor pest, although they are a very important problem on Spanish mushroom farms. The concerns with respect to the phorid fly populations have recently increased, notably jumping from being a minor to major pest in India, UK and the USA, where yield losses ranging between 10% and 40% were reported. This review updates and summarizes the available literature regarding mushroom phorid populations, stressing the natural distribution of phorids and their seasonal distribution, their biology within the growing substrates and the initial sources of infestation on mushroom farms. Moreover, the review also highlights the scarce available tools for their control and the current alternatives to chemical products.

A revision of the genus Pachyrhinus Schnherr 1823 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Entiminae) in the Nearctic Region.

The North American species of the broad-nosed weevil genus Pachyrhinus Schnherr 1823 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Entiminae) are revised. Three species of Pachyrhinus are here recognized in North America: P. elegans (Couper 1865), P. californicus (Horn 1876), and P. cinereus (Casey 1888). Pachyrhinus lateralis (Casey 1888) and P. miscix (Fall 1901) are here designated as synonyms of P. elegans. Pachyrhinus crassicornis (Casey 1888) and P. albidus (Fall 1901) are here designated synonyms of P. cinereus (Casey 1888) The previously proposed synonymy of P. ferrugineus (Casey 1888) with P. californicus was confirmed. This revision includes detailed images of diagnostic characters as well as scanning electron micrographs of scale morphology for all species. A key to the Nearctic species of Pachyrhinus is provided. All Nearctic species of Pachyrhinus are considered minor pests of Pinus spp. [Pinaceae].

Incidence of bark feeding borer, Indarbela quadrinotata Walker (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) on Sonneratia apetala in the Mangroves of Maharashtra, India

The bark feeding caterpillar Indarbela quadrinotata is a polyphagous insect, which attack different tree species of forestry importance, horticultural plants and occasionally the mangroves. Though this pest is considered as minor pest, it occasionally causes outbreak if the conditions are favourable. This was observed causing damage to the mangrove plant species particularly on Sonneratia apetala in the mangroves of Airoli and Vashi creek of Thane district of Maharashtra in the year 2018. This is the first incidence of its infestation on S. apetala in this region. The intensity of the pest incidence was spordic to moderate level and the percentage of attack was 20-35%. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana spore solution at the concentration of 2.4×108 Spores/ml can control the pest.

Evaluating the Impact of Two Generalist Predators on the Leafhopper Erasmoneura vulnerata Population Density.

Simple SummaryErasmoneura vulnerata, a grapevine leafhopper native to North America, was detected in Europe (North-eastern Italy) in the early 2000s. Although it is considered a minor pest in its native range, outbreaks of this species have been reported in North-eastern Italy. In this study, we investigated the potential of two generalist predators, i.e., Chrysoperla carnea and Orius majusculus, in suppressing E. vulnerata in laboratory and semi-field experiments. Both species significantly reduced nymph numbers in laboratory and semi-field conditions. For this reason, field trials were performed. Predator releases in vineyards reduced E. vulnerata abundance by about 30%. Since naturally occurring E. vulnerata antagonists exert a moderate impact and the effectiveness of natural insecticides is limited, the augmentative release of generalist predators can be considered a complementary tool in controlling E. vulnerata populations in vineyards, particularly in organic farms.Outbreaks of the Nearctic leafhopper Erasmoneura vulnerata represent a threat to vinegrowers in Southern Europe, in particular in North-eastern Italy. The pest outbreaks are frequent in organic vineyards because insecticides labeled for organic viticulture show limited effectiveness towards leafhoppers. On the other hand, the naturally occurring predators and parasitoids of E. vulnerata in vineyards are often not able to keep leafhopper densities at acceptable levels for vine-growers. In this study, we evaluated the potential of two generalist, commercially available predators, Chrysoperla carnea and Orius majusculus, in suppressing E. vulnerata. Laboratory and semi-field experiments were carried out to evaluate both species’ predation capacity on E. vulnerata nymphs. The experiments were conducted on grapevine leaves inside Petri dishes (laboratory) and on potted and caged grapevines (semi-field); in both experiments, the leaves or potted plants were infested with E. vulnerata nymphs prior to predator releases. Both predator species exhibited a remarkable voracity and significantly reduced leafhopper densities in laboratory and semi-field experiments. Therefore, field studies were carried out over two growing seasons in two vineyards. We released 4 O. majusculus adults and 30 C. carnea larvae per m2 of canopy. Predator releases in vineyards reduced leafhopper densities by about 30% compared to the control plots. Results obtained in this study showed that the two predators have a potential to suppress the pest density, but more research is required to define appropriate predator–prey release ratios and release timing. Studies on intraguild interactions and competition with naturally occurring predators are also suggested.

Ornamental plants in the Southern Region of Albania contaminated by entomoparasites of U/Order Coccoinea, Insecta Class

Ornamental plants in the Southern Region of Albania contaminated by entomoparasites of U/Order Coccoinea, Insecta Class

Taxonomic documentation of phototactic insect pests species collected from light trap during Rabi season vegetable ecosystem at Chhindwara (M.P.)

An experiment was conducted under the taxonomic documentation of phototactic insect pests collected in light trap during Rabi season in vegetable ecosystem at Chhindwara (M.P.). Information on insect fauna of vegetable collected at Chhindwara M.P. The data of trap catch during Rabi 2019-20 was classified on taxonomic basis, economic aspect (crop pest) and bio control significance (parasite and predators) a total 64 insect species belonging to 10 orders and 33 families were recorded throughout the season (Rabi 2019-20) based on number of species collected, largest collection was represented by order Lepidoptera 24 species (44.75%) followed by order Hemiptera 14 species (21.87%), Coleoptera 9 species (14.06%), Orthoptera 3 species (4.68%) and Hymenoptera 2 species (3.12%) in descending order respectively. Orders of minor significance are represented by Odonata, Diptera and Neuroptera having 2 species each while Dermaptera and Dictyoptera were represented by one species only. Based on economic importance this collection was represented by 44 species of harmful insects (as crop pest) 20 species of predatory and parasitic insects (useful as bio control agents). Category of harmful insect pests includes the major and minor pest species of vegetables, major polyphagous pest, pest of cereals, oilseeds and other crops.

Occurrence of the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) in Melipona rufiventris colonies in Brazil

Several traits make stingless bees attractive to parasites of honey bee colonies. The small hive beetle (SHB) Aethina tumida, a honey bee colony scavenger/parasite native to sub-Saharan Africa, where is considered only a minor pest, is now present on almost all continents, including the Latin America region in South America. SHB has been recorded in Brazil since 2016 in Africanized honey bees and generaly the beetle does not seem cause negative impacts. European honey bees, on the other hand, suffer considerable damage when parasitized by SHB, suggesting a potential threat to other susceptible social bees. The present study reports the first occurrence of SHB in stingless bees in Brazil, and is an alert to authorities and stingless beekeepers to prevent infestations.

Yaupon Psyllid Gyropsylla ilecis (Ashmead) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphalaridae)

The yaupon psyllid, Gyropsylla ilecis (Ashmead), is a native insect of the family Psyllidae, order Hemiptera (Figure 1). The insect is inconspicuous during most of the year, but the leaf galls it produces in spring are more easily observed. Nymphs feed on the new growth of yaupon holly, Ilex vomitoria, causing leaves to deform into a protective gall. The yaupon holly, native to the southeastern United States, is used as an ornamental tree or shrub and has also been used for centuries to produce a caffeinated, tea-like beverage. The yaupon psyllid is considered a minor aesthetic pest due to the unsightly presence of galls and some stunting of twigs. However, yaupon holly is rarely severely damaged by this insect.

Rice yellow hairy caterpillar, Psalis pennatula Fabricius (Lymantriidae: Lepidoptera) an emerging pest of paddy in Assam

Psalis pennatula Fabricius, rice yellow hairy caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), earlier recorded as a minor pest from different rice growing areas of Assam, has been observed to increase in severity during recent years. The caterpillar is a voracious feeder and can consume whole leaves of tillers within a day. Keeping in view, an attempt was made to study its biology at the Department of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat under laboratory conditions of 29 ± 1°C and RH 80 ± 5%. The study indicated that the insect completed its life cycle within 51 to 69 days. The incubation period ranged from 4 to 6 days. The larvae passed through six to seven instars. The total fecundity of P. pennatula ranged from 25–108 eggs. The adult male lived for 6.5 to 8 days whereas the female lived for 5 to 7 days.

Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pests of Apple in Mid Hills of Meghalaya

Seasonal incidence of major insect pests of apple in mid hills of Meghalaya was evaluated during 2018 at the Experimental farm of CPGSAS, Umiam, Meghalaya. A total of 43 insect species were observed. The major ones include- green apple aphid Aphis pomi De Geer, pale tussock moth Calliteara pudibunda L., tussock moth Euproctis guttata Collenette, giant looper Ascotis selenaria Denis and Schiffermuller and cocoa tussock moth Orgyia postica Walker. Also, 21 species were observed as minor pests, ten species as natural enemies, two species as pollinators and five species as occasional visitors. Results revealed that the aphid incidence is at its peak (34.75 aphids/ 10cm apical length of twig/shoot/ plant) on the 25th SMW (standard meteorological week) (3rd week of June 2018). Such a peak of pale tussock moth larval incidence (3.82 larva/ plant) was during 28th SMW (2nd week of July). Likewise, the tussock moth larval incidence (4.15 larvae/ plant) was its peak on the 35th SMW (last week of August). The giant looper was at its peak (3.46 larvae/ plant) in the 28th SMW (2nd week of July). The cocoa tussock moth incidence was at the maximum of 4.75 larvae/ plant on the 26th SMW (27th June). Correlation coefficients (r) indicated significant correlation between the incidence of green apple aphid with maximum temperature; and larval incidence of tussock moth and cocoa tussock moth exhibiting a significant correlation with minimum temperature. Regression analysis done herein will provide the impact of independent variables on the dependent variables.

STUDIES ON MULBERRY PEST (GLYPHODES PYLOALIS WALKER) AS AN ALTERNATE HOST TO THE PATHOGENS OF SILKWORM (BOMBYX MORI L.) DISEASES

In the present study, susceptibility of the mulberry pest G. pyloalis to the pathogens of silkworm, Bombyx mori was ascertained. The survey was carried out at the three locations viz. Mulberry farms of College of Temperate Sericulture, Mirgund and two mulberry farms of Sericulture Development Department, J&K located at Mirgund and Tulsibagh, Srinagar. The plantation is ravaged by different pests and diseases and as many as 11 major and 10 minor insect pests have been reported from Jammu and Kashmir (Sharma and Tara, 1985; Khan et al., 2004). Under temperate conditions, G. pyloalis (Walker) causes severe damage to mulberry crop and is considered as a major pest of mulberry in Jammu and Kashmir (Fotadar et al., 1998). Zeya et al. (2003) reported 20-25 percent damage to mulberry foliage in Kashmir is due to G. Pyloalis during July to October. The survey study showed high infestation of G. Pyloalis during the month of October, 2017 and 2018. The maximum infestation of 73.03% was observed at SDD Tulsi Bagh followed by 45.20% at SDD Mirgund and 32.99% at CoTS Farm. During the study various stages of G. Pyloalis were found infected with the Microsporidian and Nuclear Polyhedral Virus whereas Fungal and bacterial pathogens were not observed during the present study. The mean incidence of Microsporidian and NPV was observed as 4.22% and 5.99% percent respectively during October, 2017. In the present study, susceptibility of the mulberry pest G. Pyloalis to the pathogens of silkworm, Bombyx mori was ascertained so that management strategies are taken accordingly

East Asian Cryphalus Erichson (Curculionidae, Scolytinae): new species, new synonymy and redescriptions of species.

Cryphalus Erichson, 1836 is a taxonomically challenging genus. It is particularly speciose in Asia. Many species are minor pests of fruit tree crops and forest products. We review collections from East Asia, using external morphology, internal morphology and genetic markers with a focus on sub-tropical species from fruit trees. Four new species are described; Cryphalus gnetivorus Johnson, sp. nov., C. itinerans Johnson, sp. nov., C. morivorus Johnson, sp. nov., and C. paramangiferae Johnson, sp. nov. Ten species are redescribed to enable accurate identification: C. artocarpus (Schedl, 1939), C. dilutus Eichhoff, 1878, C. dorsalis (Motschulsky, 1866), C. exiguus Blandford, 1894, C. kyotoensis Nobuchi, 1966, C. lipingensis Tsai & Li, 1963 (= C. kesiyae Browne, 1975, syn. nov.), C. mangiferae Stebbing, 1914 (= C. artestriatus Browne, 1970, syn. nov.), C. meridionalis (Nobuchi, 1975), C. scopiger Berger, 1917, and C. viburni Stark, 1936. Additional records from new localities and new hosts are also presented.