Panolis Flammea Research Articles

Determination of chemical markers affecting the occurrence of Panolis flammea Den. & Shiff.

AbstractThe research conducted so far on the chemical mechanisms of trees' defence against foliophages has not uncovered the chemical compounds biosynthesized by plants that are essential for these mechanisms. The objective of this study was to identify a chemical indicator for the presence of the pine beauty moth in Pinus sylvestris stands. Fresh needled shoots were collected from the crowns of pine trees in stands where the pine beauty moth tends to occur in large numbers, as well as from control stands. Total phenolic contents, total flavonoids contents, total chlorophyll content, terpene compounds, phenolic compound concentration, LMWOAs, sugar content, and colour analysis were conducted. Chlorophyll content, the presence of Panolis flammea in forest stands, and the colour of pine needles were discovered to be related. Variable L* correlated positively with the concentrations of chlorophyll a and b. In pine needles that were not attacked by the pine beauty moth, significantly higher concentrations of 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, salicylic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, quercitin, and rutin were found, with the first compound having the most significant effect (4‐hydroxybenzoic acid). Based on the study results, the connected compounds in pine needles make them susceptible to insect attack. In addition, insect repellent programmes were mentioned.

Mass Reproduction Outbreaks of the Phyllophagous Insects in Forests of the North-West of the European Part of Russia

Data on the species composition and dynamics of outbreaks of needle- and leaf-eating pests that pose a danger to forest stands in the Arkhangelsk, Leningrad and Murmansk regions,as well as in the Republics of Karelia and Komi were summarized and analyzed. A significant decrease in the frequency of reproduction outbreaks of certain types of needle- and leaf-eating pests was shown, which corresponds to the trends for some other regions. For the pine looper (Bupalus piniaria (L.)), the pine beauty (Pannolis flammea), the buff-tip (Phalera bucephala (L.)), the rusty tussock moth (Orgyia antiqua (L.)) and the white satin moth (Leucoma salicis (L.)), who have had a few mass reproduction outbreaks in the aforementioned regions, no significant increase in population density was observed for 25 years or more. An increase in outbreak activity and expansion of the damage area to the north is likely for the winter moth (Operophtera brumata (L.)) and the autumnal moth (Epirrita autumnata). The larch tortrix (Zeiraphera griseana) and the spruce sawfly (Gilpinia hercynia) are in the list of potential dangers as well. These species have only one, but an extremely extensive reproduction outbreak. The red pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer Geoffr.) and possibly the common pine sawfly (Diprion pini (L.)) will continue to play a significant role as pests of young stands. The dynamics of their outbreaks, apparently, is determined by climatic changes and, to no lesser extent, by the presence of large areas of conifers’ regeneration. An increase in the fluctuations’ amplitude of the pests populations’ density in urban plantations is likely to occur, especially the miner moths (Phyllonorycter isskii, Ph. populifoliella and Ph. apparella), for which the current climate warming is a fundamentally important factor.

Effects of soil humidity on respiration and frost resistance during winter diapause in the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea

Abstract Panolis flammea is an important pest whose populations intermittently outbreak in Europe. The species overwinters as pharate moths in the pupal stage in soil. Details on the metabolic activity and cold hardiness of P. flammea during the overwintering period have not been published. Therefore, we assessed O2 consumption and the supercooling point (SCP) of P. flammea in late November, mid‐February, and mid‐March and the influence of soil humidity under fluctuating temperatures and with brief exposures to two increased temperature regimes (10 and 20°C). The respiration pattern indicated diapause termination in mid‐February. A threshold of 0.169 μl O2 h−1 mg−1 fresh weight indicated potentially activated pre‐emerging moths. Drought increased respiration rates. The SCP was lowest in mid‐February (−22.2°C) and was negatively correlated with pupal mass. The frost tolerance tended to increase with low substrate humidity, especially at the end of the overwintering period. Our results indicate that P. flammea requires more energy during dry and mild winters than in wet and cold winters. Winter diapause termination and post‐diapause development may therefore be accelerated as environmental warming and drought increase.

POPULATION INDICATORS OF SAWFLIES AND CONCOMITANT SPECIES OF NEEDLE-EATING SPECIES IN THE STANDS OF THE PRYTIASMYN RIDGE

Due to the consequences of climate change, namely a decrease in the groundwater level, there is a massive weakening of Scots pine stands in the forests of Ukraine. Against the background of dynamic weakening of trees, annual warm winters, the establishment of warm, sunny, and dry weather in spring contribute to the spread of needle-eating pests, especially sawflies. The purpose of this study was to clarify the species composition and biological features of certain species of needle-eating insects of the Prytiasmyn Ridge and the degree of threat to plantings from needle-eating insects, namely from sawflies and related species. At the stage of reconnaissance survey of pine stands, the method of qualitative and quantitative assessment of sawflies and related species of needle-eating insects was tested. During the survey of plantings of the Prytiasmyn Ridge, Defoliating insects of the following species were found: Acantholyda erythrocephala, Acantholyda posticalis, Dendrolimus pini, Panolis flammea, Sphinx pinastri isolated, most pine stands predominate in number Diprion pini and its concomitant species Gilpinia frutetorum and Gilpinia virens. The provides results of observations on the population of Diprion pini and concomitant species Gilpinia frutetorum and Gilpinia virens in pine stands with determination of distribution, phenological and biological features. As a result of the survey of stands inhabited by needle-eating insects, it was established in which phase of the outbreak the pest population is, to which categories the breeding centres and biological features of Diprion pini and related species under these conditions belong. The population indicators of the common pine sawfly Diprion pini and concomitant species in the stands of the Prytiasmyn ridge of the Cherkasy Oblast were evaluated. It was found that the number of these species is increasing, e.g., in 2021 the average number of viable cocoons of Diprion pini females was 21%, and the density of cocoons in the detritus (or forest floor) was 0.53 units·m-2 compared to the indicators of 2020 of 12% and 0.19 units·m-2 , respectively. Similarly, the number of concomitant species Gilpinia frutetorum and Gilpinia virens is increasing, the average density of cocoons in the detritus (or forest floor) of which was 1.39 units·m-2 in 2020, and 1.87 units·m-2 in 2021. As a result of the reconnaissance and detailed surveys, foci of the needle-eating insect complex were found with a total area of 128.0 ha, the determined defoliation rate of the crown was from 30% to 50%. The obtained accounting data allow assessing the potential for the reproduction of populations of Defoliating insects and indicate the need for further monitoring observations in the pine stands of the Prytiasmyn ridge

Thermal sum drives abundance and distribution range shift of Panolis flammea in Finland

ABSTRACT Climate change has assisted the northward range expansion of various forest insect pests, increasing the risk of forest damage in Northern Europe. The pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea, is common in European pine stands with cyclical outbreaks that have damaged thousands of hectares. In the 1970s, its Finnish northern distribution limit was reported to be 64°N. We re-evaluated the northernmost distribution limit of P. flammea in Finland and studied the effect of temperature sum on its abundance. We used pheromone-based traps throughout Finland in 2019–2020. The number of individuals caught in each trap was coupled with previous year thermal sums from the same location, and the relationship between them was analysed using a generalised linear mixed model. P. flammea had spread into northern Finland to 68°51’N, at ∼10.2 km/year, 50 years ahead of earlier predictions. We found a non-linear correlation between thermal sums and P. flammea abundance, increasing from cold to warm areas. Given the climate change scenarios for Fennoscandia, its range and population could continue to increase, allowing it to become another widespread coniferous-forest insect pest. Understanding the effects of temperature on its populations will allow us to model their probable future distribution and population dynamics.

Current State of Pineries in Zhytomyr Polissia Under the Influence of Environmental Factors

Recently, there has been a massive drying of conifers all over the world. In North America and Siberia, there are millions of hectares of shrunken plantings; in Europe, pines and firs have been drying up over the past two decades. Furthermore, considerable damage is caused to woody plants by phyto-pest and phyto-diseases, since mass reproduction of Ips typographus Linnaeus, Ips acuminatus Gyllenhal has been observed in Europe in recent years, Dendroctonus micans Kud – in North America, Polygraphus proximus Blandford – in East Asia. Nematodes also cause significant damage to pine forests. Among phyto-diseases, Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. harmfully affects Pinus sylvestris L. The appearance of foci of shrunken trees in different parts of the globe indicates the global nature of processes associated with cyclical planetary processes and climate change. This study describes climate changes in the research region for 1961-2020. According to the analysis, it was found that for 2009-2020, considerable damage to pine plantations in Zhytomyr Polissia is caused among needle-eating insects – Panolis flammea Denis & Schiffermuller, Diprion pini L., Neodiprion sertifer Geoffroy; among other pests – Aradus cinnamomeus Panz, Dendrolimus pini L., Bupalus piniarius L. The greatest harmful effect that pineries have recently sustained has been caused by Diprion pini L. It was also found out that among phyto-diseases suffered by the pine forests, significant damage has been done by Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref., with the damaged area of 13.0-14.2 thousand hectares. Hydrothermal analysis was performed for 2009-2020. The influence of solar activity on the number of phyto-pest and diseases is analysed. This paper provides the estimate of the amount of CO2 emissions is given for 2009-2020. It was found that since 2014, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions has decreased from 1.5 million tonnes to 0.6 million tonnes. Correlation analysis of all indicators indicated a high mutual influence between the area of trees damaged by insect pest, root sponge, the Wolf number, and CO2 emissions to the environment. Mathematical dependences are obtained to predict the influence of the W number on damage to pineries by forest pests and diseases in the conditions of Zhytomyr Polissia

Trends in Outbreaks of Defoliating Insects Highlight Growing Threats for Central European Forests, and Implications for Eastern Baltic Region

To identify general patterns in the effect of climate-driven changes in the outbreak frequency of forest defoliating species, we examined 60 years of records (1950–2010) of outbreaks of five defoliating species. Data on Lymantria dispar, Lymantria monacha, Bupalus piniarius, Panolis flammea, and Operophtera brumata from five Central European countries (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Germany), where the current climate is comparable with the projections of climate for the Eastern Baltic region by the end of the 21st century, were analyzed. Time series approach was applied to estimate the linkage between outbreaks and climate warming. Mean annual, summer, and winter deviations for the period of 1850 to 1900 were assessed as proxies of warming. To estimate the legacy effect, warming proxies were lagged by one year. Among those tested, warming proxies showed a linkage with outbreaks. Three significant outbreaks occurred in the analyzed period (at the beginning and end of the period). During the middle part of the analyzed period, the frequency and magnitude of outbreaks were low, implicating a higher insect outbreak risk with warming in Central Europe. In the latter part of the analyzed period, more frequent yet smaller outbreaks occurred, which supports the outbreak linkage with one-year lag, summer, and annual temperatures.

A new Panolis Hübner, [1821] species from Vietnam (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Orthosiini).

Panolis is a well-defined and compact Palearctic trifine Noctuidae genus within the subfamily Hadeninae, tribus Orthosiini. It is currently represented by seven species and one subspecies: Panolis flammea ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775), Panolis japonica Draudt, 1935, Panolis variegatoides Poole, 1989, Panolis exquisita Draudt, 1950, Panolis pinicortex Draudt, 1950, Panolis pinicortex exornata Hreblay & Ronkay, 1997, Panolis estheri Ronkay, Ronkay, Gyulai & Hacker, 2010 and Panolis ningshan Wang, Fan, Owada, Wang & Nylin, 2014. Only one species (P. flammea) occurs in the Western Palearctic region, while all others are found in the eastern part of Asia. No Panolis species is known outside of the Palearctic region. The genus is connected to coniferous woodlands as the larvae are feed on various species of pines. Imagoes are on the wing during the spring, from late February until May. All Panolis species have an unmistakable, rather decorative external appearance with fine and conspicuous pink-red-purple or dark orange ground colouration, and remarkable noctuid patterns. Most recent information about the genus was provided by Wang et. al, 2014, including his description of a new species, and a morphological and molecular analysis in order to reconstructing the phylogeny of the genus, and exploring its Chines Oriental origin. Present paper contains the description of a new Panolis species found recently in Vietnam, from where the genus was not known so far. This discovery expands our knowledge about Panolis and support the statement of the Chines Oriental origin.

Impact of tree stand species diversity on the mortality of pupae of pine beauty (Panolis flammea Schiff.)and pine-hawk moth (Hyloicus pinastri L.) in the plant litter

The goal of the study was to determine the mortality of pupae of Panolis flammea and Hyloicus pinastri caused by Micromammalia in pine tree stands and in deciduous tree and bush patches present in such tree stands. The pupae of P. flammea and H. pinastri were put in the forest plant litter. The observations were conducted in the period between 6th February 2015 and 12th March 2015 in eight tree and bush patches and in eight pine tree stands. It was shown that the number of insectivorous rodents is higher in small deciduous tree and bush patches than in the surrounding pine tree stands. The species composition of deciduous vegetation packets may not have significant impact on the numbers and feeding activity of small rodents damaging the pupae of pine beauty. Large pupae of pine-hawk month are more attractive for small rodents than smaller pupae of pine beauty.

Bacillus thuringiensis impacts on primary and secondary baculovirus transmission dynamics in Lepidoptera

Synergistic interactions between entomopathogenic micro-organisms can potentially be exploited to improve biological control of invertebrate pests but empirical data at the population level describing multiple-pathogen transmission dynamics is lacking. We examined how co-inoculation of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) and the baculovirus Panolis flammea nucleopolyhedrovirus (PaflNPV) in an experimental field population of Lepidopteran Mamestra brassicae larvae impacted on viral transmission dynamics. We determined how the presence of Btk influenced primary and secondary PaflNPV transmission. When Btk was co-inoculated with PaflNPV, there was increased proportional viral mortality in primary transmission studies compared to plots with virus alone. A delay of up to 4days between applications of Btk and PaflNPV did not impact on primary viral mortality, indicating that a lag between inoculations was unlikely to affect the biocontrol potential of the two pathogens. Viral yields from cadavers in plots with Btk present were significantly lower than those from plots with virus only, and secondary cycling to introduced secondary transmission larvae was significantly reduced. Baculovirus transmission (in terms of the proportion of uninfected larvae in different treatments) was described by a ‘refuge’ model that allowed for heterogeneity in susceptibility and pathogen exposure. We discuss how transmission may be potentially affected by factors such as host feeding rate, spatial distribution of virus and interactions between pathogens within the insect host. This study improves understanding of the impact of pathogens within host populations and how mixtures of pathogens may be exploited for biocontrol of insect pests.

Reconstructing human impact on peatland development during the past 200 years in CE Europe through biotic proxies and X-ray tomography

We present the past 200 years palaeoecology of a peatland located in W Poland. This site is very important from the point of view of regional nature conservation. Plant macrofossils, testate amoebae, peat microtomography and radiocarbon dating were used in high-resolution to reconstruct the recent human impact on the peatland. In this study, we hypothesise that recent disturbance associated with peatland drainage and forest transformation has affected the development of the peatland and its trophic states. We sought to answer several questions. I) How pristine is the Rzecin peatland? II) Did the outbreak of Panolis flammea and the deforestation of 90% of the area of the Noteć Forest affect the water table and the pH of the Rzecin peatland? III) Did the construction of the Rzecin Canal through the drainage of the peatland (in the 1880s and 1890s) strongly influence the changes in the ground water of the Rzecin peatland? Deforestation and the digging of the Rzecin drainage canal between AD 1880 and AD 1890 marked the beginning of major changes in the wetland ecosystem and caused habitat acidification. The next acidification event, connected with Sphagnum appearance, began ca AD 1990. Based on our quantitative reconstruction, the water table decreased during the years preceding P. flammea outbreak in AD 1923. Then, the water table increased after the outbreak correlated with the historical maps that show ephemeral lakes in the Noteć Forest. The wetland examined by the current study was formerly perceived as highly natural, but its state is far from pristine, being very unstable during the last 200 years. Catastrophic events in the catchment change wetlands to a greater extent than we suppose, and their pristine state may not have existed for centuries.

Genetic and morphological variety in Lepidoptera: Evidence from monomorphic Panolis flammea L. and polymorphic Archips podana Scop.

The variability of the mtDNA locus COI and morphology of male reproductive structures were analyzed in a monomorphic (Panolis flammea) and a polymorphic (Archipspodana) moth species. The level of population heterogeneity was related to reproductive behavior and the feeding range. In P. flammea, in contrast to A. podana, copulation does not depend on particular guiding structures. The continuous character of variation in the number and size of prongs on the aedeagus indicates that P. flammea is monomorphic by these traits. The level of nucleotide variation in the COI locus of mtDNA was also higher in the polymorphic A. podana than in the monomorphic P. flammea, possibly correlating with morphological intraspecies variation.

Phylogeny, systematics and biogeography of the genus panolis (lepidoptera: noctuidae) based on morphological and molecular evidence.

The genus Panolis is a small group of noctuid moths with six recognized species distributed from Europe to East Asia, and best known for containing the widespread Palearctic pest species P. flammea, the pine beauty moth. However, a reliable classification and robust phylogenetic framework for this group of potentially economic importance are currently lacking. Here, we use morphological and molecular data (mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S ribosomal RNA, nuclear gene elongation factor-1 alpha) to reconstruct the phylogeny of this genus, with a comprehensive systematic revision of all recognized species and a new one, P. ningshan sp. nov. The analysis results of maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferring methods for the combined morphological and molecular data sets are highly congruent, resulting in a robust phylogeny and identification of two clear species groups, i.e., the P. flammea species group and the P. exquisita species group. We also estimate the divergence times of Panolis moths using two conventional mutation rates for the arthropod mitochondrial COI gene with a comparison of two molecular clock models, as well as reconstruct their ancestral areas. Our results suggest that 1) Panolis is a young clade, originating from the Oriental region in China in the Late Miocene (6–10Mya), with an ancestral species in the P. flammea group extending northward to the Palearctic region some 3–6 Mya; 2) there is a clear possibility for a representative of the Palearctic clade to become established as an invasive species in the Nearctic taiga.

Forest defoliator outbreaks under climate change: effects on the frequency and severity of outbreaks of five pine insect pests

To identify general patterns in the effects of climate change on the outbreak dynamics of forest-defoliating insect species, we examined a 212-year record (1800-2011) of outbreaks of five pine-defoliating species (Bupalus piniarius, Panolis flammea, Lymantria monacha, Dendrolimus pini, and Diprion pini) in Bavaria, Germany for the evidence of climate-driven changes in the severity, cyclicity, and frequency of outbreaks. We also accounted for historical changes in forestry practices and examined effects of past insecticide use to suppress outbreaks. Analysis of relationships between severity or occurrence of outbreaks and detrended measures of temperature and precipitation revealed a mixture of positive and negative relationships between temperature and outbreak activity. Two moth species (P.flammea and Dendrolimus pini) exhibited lower outbreak activity following years or decades of unusually warm temperatures, whereas a sawfly (Diprion pini), for which voltinism is influenced by temperature, displayed increased outbreak occurrence in years of high summer temperatures. We detected only one apparent effect of precipitation, which showed Dendrolimus pini outbreaks tending to follow drought. Wavelet analysis of outbreak time series suggested climate change may be associated with collapse of L.monacha and Dendrolimus pini outbreak cycles (loss of cyclicity and discontinuation of outbreaks, respectively), but high-frequency cycles for B.piniarius and P.flammea in the late 1900s. Regional outbreak severity was generally not related to past suppression efforts (area treated with insecticides). Recent shifts in forestry practices affecting tree species composition roughly coincided with high-frequency outbreak cycles in B.piniarius and P.flammea but are unlikely to explain the detected relationships between climate and outbreak severity or collapses of outbreak cycles. Our results highlight both individualistic responses of different pine-defoliating species to climate changes and some patterns that are consistent across defoliator species in this and other forest systems, including collapsing of population cycles.

Die Entwicklung der Forleule (Panolis flammea Schiff.) 1931 im Lorenzer Reichswald

Zeitschrift für Angewandte EntomologieVolume 20, Issue 2 p. 169-203 Die Entwicklung der Forleule (Panolis flammea Schiff.) 1931 im Lorenzer Reichswald Dr. B. Adolf Marcus, Search for more papers by this author Dr. B. Adolf Marcus, Search for more papers by this author First published: January/December 1934 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0418.1934.tb00360.xCitations: 5AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume20, Issue2January/December 1934Pages 169-203 RelatedInformation

Changing dynamics of the pine beauty moth (Panolis flammea) in Britain: the loss of enemy free space?

Abstract1 The pine beauty moth Panolis flammea has two main host plants in Britain: Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine), which is the ancestral food plant where the insect is never abundant enough to cause tree mortality, and Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine), an introduced host tree that has experienced periodic widespread tree mortality due to this pest.2 We review the recent literature, published mostly after the year 2000, regarding the impact of natural enemies on the population dynamics of P. flammea in Britain.3 The natural enemies of P. flammea are more diverse and abundant in Scots pine habitat than in lodgepole pine habitat and some of them show differential selection for P. flammea larvae in Scots pine habitat over those located in lodgepole pine habitat.4 It is concluded that the difference in the population dynamics of this insect in the two different habitats was probably the result of the P. flammea finding enemy‐free space in lodgepole pine habitat.5 Recent evidence on the diversity and impact of natural enemies on lodgepole pine has demonstrated that they currently have a much more significant impact on this pest than they did in the 1970s and 1980s, when outbreaks were frequent.

Asynchrony in larval development of the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea, on an introduced host plant may affect parasitoid efficacy

In the United Kingdom, Panolis flammea (Den. and Schiff.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest species of the introduced lodgepole pine but not of its natural host Scots pine. The timing of P. flammea larval growth must be synchronized with its host tree if the larvae are to succeed. We collected field data during 1990 which revealed that the phenological window starts earlier in Scots pine and is shorter than that observed in lodgepole pine. The larvae are found in the field earlier and within a narrower time frame within a Scots pine forest than in a lodgepole pine forest. The larval developmental period is significantly longer on lodgepole pine than on Scots pine. The synchrony/asynchrony of P. flammea to its natural host (Scots pine) and an introduced tree (lodgepole pine) results in the parasitoids having a different impact on the larvae of the two hosts. At any one time, the host plant, caterpillars and parasitoids are more synchronous on the ancestral Scots pine than on lodgepole pine, resulting in a higher percentage of larvae in the optimal instar for parasitism at that time. In lodgepole pine, the percentage of suitable instars available to parasitoids is lower at any given time. The information presented here furthers our understanding of the possible mechanisms for the observed differential population dynamics of the insect on Scots pine and lodgepole pine in the UK.

Host mediated selection of pathogen genotypes as a mechanism for the maintenance of baculovirus diversity in the field

The genetic diversity of many DNA virus populations in nature is unknown, but for those that have been studied it has been found to be relatively high. This is particularly true for baculoviruses, a family of large double-stranded DNA viruses that infect the larval stages of insects. Why there should be such heterogeneity within these virus populations is puzzling and what sustains it is still unknown. It has long been recognized that some baculoviruses have a relatively wide host range, but the effect of different host species on the genotypic structure of a baculovirus population has received little attention. We provide evidence that infection of different insect species can influence the genetic diversity of a Panolis flammea nucleopolyhedrovirus (PaflNPV) population, isolated from the pine beauty moth. Variable regions of the PaflNPV genome were sequenced and novel ORFs were identified on each of the enlarged fragments. The roles of these orfs and the implications of their presence or absence within different genotypes are discussed. The variable fragments were also labelled with 32P and used as polymorphic genetic markers of genotype abundance. The proportion of polymorphic loci changed after passage in different insect species and this varied among species, suggesting a role for host selection of pathogen genotypes in the field as a mechanism for maintaining genetic diversity. These results have wide-ranging implications for understanding the ecology of insect–virus interactions in the natural environment and the evolution of baculovirus life history strategies.

Genetic differentiation in Scottish populations of the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea (Denis & Schiffermüller), is a recent but persistent pest of lodgepole pine plantations in Scotland, but exists naturally at low levels within remnants and plantations of Scots pine. To test whether separate host races occur in lodgepole and Scots pine stands and to examine colonization dynamics, allozyme, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and mitochondrial variation were screened within a range of Scottish samples. RAPD analysis indicated limited long distance dispersal (FST=0.099), and significant isolation by distance (P<0.05); but that colonization between more proximate populations was often variable, from extensive to limited exchange. When compared with material from Germany, Scottish samples were found to be more diverse and significantly differentiated for all markers. For mtDNA, two highly divergent groups of haplotypes were evident, one group contained both German and Scottish samples and the other was predominantly Scottish. No genetic differentiation was evident between P. flammea populations sampled from different hosts, and no diversity bottleneck was observed in the lodgepole group. Indeed, lodgepole stands appear to have been colonized on multiple occasions from Scots pine sources and neighbouring populations on different hosts are close to panmixia.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterisation of persistent baculovirus infections in populations of the cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae) within the British Isles

The genotypic relatedness of persistent baculovirus infections within UK populations of Mamestra brassicae was assessed by sequencing amplified regions from polyhedrin and ie1. Most populations harboured Mamestra brassicae (Mb) nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV) which showed very little genotypic variation between populations. However, one population harboured a virus that closely resembled a baculovirus found previously only in Pine Beauty Moth (Panolis flammea) populations in Scotland. Persistent baculoviruses that had emerged spontaneously as lethal, overt infections from two of the insect populations were compared with the type strain of MbNPV and a mixture of P. flammea (Pafl) NPV strains, isolated from a single host, by bioassay in virus-free Spodoptera exigua larvae. Reactivated baculoviruses were as pathogenic as the stock virus and showed phenotypic characteristics closest to the type strain they most resembled genetically. Sequence data from the insect host cytochrome oxidase genes were compared and showed a high degree of sequence conservation between populations and it was not possible to determine whether the persistent baculovirus infections had arisen on many occasions or whether they represented a single initial infection that had spread with the host. However, the presence of two distinct virus genotypes in separate M. brassicae populations suggests multiple colonisations of the host are a possibility.