Plume Moth Research Articles

A new species of the plume moth genus Adaina Tutt (Lepidoptera, Pterophoridae) from the Atacama Desert, Chile

The plume moth Adaina azapensis sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Pterophoridae, Pterophorinae, Oidaematophorini) from the transverse valleys of the Atacama Desert, northern Chile, is described and illustrated based on adults reared from florivorous larvae collected on the native shrub Pluchea chingoyo (Asteraceae). The morphology and larval feeding behavior of A. azapensis sp. nov. resemble those of A. jobimi Vargas from the Andes of northern Chile. However, the two species can be distinguished based on their wing pattern and morphological details of their genitalia. A maximum likelihood analysis based on mitochondrial DNA sequences clustered A. azapensis sp. nov. and A. jobimi as sister species with a genetic distance of 7.8% (Kimura 2-parameter model) and supports their adscription to Adaina Tutt. However, the result of the analysis also suggests that the current circumscription of this genus needs further evaluation. The discovery of A. azapensis sp. nov. highlights the need to continue searching for plume moths that remain overlooked in underexplored areas of South America.

Plume moths (Lepidoptera, Pterophoridae) of a recently discovered lepidopteran diversity hotspot in the Mount Cameroon area, with descriptions of four new species.

Moth diversity on Mount Cameroon, a critical biodiversity hotspot in the Afrotropics, remains understudied despite the region's rich and unique ecosystems. In this study, 34 species of plume moths (Pterophoridae) were recorded from the Mount Cameroon region, including four species new to science: Titanoptilusbigoti Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Titanoptilusmurkwe Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Hellinsiaekonjo Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., and Hellinsiamapanja Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. Images of the adult type specimen and male genitalia for Titanoptilusmelanodonta Hampson, 1905 are published for the first time. In addition, 25 species are reported as new records for the Cameroonian fauna, raising the number of known Pterophoridae species in the country from 19 to 48. The results significantly expand our understanding of plume moth diversity in the region and extend the known distribution range of several species. These findings emphasise the importance of Mount Cameroon as a biodiversity hotspot within the Afrotropics. Enhanced conservation efforts are essential to preserve the unique biodiversity of Mount Cameroon, especially considering threats such as ongoing habitat degradation in some parts of the region and climate change.

Fruit pests of plum plantations of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine and efficiency of protection

Goal. To determine the technical effectiveness of pesticides of different origin against fruit-damaging pests of plum in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.
 Methods. Field, field-laboratory. The species composition of plum fruit pests was studied during systematic surveys in plum plantations of the L.P. Symyrenko Experimental Station of Pomology of the Institute of Horticulture of NAAS during 2021—2023. Accounting was carried out according to generally accepted methods. The research scheme included 8 variants. Yield and marketability were recorded during harvesting. The technical efficiency of Mospilan, RP (acetamiprid, 200 g/kg), Proclaim, 5 SG, v.g. (emamectin benzoate, 50 g/ kg) and Bitoxibacillin-BTU®r (bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis var. Thuringiensis, 1 ml of the drug contains 3 billion cells and 0.5% — 0.7% exotoxin) was determined at different consumption rates.
 Results. In the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, the species composition of plum fruit pests is represented by black plum trach (Hoplocampa minuta Christ.), plum moth (Grapholitha funebrana Tr.) and thick-skinned weevil (Eurytoma schreineri Schr.). The most numerous and harmful species in 2021—2022 was the black plum borer, and in 2023 — the plum moth.
 Conclusions. Mospilan RP, Proclaim, 5 SG, v.g. and Bitoxibacillin-BTU® in plum plantations provided a decrease in the number of fruit-damaging pests, which made it possible to obtain higher-grade products. The technical efficiency was: for plum trach — 78.5—88.5%, plum moth — 81.0—85.0, and the weevil — 73.0—79.0%. During the years of research, all preparations showed the lowest effectiveness against plum borer.

Population dynamics of pod pest complex of pigeonpea

A field experiment was conducted at Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, to study the population dynamics of pod pest complex of pigeonpea. The observations were recorded at fortnightly intervals starting from flower initiation stage upto the harvest of the crop. The peak activity of gram pod borer (3.63 larvae/plant), spotted pod borer (3.63 larvae/plant) and pod bugs (4.62 bugs/plant)was observed during 50th Standard Meteorological Week. The pod damage caused by Helicoverpa armigera (25.02%) and Maruca vitrata (16.77%) was also highest during 50th Standard Meteorological Week. The maximum pod damage by plume moth (12.02%) was noticed at 52nd Standard Meteorological Week. The 52nd Standard Meteorological Week witnessed highest pod fly population (10.80 maggots / 10 pods), per cent pod damage (27.75%), and per cent seed damage (17.51%).The correlation studies of incidence of pod pest to prevalent weather parameters revealed that, gram pod borer and the spotted pod borer were more prevalent as the minimum temperature rose, but pod fly and pod bugs population increased negatively. There was a negative correlation between the population of all pod pest, including gram pod borer, spotted pod borer, pod bugs and pod fly with maximum relative humidity, minimum relative humidity and rainfall.

Estimation of Yield Losses Caused by Insect Pests on Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)

Field experiment was carried out to estimate the yield losses in pigeon pea crop due to insect pests during kharif 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 at College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Bharuch (Gujarat). Results revealed that avoidable yield loss due to insect pests in pigeon pea was recorded up to 38.48% when no plant protection measures are taken. Amongst different insect pests, the maximum damage was recorded due to pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (34.90%) followed by pod sucking bugs, Clavigralla gibbosa (29.75%) and pod fly, Melanogromyza obtusa (23.64%). Pod damage due to spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata and tur plume moth, Exelastis atomosa was recorded up to 14.09% and 5.60%, respectively.

Damage and Non-Chemical Control of Rose Plume Moth in Kerman, Iran

Damage and Non-Chemical Control of Rose Plume Moth in Kerman, Iran

DESCRIPTION OF THE LIFE STAGES OF <i>SPHENARCHES ANYSODACTYLUS</i> (WALKER) (PTEROPHORIDAE: LEPIDOPTERA)

Morphological description of egg, larval chaetotaxy, pupa, adult genitalia of plume moth Sphenarches anysodactylus (Walker, 1864) (Pterophoridae: Lepidoptera) is presented. The mtCO1 of the Indian population done in this study is provided, revealing maximum similarity with six populations from Africa (97.55 to 98.37 %) and two populations from Australia (97.52 to 97.70) with differences in 10-15 nucleotide sequences.

The genome sequence of the Common Plume moth, Emmelina monodactyla (Linnaeus, 1758)

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Emmelina monodactyla (the Common Plume; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Pterophoridae). The genome sequence is 312 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled W and Z sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.3 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,451 protein coding genes.

Изучение особенностей развития сливовой плодожорки Grapholita funebrana Tr. (Lepidoptera : Tortricidae ) в изменяющихся климатических условиях краснодарского края

Effective management of phytophagous pests and improvement of crop protection measures can be based on the study of the life cycle under specific conditions. In this respect, a number of issues relating to the biological features of plum moth development under modern conditions require clarification and further study. The life cycle of phytophages is determined by two main parameters: heat availability (the sum of the effective temperature) and the duration of daylight hours. The amount of heat required to complete the different stages of otogenesis is characterised by the sum of average daily temperatures. The article presents the results of observations on the development of Grapholita funebrana (Treitschke, 1835) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in 2017–2020, in the Prikubansky zone of the central horticultural subzone of the Krasnodar Territory. The research objectives included gaining new knowledge about adaptive responses, dynamic processes occurring in the G. funebrana population under conditions of increased abiotic effects in the conditions of southern Russia. In the course of the research it was established that the changing climatic conditions observed in recent years have an impact on the flight of the first butterflies of the overwintering generation and on the set of sum of effective temperatures (SET) necessary for the onset and mass flight of the phytophagus. The specified number of calendar days and the sum of effective temperatures required for the development of the overwintered, first and second summer generations are shown in comparison with the average annual indicators. Several peaks were noted during the mass flight period of phytophagus, due to the interruption of the flight period in spring with wind, precipitation, low temperatures, and in summer with high temperatures combined with atmospheric dryness. Several peaks have been observed during the mass flight period of the phytophage, due to the interruption of flight in the spring by wind, precipitation, lower temperatures, and in the summer by high temperatures combined with atmospheric drought.

Evaluation of Botanical Soaps for the Management of Pigeonpea Insect Pests

A two year consecutive trial was conducted during kharif 2014-15 and kharif 2015-16 to evaluate neem and pungam soaps @ 10 g l-1 in alone and in combination with indoxacarb (0.5 ml l-1). First spray was given during flowering and second spray was given after fifteen days of the first spray. In both the field trials, neem soap followed by indoxacarb was effective against pigeonpea pod damaging insects followed by pungam soap and indoxacarb. During kharif 2014-15, two sprays of neem soap was on par in efficacy with pungam soap followed by indoxacarb against H. armigera and M. vitrata. When the damage of the pod damaging insects in botanical sprays alone treatments and untreated control was compared, these treatments were effective and good control was achieved. During kharif 2015-16, two sprays of neem soap was on par with NSKE followed by indoxacarb and pungam soap followed by indoxacarb in reducing the damage of H. armigera. In case of M. vitrata, two sprays of neem soap and two sprays of NSKE recorded 50.4 and 44.9% reduction over control and were on par with NSKE followed by indoxacarb in effectiveness. Against plume moth, two sprays of neem soap (4.3% damage) and two sprays of NSKE (5% damage) were on par with pungam soap followed by indoxacarb (4.7% damage).

Новая находка Nippoptilia regula (Meyrick, 1906) (Insecta, Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae) на о. Сахалин

Taking into account the latest data, 19 species of Pterophoridae from 12 genera are known from Sakhalin: 14 species from subfamily Platyptilinae and five from subfamily Pterophorinae. The plume moth fauna of Sakhalin now includes 19 species from 12 genera: 14 species from subfamily Platyptilinae and 5 from subfamily Pterophorinae. In 2021, Nippoptilia regula (Meyrick, 1906) was for the first time reported from the south of the Sakhalin island, which is the northernmost record for this species. In Russia, N. regula has only been known from Primorye. The Far Eastern records of plume moths were made in autumn. The article presents a photo of N. regula body, provides information on its distributional ranges outside of Russia. In Japan, the host plant of N. regula caterpillar is Vitis vinifera (Vitaceae); two creepers from this family are given for Sakhalin.

Biological Control of Tithonia spp. (Asteraceae) in South Africa: Challenges and Possibilities

Biological control programmes against the asteraceous weeds Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill.) S.F. Blake and Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray were initiated in South Africa in 2007, and that against Tithonia tubaeformis (Jacq.) Cass in 2017, following its discovery in Mpumalanga Province (MP). Permission to release two leaf-feeding beetles, Zygogramma signatipennis Stål and Zygogramma piceicollis Stål (Chrysomelidae) against T. rotundifolia was granted in 2014, while permission to release a defoliating tortoise beetle, Physonota maculiventris Stål, against T. diversifolia was granted in 2018. The two Zygogramma spp. were released in Gauteng (GP), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Limpopo (LP), and MP provinces from 2014 to 2019. Zygogramma signatipennis established at only a few sites in MP, where it persisted for up to four years and later collapsed. Zygogramma piceicollis initially established in GP and perished a year later. Physonota maculiventris was released in KZN, LP and MP, and has overwintered at 50% of the release sites. Investigations to explain the demise of both Zygogramma spp. and determine ways to improve their release and establishment are underway. Host-specificity testing of a stem-boring weevil, Lixus fimbriolatus Boheman (Curculionidae), a candidate agent for T. rotundifolia, was successfully completed. An application for permission to release the weevil will be submitted to the regulatory authorities in due course. Additional host-specificity testing of agents for T. diversifolia has prioritised a leaf-mining moth, Melanocinclis sp. (Cosmopterigidae) for further assessment, while a leaf-feeding plume moth, Hellinsia sp. (Pterophoridae), and a stem-boring moth, Suleima skinnerana (Heinrich) (Tortricidae), were rejected. Investigations to determine the full identity, origin and host range of a leaf-sucking lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae), discovered on T. diversifolia in KZN, LP and MP, are underway. Surveys in climate-matched regions of the Central American native range of the target Tithonia spp. are imperative to identify natural enemies that may be more adaptable to persist across the plants' distribution in South Africa.

New distribution records, first host plant record and DNA barcoding of the Neotropical plume moth Oidaematophoruspseudotrachyphloeus Gielis (Lepidoptera, Pterophoridae).

BackgroundOidaematophoruspseudotrachyphloeus Gielis, 2011 (Lepidoptera, Pterophoridae) is a little-known Neotropical plume moth previously recorded in Ecuador, Peru and Argentina. Its host plants and DNA barcodes are unknown.New informationOidaematophoruspseudotrachyphloeus is recorded for the first time from Chile, based on six specimens from the Azapa Valley (Arica Province) and two from Guayacán (Coquimbo Province). Those from the Azapa Valley were reared from folivorous larvae collected on Ambrosiacumanensis Kunth (Asteraceae), representing the first host plant record for this plume moth. The first DNA barcode sequences of O.pseudotrachyphloeus are provided and used to explore relationships with congenerics.

FIRST RECORD OF THE GENUS NIPPOPTILIA MATSUMURA (LEPIDOPTERA: PTEROPHORIDAE) FROM RUSSIA

A plume moth Nippoptilia regula (Meyrick, 1906) is found in the southern part of Primorsky krai. The specimens examined are characterized by typical for this species wing pattern, male and female genitalia. The genus Nippoptilia Matsumura 1931 is recorded from Russia for the first time.

Assessment of the influence of a biorational insecticide of the juvenoid class on the state of fruit cenoses

The dominant pests in the apple and plum cenoses are representatives of the tortrix family (Tortricidae) on the apple - the codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.), on the plum - the plum moth (Grapholitha funebrana Mats.), which develop in the region of southern Russia in three full generations. The loss of yield from the vital activity of these phytophages can reach 60-80%. It has been established that the inclusion of a 2-fold application of the insecticide Insegar, WDG in the apple and plum protection system allows preserving 98.9% of apple fruits and 94.6-99.2% of plum fruits. The stimulating effect of the use of insecticides of the juvenile group on the agrobiological indicators of the apple-tree variety Golden Reinders and the plum Kabardinskaya early was revealed, namely, the increase in the length of the one-year growth. It has been proven that the double application of Insegar, WDG in apple and plum plantations does not lead to violation of hygienic standards for the content of fenoxycarb in soil and fruits.

Emergence of new insect pests on vegetables during the last decade: A case study

With the changes in cropping system, climate and introduction of highly input-intensive high-yielding varieties/hybrids are the root cause for a shift in insect pest status in time and space, resulting in enhanced damage caused by them in the world. Many of them also act as vectors for several viral and mycoplasma diseases, aggravating the problem further. In India, yield loss due to major insect pests is varying from 30–40%. In addition to the regular pests, recently, many exotic and invasive insect pests have invaded in many parts of the countries. South American pin worm (Tuta absoluta Meyrick), solenopsis mealy bug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley) are few such insects. Similarly, mirid bugs (Nesidiocoris cruentatus (Ballard) and Metacanthus pulchellus Dallas), melon weevil [Acythopius curvovistris citrulli (Marshall)], white plume moth [Sphenarches caffer (Zeller)], cucumber moth (Diaphania indica) and moringa fruit borer (Noorda blitealis Walker), tortoise beetle (Cassida circumdata Herbst) are the insects which have come up in bigger way in current decade either by expanding their host horizon or increase their severity. Therefore, these emerging insect pests in vegetable ecosystem in current decade, their suitable control measures and some issues/challenges in their ecofriendly management are discussed.

The use of disorientation of the plum moth in the conditions of chemical protection of the orchard

Disorientation of the plum moth (Grapholita funebrana Treitschke) under the conditions of chemical protection of the garden was carried out using dispensers (Z8DDA, 16.7 mg) produced by ZAO Shchelkovo Agrokhim. Dispensers were placed at a tree trunk at a height of 1.5 - 2 m with an application rate of 500 per hectare. The study was carried out on three plots of a 1 ha plum orchard: a plot with chemical treatments and with disorientation, an area with chemical treatments, without disorientation, and an area without chemical treatments and without disorientation. The effectiveness of disorientation at a high abundance during the flight peaks of the second and third generations of the pest ranged from 100 % to 92-93 %. The effectiveness of disorientation, together with the chemical protection of the garden in comparison with untreated area, showed higher results - in the first two months, the efficiency ranged from 100 to 98 %, and during the periods of the 2nd and 3rd flight peaks of the pest (with a flight intensity of 136 - 120 individuals per trap) did not fall below 96 %.

Seasonal patterns of insect pest in major pigeonpea and chickpea growing agro-climatic zones of India and their management inferences

A pest scout data in pigeonpea (leaf webber, plume moth, pod borer) and chickpea (pod borer) crops including daily insect pest counts for three successive seasons (2015/16—2017/18) at western and eastern plateau hills (agro-climatic zones) of India was analysed for spatio-temporal dynamics. Longer infestation (different crop phenological growth stages) behaviour of leaf webber and pod borer in pigeonpea and chickpea, respectively influenced their increased mean counts (incidence). Weekly mean counts of leaf webber, plume moth and pod borer in both the crops varied significantly between the seasons. Linear incremental change in mean counts of leaf webber and pod borer on pigeonpea and chickpea, respectively was observed across the seasons (inter-seasonal). Intra-seasonal built-up of plume moth (pigeonpea) and pod borer (pigeonpea and chickpea) mean counts was also noticed. On pigeonpea, leaf webber and plume moth mean counts never reached an economic threshold level (3 larvae/plant), but crossed the advisory level (1.5 larvae/plant). It was observed that there was incremental rise in pod borer mean counts and crossing economic threshold level over seasons in chickpea (1 larvae/m row length), while it was not the case in pigeonpea (1 larvae/ plant). Furthermore, survival and management strategies of leaf webber, plume moth and pod borer in pigeonpea and pod borer in chickpea were discussed.

Adaina jobimi sp. nov., a plume moth (Lepidoptera, Pterophoridae) associated with Baccharis alnifolia (Asteraceae) in the Andes of northern Chile

The adult stage of the plume mothAdaina jobimisp. nov.(Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae: Pterophorinae: Oidaematophorini) from the arid highlands of the western slopes of the Andes of northern Chile is described and illustrated. The wing pattern and genitalia ofA. jobimiresemble those ofA. excretaMeyrick, 1930, from Argentina, Ecuador and Peru andA. coquimboaeGielis, 2012, the only representative of the genus previously known from Chile. Morphological differences ofA. jobimiwith these two congenerics are discussed. Larval feeding and pupation ofA. jobimioccur on inflorescences of the native shrubBaccharis alnifoliaMeyen & Walp. (Asteraceae). The discovery ofA. jobimiprovides the first record of the genus in a long distribution gap in mainland South America west of the Andes Range, suggesting that the taxonomic diversity ofAdainain this area deserves further attention.

Efficacy of abamectin, spinosad, thiodicarb and fenoxycarb+lufnurun in control of rose plume moth, Eucnaemidophorus rhododactylus (Lep. Pterophoridae)

Efficacy of abamectin, spinosad, thiodicarb and fenoxycarb+lufnurun in control of rose plume moth, Eucnaemidophorus rhododactylus (Lep. Pterophoridae)