Significant Economic Pest Research Articles

Effects of Global Climate Warming on the Biological Characteristics of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a significant economic pest that has recently invaded Africa and Asia. However, much of the information regarding its ecological capabilities in these newly invaded environments remains largely unknown. In this study, the life history traits of the fall armyworm under conditions of increased temperature, different photoperiods, and varying humidity levels were systematically evaluated. Among 43 studies, a total of 20 studies were included in the analysis by passing the screening criteria, and random-effects meta-analysis, fixed-effects meta-analysis, and meta-regression were conducted. It has been found that with the increase in temperature above 20 °C, various physiological indicators of the fall armyworm are significantly enhanced. When the temperature reaches 32 °C, the physiological activities of S. frugiperda are at their highest point. As the temperature increases, the duration of each developmental stage of the fall armyworm decreases significantly, accompanied by an increase in oviposition quantity and period in females. Additionally, the pupal development time is shortened, which leads to an increase in the lifespan of the adult moth. Using temperature and relative humidity as environmental variables, the optimal survival conditions for each insect state of the fall armyworm were calculated. These findings can assist in predicting the population dynamics of the fall armyworm and in formulating appropriate and practical management strategies.

Assembly and annotation of the first complete mitochondrial genome of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a significant economic pest with a global distribution. Despite the increasing volume of literature on mitochondrial genome sequencing, complete mitochondrial genome sequences have not been reported for P. solenopsis yet. Here, we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of P. solenopsis using high throughput DNA sequencing technology. The genome is 14,831 bp in length and is comprised of 37 genes: 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The total length of all PCGs is 9,678 bp, accounting for 65.2% of the overall mitogenome. Among the PCGs, atp8 is the smallest gene (99 bp) and nad5 is the largest (1,593 bp). Of the 13 PCGs, seven (nad3, cox3, atp6, atp8, cox2, cox1, nad2) are encoded on the majority strand (J-strand), while six (nad1, nad6, cob, nad4L, nad4, nad5) are on the minority strand (N-strand). The analysis revealed a predominant A+T base composition, making up 90.3% of the total genome. However, the non-coding regulatory control region (CR) is missing due to the non-overlapping endpoints of the linear assembly. This assembly provides comprehensive information for investigating the evolutionary relationships between scale insects and for the precise identification of insects.

A simple PCR-based quick detection of the economically important oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) from India.

The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), is a significant economic and quarantine pest due to its polyphagous nature. The accurate identification of B. dorsalis is challenging at the egg, maggot, and pupal stages, due to lack of distinct morphological characters and its similarity to other fruit flies. Adult identification requires specialized taxonomist. Existing identification methods are laborious, time consuming, and expensive. Rapid and precise identification is crucial for timely management. By analyzing the variations in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase-1 gene sequence (Insect barcoding gene), we developed a species-specific primer (SSP), DorFP1/DorRP1, for accurate identification of B. dorsalis. The optimal annealing temperature for the SSP was determined to be 66°C, with no cross-amplification or primer-dimer formation observed. The SSP was validated with B. dorsalis specimens from various locations in northern and eastern India and tested for cross-specificity with six other economically significant fruit fly species in India. The primer specificity was further confirmed by the analysis of critical threshold (Ct) value from a qPCR assay. Sensitivity analysis showed the primer could detect template DNA concentrations as low as 1 pg/µl, though sensitivity decreased at lower concentrations. Sequencing of the SSP-amplified product revealed over >99% similarity with existing B. dorsalis sequences in the NCBI GenBank. The developed SSP reliably identifies B. dorsalis across all developmental stages and sexes. This assay is expected to significantly impact pest identification, phytosanitary measures, and eradication programs for B. dorsalis.

Field evaluation of female- and male-targeted traps for Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a globally significant economic pest for which lure based trapping can be used to monitor established populations and for surveillance. Either female- or male-targeted traps can be used; however, recommendations on which to apply are inconsistent and many programs rely on male-targeted traps. Here, we compare the performance of male-targeted traps (Lynfield Trap with Trimedlure) and female-targeted traps (Biotrap Globe trap with the 3-component lure-TMA Plus) in apple orchards in south-west Western Australia over 2 years (September 2019 to September 2021). Male-targeted traps caught more Medflies overall than female-targeted traps, although the difference was minor. However, female-targeted traps were better at attracting Medfly early in the season when populations were small; and were more likely to capture at least one fly when their paired male-targeted trap caught none. Conversely, male-targeted traps were more likely to capture Medflies late in the season and were more likely to catch high numbers of Medflies. Consequently, female-targeted traps may be better at detecting Medfly early in the season, and male-targeted traps may be better at detecting Medfly abundance late in the season, at least in apple orchards. Our results suggest that either or both trap-types could be used for monitoring Medfly populations, with the optimal solution being dependent on the intended application.

Biorationals and Synthetic Insecticides for Controlling Fall Armyworm and Their Influence on the Abundance and Diversity of Parasitoids

Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm, FAW) is a significant economic pest of maize in Uganda. Many Ugandan maize farmers employ synthetic insecticides as their main form of control despite the negative impacts of these chemicals. We tested the effectiveness of Beauveria bassiana; General Biopesticide Cocktail (mixture of B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, Isaria fumosoroseus, Lecanicillium lecani and Purporeocillium lilacanus three strains of Metarhizium anisopliae, Nimbecidine® (azadirachtin 0.03%EC), and Roket® (cypermethrin 4% and profenofos 40%); and Amdocs® (emamectin benzoate 2% and abamectin 1%) on fall armyworm and parasitoids, respectively, in 2020 and 2021. The treatments with the greatest decrease in leaf damage and infestation were Amdocs® and Roket®, followed by Nimbecidine®. The biopesticides were not always more effective than the untreated control, though; their efficacy was often lower than that of the synthetic and botanical pesticides. We recovered one egg parasitoid, Telenomus remus, and seven egg and egg-larval parasitoids (Coccygidium luteum, Coccygidium sp., Cotesia icipe, Chelonus sp., Micranisa sp., Charops cf. diversipes, and an unidentified Tachinidae). Among these, C. cf diversipes, Chelonus sp., C. luteum, C. icipe and the Tachinidae were the most abundant. Parasitism was low, averaging 10% for egg masses and 5.3% for larvae. Application of synthetic pesticides and Nimbecidine® often resulted in higher yield when compared with the untreated control. In general, a low population of parasitoids was observed. Although the parasitoid population reduced in plots treated with Amdocs® and Roket®, the percentage of parasitism of FAW was not affected. In some instances, higher yields were realized in untreated control when compared with the treated plots. Pest management practices more compatible with biological control need to be considered for the management of fall armyworm.

Evaluation the efficacy of Ethanol Extract Derived from Wild Mint on the Life Parameters of the Aphis fabae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (Sco-poli) under laboratory conditions

The black bean aphid, Aphis fabae is a significant economic pest with a global presence, impacting a wide range of plant species. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ethanol extract derived from wild mint (Mentha longifolia) under laboratory conditions on various life performance criteria of A. fabae. The evaluation involved measuring mortality rates of nymphs and adults, as well as adult productivity, utilizing three different extract concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3% w/v). The results revealed that the ethanol extract of plant leaves had a substantial effect on all life stages of the aphid, with a more pronounced impact observed at higher concentrations and longer exposure periods. In the first nymphal instar, the mortality rate reached 81% at a concentration of 3%, and in the second nymphal instar, it was 80% at the same concentration. For the third and fourth nymphal instars, the mortality rates were 82% and 82.5%, respectively, at a concentration of 3%. As for adult aphids, the mortality rate was 81.333% at a concentration of 3%. Moreover, the extract significantly reduced the productivity of adult aphids, with rates of 1.68%, 1.82%, and 1% at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3%, respectively.

Evaluation of Additional Drosophila suzukii Male-Only Strains Generated Through Remobilization of an FL19 Transgene.

Drosophila suzukii (D. suzukii) (Matsumura, 1931; Diptera: Drosophilidae), also known as spotted wing Drosophila, is a worldwide pest of fruits with soft skins such as blueberries and cherries. Originally from Asia, D. suzukii is now present in the Americas and Europe and has become a significant economic pest. Growers largely rely on insecticides for the control of D. suzukii. Genetic strategies offer a species-specific environmentally friendly way for suppression of D. suzukii populations. We previously developed a transgenic strain of D. suzukii that produced only males on a diet that did not contain tetracycline. The strain carried a single copy of the FL19 construct on chromosome 3. Repeated releases of an excess of FL19 males led to suppression of D. suzukii populations in laboratory cage trials. Females died as a consequence of overexpression of the tetracycline transactivator (tTA) and tTA-activated expression of the head involution defective proapoptotic gene. The aim of this study was to generate additional male-only strains that carried two copies of the FL19 transgene through crossing the original line with a piggyBac jumpstarter strain. Males that carried either two chromosome 3 or a singleX-linked transgene were identified through stronger expression of the red fluorescent protein marker gene. The brighter fluorescence of the X-linked lines was likely due to dosage compensation of the red fluorescent protein gene. In total, four X-linked lines and eleven lines with two copies on chromosome 3 were obtained, of which five were further examined. All but one of the strains produced only males on a diet without tetracycline. When crossed with wild type virgin females, all of the five two copy autosomal strains examined produced only males. However, the single copy X-linked lines did not show dominant female lethality. Five of the autosomal lines were further evaluated for productivity (egg to adult) and male competition. Based on these results, the most promising lines have been selected for future population suppression experiments with strains from different geographical locations.

Terrestrial eDNA survey outperforms conventional approach for detecting an invasive pest insect within an agricultural ecosystem

AbstractRecent methodological advances permit surveys for terrestrial insects from the direct collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) deposited on vegetation or other surfaces. However, in contrast to well‐studied aquatic applications, little is known about how detection rates for such terrestrial eDNA‐based surveys compare with conventional survey methods. Lycorma delicatula, the spotted lanternfly, is an emerging invasive insect in eastern North America, and a significant ecological and economic pest of forested and agricultural systems, especially grapes. During fall 2019, we conducted two rounds of paired eDNA and visual surveys for spotted lanternflies within 48 plots at 12 vineyards in New Jersey, USA. We compared detection probabilities within a multimethod occupancy modeling framework and used the results to extrapolate and inform survey design. The probability of detecting spotted lanternflies given presence in a plot was over two times higher for eDNA (84%) versus visual surveys (36%). In mid‐September, lanternfly eDNA was detected at five plots in three vineyards, while visual surveys revealed only a single individual in one plot. In early October, after dispersal of lanternflies into vineyards, lanternfly eDNA was detected in 12 plots within six vineyards compared with visual detections in six plots in two vineyards. Extrapolations based on detection and local‐scale occupancy rates indicate that only five and 12 plots would have been needed to positively detect lanternfly presence with 95% confidence using eDNA in contrast to 14 and 29 plots with visual surveys alone, respective to survey rounds. Log‐linear models revealed that visual counts of lanternflies were positively related to eDNA concentrations (R2 = 71%). We provide some of the first quantitative evidence to support the enhanced sensitivity of terrestrial eDNA approaches compared with conventional methods. Such methods can augment efforts to combat invasive species through improved ability to delimit invasion fronts, identify satellite populations, and confirm local eradications.

The Common Fruit-Piercing Moth in the Pacific Region: A Survey of the Current State of a Significant Worldwide Economic Pest, Eudocima phalonia (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), with a Focus on New Caledonia.

Simple SummaryFruit-piercing moths have long been cited as important pests in tropical and subtropical countries but genus as Eudocima, has recently gained in significance, and more specifically Eudocima phalonia (Linneaus). An overview of the current pest control proposed in the literature pointed the lack of sustainable integrated pest management. A synthesis of available data opens the research per-spectives that need to be encouraged in the ecological transition of our agricultural models.When referring to fruit-piercing moths, the genus Eudocima, and more specifically Eudocima phalonia (Linneaus), is cited as a worldwide crop pest. Damages associated with this pest are substantial on more than 100 fruit species, wherever it is encountered. In New Caledonia, the once occasional pest has become a serious threat to the current fruit arboriculture. Particularly devastating during outbreak periods, it has become an urgent need to find a suitable solution able to support farmers in the ecological transition of our agricultural models. This review proposes a synthesis of the existing data and publications on E. phalonia, worldwide and especially in New Caledonia, with recent observations. The assessment of this knowledge and the dynamics of the species in the territory of New Caledonia provide key information for a better prospect of adapted solutions.

Evaluation of Two-Leaf Sampling Units to Estimate Sugarcane Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Economic Thresholds in Commercial Grain Sorghum.

Sugarcane aphid Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner is a significant economic pest of grain sorghum in the United States. Effective monitoring and early detection are cornerstones for managing invasive pests. The recently developed binomial sequential sampling plan estimates sugarcane aphid economic thresholds (ETs) based on classification whether a 2-leaf sample unit has ≤ or ≥ 50 M. sacchari. In this study, we evaluated eight 2-leaf sampling units for potential use in the sequential sampling plan. From 2016 through 2017, whole plant counts of M. sacchari were recorded non-destructively in situ on sorghum plants from 140 fields located in five states. Plant canopies were stratified into three categories. Two leaves from each stratum were used to compare linear relationships between M. sacchari numbers per two-leaf sample unit and total M. sacchari density per plant. Analysis revealed that two randomly selected leaves from the middle stratum accounted more variation for estimating M. sacchari density when compared to two leaves from the other strata. Comparison of eight two-leaf sampling units within plant growth stages were variable in quantifying variation of M. sacchari densities. When growth stages were combined, the standard uppermost + lowermost leaf sample unit and a unit consisting of two randomly selected leaves from the middle stratum revealed little difference in their enumeration of variation in M. sacchari density. Because other sample units were either less predictive and/or more variable in estimating M. sacchari density, we suggest that the (L1+U1) sample unit remain the preferred method for appraising M. sacchari ETs.

Chemosensory-Related Gene Family Members of the Horn Fly, Haematobia irritans irritans (Diptera: Muscidae), Identified by Transcriptome Analysis.

Simple SummaryHorn flies are blood-feeding ecoparasites that have a significant economic impact on cattle producers in the United States and worldwide. Insecticides have been utilized to reduce horn fly populations, but the development of insecticide resistance has prompted evaluation of alternative control approaches. Compounds isolated from natural products have shown some success in modifying interactions between the horn fly and its host. A more thorough understanding of the horn fly chemosensory pathway would enable identification of species-specific compounds. We assembled a database of genes that are expressed in appendages on the fly head that have a role in sensory input and compared these with genes expressed in adult fly bodies from which heads were removed. We identified genes that were enriched in head appendages and these were similar to previously described genes known to mediate an insect’s response to a chemical stimulus. These included odorant binding proteins and chemosensory binding proteins, as well as receptors that have a role in facilitating responses to odor and/or taste compounds, namely odorant, gustatory, and ionotropic receptors. These findings provide a resource to enable future studies targeting horn fly chemosensation as part of an integrated strategy to control this blood-feeding pest.Horn flies are one of the most significant economic pests of cattle in the United States and worldwide. Chemical control methods have been routinely utilized to reduce populations of this pest, but the steady development of insecticide resistance has prompted evaluation of alternative control strategies. Behavior modifying compounds from natural products have shown some success in impacting horn fly populations, and a more thorough understanding of the horn fly chemosensory system would enable improvements in the development of species-specific compounds. Using an RNA-seq approach, we assembled a transcriptome representing genes expressed in adult female and male horn fly head appendages (antennae, maxillary palps, and proboscides) and adult fly bodies from which heads were removed. Differential gene expression analysis identified chemosensory gene family members that were enriched in head appendage tissues compared with headless bodies. Candidate members included 43 odorant binding proteins (OBP) and 5 chemosensory binding proteins (CSP), as well as 44 odorant receptors (OR), 27 gustatory receptors (GR), and 34 ionotropic receptors (IR). Sex-biased expression of these genes was not observed. These findings provide a resource to enable future studies targeting horn fly chemosensation as part of an integrated strategy to control this blood-feeding pest.

First interception of two wood feeding potential invasive Coptotermes termite species in India

Several termite species are significant economic pests, causing damage to wood in both man-made structures and also in forest ecosystem. The species belongs to genus Coptotermes (Rhinotermitidae: Isoptera: Blattodea) are widespread and few of them are among the world’s most dangerous wood pests. Two species of Coptotermes were collected, identified and described from yemene, mora and tali logs imported from Columbia, Suriname and Equitorial Guinea. These two intercepted species are non-native to India which are Coptotermes testaceus (Linnaeus) and Coptotermes sjostedti Holmgren. Identification was initially made with morphological characters and then with molecular DNA barcoding for a 348 bp fragment of 16S rRNA gene. Maximum likelihood Phylogenetic analysis results showed that data recovered as monophyletic which confirms the species identity. Coptotermes testaceus and C. sjostedti are in single clade. Coptotermes testaceus is neotropical in origin and C. sjostedti is native to Africa. Both the species are known to be serious pests in human habitats and forest ecosystem in the regions of their distributions. This first interception suggests possible chances of entry and establishment in India and provides an important alert for authorities concerned to take the necessary steps in monitoring and preventing its possible introduction. The importance of quarantine and potential infliction of damage they may cause if unnoticed and future measures to be taken are discussed.

Efektifitas Insektisida Berbahan Aktif Klorantraniliprol terhadap Larva Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith)

Fall armyworm or Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith) is a significant economic pest of maize. S. frugiperda is reported for the first time to attack and damage the corn in Indonesia since 2019. The study was aimed to find the effectivity of chlorantraniliprole to control the larvae of S. frugiperda on maize. The study was divided into two steps, in the laboratory and the field. The laboratory treatment was application of chlorantraniliprole 2 cc/l, Metarhizium anisopliae (10? conidia/ml), and Beauveria bassiana (10? conidia/ml) that applied onto the leaf, larvae, and leaf + larvae with five replications for each treatment. The field test used three treatments i.e., chlorantraniliprole field, farmer field, and control with three replications for each treatment. The research showed that chlorantraniliprole at a dose of 2 cc/l had the highest mortality of S. frugiperda with 100% mortality on average during five days after application. However, the application of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana did not affect the mortality of S. frugiperda for 3 days after application. There was no difference in mortality when chlorantraniliprole applied onto leaf, larvae and leaf + larvae. Application of chlorantraniliprole in the field at a dose of 2 cc/l at 1, 3, and 5 weeks after planting was effective to control S. frugiperda on maize. Keywords: Chlorantraniliprole, entomopatogenic fungi, fall armywarm

A Historical Review of Management Options Used against the Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae).

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), remains a significant economic pest globally in situations where intensive animal production or horticultural production provide a suitable developmental medium. Stable flies have been recorded as pests of livestock and humans since the late 1800s to early 1900s. Over 100 years of research has seen numerous methodologies used to control this fly, in particular to protect cattle from flies to minimise production losses. Reduced milk production in dairy cows and decreased weight gain in beef cattle account for losses in the US alone of > $2000 million annually. Rural lifestyles and recreation are also seriously affected. Progress has been made on many control strategies against stable fly over a range of chemical, biological, physical and cultural options. This paper reviews management options from both a historical and a technical perspective for controlling this pest. These include the use of different classes of insecticides applied to affected animals as toxicants or repellents (livestock and humans), as well as to substrates where stable fly larvae develop. Arthropod predators of stable flies are listed, from which potential biological control agents (e.g., wasps, mites, and beetles) are identified. Biopesticides (e.g., fungi, bacteria and plant-derived products) are also discussed along with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) against stable flies for several animal industries. A review of cultural and physical management options including trapping, trap types and methodologies, farm hygiene, scheduled sanitation, physical barriers to fly emergence, livestock protection and amendments added to animal manures and bedding are covered. This paper presents a comprehensive review of all management options used against stable flies from both a historical and a technical perspective for use by any entomologist, livestock producer or horticulturalist with an interest in reducing the negative impact of this pest fly.

Development of Binomial Sequential Sampling Plans for Sugarcane Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Commercial Grain Sorghum.

The sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner) is a significant economic pest of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) in the Southern United States. Current nominal and research-based economic thresholds are based on estimates of mean aphids per leaf. Because enumerating aphids per leaf is potentially time consuming, binomial sequential sampling plans for M. sacchari were developed that allow users to quickly classify the economic status of field populations and determine when an economic threshold has been exceeded. During 2016 and 2017, counts of M. sacchari were recorded from 281 sampling events in 140 sorghum fields located in six states (Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi) . Regression analysis was used to describe the relationships between the mean M. sacchari density per two-leaf sample and proportion of plants infested with one or more aphids. Tally thresholds of T50 and T100 aphids per two-leaf sample were selected based on goodness of fit and practicality. Stop lines for both tally thresholds were developed for selected economic thresholds using Wald's sequential probability ratio test. Model validations using an additional 48 fields demonstrated that reliable classification decisions could be made with an average of 11 samples regardless of location. This sampling system, when adopted, can allow users to easily and rapidly determine when M. sacchari infestations need to be treated.

Oviposition preference, larval distribution and impact of the swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii, on growth and yield of canola

The swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii) has become a significant economic pest of canola (Brassica napus L.) in Ontario and an emergent pest in the Prairie provinces. Determining yield impacts of swede midge damage and the growth stage(s) at which canola is most vulnerable or attractive to swede midge will contribute to the development of pest management recommendations throughout the growth of the crop. In four experiments, canola plants were exposed to specific densities of adult swede midge and measures of oviposition, damage and yield were collected. There was a significant positive relationship between female density and total oviposition per plant with a very high capacity for larval numbers on canola; up to ~ 4000. Given a choice of four growth stages, approximately 85% of oviposition occurred on seven-leaf and early bud canola. Given no choice, the high total oviposition on 3-leaf and flowering stages suggests that swede midge will oviposit on less favorable canola growth stages, if no others are present. Damage sustained on primary racemes remained relatively constant over time. However, damage ratings on secondary and tertiary racemes decreased over time in the highest treatment densities, suggesting compensation by the plant. All yield measures, except seed weight per pod, significantly decreased with increasing female density on primary and/or secondary racemes. A density of ~ 0.6 females per plant resulted in 10% reductions in the number of pods and seed weight produced on primary racemes. These results support recommendations for insecticide applications at, or just prior to, the early bud stage.

Digital video surveillance of natural enemy activity on Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) colonies infesting citrus in the southern California urban landscape

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is a significant economic pest of citrus because it vectors a bacterium that causes the lethal citrus disease huanglongbing. From 2015 to 2016, digital video recorders were used to identify natural enemy species attacking sentinel immature D. citri colonies deployed monthly at three urban sites in southern California. Natural enemy activity during both daylight and nighttime hours was recorded. To examine the impact of ant-hemipteran mutualisms on biological control efficacy, we compared natural enemy interactions with D. citri colonies that were either fully exposed or protected from walking arthropods with a sticky barrier. Spiders (Aranae), syrphid larvae (Syrphidae), predatory mites (Phytoseiidae), green lacewing larvae (Chrysopidae), thrips (Thripidae), and the introduced parasitoid, Tamarixia radiata, were the dominant natural enemy groups visiting immature D. citri colonies over the course of the study. A significant proportion of syrphid and green lacewing larvae, and T. radiata visits to the sentinel colonies resulted in D. citri attacks. Spiders rarely attacked immature D. citri. Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, were the most common arthropod visiting D. citri colonies across all study sites and ants were active day and night. When ant access to D. citri colonies was restricted, natural enemy abundance and attack rates increased, particularly those by syrphids and T. radiata. This study highlights the importance of natural enemies and ant-psyllid interactions in the biological control of D. citri in urban citrus ecosystems. Therefore, conservation of natural enemies and ant control should be considered for the sustainable management of this pest-disease complex.

Severe damage to vegetables by the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), in Hungary

Background and purpose: The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is native to East Asia and has recently become an invasive pest in North America and Europe. It is considered a nuisance pest as well as a significant economic pest causing damage to a wide range of crops. Following its first record in Budapest, Hungary, in 2013, repeated reports confirmed its establishment in the country. In late summer 2016, growers began to complain about stink bug damage to dry bean and forced green hot pepper, both grown in the vicinity of a site in Budapest where BMSB had been present for at least the past three years. The aims of our study were to identify if the damage in green hot pepper and dry bean has been caused by BMSB and to estimate the level of the damage. Materials and methods: We collected 50 dry bean pods (‘Etna’) randomly from a 0.1 ha large plot on 2 September, and we checked the seeds in each pod for the symptoms of feeding in the laboratory. To assess the rate of damaged hybrid green hot pepper (‘Daras’) fruits, 100 fruits picked by the grower in a greenhouse were studied in situ on 8 September for damage from stink bugs. A vacuum device was used to collect stink bug samples from both sites. Results: We found damaged seeds in 47 dry bean pods (94%), and all the green hot pepper fruits (100%) were affected. We identified BMSB as the causal organism in both cases. Conclusions: Our results call the attention to the severe threat posed by BMSB to the European crop production.

Invasive termites in a changing climate: A global perspective.

Termites are ubiquitous insects in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions and play an important role in ecosystems. Several termite species are also significant economic pests, mainly in urban areas where they attack human‐made structures, but also in natural forest habitats. Worldwide, approximately 28 termite species are considered invasive and have spread beyond their native ranges, often with significant economic consequences. We used predictive climate modeling to provide the first global risk assessment for 13 of the world's most invasive termites. We modeled the future distribution of 13 of the most serious invasive termite species, using two different Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, and two projection years (2050 and 2070). Our results show that all but one termite species are expected to significantly increase in their global distribution, irrespective of the climatic scenario and year. The range shifts by species (shift vectors) revealed a complex pattern of distributional changes across latitudes rather than simple poleward expansion. Mapping of potential invasion hotspots in 2050 under the RCP 4.5 scenario revealed that the most suitable areas are located in the tropics. Substantial parts of all continents had suitable environmental conditions for more than four species simultaneously. Mapping of changes in the number of species revealed that areas that lose many species (e.g., parts of South America) are those that were previously very species‐rich, contrary to regions such as Europe that were overall not among the most important invasion hotspots, but that showed a great increase in the number of potential invaders. The substantial economic and ecological damage caused by invasive termites is likely to increase in response to climate change, increased urbanization, and accelerating economic globalization, acting singly or interactively.

Comparison of Two Soil Sampling Methods for Estimating Population Densities of Heterodera glycines Cysts

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a significant economic pest of soybean in Ohio and the Midwest, in which yield losses are directly linked to the population density and distribution of cysts within a field. Advances in automation technology have been used to expedite soil fertility sampling for large-scale and high-density field maps. In this study, we explored the use of this technology as an option for sampling for SCN. There was a significant positive correlation for the number of SCN cysts between soil samples collected with an Automated Precision Soil Sampler and those collected using the traditional soil sampling method from three separate fields (P < 0.05, r values of 0.79 to 0.93). These results suggest that expedited soil sampling in fields with high population densities could be an added benefit for soybean farmers to encourage more sampling for SCN to monitor population levels as part of their overall management program. Accepted for publication 18 July 2016. Published 12 August 2016.