Symptoms Of Infestation Research Articles

New Record of the Genus <i>Paranthrenella</i> Strand (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) from India and its Infestation on Avocado

A member of the genus Paranthrenella Strand (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) is reported for the first time from India. This is also the first report of Paranthrenella sp. on avocado (Persea americana Miller). Time of occurrence, nature and intensity of damage as well as biology details are discussed. Symptoms of infestation were confirmed from several places in Idukki district, with an extent of 70% at Attappallam area, Kumily Panchayath, Idukki district, Kerala (9° 37’12’’ N, 77° 9’6’’ E); 76.24% of the branches showed symptoms of drying.

First report of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera, Tephritidae) on the white - fleshed dragon fruit Selenicereus undatus (Haworth) D.R. Hunt (Cactaceae) in India

The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) has been reported on the white fleshed dragon fruit Selenicereus undatus (Haworth) D.R.Hunt for the first time in India. Symptoms of infestation and the duration of all life stages were observed. Females laid eggs just beneath the mature fruit skin. The tissue surrounding the egg mass turned light yellow. Oviposition punctures were visible on the fruit rind and the feeding of the maggots led to decay of internal contents, foul smell and the fruit turned in to a discolored semi liquid mass. Full grown maggots exited the fruit and entered a period of inactivity before pupation in moist soil. The egg, maggot and pupal stages lasted for 1.6± 0.40, 8.0 ± 0.40 and 8.0 ± 0.31 days, respectively under laboratory conditions. Adult longevity was 9.6 ± 0.5 days in the case of females and 6.4 ± 0.50 days for males.

Occurrence of Cassava Lace Bug <i>Vatiga illudens</i> (Drake, 1922) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) in Bali, Indonesia

Cassava Lace Bugs (CLB) are native pest of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz, Euphorbiaceae) to the Neotropical Region, mainly in Brazil. On the other hand, East Java was the first region in Indonesia to record the presence of CLB in 2021, however, it has not been reported in other regions in Indonesia. Therefore, the very importance to recognise the occurrence of CLB in other regions in Indonesia. Based on this, the research has been carried out starting with a field survey, observing behaviour of insect in the field and identify morphologically in the laboratory. The survey results show that the infestation of CLB has been found in lowland, medium, and highland areas in Bali. Symptoms of infestation on the upper leaf surface are small yellow spots with brownish variations. Based on the identification key, CLB from Bali Indonesia, shows a characteristic of a head with a pair of frontal spines. Based on this evidence, the CLB insect can be identified as Vatiga illudens (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae). It is the first report of novel distribution areas for V. illudens in Bali, Indonesia. The results of this research are important because V. illudens is one of the main pests of cassava.

First Record of Phoretic Mite from Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugiuneus (Olivier,1790) from Basrah, Southern Iraq

The red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790), which belongs to the family Curculionidae, order Coleoptera, is one of the most important palm pests, which leads to heavy losses in date palms. In the last few years, it has been recorded in Iraq, from Safwan city south of Iraq, where it was detected on date palm trees (Phoenix dactylifera L, Arecales: Arecaceae). In the current study, specimens of adult weevils were collected from infested date palms (Phoenix dactylifera), that showed signs of infection in Safwan district, south of Basra province. The results of the investigation showed the presence of phoretic mites associated with the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790). Two genera of Uropodid mites, deutonymph, were attached by anal pedicel to body parts of adult red palm weevils. They were collected and identified as Centrouropoda (Uropodidae), and Uroovbovella (Urodinychidae), according to accurate taxonomic keys. The differentiation between two genera of mites was studied. The deutonymphs were examined and photographed by an AM Scop camera installed on a light microscope, and the insects were photographed by a LEICA microscope. The infestation symptoms were illustrated with pictures.

Life Cycle and Characterization of Cedar Moth Insect (Dichelia cedricola) on Lebanese Cedar Trees (Cedrus libani) at The Cedar and Fir Reserve, Slenfeh, Syria

Hasan, R., M. Ali, A. Ramadan and O. Merhej. 2024. Life Cycle and Characterization of Cedar Moth Insect (Dichelia cedricola) on Lebanese Cedar Trees (Cedrus libani) at The Cedar and Fir Reserve, Slenfeh, Syria. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(3): 263-268. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001243 This study was carried out in the Cedar and Fir Reserve, Slenfeh, Syria during the period 2021-2022, where the Lebanese cedar moth, Dichelia cedricola (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) was observed for the first time in Syria on the Lebanese cedar tree (Cedrus libani A. Rich.). Infestation symptoms were described and the most important biometric measurements of the different stages of the insect were recorded. The average body length of the fourth and fifth larval instars was 12.5±2.6 mm, the average length of the pupa was 9.7±1.2 mm. The average length of the female adult was 11.1±1.3 mm, and the wingspan was 18.7±2.6 mm. The average length of the male adult was 9.4±1.5 mm, and the wingspan was 15.7±2.6 mm. The life cycle of the insect was also investigated in the field, where the insect (in its different stages) was active from April to November. Caterpillars fed on needles and new buds and used needles for nesting and overwintering, which causes the leaves to fall and consequently cause damage to the tree. Control measures need to be investigated. Keywords: Cedar moth, Dichelia cedricola, Lebanese cedar. Cedrus libani, Life cycle

First Report of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith and Abbot, 1797 (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) in Iraq

In this study the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith &Abbot, 1797 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was report for the first time in corn crop in Iraqi fauna. A short morphological description is also presented the larvae and adults were described, the symptoms of infestation recoded.

Intraventricular Neurocysticercosis: Comparative Analysis of Different Localizations. Clinical Course and Treatment. A Systematic Review.

Background Neurocysticercosis is significant due to its high prevalence and considerable morbidity and mortality. The intraventricular form of NCC is less common than parenchymal, may have a rapidly progressive course and it requires a corresponding therapeutic response. Despite the extensive literature dealing with NCC and intraventricular cystic lesions, no systematic reviews have addressed similar work related to the clinical course and treatment of the infestation. Our main objective was to analyze the clinical type of the disease and the management for each ventricle separately on the basis of case reports or series of patients with individual data on the course of the disease and its treatment. As a control group, we used data on signs&symptoms and treatment of patients from published series on intraventricular neurocysticercosis. Method We performed a search in the Medline database. Google Scholar was also randomly searched. We extracted the following data from the eligible case/series: age and gender, symptoms, clinical signs, diagnostic examinations and findings, localization, treatment, follow-up period, outcome, and publication year. All data are presented in the form of absolute and relative numbers. The frequency of signs and symptoms, treatment and outcomes of the observed groups were checked by the Chi-square test and Fisher's test. The hypothesis was tested with p <0.05 as statistical significance. Results We selected 160 cases of intraventricular neurocysticercosis (IVNCC) and divided them according to their localization into five categories. Hydrocephalus was recognized in 134 cases (83.4%). Patients with isolated IVNCCare are younger (P=.0264) and have a higher percentage of vesicular cysts (p <.00001). In mixed IVNCC, degenerative and multiple confluent cysts predominate (p = 0.00068). Individuals carrying fourth + third ventricular cysts (potentially obstructive form) are younger than individuals with lateral ventricles (potentially less obstructive forme) (p = .0083). The majority of patients had individual symptoms for a longer period before the acute onset of the disease (p <.00001). The predominant clinical manifestation is headache (88.7%); the proportion within the groups ranged from 100% to 75% without statistical significance (p.074214). The same was true for patients with symptoms of vomiting or nausea, who had a lower and roughly balanced percentage of 67.7% to 44.4% (p.34702). Altered level of consciousness (ranging from 21% to 60%) and focal neurological deficit (from 51.2% to 15%) are the only clinical category with statistical significance (p <0.001 and p.023948 ). Other signs and symptoms were less frequent and statistically irrelevant. Surgical resection of the parasite was the predominant type of treatment, varying from 55.5% to 87.5% (p- .02395); endoscopy (48.2%) and craniotomy (24.4%), each individually, showed statistical significance (.00001 and .000073, respectively). The difference was also relevant among patients who had CSF diversion performance with/without medical treatment (p-.002312. Postoperatively, 31.8% of patients received anthelmintics with/without anti-inflammatory or other drugs. Endoscopy, open surgery, and postoperative antiparasitic therapy showed statistical differences (p < 0.001). Favorable outcomes or regression of symptoms were recorded in 83.7%, mortality 7.5%. In the case series, the clinical signs&symptoms were as follows: headache-64%, nausea and vomiting 48.4%, focal neurological deficit 33.6% and altered level of consciousness 25%. Open surgery was the predominant form of intervention (craniotomy (57.6% or endoscopy 31.8%); with statistical significance between them (p< .00001). Conclusion. Ventricular neurocysticercosis is an alarming clinical condition. Hydrocephalus is the dominant diagnostic sign. Isolated IVNCC patients were recognized at a younger age than Mix.IVNCC individuals; poeple with cysts in the fourth and third ventricles (as a potentially more occlusive type of disease), presented their symptoms at a younger age than individuals with LVNCC. The majority of patients had long-term signs and symptoms before the acute onset of the disease. Headache, nausea& vomiting are the most common symptoms of infestation accompanied by altered sensorium and focal neurological deficits. Surgery is the best treatment option. A sudden increase in ICP due to cerebrospinal fluid obstruction with a successive cerebral hernia is the leading cause of fatal outcomes.

First Record of the Eucalyptus Gall Wasp, Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

Al-Jalal, H.M.M. and W.A. Yahya. 2023. First Record of the Eucalyptus Gall Wasp, Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 41(1): 12-14. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-41.1.012014 Gall wasps ophelimus maskelli were detected for the first time in Nineveh Governorate on the foliage of Eucalyptus tree during June, 2021. Symptoms of infestation were in the form of pus-like swellings on the fresh stems and leaf blade. Leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis were heavily infested with the gall wasp, with leaves infestation rate and severity of infestation reached 42.2% and 5.2 galls/cm², respectively. The results showed that the severity of infestation at the basal and middle leaves was higher than the terminal leaves, and the averages reached 5.38, 2.73 and 1.70 galls/cm², respectively. Keywords: Swelling wasp, Eucalyptus, rate of infestation, severity of infestation.

A NEW STEM BORER INFESTING TASAR SILKWORM FOOD PLANTS

The tropical tasar silk is produced by the tasar silkworm, Antherea mylitta Drury. Since therearing is conducted on the trees of Arjun, Termilalia arjuna, Asan, T.tomentosa, Sal, Shorea robustaetc. the qualitative or quantitative production of the silk or seed directly dependent upon the qualityor amount of foliage available and utilized for tasar silkworm rearing. With the infestation of the foodplant by any pests, the production of foliage and thereby, production of tasar silk and quality seedare liable to be affected.The round headed stem borers and the flat headed stem borer are most common. Theseborers affect Arjun (T. arjuna), Asan (T. tomentosa) and Sal (Shorea robusta). Most of the borersattacking tasar food plants belonging to family Cerambycidae and Buprestidae of order Coleoptera.The stem borer infesting T. arjuna reported now is belonging to a new species Sphenopteraaerosa. The new species belongs to the family Buprestidae and the order Coleoptera.Various parameters were studied like symptoms of infestation, survival of plants and damagetype. The infestation of this new species ranged from 19 to 31 % in different blocks of plantation.

Integrated Visual Assessment Method for Infestation by Lebbek Borer (Xystrocera globosa) in Rain Trees of Singapore

"Background: In Singapore, determining the level of infestation by lebbek borer (Xystrocera globosa)(Olivier, 1795)[Coleoptera: Cerambycidae] is the crucial first step in control of this pestra in rain tree (Albizia saman [Jacq.] Merr.)[Fabales: Fabaceae]. Current assessment methods rely on symptoms such as canopy colour, defoliation, dieback, and actual estimation of borer population via counting of larvae or exit holes created by adults. Currently, there is a lack of systematic approach to integrate different tree health indicators and symptoms to quantify infestation level. This gap poses challenges in assessment of treatment efficacy as managers could not quantitatively determine whether infestation level has changed following treatment. Thus, this study aimed to develop a visual assessment method that can integrate all mentioned symptoms to quantify infestation level. Methods: We surveyed a total of 388 rain trees and used principal component analysis (PCA) to investigate the correlation between X. globosa infestation and different borer infestation symptoms. Borer Infestation Score (BIS) formula was developed based on the linear combinations of the statistically significant principal component. Results: Infestation level was strongly associated with bark peeling, exit holes, and proximity of bark peeling and/or exit holes to trunk base and weakly associated with defoliation, dieback, and canopy colour. Developed BIS formula generated numerical values that distinguished between noninfested and infested trees, reflected infestation level in surveyed areas and temporal progression of infestation. Conclusions: Described integrated visual assessment method can be executed quickly on field. BIS formula generates quantitative scores easy to be interpreted, tracked, and compared.

Morphological, genetic and symptomatic identification of an invasive jujube pest in Korea, Dasineura jujubifolia Jiao &amp; Bu (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

• We recognized Dasineura jujubifolia for the first time in Korea. • Taxonomic status, geographical distribution, morphological characteristics of all stages and infestation symptoms are provided. • Mitochondrial COI barcode sequences of this species were provided. • Detailed biology and research data of this species were reviewed. Correct identification of invasive species is an important step for further management of this species. New type of leafcurling gall midge feeding on jujube, Ziziphus jujube Miller (Rhamnaceae), was discovered in Korea in 2011. At that time, this species was not identified as specific level, so it was recorded as Dasineura sp. Since then, the jujube gall midge has become a serious alien insect pest in Korea. In this study, this jujube gall midge was surveyed by collecting damaged leaf samples from different major jujube-producing regions in Korea. Morphological, genetic and symptomatic identification of this invasive jujube pest identified as Dasineura jujubifolia Jiao & Bu. Here we provided its taxonomic status, geographical distribution, morphological characteristics of all stages and infestation symptoms. In addition to classical morphological characters, mitochondrial COI barcoding sequences were generated for several specimens. The possible pathway of invasion and subsequent socioeconomic consequences were discussed.

ALIEN PEST TOUMEYELLA PARVICORNIS (COCKERELL) (HEMIPTERA: COCCIDAE) ON PINUS PINEA L.: SHORT TIME EVALUATION OF ENDOTHERAPIC TREATMENT

The Pine Tortoise Scale Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) is native to North America and was found for the first time in Italy in 2014, in Campania Region. This alien species gradually colonized woods and urban areas in Latium and subsequently moved northward in Tuscany and Abruzzo, and southward in Apulia. The scale was responsible for severe damages on the Stone Pine Pinus pinea L., a conifer representing an element of great importance in the Italian landscape and included in the Area Natura 2000 Network for its significant naturalistic interest. Heavy attacks of T. parvicornis on P. pinea cause a progressive defoliation on the canopies, and the plants quickly decline and are often irreversibly compromised. Such severe symptoms prompted studies for seeking control strategies with a low environmental impact that are suitable in urban areas. In this context, the National Reference Institute for Plant Protection was commissioned by the Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies to verify the potential of endotherapic methods against T. parvicornis. The effect of abamectin distributed by trunk injection technology (Nuovo Metodo Corradi®) was experimentally evaluated from April to October 2021 in a park in Rome (Central Italy) on 72 pine trees that showed strong and homogeneous scale infestations. 0.9 ml of a commercial product containing abamectin at 18.37 g/l concentration was injected per cm of plant diameter at breast height (dbh) through holes that were 6 mm in diameter and 6-7 cm in depth. This treatment provided an efficient control of T. parvicornis infestations on the pine trees throughout the growing season. The presence of mature females on the one-years-old twigs significantly decreased in treated pines from April to July (about 2 females/twig on average) and to October (about 1.8 females/twig) compared to the control untreated pines (about 40 and 14 females/twig in July and October, respectively). These results showed that a single endotherapic treatment with abamectin can efficiently reduce the populations of T. parvicornis at low density levels at least 25 weeks after the trunk injection. The treated pines also visibly appeared to recover from the severe infestation symptoms and no injury and bark lesions ascribable to the trunk drilling were observed. Key Words: Pine Tortoise Scale, trunk injection, abamectin, urban area.

First record of the pyriform scale, Protopulvinaria pyriformis Cockerell (Hemiptera: Coccidae), on Laurus nobilis L. in Tunisia

AbstractThis paper reports the first finding of the pyriform scale, Protopulvinaria pyriformis Cockerell (1894), infesting laurel, Laurus nobilis L., in Tunisia. The pest was found in May 2020 in a private garden in the region of Jawhara, Governorate of Sousse, Coastal Tunisia. Heavily infested laurel trees were observed on which the upper surfaces of leaves were extensively covered with a black sooty mould. Brief notes on diagnostic features of this scale and symptoms of infestation are presented. Possible pest risks and control measures aimed at avoiding the potential further spread of the pest in Tunisia are discussed.

Patterns, drivers and detectability of infestation symptoms following attacks by the European spruce bark beetle

Recent outbreaks of the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) in Norway spruce (Picea abies) forests in Central Europe highlight the importance of timely detection and sanitation of infested trees for pest management efficacy. This study provides novel quantitative evidence on the manifestation of infestation symptoms and their visual detectability, to guide accelerated, optimized terrestrial bark beetle monitoring, as well as establishing benchmarks for potential alternative (e.g. sensor-based) monitoring approaches. We employed bi-weekly, individual tree-level assessments on 85 hectares of spruce-dominated unmanaged forest over a 2-year period in south-western Germany (detecting a total of 1,176 infested trees). By applying decision tree-type models, we quantified the predictive power of observed symptoms and their correlation with environmental factors and time. Terrestrial detection accuracy and timeliness were high, suggestive of being sufficient to suppress I. typographus outbreak propagation by subsequent sanitation felling. Among the six studied symptoms, boring dust occurred most frequently (in 82% of correctly detected infestations) and is most suitable for timely detection. Total symptom abundance was best explained by two site parameters (slope, Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration-Index) and I. typographus population density, while it was widely independent of tree parameters and time. Though individual symptoms varied over time and among trees, patterns were clearly identified. For instance, infestations in spring were most critical to be timely detected, while increasing crown discoloration and defoliation facilitated detection in late summer and autumn. Findings further imply that hibernation trees would optimally be detected already in late summer with sanitation felling applied before November.

Infestation of red currant berries and its varieties by fungi of genus Colletotrichum Sacc. in Russia

Some species of parasitic fungi from the genus Colletotrichum afflict the vegetative organs of a plant, while the others affect the reproductive organs. This results in the deterioration of berry quality and yield and the potential death of a plant. Colletotrichum fungi causing anthracnose in the red currant berry were first isolated in Russia from the fruits of red currant (Ribes rubrum) and its varieties received from the Moscow, Yaroslavl and Kostroma regions and the Mari El Republic. The susceptibility of these crop varieties depended on the infection potential of Colletotrichums pp. in the plantings and weather conditions. Infestation symptoms include wrinkled fruit that develops during berry ripening. Species of this pathogen are preserved within mummy berries and dry clusters on the branches. The flowers were infected under the conditions of the Moscow Region in the first decade of May 2021; under the conditions of continental climate in the Mari El Republic, visual symptoms of the disease were absent within this period; however, the pathogen had already been present in the plantations. Therefore, it can be concluded that the pathogens behave as biotrophs when infecting red currant. The results of morphological and molecular genetic analyses showed that two species of the genus Colletotrichum parasitise on red currant in the Moscow region: Colletotrichum godetiae Neerg., Friesia and Colletotrichum fioriniae Marcelino&amp;Gouli.

Evaluation of bio-agents, synthetic insecticides and organic amendment against the root-knot nematode, &lt;i&gt;Meloidogyne&lt;/i&gt; spp. in cardamom [&lt;i&gt;Elettaria cardamomum&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Maton

&lt;p&gt; Investigations were made to study the effects of three nemato-pathogenic fungi&lt;em&gt; viz.&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;Purpureocillium lilacinum&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;P. lilacinum&lt;/em&gt; + neem cake, &lt;em&gt;Pochonia chlamydosporia&lt;/em&gt; and&lt;em&gt; Trichoderma&lt;/em&gt; sp. as well as two synthetic insecticides (cartap hydrochloride and carbosulfan) against the Root-knot Nematodes (RKN) of cardamom at the farmers’ fields in three locations of Idukki district, Kerala, India during 2016- 2019. Results revealed that the combined application of &lt;em&gt;P. lilacinum&lt;/em&gt; with neem cake gave maximum reduction of typical symptoms of infestation like the leaf narrowing (6.42%) and root knot formation (1.32 nos.) followed by &lt;em&gt;P. chlamydosporia&lt;/em&gt; with 8.04% narrowed leaves and 1.83 root knots. The application of &lt;em&gt;P. lilacinum&lt;/em&gt; and neem cake in combination (0.82 kg/plant and 2.99) followed by&lt;em&gt; P. chlamydosporia&lt;/em&gt; (0.71 kg/plant and 2.71 recorded highest yield and Benefit Cost Ratio, respectively). Bio-control agents are therefore efficient and environmentally safer for managing the RKN in cardamom. Future studies can be directed to focus on the compatibility and efficiency enhancement of these bio-agents with organic amendments.&lt;/p&gt;

Recent Methods and Technologies for an Early Detection of Red Palm Weevil Infestation: A Review

The red palm weevil (RPW) (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is one of the world’s most destructive pest of oil palm plantation as it can damage the entire palm and incur a total loss to the planters. Early detection of the RPW is difficult, and when the symptoms of infestation are discovered, usually the plant is not salvageable. The adult RPW lays the eggs inside the tree trunk and starts feeding on the tissue of the plant and remains inside until the tree dies. Intensive efforts have been explored to enhance the early detection process of RPW in the field. There are numerous detection methods for discovering the infected trees, such as manual visual inspection, acoustic detection, chemical odour/signal detection, canine detection, thermal sensing, remote sensing, Geographic Information System mapping (GIS), Internet of Things (IoT), cloud platform and data mining-based technology. In this article, the current methods and technologies used for the early detection of RPW are explored and discussed.

Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Its Fungal Symbiont Ambrosiella roeperi Associated with Arecanut Kernel Decay in Karnataka, India.

Simple SummaryThe Asian ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus crassiusculus is a polyphagous pest that causes extensive damage to several tree crops. The present research reports the incidence of X. crassiusculus infestations on areca nuts (betel nuts) in India. Beside the new host plant record, the data provided here represent the first documented case of spermatophagy for this beetle and Xileborini in general. Further, investigations confirmed the association of fungal symbiont Ambrosiella roeperi with adult beetles of X. crassiusculus. This fungal symbiont was also recovered from the infested galleries present in the arecanut kernel. A preliminary survey showed that the infestation is so far restricted to a limited number of plantations in the Coastal part of Karnataka, India. Incidence of this symbiotic insect-fungus complex in the economic part of arecanut i.e., kernel is of serious concern. In a climate change scenario, this beetle with fungal symbionts may pose a serious threat to arecanut production in India and elsewhere.Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is reported causing damage to areca palm plantations (Areca catechu L.—Arecaceae) in Karnataka (India). In particular, X. crassiusculus has been observed attacking and successfully reproducing on areca nuts; besides the new host plant record, the data provided here represent the first documented case of spermatophagy for this xyleborine beetle. All infestation symptoms of this polyphagous pest were documented and illustrated. The identity of the scolytid, besides morphologically, was confirmed by its DNA barcoding. Eggs, larvae and pupae were found within the galleries of infested kernels. All galleries of the infested kernels were characterized by the presence of whitish to greyish fungal growth. The fungus was identified as Ambrosiella roeperi, a known symbiont of Xylosandrus crassiusculus. Incidence of this symbiotic insect-fungus complex in the economic part of arecanut, i.e., the kernel, is of serious concern. In a climate change scenario, this beetle with fungal symbionts may pose a serious threat to arecanut production in India and elsewhere.

Outbreak, Distribution and Damage Characteristics of Cocoa Stem Borer, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Eulophonotus myrmeleon&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Felder 1874 (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) in Major Cocoa Producing States in Nigeria

This study aims to ascertain the extent of the cocoa stem borer Eulophonotus myrmeleon distribution, outbreak, and damage to the cocoa plantations in six cocoa growing states in Nigeria. Three local government areas were selected from each of the six major cocoa states and three farms from each local government area. In each farm, 100 cocoa trees were randomly selected and inspected for symptoms and damages of E. myrmeleon. The result revealed that E. myrmeleon infestation has increased significantly (p = 0.01, df = 1, F = 41.77) in 2019 by 10% from the 2014 inspection. It also showed that the infestation level was significantly different from state to state. Symptoms of infestation include presence of entry/exit holes, woody exudates around the trees, yellowing and browning of the leaves. Damages caused by E. myrmeleon infestation are, loses of pod on the affected branch and tree and death of tree. Field observations showed clearly that stem borer is now becoming a serious problem and limiting considerably the production of cocoa in the region. It is time to give more attention to the biology and management of the pest. This is the first report detailing the symptoms and damage done by cocoa stem borers in Nigeria.

CURRENT STATUS, CHALLENGES, MANAGEMENT AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES OF THE RED PALM WEEVIL Rhynchophorus ferrugineus OLIVIER (COLEOPTERA, CURCULIONIDAE) ERADICATION - A REVIEW

The date palm is a cultural and economic heritage of many nations. The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) is among the world’s most serious insect pests of palms that have rapidly expanded its geographical distribution and host plant range during the last decades. Integrated pest management (IPM) is followed to suppress the pest using the most economical and least hazardous methods to humans and the environment. Since R. ferrugineus is a serious pest of date palm production worldwide, farmers, researchers, and scientists have developed many tactics to eradicate this pest. However, there was no published article covering and integrating the current status, biology, ecology, and future control tactics of R. ferrugineus and proposes an IPM program. Therefore, in this review, R. ferrugineus geographical distribution, host plant range, economic importance, infestation symptoms, morphology, biology, and its management tactics were thoroughly discussed. These tactics include early detection of R. ferrugineus infestation, trapping, chemical applications, use of bio-agents, bioinsecticides (plant extracts), resistance cultivars, cultural practices, sterile insect technique, gene silencing technology, quarantine, and geographical information system. In conclusion, all available control tactics suggest that R. ferrugineus could be successfully managed by developing IPM programs comprising several means of control. It is hoped that this review will highlight some aspects of date palm management and raise research gaps and directions deserving further investigations to develop a better understanding of R. ferrugineus management and therefore contributes to the sustainability of date palm cultivation worldwide.