Biology, Thermal Requirements, and Fertility Life Table of Strains of Trichogramma foersteri (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in Palpita forficifera (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Trichogramma foersteri Takahashi is a parasitoid recently identified in eggs of Palpita forficifera Munroe, considered the main pest of the olive tree in Brazil. The efficiency of a parasitoid is conditioned to several factors such as the temperature. The objective was to study the biology of the immature and adult phases at different constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C), determine thermal requirements, and to elaborate a fertility life table for five strains (R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5) to T. foersteri. At 10 °C, there was no development of T. foersteri. The duration of the egg-adult period (days) was inversely related to temperature, ranging from 32 to 34 days (at 15 °C) to 6.5 to 7.5 days (at 30 °C). The thermal range evaluated did not influence parasitism (parasitism > 57%) and the sex ratio (sr > 0.74). The base temperature (Tt) was similar for all strains (approximately 12 °C), corresponding to a thermal constant (K) of 120.48 to 145.13 degree days. For the adult stage, T. foersteri had the highest rate of parasitism (> 48%) to 15 °C. The emergence rate ranged from 75 to 100%. The thermal range did not influence the sex ratio of the lines (sr > 0.70), but reduced the longevity from 50 days (at 15 °C) to 6 days (at 30 °C). Regarding the fertility life table, all strains of T. foersteri showed biological potential of development and growth in eggs of P. forficifera in the thermal range of 15 to 30 °C, important information for the establishment of biological control programs.

Resistance of Grapevine Genotypes (Vitis spp.) to Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Hemiptera: Phylloxeridae) in Brazil: Implications for Pest Management.

The phylloxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch) is considered the main pest in vine crops in the world. One of the alternatives for pest management is the use of resistant rootstocks. In the present study, 14 vine genotypes comprised of 6 canopy cultivars (Bordô, Isabel, BRS Lorena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Magnólia, and Chardonnay), 4 commercial rootstocks (Paulsen 1103, SO4, IAC 766, and IAC 572), and 4 promising rootstocks for pest management (1111-21, 548-44, 548-15, and IBCA-125) were evaluated for resistance to infestation the of root form of pest. For each genotype, the number of eggs, nymphs, and adults present in the roots were evaluated at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 d after egg infestation. In addition, the feeding place (lignified or nonlignified root), the presence or absence of tuberosities and nodosities, and the total fecundity of females were evaluated. The highest survival rates of nymphs and adults were observed in Cabernet Sauvignon, BRS Lorena, Chardonnay, and IBCA-25 in lignified roots, with the formation of tuberosities characterizing the materials as susceptible. In contrast, SO4, Paulsen 1103, IAC 572, IAC 766, 548-44, 548-15, Magnólia, and 1111-21 provided the least nymph and adult survival over time in nonlignified roots present in the nodosities, characterizing the materials as resistant. In addition, the lowest fecundity was observed in the roots of Magnólia (16 eggs). According to the results, it was verified that the cultivar Magnolia and the selections 548-15 and 1111-21 present reduced infestation and survival of nymphs of D. vitifoliae in the roots. This fact demonstrates the potential of the materials to be used as new resistant rootstocks or sources of insect resistance.

Occurrence of Sexual Reproduction of Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Hemiptera: Phylloxeridae) in Southern Brazil and Biology and Fertility Life Table in Grapevine Cultivars.

The grapevine phylloxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch) is the pest insect of greatest importance in grapevine. The objective of study was to evaluate the occurrence of overwintering eggs in seedlings of 'Paulsen 1103' (Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris) and evaluate the biology and fertility life table of D. vitifoliae on five grape cultivars: 'Bordô' (Vitis labrusca), 'Cabernet Sauvignon' (Vitis vinifera), 'BRS Lorena' (Vitis vinifera × Seyval [Seibell 5656-Rayon d'Or]), 'Magnolia' (Vitis rotundifolia), and 'Paulsen 1103'. In the field, overwintering eggs were found to be present in 78% of 'Paulsen 1103' seedlings, on the trunk of the seedlings. In the laboratory, phylloxera was found to complete the biological cycle (egg to adult) in roots of 'BRS Lorena', 'Bordô', and 'Cabernet Sauvignon'. Nymphs did not complete development on roots of 'Paulsen 1103' and 'Magnolia', with 100% first instar mortality. Adult females feeding on 'Bordô' roots showed the lowest total fecundity (20.9 eggs per female), differing from insects feeding on 'Cabernet Sauvignon' roots (207.8 eggs per female). Based on the fertility life table, roots of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' provided the best reproduction rate (Ro = 219), intrinsic rate of increase (rm = 0.197 d) and time between generations (T = 21.5 d). The presence of overwintering eggs on the trunk of the rootstock 'Paulsen 1103' may promote the survival and dispersal of the insect. Lignified roots of the rootstock 'Paulsen 1103' and the cultivar 'Magnolia' do not allow the development of D. vitifoliae, with 'Cabernet Sauvignon' being the most suitable for the development of the insect.

Toxicities of acetogenin-based bioacaricides against two-spotted spider mite and selectivity to its phytoseiid predators.

Tetranychus urticae is the main pest of strawberry crops and can cause up to 80% of productivity losses under high infestations. Aiming to search T. urticae management alternatives compatible with eco-friendly or organic-based food production systems, this study evaluated the lethal and sublethal toxicities of formulated derivatives from Annonaceae (rich in acetogenins) against this pest species. In addition, it also evaluated the selectivity of the most promising formulation to the predatory mites Neoseiulus californicus and Phytoseiulus macropilis, which are largely applied in biological control in Brazil. Among the derivatives tested, the emulsion from the ethanolic seed extract of Annona mucosa-ESEAm (major component: acetogenin bis-tetrahydrofuran rolliniastatin-1) caused pronounced mortality of T. urticae after 120 h of exposure (LC50 = 465.5 mg L-1), in a comparable or superior manner to an abamectin-based synthetic acaricide used as positive control (LC50 = 1243.4 mg L-1). Moreover, ESEAm exposure resulted in a significant decrease in the number of eggs laid by females and caused the most pronounced ovicidal action for T. urticae, with only 5% embryonic viability. However, ESEAm also showed high toxicity to the predatory mites tested, causing 100% mortality for both species after 120 h exposure, similar to abamectin. The interaction between these bioacaricides and biological control agents should be tested under field conditions to further assess the potential ecological selectivity of these derivatives.

Absence of interaction between rivaroxaban, tacrolimus and everolimus in renal transplant recipients with deep vein thrombosis or atrial fibrillation.

No data are available on rivaroxaban use in renal transplant recipients and on its surmised interaction with immunosuppressants. The aim was to investigate potential interactions between rivaroxaban and immunosuppressants in this setting. Renal transplant recipients with a stable renal function treated with rivaroxaban and tacrolimus with or without everolimus were investigated. All drugs and creatinine concentrations were determined daily for 2 weeks after the start of anticoagulation. Blood samples were drawn at 8.00 am and 3-4 h later for trough and peak concentrations, respectively. Bleeding and thrombotic events were recorded during a minimum follow-up of 6 months. In 8 renal transplant patients, rivaroxaban levels showed a predictable pharmacokinetic trend, both at Ctrough (30-61 µg/L) and at Cpeak (143-449 µg/L), with limited variability in the 25th-75th percentile range. Tacrolimus (Ctrough 3-13 µg/L; Cpeak 3-16 µg/L), everolimus (Ctrough 3-11 µg/L; Cpeak 5-17 µg/L) and creatinine concentrations were stable as well. Immunosuppressors variability before and after rivaroxaban were 30% and 30% for tacrolimus, 27% and 29% for everolimus, respectively, as well as 14% and 3% for creatinine. For rivaroxaban monitoring, the reference change value better performed in identifying significant variations of its concentration. No patient had bleeding or thrombotic events, worsening of renal graft function, and signs of immunosuppressants toxicity during a mean follow-up of 23 (9-28) months. In conclusion, rivaroxaban does not seem to interact with tacrolimus and everolimus in renal transplant recipients. Both anticoagulant and immunosuppressive effects seem warranted, without major bleeding complications and effect on the graft function.

Acetogenin-Based Formulated Bioinsecticides on Anastrepha fraterculus: Toxicity and Potential Use in Insecticidal Toxic Baits.

The present study evaluated the lethal toxicity and oviposition deterrence of ethanolic extracts of Annona mucosa Jacq., Annona muricata L., and Annona sylvatica A. St.-Hil on Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) compared with those of a limonoid-based bioinsecticide (Azamax™ 1.2 EC-azadiractin +3-tigloyl-azadiractol) and a synthetic spinosyn-based insecticide (Delegate™ 250 WG-spinetoram). In addition, the efficacy of the selected toxic bait formulations was evaluated by mixing them with food attractants (Anamed™, 3% Biofruit and 7% sugarcane molasses). In the topical application and ingestion bioassays (2000 mg L-1), the aqueous emulsion of the A. mucosa extract caused greater than 80% mortality of A. fraterculus adults in a similar manner to the spinosyn-based synthetic insecticide. Concentration-response curves were performed for the most promising treatments and showed an activity level dependent on the mode of contamination, exposure time, and applied concentration. In bioassays with and without choice, the A. mucosa (77%), A. muricata (51%), A. sylvatica (60%), Azamax™ (74%), and Delegate™ 250 WG (100%) significantly reduced the number of punctures and galleries in grape berries. In combination with the food attractants Anamed™, 3% Biofruit, and 7% sugarcane molasses, the emulsion of the A. mucosa extract had a residual effect similar to that of the spinetoram insecticide, with a mortality rate of over 80% of A. fraterculus adults up to 14 days after application (DAA) in the absence of rain. Thus, acetogenin-rich formulations, especially from A. mucosa seeds, are useful alternatives for the integrated management of A. fraterculus in agricultural orchards.

A Laboratory Bioassay Method to Assess the Use of Toxic Bait on Anastrepha fraterculus (Weidemann 1830).

The lack of standardization of bioassays for the evaluation of toxic bait toxicity on the South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Weidemann 1830), has led to erroneous interpretations of assay results. The objective of this study was to develop a methodology for the standardization and validation of toxicological tests on A. fraterculus toxic bait using the Success™ 0.02CB formulation (80 mg L-1 of spinosad). Anastrepha fraterculus adults, obtained from larvae reared on an artificial diet, showed higher susceptibility (LT50 = 48.96 h) than adults from larvae reared on cattley guava (LT50 = 53.83 h) and mango fruit (LT50 = 53.55 h). Anastrepha fraterculus adults at the age of five (LT50 = 65.30 h), 15 (LT50 = 59.01 h), and 30 (LT50 = 55.53 h) days presented similar toxicity. The consumption of toxic bait (4.74 mg) increased at 15 days, a fact also observed with insects without food deprivation. In addition, the absence of a food source (artificial diet) with the toxic bait significantly reduced adult mortality time by 7 h (LT50 = 57.42 h). In relation to exposure time, adults exposed to toxic bait for 1 h reduced consumption by 25%; however, they showed the same susceptibility as insects exposed to 2 (LT50 = 55.72 h), 4 (LT50 = 57.64 h), and 8 h (LT50 = 57.76 h). However, with 24 h of food deprivation, they had a higher susceptibility (LT50 = 46.48 h). Five-day-old A. fraterculus adults fed an artificial diet before being deprived of food for 12 or 24 h, then exposed to toxic bait for 4 h in the absence of a food source, are considered optimum conditions to evaluate the toxicity of toxic bait.

Effects of Extrinsic, Intraspecific Competition and Host Deprivation on the Biology of Trichopria anastrephae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) Reared on Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae).

The pupal parasitoid Trichopria anastrephae Lima (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) shows potential to control Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), and understanding the behavior of this parasitoid in challenging environments is important to obtain a higher efficiency in mass rearing and in biological control programs. This study aimed to verify the effects of extrinsic intraspecific competition and the absence of host on the parasitism of T. anastrephae in D. suzukii pupae. Therefore, to evaluate the parasitism of T. anastrephae under intraspecific competition, groups of 20 pupae (24 h old) of D. suzukii were offered for different densities of parasitoids (1, 3, 5, or 10 couples) during a 7-day period. Whereas to evaluate the effects of host deprivation on parasitism of T. anastrephae, we tested different treatments: T1-no deprivation, T2-complete deprivation, T3-deprivation every other day, T4-deprivation for 3 days, and T5-deprivation for 7 days. The increase of density of parasitoids resulted in an increase of oviposition scars on pupae and a longer biological cycle, suggesting the occurrence of superparasitism. Increased density also resulted in a higher percentage of attacked pupae, but did not affect parasitoids emergence nor sex ratio. Host deprivation affected number of parasitized pupae, number and sex ratio of offspring, and the longevity of females. Based on our findings, competition among females do not impair offspring viability, and host deprivation for a period up to 7 days do not influence parasitism capacity, indicating that it can be used as a pre-release strategy.

Impact of spleen-preserving total gastrectomy on postoperative infectious complications and 5-year overall survival: systematic review and meta-analysis of contemporary randomized clinical trials.

Background: The role of splenectomy in proximal gastric cancer is still debated. The objective of the present meta-analysis was to provide more-robust evidence about the effect of spleen-preserving total gastrectomy on postoperative infectious complications, overall morbidity, and 5-year overall survival (os). Methods: PubMed, embase, and the Web of Science were consulted. Pooled effect measures were calculated using an inverse-variance weighted or Mantel-Haenszel in random effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 index and Cochran Q-test. Results: Three randomized controlled trials published between 2000 and 2018 were included. Overall, 451 patients (50.1%) underwent open total gastrectomy with spleen preservation and 448 (49.9%) underwent open total gastrectomy with splenectomy. The patients ranged in age from 24 to 78 years. No differences were found in the number of harvested lymph nodes (p = 0.317), the reoperation rate (p = 0.871), or hospital length of stay (p = 0.347). The estimated pooled risk ratios for infectious complications, overall morbidity, and mortality were 1.53 [95% confidence interval (ci): 1.09 to 2.14; p = 0.016], 1.51 (95% ci: 1.11 to 2.05; p = 0.008), and 1.23 (95% ci: 0.40 to 3.71; p = 0.719) respectively. The estimated pooled hazard ratio for 5-year os was 1.06 (95% ci: 0.78 to 1.45; p = 0.707). Conclusions: Spleen-preserving total gastrectomy should be considered in patients with curable gastric cancer because it is significantly associated with decreased postoperative infectious complications and overall morbidity, with no difference in the 5-year os. Those observations appear worthwhile for establishing better evidence-based treatment for gastric cancer.

Population Dynamics of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Berry Crops in Southern Brazil.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is an invasive species originating in Southeast Asia and considered a severe pest in berry crops in several countries of the Northern Hemisphere and Europe. In South America, the species was first detected in 2013. The objective of the study was to monitor the seasonal activity of D. suzukii in commercial crops of blackberry, strawberry guava, surinam cherry, blueberry, and strawberry during two consecutive harvests and in three properties in the Southern region of Brazil during the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 harvests, with the aid of traps baited with apple cider vinegar. The highest population peaks were observed during late spring to mid-fall in all areas and plant species studied. It was verified that temperature is the factor that most influenced the seasonal activity of D. suzukii in the field, promoting low catches of the species during winter. However, even during periods of low temperatures (winter period), the presence of D. suzukii in the crops was verified, demonstrating the species' ability to stay in place from year to year, surviving in alternative hosts such as Eriobotrya japonica, a common species in the region. The information on the time of the highest occurrence of the pest in different hosts presented in this study provides the basis for decision-making in relation to the management of D. suzukii, to avoid further economic damage.

Bioassay Method for Toxicity Studies of Toxic Bait Formulations to Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The development of appropriate methodologies for bioassays is of paramount importance to study the methodological factors that may interfere in the experimental design. Thus, laboratory bioassays have become increasingly important for the determination of data that are realistic and replicable. The objective of the study was to develop a bioassay methodology with the ready-to-use toxic bait Success™ 0.02CB, 96 mg L-1 of spinosad, in adults of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) as a study model. The insect origin (laboratory population, LT50 = 11.16 h), time of toxic bait supply (4 h, LT50 = 16.85 h), food deprivation (12 h, LT50 = 15.55 h), and the adult age (5 days, LT50 = 35.31 h) of C. capitata showed higher susceptibility and a shorter LT50 lethal time to the Success™ 0.02CB toxic bait. However, the absence or presence of a food source (LT50 ≈ 31.17 h) during the bioassay did not affect the susceptibility of C. capitata. Further, adults of C. capitata who were deprived and in the absence of a food source (artificial diet) had higher consumption of toxic baits (mg) during treatment exposure. The use of a 12-h deprivation period, toxic baits offered for 4 h, and absence of an artificial diet for adults of C. capitata at 5 days of age during the bioassay are considered adequate for evaluating formulations of toxic baits under laboratory conditions.

Esophagectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with esophageal carcinoma and concomitant liver cirrhosis carry a high operative risk and may be denied esophagectomy. We performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis to investigate postoperative outcomes in these patients. METHODS: Studies reporting outcomes after esophagectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis were searched in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus until June 2017, matching the terms "liver cirrhosis", "esophageal neoplasm" and/or "esophageal surgery". Extracted data included study characteristics, demographic and clinical patient characteristics, type of surgical procedure, and postoperative outcomes. A systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis were performed. RESULTS: Five observational, retrospective and single-arm studies with a total of 157 patients were included. The main cause of death was liver failure followed by pneumonia/sepsis and anastomotic leak. Ascites and pleural effusion were the most frequent postoperative complications (pooled rates 36% and 34%, respectively). The pooled morbidity rate was 74% (95% HPD=46-81%) while the pooled mortality was 18% (95% HPD=17-27%). Study heterogeneity (τ2) was low, ranging from 0.046 to 0.080. An incidental diagnosis of liver cirrhosis was reported in 15.6% of patients in one series. Five-year survival was similar between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients but was statistically significantly higher in patients with MELD score<10. CONCLUSIONS: Sound scientific evidence with regard to efficacy and outcomes of esophagectomy in patients with concomitant liver cirrhosis is lacking. There is a need to properly select these frail patients to reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality rates.

Radiation dose with digital breast tomosynthesis compared to digital mammography: per-view analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare radiation dose delivered by digital mammography (FFDM) and breast tomosynthesis (DBT) for a single view. METHODS: 4,780 FFDM and 4,798 DBT images from 1,208 women enrolled in a screening trial were used to ground dose comparison. Raw images were processed by an automatic software to determine volumetric breast density (VBD) and were used together with exposure data to compute the mean glandular dose (MGD) according to Dance's model. DBT and FFDM were compared in terms of operation of the automatic exposure control (AEC) and MGD level. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between FFDM and DBT MGDs for all views (CC: MGDFFDM=1.366 mGy, MGDDBT=1.858 mGy; p<0.0001; MLO: MGDFFDM=1.374 mGy, MGDDBT=1.877 mGy; p<0.0001). Considering the 4,768 paired views, Bland-Altman analysis showed that the average increase of DBT dose compared to FFDM is 38 %, and a range between 0 % and 75 %. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a modest increase of radiation dose to the breast by tomosynthesis compared to FFDM. Given the emerging role of DBT, its use in conjunction with synthetic 2D images should not be deterred by concerns regarding radiation burden, and should draw on evidence of potential clinical benefit. KEY POINTS: • Most studies compared tomosynthesis in combination with mammography vs. mammography alone. • There is some concern about the dose increase with tomosynthesis. • Clinical data show a small increase in radiation dose with tomosynthesis. • Synthetic 2D images from tomosynthesis at zero dose reduce potential harm. • The small dose increase should not be a barrier to use of tomosynthesis.

Susceptibility, Oviposition Preference, and Biology of Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Prunus Spp. Rootstock Genotypes.

Studying the susceptibility of peach trees to Grapholita molesta (Busck) is one of the major steps in the development of pest-resistant peach varieties. This work evaluated the susceptibility of 55 genotypes of the "Prunus Rootstock Collection" ("Coleção Porta-enxerto de Prunus") of Embrapa Temperate Climate (Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) to the natural infestation of G. molesta, assessed the oviposition preference of G. molesta in choice and no-choice bioassays, and estimated the biological parameters and the fertility life table on different Prunus spp. genotypes in the laboratory. Genotypes Prunus kansuensis (Rehder), I-67-52-9, and I-67-52-4 were the most susceptible to G. molesta infestation in the field (>60% of branches infested), while 'Sharpe' (Prunus angustifolia x Prunus spp.) and Prunus sellowii (Koehne) were the least infested (0% of branches infested). In choice and no-choice bioassays, G. molesta preferred to oviposit on P. kansuensis when compared with Sharpe. The Sharpe genotype also showed an antibiosis effect, resulting in negative effects on the fertility life table parameters when compared with the genotypes P. kansuensis and 'Capdeboscq.' The results found in the present study can provide information to initiate a long-term breeding program moving desired G. molesta resistance traits from the rootstock into the Prunus spp. cultivars.

Drosophila suzukii in Southern Neotropical Region: Current Status and Future Perspectives.

Non-native insect pests are often responsible for important damage to native and agricultural plant hosts. Since Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) has become an important pest in North America and Europe (i.e., in 2008), the global production of soft thin-skinned fruits has faced severe production losses. In the southern Neotropical region, however, the first record of D. suzukii occurred in 2013 in the south of Brazil. It has also been recorded in Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile. Despite its recent occurrence in the southern Neotropical region, the fast dispersion of D. suzukii has inspired local research efforts in an attempt to mitigate the consequences of this insect pest invasion. In this forum, we explore the current status of D. suzukii in southern Neotropical regions, discussing its future perspectives. Additionally, we attempt to draft activities and a research agenda that may help to mitigate the losses caused by D. suzukii in native and commercial soft-skinned fruits produced in this region. Currently, D. suzukii appears to be well established in the south of Brazil, but considering the entire southern Neotropical region, the invasion panorama is still underinvestigated. The lack of studies and regulatory actions against D. suzukii has contributed to the invasion success of this species in this region. Considering several peculiarities of both the pest biology and the environmental of this region, the authors advocate for the need of intensive and integrative studies toward the development and implementation of area-wide integrated pest management programs against D. suzukii in the southern Neotropical region.

Biology and Thermal Requirements of Fopius arisanus (Sonan, 1932) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Reared on Ceratitis capitata Eggs (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Fopius arisanus (Sonan) is a solitary parasitoid of eggs and the first instar larvae of Tephritidae. Due to the occurrence of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) in various regions and under several climatic conditions, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different temperatures on the embryonic development (egg-adult) and determine thermal requirements and the number of annual generations F. arisanus on eggs of C. capitata. In the laboratory, eggs of C. capitata (24 h) were submitted to parasitism of F. arisanus during 6 h. Later, the eggs were placed in plastic containers (50 mL) (50 eggs/container) on a layer of artificial diet and packed in chambers at temperatures 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30, and 32 ± 1°C, RH 70 ± 10%, and a photophase of 12 h. The largest number of offspring, emergence rate, and weight of adults of F. arisanus were observed at 25°C. The highest sex ratios (sr > 0.75) were recorded at 15 and 18°C, being statistically higher than the temperatures 20°C (0.65), 22°C (0.64), 25°C (0.65), 28°C (0.49), and 30°C (0.47). At 32°C, there was no embryonic development of F. arisanus. The egg-adult period was inversely proportional to temperature. Based on the development of the biological cycle (egg-adult), the temperature threshold (T t) was 10.3°C and thermal constant (K) of 488.34 degree-days, being the number of generations/year directly proportional to the temperature increase. The data show the ability of F. arisanus to adapt to different thermal conditions, which is important for biological control programs of C. capitata.

Susceptibility and Interactions of Drosophila suzukii and Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Damaging Strawberry.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) has been recently detected causing damage to strawberries in Brazil. Infestation in strawberry culture has often been observed jointly with the presence of Zaprionus indianus Gupta. This study investigated the susceptibility of strawberries at three ripening stages to infestation of D. suzukii and Z. indianus and their interaction. In the laboratory, strawberries cv. Albion at different ripening stages (green, semi-ripe and ripe) were exposed to D. suzukii and Z. indianus for 24 h in choice and no-choice bioassays. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of mechanical damage incurred artificially or by D. suzukii oviposition on Z. indianus infestation. In no-choice bioassay, there were no significant differences in fruit susceptibility to D. suzukii infestation at different ripening stages. However, in choice bioassay, D. suzukii adults preferred to oviposit on R fruit. The presence of mechanical damage did not increase susceptibility of fruit to D. suzukii oviposition. For Z. indianus, there was greater susceptibility of R fruit in relation to SR and G fruit in both the choice and no-choice bioassays. There was a significant and positive interaction of mechanical damage and damage caused by D. suzukii to R fruit and infestation by Z. indianus, which was not observed in SR and G fruit. Although infestation of Z. indianus is related to attack damaged or decaying fruit, this work shows that this species has the ability to oviposit and develop in healthy strawberry fruit with and increased infestation level when the fruit has damage to its epidermis.

Biology of Fopius arisanus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Two Species of Fruit Flies.

Fopius arisanus (Sonan, 1932) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is an egg-larval parasitoid used in control programs of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). In Brazil, C. capitata and Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) are considered the main tephritid pests of exotic and indigenous fruits. The objective of this study was to study the biology of F. arisanus in C. capitata and A. fraterculus Eggs of the two fruit fly species were used to determine the parasitism rate, number of offspring, emergence rate, sex ratio, adult weight and longevity of male and female F. arisanus These biological parameters were used to develop a fertility life table. We observed higher parasitism and emergence rates of adults, a shorter duration of the egg-adult period and a sex ratio biased to females when F. arisanus was reared in eggs of C. capitata than in those of A. fraterculus However, adults of F. arisanus from eggs of A. fraterculus were heavier and had greater longevity than those obtained from C. capitata eggs. The fertility life table showed better biological and reproductive performance for F. arisanus reared in eggs of C. capitata, although eggs of A. fraterculus also provided positive values for population increase.