Pest categorisation of Dendrolimus punctatus.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Dendrolimus punctatus (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), following a commodity risk assessment of bonsai Pinus parviflora grafted onto P. thunbergii from China, in which D. punctatus was identified as a pest of possible concern to the European Union (EU). D. punctatus, also known as the Masson pine caterpillar, is present in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, India and has recently spread to Japanese islands close to Taiwan. Larval feeding on the needles of Pinus elliottii, P. luchuensis, P. massoniana, P. merkusii and P. tabulaeformis causes important damage. D. punctatus larvae can also feed on P. armandii, P. echinata, P. latteri, P. parviflora, P. sylvestris var. mongolica, P. taeda, P. taiwanensis and P. thunbergii, but full development on these hosts is uncertain. The pest has three to five generations per year; winter is spent as larvae on branch tips, on tree trunks and in the soil. The females lay egg clusters on pine needles. Pupation occurs in cocoons attached to branches or needles. D. punctatus could enter the EU either as eggs, larvae or pupae in the foliage of plants for planting or cut branches, as larvae on wood with bark or as overwintering larvae in branches, crevices in the bark or in the litter of potted plants. However, Annex VI of 2019/2072 prohibits the introduction of D. punctatus hosts (Pinus spp.) from countries and areas where the pest occurs. There are climate zones where the pest occurs in Asia that also occur in the EU, though they are limited, which constitutes an uncertainty regarding establishment. The pest's main hosts are not grown in the EU. However, the fact that it attacks the North American Pinus echinata, P. elliottii and P. taeda in its Asian native area suggests a potential capacity to shift to pine species occurring in the EU territory. D. punctatus satisfies all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. Whether the Pinus commonly found in Europe could act as hosts is unknown but is fundamental, affecting the criteria of establishment and magnitude of impact.

How Effective Are Push-Pull Semiochemicals as Deterrents for Bark Beetles? A Global Meta-Analysis of Thirty Years of Research.

Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are among the most damaging tree pests globally. Rising temperatures, drought, fire, storms, cyclones, and poor forest management cause stress and loss of vigour in trees, and these conditions favour bark beetle outbreaks. While research has been conducted on push-pull strategies to deter bark beetles, using attractive and deterrent semiochemicals, the potential of this strategy to reduce bark beetle populations, particularly in the genera Dendroctonus and Ips, remains uncertain. Here, we conducted a global meta-analysis of 52 research articles to quantify the effects of semiochemical treatments on managing different species of Dendroctonus and Ips for forest protection. Based on this analysis, we found that push-pull semiochemicals can significantly reduce Dendroctonus and Ips populations measured by a reduction in the attraction to lure/trap catches, tree mortality, and attacks on trees. The overall efficacy of the push-pull semiochemical treatment shows a 66% reduction for Ips compared to control and a 54% reduction compared to control for Dendroctonus, while, at the species level, there was a 69% reduction for Dendroctonus ponderosae (Hopkins) and a 94% reduction in Ips perturbatus (Eichhoff), and a 93% reduction in Ips latidens (LeConte). Interestingly, among different treatment sources, the efficacy of conspecific semiochemicals in combination with heterospecific semiochemicals and non-host volatiles showed a 92% reduction in Dendroctonus spp., and conspecific semiochemicals in combination with non-host volatiles showed a 77% significant reduction in Ips spp., while the efficacy of heterospecific semiochemicals in reducing Ips population was about 69%, and 20% in Dendroctonus. Among different ecological regions, the use of a push-pull strategy showed a 70% reduction in Dendroctonus in central-west North America, and Ips showed a 75% reduction in southwest North America. Our results demonstrate that semiochemical-based push-pull techniques have the potential to reduce Dendroctonus and Ips bark beetle populations. Furthermore, based on our analysis, the efficacy of such eco-friendly interventions could be further improved and provide a good tool for forest managers to control these pests, at least under some circumstances.

Beauveria bassiana exhibits strong virulence against Dendroctonus ponderosae in greenhouse and field experiments.

The mountain pine beetle (MPB) has infested over 16 million hectares of pine forests in western Canada, killing over 50% of mature lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta, in British Columbia alone. There are few tools available to manage irruptive bark beetle populations and to mitigate tree mortality. Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus that causes mortality to several bark beetle species. However, the potential for B. bassiana as a biocontrol agent against pine beetle populations is unknown. We selected three strains of B. bassiana from several culture collections and evaluated their conidial stability under cold storage, in planta (greenhouse, and pine bolts) and in natura (forest stand, pine bolts, and live pines) conditions. The stability assays showed that all fungal strains maintained a minimum effective conidial yield through the assay durations (3-12 weeks). In addition, we adapted a biphasic liquid-solid fermentation approach for the large-scale production of conidial biomass, yielding up to a 100-fold increase in production. In greenhouse virulence assays, the mean lethal time of MPBs was reduced to 3-4 days upon treatment with B. bassiana, where high B. bassiana-associated mycosis was also observed. Furthermore, the application of B. bassiana formulation substantially affected the gallery network of MPBs in bolts in the field, resulting in shorter larval galleries and significantly reduced offspring production. Indeed, high titer treatments reduced the mean larvae per gallery to virtually zero. Together these results demonstrate that B. bassiana may be a viable biocontrol tool to reduce mountain pine beetle populations in pine forests in western Canada. KEY POINTS: • Three B. bassiana strains identified to be stable at various test conditions. • Large-scale conidial biomass production using liquid-solid biphasic fermentation. • Reproductive success of D. ponderosae significantly reduced by B. bassiana formulation.

Influence of European Beech (Fagales: Fagaceae) Rot Hole Habitat Characteristics on Invertebrate Community Structure and Diversity.

Hollows of veteran trees (i.e., rot holes) provide habitat for many rare and threatened saproxylic invertebrates. Rot holes are highly heterogeneous, particularly in terms of substrate and microclimate conditions. There is, however, a dearth of information regarding the differences in biological communities inhabiting rot holes with different environmental conditions. Invertebrates were sampled from European beech (Fagus sylvatica) rot holes in Windsor, Savernake, and Epping Forests (United Kingdom). For each rot hole, physical and environmental conditions were measured, including tree diameter, rot hole dimensions, rot hole height, substrate density, water content, and water potential. These parameters were used to assess the influence of environmental conditions and habitat characteristics on invertebrate communities. Rot hole invertebrate communities were extremely diverse, containing both woodland generalist and saproxylic specialist taxa. Large variation in community structure was observed between rot holes and across woodlands; all sites supported threatened and endangered taxa. Environmental conditions in rot holes were highly variable within and between woodland sites, and communities were predominantly structured by these environmental conditions. In particular, turnover between invertebrate communities was linked to high ß-diversity. The linked heterogeneity of environmental conditions and invertebrate communities in rot holes suggests that management of deadwood habitats in woodlands should strive to generate environmental heterogeneity to promote invertebrate diversity. Additional research is required to define how management and conservation activities can further promote enhanced biodiversity across rot holes.

Selection of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) for the biocontrol of Dendroctonus ponderosae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in Western Canada.

The mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae, has infested over ~16 Mha of pine forests in British Columbia killing >50% of mature lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta, trees in affected stands. At present, it is functionally an invasive species in Alberta, killing and reproducing in evolutionarily naïve populations of lodgepole pine (P. contorta), novel jack pine (P. banksiana), and their hybrids. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana has shown some potential as a biocontrol agent of several bark beetle species. In this study, nine isolates of B. bassiana were examined for insect virulence characteristics, including conidiation rate, pigmentation, and infection rate in laboratory-reared D. ponderosae, to assess for their potential as biocontrol agents. The strains were categorized into three phenotypic groups based on pigmentation, conidial density, and myceliation rate. Virulence screening utilizing insect-based agar medium (D. ponderosae and European honeybee Apis mellifera carcasses) revealed no difference in selection of fungal growth. However, infection studies on D. ponderosae and A. mellifera showed contrasting results. In vivo A. mellifera infection model revealed ~5% mortality, representing the natural death rate of the hive population, whereas laboratory-reared D. ponderosae showed 100% mortality and mycosis. The LT50 (median lethal time 50) ranges from 2 to 5 ± 0.33 days, and LT100 ranges from 4 to 6 ± 0.5 days. We discuss the selective advantages of the three phenotypic groups in terms of virulence, pigmentation, conidial abundance, and tolerance to abiotic factors like UV and host tree monoterpenes. These results can further provide insights into the development of several phenotypically diverse B. bassiana strains in controlling the spread of the invasive D. ponderosae in Western Canada. KEY POINTS: • Three B. bassiana morphotype groups have been demonstrated to kill D. ponderosae. • A range of effective lethal times (LT50 and LT100) was established against D. ponderosae. • Variable tolerance to UV light and pine monoterpenes were observed in B. bassiana.

Interspecific variation in spruce constitutive and induced defenses in response to a bark beetle-fungal symbiont provides insight into traits associated with resistance.

Differences in defensive traits of tree species may predict why some conifers are susceptible to bark beetle-fungal complexes and others are not. A symbiotic fungus (Leptographium abietinum (Peck) M.J. Wingf.) associated with the tree-killing bark beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby) is phytopathogenic to host trees and may hasten tree decline during colonization by beetles, but defense responses of mature trees to the fungus have not been experimentally examined. To test the hypothesis that interspecific variation in spruce resistance is explained by defense traits we compared constitutive (bark thickness and constitutive resin ducts) and induced defenses (resin flow, monoterpene composition, concentration, phloem lesion formation and traumatic resin ducts) between two sympatric spruces: Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.-a susceptible host) and blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.-a resistant host) in response to fungal inoculation. Four central findings emerged: (i) blue spruce has thicker outer bark and thinner phloem than Engelmann spruce, which may restrict fungal access to phloem and result in less beetle-available resource overall; (ii) both spruce species induce monoterpenes in response to inoculation but blue spruce has higher constitutive monoterpene levels, induces monoterpenes more rapidly, and induces higher concentrations over a period of time consistent with spruce beetle attack duration; (iii) Engelmann and blue spruce differed in the monoterpenes they upregulated in response to fungal inoculation: blue spruce upregulated α-pinene, terpinolene and γ-terpinene, but Engelmann spruce upregulated 3-carene and linalool; and (iv) blue spruce has a higher frequency of constitutive resin ducts and produces more traumatic resin ducts in annual growth increments than Engelmann spruce, though Engelmann spruce produces more resin following aseptic wounding or fungal inoculation. These findings suggest that higher constitutive resin duct densities and monoterpene concentrations, as well as the ability to rapidly induce specific monoterpenes in response to L. abietinum inoculation, are phenotypic traits associated with hosts resistant to spruce beetle colonization.

Influence of the color of semi-funnel traps on Xylophagous coleoptera capture efficiency in forest fragments

Bark and ambrosia beetles, mainly the ones belonging to groups Scolytinae, Bostrichidae and Platypodinae, can kill trees from reforestation areas or native forests and damage the wood. Population monitoring and the identification of quarantine species are carried out by assembling ethanol-baited traps. The aims of the current study are to evaluate the influence of the color of ethanol-baited traps on the efficient capture of these insects, as well as to measure changes in colorimetric variables based on trap exposure in the field and to investigate whether these changes affect capture efficiency. Eight ethanolic traps (red, yellow, black and transparent traps - two of each color) were installed in a forest fragment in the first experimental stage ­ samples were collected on a weekly basis, for 11 months. New and used transparent traps were installed in the field in the second experimental stage - samples were collected for additional 11 months. A portable spectrophotometer was used to measure the colorimetric variables in these traps. The mean number of Scolytinae individuals (± SD) captured in transparent traps (48±50) was significantly higher than that of individuals captured in black (24±25), yellow (23±21) and red (22±21) traps. However, transparent traps subjected to field conditions were colonized by such as fungi, bacteria and mosses, which changed the transparent state of the traps into a darkened color and significantly affected their capture efficiency. The total number of 6,268 Scolytinae individuals were collected at this experimental stage: 4,977 of them were captured in new traps, whereas 1,291 were captured in the old ones. Based on the herein measured colorimetric variables, such color change got significantly intensified as transparent traps remained under field conditions. In conclusion, transparent traps were more efficient in capturing Scolytinae individuals than the black, yellow and red traps. In addition, the exposure to field conditions has progressively changed equipment color and decreased its capture efficiency.

Occurrence of Heilipus draco (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in seeds of Ocotea puberula (Lauraceae) and its influence on germination

ABSTRACT This study aims to report the occurrence of Heilipus draco in seeds of Ocotea puberula, and to describe the main injuries caused to the seeds and the effects on germination, as well as the occurrence of parasitoid hymenopterans. To this end, fruits of seven trees were selected, in the extreme south of the Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Fruit collection was carried out weekly in the middle third of the canopy, forming lots, from the beginning of fruit formation until total dehiscence, for two years. In order to examine the damage caused by the granivorous insects inside the fruits, 100 fruits were sectioned taking into account the batch/year with the aid of a scalpel and analyzed using a binocular stereomicroscope. In the same way, 144 fruits from each lot/year were stored individually in transparent plates in order to verify the occurrence and identification of species of granivorous insects. The proof of the influence of the injury caused to the seeds by the granivorous insects was carried out by the germination test, with four replications of 25 seeds, comparing seeds with and without oviposition holes. The species H. draco was found to be associated with the fruits of O. puberula. The egg-layings are endophytic, carried out directly on the seed. Larval parasitism of Hymenoptera Bracon, Omeganastatus, Scambus and Triapsis was observed. It is concluded that the cycle from egg to adult takes place inside the seed of O. puberula, and the injuries caused by the larvae decrease germination.

Use of Semiochemicals for the Management of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle.

This review highlights current advances in the management of the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, a primary vector of the pathogenic fungus, Raffaelea lauricola, that causes laurel wilt. Laurel wilt has a detrimental effect on forest ecosystems of southeastern USA, with hundreds of millions of Lauraceae deaths. Currently, preventive measures mostly focus on infected-tree removal to potentially reduce local beetle populations and/or use of preventative fungicide applications in urban trees. Use of semiochemicals may offer an opportunity for the management of X. glabratus. Research on attractants has led to the development of α-copaene lures that are now the accepted standards for X. glabratus sampling. Research conducted on repellents first included methyl salicylate and verbenone and attained significant reduction in the number of X. glabratus captured on redbay and swamp bay trees treated with verbenone. However, the death rate of trees protected with verbenone, while lower compared to untreated trees, is still high. This work underscores the necessity of developing new control methods, including the integration of repellents and attractants into a single push-pull system.

Occurrence of Scolytinae in mangrove with impact trap and in wood of five forest species / Ocorrência de Scolytinae em manguezal com armadilha de impacto e na madeira de cinco espécies florestais

Scolytinae is a beetle group belonging to Order Coleoptera; these insects play an essential role in wood degradation in forest ecosystems, since they build galleries that enable substrate colonization by other saprophytic organisms, as well as nutrient cycling. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the occurrence of Scolytinae in the wood of 5 tree species exposed to mangrove environment, as well as to simultaneously survey Scolytinae specimens captured in ethanol-baited impact traps placed in the same environment. The study was carried out in a mangrove area located in Santa Cruz neighborhood - RJ. Five freshly-harvested Clitoria fairchildiana, Rhyzophora mangle, Corymbia citriodora, Melia azedarach and Eucalyptus pellita wood logs (1 m long and 5-10 cm diameter) were arranged perpendicular to the ground (1 m above it) and spaced 30 cm away from each other. Five impact traps were set up 50 m away from each other, 1.3 m above the ground. Insects were collected for 5 months. One hundred and thirty (130) Scolytinae individuals (14 species in 2 genera) were recorded in the wood logs; the relative frequency (Fr) of the species comprised Xyleborus affinis (33.9%) and Hypothenemus sp.4 (17.7%), which represented 51.6% of the total number of captured individuals. Hypothenemus sp.6 specimens were not collected in ethanol-baited traps, but the wood of C. fairchildiana. E. pellita did not show insect infestation. The traps captured 798 individuals (24 species belonging to 8 genera); the frequency of X. affinis (25.3%) and Hypothenemus eruditus (14.5%) represented 39.8% of the total number of captured insects.

Scolytinae é um grupo da Ordem Coleoptera que tem função importante na degradação da madeira em ecossistemas florestais, através da construção de galerias, facilitam a colonização por outros organismos saprófitas neste substrato, auxiliando a ciclagem de nutrientes. Nesse contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar à ocorrência de Scolytinae na madeira de cinco espécies arbóreas expostas em ambiente de mangue, bem como realizar simultaneamente, o levantamento dos escolitíneos capturados por armadilha de impacto iscada com etanol no mesmo ambiente. O estudo foi realizado numa área de manguezal, no Bairro de Santa Cruz-RJ. Cinco toras de madeira recém abatidas de Clitoria fairchildiana, Rhyzophora mangle, Corymbia citriodora, Melia azedarach e Eucalyptus pellita, de 1 m e diâmetro variando 5-10 cm, foram dispostas perpendicularmente ao solo a uma altura de 1 m e espaçadas de 30 cm. Cinco armadilhas de impacto foram instaladas a uma distância de 50 m entre si a uma altura de 1,3 m em relação ao solo. Os insetos foram coletados durante o período de 5 meses. Nas madeiras, registrou-se 130 indivíduos de Scolytinae (14 espécies em 2 gêneros) cuja frequência relativa (Fr) das espécies foi: Xyleborus affinis Eichhoff (33,9%) e Hypothenemus sp.4 (17,7%) representando 51,6% do total de indivíduos capturados. Hypothenemus sp.6 não foi coletada em armadilha etanólica, sendo capturada na madeira de C. fairchildiana. Em E. pellita não houve infestação. Nas armadilhas foram capturados 798 indivíduos (24 espécies em 8 gêneros), cuja a Fr de X. affinis(25,3%) e Hypothenemus eruditus Westwood(14,5%) representou 39,8%.

Arthropods associated with young orchard of pecan in southern Brazil / Artrópodes associados a um plantio jovem de nogueira-pecã no sul do Brasil

A produção mundial de noz-pecã Carya illinoinensis (Juglandaceae) é liderada pelos Estados Unidos. No Brasil, em especial no Rio Grande do Sul, houve uma expansão da área plantada com a cultura nos últimos anos. No entanto, faltam pesquisas relacionadas à entomofauna associada à noz-pecã, bem como práticas culturais que auxiliem no Manejo Integrado de Pragas, mesmo havendo uma expansão da cultura. Assim, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar a fauna de artrópodes na copa de plantas de C. illinoinensis, submetido a diferentes manejos de solo, em Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Para tanto, utilizou-se delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com cinco blocos e quatro tratamentos: plantio em cova pequena, com 20 × 60 cm (Sp); utilização de subsolador mais grade niveladora e cova pequena (Ssp); utilização de enxada rotativa e cova pequena (Tsp); e plantio em cova grande, com 40 × 60 cm (Lp). De novembro de 2014 a maio de 2015, foram coletadas 7.617 espécimes nas copas de árvores jovens de nogueira-pecã. Foram identificados 150 grupos taxonômicos, sendo Coleoptera a ordem com maior riqueza de espécies. Monellia caryella (Hemiptera: Aphididae) apresentou elevada densidade. Foram registrados os inimigos naturais himenópteros parasitoides e Coccinellidae. Conclui-se que a artropodofauna em copas de plantas jovens de nogueira-pecã apresenta diversidade similar entre os tratamentos e predomínio de M. caryella nas áreas avaliadas.(AU)

World production of pecan Carya illinoinensis (Juglandaceae) is led by the United States. In Brazil, especially in the Rio Grande do Sul State, there has been an expansion of the planted area in recent years. Despite this expansion of pecan culture, there is a lack of research on entomofauna associated with pecan and on cultural practices which aids in Integrated Pest Management. This study aimed to evaluate the arthropod fauna in the canopies of C. illinoinensis trees grown under different soil management practices in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A randomized design was used with five blocks and four treatments: planting in small pits of 20 × 60 cm (Sp) using a subsoiler with a leveling grader/shank, planting in small pits (Ssp) using a rotary tiller (Tsp), and planting in large pits of 40 × 60 cm (Lp). A total of 7,617 specimens were collected from November 2014 to May 2015 from the young pecan canopies. Among the 150 taxonomic groups identified, Coleoptera was the most taxonomically rich order. The blackmargined aphid Monellia caryella (Hemiptera: Aphididae) had the greatest abundance. Hymenopteran parasitoids and Coccinellidae spp. were among the natural pest enemies detected. We conclude that the arthropod fauna found in the young pecan canopies is similarly diverse among the different soil managements, with a predominance of pest species M. caryella in all the evaluated areas.(AU)

Cold Tolerance of Mountain Pine Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Pupae.

Determining the cold tolerance of mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is critical for assessing its long-term persistence and eruptive potential in its new habitat, as well as the risk of continued range expansion across Canada's boreal forest. We used supercooling points (SCPs) and mortality assessments with exposure to different temperatures to determine the cold tolerance of pupae. Mountain pine beetle pupae cold tolerance did not increase with chilling and there was little change in the lethal temperature regardless of treatment or sample time. SCPs were reflective of expected mortality due to freezing: the lethal temperature for 50% mortality was -19.3°C and the mean SCP was -18.7°C. However, significant mortality occurred over time at much warmer temperatures (0 and -9°C), indicating that this life stage suffers significant prefreeze mortality. On the basis of our results, it is unlikely that pupae would be able to successfully overwinter in most regions in Canada. This study is part of a larger project aimed at producing a comprehensive assessment of the cold tolerance of all life stages of the mountain pine beetle to feed population models, climatic suitability indices, and spread assessments.

Occurrence of Amblycerus species in Cordia trichotoma seeds and their influence on germination

ABSTRACT Forest species can have their seeds damaged by granivorous insects, especially by those in their larval stage. In this context, this study aims to report the occurrence of Amblycerus species in Cordia trichotoma seeds, to describe their main damage to seeds and effects on germination, as well as their associated hymenopteran parasitoids. Therefore, seven trees were selected in the municipality of Taquaruçu do Sul, RS, Brazil. Fruits were collected weekly from the medium third of the tree crown, from the beginning of their formation until total dehiscence. To examine the damage caused by granivorous insects within the fruits, 15 fruits from each tree were sectioned with a scalpel. Furthermore, 10 fruits from each tree were stored individually in clear plates to verify the occurrence and identification of granivorous insect species. Evidence of the damage caused to seeds was verified through the germination test by comparing preserved and damaged seeds, with four repetitions of 25 seeds each. The species Amblycerus longesuturalis and Amblycerus profaupar (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) were found associated with fruits of C. trichotoma. Female insects predominantly laid eggs on the superior part between the marcescent calyx and the fruit, and larvae perforated the fruit tegument to start consuming seed embryos and reserves. Bruquine larvae are parasitized by Hymenoptera of Bracon, Mirax, Omeganastatus and Triapsis genera. In conclusion, the germination of C. trichotoma seeds is significantly affected by emergence orifices caused by granivorous species.

Bark beetles in a mixed plantation of bertholletia excelsa and hevea brasiliensis in the southern Amazon / Scolytinae em plantio misto de Bertholletia excelsa e Hevea brasiliensis na amazonia meridional

Bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are wood borers with the potential to cause significant damage in forest plantations. Studies of this group are more common in plantations of Eucalyptus, and Pinus, but the increase of planting with other forest species, such as Brazil nut and rubber trees, indicates the need for monitoring of Scolytinae in these additional forest areas. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate an assemblage and the main species of bark beetles in a mixed plantation of Brazil nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.) and rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg.) in Southern Amazonia. Twelve ethanol traps were used and collections were carried out biweekly for one year. The collections were evaluated descriptively way with entomofaunistic analysis, and population fluctuation and its dispersion were determined. A total of 2,738 individuals were collected, with a total of 17 species distributed in nine genera, of which Cryptocarenus Eggers 1937 and Xyleborus Eichoff 1864 showed the greatest representation. Cryptocarenus diadematus Eggers, Cryptocarenus heveae (Hagedorni), Cryptocarenus seriatusEggers, Xyleborus affinis Eichhoff, and Xyleborus spinulosus Blandford were categorized as dominant, very abundant, very frequent, and constant. The assemblage of Scolytinae in the Brazil nut tree and rubber tree mixed plantation had a greater abundance in the rainy season, with the highest averages and population peaks. The species with the greatest representation also presented a greater number of individuals in the rainy season with aggregate dispersion.

Scolytinae são coleobrocas com potencial de causar significativos danos em plantios florestais. Estudos com este grupo são mais comuns em plantios de Eucalyptus e Pinus, mas o aumento das áreas de plantio com outras espécies florestais como castanheira e seringueira indica a necessidade demonitoramento também dos Scolytinae nestas áreas florestais. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar uma assembléia e as principais espécies coletadas de escolitíneos (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) em um plantio misto de castanheira (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.) e seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg.) na Amazônia Meridional, no município de Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso. As coletas foram realizadas quinzenalmente no período de agosto de 2015 a agosto de 2016, em 12 armadilhas de etanol. A assembléia foi avaliada de maneira descritiva com análises entomofaunisticas, e para as principais espécies determinou-se sua flutuação populacional e dispersão. Um total de 2.738 indivíduos foram coletados, totalizando 17 espécies distribuídas em nove gêneros, dos quais Cryptocarenus Eggers 1937 e Xyleborus Eichoff 1864foram os mais representativos. Na análise entomofaunística, Cryptocarenus diadematus Eggers, Cryptocarenus heveae(Hagedorni), Cryptocarenus seriatus Eggers, Xyleborus affinis Eichhoff e Xyleborus spinulosus Blandford foram dominantes, muito abundantes, muito frequentes e constantes. A assembléia de Scolytinae no plantio misto de castanheira com seringueira, apresentou maior abundância na estação chuvosa, com as maiores médias e picos populacionais. E as principais espécies coletadas também apresentaram maior número de indivíduos coletados na estação chuvosa com dispersão agregada.

Effects of Site Thermal Variation and Physiography on Flight Synchrony and Phenology of the North American Spruce Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) and Associated Species in Colorado.

Spruce beetle, Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby, is associated with forest mortality in Colorado and across western North America, yet it is not well understood how thermal variability affects basic population processes such as flight phenology. However, phenology-temperature relationships are important for understanding patterns of ecosystem disturbance, especially under projected climate warming. Here, we use a multiyear trapping study to test the hypothesis that spruce beetle flight synchrony, timing, and fitness traits (body size) are affected by variation in regional temperature and physiography. Large quantities of co-colonizing scolytines (Polygraphus convexifrons) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) and predatory beetles (Thanasimus undulatus) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) that may affect D. rufipennis populations also responded to spruce beetle synthetic pheromone lures. Relationships between flight patterns and environmental conditions were also analyzed for these species. The winter of 2018 was warmer and drier than winter 2017 and was associated with earlier flight for both scolytine species across most sites. The most important environmental factor driving D. rufipennis flight phenology was accumulated growing degree-days, with delayed flight cessation under warmer conditions and larger beetles following a warm winter. Flight was consistently more synchronous under colder growing season conditions for all species, but synchrony was not associated with winter temperatures. Warmer-than-average years promoted earlier flight of D. rufipennis and associated species, and less synchronous, prolonged flight across the region. Consequently, climate warming may be associated with earlier and potentially extended biotic pressure for spruce trees in the Rocky Mountain region, and flight phenology of multiple scolytines is plastic in response to thermal conditions.

Musa acuminata pseudostem extract on the control of atta sexdens rubropilosa / Extrato de pseudocaule de Musa acuminata no controle de Atta sexdens rubropilosa

Currently, few active principles are authorized by the forest certification for the control of insect pests, with which it is necessary to develop new products, mainly aiming at lower environmental impact. The plants are able to develop substances called secondary metabolites, widely studied as an alternative form of pest control. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal potential of two Musa acuminata extracts, on the control of Atta sexdens rubropilosa. The extracts were obtained from the pseudostem of M. acuminata, which underwent drying and milling, producing two extracts: ethanolic (A1) and hydroethanolic rotaevaporate (A2) extract. For the analysis of the bioactivity of the extracts, a topical application of one milliliter of each extract on the ants was carried out, with the aid of spray, in the concentrations of: 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, and 20%, with distilled water (witness) applied to the test, analyzing the mortality and LC50, in different evaluation periods. At 24 hours the mortality of 90% at the concentration of 20% for the A1 extract was observed. From the 10% concentration there was 100% mortality in this same period for the A2 extract, and at 48 hours the 2% concentration caused 100% mortality. In the LC50 analysis for 24 hours values of 7.94 and 1.09% were obtained for ethanolic extract and rotavaporated ethanolic extract respectively. And the LC50 presented a decrease in values after 48 hours for the ethanolic extract presented value of 2.29%. Thus, it can be concluded that the A2 extract is the most efficient, since it allows the lower consumption of extract in the dilution for later application, due to the presence of insecticidal potential in low concentration.

Atualmente, poucos princípios ativos são autorizados pela certificação florestal para o controle de insetos-praga, sendo necessário desenvolver novos produtos, principalmente visando menor impacto ambiental. As plantas são capazes de desenvolver substâncias chamadas metabólitos secundários,amplamente estudadas como uma forma alternativa de controle de pragas. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial inseticida de dois extratos de Musa acuminata, no controle de Atta sexdens rubropilosa. Os extratos foram obtidos a partir do pseudocaule de M. acuminata, que foi submetido a secagem e moagem, produzindo dois extratos: etanólico (A1) e hidroalcoólico rotaevaporado (A2). Para a análise da bioatividade dos extratos, foi realizada uma aplicação tópica de um mililitro de cada extrato sobre as formigas, com o auxílio de spray, nas concentrações de: 2, 6, 10, 14, 18 e 20%, com água destilada (testemunha) aplicada ao teste, verificando-se a mortalidade e a CL50, em diferentes períodos de avaliação. Às 24 horas foi observada mortalidade de 90% na concentração de 20% para o extrato A1. A partir da concentração de 10% houve 100% de mortalidade nesse mesmo período para o extrato A2, e às 48 horas a concentração de 2% causou 100% de mortalidade. Na análise da LC50 para 24 horas obteve-se valores de 7,94 e 1,09% para o extrato etanólico e o extrato rotaevaporado respectivamente. E a CL50 apresentou diminuição nos valores apartir das 48 horas para o extrato etanólico apresentando valor de 2,29%. Assim, pode-se concluir que o extrato A2 é o mais eficiente, pois permite o menor consumo de extrato na diluição para posterior aplicação, devido à presença de potencial inseticida em baixa concentração.

Using the SSU, ITS, and Ribosomal DNA Operon Arrangement to Characterize Two Microsporidia Infecting Bruce Spanworm, Operophtera bruceata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae).

Research pertaining to the two closely-related microsporidian genera Nosema and Vairimorpha is hindered by inconsistencies in species differentiation within and between the two clades. One proposal to better delimit these genera is to restructure the Nosema around a "True Nosema" clade, consisting of species that share a characteristic reversed ribosomal DNA operon arrangement and small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA sequences similar to that of the Nosema type species, N. bombycis. Using this framework, we assess two distinct microsporidia recovered from the forest insect Bruce spanworm (Operophtera bruceata) by sequencing their SSU and internal transcribed spacer regions. Phylogenetic analyses place one of our isolates within the proposed True Nosema clade close to N. furnacalis and place the other in the broader Nosema/Vairimorpha clade close to N. thomsoni. We found that 25% of Bruce spanworm cadavers collected over the four-year study period were infected with microsporidia, but no infections were detected in cadavers of the Bruce spanworm's invasive congener, the winter moth (O. brumata), collected over the same period. We comment on these findings as they relate to the population dynamics of the Bruce spanworm-winter moth system in this region, and more broadly, on the value of ribosomal DNA operon arrangement in Nosema systematics.

A New Light Trap Model as an Alternative for Controlling Pests in Eucalyptus Plantations.

Eucalyptus plantations can be affected by species of defoliating caterpillars. The integrated management of this group primarily involves a monitoring system, natural enemies, and biological products. Alternative control methods, including the use of conventional light traps, have not been adopted, mostly because of their low efficiency. Therefore, a more efficient light trap model was developed. The new model allowed the capture of 3.6 times as many insects as the conventional model, with a 261% gain in control efficiency. The use of this new model represents another integrated management alternative for lepidopteran pests of eucalyptus plantations and other cultured plants.

A new Paraleius species (Acari, Oribatida, Scheloribatidae) associated with bark beetles (Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in Canada.

Bark beetles (Scolytinae) are hosts to a broad diversity of mites (Acari), including several genera of Oribatida (Sarcoptiformes). Of these, Paraleius (Scheloribatidae) species are the most frequently collected oribatid mites associated with bark beetles. A new species was discovered while surveying the acarofauna of bark beetles in Eastern Canada and is described as Paraleius leahaesp. n. (Oribatida, Scheloribatidae). This species was collected from two host beetle species, Hylastes porculus Erickson and Dendroctonus valens LeConte, in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The genus Paraleius is rediagnosed, Metaleius is considered a synonym of Paraleius, and the proposed synonymy of Paraleius with Siculobata is rejected. The three known species are Paraleius leontonycha (Berlese), P. leahaesp. n., and P. strenzkei (Travé), comb. n. The barcode region of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was amplified from P. leahaesp. n.

Acanthotomicus sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), a New Destructive Insect Pest of North American Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua in China.

A previously unknown bark beetle species, Acanthotomicus sp., has emerged as a lethal pest of American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) in China. Our survey of nursery records from around Shanghai suggests that American sweetgum have been under heavy attack since at least 2013, resulting in the death of > 10,000 trees. Mass attacks of the apparently sweetgum-specific Acanthotomicus sp. can be diagnosed by accumulation of resinous exudates on the trunk, wilted foliage, and eventual numerous exit holes of the new generation. A Chinese native sweetgum Liquidambar formosana can also be colonized by Acanthotomicus sp. This pest is of concern not only as a killer of sweetgum in the Chinese nursery trade but also as a potentially destructive invasive pest of sweetgum in North America. This discovery suggests that global preinvasion assessment of pests is warranted.