Bois noir management in vineyard: a review on effective and promising control strategies.

Among grapevine yellows, Bois noir (BN), associated with 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani', represents the biggest threat in the main wine-growing areas worldwide, causing significant losses in berry quality and yields. BN epidemiology involves multiple plant hosts and several insect vectors, making considerably complex the development of effective management strategies. Since application of insecticides on the grapevine canopy is not effective to manage vectors, BN management includes an integrated approach based on treatments to the canopy to make the plant more resistant to the pathogen and/or inhibit the vector feeding, and actions on reservoir plants to reduce possibilities that the vector reaches the grapevine and transmit the phytoplasma. Innovative sustainable strategies developed in the last twenty years to improve the BN management are reviewed and discussed.

Thermal preference of Culicoides biting midges in laboratory and semi-field settings.

Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are hematophagous insects, and some species can transmit a plethora of pathogens, e.g., bluetongue virus and African horse sickness virus, that mainly affect animals. The transmission of vector-borne pathogens is strongly temperature dependent, and recent studies pointed to the importance of including microclimatic data when modelling disease spread. However, little is known about the preferred temperature of biting midges. The present study addressed the thermal selection of field-caught Culicoides with two experiments. In a laboratory setup, sugar-fed or blood-fed midges were video tracked for 15 min while moving inside a 60 × 30 × 4 cm setup with a 15-25 °C temperature gradient. Culicoides spent over double the time in the coldest zone of the setup compared to the warmest one. This cold selection was significantly stronger for sugar-fed individuals. Calculated preferred temperatures were 18.3 °C and 18.9 °C for sugar-fed and blood-fed Culicoides, respectively. The effect of temperature on walking speed was significant but weak, indicating that their skewed distribution results from preference and not cold trapping. A second experiment consisted of a two-way-choice-setup, performed in a 90 × 45 × 45 cm net cage, placed outdoors in a sheltered environment. Two UV LED CDC traps were placed inside the setup, and a mean temperature difference of 2.2 °C was created between the two traps. Hundred-fifty Culicoides were released per experiment. Recapture rates were negatively correlated with ambient temperature and were on average three times higher in the cooled trap. The higher prevalence of biting midges in cooler environments influences fitness and ability to transmit pathogens and should be considered in models that predict Culicoides disease transmission.

Unusual outbreaks of curly top disease in processing tomato fields in northern California in 2021 and 2022 were caused by a rare strain of beet curly top virus and facilitated by extreme weather events.

In the western United States, curly top disease (CTD) is caused by beet curly top virus (BCTV). In California, CTD causes economic loss to processing tomato production in central and southern areas but, historically, not in the north. Here, we document unusual CTD outbreaks in processing tomato fields in the northern production area in 2021 and 2022, and show that these were caused by the rare spinach curly top strain (BCTV-SpCT). These outbreaks were associated with proximity of fields to foothills and unusually hot, dry, and windy spring weather conditions, possibly by altering migrations of the beet leafhopper (BLH) vector from locations with BCTV-SpCT reservoirs. Support for this hypothesis came from the failure to observe CTD outbreaks and BLH migrations in 2023, when spring weather conditions were cool and wet. Our results show the climate-induced emergence of a rare plant virus strain to cause an economically important disease in a new crop and location.

Interactions between West Nile Virus and the Microbiota of Culex pipiens Vectors: A Literature Review.

The flavivirus West Nile virus (WNV) naturally circulates between mosquitoes and birds, potentially affecting humans and horses. Different species of mosquitoes play a role as vectors of WNV, with those of the Culex pipiens complex being particularly crucial for its circulation. Different biotic and abiotic factors determine the capacity of mosquitoes for pathogen transmission, with the mosquito gut microbiota being recognized as an important one. Here, we review the published studies on the interactions between the microbiota of the Culex pipiens complex and WNV infections in mosquitoes. Most articles published so far studied the interactions between bacteria of the genus Wolbachia and WNV infections, obtaining variable results regarding the directionality of this relationship. In contrast, only a few studies investigate the role of the whole microbiome or other bacterial taxa in WNV infections. These studies suggest that bacteria of the genera Serratia and Enterobacter may enhance WNV development. Thus, due to the relevance of WNV in human and animal health and the important role of mosquitoes of the Cx. pipiens complex in its transmission, more research is needed to unravel the role of mosquito microbiota and those factors affecting this microbiota on pathogen epidemiology. In this respect, we finally propose future lines of research lines on this topic.

DNA degradation in Haplaxius crudus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) and Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) on yellow sticky traps in Florida.

Lethal bronzing (LB) and huanglongbing (HLB) are harmful plant diseases causing significant economic losses in Florida agriculture. Both diseases are caused by bacteria that are transmitted by Hemipteran insect vectors. Accurate detection of pathogens within insect vectors can help provide a better understanding of disease epidemiology. Monitoring of the vector of LB is done primarily using sticky traps within palm canopies. However, it is unknown how long pathogen and vector DNA remain intact under field conditions. If significant DNA degradation takes place over the course of days or weeks, there is a possibility of false negatives occurring when detecting pathogens from these surveys. This study determined how long Haplaxius crudus Van Duzee (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) and LB DNA could remain detectable on sticky traps under field conditions in Florida in winter and summer, using PCR and qPCR. Additionally, this study compared the DNA degradation of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the causal agent of HLB. The results showed that DNA concentration and amplification rate declined as time on sticky traps increased. Degradation varied between different target genes. The amplification rate of insect genes from sticky trap samples suggests that sticky traps should be changed weekly in summer, and every 2 wk in winter for accurate H. crudus detection. Traps should be changed every 4 days for phytoplasma detection. Traps can be changed monthly for accurate D. citri and CLas detection. Based on these results, standard monitoring protocols can be implemented to more accurately detect vectors and pathogens.

Urdbean Leaf Crinkle Virus: A Mystery Waiting to Be Solved.

Urdbean leaf crinkle disease (ULCD) affects mainly the urdbean or blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) causing distinct symptoms that often result in serious yield losses. It has been known to occur for more than five decades and is considered to be of viral etiology. The identity of the causal agent, often referred to as the urdbean leaf crinkle virus, is not unequivocally proved. There are few attempts to characterize the causal agent of ULCD; however, there is no unanimity in the results. Recent attempts to characterize the causal agent of ULCD using next-generation sequencing of the virome of ULCD-affected urdbean plants indicated the involvement of cowpea mild mottle virus; however, without conforming through Koch's postulates, the etiology of ULCD remains inconclusive. Claims of different insect vectors involved in the transmission of ULCD make this disease even more mysterious. The information available so far indicates that either two different viruses are causing ULCD or a mixture of viruses is involved. The identity of the virus/es causing ULCD still remains to be unambiguously ascertained. In this review, we attempt to analyze information on the various aspects of ULCD.

Current Status of Omics Studies Elucidating the Features of Reproductive Biology in Blood-Feeding Insects.

Female insects belonging to the genera Anopheles, Aedes, Glossina, and Rhodnius account for the majority of global vector-borne disease mortality. In response to mating, these female insects undergo several molecular, physiological, and behavioral changes. Studying the dynamic post-mating molecular responses in these insects that transmit human diseases can lead to the identification of potential targets for the development of novel vector control methods. With the continued advancements in bioinformatics tools, we now have the capability to delve into various physiological processes in these insects. Here, we discuss the availability of multiple datasets describing the reproductive physiology of the common blood-feeding insects at the molecular level. Additionally, we compare the male-derived triggers transferred during mating to females, examining both shared and species-specific factors. These triggers initiate post-mating genetic responses in female vectors, affecting not only their reproductive success but also disease transmission.

Complex interactions among insect viruses-insect vector-arboviruses.

Insects are the host or vector of diverse viruses including those that infect vertebrates, plants, and fungi. Insect viruses reside inside their insect hosts and are vertically transmitted from parent to offspring. The insect virus-host relationship is intricate, as these viruses can impact various aspects of insect biology, such as development, reproduction, sex ratios, and immunity. Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) that cause substantial global health or agricultural problems can also be vertically transmitted to insect vector progeny. Multiple infections with insect viruses and arboviruses are common in nature. Such coinfections involve complex interactions, including synergism, dependence, and antagonism. Recent studies have shed light on the influence of insect viruses on the competence of insect vectors for arboviruses. In this review, we focus on the biological effects of insect viruses on the transmission of arboviruses by insects. We also discuss the potential mechanisms by which insect viruses affect the ability of hosts to transmit arboviruses, as well as potential strategies for disease control through manipulation of insect viruses. Analyses of the interactions among insect vectors, insect viruses and arboviruses will provide new opportunities for development of innovative strategies to control arbovirus transmission.

Comportamiento epidemiológico del Dengue en Ecuador desde su reemergencia. Periodo 1980-2020 / Epidemiological behavior of Dengue in Ecuador since its reemergence. Period 1980-2020

INTRODUCCIÓN. El dengue es una enfermedad infecciosa de origen viral, transmitida principalmente por el mosquito Aedes aegypti. Es un grave problema de salud pública a nivel mundial, en las Américas y en el Ecuador. OBJETIVOS. Analizar el comportamiento epidemiológico del dengue desde 1980 hasta el 2020, los factores de riesgo que mantienen la transmisión y las acciones que el país ha implementado para su prevención y control. METODOLOGÍA. Revisión bibliográfica narrativa, teniendo como fuente las páginas web de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, Ministerio de Salud Pública del Ecuador, artículos de revistas de bibliotecas virtuales e informes técnicos publicados en Google académico, Scielo, Biblioteca Virtual en Salud y PubMed. RESULTADOS. Los registros encontrados sobre presencia de casos de dengue datan de 1988 cuando se presentó la gran epidemia de dengue en Guayaquil. Posteriormente, mantiene un comportamiento endemo-epidémico. A partir del año 2000 se presentan casos de dengue grave. Su pico más alto de letalidad fue de 2,44% en el 2010. El serotipo DEN 1 es el más frecuente, pero a partir del 2000 circulan los 4 serotipos. Las acciones de prevención y control no han sido sostenidas. CONCLUSIONES. El dengue en Ecuador en los últimos cuarenta años mantiene una importante trasmisión, caracterizada por años epidémicos. No ha podido ser controlado el vector, el cual ha ido infestando más localidades. Las condicionantes climáticas y ecológicas, explican en parte la persistencia, pero la determinación más importante está dada por las inequidades sociales, falta de servicios básicos, y la poca continuidad e impacto de las medidas de prevención y control.

INTRODUCTION. Dengue is an infectious disease of viral origin, transmitted mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is a serious public health problem worldwide, in the Americas and in Ecuador. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the epidemiological behavior of dengue fever from 1980 to 2020, the risk factors that maintain transmission and the actions that the country has implemented for its prevention and control. METHODOLOGY. Narrative bibliographic review, taking as sources the web pages of the World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador, journal articles from virtual libraries and technical reports published in Google Scholar, Scielo, Virtual Health Library and PubMed. RESULTS. The records found on the presence of dengue cases date back to 1988 when the great dengue epidemic occurred in Guayaquil. Subsequently, it maintained an endemic-epidemic behavior. Beginning in 2000, severe cases of dengue fever occurred. Its highest lethality peak was 2.44% in 2010. DEN 1 serotype is the most frequent, but since 2000 all 4 serotypes have been circulating. Prevention and control actions have not been sustained. CONCLUSIONS. Dengue in Ecuador over the last forty years has maintained an important transmission, characterized by epidemic years. It has not been possible to control the vector, which has been infesting more localities. Climatic and ecological conditions partly explain its persistence, but the most important determinant is given by social inequalities, lack of basic services, and the lack of continuity and impact of prevention and control measures.

Comparing Different Sticky Traps to Monitor the Occurrence of Philaenus spumarius and Neophilaenus campestris, Vectors of Xylella fastidiosa, in Different Crops.

Following the detection of the quarantine bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Wells et al.) in the Apulia region (southern Italy) and the identification of spittlebugs as the main vector species that contributes to its epidemic spread, monitoring activities have been intensified in an attempt to implement vector control strategies. To date, sweep nets have been the most widely used sampling method to monitor adult spittlebug populations. Field experiments were carried out, during 2018 and 2019, to evaluate the effectiveness of sticky traps in capturing spittlebugs in different woody crops. The attractiveness of different traps was compared: four colored sticky traps (white, red, blue, and yellow), with the yellow sticky traps having three different background patterns (plain yellow, yellow with a black circle pattern, and yellow with a black line pattern). In addition, the efficiency of the yellow sticky traps was evaluated by placing the traps on the ground or hanging them from the canopies in orchards with different spittlebug population densities. Trap catches of Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus) and Neophilaenus campestris (Fallén) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) were compared with those collected using sweep nets. The two spittlebug species showed a similar response to the colored traps and were mainly attracted to the yellow sticky traps. Captures throughout the adult season indicated that an accurate estimation of the presence and abundance of spittlebugs can be obtained by integrating the two sampling methods. Moreover, sweep nets appeared to be more efficient in collecting adults soon after their emergence, while the use of sticky traps was more efficient in the rest of the adult season when the use of traps can significantly expedite vector monitoring programs.

Assessing potential European areas of Pierce's disease mediated by insect vectors by using spatial ensemble model.

Pierce's disease (PD) is a serious threat to grape production in Europe. This disease is caused by Xylella fastidiosa and is mediated by insect vectors, suggesting its high potential for spread and necessity for early monitoring. In this study, hence, potential distribution of Pierce's disease varied with climate change and was spatially evaluated in Europe using ensemble species distribution modeling. Two models of X. fastidiosa and three major insect vectors (Philaenus spumarius, Neophilaenus campestris, and Cicadella viridis) were developed using CLIMEX and MaxEnt. The consensus areas of the disease and insect vectors, along with host distribution, were evaluated using ensemble mapping to identify high-risk areas for the disease. Our predictions showed that the Mediterranean region would be the most vulnerable to Pierce's disease, and the high-risk area would increase three-fold due to climate change under the influence of N. campestris distribution. This study demonstrated a methodology for species distribution modeling specific to diseases and vectors while providing results that could be used for monitoring Pierce's disease by simultaneously considering the disease agent, vectors, and host distribution.

Tick salivary gland components dampen Kasokero virus infection and shedding in its vertebrate reservoir, the Egyptian rousette bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).

BACKGROUND: The human-pathogenic Kasokero virus (KASV) circulates in an enzootic transmission cycle between Egyptian rousette bats (ERBs; Rousettus aegyptiacus) and their argasid tick ectoparasites, Ornithodoros (Reticulinasus) faini. Although tick salivary gland components have been shown to potentiate virus infection in vertebrate non-reservoirs (i.e. incidental hosts or small animal models of disease), there is a lack of information on the effect of tick salivary gland components on viral infection and shedding in vertebrate reservoirs. METHODS: To determine the impact of tick salivary gland components on KASV infection and shedding in ERBs, KASV loads were quantified in blood, oral swab, rectal swab, and urine specimens collected daily through 18 days post inoculation from groups of ERBs intradermally inoculated with KASV or KASV + O. (R.) faini tick salivary gland extract (SGE). RESULTS: Bats inoculated with KASV + tick SGE had significantly lower peak and cumulative KASV viremias and rectal shedding loads compared to bats inoculated with KASV only. CONCLUSIONS: We report for the first time to our knowledge that tick salivary gland components dampen arbovirus infection and shedding in a vertebrate reservoir. This study advances our understanding of biological factors underlying arbovirus maintenance in nature.

A Decade of Hidden Phytoplasmas Unveiled Through Citizen Science.

Climate change is impacting agriculture in many ways, and a contribution from all is required to reduce the imminent losses related to it. Recently, it has been shown that citizen science could be a way to trace the impact of climate change. However, how can citizen science be applied in plant pathology? Here, using as an example a decade of phytoplasma-related diseases reported by growers, agronomists, and citizens in general, and confirmed by a government laboratory, we explored how to better value plant pathogen monitoring data. Through this collaboration, we found that in the last decade, 34 hosts have been affected by phytoplasmas; 9, 13, and 5 of these plants were, for the first time, reported phytoplasma hosts in eastern Canada, all of Canada, and worldwide, respectively. Another finding of great impact is the first report of a 'Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium'-related strain in Canada, while 'Ca. P. pruni' and 'Ca. P. pyri' were reported for the first time in eastern Canada. These findings will have a great impact on the management of phytoplasmas and their insect vectors. Using these insect-vectored bacterial pathogens, we show the need for new strategies that can allow fast and accurate communication between concerned citizens and those institutions confirming their observations.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Acylsugar-mediated resistance as part of a multilayered defense against thrips, orthotospoviruses, and beyond.

Resistant varieties are critical tools for crop production, and single-resistance genes providing strong protection against pests or pathogens are deployed in agriculture. Durability of these traits is threatened by emergence of resistance-breaking pests and pathogens. This review focuses on acylsugar-mediated resistance in tomato. Wild tomatoes have type-IV trichomes that exude chemically complex mixtures of acylsugars altering behavior and suppressing multiple pest species, and with thrips and whiteflies (WF), suppressing virus transmission, for example, Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus, respectively. Marker-assisted selection and bioassays led to development of advanced cultivated tomato breeding lines rich in acylsugar variations, allowing acylsugar-mediated resistance to be combined with other resistance traits providing a layered defense system that reduces pest populations and virus disease prevalence. This strategy also holds promise for enhancing durability of virus resistance genes by reducing the intensity of selection for resistance-breaking variants.

Cannabis sativa: A look at protozoa, helminths, insect vectors, and pests.

Active principles extracted from plants, such as essential oils, have been commonly described in the literature as therapeutic targets for numerous pathological conditions. Cannabis sativa, which has an ancient and peculiar history, has been used for various purposes, from recreational to compounds of pharmacotherapeutic and industrial importance, such as pesticides based on this plant. It is a plant that contains approximately 500 described cannabinoid compounds and is the target of in vitro and in vivo studies at different locations. This review clarifies the role of cannabinoid compounds in parasitic infections caused by helminths and protozoa. In addition, this study briefly presented the use of C. sativa constituents in the formulation of pesticides for vector control, as the latter topic is justified by the economic burden faced by several regions where vector-borne diseases are a troubling reality. Studies involving cannabis compounds with pesticidal potential should be encouraged, especially those that evaluate their effectiveness against the different life cycles of insects, seeking to interrupt vector proliferation after egg laying. Actions aimed at the management and cultivation of plant species with ecologically correct pharmacotherapeutic and pesticide potentials are becoming urgent.

Milder Autumns May Increase Risk for Infection of Crops with Turnip Yellows Virus.

Climate change has increased the risk for infection of crops with insect-transmitted viruses. Mild autumns provide prolonged active periods to insects, which may spread viruses to winter crops. In autumn 2018, green peach aphids (Myzus persicae) were found in suction traps in southern Sweden that presented infection risk for winter oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus) with turnip yellows virus (TuYV). A survey was carried out in spring 2019 with random leaf samples from 46 OSR fields in southern and central Sweden using DAS-ELISA, and TuYV was detected in all fields except one. In the counties of Skåne, Kalmar, and Östergötland, the average incidence of TuYV-infected plants was 75%, and the incidence reached 100% for nine fields. Sequence analyses of the coat protein gene revealed a close relationship between TuYV isolates from Sweden and other parts of the world. High-throughput sequencing for one of the OSR samples confirmed the presence of TuYV and revealed coinfection with TuYV-associated RNA. Molecular analyses of seven sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) plants with yellowing, collected in 2019, revealed that two of them were infected by TuYV, together with two other poleroviruses: beet mild yellowing virus and beet chlorosis virus. The presence of TuYV in sugar beet suggests a spillover from other hosts. Poleroviruses are prone to recombination, and mixed infection with three poleroviruses in the same plant poses a risk for the emergence of new polerovirus genotypes. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

Pest categorisation of Xylella taiwanensis.

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Xylella taiwanensis, a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Xanthomonadaceae. The pathogen is a well-defined taxonomic entity, and it is the causal agent of the pear leaf scorch. X. taiwanensis is present in subtropical and temperate areas of the island of Taiwan, where it affects low chilling pear cultivars of the species Pyrus pyrifolia (Asian pear). No other plant species are reported to be affected by the pathogen. The pathogen is not known to be present in the EU territory and it is not included in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. The main pathway for the entry of the pathogen into the EU territory is host plants for planting (except seeds); another possible pathway might be represented by putative insect vectors, though their identity remains unknown. The cultivated area of P. pyrifolia in the EU territory is very limited. Conversely, the genetically related P. communis is widely cultivated in most EU Member States and there is no information so far on the susceptibility of its several cultivars. Should the pest establish in the EU, economic impact is expected, provided that suitable insect vectors are present and P. communis is as susceptible to infection as P. pyrifolia. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the introduction and spread of the pathogen into the EU, since plants for planting from Taiwan is a closed pathway; nonetheless, putative vectors, if confirmed and identified, may represent an additional risk of the pathogen's introduction and spread. The lack of knowledge on whether X. taiwanensis can infect P. communis, the identity and presence of suitable vectors in the EU lead to key uncertainties on entry, establishment, spread and impact. X. taiwanensis satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Population dynamics and biorational management of sucking insect vectors on chili (Capsicum annuum L.) in Bangladesh.

To evaluate population fluctuations in relation to weather parameters and biorational management of sucking insect vectors in chili (Capsicum annuum L.), we conducted a study at the experimental field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, in 2020 and 2021. It has been shown in this study that sucking insects (aphids, jassids, whiteflies, and thrips) were active throughout the study period. The highest count of sucking insect vectors (24.67 aphids, 13.72 whitefly, and 56.56 thrips) in March and (14.83 jassid) in April was recorded at average temperatures of 34-36°C and 31°C, respectively. There was a positive correlation between pest abundance and temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall for all insects, with the exception of a negative correlation between whiteflies and temperature and rainfall. The results of linear regression models showed that abiotic factors contribute to pest abundance levels, with 100R2 values of 14.9 (thrips), 46.3 (jassids), 7.1 (whiteflies), and 0.67 (aphids); the results were statistically significant for all models in the case of thrips, jassids, and whiteflies, but not significant in the case of aphids. The most effective treatment was spinosad 45SC, a bacterium-derived pesticide recommended for the control of sucking insect vector complexes in chili. The results from the spinosad-treated plot, in terms of insect counts and corresponding mortality rates, were as follows: aphids (3.68), 68.89%; jassids (3.52), 72.01%; whiteflies (3.00), 66.69%; and thrips (3.40), 69.20%. The results of this study will aid in developing predictive models of different control agents against sucking insect vectors in vegetable crops.

Climate change and the potential distribution of the glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis), an insect vector of Xylella fastidiosa.

Biological invasions represent a major threat for biodiversity and agriculture. Despite efforts to restrict the spread of alien species, preventing their introduction remains the best strategy for an efficient control. In that context preparedness of phytosanitary authorities is very important and estimating the geographical range of alien species becomes a key information. The present study investigates the potential geographical range of the glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis), a very efficient insect vector of Xylella fastidiosa, one of the most dangerous plant-pathogenic bacteria worldwide. We use species distribution modeling (SDM) to analyse the climate factors driving the insect distribution and we evaluate its potential distribution in its native range (USA) and in Europe according to current climate and different scenarios of climate change: 6 General Circulation Models (GCM), 4 shared socioeconomic pathways of gas emission and 4 time periods (2030, 2050, 2070, 2090). The first result is that the climate conditions of the European continent are suitable to the glassy-winged sharpshooter, in particular around the Mediterranean basin where X. fastidiosa is present. Projections according to future climate conditions indicate displacement of climatically suitable areas towards the north in both North America and Europe. Globally, suitable areas will decrease in North America and increase in Europe in the coming decades. SDM outputs vary according to the GCM considered and this variability indicated areas of uncertainty in the species potential range. Both potential distribution and its uncertainty associated to future climate projections are important information for improved preparedness of phytosanitary authorities.

Diversity, distribution and relative abundance of the mosquito fauna (Diptera: Culicidae) of Malakand and Dir Lower, Pakistan / Diversidade, distribuição e abundância relativa da fauna de mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) de Malakand e Dir Lower, Paquistão

The present study was conducted to evaluate the diversity, distribution (C) and relative abundance (RA) of the mosquito fauna (Diptera: Culicidae) of Malakand and Dir Lower, Pakistan. Collection of specimens (n = 1087) was made during September 2018 to July 2019 at six different habitats including freshwater bodies, rice fields, animal sheds, indoors, drains and sewage waters. Specimens were collected through light traps, pyrethrum spray, aspirators and nets and subsequently killed, preserved and then arranged in entomological boxes for identification. Three genera were identified namely Culex, Anopheles and Aedes. A total of fourteen species were identified namely: Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), An. stephensi (Liston, 1901), Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (Giles, 1901), Ae. vittatus (Bigot, 1861), An. maculatus (Theobald, 1901), An. fluviatilis (James, 1902), Cx. vishnui (Theobald, 1901), Ae. aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) An. subpictus (Grassi, 1899), An. dthali (Patton, 1905), An. culicifascies (Giles, 1901), An. pallidus (Theobald, 1901), Ae. albopictus (Skuse, 1894) and An. annularis (van der Wulp, 1884). Cx. quinquefasciatus was found constantly distributed in the study area with RA = 16.5% and C = 100%. An. annularis was found as a satellite species, sporadically distributed in the study area having RA = 0.9% and C = 17%. Diversity indices of mosquitoes in the studied habitats were found as, Shannon-Wiener Index (2.415), Simpson Index (9.919), Fisher's Index (2.269) and Margalef's Index (1.859). A statistically significant difference was recorded in mosquito diversity in the six habitats (Kruskal-Wallis, chi-squared, H = 17.5, df = 5, P = 0.003 at α = 0.05). The present study encompasses [...].

O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar a diversidade, distribuição (C) e abundância relativa (RA) da fauna de mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) de Malakand e Dir Lower, Paquistão. A coleta de espécimes (n = 1087) foi feita durante o período de setembro de 2018 a julho de 2019 em seis habitats diferentes, incluindo corpos d’água, campos de arroz, galpões de animais, ambientes internos, ralos e águas residuais. Os espécimes foram coletados por meio de armadilhas luminosas, spray de piretro, aspiradores e redes e posteriormente mortos, preservados e depois dispostos em caixas entomológicas para identificação. Três gêneros foram identificados, nomeadamente Culex, Anopheles e Aedes. Um total de 14 espécies foi identificado, a saber: Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), An. stephensi (Liston, 1901), Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (Giles, 1901), Ae. vittatus (Bigot, 1861), An. maculatus (Theobald, 1901), An. fluviatilis (James, 1902), Cx. vishnui (Theobald, 1901), Ae. aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), An. subpictus (Grassi, 1899), An. dthali (Patton, 1905), An. culicifascies (Giles, 1901), An. pallidus (Theobald, 1901), Ae. albopictus (Skuse, 1894) e An. annularis (Van der Wulp, 1884). Cx. quinquefasciatus foi encontrado constantemente distribuído na área de estudo com AR = 16,5% e C = 100%. A. annularis foi encontrada como espécie satélite, distribuída esporadicamente na área de estudo com RA = 0,9% e C = 17%. Os índices de diversidade de mosquitos nos habitats estudados foram encontrados como índice de Shannon-Wiener (2,415), índice de Simpson (9,919), índice de Fisher (2,269) e índice de Margalef (1,859). Uma diferença estatisticamente significativa foi registrada na diversidade de mosquitos nos seis habitats (Kruskal-Wallis, qui-quadrado, H = 17,5, df = 5, P = 0,003 em α = 0,05). O presente estudo abrange a fauna de mosquitos de Malakand, Paquistão, com respeito à diversidade, abundância relativa e distribuição em [...].