Melon genotypes with resistance to Liriomyza sativae Blanchard (Diptera: Agromyzidae).

The vegetable leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae) is considered one of the main melon pests, causing serious problems for producers in all growing regions. A promising type of pest control has been use of resistant cultivars, in isolation or associated with other types of control. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of melon genotypes to L. sativae. Twenty-one melon genotypes and one commercial "Goldex" hybrid (susceptibility pattern) were evaluated in two experiments. In the first experiment, we observed the non-preference of L. sativae for oviposition and feeding by quantifying the number of eggs and feeding punctures, both on the adaxial side and on the abaxial face of the leaves. In the second experiment, we observed the antibiosis effect through L. sativae larval and pupal viability. Genotype CNPH 06-1047-341 showed the lowest preference for oviposition (high resistance), with low egg values on both leaf sides (0.3 eggs/plant). In genotypes CNPH 06-1047-313, CNPH 06-1047-346, CNPH 11-1071-27, CNPH 11-1071-39, CNPH 11-1071-43, and CNPH 11-1071-53, we observed a higher preference for the adaxial side, whereas for the other genotypes and the commercial hybrid there was no discrimination between leaf sides. In relation to antibiosis, genotypes CNPH 06-1047-339, CNPH 06-1047-333, CNPH 06-1047-330, CNPH 06-1047-334, CNPH 06-1047-331, CNPH 06-1047-343, CNPH 10-1056-313, CNPH 06-1047-346, and CNPH 06-1047-341 presented lower larval and pupal viability. Genotype CNPH 06-1047-341 was the least preferred for oviposition and feeding and the most promising as a source of resistance to L. sativae.

The Gender Gap in Brazilian Entomology: an Analysis of the Academic Scenario.

Although women are about half of world's population, they are underrepresented in many sectors including academia and the research scenario in general. Gender gap in Entomology has been pointed out in other publications; however, data for Brazil has never been demonstrated. Here we provide a diagnosis for the Brazilian Entomology scenario in order to contribute to propositions towards disentangling the gender gap in general. We analyzed scientometric data for Brazilian Entomology focusing on gender disparity and on personal perceptions related to the gender gap through an online questionnaire. We detected a pervasive gender bias in which the scissor-shaped curve is the most representative effect of it: women were the majority in lower degree stages but the minority in higher degree stages (permanent positions and positions of prestige and power). We also observed mentorship bias and discussed these results in light of intersectionality and the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender differences were perceived differently by the questionnaire respondents considering age, gender, and parenting. With this data and analyses, we have provided elements to stimulate and support change to a healthier and more equitable academic space.

Dwarf cashew antibiotic and antixenotic resistance to the whitefly Aleurodicus cocois.

The aim of the present study was to identify Aleurodicus cocois resistant genotypes among five dwarf cashew clones available in the germplasm bank of Embrapa/Centro Nacional de Pesquisa Agroindústria Tropical. Free-choice and no-choice tests were applied in order to evaluate the relative attractiveness of the clones and the oviposition preferences, egg-to-adult development times and adult emergence rates of the pest. In comparison with other clones, PRO143/7 exhibited the lowest attraction to the whitefly and was least preferred for oviposition in the free-choice test. Conversely, CCP76 attracted the highest number of A. cocois and was preferred for oviposition. In the no-choice test, the rates of emergence of adults from clones BRS274, CCP76 and PRO143/7 varied between 53.0 and 56.8%, values that were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of clones BRS226 and EMBRAPA51, which were 72.34 and 75.16%, respectively. Some of the cashew clones tested showed antibiotic (CCP76, PRO143/7 and BRS274) and antixenotic (PRO143/7 and BRS226) resistance to A. cocois. These clones are good candidates for use in breeding programs of cashew.

Population dynamics and infestation of Holopothrips fulvus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in dwarf cashew genotypes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the Holopothrips fulvus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) population dynamics and to identify dwarf cashew genotypes less infested by the pest in 2015 and 2016, under field conditions. H. fulvus population evaluations were carried out by monthly observations in the plants and using a score scale varying from 0 to 4. H. fulvus infestation occurred from October to December, and in the cashew genotypes CAP 112/8, CAP 121/1, CAP 131/2, CAP 145/2, CAP 145/7, CAP 128/2, CAP 120/4, CAP 123/6, CAP 130/1, and CAP 157/2 was dependent on the flowering period of the crop in 2015. In 2016, there was dependence in all evaluated genotypes between H. fulvus infestation and the cashew flowering period. In 2015, no significant differences were observed between the evaluated genotypes regarding H. fulvus infestation. In 2016, genotypes CAP 105/5, CAP 143/7, CAP 150/3, CAP 155/2, CAP 158/8, CAP 161/7, CAP 163/8, CAP 31, CAP 71, CAP 92, CAP 113, CAP 120, CAP 155, CAP 165, CAP 106/1, CAP 111/2, CAP 127/3, CAP 157/2, and BRS 226 were less infested. H. fulvus occurs from October to December and we could identify the dwarf cashew genotypes less infested by the pest.

Effects of toxic baits and food-based attractants for fruit flies on the parasitoid Fopius arisanus (Sonan) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of toxic baits and attractants for fruit flies on the biology of its parasitoid Fopius arisanus. We tested two food-based attractants; hydrolysed corn protein (Biofruit® 3%) and sugarcane molasses (7%), their mixtures with spinosad and malathion-based insecticides, and a ready-to-use commercial bait (Success 0.02 CB®). Malathion-based lures were used as references for mortality (i.e., positive control), while negative control was honey. The formulations Biofruit® + malathion (T1), molasses + malathion (T2), and spinosad + molasses (T3) were toxic to F. arisanus, being classified as harmful (class 4). In addition, toxic baits composed of Biofruit + spinosad (T4) reduced parasitism by 97.99%, being rated as moderately harmful (class 3). Yet, Success 0.02 CB® (T7) was considered slightly toxic (class 2), causing a 64.55% reduction in parasitism. Regarding the biological parameters of F. arisanus, offspring number and parasitoid longevity were significantly reduced by using hydrolysed protein attractants when compared to the control (honey). However, sugarcane molasses improved parasitoid reproduction and longevity, as did the honey. Lastly, ingestion tests showed the major role of attractants in toxic-bait formulations against F. arisanus.

Identification of Δ6-unsaturated, monoenyl type I pheromone compounds from the cashew stem borer Anthistarcha binocularis (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).

BACKGROUND: The cashew stem borer Anthistarcha binocularis (Meyrick) is a major pest in cashew orchards in Brazil. The damage caused by the larvae results in economic losses, and the available chemical control is not suitable because of the endophytic nature of A. binocularis. The identification of the A. binocularis sex pheromone could provide novel applications for the detection and monitoring of this species. RESULTS: Two compounds from female sex gland extracts elicited electrophysiological responses on male antennae. They were identified as dodec-6-en-1-ol and dodec-6-en-1-yl acetate by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. E/Z stereoisomers of both compounds were synthesized, and the electroantennograms for the synthetic compounds showed the strongest responses for the (E)-stereoisomers of the alcohol and acetate. In a field trial, the E6-12:OH/E6-12:OAc mixture attracted male A. binocularis, whereas the Z6-12:OH/Z6-12:OAc mixture attracted no specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The bioactive compounds from the sex pheromone of A. binocularis have been identified as a mixture of two previously unidentified pheromone compounds: E6-12:OH and E6-12:OAc. The mixture of both compounds was attractive to males in preliminary field experiments, and this study is the first report of Δ6-unsaturated monoenyl pheromone compounds in Lepidoptera. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dwarf-cashew resistance to whitefly (Aleurodicus cocois) linked to morphological and histochemical characteristics of leaves.

BACKGROUND: The cashew whitefly (CW), Aleurodicus cocois, is an important pest of cashew in Brazil. The use of resistant plants may be an effective strategy for the control of this pest. In a preliminary assay, we found that dwarf-cashew clones show different levels of resistance to CW. Here, we hypothesized that such resistance is associated with morphological characteristics of cashew leaves and their content of phenolic compounds. RESULTS: We determined (i) the attractiveness and suitability for oviposition of five dwarf-cashew clones towards CW, (ii) the leaf morphology and chemistry of those clones, and (iii) the relationship between leaf characteristics and resistance to CW. In greenhouse multiple-choice assays, PRO143/7 and CCP76 showed, respectively, the lowest and highest counts of both CW adults and eggs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that PRO143/7 and EMBRAPA51 have, respectively, the highest and lowest numbers of leaf glandular trichomes. We found a negative correlation between number of trichomes in the abaxial surface of cashew leaves and CW oviposition. In addition, confocal microscopy analysis and histochemical tests with ferrous sulfate indicated a higher accumulation of phenolic compounds in the resistant clone PRO143/7 relative to the other clones. Dwarf-cashew clones did not significantly differ based on the number of leaf epicuticular striations, and the thickness of both leaf lamina and the epidermal layer. CONCLUSION: The resistance of dwarf-cashew plants to CW is associated with an elevated number of trichomes and accumulation of high levels of phenolics in leaves. Additionally, the contribution of epicuticular striation density and thickness of leaf lamina/epidermal layer are insignificant. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

The predator Coenosia Attenuata Stein (Diptera, Muscidae) on cultivated plants from Brazil

ABSTRACT Coenosia attenuata Stein (1903) is a predatory fly that is commonly found in greenhouses and open fields preying on whiteflies, leafminers, psocopterans and other insects. The species is widespread in the Old World and its distribution has expanded in recent times to Neotropical countries including Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru. We report here for the first time the presence of C. attenuata in Brazil, occurring in different sites in the State of Ceará (Northeastern Brazil). Expansion of the distribution range of this muscid to the eastern parts of South America opens up the possibility of applying the beneficial predator as a biological control agent for protected crops of the region.

The predator Coenosia Attenuata Stein (Diptera, Muscidae) on cultivated plants from Brazil.

Coenosia attenuata Stein (1903) is a predatory fly that is commonly found in greenhouses and open fields preying on whiteflies, leafminers, psocopterans and other insects. The species is widespread in the Old World and its distribution has expanded in recent times to Neotropical countries including Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru. We report here for the first time the presence of C. attenuata in Brazil, occurring in different sites in the State of Ceará (Northeastern Brazil). Expansion of the distribution range of this muscid to the eastern parts of South America opens up the possibility of applying the beneficial predator as a biological control agent for protected crops of the region.

Identification and pest status of Holopothrips fulvus (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) on dwarf-cashew crops in northeastern Brazil

Abstract Cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae), is one of the most important sources of agricultural income in northeastern Brazil, but many of the arthropods associated with the crop have yet to be identified. We describe here for the first time the damage caused by Holopothrips fulvus (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) to dwarf-cashew trees cultivated in the municipality of Pacajús, Ceará, Brazil. Leaf tissue injuries were caused by the sucking mouthparts of the insect and were characterized by dark necrotic spots on the epidermis that resulted in yellowing, wilting and, ultimately, abscission of the leaves. H. fulvus also fed on developing kernels and pseudofruits producing injuries that manifested in the form of chlorotic specks. Additional information is given on the pest status and important aspects of the morphology of the insect, including sexual dimorphism, redescription of the adults and description of the second instar larvae.

Frugivorous flies and their parasitoids associated with Surinam cherry fruits / Moscas frugívoras e seus parasitoides associados a frutos de pitanga

The aim of this study was to know and assess natural infestation of frugivorous flies (Diptera: Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae) and their parasitoids in Surinam cherry fruits. The survey was conducted in an organic orchard, located in the municipality of Maceió, Alagoas. From October 2010 to January 2011, mature green, half-ripe and ripe Surinam cherry were collected. Infestation index was higher for mature green and half-ripe fruits. Five species of frugivorous flies were identified: Anastrepha fraterculus , Anastrepha obliqua , Anastrepha sororcul , Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), and Neosilba pendula (Diptera: Lonchaeidae). It were identified the parasitoids: Doryctobracon areolatus , Opius bellus, Utetes anastrephae and Asobara anastrephae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), being D. areolatus with highest percentage of parasitism in all maturation stages. N . pendula was recorded in Brasil associated to Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae). O . bellus , U . anastrephae and A . anastrephae were also recorded for the first time in the State of Alagoas. Mature green and half-ripe Surinam cherries are the most fruit fly infested, and the parasitism rate is higher in half-ripe and ripe fruits.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer e avaliar a infestação natural por moscas frugívoras (Diptera: Tephritidae e Lonchaeidae) e seus parasitoides em frutos de pitanga. O levantamento foi conduzido em pomar orgânico, localizado no município de Maceió, Alagoas. Nos meses de outubro de 2010 a janeiro de 2011, coletaram-se frutos de pitanga verdes, "de vez" e maduros. O índice de infestação foi maior nos frutos verdes e "de vez". Foram identificadas cinco espécies de moscas frugívoras: Anastrepha fraterculus , Anastrepha obliqua , Anastrepha sororcula , Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) e Neosilba pendula (Diptera: Lonchaeidae). Identificaram-se as espécies de parasitoides: Doryctobracon areolatus , Opius bellus, Utetes anastrephae e Asobara anastrephae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), sendo D. areolatus com maior porcentagem de parasitismo em todos os estágios de maturação. Registra-se no Brasil a associação entre N. pendula e Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae). Relatam-se também pela primeira vez as ocorrências de O. bellus , U. anastrephae e A. anastrephae no estado de Alagoas. Em pitanga, os frutos verdes e "de vez" foram mais infestados por moscas-das-frutas, e a porcentagem de parasitismo foi maior em frutos "de vez" e maduros.(AU)

First report and morphological redescription of Teleonemia morio (Stål) (Hemiptera, Tingidae) in Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) in Brazil

First report and morphological redescription of Teleonemia morio (Stål) (Hemiptera, Tingidae) in Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) in Brazil. This is the first report of a severe attack of Teleonemia morio (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae) on Annona squamosa L. (custard apple), causing up to 80% of losses of infested trees. In order to facilitate the identification of this insect pest, the adult female of T. morio is redescribed based on specimens collected in Palmeira dos Índios, Alagoas, Brazil.

Primeiro registro e redescrição morfológica de Teleonemia morio (Stål) (Hemiptera, Tingidae) em Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) no Brazil. Este é o primeiro registro de um ataque severo de Teleonemia morio (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae) em árvores de Annona squamosa L. (pinheira ou fruta-do-conde), resultando em perdas de aproximadamente 80% das plantas infestadas. Com o objetivo de facilitar a identificação deste inseto-praga, foi feita a redescrição da fêmea adulta de T. morio com base em espécimes coletados em Palmeira dos Índios, Alagoas, Brasil.