Callus Type, Growth Regulators, and Phytagel on Indirect Somatic Embryogenesis of Coffee (Coffea arabica L. var. Colombia).

Coffee is a crop of global relevance. Indirect somatic embryogenesis has allowed plants of different coffee genotypes to be massively regenerated. The culture medium composition can affect the calli characteristics that are generated and their ability to form somatic embryos. This research aimed to determine the influence of the type of callus, growth regulators, and phytagel concentration on the embryogenic capacity of the Colombia variety. Leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (0.5-1.0 mg L-1), benzylaminopurine (BAP, 1.0 mg L-1), and phytagel (2.3-5.0 g L-1). The explants generated two types of calli: friable (beige, soft, watery, easy disintegration, polyhedral parenchyma cells) and compact (white, hard, low water content, difficult disintegration, elongated parenchyma cells). About 68% of the total callus generated was compact; this type of callus produced a greater number of embryos (71.3) than the friable one (29.2). The number of differentiated embryos was significantly affected by the concentration of phytagel; higher concentrations (5.0 g L-1) resulted in larger quantities (73.7). The highest number of embryos (127.47) was obtained by combining 1.0 mg L-1 2,4-D, 1.0 mg L-1 BAP, 5.0 g L-1 phytagel, and compact callus.

Berry species and crop management approaches affect species diversity and abundance of predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

Berries comprise an economically important group of crops. Knowledge about their arthropod pests and biological control agents is important in the development of more efficient integrated pest management programs. Identification of potential biocontrol agents based solely on morphological attributes may be difficult and so molecular techniques should be incorporated. Here we studied the species diversity of predatory mites in the family Phytoseiidae, and how this diversity is affected by the berry species and crop management approaches, specifically pesticide application regimes. We sampled 15 orchards in the State of Michoacán, Mexico. Sites were selected based on berry species and pesticide regimes. Mite identification was achieved by combining morphological attributes and molecular techniques. Phytoseiidae diversity was compared amongst blackberry, raspberry and blueberry. Subsequently we studied the effect of berry species and pesticide regime on the abundance of the most prevalent phytoseiid species. We identified 11 species of phytoseiid mites. The greatest species diversity was found in raspberry, followed by blackberry and then blueberry. The most abundant species were Typhlodromalus peregrinus and Neoseiulus californicus. The abundance of T. peregrinus was significantly affected by pesticide application but not by berry species. In contrast, abundance of N. californicus was significantly affected by berry species but not by pesticide regime.

Novel Harzia ixtarensis Fungus on Annona cherimola Fruit in Mexico and Its Synergistic Relationship with Colletotrichum fragariae.

Since 2005 in Íxtaro, Michoacán, symptoms of Harzia infection have been observed on immature Annona cherimola fruit with Colletotrichum fragariae-induced anthracnose lesions and mummified fruit. This study aimed to identify the Harzia sp. and evaluate its pathogenicity. Four isolates were obtained from fruit exhibiting symptoms, cultured in four types of agar under various conditions, and characterized based on concatenated internal transcribes spacer (ITS) + large subunit and ITS + small subunit sequences. Additionally, the isolates were compared with two CBS species (two-type strains and two isolates) of Harzia patula and H. tenella under the same conditions as the Harzia isolates, and all known Harzia spp. in culture were included in two phylogenetic analyses. H. ixtarensis sp. nov. was proposed. Compared with H. patula CBS isolate 121524 which was the most closely phylogenetically related species, H. ixtarensis was characterized by slower colony growth (white to salmonish-beige), different percentages of two forms of conidia (elongated and globose; unicellular and hyaline to subhyaline), and smaller conidia. The conidia mainly germinated with two hyaline tubes without an appressorium. In situ inoculations (1 × 106 ml-1 conidia suspension) of fruit showed that fruit with wounds developed larger lesions than those without wounds. Harzia inoculation on anthracnose lesions (induced by prior inoculation with C. fragariae) produced larger anthracnose lesions than C. fragariae alone. When C. fragariae or H. ixtarensis was inoculated alone, the lesion size was 51 and 99% smaller, respectively, indicating synergy between C. fragariae and H. ixtarensis. Thus, H. ixtarensis may have a parasitic-synergistic and necrotrophic lifestyle, and exhibited symptoms on anthracnose lesions.

Parasitoids of Delia planipalpis (Meigen) and Delia platura (Stein) (Diptera, Anthomyiidae) in Mexico.

Among the insect pests that affect crucifer crops in Mexico are Delia planipalpis (Meigen) and D. platura (Stein). They are a threat to the production of these vegetables since the damage they cause directly and indirectly affects yield, quality, and commercialization of these crops. Nevertheless, the existence of natural enemies of these dipterans is still unknown. It is fundamental to determine which parasitoids or predators can be considered possible biological control agents in an integrated pest management program. The sampling sites were located in Guanajuato, Puebla, and the State of Mexico, where plants of Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenk and capitata L., B. napus L., and Raphanus sativus L. infested with Delia spp. were selected. The symptoms observed were wilting, yellowish, flaccid leaves and individuals less developed than the rest of the crop. These plants were extracted with their root and the surrounding soil. Also, wild crucifers were collected, such as Raphanus raphanistrum L., Brassica campestris L., and Sisymbrium irio L. The first records of Aphaereta pallipes Say (Hymenoptera, Braconidae), Trybliographa rapae (Westwood) (Hymenoptera, Figitidae), and Aleochara bimaculata Gravenhorst (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) are reported parasitizing the puparia of these anthomyiid flies on cultivated and wild crucifers. This represents only a starting point for the continuous study of these parasitoids, which is needed to consider them useful for the biological control of D. planipalpis and D. platura.

Identification of Delia spp. (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera, Anthomyiidae) and its cruciferous hosts in Mexico.

Soil pests of cruciferous crops in Mexico have been gaining importance in recent years; such is the case of Delia spp. (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera, Anthomyiidae), of which, to date, there are no studies on the correct identification of associated species, as well as the range of hosts. In an integrated pest management program, it is essential to know this information to design and implement adequate phytosanitary measures. Plants infested by Delia spp. were collected in the states of Guanajuato, Puebla, and Mexico from June to November 2017 and March to December 2018 in commercial plantations of cruciferous crops (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica, botrytis and capitata), B. napus L., and Raphanus sativus L.) as well as some cruciferous weeds (R. raphanistrum L., Sisymbrium irio L., B. campestris L., Capsella bursa-pastoris L., and Lepidium virginicum L.) in the edges of these crops. The two species found in this study, Delia planipalpis (Stein) and Delia platura (Meigen), identified using male genitalia was corroborated by molecular techniques. Both species emerged from all the sampled hosts, except for C. bursa-pastoris and L. virginicum. The association of the two species in cruciferous crops and weeds, provides valuable information for the management of these insects not only in cruciferous crops but other ones that are strongly attacked by D. platura.

Susceptibility and alterations by diflubenzuron in larvae of Aedes aegypti.

Benzoylphenyl ureas inhibit chitin synthesis and interfere with the molting process in arthropods. In this study, the effect of diflubenzuron on third-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti was evaluated. The susceptibility to the product was determined, and the alterations generated were shown through light and electron microscopy. LC50 and LC90 were 0.23 and 0.47 ppm, respectively. The main alterations observed were the incapacity to complete the molt, a reduction of mobility, the fragmentation of the old cuticle, a division of the body segments that was not evident, and the deformation of the caudal structures. Images of the ultrastructure are included, where breaking zones in the cuticle were observed, separation of the cuticle, the epidermis and the muscles, and these latter with a disorganized arrangement. In low concentrations, from 0.15 ppm, diflubenzuron causes alterations in the behavior and morphology of Ae. aegypti.

Distribution and host range of Bephratelloides cubensis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) in Mexico

The annona fruit borer wasp Bephratelloides cubensis Ashmead was recorded for the first time damaging "ilama" fruits Annona diversifolia (Anonaceae) in Coatlan del rio, Morelos, Cacahuamilpa and El Ocotillo, Guerrero, Mexico. Geographical distribution, hosts and damage are mentioned.

Distribution and host range of Bephratelloides cubensis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) in Mexico.

The annona fruit borer wasp Bephratelloides cubensis Ashmead was recorded for the first time damaging "ilama" fruits Annona diversifolia (Anonaceae) in Coatlan del rio, Morelos, Cacahuamilpa and El Ocotillo, Guerrero, Mexico. Geographical distribution, hosts and damage are mentioned.

Persea schiedeana (Lauraceae), nuevo hospedero de Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) en Veracruz, México / Persea schiedeana (Lauraceae), a new host of Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Veracruz, Mexico

The presence of the Molytinae Heilipus lauri Boheman is reported for the first time attacking fruits of Persea schiedeana, commonly called "chinene" in Huatusco and Zongolica, state of Veracruz, Mexico.

Se reporta por primera vez la presencia del Molytinae Heilipus lauri Boheman atacando frutos de Persea schiedeana, comúnmente conocidos como "chinene" in Hustusco y Zongolica, Veracruz, México.

[Persea schiedeana (Lauraceae), a new host of Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Veracruz, Mexico]. / Persea schiedeana (Lauraceae), nuevo hospedero de Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) en Veracruz, México.

The presence of the Molytinae Heilipus lauri Boheman is reported for the first time attacking fruits of Persea schiedeana, commonly called 'chinene' in Huatusco and Zongolica, state of Veracruz, Mexico.

Genitalia de tres especies de Heilipus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) que dañan frutos de aguacate (Persea americana Mill) en México y Costa Rica / Genitalia of three species of Heilipus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) that damage avocado fruits (Persea americana Mill.) in Mexico and Costa Rica

The male and female genitaliae of three species of the genus Heilipus Germar (H. lauri Boheman, H. pittieri Barber and H. trifasciatus Fabricius) that damage avocado fruits (Persea americana Mill.) in Mexico and Costa Rica are described and illustrated. The aedeagus, spiculum gastrale, styli of 8th sternite are different in each one of the three species studied and can be used for specific identification.

La genitalia masculina y femenina de tres especies de Heilipus Germar (H. lauri Boheman, H. pittieri Barber y H. trifasciatus) que dañan frutos de aguacate (Persea americana Mill.) en México y Costa Rica es descrita e ilustrada. El edeago, espícula gastrale, y estilos del esternitos VIII son diferentes en cada una de las tres especies estudiadas y pueden ser usadas para la identificación específica.

[Genitalia of three species of Heilipus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) that damage avocado fruits (Persea americana Mill.) in Mexico and Costa Rica]. / Genitalia de tres especies de Heilipus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) que dañan frutos de aguacate (Persea americana Mill) en México y Costa Rica.

The male and female genitaliae of three species of the genus Heilipus Germar (H. lauri Boheman, H. pittieri Barber and H. trifasciatus Fabricius) that damage avocado fruits (Persea americana Mill.) in Mexico and Costa Rica are described and illustrated. The aedeagus, spiculum gastrale, styli of 8th sternite are different in each one of the three species studied and can be used for specific identification.