Cordyceps cateniannulata and Cordyceps javanica: first report of pathogenicity to Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae).

Cultivation of species of the genus Eucalyptus is important for the Brazilian economy, with 6.97 million hectares planted. Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), detected in Brazil in 2003, has dispersed and now damages Eucalyptus crops in all regions of this country. The location and identification of entomopathogenic fungi isolates may increase the options for integrated pest management. The objective of this research was to evaluate the pathogenicity of Cordyceps cateniannulata and Cordyceps javanica isolates to G. brimblecombei. Ten nymphs of G. brimblecombei, with or without lerps, were placed per Eucalyptus leaf cut with one of its edges on hydroretentive gel inside Petri dishes. The fungi isolates were suspended in a solution of Tween 80 (0.1%) at the concentration of 1.0 x 108 conidia mL-1 and sprayed on the G. brimblecombei nymphs. The mortality of this insect was evaluated daily for seven days, and the dead individuals were transferred to humid chambers. The conidia viability of the isolates was greater than 93%. The mortality of G. brimblecombei nymphs, seven days after the application of the fungi, was 100%. This is the first report of the pathogenicity of C. cateniannulata and C. javanica isolates, occurring naturally in the field, to G. brimblecombei.

Dispersal of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in cabbage, cucumber, and sweet corn.

Abstract: The dispersion capacity is fundamental to establish a biological control program with parasitoids. This information is used to determine the efficiency and the number of release points. Thus, the objective of this work was to determine the dispersion and to estimate the number of release points of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), in sweet corn, cucumber and cabbage in the Ceará State. The experiments were carried out in areas of maize with four leaf pairs (V4) and eight leaves pair (V8), stacked and cabbage. Unviable eggs of an alternative host were distributed in concentric circles of radius 2.5; 5.0; 9.0 and 12.0 m. Mean dispersal distance in the V4 stage maize was 4.7 m with a dispersion area of 48.6 m2, parasitism index of 18.4%, requiring 206 points/ha. In the V8 stage maize, the mean distance was 5.9 m, dispersion area of 60.3 m², mean parasitism index of 22.7% and 166 release points/ha. For the cucumber culture the mean distance was 6.0 m, dispersion area 62.2 m², mean parasitism index of 21.1% and 161 release points/ha. For cabbage the mean distance was 5.6 m, dispersion area of 56.8 m², mean parasitism index of 22.1% and 176 release points/ha.

Chemical Compounds and Bioactivity of Aqueous Extracts of Alibertia spp. in the Control of Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae).

Successive applications of insecticides to control Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) have resulted in the emergence of resistant populations of this insect. A novel control measure for this target insect could be the use of botanical insecticides derived from plant tissues. Hence, we experimentally tested aqueous extracts of Alibertia edulis (Rich.), Alibertia intermedia (Mart.), and Alibertia sessilis (Vell.) K. Schum. found in the Brazilian savannah in order to investigate their potential to disrupt the life cycle of P. xylostella. Aqueous extracts of the leaves of A. intermedia and A. sessilis negatively affected the development of P. xylostella in all stages of the life cycle, prolonging the larval stage and causing mortality in the larval or pupal stages. Treatments with A. intermedia and A. sessilis extracts caused the lowest fecundity and the number of hatched larvae. The harmful effects of these aqueous extracts on the life cycle of P. xylostella may be attributable to the flavonoids and other phenolic compounds present in A. intermedia and A. sessilis. These aqueous botanical extracts are low in toxicity when compared to non-aqueous pesticides, and may emerge as an effective approach for control of populations of P. xylostella.

Feeding preference of Plutella xylostella for leaves treated with plant extracts.

Plutella xylostella L. is one of the main agents to cause damages to plants of Brassica genus, provoking negative impacts in cultures. The use of botanical extracts in plants protection has been related in literature, however, their use in the species analyzed in this study is not yet reported. We assessed the effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of the species: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Pink Pepper), Annona coriacea Mart. (Araticum), Duguetia furfuracea (A. St.-Hil.) Benth. & Hook. (Pindaúva do campo) and Trichilia silvatica C. DC. (Catiguá-branco), occuring in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and whose feeding preference of P. xylostella larvae of 3rd instar. We intend to answer the following questions: (1) Are the plant species analyzed fagodeterrentes? (2) what type of extract produces the least food preferrence? To answer these questions, we treated cabbage disks with aqueous extracts stored in a refrigerator in periods of 0, 7, 14 and 21 days and the methanolic extracts were treated at concentrations of 0.5 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0mg/mL. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of T. silvatica presented the lowest values of feeding preference, 0.113 and 0.06, respectively, compared to other extracts.

Plant-pollinator interactions in Crambe abyssinica Hochst. (Brassicaceae) associated with environmental variables.

Despite the economic importance of Crambe abyssinica, the present study is the first report on bees that occur with this species, and could aid in developing alternative methods for controlling insect pests without seriously impacting pollinators. The present study examined the following questions: (1) Which species are potential pollinators of C. abyssinica? (2) How do environmental conditions influence pollinator visitation fluctuations? Insects were sampled on a weekly basis between 08:00 and 16:00 during five weeks of flowering. When the results of analyses of variance were significant, the data was adjusted using regression equations at a 5% level of probability; the environmental variables were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Apis mellifera, Geotrigona mombuca, Exomalopsis (Exomalopsis) fulvofasciata, Plebeia sp. and Dialictus sp. were observed visiting C. abyssinica flowers. A. mellifera and G. mombuca were observed to be potential pollinators, with the former demonstrating visitation peaks during flowering weeks II and IV at 12:00 and 08:00, respectively and the latter visiting during weeks III and IV at 12:00 and 10:00, respectively. Environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed have different effect on the activity of bees.

The density of females of Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) affects their reproductive performance on pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae).

Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a gregarious and polyphagous parasitoid mainly of Lepidoptera pupae. The objective of this paper as to study the developent of parasitoid on Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) pupae exposed to one, nine, 18, 27, 36, 45 or 54 female P. elaeisis, respectively. The females of the parasitoid remained in contact with pupae for 24 hours in glass tubes (14.0 x 2.2 cm), packed in a climatic chamber regulated at 25 +/- 2 degrees C, 70 +/- 10% relative humidity and photo phase of 12 hours. With the exception of density 1:1 (72.72%), in other densities parasitism was 100%. Adults of P. elaeisis did not emerge from pupae at densities of 1:1 and 9:1, but 100.0% of parasitoid emergence was observed at the density of 45:1 and 54.54% at 54:1. The duration of the life cycle of this parasitoid ranged from 20 to 28 days. P. elaeisis produced 49 to 589 descendants per pupa of B. mori. The sex ratio of P. elaeisis ranged from 0.93 +/- 0.01 to 0.97 +/- 0.01 without differences with 18, 27, 36, 45 and 54 females/host. This parasitoid should be reared with the density of 45 females per pupa of B. mori.

The density of females of Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) affects their reproductive performance on pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a gregarious and polyphagous parasitoid mainly of Lepidoptera pupae. The objective of this paper as to study the developent of parasitoid on Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) pupae exposed to one, nine, 18, 27, 36, 45 or 54 female P. elaeisis, respectively. The females of the parasitoid remained in contact with pupae for 24 hours in glass tubes (14.0 x 2.2 cm), packed in a climatic chamber regulated at 25 ± 2°C, 70 ± 10 percent relative humidity and photo phase of 12 hours. With the exception of density 1:1 (72.72 percent), in other densities parasitism was 100 percent. Adults of P. elaeisis did not emerge from pupae at densities of 1:1 and 9:1, but 100.0 percent of parasitoid emergence was observed at the density of 45:1 and 54.54 percent at 54:1. The duration of the life cycle of this parasitoid ranged from 20 to 28 days. P. elaeisis produced 49 to 589 descendants per pupa of B. mori. The sex ratio of P. elaeisis ranged from 0.93 ± 0.01 to 0.97 ± 0.01 without differences with 18, 27, 36, 45 and 54 females/host. This parasitoid should be reared with the density of 45 females per pupa of B. mori.

Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare e LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) é um parasitóide polífago, que inviabiliza, principalmente, pupas de lepidópteros. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar o desenvolvimento do parasitóide em pupas de Bobyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) expostas a uma, nove, 18, 27, 36, 45 ou 54 fêmeas de P. elaeisis, respectivamente. As fêmeas do parasitóide permaneceram em contato com as pupas por 24 horas em tubos de vidro (14,0 x 2,2 cm), acondicionadas em câmara climatizada regulada a 25 ± 2°C, 70 ± 10 por cento de UR e fotofase de 12 horas. Com exceção da densidade 1:1 (72,72 por cento), nas demais densidades o parasitismo foi 100 por cento. Adultos de P. elaeisis não emergiram nas densidades de 1:1 e 9:1, mas observou-se 100 por cento de emergência do parasitóide na densidade 45:1 e 54,54 por cento em 54:1. A duração do ciclo de vida desse parasitóide variou de 20 a 28 dias. P. elaeisis produziu de 49 a 589 descendentes por pupa de B. mori. A razão sexual de P. elaeisis variou de 0,93 ± 0,01 a 0,97 ± 0,01 sem diferenças nas densidades de 18, 27, 36, 45 e 54 fêmeas/hospedeiro. Esse parasitóide deve ser criado na densidade de 45 fêmeas por pupa de B. mori.

[Progeny of Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitising pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) of different ages]. / Progênie de Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitando pupas de Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) de diferentes idades.

Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle is a natural pupal parasitoid of eucalyptus defoliator lepidopterans and is considered a promising biocontrol agent. However, the development of efficient rearing techniques for this natural enemy are first required before it can be used in biocontrol programs. Bombyx mori L. pupae are potential alternative hosts for this parasitoid mass rearing, and they are easy to rear. Therefore, we investigated the most suitable host age and the effects of parasitoid age on progeny production of P. elaeisis. B. mori pupae, 24 h-, 48 h-, 72 h- or 96 h-old were exposed to P. elaeisis females of similar age. The duration of the life cycle (egg-adult) of P. elaeisis was not affected by the age of the parasitizing female; however, the host age affected parasitoid development. The best parasitization was obtained for 72 h- to 96 h-old parasitoid females when offered to 48 h- to 72 h-old host pupae, allowing the synchronized rearing of a large number of P. elaeisis offspring.

Progênie de Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitando pupas de Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) de diferentes idades / Progeny of Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitising pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) of different ages

Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle é um parasitóide pupal natural de pupas de lepidópteros desfolhadores de eucalipto e é considerado um promissor agente de controle biológico. No entanto, o desenvolvimento de técnicas de criação eficientes desse inimigo natural é inicialmente necessário para que ele possa ser utilizado em programas de controle biológico. Pupas de Bombyx mori L. são hospedeiras alternativas em potencial para criação massal de P. elaeisis. Por isto, nós avaliamos a idade mais suscetível do hospedeiro e os efeitos da idade do parasitóide na produção de progênie de P. elaeisis. Pupas de B. mori com 24, 48, 72 ou 96h de idade foram expostas a fêmeas de P. elaeisis de mesmas idades. A duração do ciclo de vida (ovo-adulto) de P. elaeisis não foi afetada pela idade das fêmeas, entretanto, a idade do hospedeiro afetou o desenvolvimento do parasitóide. O melhor parasitismo foi obtido com fêmeas do parasitóide com 72h a 96h e pupas de B. mori com 48h a 72h de idade, que permitiram a elevação da progênie de P. elaeisis.

Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle is a natural pupal parasitoid of eucalyptus defoliator lepidopterans and is considered a promising biocontrol agent. However, the development of efficient rearing techniques for this natural enemy are first required before it can be used in biocontrol programs. Bombyx mori L. pupae are potential alternative hosts for this parasitoid mass rearing, and they are easy to rear. Therefore, we investigated the most suitable host age and the effects of parasitoid age on progeny production of P. elaeisis. B. mori pupae, 24h-, 48h-, 72h- or 96h-old were exposed to P. elaeisis females of similar age. The duration of the life cycle (egg-adult) of P. elaeisis was not affected by the age of the parasitizing female; however, the host age affected parasitoid development. The best parasitization was obtained for 72h- to 96h-old parasitoid females when offered to 48h- to 72h-old host pupae, allowing the synchronized rearing of a large number of P. elaeisis offspring.

Mortality of the defoliator Euselasia eucerus (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) by biotic factors in an Eucalyptus urophylla plantation in Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

Euselasia eucerus (Hewitson, 1872) (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) is a Brazilian native species commonly found in Eucalyptus plantations. Biotic mortality factors of this defoliator were studied in a Eucalyptus urophylla plantation in Minas Gerais State, Brazil aiming to identify natural enemies and their impact on this insect. Euselasia eucerus had biotic mortality factors during all development stages. The most important were Trichogramma maxacalii Voegelé and Pointel, 1980 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) during egg stage (48.9%), a tachinid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) during larval stages (10%) and Itoplectis sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) during pupal stage (52.2%). The parasitism rate was higher in the basal part of the plant canopy (37.8%).

Mortality of the defoliator Euselasia eucerus (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) by biotic factors in an Eucalyptus urophylla plantation in Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Euselasia eucerus (Hewitson, 1872) (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) is a Brazilian native species commonly found in Eucalyptus plantations. Biotic mortality factors of this defoliator were studied in a Eucalyptus urophylla plantation in Minas Gerais State, Brazil aiming to identify natural enemies and their impact on this insect. Euselasia eucerus had biotic mortality factors during all development stages. The most important were Trichogramma maxacalii Voegelé and Pointel, 1980 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) during egg stage (48.9 percent), a tachinid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) during larval stages (10 percent) and Itoplectis sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) during pupal stage (52.2 percent). The parasitism rate was higher in the basal part of the plant canopy (37.8 percent).

Euselasia eucerus (Hewitson, 1872) (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) é uma espécie brasileira nativa, comumente encontrada em plantios de Eucalyptus. Um estudo da mortalidade por fatores bióticos desse desfolhador foi feito em um plantio de Eucalyptus urophylla no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, com o objetivo de identificar os inimigos naturais e seu impacto sobre esse lepidóptero. Euselasia eucerus possui fatores bióticos de mortalidade durante todas as suas fases de desenvolvimento. Os mais importantes foram Trichogramma maxacalii Voegelé e Pointel, 1980 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) durante a fase de ovo (48,9 por cento), um Diptera: Tachinidae durante a fase de larva (10 por cento) e Itoplectis sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) durante a fase pupal (52,2 por cento). A taxa de parasitismo foi mais elevada na parte basal de plantas de eucalipto (37,8 por cento).

Insecticide toxicity to Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) females and effect on descendant generation.

The effect of nine insecticides used in tomato production was evaluated on adults of two Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) populations from Rive and Afonso Cláudio, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. The experiment was developed in an acclimatized chamber at 25 +/- 1 degrees C, 70 +/- 10% relative humidity and 14 h photophase. Eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), previously immersed in insecticides solutions were offered to females of both T. pretiosum populations. Bacillus thuringiensis, lufenuron and triflumuron had lowest negative effects on parasitism and viability of individuals of these populations; however, abamectin and pyrethroids (betacyflurin 50 and 125 g/l and esfenvalerate) insecticides reduced parasitism rates. T. pretiosum emerged from A. kuehniella eggs treated with esfenvalerate but were not able to parasitize non treated eggs of this host. B. thuringiensis, lufenuron and triflumuron may be used in integrated pest management programs to control tomato pests, because they have moderated negative effect on parasitoid wasps.

Biologia e exigências térmicas de Trichogramma pretiosum Riley e T. exiguum Pinto & Platner (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) criados em ovos de Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) / Biology and thermal requirements of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley and T. exiguum Pinto & Platner (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) reared on eggs of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Comparou-se a biologia de Trichogramma pretiosum Riley e T. exiguum Pinto & Platner criadas em ovos de Plutella xylostella (L.) em sete temperaturas, e determinaram-se as exigências térmicas e o número de gerações dos parasitóides para algumas localidades produtoras de crucíferas dos estados do Espírito Santo e Pernambuco. Ovos de P. xylostella foram submetidos ao parasitismo por T. pretiosum e T. exiguum, durante 5h, sendo então transferidos para câmaras climatizadas reguladas a 18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30 e 32°C. A duração do ciclo (ovo-adulto) variou de 6,8 a 23,1 dias para T. pretiosum e 6,9 a 22,0 dias para T. exiguum a 32 e 18°C, respectivamente. A porcentagem de emergência foi mais elevada a 28°C, sendo aproximadamente 86 por cento para ambas as espécies. A razão sexual de T. pretiosum foi sempre igual a 1, e variou de 0,6 a 0,9 para T. exiguum. A constante térmica (K) e temperatura base (Tb) foram maiores para T. exiguum (129,99 graus dias e 13,13°C) quando comparadas a T. pretiosum (123,03 graus dias e 12,52°C). O número estimado de gerações anuais de T. pretiosum e T. exiguum para o município de Gravatá, PE foi de 36,9 e 36,7 gerações/ano, respectivamente. Em Muniz Freire, ES, foi de 24,1 e 24, 5 gerações, e para o município de Alegre, ES, 26,72 e 27,01 gerações para T. pretiosum e T. exiguum respectivamente

This biology of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley and T. exiguum Pinto & Platner in Plutella xylostella (L.) eggs was studied at seven constant temperatures, and the thermal requirements and number of generations of both parasitoids was determined for some crucifers producers of the states of Espírito Santo and Pernambuco. Eggs of P. xylostella were submitted to parasitism by T. pretiosum and T. exiguum for 5h, and transferred to climatic chambers regulated to 18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30 and 32°C. The developmental time was influenced by the temperature varying from 6.8 to 23.1 days for T. pretiosum and 6.9 to 22.0 days for T. exiguum at 32 and 18°C, respectively. The percentage of emergence was higher at 28°C, reaching 86 percent for both species. The sex ratio was always 1 for T. pretiosum and varied from 0.6 to 0.9 for T. exiguum. The thermal constant (K) and base temperature (Tb) were higher for T. exiguum (129.99 days degrees and 13.13°C) when compared with T. pretiosum (123.03 days degrees and 12.52°C). The estimated number of annual generations of T. pretiosum and T. exiguum for Gravatá district was 36.9 and 36.7 generations respectively. The same number, however for Muniz Freire, ES, was 24.1 and 24.5, and for Alegre, ES, 26.7 and 27.0 generations for T. pretiosum and T. exiguum respectively