Different Protein Sources of Larval Diet on the Rearing of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae): Biological and Nutritional Analyses.

Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) is considered an important pest in Neotropical countries. The laboratory rearing of this species should reproduce conditions in nature; thus, special attention is required to the nutritional quality of diets for larval development. Protein components (wheat germ) are costly and account for most production costs in lab insect rearing. In this sense, this work aimed to identify ingredients to replace wheat germ, without compromising diet quality for the lab rearing of A. fraterculus. We tested diets composed of whole rice flour, corn flour, and a mixture of whole wheat flour + soybean flour as substitutes for wheat germ as well as a raw wheat germ diet, considered the control. The protein sources used in the larval diet influenced the biological performance of both the larval and adult stages of A. fraterculus during six generations. The diet containing corn flour and wheat germ showed similar results in the different developmental parameters. The diet with rice flour also provided adequate biological development for A. fraterculus throughout its life cycle and was nutritionally similar to the control. As it is local product, rice flour can replace wheat germ (costly imported product) in artificial diets for A. fraterculus, reducing production costs by roughly 30% without compromising the biological and nutritional parameters of the insects. Faced with this, the rice flour can be considered suitable for the mass rearing of A. fraterculus in the laboratory.

Mating behavior and oviposition of Palpita forficifera (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Palpita forficifera Munroe, 1959 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is considered the main pest of the olive tree (Olea europaea L., Oleaceae) in Brazil and Uruguay. The aim of this work was to study the mating and oviposition behavior of P. forficifera in the field and laboratory. In the field, the sex emitting the mating pheromone was determined and in the laboratory, the rate of emergence of males and females; the age, time and duration of mating; number of copulations and oviposition time of P. forficifera were recorded. The field results showed that it was possible to capture up to five males per trap in just one night in traps with the presence of female P. forficifera. Copulation occurs between the seventh and twenty-third day of life and is most frequent during the third and sixth hours of scotophase. The average duration of the first copulation was 174 min, with 35% of couples recopulating, and there were cases of up to five copulations. Oviposition times were concentrated between 20:00 and 02:00. The results obtained provide insight into the reproductive behavior of P. forficifera and are useful for future studies aimed at identifying the sex pheromone to improve monitoring of the pest in olive orchards.

Spatial and temporal dispersion of Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in orchards infested with Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) is an endoparasitoid and promising fruit fly control agent. The objective of the study was to determine the spatial (horizontal and vertical) and temporal dispersion of D. areolatus in the field. To evaluate the horizontal and temporal dispersion, two peach orchards were selected. In each orchard, 50 points were marked at different distances from the central point, from where 4,100 couples of D. areolatus were released. Four hours after release, parasitism units (PU) (3 per point) were fixed to the trees at a height of 1.5 m from the ground. The PUs were composed of ripe apples artificially infested with second instar larvae of Anastrepha fraterculus (30 larvae/fruit). For the evaluation of vertical dispersion, in an olive orchard six points were selected (trees of ≈4 m in height). Each tree was divided into three heights in relation to the ground (1.17, 2.34, and 3.51 m). Doryctobracon areolatus was able to disperse horizontally at a distance >60 m from the release point. However, the highest parasitism rates [15-45% (area 1); 15-27% (area 2)] were observed up to 25 m. Higher percentages of parasitism and of recovered offspring occur in the first days after the release of the parasitoid (2 DAR). As for vertical dispersion, D. areolatus parasitized A. fraterculus larvae up to the highest attachment height of the evaluated PUs (3.51). The results showed the potential use of D. areolatus in the management of fruit flies in the field.

Lethal and sublethal effects of toxic bait formulations on Doryctobracon areolatus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and implications for integrated fruit fly management.

The use of toxic baits has become one of the main methods of management of fruit flies in Brazil. The application of toxic baits may cause side effects on the native parasitoid Doryctobracon areolatus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Based on the results, formulations made from the food attractants 3% Biofruit, 1.5% Ceratrap, 1.25% Flyral, 3% Isca Samaritá, 3% Isca Samaritá Tradicional, and 7% sugarcane molasses associated with the Malathion 1000 EC and the ready-to-use toxic bait Gelsura (containing the active ingredient alpha-cypermethrin) were classified as harmful (class 4) to D. areolatus (mortality > 85% at 96 HAE). In contrast, for toxic baits formulated with insecticide phosmet, the mortality ranged from 38% to 72%, classified as slightly harmful or moderately harmful. However, when phosmet was added to the 3% Samaritá Tradicional bait, the mortality was only 3.9% (class 1-harmless), similar to the toxicity observed for the Success 0.02 CB ready-to-use bait (0.24 g a.i. spinosad/l) (<5% mortality). Although toxic baits were formulated with spinosyn-based insecticides, all toxic bait formulations were classified as harmless or slightly harmful (<50% mortality) to D. areolatus, with the exception of 1.5% Ceratrap + spinetoram and 7% Sugarcane molasses + spinosad (≈ 60% mortality-moderately harmful). In addition, these formulations did not show sublethal effects in reducing the parasitism and emergence rate of the F1 generation of D. areolatus in A. fraterculus larvae. The results serve as a basis for the correct use of toxic food baits without affecting the biological control.

Search hours for food attractant by Anastrepha fraterculus and Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) adults in guava orchards.

Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) are considered the main pests of Brazilian fruit production. Understanding the behavior of species is of great importance for the success of management strategies. This study was to determine the period and search time by attractive food for A. fraterculus and C. capitata adults by using three commercial food attractants: BioAnastrepha™ 5%; Isca Samaritá Tradicional™ 5% and Ceratrap™ 1.5%. The largest catches of A. fraterculus and C. capitata adults in McPhail traps occurred during the day between 6:30 am and 6:30 pm for both species. The BioAnastrepha™ food attractant provided the largest catches compared to Isca Samaritá Tradicional™ and Ceratrap™. In addition, there was a higher prevalence of capturing females than males, for both flies' species. The period of largest search activity for food attractant was observed from 12h:31 pm to 04:30 pm for A. fraterculus and C. capitata, time of greatest temperature on the day. The definition of the period of largest activity of A. fraterculus and C. capitata adults in the field helps in the elaboration of management strategies to be adopted.

Selection of Strains of Trichogramma foersteri and Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) for the Control of Palpita forficifera (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Palpita forficifera Munroe 1959 is a lepidopteran pest native to the Neotropical region and has been causing damage to olive tree crops in Brazil and Uruguay. The use of egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma may be a viable and sustainable alternative to pest management. The objective of the present work was to select species and/or strains of Trichogramma as possible agents of control for P. forficifera. Selections were made from five strains of Trichogramma foersteri Takahashi (R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5) collected in olive orchards of southern Brazil and four strains of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (AC, PR, MJU, and RVI) from laboratory rearings. The strains of T. foersteri presented the longest periods from egg to adult (≈ 11.5 days) when compared to T. pretiosum (≈ 9.5 days). However, T. foersteri provided, in general, the highest daily percentage of parasitized P. forficifera eggs and, consequently, a higher rate of parasitism (between 50 and 69%) in relation to those of T. pretiosum (variation from 7 to 20%). In addition, T. foersteri provided a higher emergence rate (above 90%), with a sex ratio close to 1.0. However, all strains of T. pretiosum were longer-lived compared to adults of T. foersteri. From the biological parameters evaluated, two distinct groups were formed between T. foersteri and T. pretiosum. In general, T. foersteri has better potential for controlling P. forficifera, demonstrating its potential for use in field multiplication and release programs for the management of the olive larvae.

Toxicity and Transgenerational Effects of Insecticides on Trichopria anastrephae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae).

Trichopria anastrephae Costa Lima, 1940 (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) is a pupal endoparasitoid of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, 1931 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Brazil. This species is of great agricultural importance and is almost exclusively managed by organophosphate, spinosyn, pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, and avermectin insecticides. However, frequent application of insecticides can have negative effects on the parasitoid. The objective of this study was to evaluate the lethal and transgenerational toxicity of five insecticides on T. anastrephae adults during the F0, F1, and F2 generations. Drosophila suzukii puparia were sprayed prior to their exposure to T. anastrephae for 24 h. Parameters evaluated in generation F0 were mortality and rate of parasitism. After the emergence of the F1 generation, the emergence rate and sex ratio were analyzed. Then, pairs of parasitoids were selected from F1 and pupae; the host was offered to evaluate parasitism, emergence, and sex ratio of the F2 generation. In the F0 generation, malathion was the only insecticide that caused 100% mortality of adults of T. anastrephae. However, all insecticides tested affected the parasitism rate, being classified as moderately to slightly harmful. In F1, the emergence of T. anastrephae was also affected, making the insecticides moderately to slightly harmful. However, there were no significant differences in the sex ratio and parasitism rate or the parameters evaluated in F2, which means that all products were classified as harmless. These results are important for the development of Integrated Management programs for D. suzukii and for the conservation of natural populations of T. anastrephae in the field.

Lethal and Sublethal Toxicity of Pesticides Used in Fruit Growing on the Parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): Implications for Integrated Fruit Fly Management.

The larval-pupal endoparasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) is considered one of the main biological control agents of fruit flies Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (1824) and Anastrepha fraterculus Wiedemann (1830) in Central and South America. The application of pesticides for disease and insect-pest management in fruit species may have adverse effects on the parasitoid. The objective of this study was to evaluate the lethal and sublethal effects via residual contact of commercial pesticide formulations on D. longicaudata. The active ingredients thiamethoxam, indoxacarb, chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin, spinetoram, spinosad, phosmet, lambda-cyhalothrin, malathion, dimethoate, and methidationa showed high toxicity to adults (100% mortality) after 96 h and were classified as harmful (Class 4). In contrast, the formulations of azadirachtin (Agroneem 850 EC, Azact 2.4 EC, Azamax 12 EC, and Fitoneem 850 EC), chlorantraniliprole, bordeaux mixture, sulfur, lufenuron, lime sulphur, novalurom, and mancozeb were rated as innocuous (<10% mortality). In addition, the formulations azadirachtin did not reduce the parasitism and the emergence rate of the F0 generation, the same pesticides added to chlorantraniliprole, azadirachtin A+B (Agroneem 850 EC), and lufenuron did not cause reduction in parasitism and emergence rate of the F1 generation of D. longicaudata. The use of pyrethroids, organophosphates, spinosyns, oxadiazines, and neonicotinoids should be used with caution in IPM programs. While pesticides chlorantraniliprole, azadirachtin formulations, bordeaux mixture, lufenuron, lime sulphur, and mancozeb do not cause lethal and sublethal effects for D. longicaudata adults. The results of this study provide important information for use in integrated pest management programs for fruit fly management.

Fertility life table and biology of Tetrastichus giffardianus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in the larvae of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Tetrastichus giffardianus is a gregarious koinobiont endoparasitoid of tephritids, including Ceratitis capitata, which is one of the most important fruit pests worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of constant temperatures on the biology and development of the egg-adult period of T. giffardianus in larvae/pupae of C. capitata to construct a fertility life table. The study was carried out in climatic chambers at constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 ± 1°C, 70 ± 10% relative humidity and a photophase of 12 h. Complete egg and larval development occurred only at temperatures of 20, 25, and 30°C. The mean longevity of males and females was inversely proportional to temperature. The time of development of the pre-imaginal period was influenced by temperature and ranged from 41 days at 20°C to 11 days at 25°C. The best T. giffardianus performance occurred at 25°C when the intrinsic rate of increase was 0.21, the mean generation time was 20.43 days, the time required to double the population was 3.33 days, and the finite rate of population increase (λ) was 1.23. The results of this study provided information for the establishment of mass rearing and an evaluation of the adaptability of T. giffardianus to different environments, which is necessary for the use of this parasitoid in the biological control of tephritid pests, particularly C. capitata.

Nonpreference for Oviposition of Sugarcane Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Sugarcane Seedlings Is Influenced by Ripening Group and Plant Age.

The sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is considered the main sugarcane pest in many countries. The use of plant genotypes less preferred by insects are among the alternative methods to control this species which can be used alone or associated with other control methods such as biological control in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. We assessed if the nonpreference for oviposition of D. saccharalis in sugarcane genotypes established by seedlings is different according to ripening group and plant age. For that purpose, four experiments were performed: 1) seedlings of early-ripening genotypes, 2) seedlings of late-ripening genotypes, 3) and mix of early- and late-ripening genotypes, seedlings, and 4) plants. There were least preferred genotypes for oviposition by D. saccharalis among seedlings of early-ripening (RB965902 and RB966928) and late-ripening (RB987935) genotypes. It was also observed when the groups were mixed as seedlings (RB965902) or plants (RB925345). The nonpreference for egg deposition in different ripening groups and plant age might be useful to integrate with other strategies for the management of D. saccharalis. Moreover, results of egg distribution might indicate the likely position of resistance factors on leaves, whether morphological or chemical.

Some Aspects of the Biology of Trichopria anastrephae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae), a Resident Parasitoid Attacking Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Brazil.

Spotted-wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931), is an economic pest of thin-skinned fruit crops. Its control has commonly been carried out through chemical methods. However, given the need to develop safer and environmentally friendly management alternatives, the pupal endoparasitoid Trichopria anastrephae Lima stands out as a potential biological control agent. However, the lack of information on the mass rearing of this parasitoid limits its use. Thus, the objective of our study was to provide information that is useful for rearing T. anastrephae using D. suzukii as a host. The effects of pupal age, exposure time, and pupal density on the parasitism rate were examined, as was the effect of honey provision for extending adult parasitoid longevity. Exposing 15 12-h-old pupae per female for 24 h resulted in higher parasitism rates and a greater number of emerged parasitoids. Males and females of T. anastrephae fed with pure honey (100%) or honey diluted to 50% in water lived longer compared to those fed 10% honey, no food, or only water.

Impact of global warming on the distribution of Anastrepha grandis (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Brazil / Impacto potencial do aquecimento global sobre a distribuição de Anastrepha grandis (Diptera: Tephritidae) no Brasil

Anastrepha grandis is one of the main pests related to Cucurbitaceae in South and Central America. This study discusses the impact of temperature increase on the number of generations of A. grandis, whose distribution could be aggravated due to temperature increase. Climatic variations were analyzed for reference scenarios obtained from 1961â€'1990 and of A2 and B1 climatic change scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in which a less pessimistic scenario (B1) and a more pessimistic scenario (A2) were found. In relation to the reference scenarios, in colder seasons, the southern and southeastern regions are inadequate for the development of A. grandis, presenting one generation at most. In other regions of Brazil, where temperatures are higher throughout the year, the number of generations is at least two, and there is no variation from one climatic season to another. When analyzing the temperature increase, in a more pessimistic scenario (A2), there is a considerable variation in the number of generations, if we take into account three future climate scenarios in which A. grandis practically doubles the number of generations. In relation to a less pessimistic scenario (B1), there is a smaller variation in the number of generations, mainly in the southern region of the country. This variation is more accentuated in southeastern Brazil due to the temperature increase, in which the pest's number of generations doubles even in colder seasons.(AU)

Anastrepha grandis é uma das principais pragas relacionadas à Cucurbitaceae nas Américas do Sul e Central. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer o impacto do aumento da temperatura no número de gerações de A. grandis, cuja distribuição poderá ser agravada devido ao aumento da temperatura. Essas variações climatológicas foram analisadas para cenários de referência obtidos de 1961â€'1990 e nos cenários de mudanças climáticas A2 e B1 do Painel Intergovernamental de Mudanças Climáticas, onde encontramos um cenário menos pessimista (B1) e um mais pessimista (A2). Em relação ao período de referência é possível observar que, nas estações mais frias, as regiões Sul e Sudeste mostram-se inadequadas para o desenvolvimento de A. grandis, apresentando no máximo uma geração, enquanto nas estações mais quentes o inseto pode chegar a duas gerações. Nas demais regiões do país, onde as temperaturas apresentam-se mais elevadas durante todo o ano, o número de gerações é de no mínimo duas e não há variação de uma estação climática para outra. Quando analisado o aumento da temperatura, em um cenário mais pessimista (A2), é possível observar uma variação considerável no número de gerações nos três cenários climáticos futuros, podendo A. grandis dobrar o número de gerações. Em relação a um cenário menos pessimista (B1), é evidente uma variação menor no número de gerações, principalmente na região Sul do país, enquanto que na região Sudeste essa variação já é mais acentuada devido ao aumento da temperatura, podendo dobrar o número de gerações mesmo nas estações mais frias.(AU)

First report and damage description of Calodesma collaris (Drury, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) caterpillars on Aechmea winkleri Reitz, 1975 (Bromeliaceae)

Abstract We report for the first time the occurrence of Calodesma collaris (Drury, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) caterpillars on Aechmea winkleri Reitz, 1975 (Bromeliaceae) and describe the damage it causes on these plants. The consumption of leaf tissue, accumulation of excrements and inhibition of inflorescence emission caused by larvae of C. collaris can result in plants of A. winkleri that are not suitable for ornamental or landscaping purposes.

Impact of global warming on the distribution of Anastrepha grandis (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Brazil / Impacto potencial do aquecimento global sobre a distribuição de Anastrepha grandis (Diptera: Tephritidae) no Brasil

Anastrepha grandis is one of the main pests related to Cucurbitaceae in South and Central America. This study discusses the impact of temperature increase on the number of generations of A. grandis, whose distribution could be aggravated due to temperature increase. Climatic variations were analyzed for reference scenarios obtained from 1961‒1990 and of A2 and B1 climatic change scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in which a less pessimistic scenario (B1) and a more pessimistic scenario (A2) were found. In relation to the reference scenarios, in colder seasons, the southern and southeastern regions are inadequate for the development of A. grandis, presenting one generation at most. In other regions of Brazil, where temperatures are higher throughout the year, the number of generations is at least two, and there is no variation from one climatic season to another. When analyzing the temperature increase, in a more pessimistic scenario (A2), there is a considerable variation in the number of generations, if we take into account three future climate scenarios in which A. grandis practically doubles the number of generations. In relation to a less pessimistic scenario (B1), there is a smaller variation in the number of generations, mainly in the southern region of the country. This variation is more accentuated in southeastern Brazil due to the temperature increase, in which the pest's number of generations doubles even in colder seasons.(AU)

Anastrepha grandis é uma das principais pragas relacionadas à Cucurbitaceae nas Américas do Sul e Central. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer o impacto do aumento da temperatura no número de gerações de A. grandis, cuja distribuição poderá ser agravada devido ao aumento da temperatura. Essas variações climatológicas foram analisadas para cenários de referência obtidos de 1961‒1990 e nos cenários de mudanças climáticas A2 e B1 do Painel Intergovernamental de Mudanças Climáticas, onde encontramos um cenário menos pessimista (B1) e um mais pessimista (A2). Em relação ao período de referência é possível observar que, nas estações mais frias, as regiões Sul e Sudeste mostram-se inadequadas para o desenvolvimento de A. grandis, apresentando no máximo uma geração, enquanto nas estações mais quentes o inseto pode chegar a duas gerações. Nas demais regiões do país, onde as temperaturas apresentam-se mais elevadas durante todo o ano, o número de gerações é de no mínimo duas e não há variação de uma estação climática para outra. Quando analisado o aumento da temperatura, em um cenário mais pessimista (A2), é possível observar uma variação considerável no número de gerações nos três cenários climáticos futuros, podendo A. grandis dobrar o número de gerações. Em relação a um cenário menos pessimista (B1), é evidente uma variação menor no número de gerações, principalmente na região Sul do país, enquanto que na região Sudeste essa variação já é mais acentuada devido ao aumento da temperatura, podendo dobrar o número de gerações mesmo nas estações mais frias.(AU)

Biology of Bactrocera carambolae (Diptera: Tephritidae) on four hosts

ABSTRACT Bactrocera carambolae is a quarantine pest found in Brazil, restricted to the states of Amapá, Pará and Roraima. This fruit fly can potentially cause extensive socioeconomic and environmental damage in the country, if it disperse into areas where fruit is grown for exporting. The objective of this work was to study the biology of B. carambolae on fruits of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae), Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae) and Eugenia stipitata McVaugh (Myrtaceae). The following parameters were investigated: duration of egg-larva, pupal, egg-adult, pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods, pupal weight and viability, sex ratio, fecundity, fertility and longevity. All parameters except pupal weight, oviposition and post-oviposition period, egg fertility and sex ratio were influenced by the host plant on which the larvae were reared. The carambola fruit fly completes its development on all those hosts studied here, with the highest fecundities on A. carambola and P. guajava.

Side effects of toxic bait formulations on Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is considered one of the main biological control agents of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). However, the application of toxic baits for the management of C. capitata might exert side effects on the parasitoid. The objective of this study was to evaluate the side effects of toxic bait formulations on D. longicaudata. The food attractants Anamed, 3% Biofruit, 1.5% CeraTrap, 1.25% Flyral, 3% Isca Samaritá, 3% Isca Samaritá Tradicional, and 7% sugarcane molasses mixed with an organophosphate insecticide [malathion, 2.0 grams of active ingredient (g a.i.) L-1] and the commercial formulation Gelsura (2.0 and 4.0 g a.i. L-1 alpha-cypermethrin) showed high toxicity to D. longicaudata adults (>90% mortality) after 96 h and were thus classified as harmful (Class 4). Similarly, 3% Isca Samaritá Tradicional and 7% sugarcane molasses in formulations with the insecticides spinosad and spinetoram (0.096 g a.i. L-1 or kg) were moderately harmful (Class 3). In contrast, the food attractants Anamed, 3% Biofruit, 1.5% CeraTrap, 1.25% Flyral, and 3% Isca Samaritá Tradicional in combination with spinosad and spinetoram and the formulation Success 0.02CB (0.096 g a.i. L-1 spinosad) were classified as harmless (<10% mortality up to 96 h, Class 1). Additionally, these formulations did not reduce the parasitism and emergence rate of the F1 generation of D. longicaudata in C. capitata larvae. Formulations of toxic baits based on spinosyn are suitable for the management of C. capitata together with the parasitoid D. longicaudata.

Selectivity of pesticides used in peach orchards to eggs and pupae of the predators Chrysoperla externa and Coleomegilla quadrifasciata / Seletividade de produtos fitossanitários utilizados na cultura do pessegueiro a ovos e pupas dos predadores Chrysoperla externa e Coleomegilla quadrifasciata

This study aimed to assess, under laboratory conditions, the selectivity of nine pesticides used in peach to the egg and pupal stages of the predators Chrysoperla externa and Coleomegilla quadrifasciata. Tests consisted of the direct application of pesticides on eggs and pupae of predators and assessment of sublethal effects on fertility and fecundity of emerged adults. For eggs, the pesticides were classified according to the effects on the reduction of the percentage of larval hatching, while for pupae they were classified as a function of the total effect, according to the toxicity scale proposed by the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC). All the pesticides (used dose) were harmless (class 1) to eggs of C. externa, but abamectin (80) and copper + calcium (1%) were considered slightly harmful (class 2) to pupae. In bioassays with C. quadrifasciata, abamectin (80), deltamethrin (40), and malathion (150) were classified as slightly harmful (class 2), while fenitrothion (100) was moderately harmful (class 3) to predator eggs; in the pupal stage, abamectin (80), fenitrothion (100), and malathion (150) were considered harmful (class 4). Azadirachtin (1%), chlorantraniliprole (14), deltamethrin (40), copper + calcium (25% + 10%), and sulfur + calcium (3.5 Ba) were harmless (class 1) to eggs and pupae of C. externa and C. quadrifasciata and thus should be prioritized in sprayings for pest control in the IPM of peach.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar em laboratório a seletividade de nove produtos fitossanitários utilizados na cultura do pessegueiro sobre as fases de ovo e pupa dos predadores Chrysoperla externa e Coleomegilla quadrifasciata. Os ensaios consistiram da aplicação direta dos agrotóxicos sobre ovos e pupas dos predadores e avaliação de efeitos subletais na fertilidade e fecundidade dos adultos emergidos. Para ovos, os produtos fitossanitários foram classificados em função dos efeitos na redução da porcentagem de eclosão de larvas, e para pupas em função do efeito total, conforme a escala de toxicidade proposta pela International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC). Todos os produtos fitossanitários (dosagem utilizada) foram inócuos (classe 1) aos ovos de C. externa, entretanto, abamectina (80) e cobre + cálcio (1%) foram considerados levemente nocivos (classe 2) às pupas. Nos bioensaios com C. quadrifasciata, abamectina (80), deltametrina (40) e malationa (150) foram classificados como levemente nocivos (classe 2), enquanto fenitrotiona (100) apresentou-se como moderadamente nocivo (classe 3) aos ovos do predador; para a fase de pupa, abamectina (80), fenitrotiona (100) e malationa (150) foram nocivos (classe 4). Os produtos Azadiractina (1%), clorantraniliprole (14), deltametrina (40), cobre + cálcio (25% + 10%) e enxofre + cálcio (3,5 Ba) são inócuos (classe 1) aos ovos e pupas de C. externa e C. quadrifasciata, e assim devem ser priorizados em pulverizações visando ao controle de pragas no MIP pessegueiro.

Selectivity of pesticides used in peach orchards to eggs and pupae of the predators Chrysoperla externa and Coleomegilla quadrifasciata / Seletividade de produtos fitossanitários utilizados na cultura do pessegueiro a ovos e pupas dos predadores Chrysoperla externa e Coleomegilla quadrifasciata

This study aimed to assess, under laboratory conditions, the selectivity of nine pesticides used in peach to the egg and pupal stages of the predators Chrysoperla externa and Coleomegilla quadrifasciata. Tests consisted of the direct application of pesticides on eggs and pupae of predators and assessment of sublethal effects on fertility and fecundity of emerged adults. For eggs, the pesticides were classified according to the effects on the reduction of the percentage of larval hatching, while for pupae they were classified as a function of the total effect, according to the toxicity scale proposed by the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC). All the pesticides (used dose) were harmless (class 1) to eggs of C. externa, but abamectin (80) and copper + calcium (1%) were considered slightly harmful (class 2) to pupae. In bioassays with C. quadrifasciata, abamectin (80), deltamethrin (40), and malathion (150) were classified as slightly harmful (class 2), while fenitrothion (100) was moderately harmful (class 3) to predator eggs; in the pupal stage, abamectin (80), fenitrothion (100), and malathion (150) were considered harmful (class 4). Azadirachtin (1%), chlorantraniliprole (14), deltamethrin (40), copper + calcium (25% + 10%), and sulfur + calcium (3.5 Ba) were harmless (class 1) to eggs and pupae of C. externa and C. quadrifasciata and thus should be prioritized in sprayings for pest control in the IPM of peach.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar em laboratório a seletividade de nove produtos fitossanitários utilizados na cultura do pessegueiro sobre as fases de ovo e pupa dos predadores Chrysoperla externa e Coleomegilla quadrifasciata. Os ensaios consistiram da aplicação direta dos agrotóxicos sobre ovos e pupas dos predadores e avaliação de efeitos subletais na fertilidade e fecundidade dos adultos emergidos. Para ovos, os produtos fitossanitários foram classificados em função dos efeitos na redução da porcentagem de eclosão de larvas, e para pupas em função do efeito total, conforme a escala de toxicidade proposta pela International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC). Todos os produtos fitossanitários (dosagem utilizada) foram inócuos (classe 1) aos ovos de C. externa, entretanto, abamectina (80) e cobre + cálcio (1%) foram considerados levemente nocivos (classe 2) às pupas. Nos bioensaios com C. quadrifasciata, abamectina (80), deltametrina (40) e malationa (150) foram classificados como levemente nocivos (classe 2), enquanto fenitrotiona (100) apresentou-se como moderadamente nocivo (classe 3) aos ovos do predador; para a fase de pupa, abamectina (80), fenitrotiona (100) e malationa (150) foram nocivos (classe 4). Os produtos Azadiractina (1%), clorantraniliprole (14), deltametrina (40), cobre + cálcio (25% + 10%) e enxofre + cálcio (3,5 Ba) são inócuos (classe 1) aos ovos e pupas de C. externa e C. quadrifasciata, e assim devem ser priorizados em pulverizações visando ao controle de pragas no MIP pessegueiro.(AU)

The South American Fruit Fly: An Important Pest Insect With RNAi-Sensitive Larval Stages.

RNA interference (RNAi) technology has been used in the development of approaches for pest control. The presence of some essential genes, the so-called "core genes," in the RNAi machinery is crucial for its efficiency and robust response in gene silencing. Thus, our study was designed to examine whether the RNAi machinery is functional in the South American (SA) fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) and whether the sensitivity to the uptake of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) could generate an RNAi response in this fruit fly species. To prepare a transcriptome database of the SA fruit fly, total RNA was extracted from all the life stages for later cDNA synthesis and Illumina sequencing. After the de novo transcriptome assembly and gene annotation, the transcriptome was screened for RNAi pathway genes, as well as the duplication or loss of genes and novel target genes to dsRNA delivery bioassays. The dsRNA delivery assay by soaking was performed in larvae to evaluate the gene-silencing of V-ATPase, and the upregulation of Dicer-2 and Argonaute-2 after dsRNA delivery was analyzed to verify the activation of siRNAi machinery. We tested the stability of dsRNA using dsGFP with an in vitro incubation of larvae body fluid (hemolymph). We identified 55 genes related to the RNAi machinery with duplication and loss for some genes and selected 143 different target genes related to biological processes involved in post-embryonic growth/development and reproduction of A. fraterculus. Larvae soaked in dsRNA (dsV-ATPase) solution showed a strong knockdown of V-ATPase after 48 h, and the expression of Dicer-2 and Argonaute-2 responded with an increase upon the exposure to dsRNA. Our data demonstrated the existence of a functional RNAi machinery in the SA fruit fly, and we present an easy and robust physiological bioassay with the larval stages that can further be used for screening of target genes at in vivo organisms' level for RNAi-based control of fruit fly pests. This is the first study that provides evidence of a functional siRNA machinery in the SA fruit fly.

Biology of Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Strains at Different Temperatures.

Currently the area with the inundative release of Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) in the country is approximately 3.5 million hectares per year in regions of tropical and subtropical climate, but there are questions about its efficiency since they are not considered the thermal requirements of the strains used. The objective of the study was to evaluate the biology in different thermal conditions of five C. flavipes strains, from different places of origin. Insects from Paraná (Strain PR), Minas Gerais (Strain MG), Alagoas (Strain AL) and two strains from São Paulo state (SPI and SPII strains) were submitted to different constant temperatures (10, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 30, and 32°C), relative air humidity of 70 ± 10% and 12-h photophase. The duration the egg-adult of C. flavipes was inversely proportional to the temperature in the thermal range of 18 to 30°C. No development occurred at temperatures of 10, 15, and 32°C. The highest survival of the biological cycle (egg-adult) (above 70%) occurred in the thermal range of 25 to 28°C. Also, temperatures from 28 to 30°C characterize significantly more females than males (sex ratio > 0.70). Based on the development of the biological cycle, the threshold temperature (Tt) was similar among the C. flavipes strains (ranging from 9.6 to 11.1°C), providing the thermal constants of 229.4 to 273.9 degree-days. The biological control of Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) may be more efficient to use C. flavipes strains more adapted to the thermal conditions of each region.