The use of toxic baits for the suppression of Mediterranean fruit fly in mango orchards.

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) is an insect of major economic importance in the mango orchards of the submedium of the São Francisco River Valley, the main area of mango production and exportation in Brazil. To provide alternatives for the management of C. capitata, toxic baits based on alpha-cypermethrin (Gelsura®) and spinosad (Success® 0.02 CB) were evaluated in three commercial mango experiments during two consecutive harvests: 2016/2017 (experiment 1 - area 1) and 2017/2018 (experiment 2 -area 2 and experiment 3 - area 3). According to the results, there was a large reduction in the infestation of C. capitata after five sequential applications of the alpha-cypermethrin (6 g.ha-1) and spinosad (0.38 g.ha-1) toxic baits performed at seven-day intervals during mango fruit ripening in all experiments and years (harvest) evaluated. Compared with the untreated plots, the plots with alpha-cypermethrin and spinosad applications showed a significant reduction in the damage induced (fallen fruits and/or on trees) by C. capitata. The management of C. capitata in mango orchards can include the use of the toxic bait based on alpha-cypermethrin, which represents an alternative to rotate with spinosad toxic bait in the São Francisco River Valley.

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.

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.

Use of Preservatives in Vegetable Protein-Based Food Attractants for Monitoring Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Peach Orchards.

Studies have demonstrated that the addition of preservatives mixed with food attractants have provided a more expressive attractiveness for fruit fly adults. The objective of the study was to evaluate the capture of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) adults when the addition of borax and/or benzalkonium chloride preservative in BioAnastrephaTM and Isca Samaritá TradicionalTM food attractants compared to CeraTrapTM (control, no preservatives added) in peach orchards. As well as, verifying the effect over non-target insects. BioAnastrephaTM, Isca Samaritá TradicionalTM and CeraTrapTM attractants enabled the capture of A. fraterculus adults when used by themselves in McPhail traps. However, by adding borax and benzalkonium chloride, BioAnastrephaTM and Isca Samaritá TradicionalTM food attractants significantly increased the number of adults captured. Additionally, the number of A. fraterculus adults captured by BioAnastrephaTM attractant + borax was similar to CeraTrapTM attractant over time. Regarding non-target insects, the highest percentages of subjects captured belong to the Coleoptera (4.4 to 11%) and Diptera orders (24.1 to 34.6%) (Drosophilidae family). Nevertheless, insects from the Hymenoptera order [(Formicidae (0.14 to 0.96%), Vespidae (0.02 to 0.3%), and Apidae (0.04 to 0.9%)] families. Neuroptera (0.02 to 0.98%) and Lepidoptera (0.09 to 0.7%) were also captured, although those amounted to less than 1% of the A. fraterculus total. Adding borax and benzalkonium chloride to BioAnastrephaTM and Isca Samaritá TradicionalTM food attractants potentialize the effect of A. fraterculus capture in monitoring traps. Also, adding preservatives made attractants more durable, consequently, the need to replace attractants was not as frequent.

Parasitoids (Hymenoptera) of Mealybug Pests (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) from Southern Brazil: Molecular and Morphological Characterization.

Parasitoids of three mealybug pests (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), Planococcus ficus (Signoret), Pseudococcus sociabilis Hambleton, and Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret) have been identified for the first time in Brazil. Mealybugs were collected in fruit-growing areas along southern Brazil during 2013-2016. An integrative approach, combining morphological and molecular methods, was used to identify the Brazilian parasitoids to the species level. Fifteen species were recorded, including 14 primary parasitoids belonging to Encyrtidae and Platygastridae and a single secondary parasitoid species belonging to Signiphoridae. The encyrtid parasitoids Acerophagus flavidulus (Brèthes), Anagyrus calyxtoi Noyes and Zaplatycerus sp., and the signiphorid secondary parasitoid Chartocerus axillaris De Santis are reported for the first time in Brazil.

Effects of insecticides used in strawberries on stingless bees Melipona quadrifasciata and Tetragonisca fiebrigi (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

The use of pesticides is considered one of the most important threats to pollinators, especially since they are widely used in agriculture for pest control. In the last years, several studies have reported severe secondary effects on various bee species, including exotic and native bees. In this study, lethal (mortality) and sublethal (locomotor activity) effects of insecticides and acaricides used in strawberries in Brazil (abamectin, novaluron, spinetoram, and thiamethoxam) were evaluated on the native stingless bees Melipona quadrifasciata and Tetragonisca fiebrigi. The results showed that the effects varied significantly according to the pesticide, type of exposure (oral or topical), and bee species. Through oral exposure, M. quadrifasciata was more susceptible to all insecticides except for abamectin, while in topical exposure, T. fiebrigi was more sensitive. Thiamethoxam followed by spinetoram and abamectin were the most lethal, regardless of species or exposure route; novaluron was not harmful at the highest tested dose. The locomotor activity of bees was altered in the presence of sublethal doses (LC10 and LC50) of all insecticides. Spinetoram and abamectin can be as much as toxic as thiamethoxam against M. quadrifasciata and T. fiebrigi in laboratory experiments. These findings should be confirmed in field experiments to define possibilities to combine pest control and pollinator management. In crops like strawberries, the selectivity of native pollinators should be considered.

Toxicity of Baits and Their Effects on Population Suppression of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae): Implications for Field Management.

Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) is the main pest of fruit in southern Brazil. The use of toxic baits is one of the alternatives for its management. In this study, the toxic baits Anamed + malathion (10,000 mg/liter), Flyral 1.25% + malathion (2,000 mg/liter), and Gelsura (alpha-cypermethrin, 2,000 and 4,000 mg/liter) were highly toxic to the adults of A. fraterculus (lethal time [LT50] < 7 h). In contrast, Success 0.02 CB had an LT50 of 48.4 h. In the absence of rain, all the formulations had residual effects (>90% mortality) on A. fraterculus adults up to 21 d after treatment (DAT). In the presence of 5, 25, and 50 mm of rainfall, there was a significant reduction in the residual effect over time. However, with up to 50 mm of rain, Anamed + malathion and Gelsura 2,000 and 4,000 mg/liter caused between 43.0 and 79.0% of mortality. In the field, during two consecutive seasons (2015/2016 and 2016/2017), applications of Gelsura 2,000 mg/liter (four applications/season) caused population suppression of the pest throughout the apple fruiting period. However, in the 2016/2017 season, in the area using Gelsura, a higher percentage (≈12%) of apple fruits damaged by A. fraterculus females was observed when compared with the area with insecticide application (damage <3%). The toxic bait Gelsura (2,000 and 4.000 mg/liter) was shown to be promising for use in the management of A. fraterculus, with results similar to those with the application of synthetic insecticides.

Toxicity, attraction, and repellency of toxic baits to stingless bees Plebeia emerina (Friese) and Tetragonisca fiebrigi (Schwarz) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini).

Toxic bait formulations have been one of the main strategies used in apple orchards in southern Brazil for the control of South American fruit fly. However, its effects on the stingless bees Plebeia emerina (Friese) and Tetragonisca fiebrigi (Schwarz) are unknown. This study aimed to assess the toxicity, attraction and repellency of food lures and toxic baits on P. emerina and T. fiebrigi. We evaluated the food lures Anamed® (pure), Biofruit® (3%), Flyral® (1.25%), Sugarcane molasses (7%) and Samaritá Tradicional® (3%), in toxic baits formulations associated with spinosad (Tracer® 480SC) and malathion (Malathion® 1000EC), and the ready-to-use toxic baits Success® 0.02CB and Gelsura®. We obtained the mean lethal concentration (LC50) and the mean survival of workers after exposure to toxic bait formulations. In the field, we carried out attraction and repellency tests of toxic baits to foraging. The food lures associated with malathion and spinosad showed different levels of toxicity to P. emerina and T. fiebrigi. Sugarcane molasses and Samaritá Tradicional® associated with spinosad showed high toxicity, with LC50 values of 6.92 and 10.61 ng/µL diet to P. emerina, and of 4.37 and 15.48 ng/µL diet to T. fiebrigi, respectively. Gelsura® and food lures with malathion caused rapid workers mortality, with mean survival less than 3 h after exposure. No toxic bait formulation was attractive to P. emerina foragers in the field. Anamed®, Gelsura®, and Success® were repellent to P. emerina foragers.

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.

Faunal analysis and injuries characterization of Polistinae (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) in niagara rosada vineyards in Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil / Análise faunística e caracterização de injúrias de Polistinae (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) em parreirais de niagara rosada em Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

The State ofRio Grande do Sul is a major producer of grapes in Brazil, highlighting the Serra Gaúcha as the main producing region. In the pursuit of good quality in grapes it is essential the control of pests, especially insects. This study highlights the incidence of wasps, which cause serious damage at harvest time. This study aimed to characterize the community of social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) through faunal analysis and to examine the relationship of these insects with injuries to the grape berries in vineyards of Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul State. Therefore, active search were made in January and February 2014, followed by analysis of frequency, constancy, abundance, dominance and diversity. Ten species of wasps were able to use grape berries as food. The two dominant species were Polybia ignobilis and P. minarum, however, Synoeca cyanea has greater ability to break the intact berries. Other three species, Polistes cavapytiformis, P. versicolor and Brachygastra lecheguana, were also able to break the skin of grapes, but of damaged berries.

O Rio Grande do Sul é o maior produtor de uvas no Brasil, destacando-se a Serra Gaúcha como principal região produtora. Na busca de qualidade das uvas é fundamental o controle de pragas, especialmente insetos. Este trabalho identifica a incidência de vespas que acarretam graves danos na época de colheita. A pesquisa foi conduzida com o objetivo caracterizar a assembleia de vespas sociais (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) através de análise faunística e a relação destas com injúrias as bagas, em parreirais do município de Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul. Para tanto, foram realizadas coletas ativas nos meses de janeiro efevereiro de 2014, realizando-se análise de frequência, constância, abundância, dominância e diversidade da comunidade. Foram identificadas 10 espécies de vespas capazes de utilizar as bagas de uva como alimento. As espécies predominantes foram Polybia ignobilis e P. minarum, todavia, Synoeca cyanea apresenta maior capacidade de rompimento de bagas íntegras. P. cavapytiformis, P. versicolor e Brachygastra lecheguanatambém foram capazes de abrir a casca dos frutos em bagas anteriormente danificadas.

Toxicities of Insecticidal Toxic Baits to Control Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae): Implications for Field Management.

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) is a significant insect pest of fruits produced worldwide and is capable of causing direct and indirect damage to fruit. Chemical control is the most frequently used management strategy, mainly involving organophosphate insecticides. However, the frequent use of this chemical group has resulted in unacceptable chemical residues on fruits. In this study, the toxicity of 18 insecticides was evaluated in adults and larvae of C. capitata in a laboratory. The organophosphate insecticides chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 480BR), phosmet (Imidan 500WP), and malathion (Malathion 1000EC); the spinosyns spinetoram (Delegate 250WG) and spinosad (Tracer); and the pyrethroid alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac 100SC) caused high mortality (>80%) in C. capitata adults in topical application bioassays and by ingestion when mixed with Biofruit 5% food lures. However, the insecticides chlorfenapyr (Pirate), spinetoram and chlorpyrifos produced a significant reduction in larval infestation of the fruits (67, 74, and 84% larval mortality, respectively). Insecticides based on spinosyns, alpha-cypermethrin, and cyantraniliprole are alternatives that can replace organophosphates in the management of C. capitata in the field.

Toxicities and Residual Effect of Spinosad and Alpha-Cypermethrin-Based Baits to Replace Malathion for Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) Control.

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) is the main insect pest of fruits worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and residual effects of the ready-to-use toxic baits Success 0.02CB (0.24 g of active ingredient [a.i.] per liter of spinosad) and Gelsura (6 g of a.i./liter of alpha-cypermethrin) and to compare them with other food lures containing spinosad and malathion mixed with hydrolyzed protein (Biofruit 5% and Flyral 1.25%), Anamed without dilution or sugarcane molasses (7%) against adult C. capitata in laboratory and greenhouse trials. Ceratitis capitata adults were highly susceptible to all toxic bait formulations (mortality > 80%) until 96 h after exposure. The lowest LT50 (hours) of toxic baits were 2.32 (Gelsura at 4,000 mg/liter), 4.26 (Gelsura at 2,000 mg/liter), 4.28 (Anamed + malathion) and 4.89 (sugarcane molasses + malathion), while formulations containing spinosad (Biofruit, Flyral, Anamed and Success 0.02CB) showed LT50 of approximately 11 h. Without rain, Gelsura (2,000 mg/liter) and all spinosad formulations provided mortality superior to 80% 14 d after application. Gelsura and Anamed + spinosad showed higher resistance to a 5-mm simulated rain, similar to Anamed + malathion, while the other formulations had its efficacy decreased. All toxic baits were effective on adult C. capitata in residual experiments without rain while Anamed + spinosad caused high adult mortality after 5 to 25 mm rains. Gelsura and Anamed + spinosad can be used to replace toxic baits containing malathion for C. capitata population management.

Biology and fertility life table of Bactrocera carambolae on grape and acerola

ABSTRACT Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae), native of Southeast Asia, is present in Brazil but restricted to Amapá, Pará and Roraima, where it has quarantine pest status. The possible dispersion to other fruit producing regions of Brazil could cause damages, including for exportation, due to quarantine restrictions imposed by fruit importing countries. The objective of this work was to describe the biological parameters and calculate the fertility life table of B. carambolae on grape (Vitis vinifera L.) and acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.). The experiment was conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions. The mean number of punctures and the mean number of eggs per female on grapes were 1.48 ± 0.05 and 9.87 ± 0.36, respectively. The mean number puparia per fruit was 0.1 ± 0.02 (grape) and 0.5 ± 0.10 (acerola). The pupal viability was 82.4% (grape) and 70.6% (acerola). The mean time ± SE of one generation, in days, was 25.8 ± 1.10 (grape) and 19.7 ± 0.21 (acerola). The mean fecundity was 1663.8 ± 501.01 (grape) and 206.9 ± 26.21 (acerola) with eggs viability of 5.6% (grape) and 12.5% (acerola). The mean longevity, in days, was 77.3 ± 12.13 on grape and 82.4 ± 4.24 on acerola. The study found that B. carambolae completes its biological cycle on grape and on acerola leaving offspring.

A Phylogeographic Approach to the Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Invasion in Brazil.

Biological invasions have reached large parts of the globe, due to human actions across the planet. Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) is a globally invasive species, always associated with enormous and costly damage to agricultural crops. Native to Southeast Asia, D. suzukii recently (i.e., 2013) invaded and is dispersing through South America. Here, we used a phylogeographic approach based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene fragment to explore the invasion dynamics of D. suzukii populations in Brazil. We identified five haplotypes and moderate genetic diversity in Brazilian populations, which are undergoing demographic and spatial expansion. The analyses of molecular variance indicated a high genetic structure among the populations, which is partially explained by their morphoclimatic origin and invasion history. Drosophila suzukii expanded from southern to southeastern Brazil, aided by human-mediated transport of fruits from region to region. The sharing of haplotypes among Brazilian and other invaded regions of the world suggests a single invasion event of D. suzukii in Brazil, originating from previously invaded areas (e.g., North America and Europe). The rapid geographic dispersal and wide variety of fruits attacked by of D. suzukii require immediate implementation of control strategies (legal and phytosanitary) to manage this pest in Brazil.

Terrestrial gastropods as Fragaria x ananassa pests in southern Brazil: morphological identification / Gastrópodes terrestres como pragas do cultivo de Fragaria x ananassa no sul do Brasil: identificação morfológica

ABSTRACT: Considering the damage caused by terrestrial gastropods in strawberry producing areas in southern Brazil, this study aimed to i) identify the species associated with Fragaria x ananassa in rural properties in municipalities of Paraná State, Brazil; ii) describe and illustrate the diagnostic morphological and conchology features of the mollusk species; iii) construct an illustrated key based on these morphological and conchology features; iv) analyze two species collected in March 2017 to investigate the possible occurrence of parasitic nematodes of medical importance. Taxonomic determination of the mollusks was performed through morphological analysis of samples, and parasitological analysis was carried out using artificial digestion. The following gastropod species were identified: Bradybaena similaris (Bradybaenidae), Rumina decollata (Subulinidae), Deroceras leave (Agriolimacidae), Limacus flavus (Limacidae), and Meghimatium pictum (Philomycidae). Rumina decollata, L. flavus,and M. pictum were recorded for the first time as damaging strawberries in Brazil. No larvae of medical or veterinary importance, associated with samples, were reported. The main diagnostic features are described and illustrated. Besides, the potential of the gastropods as crop pests and vectors of nematodes associated with zoonotic diseases are discussed. Results can facilitate identification of gastropod species in strawberry crops and provide background information for future studies on bioecology and pest control.

RESUMO: Considerando os danos causados por moluscos terrestres em regiões produtoras de morangueiro no Sul do Brasil, neste estudo tivemos como objetivos i) identificar as espécies de moluscos associadas à Fragaria x ananassa em propriedades rurais localizadas em municípios do estado do Paraná; ii) descrever e ilustrar as características morfológicas e conquiliológicas diagnósticas das espécies de moluscos encontradas; iii) construir uma chave pictórica com base em características morfológicas e conquiliológicas; iv) analisar parasitologicamente amostras de duas espécies coletadas em março de 2017, visando a identificação de possíveis nematódeos de interesse médico. A determinação taxonômica foi realizada através da análise morfológica das amostras e a parasitológica através da técnica de digestão artificial. Foram identificados os caracóis Bradybaena similaris (Bradybaenidae), Rumina decollata (Subulinidae), Deroceras leave (Agriolimacidae), Limacus flavus (Limacidae) e Meghimatium pictum (Philomycidae). Rumina decollata, L. flavus e M. pictum foram pela primeira vez registradas causando danos ao morangueiro no Brasil. Larvas de interesse médico e/ou veterinário não foram encontradas associadas às amostras analisadas. Os principais caracteres diagnósticos para cada espécie são descritos e ilustrados, assim como discutida a potencialidade das mesmas como pragas agrícolas e hospedeiras de nematódeos de importância médico-veterinária. Os resultados auxiliam a identificação destas espécies na cultura do morangueiro, servindo de base para estudos de bioecologia e controle nestas áreas.

Population suppression of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) on table grapes using toxic baits.

To provide alternatives to the use of spraying synthetic insecticides in C. capitata management, was evaluated the effect of "attract and kill" toxic baits on population suppression of C. capitata in three commercial areas producing table grapes. Toxic baits of Gelsura™ (4.5 L ha-1) and Success™ 0.02 CB (4.0 L ha-1) resulted in lower population levels of C. capitata adults in monitoring traps after five sequential applications at weekly intervals during the maturation period of the grapes when compared with control plots with or without insecticidal spray. In addition, plots with Gelsura™ and Success™ 0.02 CB applications showed a significant reduction in damage (%) by C. capitata on grape berries and grape bunches when compared with control plots without or with insecticidal spray. However, when compared with a plot treated by conventional management with sprays of etofenprox (Safety™, 100 g c.p. (commercial product) 100 L-1) and applications of spinosad (Success™ 0.02 CB toxic bait) with a brush, only Gelsura™ (4.5 L ha-1) showed a lower level of damage of grape berries and grape bunches. Toxic baits Gelsura™ (4.5 L ha-1) and Success™ 0.02 CB (4.0 L ha-1) are promising alternatives for the population suppression of C. capitata on table grapes.

Interaction Between Linepithema micans (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and the Vine Mealybug Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): Trophobiosis or Predation?

The mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) has recently been detected in vineyards in southern Brazil. The ant Linepithema micans (Forel) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is the most abundant and frequent species in these vineyards, acting mainly as a disperser of the native soil scale, the ground pearl Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Wille) (Hemiptera: Margarodidae). This study evaluated the interactions (dispersal and predation) of L. micans with P. ficus. The first experiment evaluated the interaction between L. micans and P. ficus in a greenhouse, using Paulsen 1103 rootstock (Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris) planted in pots. Plants were infested by 1) adult females of P. ficus, and 2) adult females of P. ficus and L. micans, and all mealybugs remaining after the experimental period were counted. To evaluate P. ficus predation by L. micans, two laboratory experiments were conducted (25°C, 80% relative humidity). In the first experiment, sprouted potatoes were infested with ovisacs, first-instar nymphs and adult females of P. ficus and evaluated in three treatments: 1) L. micans fed with carbohydrate and protein, 2) L. micans without food, and 3) without ants present. In the second, potatoes were infested only with first-instar nymphs of P. ficus and were exposed in two treatments: 1) L. micans without food, and 2) without ants present. The results were evaluated by counting the remaining mealybugs, with and without ants. The results showed that L. micans does not transport P. ficus, and predates on first-instar nymphs of the mealybug.

Susceptibility of Grapholita molesta to insecticides in Brazil / Suscetibilidade de Grapholita molesta a inseticidas no Brasil

ABSTRACT: The use of insecticides has been the main tool for Grapholita molesta (Busck) control in Brazil, which is considered one of the most important pests in apple and peach orchards. In order to implement an Insect Resistance Management (IRM) program, studies were conducted to characterize the baseline susceptibility of G. molesta to major insecticides for its control. Then, we conducted an insecticide susceptibility monitoring in thirteen field-collected populations of the pest. Neonates (0-24h old) were exposed to insecticides applied on surface of artificial diet. A high susceptibility was verified when neonates of the Laboratory population of G. molesta were exposed to insecticides with LC50 values (µg a.i./cm2) of 0.1 (spinetoram), 1.0 (metaflumizone), 1.2 (chlorantraniliprole), 4.8 (novaluron), 5.1 (tebufenozide), 11.3 (phosmet) and 222.5 (pyriproxyfen). Based on the LC99 (µg a.i./cm2), the diagnostic concentrations of 0.6 (spinetoram), 5.5 (metaflumizone), 5.6 (chlorantraniliprole), 19.6 (tebufenozide), 37.4 (phosmet), 37.8 (novaluron) and 2011 pyriproxyfen) caused high mortality (>95%) of neonates from field populations. These diagnostic concentrations will be used in resistance monitoring programs of G. molesta in Brazil.

RESUMO: O uso de inseticidas tem sido a principal ferramenta para o controle da Grapholita molesta (Busck) no Brasil, considerada uma das mais importantes pragas em pomares de macieira e pessegueiro. Para implementar um programa de Manejo de Resistência a Insetos (MRI), estudos foram conduzidos para estabelecer uma linha básica de suscetibilidade de G. molesta a inseticidas utilizados para o seu controle. Posteriormente, foi realizado o monitoramento da suscetibilidade a inseticidas em treze populações da praga provenientes do campo. Lagartas (0-24 horas de idade) foram expostas a inseticidas aplicados na superfície da dieta artificial. Verificou-se alta suscetibilidade de lagartas neonatas de G. molesta (população de laboratório) quando foram expostas aos inseticidas, com valores de CL50 (µg i.a./cm2) de 0,1 (espinetoram), 1,0 (metoxifenozida), 1,2 (clorantraniliprole), 4,8 (novaluron), 5,1 (tebufenozida), 11,3 (fosmete) e 222,5 (piriproxifem). Com base na CL99 (µg i.a./cm2), as concentrações diagnósticas de 0,6 (espinetoram), 5,5 (metaflumizona), 5,6 (clorantraniliprole), 19,6 (tebufenozida), 37,4 (fosmete), 37,8 (novaluron) e 2.011 (piriproxifem) ocasionaram alta mortalidade (> 95%) de neonatas provenientes de populações de campo. Essas concentrações diagnósticas poderão ser utilizadas em programas de monitoramento da resistência de G. molesta no Brasil.

Thermal requirements and estimated number of generations of Neopamera bilobata (Say) in strawberry-producing regions of Brazil / Exigências térmicas e estimativa do número de gerações de Neopamera bilobata (Say) em regiões produtoras de morango do Brasil

ABSTRACT: The thermal threshold and thermal requirements of Neopamera bilobata were determined, and the number of generations that this species may produce in the main strawberry-producing regions of Brazil was estimated. In a climate chamber (70±10% RH and 12h photophase) at 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, or 30±1°C, the development of 120 eggs was monitored until the adult stage, at each temperature. Nymphs were maintained in individual cages and fed on strawberry fruits of the cultivar Aromas. The mean duration and viability of the egg and nymph stages were calculated by estimating the lower and upper developmental thresholds and the thermal constant, and this information was used to estimate the number of generations per year in different strawberry-producing regions of Brazil. The egg-to-adult duration decreased as temperatures increased, up to 28°C (93.4, 83.2, 43.9, and 31.4 days at 19, 22, 25, and 28°C, respectively). Viability of nymphs was highest between 22 and 28°C. At 30°C, the egg-to-adult duration increased (36 days), while the viability decreased (11.11%). The lower egg-to-adult developmental threshold was 15.2°C and the thermal constant was 418.4 degree-days. Calculating the number of generations indicated that the largest number (5.1 generations yr-1) was obtained for the municipality of Jaboti, Paraná, and the smallest for Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul (1.9 generations yr-1). Our findings demonstrated that important strawberry-producing regions in Brazil are suitable for the development of N. bilobata.

RESUMO: A temperatura base e as exigências térmicas de Neopamera bilobata foram determinadas sendo estimado o número de gerações que a espécie realiza nas principais regiões produtoras de morango no Brasil. Em uma câmara climatizada (UR 70±10% e fotofase de 12h) nas temperaturas de 16, 19, 22, 25, 28 ou 30±1°C, o desenvolvimento de 120 ovos por temperatura foi monitorado até a fase adulta. As ninfas foram individualmente mantidas em gaiolas alimentando-as com frutos de morangueiro da cultivar Aromas. A duração média e a viabilidade da fase de ovo e de ninfa foi calculada estimando-se os valores de temperatura base inferior, temperatura base superior, constante térmica e número provável de gerações anuais que o percevejo completa em diferentes regiões produtoras de morangueiro do Brasil. A duração do desenvolvimento ovo-adulto de N. bilobata diminui com a elevação da temperatura até 28°C (93,4; 83,2; 43,9 e 31,4 dias para 19, 22, 25 e 28°C, respectivamente) apresentando maior viabilidade da fase de ninfa entre 22 a 28°C. A 30°C, a duração da fase ovo-adulto aumentou (36 dias), enquanto a viabilidade diminuiu (11,11%). A temperatura base inferior para o desenvolvimento ovo-adulto foi de 15,2°C e a constante térmica de 418,4 graus dia. O maior número de gerações (5,1 gerações/ano) foi obtido para a cidade de Jaboti, PR, e o menor para Caxias do Sul, RS (1,9 gerações/ano). Os valores estimados demonstram que as regiões de importância na produção do morangueiro no Brasil são aptas ao desenvolvimento de N. bilobata.

Integrative taxonomy methods reveal high mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) diversity in southern Brazilian fruit crops.

The Serra Gaúcha region is the most important temperate fruit-producing area in southern Brazil. Despite mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) infesting several host plants in the region, there is a lack of information about the composition of species damaging different crops. A survey of mealybug species associated with commercial fruit crops (apple, persimmon, strawberry and grapes) was performed in Serra Gaúcha between 2013 and 2015, using both morphology and DNA analyses for species identification. The most abundant species were Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret), found on all four host plant species, and Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell), infesting persimmon, vines and weeds. The highest diversity of mealybug species was found on persimmon trees, hosting 20 different taxa, of which Anisococcus granarae Pacheco da Silva & Kaydan, D. brevipes, Pseudococcus sociabilis Hambleton and Ps. viburni were the most abundant. A total of nine species were recorded in vineyards. Planococcus ficus (Signoret) and Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti) were observed causing damage to grapes for the first time. A single species, Ps. viburni, was found associated with apples, while both Ps. viburni and Ferrisia meridionalis Williams were found on strawberry. Four of the mealybug species found represent new records for Brazil.