The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major global pest of maize where the larvae can cause damage from vegetative to reproductive stages. The corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is another major pest of maize where the larvae mainly feed on ear tips, silk, and kernels. Severe infestations by these two insect pests can have a major effect on maize economic yield. A holistic approach in assessing potential maize germplasm lines is important as agronomic qualities are considered to offer stakeholders insect-resistant lines with suitable agronomic performance. Varied germplasm maize lines were evaluated for resistance to fall armyworm and corn earworm along with their agronomic traits. The maize lines were infested at V-7 stage with fall armyworm neonates and scored for leaf damage 14 days after infestation. Plants were evaluated for ear damage based on corn earworm natural infestation by measuring feeding penetration depth along the ear. There was no significant difference in the leaf damage scores between 2022 and 2023 for all maize lines. However, some maize lines showed evidence of an increase or decrease in ear damage in 2022 compared to 2023. The most resistant lines to fall armyworm were CML122, CML139, and Mp97:160. FBLL and LH199 were among the most resistant lines to corn earworm with good agronomic traits. Our next steps are to make test crosses of these potential insect resistant lines with other lines that possess good agronomic traits and possibly utilize maize breeding technologies to accelerate the process in producing superior maize lines. El gusano cogollero, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), es una plaga mundial importante del ma & iacute;z donde las larvas pueden causar da & ntilde;os desde las etapas vegetativas hasta reproductivas. El gusano elotero, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) es otra plaga importante del ma & iacute;z cuyas larvas se alimentan principalmente de las puntas de las mazorcas, la barba y los granos. Las infestaciones graves de estas dos plagas de insectos pueden tener un efecto importante en el rendimiento econ & oacute;mico del ma & iacute;z. Es importante adoptar un enfoque hol & iacute;stico en la evaluaci & oacute;n de l & iacute;neas potenciales de germoplasma de ma & iacute;z, ya que se considera que las cualidades agron & oacute;micas ofrecen a las partes interesadas l & iacute;neas resistentes a los insectos con un desempe & ntilde;o agron & oacute;mico adecuado. Se evaluaron l & iacute;neas de germoplasma variado de ma & iacute;z para determinar su resistencia al gusano cogollero y al gusano elotero junto con sus caracter & iacute;sticas agron & oacute;micas. Las l & iacute;neas de ma & iacute;z se infestaron en la etapa V-7 con reci & eacute;n nacidos del gusano cogollero y se calificaron por da & ntilde;o foliar 14 d & iacute;as despu & eacute;s de la infestaci & oacute;n. Se evalu & oacute; el da & ntilde;o a las mazorcas en las plantas bas & aacute;ndose en la infestaci & oacute;n natural del gusano cogollero midiendo la profundidad de penetraci & oacute;n del alimento a lo largo de la mazorca. No hubo diferencias significativas en las puntuaciones de da & ntilde;o foliar entre 2022 y 2023 para todas las l & iacute;neas de ma & iacute;z. Sin embargo, algunas l & iacute;neas de ma & iacute;z mostraron evidencia de un aumento o disminuci & oacute;n en el da & ntilde;o a las mazorcas en 2022 en comparaci & oacute;n con 2023. Las l & iacute;neas m & aacute;s resistentes al gusano cogollero fueron CML122, CML139 y Mp97:160. FBLL y LH199 se encuentran entre las l & iacute;neas m & aacute;s resistentes al gusano elotero con buenas caracter & iacute;sticas agron & oacute;micas. Nuestros pr & oacute;ximos pasos son realizar cruces de prueba de estas l & iacute;neas potencialmente resistentes a insectos con otras l & iacute;neas que poseen buenas caracter & iacute;sticas agron & oacute;micas y posiblemente utilizar tecnolog & iacute;as de mejoramiento de ma & iacute;z para acelerar el proceso de producci & oacute;n de l & iacute;neas de ma & iacute;z superiores.
This study examined the thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) species complex associated with relay-cropped strawberry-Jalape & ntilde;o pepper fields in Florida and evaluated how sampling methods influenced species detection. Four thrips species were present across all fields, with Frankliniella bispinosa Morgan being the most common, while Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, Thrips palmi Karny, and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) occurred at substantial levels. Whole-plant sampling provided the most accurate representation of thrips species composition and was essential for detecting less common species. S cirtothrips dorsalis appeared later in the season and their population increased toward the end of the Jalape & ntilde;o pepper crop, suggesting that relay-cropped peppers may serve as a source of S. dorsalis for subsequent strawberry plantings. Este estudio evalu & oacute; el complejo de especies de trips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) asociado con campos de fresa y Jalape & ntilde;o manejados bajo un sistema de cultivo en relevo en Florida, y analiz & oacute; c & oacute;mo los m & eacute;todos de muestreo influyen en la detecci & oacute;n y caracterizaci & oacute;n de las especies presentes. En todos los campos evaluados se registraron cuatro especies de trips. La especie m & aacute;s abundante fue Frankliniella bispinosa Morgan, mientras que Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, Thrips palmi Karny y Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) tambi & eacute;n estuvieron presentes en niveles considerables. El m & eacute;todo de muestreo de planta completa proporcion & oacute; la estimaci & oacute;n m & aacute;s precisa de la composici & oacute;n de especies y fue esencial para la detecci & oacute;n de especies menos abundantes. Scirtothrips dorsalis fue detectado principalmente en etapas tard & iacute;as de la temporada, con un incremento poblacional hacia el final del ciclo del cultivo de Jalape & ntilde;o. Estos resultados sugieren que los cultivos de chile en relevo pueden funcionar como reservorio de S. dorsalis y que contribuye a la infestaci & oacute;n de siembras subsecuentes de fresa.
In order to quantify the abundance of red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta Buren) and other dominant ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the urban/suburban areas of Miami, we set out two hotdog baits at each of 49 sample sites along 80 km of roads with a sample area of about 400 km2. Red imported fire ants were found at only 8.2 % of sample sites and in 5.1 % of bait occurrences, ranking it in a tie for fourth or fifth place in the list of ants collected. The most common ants were Pheidole parva Mayr, Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius), and Pheidole subarmata Mayr, which were collected at 46.9 %, 18.4 %, and 12.2 % of sites, respectively. The majority of ants collected in this survey were exotic species, accounting for 93.6 % of species occurrences and 98 % of individuals. Dominant species of ants in the Miami area appear to have been dynamic over the last 50 years, several species have likely declined markedly (e.g. Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius) and S. invicta) while two of the current dominant species, P. parva and P. subarmata, were unknown in Florida only 10 years ago. Para cuantificar la abundancia de hormigas rojas de fuego importadas (Solenopsis invicta Buren) y otras hormigas dominantes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) en las & aacute;reas urbanas/suburbanas de Miami, colocamos dos cebos de salchicha en cada uno de los 49 sitios de muestreo a lo largo de 80 km de carreteras con un & aacute;rea de muestreo de aproximadamente 400 km2. Las hormigas rojas de fuego importadas se encontraron en solo el 8,2 % de los sitios de muestreo y en el 5,1 % de las ocurrencias de cebo, ubic & aacute;ndolas en un empate en el cuarto o quinto lugar en la lista de hormigas recolectadas. Las hormigas m & aacute;s comunes fueron Pheidole parva Mayr, Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius) y Pheidole subarmata Mayr, que se recolectaron en el 46,9 %, 18,4 % y 12,2 % de los sitios, respectivamente. La mayor & iacute;a de las hormigas recolectadas en este estudio fueron especies ex & oacute;ticas, representando el 93,6 % de las ocurrencias de especies y el 98 % de los individuos. Las especies de hormigas dominantes en el & aacute;rea de Miami parecen haber experimentado cambios din & aacute;micos durante los & uacute;ltimos 50 a & ntilde;os. Varias especies probablemente han disminuido notablemente (por ejemplo, Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius) y S. invicta), mientras que dos de las especies dominantes actuales, P. parva y P. subarmata, eran desconocidas en Florida hace tan solo 10 a & ntilde;os.
Tropical pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne; Cucurbitaceae) is popular among Caribbean and Latin American people in Florida but is mostly imported. Research is needed to support the expansion of domestic production. The goals of this study were to determine the arthropod pest complex on tropical pumpkin in Florida and investigate the effects of genotype and mulch type on this complex. Pests and natural enemies were sampled during spring 2022, fall 2022, and summer 2023 cropping seasons. A total of 13 genotypes, all grown on roller-crimped mulch, were compared, and included 11 tropical pumpkin genotypes (C. moschata), one butternut squash genotype (C. moschata), and one hull-less seed pumpkin genotype (Cucurbita pepo L.). In addition, the genotype 'La Estrella' was evaluated on roller-crimped cover crop mulch, an unmulched raised bed, and a raised bed with black plastic mulch. The main pests each season were aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae), whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius MEAM1; Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), squash bugs (Anasa tristis (DeGeer); Hemiptera: Coreidae), and flower thrips (Frankliniella spp.; Thysanoptera: Thripidae). There were no differences in aphid and whitefly numbers among genotypes, but squash silverleaf disorder (SSL) ratings did differ. 'Kakai', 'Waltham Butternut', and 'Verde Luz' had the lowest SSL ratings while UFTP42 and 'Soler' had the highest SSL ratings. The use of black plastic mulch reduced aphid numbers per plant in the spring and thrips numbers in the fall and summer. In conclusion, the pest complex of tropical pumpkin is like that of C. pepo, UFTP42 and 'Soler' may be unsuitable choices for Florida due to high SSL levels, and roller-crimped mulch is a viable option for organic growers. La calabaza tropical (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne; Cucurbitaceae) es popular entre la poblaci & oacute;n caribe & ntilde;a y latinoamericana de Florida, pero es importada principalmente. Se necesita investigaci & oacute;n para impulsar la producci & oacute;n nacional. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron determinar el complejo de plagas de artr & oacute;podos que afectan a la calabaza tropical en Florida e investigar los efectos del genotipo y el tipo de mantillo sobre dicho complejo. Se tomaron muestras de plagas y enemigos naturales durante las temporadas de cultivo de primavera de 2022, oto & ntilde;o de 2022 y verano de 2023. Se compararon un total de 13 genotipos, todos cultivados sobre mantillo compactado con rodillo, incluyendo 11 genotipos de calabaza tropical (C. moschata), un genotipo de calabaza moscada (C. moschata) y un genotipo de calabaza de semilla sin c & aacute;scara (Cucurbita pepo L.). Adem & aacute;s, el genotipo 'La Estrella' fue evaluado en mantillo de cultivo de cobertura compactado con rodillo, un bancal elevado sin mantillo y un bancal elevado con mantillo de pl & aacute;stico negro. Las principales plagas cada temporada fueron pulgones (Hemiptera: Aphididae), mosquitas blancas (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius MEAM1; Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), chinches de la calabaza (Anasa tristis (DeGeer); Hemiptera: Coreidae) y trips de las flores (Frankliniella spp.; Thysanoptera: Thripidae). No hubo diferencias en el n & uacute;mero de pulgones y mosquitas blancas entre los genotipos, pero las calificaciones del trastorno de la hoja plateada de la calabaza (SSL) s & iacute; difirieron. 'Kakai', 'Waltham Butternut' y 'Verde Luz' tuvieron las calificaciones SSL m & aacute;s bajas, mientras que UFTP42 y 'Soler' tuvieron las calificaciones SSL m & aacute;s altas. El uso de acolchado pl & aacute;stico negro redujo la cantidad de pulgones por planta en primavera y la de trips en oto & ntilde;o y verano. En conclusi & oacute;n, el complejo de plagas de la calabaza tropical es similar al de C. pepo; las variedades UFTP42 y 'Soler' podr & iacute;an no ser adecuadas para Florida debido a los altos niveles de SSL (s & oacute;lidos solubles en agua), mientras que el acolchado con rodillos es una opci & oacute;n viable para los productores org & aacute;nicos.
The cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) is a subtropical fruit tree of the Annonaceae family, valued for its excellent organoleptic properties and economic potential. Native to the Andean region, specifically from southern Ecuador and Northern Peru, its production faces significant agronomic challenges, including pest infestations. Given these challenges, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and potential distribution of Anastrepha spp. (Diptera: Tephritidae) associated with cherimoya populations in southern Ecuador. Physiologically ripe cherimoya fruits were collected from March to June 2023 across eight cantons of Loja province, southern Ecuador (Calvas, Celica, Esp & iacute;ndola, Gonzanama, Loja, Paltas, Quilanga, and Saraguro). Sampling covered different altitudinal ranges, and fruits were obtained from trees exhibiting variation in exocarp morphology (e.g. smooth and mammillate types). After collection fruits were incubated under controlled conditions for fly emergence and taxonomic identification using stereomicroscopes and identification keys. Species distribution modeling was conducted using the biomod2 package in R, which integrates multiple modeling algorithms to generate ensemble predictions of habitat suitability. A total of 609 flies emerged from 343 fruits, all belonging to the Anastrepha genus, with Anastrepha fraterculus Wiedemann (96 %) being the dominant species. Anastrepha distincta Greene also was collected in lower amounts. Prevalence varied among cantons (second-level administrative divisions), with Calvas and Gonzanam & aacute; showing the highest populations of A. fraterculus, while Celica and Saraguro had minimal or no presence. The results show that in both species, the observed sex ratio did not significantly deviate from 1:1. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between exocarp type and intensity, with higher intensity in impressa and lissa types. Altitude also influenced infestation, with greater numbers observed between 1,500 and 1,800 m a.s.l.. The prevalence of fruit flies in southern Ecuador was significantly influenced by slope orientation, warmest quarter (bio18), isothermality (bio03), and temperature seasonality (bio04). These findings provide a baseline for understanding Anastrepha diversity and distribution in native cherimoya populations of southern Ecuador, supporting the development of targeted pest management strategies.
The agave weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal; Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) is the most important pest of cultivated and wild agaves in Mexico. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of insecticide use on the dispersal patterns of S. acupunctatus in Agave tequilana Weber (Asparagaceae) plantations. Capture-mark-recapture techniques were used to estimate the abundance and distribution of the pest to understand its aggregation in the crop, considering abiotic factors that influence its dispersal. The study was carried out in four A. tequilana fields: one 2-year field and one 4-year field in the municipality of Tequila, and one 2-year field and one 4-year field in the municipality of Magdalena, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Modified traps with aggregation pheromones and agave bait were used to capture live agave weevils, while traps baited with insecticide-treated agave were used for recapture. The captured individuals were marked on their elytra with nail polish and released before and after insecticide application performed by the grower. A total of 264 and 249 weevils were captured, marked, and released in the pre- and post-application samplings, with recaptures of 68 and 36 individuals, respectively. No significant differences were found in the abundance of live weevils between sites or trap types. However, recaptured individuals showed a unidirectional dispersal pattern before insecticide application, while after application, the pattern became more uniform, suggesting a sublethal effect of the insecticide on pest dispersal. The direction of dispersal was influenced by wind and pheromone traps prior to the insecticide application, highlighting the need to adjust integrated pest management when traps and pesticide applications are used together.
The invasive New Guinea flatworm (Platydemus manokwari de Beauchamp; Tricladida: Geoplanidae), first recorded on the U.S. mainland in 2012, has rapidly expanded in Miami-Dade County, Florida. To date, no natural predators have been documented. Game camera footage from the pine rockland habitat at Zoo Miami captured a pine rockland trapdoor spider (Ummidia richmond Godwin & Bond; Araneae: Halonoproctidae) attacking and bisecting a New Guinea flatworm, representing the first recorded instance of possible predation on this invasive flatworm in its invaded range. This observation highlights the need for better understanding of the biology and potential dietary habits of the pine rockland trapdoor spider.
Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso) transmission by Bactericera cockerelli (& Scaron;ulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) impacts solanaceous crops. CLso was detected in Berlandier's wolfberry (Lycium berlandieri Dunal; Solanaceae) leaf and branch tissues, and in B. cockerelli adults (43.75 %, n = 80) developing from this plant in the field in northeastern Mexico, confirming CLso acquisition by B. cockerelli from wolfberry. Symptoms and molecular detection indicated that B. cockerelli transmits CLso from wolfberry to chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.; Solanaceae). Lycium berlandieri is a wild reservoir of B. cockerelli and CLso. Results are consistent with greenhouse trials and represent the first confirmation of B. cockerelli full development on L. berlandieri in the field.
Subterranean termites are economically important structural pests that rely on soil contact and favorable microclimates, particularly temperature, to sustain foraging and colony activity. This study examined temperature differences between traditional in-ground termite bait stations installed in turfed areas and adjacent core stations cored through construction materials across eight Gulf Coast sites over 14 months. Each site had two stations within 1-3 m of each other, one in standard in-ground turf installation, one cored through construction material, allowing direct temperature comparison at the same location. Core stations consistently maintained significantly higher temperatures than their adjacent in-ground counterparts (P < 0.001), with concrete and concrete paver cores averaging 3-7 degrees C warmer. The core stations were warmer and more stable than the in-ground under turf stations, which is particularly relevant in the winter when termite activity is lower due to colder conditions. Strategic placement of core stations cored through concrete or concrete paver surfaces can extend monitoring effectiveness across seasons in a subterranean termite baiting program.
Haplogonatopus hernandezae Olmi (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae) was detected in an experimental rice plantation area. This is the first record of parasitism by H. hernandezae of the rice planthopper, Tagosodes orizicolus M & uuml;ir (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), in Brazil. The average duration of the pupal stage was 10.6 +/- 0.15 days. Adults kept in test tubes and fed with honey and vitamin E had the greatest longevity. In a second experiment, adults kept on rice plants and fed with honey had the greatest longevity. Adults kept on rice plants lived longer than adults kept in test tubes when fed on honey alone. This record represents an important finding for Brazilian rice agriculture because it directs research for the application of H. hernandezae as a biological control agent. Haplogonatopus hernandezae Olmi (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae) foi detectado em uma & aacute;rea experimental de plantio de arroz. Este & eacute; o primeiro registro do parasitismo em Tagosodes orizicolus M & uuml;ir (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), no Brasil. A dura & ccedil;& atilde;o m & eacute;dia da fase pupal foi de 10.6 +/- 0.15 dias. Adultos mantidos em tubos de ensaio alimentados com mel + vitamina E obtiveram as maiores longevidades. No segundo experimento, adultos criados em plantas de arroz e alimentados com mel foram mais longevos. Adultos mantidos em plantas de arroz viveram mais tempo do que adultos mantidos em tubos de ensaio quando alimentados apenas com mel. Este registro representa uma descoberta importante para a orizicultura brasileira, pois direciona pesquisas para sua aplica & ccedil;& atilde;o como agente de controle biol & oacute;gico.
Echinothrips americanus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a polyphagous pest of increasing concern in agricultural crop production due to its broad host range and rapid population buildup. In this study, we evaluated the potential of the ghost ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius); Hymenoptera: Formicidae), a small species commonly found in Florida, as a biological control agent against Ec. americanus under controlled greenhouse conditions. To assess ant-mediated suppression, lima bean plants were artificially infested with Ec. americanus and assigned to either ant-allowed or ant-blocked treatments. Ant-blocking was achieved using a physical barrier system involving soapy water to prevent access by Ta. melanocephalum. The experiment was repeated four times, each with two replicate treatments, and weekly observations were conducted over a 3-week period for each experiment. Key response variables included ant presence, thrips density, and spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch; Acari: Tetranychidae) infestation. Results demonstrated a clear suppressive effect: thrips densities were significantly lower in the ant-allowed treatment across all trials, with a final mean of 2.4 adults and 4.4 larvae per plant, compared to 133.1 adults and 342.2 larvae in the ant-blocked treatment. Similarly, spider mite infestations were significantly reduced in the presence of ants. These findings highlight the potential of Ta. melanocephalum as a low-input biological control agent in greenhouse systems, particularly for the simultaneous suppression of Ec. americanus and co-occurring Te. urticae. Future studies should explore its integration into existing pest management strategies. Echinothrips americanus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) es una plaga pol & iacute;faga de creciente preocupaci & oacute;n en la producci & oacute;n agr & iacute;cola debido a su amplio rango de hospedadores y su r & aacute;pido incremento poblacional. En este estudio, evaluamos el potencial de la hormiga fantasma (Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius); Hymenoptera: Formicidae), una especie peque & ntilde;a com & uacute;nmente encontrada en Florida, como agente de control biol & oacute;gico contra Ec. americanus bajo condiciones controladas de invernadero. Para evaluar la supresi & oacute;n mediada por hormigas, plantas de frijol de Lima fueron infestadas artificialmente con Ec. americanus y asignadas a tratamientos con acceso de hormigas permitido o bloqueado. El bloqueo de hormigas se logr & oacute; utilizando un sistema de barrera f & iacute;sica con agua jabonosa para impedir el acceso de Ta. melanocephalum. El experimento se repiti & oacute; cuatro veces, cada una con dos tratamientos replicados, y en cada experiment se realizaron observaciones semanales durante un per & iacute;odo de tres semanas. Las variables de respuesta clave incluyeron la tasa de presencia de hormigas, la densidad de trips y la tasa de infestaci & oacute;n de & aacute;caros rojos (Tetranychus urticae Koch; Acari: Tetranychidae). Los resultados demostraron un claro efecto supresor: las densidades de trips fueron significativamente m & aacute;s bajas en el tratamiento con acceso de hormigas en todos los ensayos, con un promedio final de 2.4 adultos y 4.4 larvas por planta, en comparaci & oacute;n con 133.1 adultos y 342.2 larvas en el tratamiento sin hormigas. De manera similar, las infestaciones de & aacute;caros rojos tambi & eacute;n se redujeron significativamente en presencia de hormigas. Estos hallazgos resaltan el potencial de Ta. melanocephalum como un agente de control biol & oacute;gico de bajo costo en sistemas de invernadero, particularmente para la supresi & oacute;n simult & aacute;nea de Ec. americanus y Te. urticae. Futuros estudios deber & iacute;an explorar su integraci & oacute;n en las estrategias actuales de manejo de plagas.
Infestation resistance of hermetic plastic (HB) bags and non-hermetic polypropylene (PP) miniature bags for grain storage was studied against Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) under conditions simulating both external and internal infestation. Results showed that R. dominica successfully penetrated PP bags of 0.02-0.05 mm thickness but failed to perforate HB bags with 0.07 mm thickness. Externally released R. dominica caused grain weight loss in penetrated PP bags, while R. dominica surrounding HB bags experienced 100 % mortality. When R. dominica were released internally, HB bags again caused the highest R. dominica mortality (97 %) and the least grain weight loss (0.57 %), whereas PP bags caused significantly lower R. dominica mortality and greater grain damage (1.13-1.32 %). Despite the superior performance of HB bags to protect grains against R. dominica, overall results indicated that internal infestation caused lower mortality and greater grain losses than external infestation. Phosphine fumigation for internal infestation of these bags showed R. dominica mortality of 89-94 % in PP bags and 98.67 % in HB bags. However, high R. dominica mortality in HB bags even without fumigation indicated the inherent contribution of hermeticity to pest suppression. To simulate long-term field storage, bags were artificially damaged with two holes per bag. Fumigation of damaged bags showed 89-100 % mortality of R. dominica in PP bags and 100 % in HB bags. In the corresponding non-fumigated control treatment, R. dominica mortality in damaged HB bags was only 14 % and 2-5 % in PP bags. These results highlighted the importance of phosphine fumigation, which becomes essential for internal infestation in PP bags and for HB bags when their hermeticity is compromised. Se estudi & oacute; la resistencia a la infestaci & oacute;n de bolsas de pl & aacute;stico herm & eacute;ticas (HB) y bolsas miniatura de polipropileno (PP) no herm & eacute;ticas para el almacenamiento de granos contra Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) en condiciones que simulaban infestaciones tanto externas como internas. Los resultados mostraron que R. dominica penetr & oacute; con & eacute;xito bolsas de PP de 0,02 a 0,05 mm de espesor, pero no logr & oacute; perforar bolsas de HB de 0,07 mm de espesor. La liberaci & oacute;n externa de R. dominica caus & oacute; p & eacute;rdida de peso del grano en las bolsas de PP penetradas, mientras que R. dominica que rodeaban las bolsas de HB experimentaron una mortalidad del 100 %. Cuando R. dominica se liberaron internamente, las bolsas de HB causaron nuevamente la mayor mortalidad de R. dominica (97 %) y la menor p & eacute;rdida de peso del grano (0,57 %), mientras que las bolsas de PP causaron una mortalidad de R. dominica significativamente menor y un mayor da & ntilde;o al grano (1,13-1,32 %). A pesar del superior rendimiento de las bolsas de HB para proteger los granos contra R. dominica, los resultados generales indicaron que la infestaci & oacute;n interna caus & oacute; menor mortalidad y mayores p & eacute;rdidas de grano que la infestaci & oacute;n externa. La fumigaci & oacute;n con fosfina para la infestaci & oacute;n interna de estas bolsas mostr & oacute; una mortalidad de R. dominica del 89-94 % en las bolsas de PP y del 98,67 % en las bolsas de HB. Sin embargo, la alta mortalidad de R. dominica en las bolsas de HB, incluso sin fumigaci & oacute;n, indic & oacute; la contribuci & oacute;n inherente de la hermeticidad a la supresi & oacute;n de plagas. Para simular el almacenamiento en campo a largo plazo, se da & ntilde;aron artificialmente las bolsas con dos perforaciones por bolsa. La fumigaci & oacute;n de las bolsas da & ntilde;adas mostr & oacute; una mortalidad del 89-100 % de R. dominica en las bolsas de PP y del 100 % en las bolsas de HB. En el tratamiento de control correspondiente sin fumigaci & oacute;n, la mortalidad de R. dominica en las bolsas de HB da & ntilde;adas fue de solo el 14 % y del 2-5 % en las bolsas de PP. Estos resultados destacaron la importancia de la fumigaci & oacute;n con fosfina, que se vuelve esencial para la infestaci & oacute;n interna en las bolsas de PP y en las bolsas de HB cuando su hermeticidad se ve comprometida.
Monitoring pest infestations in Florida is essential to protect the biodiversity and the economy, which largely depends on agriculture. Invasive species can cause major crop damage, resulting in ecological and financial impacts. Early detection allows control measures before pests are established and spread, minimizing economic losses and reducing pesticide use, which benefits the environment and public health. Bedellia somnulentella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Bedelliidae), known as the sweet potato leafminer, is an important pest in several regions. The larvae of this moth feed on the leaf mesophyll, reducing photosynthetic capacity and productivity. The objective of this study was to report on the finding of B. somnulentella in Quincy, Florida, United States. B. somnulentella caterpillars were observed feeding and developing on sweet potato Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (Convolvulaceae). Larvae of different stages were collected and taken to the laboratory until the emergence of adults, when they were identified. This is the first formal record of B. somnulentella feeding on sweet potatoes in North Florida, which expands the pest's distribution in the USA. El monitoreo de plagas en Florida es esencial para proteger tanto la biodiversidad como la econom & iacute;a, que depende en gran medida de la agricultura. Las especies invasoras pueden causar da & ntilde;os importantes a los cultivos, lo que resulta en impactos ecol & oacute;gicos y financieros. La detecci & oacute;n temprana permite tomar medidas de control antes de que las plagas se establezcan y se propaguen, minimizando las p & eacute;rdidas econ & oacute;micas y reduciendo el uso de pesticidas, lo que beneficia al medio ambiente y la salud p & uacute;blica. Bedellia somnulentella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Bedelliidae), conocida como la polilla minadora de la batata, es una plaga importante en varias regiones. Las larvas de esta polilla se alimentan del mes & oacute;filo de las hojas, reduciendo la capacidad fotosint & eacute;tica y la productividad de la planta. El objetivo de este estudio fue registrar la plaga B. somnulentella en el Quincy, estado de Florida en los Estados Unidos. Se observaron orugas de B. somnulentella aliment & aacute;ndose y desarroll & aacute;ndose en batata, Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae). Se recolectaron orugas de diferentes etapas y se llevaron al laboratorio hasta la emergencia de los adultos, donde fueron identificadas. Este es el primer registro de B. somnulentella aliment & aacute;ndose de batatas en North Florida, lo que ampl & iacute;a la distribuci & oacute;n de esta plaga en los Estados Unidos.
Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a major pest of pepper production in North America. In order to effectively study potential management strategies focused on its life cycle and behavior, laboratory reared colonies of A. eugenii are required. This laboratory rearing study indicated that female A. eugenii can oviposit for more than 4 weeks on greenhouse grown peppers and generate approximately 25 offspring per female. Store bought peppers did not allow A. eugenii to complete its lifecycle like immature peppers, therefore, pepper plants should be grown to ensure the correct size pepper is used. This study highlights the importance of the pepper fruit stage for the oviposition and successful development of A. eugenii. Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) es una plaga importante en la producci & oacute;n de pimientos en Norte Am & eacute;rica. Para estudiar de manera efectiva posibles estrategias de manejo enfocadas en su ciclo de vida y comportamiento, se requieren colonias de A. eugenii criadas en laboratorio. Este estudio de cr & iacute;a en laboratorio indic & oacute; que las hembras de A. eugenii pueden ovipositar durante m & aacute;s de 4 semanas en pimientos cultivados en invernadero y generar aproximadamente 25 descendientes por hembra. Los pimientos comprados en tiendas no permitieron que A. eugenii complete su ciclo de vida como lo hacen los pimientos inmaduros; por lo tanto, se deben cultivar plantas de pimiento para asegurar el uso de frutos del tama & ntilde;o adecuado. Este estudio destaca la importancia del estado de fruto del pimiento para la oviposici & oacute;n y el desarrollo exitoso de A. eugenii.
Many countries operate trapping programs to detect incursions of tephritid fruit fly pests (Diptera: Tephritidae). Food-based attractants are an important component of trapping systems, as they are neither species- nor sex-specific. Liquid protein baits, including an aqueous solution of torula yeast plus borax (TYB), have traditionally been used. However, such baits are short-lasting and must be replaced frequently. Several dry, synthetic food baits, all containing ammonium acetate, putrescine, and trimethylamine hydrochloride, have been developed as potential replacements for TYB. A recent study reported that, in five different countries, a new vial-lure dispenser (containing these same three components) attracted similar or greater numbers of Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), than TYB-baited traps. In all locations the TYB was replaced weekly, while the vial-lures were not replaced over eight consecutive weeks of trapping. Here, we present additional data from three different regions on the performance of vial-lure dispensers relative to TYB and several other synthetic food-based lures. Results from Florida and Guatemala showed that traps baited with vial-lures captured an equivalent or greater number of C. capitata as traps baited with TYB, whereas in Hawaii TYB was significantly more attractive than the vial-lures. No consistent differences were evident between vial-lures and the other synthetic food baits tested. The present study does not identify the most effective replacement for TYB for monitoring C. capitata. Regardless of the specific bait used, however, the extended field longevity characteristic of synthetic food-based attractants will reduce the high servicing costs associated with TYB-baited traps. Muchos pa & iacute;ses implementan programas de trampeo para detectar incursiones de moscas de la fruta tefr & iacute;tidas (Diptera: Tephritidae). Los atrayentes alimentarios son un componente importante de los sistemas de trampeo, ya que no son espec & iacute;ficos de la especie ni del sexo. Tradicionalmente se han utilizado cebos proteicos l & iacute;quidos, que incluyen una soluci & oacute;n acuosa de levadura torula con b & oacute;rax (TYB). Sin embargo, estos cebos son de corta duraci & oacute;n y deben reemplazarse con frecuencia. Se han desarrollado varios cebos alimenticios sint & eacute;ticos secos, todos ellos con acetato de amonio, putrescina e hidrocloruro de trimetilamina, como posibles sustitutos del TYB. Un estudio reciente inform & oacute; que, en cinco pa & iacute;ses diferentes, un nuevo dispensador de viales-cebo (que conten & iacute;a estos mismos tres componentes) atrajo cantidades similares o mayores de moscas de la fruta mediterr & aacute;neas, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), que las trampas con cebo TYB. En todos los lugares, el TYB se reemplaz & oacute; semanalmente, mientras que los viales-cebo no se reemplazaron durante ocho semanas consecutivas de captura. Aqu & iacute; presentamos datos adicionales de tres regiones diferentes sobre el rendimiento de los dispensadores de viales-cebo en comparaci & oacute;n con el TYB y otros cebos sint & eacute;ticos a base de alimento. Los resultados de Florida y Guatemala mostraron que las trampas con viales-cebo capturaron una cantidad equivalente o mayor de C. capitata que las trampas cebadas con TYB, mientras que en Hawaii el TYB fue significativamente m & aacute;s atractivo que los viales-cebo. No se observaron diferencias consistentes entre los atrayentes viales y los dem & aacute;s cebos sint & eacute;ticos probados. El presente estudio no identifica el sustituto m & aacute;s eficaz del TYB para el monitoreo de C. capitata. Sin embargo, independientemente del cebo espec & iacute;fico utilizado, la prolongada longevidad, en el campo, caracter & iacute;stica de los atrayentes sint & eacute;ticos a base de alimento reducir & aacute; los altos costos de mantenimiento asociados con las trampas con cebo TYB.
The importance of generalist predators to biological control in agroecosystems is widely recognized. However, specific behavioral responses of predators when finding prey in the field are sometimes unknown. We investigated initial predatory responses (i.e. recruitment, attack, retrieval) of foraging workers of the tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata F. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) against important agricultural pests and one beneficial parasitoid under crop field conditions on soil. Additionally, widely available, non-crop pest insects: mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L., Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Indianmeal moth Plodia interpunctella H & uuml;bner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs were tested as prey. For some prey items, we examined the influence of an adjacent food source (hot dog slice) upon ants. Fire ants immediately retrieved Bagrada hilaris Burmeister (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) eggs. Ants did not attack but immediately tended the myrmecophilic aphid, Aphis coreopsidis (Thomas) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) with or without adjacent food source. Less than 10 % of eggs of diamondback moth Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and Plodia interpunctella were retrieved, perhaps due to small size and little energetic/nutritional value. Plutella xylostella pupae with and without cocoons were retrieved; ants extracted pupae from cocoons in situ and then introduced the pupae to the ant colony. Ants did not retrieve pupae (with or without cocoons) of the diamondback moth parasitoid, Diadegma insulare (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), suggesting repellence mechanisms. The presence of alternate food source did not affect retrieval of eggs nor of T. molitor larvae. This information clarifies putative ecosystem services of S. geminata that are relevant for integrated pest management decisions in this region. Los depredadores generalistas son importantes para control biol & oacute;gico en agroecosistemas. Sin embargo, las respuestas conductuales espec & iacute;ficas de depredadores ante presas en campo frecuentemente son desconocidas. Se investigaron las respuestas iniciales (reclutamiento, ataque, transporte) de obreras forrajeras de la hormiga de fuego tropical, Solenopsis geminata F., contra plagas agr & iacute;colas y un parasitoide ben & eacute;fico en condiciones de campo de cultivo sobre el suelo. Se utilizaron tambi & eacute;n como presas, insectos plaga no agr & iacute;colas: larvas de tenebrio, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) y huevos de polilla de la harina Plodia interpunctella H & uuml;bner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Para algunas presas examinamos la influencia de una fuente de alimento adyacente (rodaja de salchicha) sobre las hormigas. Las hormigas transportaron inmediatamente huevos de Bagrada hilaris Burmeister (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Las hormigas inmediatamente protegieron al pulg & oacute;n mirmec & oacute;filo, Aphis coreopsidis (Thomas) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), con o sin fuente de alimento. Menos del 10 % de huevos de palomilla dorso de diamante, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) y de Plodia interpunctella fueron transportados, quiz & aacute;s debido al peque & ntilde;o tama & ntilde;o y bajo valor energ & eacute;tico/nutricional. Las hormigas transportaron pupas de Plutella xylostella con y sin capullos; extrajeron las pupas de los capullos in situ y luego las introdujeron al nido. Las hormigas no transportaron pupas (con o sin capullos) del parasitoide de Plutella xylostella, Diadegma insulare (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), sugiriendo repelencia. La presencia de fuente de alimento alternativa no afect & oacute; el transporte de huevos ni de larvas de T. molitor. Esta informaci & oacute;n aclara servicios ecosist & eacute;micos de S. geminata, relevantes para decisiones de manejo integrado de plagas regionales.
Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) is a significant pest of Satsuma mandarin in Louisiana and Alabama and a key pest of almond and pistachio in the southwestern United States. It was first reported in Florida in 2005 and is an occasional pest of tomato and citrus. Currently, this species is managed exclusively through insecticidal control. Understanding the impact of potential alternative management strategies, such as biological control, would improve sustainability by diversifying L. zonatus management tactics. Some of the most effective biological control agents of leaffooted bugs are egg parasitoids. The native egg parasitoid guild of L. zonatus is not well-studied in Florida or in the United States. This is essential information for developing a biological control strategy for long-term management. To ascertain the species composition of native egg parasitoids and measure the predation of L. zonatus eggs, a survey was conducted during autumn 2023. This investigation involved deploying sentinel egg masses at 14 North and Central Florida agricultural sites. Four genera of egg parasitoids were detected from egg masses, and among them, two were identified to the species level. Hadronotus carinatifrons Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) was found to be the most abundant species. Overall, in most survey sites, higher predation was recorded than parasitism, and predation was found to negatively impact parasitism. This study provides valuable information about the egg parasitoid guild of L. zonatus in Florida, which will facilitate the development of an augmentative biological control strategy for this emerging pest. Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) es una plaga importante de la mandarina Satsuma en Luisiana y Alabama, y es una plaga clave de la almendra y el pistacho en el suroeste de Estados Unidos. Se report & oacute; por primera vez en Florida en 2005 y es una plaga ocasional del tomate y los c & iacute;tricos. Actualmente, esta especie se maneja exclusivamente mediante control insecticida. Comprender el impacto de posibles estrategias de manejo alternativas, como el control biol & oacute;gico, mejorar & iacute;a la sostenibilidad mediante la diversificaci & oacute;n de las t & aacute;cticas de manejo de L. zonatus. Algunos de los agentes de control biol & oacute;gico m & aacute;s efectivos para las chinches de patas de hoja son los parasitoides de huevos. El gremio nativo de parasitoides de huevos de L. zonatus no se ha estudiado en profundidad en Florida ni en Estados Unidos. Esta informaci & oacute;n es esencial para desarrollar una estrategia de control biol & oacute;gico para el manejo a largo plazo. Para determinar la composici & oacute;n de especies de parasitoides de huevos nativos y medir la depredaci & oacute;n de huevos de L. zonatus, se realiz & oacute; un estudio durante el oto & ntilde;o de 2023. Esta investigaci & oacute;n implic & oacute; el despliegue de masas de huevos centinela en 14 sitios agr & iacute;colas del norte y centro de Florida. Se detectaron cuatro g & eacute;neros de parasitoides de huevos en las masas de huevos, y dos de ellos se identificaron a nivel de especie. Hadronotus carinatifrons Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) fue la especie m & aacute;s abundante. En general, en la mayor & iacute;a de los sitios de estudio, se registr & oacute; mayor depredaci & oacute;n que parasitismo, y se observ & oacute; que la depredaci & oacute;n impacta negativamente en el parasitismo. Este estudio proporciona informaci & oacute;n valiosa sobre el gremio de parasitoides de huevos de L. zonatus en Florida, lo que facilitar & aacute; el desarrollo de una estrategia de control biol & oacute;gico aumentativo para esta plaga emergente.
Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) are one of the most common pests in orchards in China and in the United States. D. citri is a vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the bacteria that causes citrus greening or Huanglongbing. Huanglongbing has caused significant harm to the global citrus industry. Control of D. citri mainly relies on the application of pesticides, which can lead to environmental pollution, risks to human health, and does not prevent transmission of Huanglongbing. Determination of effective, eco-friendly, and complimentary prevention and control methods would be beneficial for D. citri management. Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are a predator of D. citri. Identifying plants, which could be planted in citrus orchards, that have repellent effects on D. citri and are the preferred plants of H. axyridis is a promising ecological control method. A Y-tube olfactometer was used to study the behavioral responses of D. citri and H. axyridis to the odors of 40 plants. D. citri were significantly repelled by the odors of six plant species: Emilia sonchifolia DC. ex Wight (Asteraceae), Glebionis coronaria Tzvelev (Asteraceae), Artemisia selengensis Turcz. ex Besser (Asteraceae), Blumea balsamifera DC. (Asteraceae), Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Apiaceae), and Agastache rugosa Kuntze (Lamiaceae). H. axyridis were significantly attracted to the odors of six plant species: Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. (Ulmaceae), Ligustrum sinense Lour. (Oleaceae), Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. (Sapindaceae), Cycas revoluta Thunb. (Cycadaceae), Brassica pekinensis Hanelt (Brassicaceae), and Solanum melongena L. (Solanaceae). Plants both repellent to D. citri and attractive to H. axyridis have the potential for the development of eco-friendly control strategies for Huanglongbing. Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) es una de las plagas m & aacute;s comunes en los huertos de c & iacute;tricos de China y los Estados Unidos. D. citri es un vector de Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, la bacteria causante del enverdecimiento de los c & iacute;tricos o Huanglongbing. Huanglongbing ha causado da & ntilde;os significativos a la industria citr & iacute;cola global. El control de D. citri recae principalmente en la aplicaci & oacute;n de plaguicidas, lo que puede provocar contaminaci & oacute;n ambiental, riesgos para la salud humana y no previene la transmisi & oacute;n del Huanglongbing. La determinaci & oacute;n de m & eacute;todos de prevenci & oacute;n y control eficaces, ecol & oacute;gicos y complementarios ser & iacute;a beneficiosa para el manejo de D. citri. Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) es un depredador de D. citri. La identificaci & oacute;n de plantas que puedan plantarse en huertos de c & iacute;tricos, que tengan efectos repelentes sobre D. citri y que sean las preferidas de H. axyridis, constituye un m & eacute;todo de control ecol & oacute;gico prometedor. Se utiliz & oacute; un olfat & oacute;metro de tubo en forma Y para estudiar las respuestas conductuales de D. citri y H. axyridis a los olores de 40 plantas. D. citri fue repelida significativamente por los olores de seis especies de plantas: Emilia sonchifolia DC. ex Wight (Asteraceae), Glebionis coronaria Tzvelev (Asteraceae), Artemisia selengensis Turcz. ex Besser (Asteraceae), Blumea balsamifera DC. (Asteraceae), Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Apiaceae) y Agastache rugosa Kuntze (Lamiaceae). H. axyridis se sinti & oacute; significativamente atra & iacute;do por los olores de seis especies de plantas: Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. (Ulmaceae), Ligustrum sinense Lour. (Oleaceae), Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. (Sapindaceae), Cycas revoluta Thunb. (Cycadaceae), Brassica pekinensis Hanelt (Brassicaceae) y Solanum melongena L. (Solanaceae). Las plantas que repelen a D. citri y atraen a H. axyridis tienen potencial para el desarrollo de estrategias de control ecol & oacute;gicas del Huanglongbing.
