The efficacy of microwave power (MP) (110, 220, and 440 W) for five exposure times against different stages of Sitotroga cerealella was assessed. Mortality percentage of life stages, adult emergence, and chemical components in wheat grains were evaluated. Complete egg mortality (100%) was achieved with 440 W and an exposure time of 270 sec. Larvae and pupae were affected by increasing MP, resulting in a reduction in adult emergence. Furthermore, full mortality of adults increased with longer exposure periods to MP, reaching 100% 3 days after treatment with 110 W of MP and exposure times of 150, 210, and 270 sec. Complete adult mortality was achieved 2 days after treatment with 220 W and exposure times of 210 and 270 sec, and 1 day after treatment with 440 W and exposure times of 150, 210, and 270 sec. Moreover, MP caused a slight reduction in the chemical components of wheat grains except for fibre content. These findings suggest that MP may be a useful method for the management of S. cerealella.
Summary Attagenus fasciatus (Thunberg, 1795) and Anthrenus coloratus Reitter 1881 (both Coleoptera: Dermestidae), and the spider beetle Gibbium psylloides (Czempinski, 1778) (Coleoptera: Ptinidae), were recorded for the first time in stored silkworm products such as cocoons and feaces in Egypt. Notes on the detailed morphological descriptions for all species are presented. The impact on national sericulture industry should be considered. Attagenus fasciatus and A. coloratus are serious pests of silk-worm cocoons which are damaged by their larvae boring into them to feed on pupae. Gibbium psylloides is a minor pest of the silkworm industry feeding on dry debris plant, and feaces.
Summary This study examines the dissipation and residue behavior of fluopyram, trifloxystrobin, and their metabolites (fluopyram-benzamide and trifloxystrobin acid, CGA 321113) in grapes grown in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. The fungicide Luna Sensation® 500 SC (250 g/L fluopyram, 250 g/L trifloxystrobin) was applied at the recommended rate (100–150 g a.i./ha). A multi-residue LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated according to SANTE 11312/2021 guidelines, demonstrating high linearity (R² > 0.999), low detection limits (0.00021–0.00094 mg/kg), and recoveries of 84.8–94.8% with RSDs < 20%. Dissipation studies revealed first-order kinetics, with fluopyram exhibiting faster degradation (t 1/2 = 2.23–3.02 days) than trifloxystrobin (t1/2 = 3.46–4.04 days). CGA 321113 dissipated to below detectable levels within 3 days, while fluopyram-benzamide remained undetected. Terminal residues were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of 3 mg/kg (trifloxystrobin) and 2 mg/kg (fluopyram), with pre-harvest intervals of 6.29 and 2.13 days, respectively. Chronic dietary risk assessments confirmed negligible health risks and provided valuable insights for effective pest management and the safe use of pesticides in Saudi grape cultivation.
Summary Theridula aelleni (Hubert, 1970) (Araneae: Theridiidae) is a Mediterranean species with a limited known distribution, so far reported only in Tunisia, Madeira, and Spain. Here, we present the first record of T. aelleni in Greece. Two adult males were collected in an olive grove in the area of Asterousia in the Messara valley of Heraklion, Crete during pitfall trapping in 2022 and 2025. Identification was confirmed through comparison with diagnostic characters provided in the original description and subsequent taxonomic treatments. This finding significantly extends the known geographical range of the species eastwards within the Mediterranean basin and contributes to expanding our knowledge regarding the spider fauna of Greece.
In April 2024, infestation was recorded on leaves of avocado trees, bearing brown necrotic spots on the upper surface of the leaves and/or whitish, almost circular spots on the underside, in Zounaki, Crete, Greece. In September of the same year, infestation of different symptomatology was observed, consisting of a bronze tone at the upper surface of the leaves, in an avocado orchard in Ayia village, Crete. A microscopic examination of infested leaves revealed the presence of mites which were identified as Oligonychus ( Olygonychus ) perseae Tuttle, Baker and Abbatiello and Oligonychus ( Olygonychus ) punicae (Hirst) (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) which are both first recorded in Greece. By autumn of 2024, the persea mite rapidly spread across nearly all regions where avocados are cultivated in the western and coastal part of Crete. Up to date, nearly one year after the first detection of these mite species, infestations of O. ( O. ) perseae remains below economic thresholds, whereas O. ( O. ) punicae is found in a few orchards and in limited populations (end of 2025).
The citrus industry plays a significant socio-economic role in the Moroccan national economy. Seventy phytophagous insect, mite and snail species have been recorded from citrus orchards in Morocco. However, only a few are considered major or occasional pests and may cause economic damage warranting control. Using broad-spectrum pesticides to control insects and mites has resulted in several problems due to human, environmental and eco-toxicological concerns. This paper provides an overview of practical and preventative eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pest control for sustainable citrus groves in Morocco. The role of appropriate biological and cultural methods and safe chemical control in controlling citrus pests is discussed.
The dissipation of pesticides significantly influences their behaviour in soil, which is crucial for evaluating their stability and safety. This study investigated the dissipation patterns and half-lives of four pesticides—ametryn, bentazone, carbofuran, and oxamyl—in sandy and clay soils at two concentration levels (25 mg‧kg 1 and 100 mg‧kg 1 ). The experiment was conducted at 26°C with a 60% water-holding capacity. First-order kinetics effectively described the dissipation (R 2 > 0.92). After 60 days, pesticide dissipation exceeded 97% in sandy soil, while remaining residues were 80–86% for ametryn, 80– 89% for bentazone, and 85-88% for carbofuran and oxamyl. In clay soil, dissipation was initially slower (<8% for all pesticides), but subsequently accelerated. The quantity of pesticides declined sharply in the first month, followed by a gradual decrease in the second month. Ametryn exhibited the longest half-life, whereas bentazone had the shortest. Overall, pesticide loss correlated with decreased concentrations and organic matter content.
This is a new record of the ash bark beetle, Hylesinus varius (Olivier), traditionally known as a pest of Fraxinus (ash) and other Oleaceae species, on olive trees ( Olea europaea ) on Milos Island of the Cyclades Group, Greece, after an old report on Crete. Adult specimens were found in galleries of living branches during the olive fruit harvest. This new record emphasizes the need for intensified monitoring of the insect and further research to assess its dispersal and potential impact on olive production.
The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. is a serious pest of honey bee combs in hives. Ozone fumigation was applied on fourth instar larvae at three concentrations, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/m 3 for 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. Our findings showed that the two concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 g/m3 were less effective than that of 2.0 g/m3 on larval mortality with 40 and 60%, respectively, at 120 min of exposure time after 7 days. Full larval mortality (100%) was obtained by 2.0 g/m 3 of ozone at 90 min exposure time in 3 and 7 days post treatment. Our findings demonstrated that ozone had latent effects on pupation as well as adult emergence from treated larvae of G. mellonella . Exposure to 0.5 g/m 3 for 120 min, 1.0 g/m 3 for 120 min and 2.0 g/m3 for 60 min resulted in the lowest pupation percentage (60, 40 and 0%, respectively) and strong inhibition of adult emergence (16.7, 0 and 0% adult emergence, respectively. Our research indicates that ozone fumigation is a useful strategy for the control of the greater wax moth.
The presence of the poinsettia thrips, Echinothrips americanus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is reported for the first time in Greece. In spring 2023, specimens of E. americanus were collected from infested Rhoicissus rhombifolia plants in Attiki.
Summary The scale insect Parlatoria camelliae Comstock (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) is recorded for the first time in Greece οn 12 August 2024. It was found on Camellia japonica L. (Theaceae: Ericales) in Chalkidiki. From preliminary studies it was found that P. camelliae is an oviparous, bipa-rental species.
Summary Honey bees ( Apis sp.) are vital to ecosystems, enhancing agricultural productivity and preserving biodiversity. However, the observed decline of their populations, caused by, among other, Nosema infections has led to the use of the antibiotics fumagillin and nitroimidazoles. Nonetheless, due to increasing concerns over their genotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties, the presence of fumagillin residues in honey is prohibited, while similar is the case for the parent nitroimidazoles and their metabolites in animal-derived food. Within this context and considering the limited availability of pertinent data on Greek honey, we have developed and applied robust analytical methods for the detection of fumagillin and nitroimidazole residues in honey, employing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The developed protocols, based on solid phase extraction, proved fit for the purpose of detecting fumagillin and nitroimidazoles in honey samples with substantial sensitivity (detection capability, CC β not exceeding 0.78 μg/kg), comparable to recent literature, and could be applied in routine analyses to ensure consumers’ safety. Application of the methods in 30 Greek honey samples did not unveil residues above the CC β of the analytes, and the developed pipeline can be further exploited in future large-scale monitoring studies to investigate Greek apiculture and its adherence to regulatory obligations.
Summary In August 2024, the pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), was found in heavy infestations on Albizia julibrissin Durazz. (Fabaceae) and Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. (Proteaceae) in Athens, Greece. This is the first global record of A. julibrissin and the first record on G. robusta in Greece, as hosts of M. hirsutus. All developmental stages: eggs, nymphs, and adult males and females, were present. Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) were observed actively foraging on the abundant honeydew secreted by the mealybugs. Further research is necessary to assess the potential impact of this invasive pest on host plants in Greece, and the significance of its honeydew as an alternative food resource for honeybees.
Summary L-Canavanine is a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid found in certain legumes, where it plays a significant role in plant defence acting as an anti-herbivory compound by disrupting the biology of insect herbivores and pulse-based fish feed. In this study, a simple, easy and robust analytical method was developed and validated to monitor the compound accurately and reliable. The developed method includes a simple quick and low-cost extraction procedure using acidified acetonitrile. Chromatographic determination is based on Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry operating in positive electron spray ionization. The method was successfully validated by assessing accuracy, precision, linearity of response (gradient of the calibration curve) at a range of concentrations 1.25 - 25 μg L −1 , matrix effect and limit of quantitation according to European Guidelines. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for estimating the contribution to overall uncertainty and finally to the reported value/concentration, of homogenization and sub-sampling step.
Summary Ziziphora hispanica L. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal aromatic plant which is native to Algeria in semi-arid regions, Morocco and southern Spain. Despite the medicinal and economic interests as well as the uncertain future that this species may encounter in its natural habitats, various aspects of the biology of its seeds have not been recognized up to date. To fulfill these gaps, seed germination has been studied under the effect of different incubation temperatures, and under the influence of defer-ential concentrations of water stress and saline stress. The seeds were first incubated at different temperatures (15, 20 and 25°C). Then, at 20°C, germination studies were carried out at various sodium chlo-ride concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 Mmol /l) and various solutions of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000 ) (0, -0.2, -0.4, and-0.6 Mpa). The results showed that Z. hispanica seeds were not dormant, and the optimal temperature of germination was 20°C, at which the maximum final germination percentage occurred (94%). A high negative correlation was obtained between the germination percentage and the various concentrations of NaCl. In comparison to other plant species that share its habitats, the results of the water stress impact tests indicate that Z. hispanica is very sensitive to water stress, indicating difficulties in germinating in semi-arid and arid regions and that climate change may restrict its natural habitats. The results of this study can serve as guidelines for propagation protocols of this species to support its conservation and cultivation.
Summary Adjuvants are used with herbicides to increase their efficacy. In this study, it was demonstrated that the application of 0.1% of the non-ionic surfactant (NIS, Contact) and 0.5 L ha −1 of a crop oil concentrate (COC, Renol) did not improve the efficacy of rimsulfuron on Amaranthus retroflexus. In contrast, the same treatments enhanced performance and rainfastnes of rimsulfuron in Chenopodium album. Increasing non-ionic surfactant concentration to 1 L ha −1 increased rimsulfuron performance around 10-fold for A. retroflexus compared to around 3-fold for C. album. The same treatment reduced 12-fold the rainfastness of rimsulfuron on A. retroflexus while improving 2-fold the rainfastness of rimsulfuron on C. album . Measured ED 50 and ED 90 doses of rimsulfuron indicated that the addition of the 0.2 L ha −1 of NIS improved the recommended (60 g a.i. ha -1 ) and the reduced (30 g a.i. ha −1 ) dose effect of rimsulfurom in potato crop in the field. The highest potato yield was recorded (60 tons per ha) when 60 g ai. ha −1 of rimsulfuron was applied at three growth stages [leaf development (S1) + vegetatively propagated organs (S4) + development of tuber (S7)] of the crop without using a NIS; not significant differences were measured when the same dose of rimsulfuron was applied at the three (S1, S4, and S7) and two (S1, S4) growth stages with NIS.
Summary Corn weevil ( Sitophilus zeamais) is one of the most destructive pests of corn seeds during storage. The weevil may be a vector of mycotoxigenic fungi or yeast contaminating seed lots. In this study, an unknown yeast species was isolated from corn weevils found in stored corn seeds. We hypothesized that this yeast had an antifungal activity thereby inhibiting growth of mycotoxigenic fungi in corn seeds. The yeast species was identified as Hyphopichia burtonii , using combined morphological and molecular assays, and its potential inhibitory activity was assessed in vitro (spread plate and dual culture) against three known mycotoxigenic fungi, Fusarium verticillioides, Aspergillus niger and A. fl avus . Screening of the antagonistic activity of the yeast isolate showed 50 – 69% colony growth inhibition of three fungi when the yeast was spread plated on PDA but only slight inhibition (5.8 – 13.7% growth inhibition) in the dual culture assay. The sporulation of the fungi was also affected at 57 – 96% and 29 – 40% in spread plating and dual culture assay, respectively. In addition, volatile and non-volatile fractions also showed a reduction in mycelial growth. Variable responses were observed among the mycotoxigenic fungi. Further research would be interesting on the potential utilization of the antagonistic yeast to reduce fungal growth and sporulation, and possible mitigation of mycotoxin contamination in corn grains. To our knowledge, this is the first record of H. burtonii isolated from an insect, specifically S. zeamais.
Summary Insect dependency of apple crop for pollination vary in different cultivars. The cv. ‘Delicious Pilafa Tripoleos’, is a Protected Designation of Origin apple of Greece, which lacks information on self-compatibility and needs for insect pollination for commercial fruit production. Here, the effect of wind, free (wind and insects), honeybee, free with at least one visit from a bumblebee and hand pollination was examined on fruit set and fruit characteristics. Also, the effect of flowering patches as a practice to attract pollinators in the apple orchards, on fruit quality characteristics was studied. A pollinizer apple variety and insect pollinators are necessary for successful pollination of ‘Delicious Pilafa Tripoleos’ since hand pollination with pollen of the same cv., and wind pollination resulted in very low fruit set. Single flower visits by honeybees could give fruit set, however, free pollination with at least one visit of B. terrestris resulted in higher fruit set compared to the other pollination treatments. Free pollination resulted in more fruits with higher number of seeds than wind pollination (only one fruit obtained). Apples produced from flowers adjacent to the flowering mixture patches had significantly higher skin firmness and lower total soluble solids at harvest (both desirable traits for ‘Delicious Pilafa Tripoleos’), compared to fruits from trees in naturally occurring groundcover.
Summary Five fungal endophytes, Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Chaetomium sp., Rhizopus sp. and Curvularia sp., were isolated from an Egyptian herbaceous plant, Tribulus terrestris , and tested for their antibacterial activity against three phytopathogenic bacteria ( Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, Ralstonia solanacearum, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae ). Chaetomium sp. showed the highest antibacterial activity. This strain was identified morphologically and molecularly as Chaetomium cochliodes MS03 (MW898133) based on the ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2 genomic region. Chaetomium cochliodes caused 15 and 8 mm inhibition zones of P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum and R. solanacearum , respectively. Chaetomium cochliodes isolate was fermented and extracted with ethyl acetate. The crude extract of C. cochliodes showed strong antibacterial activity against P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (inhibition zone = 27 mm). Bioassay guided isolation of the crude extract using silica gel column chromatography was conducted to isolate bioactive secondary metabolites. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 500, 32 and 4 mg/L for C. cochliodes extract, fraction 14 and fraction 15, respectively, against P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum . Bioactive fractions were analyzed by GC/MS. The bioactive pure compound was identified as 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) and the chemical structure was confirmed by H 1 NMR and C 13 NMR spectral analysis. The isolated compound showed a promising antibacterial activity against P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum with MIC value of 32 mg/L.
Summary The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931), population fluctuations and distribution were monitored in four susceptible crops (blueberry, strawberry, cherry, wine grapes) and five major agricultural regions of Georgia (Guria, Samegrelo, Imereti, Kartli and Kakheti) during the years 2021 and 2022 with the aim to study the population size and evaluate the pest status. Population monitoring was conducted in four locations of each studied region on a weekly basis from May to November using PHEROCON® SWD traps with PHEROCON® SWD PEEL-PAK™ Broad Spectrum Lures. The investigation indicated significant growth of population from 2021 to 2022 in most of the studied locations. Population increase was detected in all crop orchards except cherries. Τhe absence of alternative host plants at crop proximity was of critical importance to save the crop from pest invasion. The crop plant species did not have a significant impact on D. suzukii . Pest population was significantly larger in summer and autumn compared to spring, possibly influenced by the ripening of alternative crops such as blackberry and elderberry. The sex ratio between male and female individuals was almost 1:1 and remained consistent through the two-year study period and across regions. We consider that D. suzukii entered the country from the southwestern part and extended its distribution range towards the east. No strategies for D. suzukii control have been elaborated in Georgia so far. Sprays of effective pesticides based on pest monitoring as well as sanitation measures involving removal of alternative host plants and any crop residues from the field are necessary to avoid pest outbreak.
