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).
