I pini monumentali della Fossa della Garofala.

In città è difficile rinvenire alberi monumentali a causa delle negative interazioni tra le attività antropiche e la vegetazione. Lo sviluppo delle piante arboree assume un aspetto notevolmente differente rispetto a quello che si potrebbe avere in un ecosistema naturale. In una città come Palermo in cui la forte espansione urbanistica ha sottratto aree verdi rimangono solo alcuni lembi sopravvissuti alla cementificazione. Un caso particolare è rappresentato dalla Fossa della Garofala che, pur essendo inclusa all’interno del tessuto urbano, ha elevati caratteri di naturalità. Ciò è dovuto alla storia passata e recente, l’area acquisita dall’Università di Palermo nel 1950, grazie all’apposizi…

Can Mating Disruption Be a Possible Route to Control Plum Fruit Moth in Mediterranean Environments?

Simple Summary Grapholita funebrana is a main pest of plum throughout the Palearctic region. The management of this pest is generally carried out with chemical insecticides. In this study we investigated the suitability of the mating disruption as alternative method of control of this pest. Experiments were carried out in organic plum orchards during 2012 and 2014. Trap catches and fruit sampling were carried out to estimate the efficacy of this technique in reducing males catch and fruit infestation. The results indicated that the males caught in traps placed in the treatment plots was always significantly lower than untreated plots. The chemical analysis of the pheromone emission from the…

Microrganismi fungini associati a Rincophorus ferrugineus (Olivr) in Sicilia e valutazione dell'efficacia entomopatogena di un ceppo di Beauveria bassiana (Bals. 9 Vuill: oservazioni preliminari.

Note sul Punteruolo della palma Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) in Sicilia (Coleoptera Curculionidae).

Gli autori sintetizzano le informazioni disponibili sulla biologia del punteruolo della palma, riportando nuovi dati acquisiti durante una ricerca svolta in Sicilia, ove questo insetto sta causando gravi danni al patrimonio storico-paesaggistico di molti centri abitati. Tra gli aspetti più interessanti, riportano il primo rinvenimento di un parassitoide autoctono, Billaea maritima (Schiner, 1862) (Diptera Tachinidae), abituale antagonista di Cetoniini.

FIRST RECORD IN EUROPE OF SEEDLINGS OF FICUS MACROPHYLLA F. COLUMNARIS (Moraceae) AND OF ITS POLLINATING WASP PLEISTODONTES CF. IMPERIALIS (Chalcidoidea Agaonidae)

Since the first half of the nineteenth century, several Ficus species have been introduced into Italy as ornamental trees throughout urban gardens and along urban roads. Because a relationship with an agaonid wasp is essential for the pollination and consequently for the production of fertile seeds of Ficus spp., the seedlings of other introduced fig species (Ficus microcarpa L. f., Ficus rubiginosa Desf. ex Vent. and Ficus watkinsiana F.M. Bailey) weren’t found in Europe in conjunction with their pollinating wasps until more than a century after the figs’ introduction. This study presents the first recorded observation of Ficus macrophylla f. columnaris (C. Moore) D. J. Dixon seedlings in …

Diffusione del punteruolo rosso delle palme a Palermo a tre anni dalla sua introduzione.

Bioactivity of Carlina acaulis essential oil and its main component to the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae: ingestion toxicity, electrophysiological and behavioural insights

In recent years, botanical insecticides based on essential oils (EOs), or their main components, have received much attention as promising tools for Integrated Pest Management, due to their environmental safety and low side effects on non-target organisms. In this study, Carlina acaulis EO and its main component, carlina oxide, recently proven to be effective larvicidal and adulticidal agents against some insect pests, were analyzed for their toxicity, electroantennographic (EAG), and behavioral responses to adult olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae). The C. acaulis EO was more toxic to the tephritid than the carlina oxide, and both were more toxic to the same insect pest than EOs from other …

Description of the sexual generation of Dryocosmus destefanii (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini) and disclosure of its life cycle

The sexual generation of Dryocosmus destefanii Cerasa & Melika, 2018 that emerges from galls on Q. suber L. in Italy is described for the first time, establishing its heterogonic life cycle. We provide observations on its distribution, illustration of adults and galls and information on its biology as supported by morphological and molecular data. An illustrated identification key to Western Palaearctic Dryocosmus species is also given. 

Epidemiological survey on 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' and putative vectors in Western Sicily

Bois noir (BN) associated with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ is an important grapevine yellows disease widespread in Europe and Mediterranean regions. During a two years survey (2014-15) carried out in a 10-year-old vineyard located in San Giuseppe Jato (PA), symptoms of Bois noir were observed on cvs Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Nero d’ Avola. Incidence of the disease increased over the two years, reaching values of about 34 % on cv Chardonnay. Ca. ‘P. solani’ was detected on symptomatic leaf samples from all cultivars with the highest percentage on cv Chardonnay followed by Pinot noir and Nero d’Avola. Further surveys were performed in order to highlight the epidemiology of the disease by…

Risk assessment of non-target effects of Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault) parasitoid of the eucalypt gall maker Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae)

The pre-release risk assessment, a recommended practice in biological control programmes, was carried out before introducing Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault), a eulophid parasitoid of the eucalypt gall maker Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), in Sicily, Italy. We evaluated its host specificity in laboratory small arena no-choice tests on six non-target hosts, using O. maskelli as a control species. The non-target species fit with at least one of the following criteria: a) common geographical origin; b) ecological or behavioural affinities with the target host; c) concealed habit of the preimaginal stages; d) taxonomic affinity; e) taxonomic affinity with hosts of cong…

Prove di controllo di Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) in pescheti, aranceti e clementineti biologici

Tests to control Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) in organic peach, orange and clementine orchards. The Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is considered the key pest of several fruit species in organic farming. Experiments for the control of this pest have been carried out in organic peach orchards (in 2009 on a medium-late ripening cultivar, ‘Bella di Bivona’; in 2011 on a very early ripening one, ‘San Pedro’) testing nets, spinosad and pyrethrum (year 2009), in orange citrus groves (cv. Navelina, early ripening period), comparing spinosad, kaolin and bentonite (years 2009 and 2010) and in a clementine grove (cv. Monreal), using kaolin and bentonite. The very early ripe…

Introduzione ed acclimatamento di Closterocerus sp. in Sicilia per il controllo biologico di Ophelimus maskelli Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) galligeno esotico degli eucalipti.

I galligeni dell'Eucalitto da biomassa: dannosità e prospettive di controllo biologico.

Introduzione di Closterocerus sp. in Sicilia per il controllo biologico di Ophelimus maskelli Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) galligeno esotico sugli eucalipti

Ophelimus maskelli Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), galligeno sugli eucalipti, è stato accidentalmente introdotto di recente in Italia ed in numerosi paesi del Mediterraneo, causando allarmanti infestazioni, che hanno determinato in taluni casi vistose defogliazioni sulle piante adulte e deperimento delle piantine in vivaio e nei giovani impianti. In considerazione della vastità del patrimonio boschivo siciliano potenzialmente a rischio (25.835 ha, il più esteso d’Italia), è stato avviato un programma di controllo biologico classico, in collaborazione con il Volcani Center (ARO) di Bet Dagan (Israele) e lo CSIRO di Canberra (Australia), mediante l’introduzione del suo parassitoide Closter…

Vertebrate-mediated seed rain and artificial perches contribute to overcome seed dispersal limitation in a Mediterranean old field

Natural regeneration of vegetation is a frequent outcome of land abandonment, although the rate and diversity of such regeneration may be severely restricted by seed dispersal limitation, among other factors. In spite of this, studies aiming to quantify seed rain and test methods to enhance it, such as artificial perches, are still underrepresented in the Mediterranean. In our study, we quantified seed rain density and richness and tested the effects of artificial perches on such rain over a distance gradient on seven Mediterranean island old fields. In each of the seven sites, we positioned three sampling stations, each consisting of 1 seed trap under an artificial perch and 1 as a control…

EFFICACIA DI ARGILLE E PRODOTTI SISTEMICI NEL CONTROLLO DI OPHELIMUS MASKELLI (ASHMEAD) SU SEMENZALI DI EUCALYPTUS CAMALSULOENSINS DEHN.

A review on introduced alien insect pests and their associated parasitoids on eucalyptus trees in Sicily

A review is reported in the present paper on invasive alien insects introduced in Sicily on Eucalyptus trees, together with unpublished results from recent surveys. As to the latter ones, observations were conducted especially on Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Carpintero & Dellapé) (Hemiptera, Thaumastocoridae), the most recently introduced species. Overall, eight alien insect pests have been accidentally introduced in the island on Eucalyptus, belonging to the orders Hemiptera (Aphalaridae, 2 spp.; Thaumastocoridae, 1 sp.), Coleoptera (Cerambycidae, 2 spp.; Curculionidae, 1 sp.) and Hymenoptera (Eulophidae, 2 spp.). Two encyrtid parasitoids, Avetianella longoi Siscaro and Psyllaephagus bliteus…

High quality extra virgin olive oil from olives attacked by the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera Tephritidae): which is the tolerable limit? Data from experimental ‘Nocellara del Belice’ and ‘Cerasuola’ olive groves in Sicily

The infestation due to the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), the key pest in most of world olive groves, has been monitored in six years, from 2004 to 2008 and in 2014, in eight coastal Sicilian olive groves consisting of ‘Cerasuola’ and ‘Nocellara del Belice’ cultivars. Infestation was recorded following the classical sampling method based on olive collection and dissection, in order to count live olive fruit fly instars (eggs, larvae and pupae) and exit holes. Four different infestation indexes, all of them calculated using data recorded at harvest, have been used to assess their relationship with the main three quality parameters of the olive oil obtained from the same olive sam…

Epidemiological investigations and molecular characterization of ‘candidatus phytoplasma solani’ in grapevines, weeds, vectors and putative vectors in western Sicily, (Southern Italy)

Bois noir is caused by &lsquo

New records of Cynipidae (Hymenoptera) from Italy

New records of Cynipid gall wasps and inquilines for the Italian peninsula and Sicily and their new host plants for the Palaearctic Region are listed and commented on. Among them we find: Cerroneuroterus cerrifloralis (Mullner 1901) as new for Italy and new for the Palaearctic region as host on Quercus suber; Andricus multiplicatus Giraud 1859 on Q. suber, as new host for the Palaearctic region; Aylax papaveris (Perris 1839), reported in Italy over a century ago, but later overlooked; Cerroneuroterus minutulus (Giraud 1859), also reported more than a century ago from Sicily, but later overlooked. Among the inquilines are here listed: Synergus variabilis Mayr 1872, emerged from Janetia cerri…

L’Arvicola del Savi, Microtus savii (De Sélys Longchamps), in agrumeti e vigneti siciliani.

Effectiveness of spinosad and mineral oil for control of Grapholita funebrana Treitschke in organic plum orchards

An experiment was conducted in an organic plum orchard in Sicily to evaluate the damage caused by the plum moth Grapholita funebrana (Treitschke) to three plum cultivars (Angeleno, Friar, and Stanley) and to evaluate plum moth control provided by mineral oil applied every 20 days (Moil), spinosad applied every 10 days (S10), or spinosad and mineral oil applied alternately (S/Moil). Treatment application began when eggs were first observed on fruits. S10 and S/Moil effectively reduced plum moth damage on all cultivars but Moil did not. Plum moth infestation was significantly lower on Stanley than on Friar and Angeleno.

Controllo di Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) con l'uso di caolino nell'agrumicoltura biologica

Do Grapholita funebrana Infestation Rely on Specific Plum Fruit Features?

The effective control of the plum fruit moth, Grapholita funebrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) still represents a difficult challenge for organic plum farming. Little information is available on the susceptibility of plum cultivars to this moth pest. We investigated the roles of several fruit parameters (i.e., shape, volume, hardness, fruit colour, and physiochemical properties) on the susceptibility of four different plum cultivars (Angeleno, Friar, President and Stanley) to G. funebrana attack. Field data demonstrated the importance of some fruit parameters (i.e., elongation index, sugar degree, titratable acidity, cover colour percentage) on susceptibility to G. funebrana infestation. Und…

First Record of Leptocybe invasa and Ophelimus maskelli Eucalyptus Gall Wasps in Tunisia

Two Australian gall wasps were detected for the first time in Tunisia on the foliage of Eucalyptus camaldulensis trees. Leptocybe invasa was detected in 2004, while Ophelimus maskelli in 2006. L. invasa makes galls on petioles, leaf midribs and young branches whereas O. maskelli induces galls on limbs. Vigilance is recommended when seedlings are carried to plantation.

OZOGNATHUS CORNUTUS (LECONTE, 1859) (Coleoptera Anobiidae), NEW RECORD FOR ITALY

Prima segnalazione di Ozognathus cornutus (LeConte, 1859) (Coleoptera Anobiidae) in Italia

Endoterapia per il controllo del punteruolo rosso delle palme ed effetti dei trattamenti sulla piante.

Imenotteri Agaonidi nuovi per l’Europa e loro ruolo nella naturalizzazione di Ficus spp. in Italia.

Molecular and biometric data on Carabus (Macrothorax) morbillosus Fabricius, 1792 (Coleoptera, Carabidae) from Mid Mediterranean areas

The present study was carried out using molecular and biometric data of Carabus (Macrothorax) morbillosus from mid-Mediterranean areas to determine additional information on basal relationships among its representative subspecies. To this aim, two different kinds of approach were employed, including a morphometric analysis of four morphological parameters (i.e., elytra length, elytra width, pronotum length, pronotum width) of 128 specimens, and a Bayesian genetic analysis of 44 cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) partial sequences (i.e., 38 examined for the first time and six retrieved from GenBank database). Representative populations of C. (M.) morbillosus were sampled in four countries, n…

<p><strong>Revision of the genus <em>Prionotropis</em> Fieber, 1853 (Orthoptera: Pamphagidae: Thrinchinae)</strong></p>

The genus Prionotropis Fieber, 1853 is revised. It is distributed in scattered areas of the Mediterranean region from Turkey in the East to Spain in the West. Overall, seven species are listed, namely P. maculinervis (Stal, 1878) (Turkey; P. urfensis Ramme, 1933 is here considered its synonym), P. willemsorum n. sp. (Greece, Epirus; previously considered P. appula), P. appula (O.G. Costa, 1836) (South Italy), P. hystrix (Germar, 1817) (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Croatia, North-East Italy; P. hystrix sontiaca is here synonymized), P. rhodanica Uvarov, 1923 resurrected status (France, Crau, Rhone delta; here considered a valid species), P. azami Uvarov, 1923 n. status (France, Var regi…

The Embioptera from the Strait of Sicily Islands: first records from Pantelleria and Lampedusa and new data from Lampione (Sicily, Italy)

The occurrence of Embioptera in the Strait of Sicily islands was up to date known only from Lam pione (the smallest of the Pelagie islands), where the only species reported was provisionally assigned to Embia ramburi Rimski-Korsakow, 1905. Based on material recently collected by the authors, the presence of Embioptera is here reported for the first time in the Islands of Pantelleria (Sicily, Trapani) and Lampedusa (Sicily, Agrigento). In the Island of Pantelleria the occurrence of the typical small silky tunnels produced by Embioptera has been verified in many sites, from sea level to Montagna Grande (836 m). In many of these sites, several juveniles and some adult or subadult specimens wer…

PRESENZA IN SICILIA DI GLYCASPIS BRIMBLECOMBEI MOORE (Hemiptera Psyllidae) SU EUCALYPTUS CAMALDULENSIS DEHNH..

On the presence in Sicily of Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera Psyllidae) on Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. Authors record the occurrence in Sicily of the red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera Psyllidae) attacking Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (Myrtaceae). This species, native to Australia, has been first reported for the Palaearctic Region in 2008, when it has been recorded from the Iberian Peninsula. In 2010 it has been found also in Italy. It seems very difficult to control this insect without the diffusion of its specific antagonist Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera Encyrtidae), which resulted very effective in its biological control in North Ame…

Toxics or Lures? Biological and Behavioral Effects of Plant Essential Oils on Tephritidae Fruit Flies.

The family Tephritidae (Diptera) includes species that are highly invasive and harmful to crops. Due to globalization, international trade, and human displacement, their spread is continuously increasing. Unfortunately, the control of tephritid flies is still closely linked to the use of synthetic insecticides, which are responsible for detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Recently, research is looking for alternative and more eco-friendly tools to be adopted in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. In this regard, essential oils (EOs) and their main compounds represent a promising alternative to chemical insecticides. EOs are made up of phytoconstituents formed fro…

Le trappole a feromone per il monitoraggio del punteruolo rosso delle palme

El estado de la infestacion por Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) en Italia y los resultados de las pruebas de cirurgia arborea para el control de palmeras infestadas

Lethal and behavioural effects of a green insecticide against an invasive polyphagous fruit fly pest and its safety to mammals

Abstract Plant essential oil-based insecticides, with special reference to those that may be obtained from largely available biomasses, represent a valuable tool for Integrated Pest Management. However, the sublethal effects and the potential effects on aggressive insect traits of these green insecticides are understudied. Herein, the lethal and sub-lethal effects of the carlina oxide, constituting more than 97% of the whole Carlina acaulis (Asteraceae) root essential oil (EO), were determined against an invasive polyphagous tephritid pest, Ceratitis capitata (medfly). The carlina oxide was formulated in a mucilaginous solution containing carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt, sucrose, and hyd…

Arthropods as biological soil quality indicators in a vineyard under different soil management

Rediscovery of Cerroneuroterus apenninus (Trotter, 1923) (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini) a valid species from Italy with description and neotype designation.

Neuroterus apenninus Trotter, 1923 associated with a Cerris section oak, Quercus cerris L., was rediscovered in Italy in 2017. Alessandro Trotter (1903) described a leaf gall collected on Q. cerris from the Italian Apennines; he did not obtain the gall inductor and ascribed the galls to the genus Neuroterus, based on morphological similarity with other Neuroterus galls. We have found the same gall and obtained the gall inducer. Detailed study of morphological characters of adults revealed that the species belongs to the genus Cerroneuroterus Melika & Pujade-Villar, 2010. The asexual generation of Cerroneuroterus apenninus comb. n. is described for the first time, a neotype is designated…

Effectiveness of clays and copper products in the control of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) in organic orange orchards

Description of Dryocosmus destefanii new species (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini) from Quercus suber L. in Italy

A new species, Dryocosmus destefanii Cerasa & Melika n. sp. associated with a Cerris section oak, Quercus suber L., is described from Italy. Description, diagnosis, host associations and biology for the new species and an illustrated identification key to the Western Palaearctic Dryocosmus species are given. The description is supported by morphological and molecular data.  

Primi risultati sull'efficacia dell'olio minerale e dello spinosad nella lotta a Cydia funebrana in un susineto biologico siciliano

Cydia funebrana (Treitschke) è considerato il fitofago chiave del susineto, soprattutto sulle cultivar cino-giapponesi a maturazione tardiva e nell’agricoltura biologica, a causa della mancanza di prodotti citotropici e ovicidi. Nel 2010 sono state effettuate prove per il contenimento del tortricide per valutare l’efficacia dello Spinosad e dell’olio minerale come prodotto anti-ovideponente. Le prove sono state svolte in un susineto biologico di San Giuseppe Jato (Palermo), di oltre 5 ha, su piante delle cultivar Angeleno, Friar e Stanley. Per ciascuna di esse sono state individuate tre parcelle di 50 piante, marcando al loro interno 10 piante su cui effettuare i rilevamenti; due parcelle s…

Prove di endoterapia preventiva e curativa nei confronti del Punteruolo rosso delle palme nel Comune di Palermo

Determinazione del grado di fitotossicità degli insetticidi impiegati in trattamenti endoterapici su palma delle Canarie

Note sul Punteruolo della palma Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790)in Sicilia (Coleoptera Curculionidae).

Pathogenicity bioassays of isolates of Beauveria bassiana on Rhynchophorus ferrugineus

BACKGROUND The control of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), the main palm pest in the Mediterranean Basin, is problematic because of its biology and the current restrictions in many European countries on the use of chemical insecticides in urban areas. Entomopathogenic fungi have been studied as potential biological control agents, but information on their natural incidence is limited. Strains of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin were isolated from symptomatic insects collected on dead palms, and their pathogenicity against different instars of R. ferrugineus was evaluated in the laboratory. RESULTS The overall percentage of infected insects found in Canary palms was 7%. In laborato…

Primi studi sulla biologia e sul controllo di Cydia funebrana (Treitschke) in susineti biologici siciliani

First studies on biology and control of Cydia funebrana (treitschke) in Sicilian organic plum orchards. Cydia funebrana (Treitschke), considered the key pest in the Sicilian plum orchards. Few studies were carried out in Sicily concerning C. funebrana life cycle, forecasting models and the effectiveness of some products permitted in organic plum orchards. In 2010 researches were carried out in three Sicilian plum orchards, two in Palermo Province (Monreale and San Giuseppe Jato) and one in Agrigento Province (Castrofilippo), in order to monitor the population, to evaluate damage levels caused by the plum moth and to estimate how many generations it could complete by Charmillot’s forecasting…

Risultati preliminari di prove svolte in tunnel del vento sull'attrattività di sostanze di origine vegetale nei confronti di Rhynchophorus ferrugineus

First record of Icerya seychellarum and confirmed occurrence of Aulacaspis tubercularis (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) in Italy

The Seychelles scale, Icerya seychellarum (Westwood, 1855) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae), is reported for the first time in Italy. Moreover, the occurrence of the white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis (Newstead, 1906) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae), firstly reported in 1990 on mango trees growing outdoors in a nursery near Milazzo (Messina province, Sicily), and then intercepted in 2013 on mango plants imported from Florida (USA) to the Botanical Garden in Padova (Italy), is confirmed. Both species were found in two Sicilian mango orchards located in the province of Messina. Their introduction is most likely due to the orchards planting using infested mango nursery pla…

DANNOSITÀ E CONTROLLO DI OPHELIMUS MASKELLI (ASHMEAD) SU EUCALYPTUS CAMALDULENSIS IN VIVAIO

EFFECTIVENESS OF SPINOSAD AND MINERAL OIL BASED COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS ON OVIPOSITION AND EGG HATCHING OF GRAPHOLITA FUNEBRANA TREITSCHKE

Laboratory trials were performed to evaluate the action of spinosad and mineral oil on eggs of Grapholita funebrana Treitschke, the key pest in plum orchards. Fruits of cultivars Angeleno, President and Stanley were used in the trials. The first set of tests was carried out by introducing two mated females of G. funebrana into a cage together with fruits of a single cultivar. The second set of trials tested the three cultivars simultaneously. In all trials, one third of the fruits of each cultivar was treated with mineral oil, another third with spinosad and the final third was left untreated. Treatments were carried out before introducing mated females into the cages. The number of fruits …

Contributo alla definizione delle soglie di dannosità di Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Rhynchota Aleyrodidae) su melone d’inverno in Sicilia

FIRST RECORD IN TUNISIA OF CLOSTEROCERUS CHAMAELEON (GIRAULT) PARASITOID OF THE EUCALYPTUS GALLWASP OPHELIMUS MASKELLI (ASHMEAD) (Hymenoptera Eulophidae)

Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault) (Hymenoptera Eulophidae), parasitoid of the Eucalyptus gall wasp Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera Eulophidae) has been recorded for the first time in Tunisia in July 2007. This record suggests that 14 months after its release in Sicily, in May 2006, it has spread over Sicily Channel.

Biological soil quality in a sustainable vineyard management in South-West of Sicily (Italy)

Release and establishment of Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault) in Sicily for Biological control of Ophelimus maskelli Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), exotic gall wasp on Eucalyptus trees

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IMPACT AND INCIDENCE OF PARASITISM OF PSYLLAEPHAGUS BLITEUS RIEK (HYMENOPTERA ENCYRTIDAE) ON POPULATIONS OF GLYCASPIS BRIMBLECOMBEI MOORE (HEMIPTERA APHALARIDAE) IN MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATIC AREAS

The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera, Aphalaridae), is an Australian native sap-sucking insect pest of eucalypts that has been first reported for the West Palaearctic Region in 2008 and, in 2010, it has been found also in Italy. Subsequently its primary parasitoid, Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), was also detected within the main European and North African infested areas, where no release of the parasitoid was ever performed. This study, carried out in 30 Eucalyptus camaldulensis plantations located along the coast, on the hills and the mountains in Mediterranean climatic areas of Sicily (Italy), aimed to determine the influence of environ…

Punteruolo rosso delle palme: l'emergenza continua

FIRST RECORD IN ITALY OF PSYLLAEPHAGUS BLITEUS RIEK (Hymenoptera Encyrtidae) PARASITOID OF GLYCASPIS BRIMBLECOMBEI MOORE (Hemiptera Psyllidae)

Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera Encyrtidae), parasitoid of the red gum lerp psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera Psyllidae), has been recorded for the first time in Italy in September 2011. The arrival of P. bliteus in Sicily is due to an accidental introduction, probably together with its host, as already happened in New Zealand, Brazil, Spain and Morocco.

Prospettive di controllo dei principali fitofagi di alcune colture ortive nell’agricoltura biologica

Il controllo di Aphis gossypii Glover e Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) su melone d'inverno(Cucumis melo L. var. inodorus) in Sicilia

Carlina acaulis and Trachyspermum ammi essential oils formulated in protein baits are highly toxic and reduce aggressiveness in the medfly, Ceratitis capitata

Abstract Essential oil (EO)-based botanical insecticides are considered a promising option for Integrated Pest Management (IPM). However, the sublethal effects of EO-based insecticides are understudied. No information is available on the potential effects of EO exposure on insect aggressive traits. In this study, the toxicity of two EOs with documented efficacy on insect vectors and agricultural pests, and which were obtained from the roots of silver thistle (Carlina acaulis L., Asteraceae) and seeds (i.e. schizocarps) of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague, Apiaceae), was evaluated against adults of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (medfly), a cosmopolitan fr…

Naturalization and spread of the alien species Ozognathus cornutus (LeConte, 1859) (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Ernobiinae) in Italy

AbstractOzognathus cornutus(LeConte, 1859) (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Ernobiinae), species native to North America, is a saproxylophagous species and is known to feed on decaying tissues within conspicuous galls and on vegetal decaying organic material such as dried fruits or small wood shavings and insect excrements in galleries made by other woodboring species. A few years after the first record in 2011, its naturalization in Italy is here reported. The insect was found as successor in galls ofPsectrosema tamaricis(Diptera Cecidomyiidae),Plagiotrochus gallaeramulorum,Andricus multiplicatusandSynophrus politus(Hymenoptera Cynipidae).The galls seem to have played an important ecological role in…

Revision of the genus Prionotropis Fieber, 1853 (Orthoptera: Pamphagidae: Thrinchinae)

The genus Prionotropis Fieber, 1853 is revised. It is distributed in scattered areas of the Mediterranean region from Turkey in the East to Spain in the West. Overall, seven species are listed, namely P. maculinervis (Stål, 1878) (Turkey; P. urfensis Ramme, 1933 is here considered its synonym), P. willemsorum n. sp. (Greece, Epirus; previously considered P. appula), P. appula (O.G. Costa, 1836) (South Italy), P. hystrix (Germar, 1817) (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Croatia, North-East Italy; P. hystrix sontiaca is here synonymized), P. rhodanica Uvarov, 1923 resurrected status (France, Crau, Rhone delta; here considered a valid species), P. azami Uvarov, 1923 n. status (France, Var regi…

GALLIGENI INTERESSANTI E NUOVI PER LA FAUNA ITALIANA

Biological activity of Bacillus spp. evaluated on eggs and larvae of red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus

This study was conducted to characterize the Bacillus populations associated with dead Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, to develop a biological control for the red palm weevil. Dead adult beetles, collected throughout Sicily, were used for isolating internal and external spore forming bacteria (SFB) microbiota. The isolates, preliminarily allotted to the Bacillaceae family, were tested at 4 concentrations (103 to 106 CFU/mL) for their ability to inhibit hatching of eggs of R. ferrugineus and were used at 106 CFU/mL to monitor their insecticidal activity against 10 day-old larvae. Total amounts of SFB measured outside the skeleton and in the inners part of the beetles were 5.59-6.94 and 5.17-7.05 …

Il caolino e la mosca: come controllare quella dell’olivo e quella della frutta

A taxonomic revision of the Palaearctic genus Roeseliana (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Tettigoniinae: Platycleidini): a case of ongoing Mediterranean speciation

The genus Roeseliana presently includes 10 specific or subspecific taxa, but following different authors some of them are considered synonyms. However, the authors who have treated these taxa often did not agree with the synonymies, in particular, concerning some taxa, such as R. fedtschenkoi (Saussure, 1874) and R. roeselii (Hagenbach, 1822). The present authors examined hundreds of specimens of different taxa, for the first time were able to obtain the translation from the Russian of the description of R. fedtschenkoi, compared the main morphological characters used to discriminate different taxa, biometrics, bioacoustics and genetics of some taxa. This allowed them to conclude that it is…

First record of the non-pollinating fig wasp Odontofroggatia galili Wiebes, 1980 from Malta (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Agaonidae)

Sustainable Weed, Disease and Pest Management in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

As for all other crops, in MAPs as well, weeds, diseases and pests are important yield-reducing factors, which may severely curtain biomass production and, that is maybe more important, may affect several qualitative aspects of production. Research about this topic is generally lacking, for two main reasons: the first is that MAPs are generally grown on rather limited areas, and the incidence of specific pests and diseases rarely takes a relevance outside rather narrow boundaries. The second reason is that the economical importance of MAPs is much lower than that ascribed to the “major” crops, which the bigger efforts of research are addressed to. In the changing scenario of latter years, h…

Members of the WRKY gene family are upregulated in Canary palms attacked by Red Palm Weevil

The Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is one of the major pests affecting several palm species all around the world. The aim of this work was to identify palm genes that are responsive to RPW infestations as a valuable diagnostic tool to detect the insect attack. We have analysed a total of 15 genes that were divided in two subsets: (1) 7 genes previously linked with RPW attacks, but not involved in biotic stress responses, and (2) 8 genes encoding members of the WRKY family, a class of transcription factors well-known to be linked with both abiotic and biotic stress responses. The analysis was conducted on 4-year-old Canary palms comparing uninfested plants and infested pla…

Andricus cydoniae Giraud, 1859 Junior Synonym of Cynips coni-fica Hartig, 1843, as Experimentally Demonstrated (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini)

We demonstrated the life cycle closure of Cynips conifica Hartig, 1843 (presently Andricus conificus), previously supposed on the basis of molecular data, and the identity of the sexual generation, through laboratory experiments. As a consequence, Andricus cydoniae Giraud, 1859 became a junior synonym of A. conificus (Hartig, 1843). We provide illustrations and a diagnosis for adults and galls, observations on biology, and information on distribution. Moreover, as sexual galls of A. conificus cannot be distinguished from those of Andricus multiplicatus, a detailed comparison between sexual galls and adults of these two species is reported.

Developing green insecticides to manage olive fruit flies? Ingestion toxicity of four essential oils in protein baits on Bactrocera oleae

Abstract Effective and eco-friendly plant-borne insecticides for developing lure and kill control tools against tephritid flies are scarce. Herein, the activity of four essential oils (EOs) obtained from two Apiaceae, Pimpinella anisum L. and Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague, and two Lamiaceae, Thymbra spicata L. and Ocimum gratissimum L., was evaluated against the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), a key pest of olive groves. The EO chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. The four EOs incorporated in protein baits were tested for ingestion toxicity on B. oleae adults, mimicking lure and kill assays. Results showed con…

PRIMI DATI SULLA DANNOSITÀ E SUL CONTROLLO DI OPHELIMUS MASKELLI ASHMEAD SU EUCALYPTUS CAMALDULENSIS DEHN. IN VIVAIO

Adattamento dell’Arvicola del Savi Microtus savii (de Sélys Longchamps) alle mutate tecniche colturali in un vigneto siciliano

Strelitzia nicolai (Strelitziaceae), new host plant for Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera Curculionidae) in Sicily.

The Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) (Coleoptera Curculionidae), is con- sidered the main palm pest in the Mediterranean basin. This species is native to Southeastern Asia and is now widely spread throughout Oceania, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean (MURPHY & BRISCOE, 1999; EPPO, 2008, 2012; CHEBBI et al., 2011; RODA et al., 2011). Moreover, in North America the pest was found in California, where it is now considered eradicated (CDFA, 2010; IPPC, 2015). In Italy the first registered sightings were on nursery palms in Tuscany (SACCHETTI et al., 2005, 2006) and on ornamental palms in urban areas in Sicily (LONGO & TAMBURINO, 2005; LO VERDE & MASSA, 2007). Afterwards,…

Le palme colpite da punteruolo risanate con la dendrochirurgia

The role of native flower visitors in pollinating Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., naturalized in Sicily

Abstract The role of insects in pollination and consequently in fruit set and quality was assessed in two commercial orchards of the cactus pear, Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., in Agrigento Province, Sicily. In 1997, insects visiting flowers were sampled during May–June (the first bloom) and July (the second bloom, induced by the “scozzolatura” practise). More than 50 insect species belonging to 10 orders were collected in May–June, while only five species of Hymenoptera Apoidea were collected in July. The quality of fruits arising from the second bloom showed that Hymenoptera alone were able to guarantee effective pollination. To verify the role of insects in pollination in 1996 (during …

Dispersal rate and parasitism by Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault) after its release in Sicily to control Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae)

Abstract Spread of the exotic parasitoid Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault) and its parasitism on the Eucalyptus gall wasp Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) were studied in Sicily after C. chamaeleon introduction in May 2006. Parasitoid spread was evaluated by sampling sites at increasing distances from the five release sites. C. chamaeleon quickly established and spread; within 5 months, it caused 62% parasitism at release sites and 38% parasitism at sites 2 km from release sites. One year after its introduction (spring 2007), C. chamaeleon was detected more than 50 km distant from release sites. By winter 2007–08, the parasitoid was recovered throughout Sicily and in …

Valutazione dell’attività antagonista di Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hym. Encyrtidae) e caratterizzazione molecolare delle popolazioni.

L’attività di controllo operata da Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek, nei confronti dell’ospite specifico Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), la psilla dal follicolo bianco ceroso, è stata valutata in Campania attraverso il monitoraggio dei livelli di infestazione di Eucalyptus spp. e ponendo a confronto questi ultimi con dati raccolti prima della diffusione accidentale dell’Encirtide avvenuta in Campania nel 2012. I dati relativi al livello di infestazione della psilla, espressi come media del numero di psille non parassitizzate per foglia, rilevati durante il 2014-2015 sono stati posti a paragone con quelli rilevati nel 2011, e quindi in assenza di attività di controllo speci…

Impiego dei nematodi entomopatogeni in ambiente urbano per il controllo del Punteruolo rosso

Prove di lotta a Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) con argille e prodotti rameici in aranceti biologici siciliani

Relazioni intra-associative in ambiente forestale: il caso dei parassitoidi oofagi della Processionaria del Pino

DIFFUSIONE DI CLOSTEROCERUS CHAMAELEON (GIRAULT) INTRODOTTO IN SICILIA, SARDEGNA E CALABRIA PER IL CONTROLLO BIOLOGICO DI OPHELIMUS MASKELLI (ASHMEAD) (HYMENOPTERA, EULOPHIDAE), GALLIGENO ESOTICO SUGLI EUCALIPTI

Ophelimus maskelli, eulofide galligeno di Eucalyptus spp., introdotto in Italia nel 2000, provoca disseccamento e caduta anticipata delle foglie attaccate. Nel 2003 è stato avviato dal Volcani Center (ARO, Israele) e dal CSIRO (Australia) un programma di controllo biologico, introducendo nel 2005 in Israele il parassitoide eulofide Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault). Nella primavera 2006 l’istituzione israeliana ha inviato al Dip. SENFIMIZO di Palermo foglie di Eucalyptus con migliaia di galle parassitizzate da C. chamaeleon. Dopo i necessari test sulla valutazione del rischio ecologico dell’introduzione, nella prima metà di maggio il parassitoide è stato rilasciato in Sicilia in cinque euc…

Potentiality of extensive green roofs soils in sustaining Mediterranean annual dry grassland of the EU-Habitat 6220*

Nature-based solutions are defined as living solutions inspired by, continuously supported by and using nature (Final Report of the Horizon 2020 Expert Group on 'Nature-Based Solutions and Re-Naturing Cities'). In line with this statement and according to the European research and innovation policy agenda, green roofs (GRs) represent a fundamental requisite for urban sustainable development, being potential stepping stones for plants and animals, including those characterizing habitats of Community interest. In our work, we tested the suitability of green roofs in hosting Mediterranean annual dry grassland of the 92/43 ECC Habitat 6220* (pseudo-steppe with grasses and annuals of the Thero-B…

Influence of Distance from the Host on Parasitisation by Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, is considered the main olive pest worldwide, and has been the target of biological control programmes through the release of the braconid parasitoid Psyttalia concolor. Laboratory tests were performed to evaluate the influence of distance from the host on parasitisation, placing larvae of the substitute host Ceratitis capitata at seven distances (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 mm) and four different time periods (7, 15, 30, 60 min). Moreover, field collected olives of Ogliarola Barese cultivar infested by B. oleae were exposed to P. concolor females to confirm its ability to parasitise B. oleae in small olives. Psyttalia concolor oviposition was inhibited a…

Il risanamento meccanico delle palme attaccate dal punteruolo rosso.