Phytoseiid mites from Basilicata region (Southern Italy): species diversity, redescription of Typhloseiulus arzakanicus Arutunjan and a dichotomic key of the genus Typhloseiulus Chant and McMurtry 1994 (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae)

A survey of phytoseiid mites was carried out in the Basilicata region (Southern Italy) between 1976 and 2014 on wild and cultivated plants. A total of 38 species belonging to eleven genera and two subgenera were found on 59 plant species. The most common species was Euseius finlandicus (Oudemans) (39%) followed by Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) exhilaratus Ragusa (32.2%), Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans) (27.1%), Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) cryptus (Athias-Henriot) (23.7%). Typhloseiulus arzakanicus (Arutunjan), found for first time in Italy, is redescribed here, while the male of this species is described for the first time. A dichotomic key of the species belonging to the genus Typhloseiulus …

Predation of Typhlodromus longilaterus Athias-Henriot (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) females on eggs and juveniles of the tetranychid mites Tetranychus urticae (Koch) and Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acariformes, Tetranychidae)

Typhlodromus longilaterus is a generalist phytoseiid mite described by Athias-Henriot in 1957 and commonly found in Israel on spontaneous herbaceous plants. As very little is known about this species, the present study reports preliminary results on the predation capacity of phytoseiid females on eggs and juveniles of two tetranychid mites very common in the Mediterranean area, Tetranychus urticae and Panonychus citri. After 24 hours the phytoseiid females preyed on 15% of offered eggs of both tetranychids, while the prey ratio was higher on T. urticae eggs after this period (33.4% and 33.5% vs 20.8% and 16.2% after 2 and 3 days for T. urticae and P. citri respectively). The phytoseiid show…

Osservazioni sull’acarocenosi dell’agrumeto e tecniche di controllo di Acari fitofagi, di Phyllocnistis citrella e di Aspidiotus nerii.

<p class="Body"><strong>Biological parameters of <em>Neoseiulus longilaterus</em> (Athias-Henriot) (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) fed on prey and pollen in laboratory conditions</strong></p>

Tetranychus urticae is the most important pest on different crops worldwide. Search for endemic phytoseiid mites co-occurring with the above pest, which might be good candidates as biocontrol agents, represents the policy followed by most scientists in recent years. The aim of the present work was to assess the various biological and demographic parameters of Neoseiulus longilaterus, associated with T. urticae on weeds, in laboratory conditions using the latter tetranychid and pollen of Oxalis pes-caprae as food. The results showed a better performance of the predator on the prey as regards the postembryonic development (7.63 and 8.18 days for prey and pollen respectively) and the demograph…

Generic concept of the phytoseiids (Acari: Phytoseiidae) according to Athias-Henriot

The economic importance of the Phytoseiidae motivated many scientists to work on the systematics of this family. One of them was the French acarologist Claire Athias-Henriot. In her first work, she tackled the question of supraspecific groupings within this family from an evolutionistic point of view, and suggested a system for numbering dorsal shield setae, that could be applied to both hypotrichous and holotrichous forms. She also looked for other characters, such as the ratios of the distance between the insertions of some setae on dorsal and sternal shields, the presence of macrosetae on legs, and the length/width ratio of the ventrianal shield. Following Dosse (1957; 1958) who used the…

Predatory performance of two Mediterranean phytoseiid species, Typhlodromus laurentii and Typhlodromus rhenanoides fed on eggs of Panonychus citri and Tetranychus urticae

Laboratory trials were carried out to determine the predatory capacity of two endemic to the Mediterranean area phytoseiid mites Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) laurentii Ragusa et Swirski and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) rhenanoides Athias-Henriot (Parasitiformes Phytoseiidae) upon the eggs of the two most important tetranychids damaging Citrus orchards in Sicily: Tetranychus urticae Koch and Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acariformes Tetranychidae). The research aimed at investigating the predatory behaviour of the phytoseiids upon the prey stage considered the most vulnerable. The predation rate of the two phytoseiid species was different on the two prey eggs, both in every observation day and fo…

Observations on population dynamics of leafhoppers in Western Sicily vineyards

From 2007 to 2009 field observations were carried out in two vineyards (organically and conventionally managed) in Menfi (Agrigento province, Sicily). Population dynamics of two leafhoppers, Jacobiasca lybica (cotton leafhopper) and Zygina rhamni were followed by chromotropic traps and leaf observation in field. Both species were constantly present in vineyards. Z. rhamni did not register statistical differences between the two fields, while J. lybica was mostly present in the conventionally managed field. In this last vineyard for two consecutive years (2007 and 2008) J. lybica population exceeded the intervention threshold of 0.5 leafhopper/leaf. On the other hand, in the organically mana…

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…

The concept of genus within the family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Parasitiformes): historical review and phylogenetic analyses of the genus Neoseiulus Hughes

Systematic studies on the family Phytoseiidae were first conducted at the beginning of the 20th century but increased greatly after the Second World War. Various classifications have been proposed based on different characters such as: dorsal, ventral, and leg chaetotaxy; the shape of ventrianal and sternal shields; the shape of the insemination apparatus (spermatheca) and spermatodactylus; the number of teeth on the movable digit of chelicera; and dorsal and ventral adenotaxy. The genus concepts developed over the last five decades can be divided into two main categories or hypotheses. The first, supported mainly by Chant and McMurtry, focuses on dorsal and ventral chaetotaxy, and the gene…

Osservazioni su un caso di controllo biologico naturale di Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acariformes, Tetranychidae) su fragola in serra a conduzione biologica

I fitofarmaci di origine vegetale: cenni storici, attualità e prospettive di sviluppo

Analisi dello stato di conservazione degli habitat Natura 2000 nel Sito di Interesse Comunitario “ITA040005 - Monte Cammarata, Contrada Salaci”, Monti Sicani (Sicilia Centro-occidentale)

Studi sulla capacità predatoria di due acari fitoseidi (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) a diverse densità di popolazione di Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acariformes, Tetranychidae).

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

Side effect of plant extracts on Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae)

First record ofTetranychus ludeniZacher (Acariformes: Tetranychidae) in Italy

Tetranychus ludeni Zacher is reported here for the first time in Italy. It was found on some cultivated and spontaneous plants, often associated with Tetranychus urticae Koch. Four phytoseiid mites, widely distributed in the Mediterranean countries, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, Iphiseius degenerans Berlese, Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) kerkirae Swirski and Ragusa, and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) transvaalensis Nesbitt, were found associated with T. ludeni In Sicily. The morphological characters for the identification of the four Italian Tetranychus species are also reported.

LE SOSTANZE DI ORIGINE VEGETALE NEL CONTROLLO DEGLI ACARI FITOFAGI E GLI EFFETTI COLLATERALI SUI FITOSEIDI

I metaboliti secondari con caratteristiche biocide presenti in molte piante, possono rappresentare una buona scelta per il controllo delle popolazioni dei fitofagi nei processi agricoli ecocompatibili. In particolare nelle coltivazioni gestite in regime di agricoltura biologica o biodinamica, il controllo degli acari fitofagi risulta attualmente legato solo a tecniche di controllo biologico o tecniche colturali con risultati non sempre soddisfacenti. Nella presente revisione vengono riportate notizie sull’azione di diversi estratti vegetali nei confronti di acari fitofagi, nonché notizie sugli effetti collaterali di questi estrati nei confronti di alcune specie di acari predatori. Botanical…

LA SISTEMATICA DEI PHYTOSEIIDAE: CENNI STORICI, SITUAZIONE ATTUALE E PROSPETTIVE DI SVILUPPO

La sistematica della famiglia Phytoseiidae ha una lunga e controversa storia. Tra le cause principali di queste controversie possiamo ricordare le piccole dimensioni di questi acari e le conseguenti difficoltà di individuare caratteri morfologici universalmente validi da adoperare in una classificazione sistematica che rispecchi anche la filogenesi. Viene riportato in seguito un excursus storico della sistematica di questi piccoli predatori focalizzando l’attenzione alle due più importanti teorie di organizzazione dei taxa nell’ambito della famiglia che si sono delineate nel tempo e attualmente vengono adottate dai diversi sistematici. L’autore ha cercato di individuare i punti deboli di en…

Effects of a mixture of vegetable and essential oils and fatty acid potassium salts on Tetranychus urticae and Phytoseiulus persimilis.

Laboratory trials were carried out to evaluate the toxicity and the influence of a commercial mixture of vegetal, essential oils, and potassium salts of fatty acids (Acaridoil 13SL) on the population growth rate (r(i)--instantaneous rate of increase) of two mite species, the phytophagous Tetranychus urticae Koch and the predator Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot. A residue of 1.3 mg/cm(2) of pesticide solution was harmless for Ph. persimilis eggs, while a moderate mortality of eggs and of larvae from treated eggs of T. urticae, was observed (53.8%). The pesticide also caused a delay in the postembryonic development of the tetranychid. Moreover, 83.4% mortality was reported for treated …

Predation of two Mediterranean phytoseiid species (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) upon eggs of tetranychid mites (Acariformes, Tetranychidae)

Laboratory trials were carried out to verify the predatory capacity of two generic phytoseiid predators upon eggs of the two most important tetranychids damaging Citrus orchards in Sicily: Tetranychus urticae and Panonychus citri. Both Typhlodromus laurentii and Typhlodromus rhenanoides are autochthonous and common species on spontaneous and cultivated plants. The research aimed at investigating the predatory behaviour of the phytoseiids upon the prey stage considered more vulnerable. The predation rate of the two phytoseiids was different on the two prey eggs, both on each observation day and for the whole observation period. Both phytoseiids clearly preferred T. urticae eggs, on which the…

On the perception of leaf morphology and visible light by Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acariformes, Tetranychidae)

The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae is one of the most polyphagous and most damaging pests worldwide. The behaviour of the mite differs on its various host plants and this could influence crop defence strategies. We investigated the perception of leaf morphology by T. urticae in relation to the effects of visible light on the selection of sites on which females prefer to live and feed. Mite females chose the shaded surface when smooth and glabrous lemon leaves were offered as a surface for living and feeding, showing a photophobic behaviour. However, they clearly preferred the abaxial surface of bean leaves regardless of the presence or absence of visible light. As no difference…

Laboratory evaluation of the effect of plant extracts on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acariformes, Tetranychidae)

Acetone extracts of Annona cherimola Mill., Melia azedarach L., Artemisia absinthium L. and Quassia spp., were tested in laboratory trials on young females of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acariformes,Tetranychidae). In the post-infestation tests, extracts of Melia and Annona caused a high mortality of the target females (84% and 96% for Melia and Annona, respectively) after 24 hours and 100% for both extracts after 48 hours. On the other hand Artemisia extracts caused 84% mortality of females after 10 days even if the oviposition rate was statistically lower than in the controls (2.5 and 6.7 eggs/female/day for Artemisia and controls, respectively).

Grapevine pests in Sicily.

More than twenty phytophagous species are reported associated with Sicilian vineyards. Only a quarter of them have to be considered of economic importance. Among moths, the grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) is certainly the most frequent species. It is considered the key pest on both table and wine grapes, while the incidence of the grape berry moth Eupoecilia ambiguella (Hübner) is scarce and linked to particular biotopes. Three to four flights are reported for the grapevine moth from February-March to October-November, while no data are available for the grape berry moth. Damages caused by L. botrana are strictly linked to the climatic trends during the summer period…

Integrative taxonomy demonstrates the unexpected synonymy between two predatory mite species: Cydnodromus idaeus and C. picanus (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Contact: tixier@supagro.inra.fr; Species of the mite family Phytoseiidae are well known as predators of mite pests all over the world. Their identification is thus of great interest for biological control. The specimens examined in this study belong to the species Cydnodromus idaeus (described from Brazil) and C. picanus (described from Chile). They were collected together on the same plant in Argentina. These species are mainly differentiated by the presence/absence of the dorsal solenostomes (gland openings) gd2. Some morphometric differences were observed between the Argentinian specimens and the type material of C. idaeus and C. picanus; however, they were not sufficient to support a sp…

Functional response of Phytoseiulus longipes Evans and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias- Henriot (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) to its prey Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acariformes, Tetranychidae)

Il controllo degli insetti fitofagi nell'olivicoltura biologica.

Puntuali strategie di controllo, campionamenti personalizzati e maggiore consapevolezza entomologica, insita nell’approccio del coltivatore biologico, consentono ottimi risultati quali-quantitativi ed economici nella difesa fitosanitaria in olivicoltura “organica” e in qualsiasi area olivicola italiana. Le minori spese fitosanitarie rispetto all’olivicoltura convenzionale inducono un sempre maggior numero di produttori alla conversione verso il bio. Gli autori illustrano le metodologie ammesse e consigliabili in regime di agricoltura biologica, per il controllo dei principali insetti fitofagi del olivo nel Mediterraneo, con particolare riferimento alla mosca delle oilve, Bactrocera oleae, e…

Influenza di diverse tipologie di conduzione aziendale sulla composizione specifica e la dinamica delle popolazioni dei fitoseidi associati agli agrumi.

Surveys of phytoseiid mites were carried out in three lemon orchards in Sicily. The three orchards had different farm management and different environmental conditions: A) traditionally farm managed; B) organic farm managed; C) in state of neglect. The aim was to determine the specific composition of the above different types of orchards and to compare their population dynamics in order to obtain information on the influence of the different agricultural practices on the phytoseiid fauna. After two years of weekly samplings it can be assessed that no substancial differences were found in the phytoseiid specific composition among the three types of orchards. On the other hand, differences, s…

Effects of Melia azedarach L. extracts on Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acariformes, Tetranychidae) in laboratory trials.

On the effect of plant extracts on Phytoseiulus persimilis (Athias-Henriot) (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae)

Effect of preys and pollens on various biological parameters of the generalist Cydnodromus californicus (McGregor) (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae)

Valutazione dell’infestazione di Lobesia botrana (dennis et Schiffermüller) in funzione alle differenze territoriali e alla suscettibilità varietale

A three years study (2008-2010) was carried out in two organic managed vineyards in western Sicily in order to verify both the influence of different cultivars and microclimatic conditions on grape moth infestation and on mould infections of grapes. Observations were done on two autochtonous (Inzolia and Catarratto) and four international (Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot) cultivars. Results showed a different degree of infested grapes among the different cultivars in both farms but also a different level of infestation between the two farms for a same cultivar. Chardonnay was the most infested cultivar by the grape moth larvae, while Merlot was the less infested. Botrytis c…

Considerations on systematics of the Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata), with definition of a new species group and description of a new species

The authors debate some aspects of the classification of the Phytoseiidae, especially the subfamily Typhlodrominae. Within this taxon, the rhenanus group is the most numerous species group of Typhlodromus (Anthoseius), with 206 nominal species. Detailed observation of morphological characters of the species in this group showed a considerable variation, suggesting the presence of different natural lineages. The discovery of the new species here described, Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) sandrae Ragusa & Tsolakis n. sp., allowed the definition of the new porathi species group. Definition of the new species group, a dichotomous key as well as the description of the new species are given.

Control of Bactrocera oleae by low environmental impact methods: NPC methodology to evaluate the efficacy of lure-and-kill method and copper hydroxide treatments

The NonParametric Combination (NPC) methodology is proposed to verify the influence of the lure-and-kill method, using Ecotraps (Vioryl SA), on the distribution of Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera Tephritidae) infestation in olive groves, and the integration of this method with copper hydroxide sprayings. This approach does not require the verification of any rigid assumption as many parametric methods do. Results of field trials indicate a strict relationship among the efficiency of the lure-and-kill method on time, dimension of the field, and population density of the olive fly. Moreover, the lure-and-kill method alone seems insufficient to provide an efficient control of the olive fly p…

Biological and life table parameters of Typhlodromus laurentii and Iphiseius degenerans (Acari, Phytoseiidae) fed on Panonychus citri and pollen of Oxalis pes-caprae under laboratory conditions

Typhlodromus laurentii and Iphiseius degenerans are two generalist phytoseiid mites, broadly spread in the Mediterranean area, especially in citrus orchards. In the present work we report results on various biological and life table parameters of the two phytoseiids, fed on pollen of Oxalis pes-caprae and various stages of the tetranychid Panonychus citri. Iphiseius degenerans had the shortest post embryonic development (6.53 days), the highest oviposition rate (1.83 eggs/female/day) and the shortest mean time between eggs laid (0.55 day) on Oxalis pollen, whereas the two food types did not influence these parameters in T. laurentii. However, Oxalis pollen showed a positive effect on the su…

Effects of some botanical pesticides on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acariformes, Tetranychidae) and its predator Cydnodromus californicus (McGregor) (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) in laboratory trials

PHYTOSEIIDAE (ACARI: PARASITIFORMES) OF SICILY (ITALY): SPECIES DIVERSITY AFTER HALF A CENTURY OF SURVEYS

Gli acari fitoseiidi sono divenuti interesse di studio in Sicilia a partire dai primi anni '70. Ricerche costanti nel tempo hanno arricchito le conoscenze sulla fauna siciliana con la segnalazione di 48 specie valide, cinque delle quali nuove per la Scienza. Nel presente lavoro riassumiamo i dati raccolti in circa cinquant'anni, con l’aggiunta di 12 nuove segnalazioni per la fauna isolana. Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) cryptus Athias-Henriot   stata confermata la specie pi  frequente (39,4%), seguita da Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) exhilaratus Ragusa (32,6%), Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans) (22,9%), Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) rhenanoides Athias-Henriot (19,4%) (18,9%). Alcune specie hanno mostr…

Population dynamics and specific composition of phytoseiid mites (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) associated with lemon trees in three differently managed orchards in eastern Sicily.

Surveys of phytoseiid mites were carried out in three lemon orchards in Sicily. The three orchards had different farm management and different environmental conditions: A) traditionally farm managed; B) organic farm managed; C) in state of neglect. The aim was to determine the specific composition of the above different types of orchards and to compare their population dynamics in order to obtain information on the influence of the different agricultural practices on the phytoseiid fauna. After two years of weekly samplings it can be assessed that no substancial differences were found in the phytoseiid specific composition among the three types of orchards. On the other hand, differences, s…

On the identity of Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman 1948) (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae): redescription of the species and description of the new species Neoseiulus garmani

ABSTRACTNeoseiulus fallacis (Garman) is a broadly commercialised phytoseiid mite used in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes especially in northern and southern America. However, its taxonomic status was, until now, equivocal because no redescription based on type material had ever been made. The authors redescribe N. fallacis from type material in Garman’s collection, designating the lectotype and paralectotypes for the species. Moreover, a new species of the fallacis complex, discovered among the fallacis type material, is described and named N. garmani sp. nov. in honour of Philip Garman.

Evaluation of infestation by Lobesia botrana (Dennis et Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) and its relation to territorial differences and cultivar susceptibility

A three year study (2008-2010) was carried out in two organically managed vineyards in western Sicily to verify both the influence of different cultivars and microclimatic conditions on grape moth infestation and on mould infections of grapes. Observations were done on two autochthonous cultivars (Inzolia and Catarratto) and four international ones (Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot). Results showed a different degree of infested grapes among the different cultivars in both farms but also a different level of infestation between the two farms for the same cultivar. Chardonnay was the most infested cultivar by the grape moth larvae, while Merlot was the less infested one. Botr…

<p class="HeadingRunIn"><strong>Considerations on systematics of the Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata), with definition of a new species group and description of a new species</strong></p>

The authors debate some aspects of the classification of the Phytoseiidae, especially the subfamily Typhlodrominae. Within this taxon, the rhenanus group is the most numerous species group of Typhlodromus (Anthoseius), with 206 nominal species. Detailed observation of morphological characters of the species in this group showed a considerable variation, suggesting the presence of different natural lineages. The discovery of the new species here described, Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) sandrae Ragusa & Tsolakis n. sp., allowed the definition of the new porathi species group. Definition of the new species group, a dichotomous key as well as the description of the new species are given.

Effects of fatty acid potassium salts on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acariformes, Tetranychidae) and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae).

Influenza di alcuni fattori colturali ed ambientali sull’andamento e la distribuzione spaziale dell’infestazione di Lobesia botrana (Den. & Schif.)

Osservazioni preliminari sulla tecnica attratticida e sugli effetti della sua combinazione con altre tecniche di controllo di Bactrocera oleae Gmelin

Behavioural responses of two phytoseiid mites (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) to different densities of the prey Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acariformes, Tetranychidae)

L’acarofauna utile (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) associata alle specie forestali del sito Natura 2000 “Bosco di S. Adriano”

Within the acarofauna present in ecosystems, the Phytoseiidae family has a relevant role as it includes species considered as the most important biocontrol agents of phytophagous mites. Their specific composition in various habitats is influenced by numerous factors both biotics and abiotics, while the number of species increases if the complexity of the ecosystem increases. In order to know the specific composition of phytoseiid mites in two natural habitats and to check possible changes in a near future, a survey of phytoseiid mites was carried out in a Natura 2000 location S. Adriano woods (Sicily). This research was done within the project ManagMED “Integrated development and management…

Osservazioni sulla dinamica di popolazione di due cicaline ampelofaghe nella Sicilia occidentale

Observations on population dynamics of leafhoppers in Western Sicily vineyards From 2007 to 2009 field observations were carried out in two vineyards (organically and conventionally managed) in Menfi (Agrigento province, Sicily). Population dynamics of two leafhoppers, Jacobiasca lybica (cotton leafhopper) and Zygina rhamni were followed by chromotropic traps and leaf observation in field. Both species were constantly present in vineyards. Z. rhamni did not register statistical differences between the two fields, while J. lybica was mostly present in the conventionally managed field. In this vineyard for two consecutive years (2007 and 2008) J. lybica population exceeded the intervention th…

Influenza della tecnica della cattura massale sulla distribuzione dell’infestazione di Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera, Tephritidae) e osservazioni sulla sua integrazione con trattamenti a base di idrossido di rame. ., Campobasso 13-18 giu 2007: 238

Incidence of grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Den. & Schif.) on occurrence of ochratoxin A in grapes

Observations were carried out in an organic vineyard (cv malvasia di candia), at salemi (sicily), during 2006-2007, in order to verify the influence of grapevine moth lobesia botrana (den. & schif.) on presence of ochratoxin a (ota) in bunches at harvest time. a percentage of 12.98% of bunches were attacked by grape moth during 2006, while 8.65% of them were infected by grey mould and sour bunch rot (5.77% and 2.88% respectivelly). analyses carried out on 12.98% infested bunches, showed a level of 20 μg/kg of ota, while on intact samples 0.04 μg/kg of toxin was registered. During 2007, infestation of bunches by grape moth was very low (2.05%), due to the particular climatic conditions, and …

The concept of genus within the family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Parasitiformes): historical review and phylogenetic analyses of the genus Neoseiulus Hughes

Systematic studies on the family Phytoseiidae were first conducted at the beginning of the 20th century but increased greatly after the Second World War. Various classifications have been proposed based on different characters such as: dorsal, ventral, and leg chaetotaxy; the shape of ventrianal and sternal shields; the shape of the insemination apparatus (spermatheca) and spermatodactylus; the number of teeth on the movable digit of chelicera; and dorsal and ventral adenotaxy. The genus concepts developed over the last five decades can be divided into two main categories or hypotheses. The first, supported mainly by Chant and McMurtry, focuses on dorsal and ventral chaetotaxy, and the gene…

Influenza dell’altitudine e di due tecniche agronomiche sull’infestazione e i danni indiretti causati da Lobesia botrana (denis et Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera, tortricidae)

Two years (2008-2009) field observations were carried out to evaluate the effects of altitude, of kaolin application and of early leaf thinning practice on the infestation level and damages caused by grape moth Lobesia botrana. The difference of 80 m. a.s.l. significantly influenced the infestation level of grape moth, which was lower, of about 20%, at the higher altitude. The early leaf thinning practice did not influence the grape moth infestation nor the presence of sour bunch rot and grey mould on grapes. On the other hand, kaolin sprayings significantly reduced the infestation level in both altitudes (from 11 to 22%) as well as the presence of sour bunch rot and fungi. However, the per…

Evaluation of a mixture of caraway oil and fatty acid potassium salts on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acariformes, Tetranychidae)in laboratory trials.