bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Scientific Literature and Methods for Production of Factitious Hosts for Use in Mass Rearing of Trichogramma spp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in the Former Soviet Union, the United States, Western Europe and China
Authors: Greenberg S. M. , Morrison R. K. , Nordlund Donald A. , King E. G.
Published: September 2017

Trichogramma spp. are important biological control agents for lepidopterous pests. Insectaries for mass rearing them, using factitious hosts, have been constructed in many countries. Selection of factitious hosts is based on the simplicity of their mass production, mechanization of rearing processes, and cost of production compared to that of utilizing target pest eggs. Scientific literature and personal experiences with the techniques used for production of factitious hosts for Trichogramma spp. in the former Soviet Union, the United States, Western Europe, and China are presented.
An Artificial Diet for Larvae of Calosoma sycophanta (Coleoptera: Carabidae), a Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Predator
Authors: Weseloh Ronald M.
Published: September 2017

A newly-developed larval diet for Calosoma sycophanta L. consists of beef liver and chicken meat. Larvae reared individually on this diet develop at about the same rate and have the same survival as those fed gypsy moth pupae, Lymantria dispar L., the usual prey of the beetle. However, adults of diet-reared larvae were significantly smaller than adults of larvae reared on gypsy moth pupae. When reared in groups on the diet, beetles were significantly smaller and did not survive as well as those fed gypsy moth pupae. This diet, or a variation thereof, may be useful as part of a program to rear the beetle inexpensively.
Inundative Release of Archytas marmoratus (Diptera: Tachinidae) Against the Corn Earworm and Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Whorl-Stage Corn
Authors: Proshold F. I. , Gross H. R. , Carpenter J. E.
Published: September 2017

A 3-yr pilot test was conducted to determine the feasibility of controlling early-season populations of corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), by augmentative releases of the tachinid parasitoid Archytas marmoratus (Townsend). Percentage parasitism of corn earworm larvae was increased to 42% in non-isolated fields of whorl-stage corn and >90% in isolated fields by inundative releases (≈1500 A. marmoratus ♀♀ per ha per week). Fall armyworm larvae were parasitized at a much lower level than corn earworm larvae. In a contiguous corn growing area, there was a positive correlation between density of corn earworm larvae and percentage parasitism within 0.8 km of the release field. The field with the greatest larval density and percentage parasitism of corn earworm larvae was the one farthest from the release site, indicating good host finding capability by A. marmoratus. These results show that inundative releases of this parasitoid could become an important component of integrated management strategies against early-season populations of corn earworm and fall armyworm. The high percentage of superparasitism in corn earworm larvae suggests that the release rate of A. marmoratus will need to be adjusted to host larval density.
Blister Beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) Occurring in Montana Alfalfa
Authors: Blodgett Sue L. , Denke Patricia M.
Published: September 2017

Blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) may be an important pest of alfalfa that reduces the utility and value of forage rather than dry matter yield. Crop utility is compromised because of the threat of toxicity to livestock, particularly horses, if they are fed alfalfa hay that is contaminated with cantharidin. The chemical toxin, cantharidin, is contained in the hemolymph of blister beetles and may contaminate forage directly by beetles killed during harvest and incorporated into baled hay or indirectly by transfer of hemolymph from crushed beetles to forage. Risk of blister beetle contamination varies with blister beetle species and occurrence. Species composition and seasonal occurrence of blister beetles in Montana alfalfa was determined using two approaches: (1) archival information from pinned specimens maintained in the Montana Entomology Collection, and (2) a survey of alfalfa fields in Montana. Label information of museum specimens revealed Epicauta fabricii (LeConte), Epicauta pensylvanica (De Geer), Epicauta sericans LeConte, and Epicauta maculata (Say) had been collected or extracted from alfalfa. Four additional species, Lytta cyanipennis LeConte, Epicauta normaiis Werner, Epicauta ferruginea (Say), and Epicauta murina LeConte were collected during a 4-yr alfalfa field survey. All alfalfa cuttings in Montana potentially contain blister beetles with species composition changing throughout the growing season. However, blister beetle numbers were relatively low and no swarms were detected. Blister beetle species belonging to the Vittata Group, most frequently documented to cause horse death, were not found in the Montana Entomology Collection or collected during the field study. Risks of cantharidin contamination of baled alfalfa hay in Montana is low.
Interactions in Entomology: Plant-Parasitoid Interaction in Tritrophic Systems
Authors: De Moraes Consuelo M. , Mescher Mark C.
Published: September 2017

Tritrophic plant-herbivore-parasitoid interactions are highly complex and often tightly interwoven. Plant-parasitoid interactions are a fundamental component of such systems with profound implications both for parasitoid foraging efficiency and plant defense. Chemical, plant-based cues are the dominant cues used by parasitoids in long-range foraging to locate cryptic, highly-dispersed hosts within a complex physical and chemical environment. It is well documented that volatile chemical signals produced and released by plants specifically in response to herbivore feeding play an important role in parasitoid foraging. New evidence suggests that, in addition to being highly detectable and reliable indicators of herbivore presence, herbivore-induced plant volatiles may convey herbivore-specific information that allows parasitoids to discriminate even closely-related herbivore species at long range.
Interactions in Entomology: Aphids, Aphidophaga and Ants in Pecan Orchards
Authors: Dutcher James D. , Estes Paul M. , Dutcher Michael J.
Published: September 2017

Three methods for conserving aphidophaga were tested in multiple factor controlled field experiments over two seasons in four pecan, (Carya illinoensis Wangenheim (K. Koch)) orchards. Two of the orchards were planted in the 1920's and had closed canopies; and the other two were planted in 1976 and 1985 and had open canopies. Intercrops of hairy indigo (Indigofera hirsuta L.) and hemp sesbania (Sesbania exaltata [Rafinesque-Schmaltz] Cory), sown as summer annuals in strips between tree rows, a chemical barrier sprayed on the tree trunk preventing foraging of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) in the tree crown, and a predator attractant were tested in these experiments. Significant interaction effects were found in blackmargined aphid (Monellia caryella (Fitch)), ladybeetle (Coccinellidae), and red imported fire ant abundance. On most sample dates there were no differences among treatments in abundance of pecan aphids or aphidophaga, whereas, on certain sample dates aphids were significantly reduced by the combination of enhancement techniques or one enhancement technique. Intercrop treatments did not affect red imported fire ant activity on most sampling dates. Hairy indigo intercrop was associated with season-long reductions in ant activity in the pecan tree at a young orchard in 1994 and not 1993. Seasonal changes in ant foraging were the same in the tree, the herbicided areas of the orchard and the areas with intercrops at one of the old and differed at one of the young orchards. Ladybeetle abundance was higher in the trees on certain sample dates where ants were excluded from the tree. In laboratory observations, cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) was not an acceptable prey for multicolored Asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis Pallas). Cowpea aphids were eaten by convergent lady-beetle (Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Mineville). Multicolored Asian ladybeetle were more effective than convergent ladybeetle in preventing aggressive red imported fire ants from forcing them off the plant.
Quantitative Analysis of a Pathogen-Induced Premature Collapse of a “Leading Edge” Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Population in Virginia
Authors: Webb R. E. , White G. B. , Thorpe K. W. , Talley S. E.
Published: September 2017

The population dynamics of a “leading edge” (= at the edge of the expanding gypsy moth invasion) gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), population was monitored for 3 years (1995–97), with emphasis on the interactions of the gypsy moth nuclear polyhedrosis virus (LdNPV) and the fungus Entomophaga maimaiga Humber, Shimazu, & Soper. Gypsy moth populations in the woodlots varied from very sparse to high (potentially defoliating) levels. LdNPV was strongly density dependent, being confirmed only from the higher populated woodlots. In contrast, the fungus was similarly active in both sparse and highly-populated woodlots. In 1995, the fungal epizootic developed late in the season, with most larvae succumbing during stadia 5–6 and producing mainly resting spores (azygospores). Estimated mortality due to fungus averaged 68% in high-density plots and 85% in low-density plots. LdNPV mortality occurred in a two-wave epizootic, although second-wave LdNPV mortality was undoubtedly reduced because of the reduction of late-season larvae due to fungus activity. Estimated mortality due to LdNPV averaged 14% in highly-populated plots and 1% in low-population plots. In 1996, high levels of fungal-induced mortality occurred earlier in the gypsy moth season than in the previous year. Most gypsy moth larvae in 1996 died in a mid-season wave of fungal-induced mortality, with necropsied cadavers containing only conidia. This resulted in relatively few larvae surviving to late instars. At this time, a second wave of fungus-induced mortality occurred, with over half of the necropsied cadavers containing resting spores. The depletion of the gypsy moth populations by the fungus in 1995 resulted in a greatly reduced first wave of LdNPV in all plots in 1996, and perhaps due to the early appearance of the fungus in 1996, LdNPV was nearly absent from late-season larvae collected from all plots. In 1997, gypsy moth populations were uniformly low, and no dead larvae were found in any of the plots.
Tomato Cultivar Susceptibility to Egyptian Cotton Leafworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Antonious George F. , Snyder John C. , Dahlman Douglas L.
Published: September 2017

The development and deployment of crop varieties that resist or tolerate insect infestation is one tactic for pest management that can eliminate one or more spray applications per season, a significant savings to the grower. Seven commercial tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, cultivars ‘Marmand’, ‘Edkawy’, VF-145, GS-27, ‘Pakmor-B’, ‘Floradade’, and UCX-281 grown under greenhouse conditions were evaluated for differences in mortality and feeding (leaf area ingested) of fourth-instar larvae of cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduvar), and Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). Plants of the cultivars Floradade, GS-27, and Packmor-B sustained the most damage (more leaf area ingested) by cottom leaf-worm, while GS-27 and VF-145 sustained the most damage by Colorado potato beetle. Mortality of Colorado potato beetle was lowest on the F1 hybrid GS-27, indicating that GS-27 was the most susceptible cultivar to Colorado potato beetle. Variation in chemical and nutrient composition (reducing sugars, total sugars, ascorbic acid, total phenols and total protein content) of leaves explained some of the observed differences in mortality and feeding among the tomato cultivars and insect species. The correlation coefficient of reducing sugars with leaf consumption was positive (0.758) for S. littoralis and negative (−0.485) for L. decemlineata. The correlation coefficients of ascorbic acid with insect mortality were negative (−0.389 for S. littoralis and −0.459 for L. decemlineata) indicating that they may require ascorbic acid for growth. Total phenols in tomato leaflets were positively correlated with mortality of S. littoralis. Edkawy, VF-145, and UCX-281 were the most resistant cultivars.
Clarifying the Roles of White Apple Leafhopper and Potato Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) in Fire Blight Transmission in Apple
Authors: Pfeiffer D. G. , Killian J. C. , Yoder K. S.
Published: September 2017

White apple leafhopper, Typhlocyba pomaria McAtee, and potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), were evaluated for their potential to incite fire blight infection in apple in the presence of the causal organism, Erwinia amylovora (Burrill) Winslow et al. Each leafhopper species was used as one factor in a series of 2 × 2 factorial experiments; the other factor was the presence or absence of E. amylovora. There was no evidence for a role for white apple leafhopper which feeds in the mesophyll of middle-aged and older leaves. There was sometimes a significant role for potato leafhopper which feeds in the vascular tissue of growing shoot tips.
Enhancement in Activity of Homologous and Heterologous Baculoviruses Infectious to Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by Selected Optical Brighteners
Authors: Shapiro Martin , Hamm John J.
Published: September 2017

The nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) from Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (SfMNPV) was the most active virus tested against fall armyworm, larvae (LC50 = 8.1 PIB per mm2). No LC 50s could be obtained for the alfalfa looper, Autographa californica (Speyer), NPV (AcMNPV), the celery looper, Anagrapha falcifera (Kirby), NPV (AfMNPV), the wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.), NPV (GmMNPV), or the bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), NPV (HaMNPV). The addition of an optical brightener, Tinopal LPW® (1%), (Sigma Co., St. Louis, MO) significantly enhanced the activities of all NPVs. The most activie NPV/Tinopal LPW combination was SfMNPV, followed by AcMNPVm HaMNPV, AfMNPV, and GmMNPV. In terms of speed of kill, SfMNPV was the most active virus tested. When Tinopal LPW was added, the LT50 was reduced by more than 35%. The addition of Tinopal LPW to the heterologous NPVs resulted in LC50 and LT50 values that were comparable to SfMNPV alone. Five of eight brighteners acted as activity enhancers for SfMNPV (i.e., Blankophor BBH, Blankophor HRS, Blankophor P167, Blankophor RKH, and Tinopal LPW), whereas Blankophor BSU, Blankophor DML, and Blankophor LPG did not enhance virus activity.
Inhibition of Larval Growth in the Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) by Venom from the Parasitic Wasp Microbracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Masler E. P. , Kovaleva E. S.
Published: September 2017

Extract of the venom glands of the adult female ectoparasitic wasp Microbracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) inhibited larval growth in the gypsy moth Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae). The inhibition was dose dependent and at 5 d after injection larval growth was reduced 50% by 2 × 10−3 μg venom gland protein per mg larval weight. Doses greater than 2.5 × 10−2 μg per mg larval weight prevented growth completely and accelerated larval death. Size-exclusion fractions of gland extract, which eluted between 35 kD and 66 kD molecular weight markers, inhibited growth and caused delayed pupation. At 5 d after injection of active chromatographic fractions, larval growth was reduced 50% by 2 × 10−4 μg fraction protein per mg larval weight. Doses greater than 1 × 10−3 μg fraction protein per mg larval weight stopped growth completely. Both crude extract and active column fractions caused their effects without evidence of extended paralysis.
Modified Tobacco Warehouse Aerations For Lowered Acute Emissions of Phosphine Into Surrounding Environs
Authors: Keever Dennis W.
Published: September 2017

Regulations of atmospheric emissions of phosphine have been enacted by a number of states in the U.S. The maximum concentration allowed at the property of fumigated sites addresses not environmental contamination, but rather the health and safety of citizens in the proximity of warehouse fumigations. In a warehouse fumigation, phosphine is most rapidly vented just after opening the warehouse for aeration. Therefore, alternative aeration techniques were tested with the objective of minimizing peak concentrations outside the warehouse through a slower and more uniform emission rate. Three types of warehouse aerations were tested: (1) a standard aeration with all doors and vents open for 3 d, (2) a modified aeration with only roof vents open for 1 d and then all doors and vents open for the following 2 d, and (3) a second modified aeration with only one large door open for 1 d and then all doors and vents open for the following 2 d. Rates of phosphine emission from the warehouses throughout aeration, gas concentrations downwind from the warehouse, and the adequacy of aeration in both the commodity and warehouse freespace were determined. Modified aerations greatly reduced phosphine peak emission rates, adequately aerated the warehouse freespace, and for most application situations, adequately aerated the tobacco. At one warehouse complex, the three types of aeration (Standard, Roof-Vent-Only and Door-Only) released 45.7, 8.5 and 9.7%, respectively, of the available gas during the first 30 min of aeration. Compared with the Standard aeration, both types of modified aeration delayed aeration of both freespace and tobacco by less than 24 h. Outside downwind concentrations of phosphine were greatly reduced by the modified aerations, especially the Roof-Vent-Only in which downwind concentrations were virtually undetectable.
Wheat Genotype, Early Plant Growth Stage and Infestation Density Effects on Russian Wheat Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) Population Increase and Plant Damage
Authors: Bosque-Pérez Nilsa A. , Schotzko Dennis J.
Published: September 2017

Population increase of the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) (Homoptera: Aphididae), and its effect on early plant growth and damage were studied under laboratory conditions on two winter wheat genotypes, susceptible ‘Stephens’ and resistant 10085-5. Three early plant growth stages (one-, two-, and three-leaf stage), and three insect densities (0, 5 and 20 aphids per plant) were compared. Insect counts, plant damage assessments, plant height, leaf number and dry weight measurements were made. Diuraphis noxia population increase was greater on ‘Stephens’ than on 10085-5, but this was highly influenced by plant growth stage at time of infestation and initial aphid density. Host quality of ‘Stephens’ decreased rapidly when plants were infested at the 1 -left stage, especially with the high initial density (20 aphids), resulting in low aphid population increase. For all plant developmental stages and genotypes, D. noxia per capita population increase was lower at initial densities of 20 compared to 5 aphids per plant, probably due to a density-dependent reduction in reproductive rate associated with a reduction in host-plant quality and/or crowding. Diuraphis noxia significantly affected plant growth, but the magnitude of the effect was influenced by genotype. In general, susceptible ‘Stephens’ had significantly more damage and a greater reduction in growth than resistant 10085-5.
The Effects of Four Insecticides on the Population Dynamics of the Rice Water Weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel2
Authors: Stout Michael J. , Rice William C. , Riggio Rita M. , Ring Dennis R.
Published: September 2017

The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, has been managed for the past 30 yrs using the soil insecticide carbofuran. The recent cancellation of the registration for carbofuran in rice has necessitated a shift to management strategies involving other insecticides, including lambda-cyhalothrin, fipronil, and diflubenzuron. Efficacies and effects on population dynamics of three alternatives to carbofuran (lambda-cyhalothrin and diflubenzuron as foliar sprays and fipronil as a seed treatment) were compared in two water-seeded and one drill-seeded field trials. Applications of lambda-cyhalothrin, but not of diflubenzuron or fipronil, resulted in decreases in the densities of rice water weevil adults and eggs. All three insecticides suppressed larval densities to levels comparable to, or lower than, densities in plots treated with carbofuran. All three alternatives to carbofuran differed from carbofuran with respect to their effects on the population dynamics of weevil larvae. Lambda-cyhalothrin, diflubenzuron, and fipronil were more effective than carbofuran at preventing early larval infestation of rice roots, but were less effective at preventing later infestation of roots. Yields from plots treated with fipronil, diflubenzuron, and lambda-cyhalothrin were generally higher than yields from plots treated with carbofuran, probably because prevention of early injury to roots has a more beneficial impact than prevention of later injury. This study also provided evidence for the utility of early planting and delayed flooding for management of the rice water weevil.
Method for Assessing Larval Survival for the Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Tillman P. Glynn
Published: September 2017

A method was developed for assessing larval survival for the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman. Eggs were extracted from diet pellets, surface sterilized, and rinsed in sterile water. After eggs hatched on wet filter paper, first instars were transferred to indentations in diet to feed. Boll weevil larvae were monitored for activity, development, and survival until the surviving insects were adults. Using this method, we were able to obtain 95 to 97% larval survival with a healthy colony of boll weevils.
Evaluation of Steinernema riobravis (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) Against the Mexican Rice Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Legaspi Jesusa C. , Legaspi Benjamin C. , Saldaña Robert R.
Published: September 2017

The virulency of an endemic nematode, Steinernema riobravis Cabanillas, Poinar and Raulston (Nematoda: Steinernematidae), was tested against the Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini(Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in the laboratory and field. Steinernema riobravis caused 100% mortality in E. loftini larvae at all concentrations of 20 to 240 nematodes per larva 2 d post treatment. Numbers of juvenile progeny increased significantly with inoculum dosage of nematodes. Average juvenile progeny ranged from 2,000 per borer larva at 10 nematodes per larva to over 4,000 per larva at 120 per larva. A field experiment on sugarcane (Saccharum spp. cv ‘NCo 310’) was performed using three treatments: (1) control (no nematodes); (2) low application rate (1.24 × 109 nematodes/ha); and, (3) high application rate (2.47 × 109 nematodes/ha). At weekly intervals, the field was sampled for numbers of internodes per stalk, numbers of internodes damaged by borer larvae, and parasitoids reared from larvae collected. The field results showed the nematode treatments were ineffective in reducing borer incidence or damage. Percentage of bored internodes and numbers of borers collected significantly increased with time, but treatment effects were not significant. Numbers of parasitoids emerging from the larvae collected were too low to be analyzed statistically. Plant height, aboveground biomass, and juice quality were not significantly affected by treatment. The ineffectiveness of the nematode applications may be due to desiccation caused by exposure to sunlight and inadequate humidity, as well as poor contact with the target insect.
Pine Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Population Monitoring in Christmas Trees Using Volatile Host Compounds
Authors: Rieske L. K.
Published: September 2017

The eastern pine weevil, Pissodes nemorensis Germar, and the pales weevil, Hylobius pales (Herbst), are major pests of pine production in eastern North America. Ethanol- and turpentine-baited pitfall traps and flight traps, and pit traps baited with fresh pine billets, were used to characterize weevil species composition in north-central Kentucky (USA) and assess seasonal activity by exploiting the weevils' attraction to host plant volatiles. During the 1998 growing season, P. nemorensis was the predominant species, comprising over 95% of the total trap catch for the season. Weevils were most responsive to fresh pine billets in pit traps, followed by ethanol- and turpentine-baited flight traps, and ethanol- and turpentine-baited pitfall traps. The sex ratio of P. nemorensis captured in pit traps was male biased, and in pitfall traps it was weakly female biased. Flight trap catch in traps placed 0.8 m above ground level was female biased. More weevils were captured in flight traps at 0.8 m than in flight traps at 1.6 m. Catches were greatest in traps placed perpendicular to the slope. Although H. pales was present at the site, numbers captured were too low to statistically assess trap efficacy.
Phenology of the Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and its Associated Parasitoids in Minnesota
Authors: Flanders Kathy L. , Radcliffe Edward B.
Published: September 2017

Field surveys were conducted in Minnesota to determine the seasonal incidence of parasitism of alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), by Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson), B. anurus (Thomson), Oomyzus (=Tetrastichus) incertus (Ratzeburg), and Microctonus aethiopoides (Loan). During the 1991–1993 survey, alfalfa weevil population density was typically below that required to cause economic damage. In Minnesota, peak density of alfalfa weevil larvae tended to occur around 300 dd (base 9°C). Typically, first cutting of alfalfa in Minnesota occurs early enough to remove most alfalfa weevil before they have completed larval development. In our earliest collected larvae, parasitism by Bathyplectes spp. approached 30%. A low incidence of parasitism by O. incertus also was detected in these larvae. With rapidly declining numbers of host larvae available after first cutting, parasitism rates by B. curculionis and O. incertus increase greatly, with Oomyzus assuming greater importance as Bathyplectes declines. The greatest incidence of O. incertus parasitism occurred ~500 to 600 dd, but the proportion of the hosts that were parasitized peaked at ~750 to 900 dd. Insecticide sprays for potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), usually between 300 to 900 dd, could adversely effect B. curculionis and O. incertus.Second-generation alfalfa weevil larvae were found each year, but were most common during an unusually cool summer (1992), and in the southern half of the transect. Density of second-generation larvae peaked after mid-August (~1000 dd). Each year, peak parasitism by M. aethiopoides was observed during its first generation, around 300 dd, in overwintering alfalfa weevils. There may have been three generations of M. aethiopoides in Minnesota in 1992 and in 1993. In Minnesota, M. aethiopoides apparently overwinters as eggs, first-instar larvae, or advanced stage larvae.
New Oligidic Production Diet for Lygus hesperus Knight and L. lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois)2,3
Authors: Cohen Allen Carson
Published: September 2017

A new oligidic (undefined) diet for rearing Lygus hesperus Knight (Heteroptera: Miridae) and L. lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) is described. The diet (referred to as Nl diet) is a semisolid slurry that accommodates the solid-to-liquid feeding habits of Lygus spp. The Nl diet consists of an “entomophage component” (cooked, whole chicken eggs, chicken egg yolks, sugar, and yeast) combined with plant components (soy bean flour, wheat germ, lima bean meal, and soy lecithin). Biological fitness estimates for L. hesperus indicated that mean biomass production per cage, adult wet and dry weights, survival to the adult stage, and egg production were significantly greater for the Nl diet than for the existing standard, Debolt (1982) diet. The ingredients in the Nl diet cost about ⅛ those in the Debolt diet, and preparation requires less than ½ of the labor. The cost of diet for production per 1000 eggs was approximately $0.004 compared to $0.04 for an equal number of eggs from Debolt diet. Recent work, started after the currently reported bioassays with L. hesperus, indicates that the Nl diet also supports development and reproduction in the tarnished plant bug, L. lineolaris.This diet was used to rear and 15 generations of L. hesperus and is currently being used to support production colonies; it has also been used to rear L. lineolaris for 5 generations, thus far. The L. lineolaris colony started from field collected populations has been reared continuously and exclusively on the Nl diet and is currently in a log phase of population growth. This diet should be beneficial in providing a great reduction of Lygus production costs while producing a high quality, vigorously reproducing insect.
An Examination of the External and Internal Signs of Cotton Boll Damage by Stink Bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Bundy C. S. , McPherson R. M. , Herzog G. A.
Published: September 2017

Small- and medium-sized bolls were exposed to stink bugs, primarily Nezara viridula (L.), Acrosternum hilare (Say), and Euschistus servus (Say), for a 48-h feeding period. Bolls were then examined for external and internal evidence of feeding 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 d later. No relationship was documented between numbers of external feeding marks and internal warts that form when the interior of the boll is pierced. In fact, approximately 20% of damaged bolls with internal warts lacked external marks. Therefore, external marks cannot be used to accurately estimate the occurrence or amount of internal boll damage by stink bugs. Neither size nor number of external marks or warts increased significantly among the five post-feeding sampling dates. All visual signs of damage were present by the second day. There were significantly more damaged bolls with the combination of external marks, stylet sheaths, and warts (approximately 70%) than any other combination of feeding signs. There was a significant increase in lint and seed damage through time. Finally, a strong relationship existed between the presence of a feeding stylet sheath and wart number. A regression equation was generated to predict the presence of internal wart damage (warts) based on the number of stylet sheaths observed. A sampling program based on the incidence of stylet sheaths could potentially be used in a cotton pest management program to effectively assess stink bug injury to cotton bolls without destroying the developing bolls.
Seasonal Occurrence and Vertical Distribution of Euschistus servus (Say) and Euschistus tristigmus (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Pecan Orchards2
Authors: Cottrell Ted E. , Yonce Carroll E. , Wood Bruce W.
Published: September 2017

Euschistus servus (Say) and E. tristigmus (Say) were monitored near and in pecan orchards at ground level only and in pecan orchards from the ground to the upper canopy. Modified pyramidal traps, baited with Euschistus spp. aggregation pheromone, were placed on the ground along a hedgerow adjacent to a pecan orchard, at the orchard edge, and at the orchard center to monitor seasonal occurrence. Vertical distribution of E. servus and E. tristigmus was monitored by placing pheromone-baited traps at preselected heights. Traps on the ground along the hedgerow, orchard edge, and orchard center captured similar numbers of stink bugs each month from May through September, with an increase in October at all locations (combined data for both species). Single traps placed at different heights captured peak numbers of E. servus in early and late season; whereas, traps captured peak numbers of E. tristigmus during the late season. More E. servus were captured in traps on the ground than in traps in the canopy, but more E. tristigmus were captured in the canopy at 9 m. With two baited traps placed at different heights at the same tree, more E. servus were captured on the ground than in the lower or upper canopy, but most E. tristigmus were captured in the lower and upper canopy than on the ground. Placement of traps on the ground or at 9 m resulted in more captures of E. servus on the ground and more captures of E. tristigmus at 9 m. Although E. servus and E. tristigmus were captured both on the ground and in the pecan canopy, numbers of captured E. servus and E. tristigmus were affected by trap height. Thus, sampling Euschistus species in pecan, and possibly other arboreal habitats, should be done throughout the canopy.
New Termite (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae) Records from Georgia
Authors: Scheffrahn Rudolf H. , Su Nan-Yao , Chase James A. , Forschler Brian T.
Published: September 2017

Deliberate surveys and submitted samples have yielded five termite species not previously recorded from Georgia including Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Family Rhinotermitidae), and Calcaritermes nearcticus (Snyder), Cryptotermes brevis (Walker), Incisitermes minor (Hagen), and Kalotermes approximatus Snyder (Family Kalotermitidae) bringing the total number of termite species in Georgia to nine. Coptotermes formosanus, C. brevis, and I. minor are all non-endemic pest species in Georgia. The Georgia records for C. nearcticus are the first outside of Florida and represent new northern limits, while collections of K. approximatus bridge a former gap in its north-south distribution. Previous records for Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), R. hageni Banks, and R. virginicus (Banks) (Family Rhinotermitidae), and Incisitermes snyderi (Light) (Kalotermitidae) are confirmed, while the name R. malletei is relegated to nomen nudum status. The prospects for additional termite records and status of Reticulitermes taxonomy in Georgia are discussed.
Collection of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Using Selected Pheromone Lures and Trap Designs
Authors: Meagher Robert L. , Mitchell Everett R.
Published: September 2017

Two trap designs and three sources of commercially-produced pheromone lures were used to capture fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), males in silage corn and peanuts in north-central Florida. Unitraps baited with Trécé and Scenturion lures captured more moths than Scentry-baited traps. Gas chromatographic detection of the pheromone blend suggested no differences in acetate component ratios among lures. Unitraps collected more moths than Heliothis cone traps. Behavioral observations at night showed that equal percentages of moths were initially collected in both traps but that moths were able to escape from cone traps.
Incidence of Pandora neoaphidis (Remaudière and Hennebert) Humber (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) in the Myzus persicae (Sulzer) Complex (Homoptera: Aphididae) on Three Species of Brassica in the Fall and Winter
Authors: Dara Surendra K. , Semtner Paul J.
Published: September 2017

The incidence of the aphid pathogen, Pandora neoaphidis (Remaudière & Hennebert) Humber, was monitored in populations of the Myzus persicae (Sulzer) complex (green peach aphid, M. persicae, and the tobacco aphid, M. nicotianae Blackman) on fall-planted cabbage, spinach-mustard, and turnip from 1993 to 1996. Each fall, the pathogen occurred at moderate levels in M. persicae complex on all three hosts. Average level of mycoses on the three host plants ranged from 10.0 to 14.3% in 1993, from 5.9 to 10.1% in 1994, and from 7.9 to 17.4% in 1995. Each year, the highest incidence of the pathogen in aphids on turnip and spinach-mustard was 20 to 25%, while the incidence on cabbage was 12 to 19%. In 1995 and over the 3 yrs combined, the levels of mycoses were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in aphids on turnip and spinach-mustard than on cabbage. Trends were similar in 1993 and 1994, but differences were not significant. Very low numbers of healthy aphids (<2 per 5 plants in 1994 to 5 aphids per 5 plants in late April 1996) and those infected with or killed by P. neoaphidis occurred on turnip, cabbage, and spinach-mustard from Jan to May. The M. persicae complex was significantly more abundant on cabbage than it was on spinach-mustard or turnip. The pathogen overwinters at very low levels in cadavers of M. persicae complex on Brassica.
A Strain of Serratia marcescens (Enterobacteriaceae) with High Virulence Per Os to Larvae of a Laboratory Colony of the Corn Earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)1
Authors: Farrar Robert R. , Martin Phyllis A. W. , Ridgway Richard L.
Published: September 2017

An unpigmented strain of the bacterium Serratia marcescens Bizio that is highly virulent when fed to larvae from a laboratory colony of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), was found as a contaminant in a sample of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of the celery looper, Anagrapha falcifera (Kirby), that also infects H. zea. High rates of mortality (>70%) were obtained by feeding doses of less than 100 bacterial cells per larva. Previous reports indicated that when insects could be killed with S. marcescens administered orally, doses on the order of 105 to 106 cells per insect were required to obtain comparable levels of mortality. Its virulence may have been increased through unintentional selection during the in vivo production of the virus in corn earworm larvae. The insect colony with which high mortality was obtained was compared with another colony, and the S. marcescens strain was compared with other strains. Results indicate that the highest levels of mortality are associated with a particular combination of insect colony and bacterial strain. While the potential of this organism as a biological control agent has not been evaluated, these apparently unique interactions could make this system an interesting and potentially useful model for the study of host-pathogen virulence factors.
Interrelationship of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Southern Chinch Bugs (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) in Florida Lawns
Authors: Cherry Ron
Published: September 2017

The southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber, and ants were sampled at chinch bug infestations in southern Florida. Samples were obtained both by vacuuming and by flotation. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, was found more frequently and in greater abundance at the infestations than any other ant species. Data also show that the introduction of exotic ant species has resulted in a large reduction in the relative abundance of native ant species in the urban environment of southern Florida. Ants have been reported as predators of southern chinch bugs. However, my data show that ants show little response to southern chinch bugs at the population level and probably are not important in controlling chinch bug populations.
Impacts of Developing on Bt Maize-Intoxicated Hosts on Fitness Parameters of a Stem Borer Parasitoid
Authors: Bernal Julio S. , Griset J. G. , Gillogly P. O.
Published: September 2017

Transgenic Bt maize cultivars are widely used in U.S. agriculture. Control of target pests by these cultivars is not complete, and non-target pests are usually tolerant of the toxic activity of these cultivars. Sublethally intoxicated pest individuals may become hosts for parasitoids, but their quality as hosts may be affected as a result of intoxication. This study addresses the effects on various fitness parameters in parasitoids that develop on intoxicated hosts. The parasitoid used in this study was Parallorhogas pyralophagus (Marsh), a gregarious, external idiobiont, and the host was Eoreuma loftini Dyar, a subtropical stemborer. Results showed that ingestion of Bt maize tissue by E. loftini larvae negatively affected some fitness components in P. pyralophagus, whereas other components were not affected. Specifically, immature stage developmental mortality was greater, adult longevity was approximately 1 d shorter in females, and developmental times were approximately 2 d longer in both males and females when P. pyralophagus developed on hosts fed Bt maize tissue relative to hosts fed non-Bt maize tissue. Moreover, parasitoid brood size was positively correlated with host size when hosts were fed non-Bt maize tissue, while this relationship was absent when hosts were fed Bt maize tissue. However, feeding on Bt maize tissue did not affect egg loads, adult size-egg load and adult size-longevity relationships, adult sizes of females and males, and sex ratio of parasitoids whose hosts were fed Bt maize tissue. Results are discussed in relation to the importance of sublethal effects of Bt maize cultivars on parasitoids and potential impacts on naturally-occurring biological control.
Selection of Overwintering Sites by Tomicus piniperda (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) during Fall Shoot Departure
Authors: Petrice Toby R. , Haack Robert A. , Poland Therese M.
Published: September 2017

Selection of overwintering sites at the base of Scotch pine, Pinus sylvestris L., trees by Tomicus piniperda (L.) adults was monitored in northwestern IN. We monitored adult movement five times during the period of 22 October 1998 to 31 January 1999 by dissecting shoots and trunks of four trees per sample date. For all adults collected, 100% were found in shoots on 22 October, 81% on 4 November, 10% on 18 November, 2% on 3 December, and <1% on 31 January. No overwintering adults were found on the lower trunks of trees sampled on 22 October. Some adults (N = 16) were found on 4 November, 1 day after the first subfreezing air temperatures were recorded. For all adults (N = 448) collected from lower trunks during the three sample periods in November and December, the mean height along the trunk where adults overwintered was 2.6 cm above the duff line. Mean overwintering height did not differ significantly among sample dates (P > 0.21). When distance along the trunk was divided into 5-cm intervals relative to the duff line, most adults were found either 0 to 5 cm above the duff line (48%) or below the duff line (32%). Overall, 98% of the overwintering adults were found at or below the 10-cm height level from the duff line and 99% were at or below the 25-cm height level. A significantly lower percentage of adults was found below the duff line on 4 November as compared to 18 November and 3 December. However, percentages of adults found in each 5-cm interval above the duff line did not differ significantly among sample dates. Overwintering adults were found above 20 cm from the duff line on 18 November and 3 December, but no adults were found above 8 cm on 4 November. Results suggest that the first adults to arrive at the tree base prefer to overwinter within the first 10 cm of the duff line but do not necessarily prefer the area closest to or below the duff line.
Soybean Looper and Cabbage Looper (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Populations in Cotton and Soybean Cropping Systems in Mississippi
Authors: Jost Douglas J. , Pitre Henry N.
Published: September 2017

Colonization and abundance of soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), and cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner), adults and larvae were monitored in cotton and soybean cropping systems in the Delta region of Mississippi for three growing seasons (1994–1996). Soybean looper and cabbage looper adults were initially observed in pheromone traps during the last week of May or first week of June, although adults may have been present in the collection area prior to trap establishment. Adult populations of both species remained low until early August, after which moth density increased coincident with the bloom stages of cotton and soybean. Larvae were first collected from the crops when plants were in bloom, with the greatest increase in population density occurring in early to mid-August. Although samples were not taken after mid-August, looper populations generally decline to low levels during September in Mississippi. More soybean looper larvae usually were collected from soybean than in cotton, whereas fewer cabbage looper larvae were collected from soybean than cotton. Cabbage looper larvae were collected in soybean on the same sample date in 1995, but approximately 5 wk after soybean looper larvae in 1996. The occurrence of soybean and cabbage loopers in cotton and soybean agroecosystems in Mississippi appears to be similar to patterns of activity recorded for these insects 20 to 40 years ago in other areas of the southeastern United States.
Host Plant Associations among Species in Two Macrolepidopteran Assemblages
Authors: Barbosa Pedro , Caldas Astrid , Robinson Gaden
Published: September 2017

Host plant associations of macrolepidopteran species in assemblages on box elder, Acer negundo L., and black willow, Salix nigra (Marsh), were characterized. Almost 90% of the macrolepidoptera collected on these two riparian tree species of the mid-Atlantic area of the United States were new host records. Larvae of 87 species (and another nine specimens identified to genus) were collected on box elder and black willow. About one-fifth of the species were found exclusively on box elder, one-third exclusively on black willow, and about one-half of the macrolepidopteran species were found on both tree species. Although many macrolepidopterawere found on both tree species, they were not equally abundant on both trees, suggesting a predominantly favored tree species. However, there was no statistically significant asymmetry in host tree species use.
Parasitoids of the Consperse Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in North Central Washington and Attractiveness of a Host-Produced Pheromone Component
Authors: Krupke Christian H. , Brunner Jay F.
Published: September 2017

The parasitoid complex of the consperse stink bug, Euschistus conspersus Uhler, was investigated in a series of field experiments conducted in native vegetation surrounding commercial apple orchards in the state of Washington. Rearing of parasitoids from adult E. conspersus confirmed the presence of two tachinid species, Gymnosoma filiola Loew and Gymnoclytia occidentalis Townsend. Three species of scelionids were reared from fresh egg masses placed on mullein plants (Verbascum thapsus L.) with Trissolcus utahensis (Ashmead) being the most common species. Though some parasitism was recorded in all study sites by both tachinids and scelionids, overall levels of parasitism were low (<10%). Predation comprised the major source of egg mortality in the field. Bucket traps baited with the male-produced aggregation pheromone component, methyl (2E,4Z)-decadienoate, captured significantly more G. occidentalis than unbaited controls, suggesting that it may use this compound as a host-finding kairomone. A test comparing E. conspersus egg masses placed on baited vs. unbaited V. thapsus revealed no differences in the rate of parasitism by scelionid parasitoids.
Pest Management of Argentine Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)1
Authors: Rust Michael K. , Reierson Donald A. , Klotz John H.
Published: September 2017

Control of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile (Mayr), around structures in urban settings requires an extensive and thorough use of existing registered sprays and baits. Barrier sprays must be thoroughly applied at maximum label rates to prevent ants from accessing structures. Although insecticides with systemic activity such as imidacloprid and thiamethoxam may ultimately reduce homopteran food sources for L. humile, quantifying the impact of such reductions has been difficult. Applications of bifenthrin and deltamethrin granules provide short-term reductions. Most commercial baits available for L. humile are not readily consumed by foragers, or they provide too rapid kill of workers. Consequently, none of the baits are consistently effective. Potential new active ingredients for baits such as fipronil, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam provide about 50% kill within 3 days and are readily accepted by foragers. These toxicants are extremely promising in liquid bait formulations. No single control strategy or treatment has been consistently effective.