bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IPM for Drywood Termites (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)1
Authors: Lewis Vernard R.
Published: September 2017

The foundation of IPM for drywood termites (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) has academic and industry origins some extending back several decades. Regardless of the origin, the underlying philosophy of IPM for drywood termites is consistent and includes correct identification of the pest, monitoring its activity, and use of a variety of treatment methods including chemical, nonchemical, and prevention. Species diversity and adaptive biology can make the detection and treatment of drywood termites challenging and difficult. Advances in detection technology now make it feasible to determine whether drywood termites are active within wood. Recent advances have also made it feasible to non-chemically treat for drywood termites. Efficacy testing is incomplete for many of the newer detection and treatment options especially field trials. In addition, pest control legislation and regulations have not kept up with the technological changes, particularly for detection devices and nonchemical treatment options. The interplay of drywood termite biology, detection, management options, and changes needed in public perception of termites and treatments are reviewed.
Wax-Exuding Cuticular Pores in Oeclidius nanus Van Duzee (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Kinnaridae)
Authors: Liang Ai-Ping , Jiang Guo-Mei
Published: September 2017

The fine cuticular structures of the wax-secreting pores in the female adults of the kinnarid planthopper, Oeclidius nanus Van Duzee (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Kinnaridae), are described for the first time, based on scanning electron microscope observations. Abdominal tergites 6 to 8 in the female adults of O. nanus are modified into wax-secreting plates and are elevated, chevron-shaped, and divided medially into two plates, bearing a large amount of whitish and filamentous wax threads (0.78 to 1.0 μm in diam) on dorsal surface. The whole cuticular surface of abdominal tergites 6 to 8 is covered with numerous, small, rounded wax gland pores. They are shallow cuticular depressions delimited by cuticle rims. The wax comes from the bottom walls of these depressions. The wax gland pores on the tergites 6 and 7 are externally similar to each other, having a density of 0.20 to 0.23 pores and 0.21 to 0.22 pores per μm2, respectively, and measuring 1.43 to 1.95 μm and 1.33 to 2.11 μm in diam, and 0.52 to 0.86 μm and 0.46 to 0.64 μm in cuticle rim width, respectively. There are no distinct modifications on the bottom of the wax gland pores on tergites 6 and 7. The wax gland pores found on tergite 8 are different from those found on tergites 6 and 7 and are generally larger, sparser, and have a much narrower cuticle rim (cuticle rim width 0.35 to 0.48 μm) and specialized bottom. The pores on tergite 8 have a density of 0.09 to 0.10 pores per μm2 and most pores range in diam from 2.75 to3.58μm, but the smallest ones (few in number) range from 1.60 to 2.10 μm. The bottom of the pores is modified and is plate-like (1.66 to 1.86 μm in diam) with a central, round, depressed disc (0.82 to 0.93 μm in diam). The wax gland pores found in O. nanus are similar to those found in the kinnarid Adolenda fuscofasciata Liang and species of Meenoplidae but differ from those seen in species of Kinnara Distant and in species of other fulgoromorphan families, e.g., Cixiidae, Delphacidae, Derbidae, Flatidae, Lophopidae and Eurybrachidae.
Contact Toxicity of Selective Insecticides for Non-Target Predaceous Hemipterans in Soybeans
Authors: Baur M. E. , Ellis J. , Hutchinson K. , Boethel D. J.
Published: September 2017

New insecticides with selectivity for lepidopterous pests are currently being registered for use in soybeans throughout the mid-south. The effect of these products on important hemipteran beneficials found in Louisiana soybean agroecosystems was tested in the laboratory and the field. In the laboratory, adult and nymphal hemipteran predators were exposed to foliage treated with selective insecticides (methoxyfenozide and indoxacarb) or broad-spectrum pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides, and survival between these two groups was compared using contingency table analysis. Survival of Geocoris punctipes (Say), Tropiconabis capsiformis (Germar), or Podisus maculiventris (Say) adults and nymphs exposed to a rate of 0.12 kg Al/ha of indoxacarb or a rate of 0.22 kg Al/ha of methoxyfenozide was consistently higher than their survival when exposed to 0.03 kg Al/ha of lambda-cyhalothrin or 0.84 kg Al/ha of acephate. At the rates tested, indoxacarb reduced the survival of P. maculiventris adults and nymphs more than methoxyfenozide. In the field, indoxacarb at 0.05 and 0.07 kg Al/ha significantly reduced G. punctipes populations at 2 and 7 days after treatment compared to the untreated check. Methomyl or thiodicarb, both at 0.5 kg Al/ha, also significantly reduced populations of T. capsiformis and Nabis rosiepennis (Reuter) 2 days after treatment. None of the other treatments tested in the field (methoxyfenozide, spinosad, and permethrin) significantly reduced predator populations. The results from this study indicate that both methoxyfenozide and indoxacarb will affect hemipteran predator populations less than pyrethroid, organophosphorus, or carbamate insecticides. Of the two, however, indoxacarb may affect predators more than methoxyfenozide.
Fluorescent Brighteners Affect Feeding Rates of the Corn Earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Act as Enhancers and Sunlight Protectants for its Nucleopolyhedrovirus2
Authors: Shapiro Martin , Farrar Robert R.
Published: September 2017

Seven diaminostilbene disulfonic acid-derived fluorescent brighteners, including Blankophor BBH®, Blankophor HRS®, Blankophor P167®, Blankophor RKH®, Blankophor LPG®, Blankophor DML®, and Blankophor BSU® (Bayer, Rock Hill, SC), were tested for effects on feeding rates of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and as enhancers and sunlight protectants for the H. zea nucleopolyhedrovirus (HzSNPV). All tests were done using virus applied to plant material. Blankophor BBH and Blankophor RKH were feeding deterrents; the other brighteners did not affect feeding. Blankophor HRS caused the greatest increases in activity of HzSNPV, both with and without exposure to simulated sunlight.
Insect Growth Regulator Impact on Fecundity and Fertility of Adult Tufted Apple Bud Moth, Platynota idaeusalis Walker
Authors: Myers Clayton T. , Hull Larry A.
Published: September 2017

The tufted apple bud moth, Platynota idaeusalis Walker, is a major pest of apples in the eastern United States. Resistance to conventional insecticide chemistries has made this pest difficult to control. The insect growth regulators (IGRs) tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide, which are target-specific to lepidopteran pests, have been shown to have high efficacy against P. idaeusalis larvae. These compounds are known to affect adult moths in related tortricid species, but the effects of exposure on adult P. idaeusalis are unknown. This study investigated the effects of adult exposure on the fecundity and fertility of P. idaeusalis. Both tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide significantly reduced the fecundity and fertility of female P. idaeusalis adults that were exposed to dry films of formulated IGR residue. Female fecundity and fertility also were reduced when untreated or treated females mated with treated males. Contrary to other related studies, there was no difference in fecundity/fertility reduction efficacy between tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide. Thus, because tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide have reproductive activity against adults, such compounds may bring significant benefits to integrated pest management (IPM) of tree fruits.
Effect of Striped Cucumber Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Foliar Feeding on Pumpkin Yield
Authors: Hoffmann Michael P. , Ayyappath Ramesh , Gardner Jeffrey
Published: September 2017

Field and laboratory studies were conducted to examine the relationship between foliar feeding damage caused by striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma vittatum (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and yield of pumpkin, Cucurbita pepo L. (var. Spookie). In field trials in 1996 and 1997, plants were artificially infested with varying numbers of beetles at the cotyledon-, first-, second-, or third-leaf stages. At harvest, fruit number, fruit mass, and fruit maturity were evaluated. Foliar feeding damage had little effect on yield other than a slight increase in number of fruit per plant for plants with 1 to 20% damage. The stage of plant development at infestation had no effect on yield, nor did the interaction of foliar feeding damage and growth stage. In a laboratory trial, varying numbers of A. vittatum were allowed to feed for 1, 2, 3, or 4 d on plants at cotyledon-, first-, second-, or third-leaf stages. For all stages, significant and differing positive linear relationships were observed when the percentage of foliar feeding damage was regressed against beetle-days. The results indicated that small fruited, vining pumpkins can tolerate relatively high levels of striped cucumber beetle feeding injury. Foliar feeding damage thresholds are conservatively estimated to be ~60% during cotyledon through third leaf stage of growth.
Does Early-Season Defoliation of Crabapple (Malus sp.) by Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) Induce Resistance to Japanese Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)?
Authors: Kreuger Betty , Potter Daniel A.
Published: September 2017

We tested the hypothesis that early-season defoliation of flowering crabapple, Malus sp., by eastern tent caterpillars, Malacosoma americanum F., induces localized or systemic resistance to Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica Newman, feeding on the same trees in late June. ‘Candymint Sargent’ crabapple trees were inoculated with M. americanum egg masses, resulting in extensive defoliation during March and April. Second flush leaves of defoliated trees were smaller and thinner than those of control trees. In laboratory feeding assays with non-damaged foliage, beetles generally preferred fully expanded leaves over partially expanded ones, regardless of whether or not the source tree had been defoliated. Detached first flush leaves with caterpillar damage were fed upon less than comparable non-damaged leaves, suggesting that early-season wounding causes some within-leaf reduction in palatability to P. japonica. Other assays with detached first- and second-flush leaves, however, indicated absence of induced, systemic resistance. Previously-defoliated and control trees sustained comparable damage from natural beetle populations in the field. Our results suggest that defoliation of Malus sp. by tent caterpillars in early spring is unlikely to reduce feeding damage by Japanese beetles later in the same growing season.
Description of the Mature Larva of Nemka viduata (Pallas) (Hymenoptera: Multillidae: Mutillinae), a Parasitoid of Stizus continuus (Klug) (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Bemibicinae)
Authors: Tormos José , Asís Josep Daniel , Gayubo Severiano Fernández
Published: September 2017

The mature larva of Nemka viduata (Pallas) is described and illustrated. Morphological structures of phylogenetic value are discussed. The mature larva of this species is recognized by the followings traits: (a) head with parietal bands, (b) frontoclypeal suture distinct, and (c) labium with eight apical setae and two apical papillae. After further investigation, the presence of two apical papillae on the labium may represent an autapomorphy for the genus Nemka Lelej.
Relative Attractiveness of Oranges and Grapefruits to Mexican Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in a Wind Tunnel
Authors: Robacker David C. , Fraser Ivich
Published: September 2017

Grapefruits and sweet oranges were equally attractive to, and elicited comparable oviposition behavior from, naïve laboratory-strain female Mexican fruit flies, Anastrepha ludens (Loew), in wind-tunnel experiments. Neither fruit attracted nor elicited oviposition behavior from naïve wild females. For laboratory females, experience with either grapefruits or oranges enhanced attraction to both fruits and enhanced attraction to the experienced fruit more so than to the other, but did not affect oviposition propensity. For wild females, experience with either fruit enhanced attraction to both fruits, enhanced attraction to the experienced fruit more so than to the other, and increased oviposition propensity on both fruits. Also, wild females experienced with grapefruits oviposited more readily in grapefruits than did those experienced with oranges. Both laboratory and wild females experienced with either fruit directed less oviposition behavior toward wind-tunnel walls than did naïve females. Laboratory males were attracted to both fruits, but wild males were attracted to neither. Overall, experience with fruit had smaller effects on responses of males compared with effects on females.
Flash Activity in Two Synchronic Firefly Species (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)
Authors: Copeland Jonathan , Moiseff Andrew
Published: September 2017

Synchronic flashing in fireflies is a precisely timed behavior. This is a potentially useful tool to study sensory processing, the location and circuitry of the flash oscillator, and neuroeffector processing and coupling. Synchronic flashing, once thought to occur only in Southeast Asian fireflies, has recently been shown to be a prominent part of the behavior of a North American Photinus and Photuris species. To gain insights into the mechanisms of synchronic timing in fireflies, we compared spontaneous flashing and entrainment flashing in Photuris frontalis LeConte, a synchronic firefly found in Georgia's Coastal Plain, to analogous flashing in Pteroptyx malaccae Olivier, a synchronic firefly found in Malaysia. The timing of spontaneously produced flashes and entrainment flashes was recorded by photometry. Artificially produced, rhythmic stimulus flashes were used to induce a counterfeit synchrony (between subject fireflies and an LED), i.e., flash entrainment. We found that the spontaneously produced interflash intervals were repeated with a high degree of precision in P. frontalis and P. malaccae. However, the pattern of flashing was different during spontaneous flashing and flash entrainment. An isolated P. frontalis flashed intermittently during spontaneously flashing and entrainment flashing. Flash entrainment in P. frontalis started with an initial inhibition and then steady-state entrainment occurred with a fixed delay. In contrast, an isolated P. malaccae flashed continuously during spontaneous flashing and entrainment flashing. No initial inhibition occurred at the start of entrainment, and there was a gradual change in interflash interval until steady-state entrainment occurred at a fixed delay. We think that in-depth studies of the flash activities of different synchronic firefly species, including the locally available P. frontalis, could help our understanding of rhythmic temporal coordination of behavior by the nervous system.
Expression of Entomophaga maimaiga at Several Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Population Densities and the Effect of Supplemental Watering
Authors: Webb Ralph E. , Bair Mary Willeford , White Geoffrey B. , Thorpe Kevin W.
Published: September 2017

Assessment of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), populations in western Virginia during the year 2000, showed that larval mortality factors differed as a function of population density. Larval mortality, primarily due to the gypsy moth-specific entomopathogenic fungus Entomophaga maimaiga Humber, Shimazu and Soper, was 28.7% in high-density plots (averaging 476.8 larvae per 5 burlap bands) but only 16.5% in low-density plots (averaging 60.8 larvae per 5 burlap bands). On the contrary, “missing” was the dominant mortality factor in low-density plots (6.5% in high-density plots vs 65.6% in low-density plots). This study was designed to assess the potential for inducing an earlier epizootic by facilitating the early germination of resident resting spores by spraying water around the base of trees. Eight of the high-density plots with measured natural E. maimaiga resting-spore loads were selected for a supplemental watering study conducted in 2001. Four plots received weekly watering to supplement natural rainfall, and four received only natural rainfall (control plots). More E. maimaiga occurred in watered plots than in control plots; however, treatment effects for watering were not significant. For a 01 June collection, fungal levels were 17% (ground) and 12% (canopy) for the watered plots vs 12% (ground) and 10% (canopy) for control plots. For a 15 June collection, fungal levels were 74% (ground) and 29% (canopy) for the watered plots vs 60% (ground) and 14% (canopy) from control plots. Height effects were significant for the second date. Egg mass populations in watered plots declined significantly (78%) compared with control plots (4%) (P = 0.0433), possibly reflecting further mortality occurring after the second collection.
Using Acaricides in Combination with Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henroit to Suppress Tetranychus urticae Koch Populations
Authors: Cote Kenneth W. , Schultz Peter B. , Lewis Edwin E.
Published: September 2017

Acaricides are often used to suppress populations of the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. Problems associated with acaricide use have led some ornamental producers to incorporate releases of the predaceous mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot into pest management programs. Our objective was to determine if acaricides could be used with P. persimilis to suppress T. urticae. Ten acaricides were tested against T. urticae on infested Buddleia × davidii ‘White Profusion’ cuttings. Abamectin, chlorfenapyr, Gowan 1725, horticultural oil and neem oil suppressed T. urticae populations 3, 7 and 14 d after application. Bifenthrin suppressed T. urticae populations 7 and 14 d after application, and hexythiazox suppressed T. urticae populations 14 d after application. Azadirachtin, pyridaben and spinosad did not suppress populations. Acaricide applications followed by release of P. persimilis reduced T. urticae populations, but suppression with acaricides followed by predatory mite release was not significantly greater at all times than with acaricide applications alone, or with predator releases without previous acaricide application. Results demonstrate that efficacy is variable among the acaricides tested and that acceptable levels of T. urticae suppression can be achieved with acaricides and P. persimilis.
Field Resistance of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner Transformed Maize to Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Southwestern Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Leaf Feeding
Authors: Abel Craig A. , Pollan Melanie C.
Published: September 2017

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), and the southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella (Dyar), can cause economic damage to maize, Zea mays L., grown in the southeastern United States. Maize hybrids are commercially available that have been transformed to express insecticidal crystalline proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner. The field efficacy of seven Bt hybrids were tested for control of leaf-feeding fall armyworm and southwestern corn borer. All Bt hybrids performed better than their conventional near-isolines for control of both insects. In general, the Bt hybrids provided intermediate resistance to the fall armyworm and near immunity to the southwestern corn borer. Based on larval establishment and weights, the fall armyworm was more tolerant of the insecticidal proteins expressed by the Bt hybrids than the southwestern corn borer. There was no difference in expression of insecticidal proteins among the Bt hybrids. Bt hybrids should be advantageous for the production of maize in areas that are affected by southwestern corn borer. The moderate level of resistance in the Bt hybrids to fall armyworm should be further examined to determine if amplifying the expression of insecticidal proteins or integrating other control methods along with the use of current Bt hybrid maize is needed to protect the crop from yield reduction by this pest.
DEET Repels Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Adults in Laboratory Bioassays1
Authors: Riddick E. W. , Aldrich J. R. , Davis J. C.
Published: September 2017

The potential of least-toxic compounds to repel adults of the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), was explored. Bioassays in olfactometers and Petri dishes were designed to test the hypothesis that DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) can effectively repel H. axyridis adults. A bioassay in a y-tube olfactometer indicated that beetles spent significantly less time in the test arm (DEET; 10, 100, and 1,000 μg) than in the control arm (hexane blank) within a 10-min time frame. A bioassay in a 3-neck bulb-tube olfactometer indicated that significantly more beetles avoided the test arm (DEET, 142 μg) than the control arm (hexane blank) within a 40-min time frame. A bioassay in a Petri dish revealed that significantly more beetles avoided filter paper disks treated with DEET (0.1 and 1.0 mg/cm2; aged for 1 d or 5 d) than acetone (the control) within a 60-min time frame. Finally, another bioassay in a Petri dish revealed that significantly more beetles avoided filter paper strips coated with DEET/paraffin (1% or 9% mixture, aged for 1 d or 23 d) than camphor/paraffin (0.1, 1 and 9% mixtures, aged for 1 d or 23 d), or paraffin alone (the control). This investigation suggests that DEET has good potential for repelling H. axyridis adults and should be field-tested on urban structures.
Supercooling Differences in the Eastern Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Cabrera Brian J. , Kamble Shripat T.
Published: September 2017

Supercooling points were determined for untreated field-collected and untreated laboratory-maintained Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) workers and soldiers. Workers treated with antibiotics or had their hindgut-protozoa removed by exposing them to oxygen under pressure to determine the effects of absence of the hindgut fauna on supercooling. Supercooling points were compared between live and freshly-killed workers to determine whether supercooling in this species might be simply due to the biochemical properties of body fluids. Laboratory-maintained workers were also subjected to desiccation, starvation, or atmospheric pressure to determine their effects on supercooling. Supercooling points were lowest for laboratory workers treated with antibiotics and those that fed on brown paper-toweling for 7 d. Untreated field-collected workers had significantly higher supercooling points than untreated laboratory-maintained workers (−6.06 ± 0.79°C vs −9.29 ± 2.38°C, P < 0.0001). Both untreated field-collected and laboratory soldiers had significantly lower supercooling points than their respective workers (−7.39 ± 2.01°C vs −6.06 ± 0.79°C, P < 0.0001; and −11.60 ± 2.53°C vs −9.29 ± 2.38°C, P< 0.0001, respectively). There was no significant association between termite body mass and supercooling points for both laboratory and field termites (P= 0.0523 and P = 0.6242) or water content of laboratory termites and supercooling points (P = 0.1425). Defaunated workers had significantly lower supercooling points (−10.34 ± 2.38°C) than normally faunated workers (−9.48 ± 1.85°C)(P= 0.0095) suggesting that the symbiotic fauna may have higher supercooling points and act as ice nucleators in the termite hindgut. Starved and desiccated workers had significantly lower supercooling points (−10.38 ± 2.70°C and −10.39 ± 2.38°C, respectively) than their corresponding control groups (−9.87 ± 2.11°C and −9.89 ± 1.94°C; P = 0.0454; P = 0.0234, respectively) and untreated workers (−9.29 ± 2.38°C; P= 0.0021; P= 0.0011) suggesting that some forms of physical stress might lower the supercooling point.
Antistatic Foam as a Shocking Surface for Behavioral Studies with Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and American Cockroaches (Orthoptera: Blattelidae)
Authors: Abramson Charles I. , Morris Andrew W. , Michaluk Lynnette M. , Squire Jon
Published: September 2017

The application of electric shock is useful in the study of the learning process in vertebrates and invertebrates. In most behavioral studies, electric current is delivered with a shock grid. When applying electric current to a terrestrial invertebrate the use of shock grids is problematic. An alternative used for many years is the “resistive-sheet,” an asphalt and graphite mixture painted on a nonconductive surface such as plastic. The resistive sheet has several limitations, including difficulty in applying the mixture uniformly and uneven distribution of current. This article advocates replacing the resistive sheet with antistatic foam. Antistatic foam is used to prevent damage to integrated circuits and circuit boards due to static electrical charge. The foam is easily manipulated, standardized, and with the addition of two wires delivers consistent current across its area. The efficacy of antistatic foam as a shocking surface was examined in two experiments. In the first, escape behavior in honey bees, Apis mellifera L., was examined by placing two groups of bees (n = 26) in a two compartment shuttle box. One group received 25 V AC shock that terminated when the bee crossed into the opposing compartment. A control group did not receive any shock. Results showed that bees in the shock group crossed into the opposing chamber significantly more often than the no-shock group (t= 6.796, df = 24, P < .001). In the second experiment, a contraction response was tested in a group (n = 10) of American cockroaches, Periplaneta americana L. Each roach was individually placed in the apparatus and received 1 min no shock (baseline), 1 min (1 s 50 V AC every 10 s) shock, and 1 min baseline. Roaches contracted significantly more often in the shock condition than in either of the baseline conditions (F= 10.049, df = 2,18, P = .001). These results demonstrate that antistatic foam can be used to create a shocking surface suitable for investigating behavior in insects.
Reproductive Vigor in Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) Associated With Bifenthrin Resistance
Authors: Riley David G. , Tan Wei-Jia
Published: September 2017

A bifenthrin-selected whitefly population, Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring, exhibited reproductive vigor in several backcrosses compared to both the bifenthrin-resistant and bifenthrin-susceptible parent populations. Net reproductive rates (R0) ranged from 5.7 to 32.9 with the highest rates occurring in populations resulting from resistant × susceptible F1 females backcrossed to males from the same resistant parent population. The genetic mechanism for increased vigor in the backcrosses of bifenthrin-resistant whiteflies is not known.
Evaluation of Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Densities and Regrowth Characteristics of Alfalfa Grazed by Sheep in Winter and Spring
Authors: Goosey Hayes B. , Hatfield Patrick G. , Blodgett Sue L. , Cash S. Dennis
Published: September 2017

Fall regrowth of alfalfa, Medicago sativa (L.), serves as a major source of winter pasture for Montana sheep producers. In years of drought, alfalfa fields are extensively winter/spring grazed; however, the impact on crop health is unknown. Alfalfa paddocks were continuously grazed for 95 d in 2002 and 98 d in 2003 during winter and spring to determine the impact on spring and summer alfalfa regrowth, nutrient quality characteristics, and alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica Gyllenhal, densities. Grazed and non-grazed forage yield, crude protein (%), and acid and neutral detergent fibers (%) did not differ at harvest (P> 0.17) during either study year. Acid and neutral detergent fibers (kg/ha) were greater (P < 0.05) in non-grazed compared to grazed plots during 2002–2003. Alfalfa weevil densities were lower in grazed than non-grazed plots (P< 0.03) over four sampling dates during both study years. Winter/spring sheep grazing appears to offer potential for alfalfa weevil management without compromising yield or nutritive factors of subsequent alfalfa production.
Seasonal Occurrence, Phenological Indicators and Mortality Factors Affecting Five Scale Insect Species (Hemiptera:Diaspididae, Coccidae) in the Urban Landscape Setting
Authors: Hodges G. S. , Braman S. K.
Published: September 2017

Proper timing of pesticide applications is paramount when attempting to control scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae, Coccidae) that are important pests of landscape plantings. Use of degree-days and phenological indicators can better time the applications and reduce the number of treatments. Seasonal appearance of five species of scale insects in the urban landscape along with flowering phenology of 40 plant species were systematically monitored during 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 in Athens, GA. Degree-day calculations for predicting first-generation crawler emergence were attained by two methods: use of standard-base or an experimentally determined base temperature. Predictions using a standard temperature resulted in high year-to-year variance. Use of a model-derived base temperature reduced the variance for degree-days needed for first crawler emergence. Mean base temperatures for European fruit lecanium, Indian wax scale, obscure scale, euonymus scale, and tea scale were, respectively, 12.78, 12.78, 5.0, 3.89, and 5.0°C. The range in degree-days required for first crawler emergence of each species using first the experimentally derived base, or the standard base temperature of 10.56 were 1184 to 1296 or 1064 to 1622 for European fruit lecanium; 846 to 1014 or 1150 to 1380 for Indian wax scale; 1246 to 1268 or 515 to 566 for obscure scale; 1366 to 1492 or 313 to 597 for euonymus scale; and 526 to 1502 or 202 to 776 for tea scale. Natural enemy complexes observed in association with each of the scale species are discussed.
Rice Water Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Population Dynamics in Louisiana
Authors: Shang Hanwu , Stout Michael J. , Zhang Zhitao , Cheng Jiaan
Published: September 2017

The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, has long been an important pest of rice in the U.S. and has recently emerged as a pest of rice in Asia. A systematic study of the life history and population dynamics of this insect was conducted during the 2002 growing season at the Louisiana State University Rice Research Station, Crowley, Acadia Parish, LA, an area where it is a particularly severe pest. By monitoring weevil populations using collections from overwintering sites, from plots of rice planted throughout the growing season, and from light traps, and by dissecting collected weevils to assess the conditions of their fat bodies, flight muscles and ovaries, we concluded that a portion of the weevil population in Louisiana is univoltine, another portion is bivoltine, and another portion may pass through multiple generations if young rice is continually available. However, only one generation of weevils developed in a single rice field. Adult weevils invaded rice fields in apparently large numbers prior to flooding. Weevils possessing both well-developed ovaries and well-developed flight muscles were found in both light traps and rice plots, suggesting that adults were capable of seeking new habitats by flying if rice plants were not suitable for oviposition. Weevils were able to complete a generation on ratoon-crop rice. The emergence of overwintered weevils started in late March, with peak emergence occurring during April and May. Return to overwintering sites began in early June and continued until October. Weevils appeared to move among overwintering habitats. A comparison of weevil population dynamics in rice plots planted on different dates supported the use of early planting as a management strategy.
Diapause in Tarnished Plant Bug (Heteroptera: Miridae): Simulated Seasonal Occurrence in a Mississippi Population
Authors: Villavaso Eric J. , Snodgrass Gordon L.
Published: September 2017

The incidence of diapause was determined in adult tarnished plant bugs, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), reared in environmental cabinets that simulated daily field photoperiods occurring at Starkville, MS, during every month of the year. Temperature was held constant at 26.7°C. Photoperiod played a major role in diapause induction. Most nymphs (77.6 to 100%) hatching between 15 September and 15 February, about half of nymphs hatching in early March or early September, and few nymphs hatching between 15 March and 15 August (1.8 to 10.3%) developed into diapausing adults. Thus, early March and early September are transitional periods during which about half of newly-hatched nymphs will develop into diapausing adults. Between those periods, almost all bugs were reproductive, and outside of them, almost all were in diapause. Hypertrophied fat body coupled with underdeveloped accessory glands were used to classify male diapause, and hypertrophied fat body coupled with lack of mature eggs were used to classify female diapause.
Acorn Fall and Weeviling in a Northern Red Oak Seedling Orchard
Authors: Miller Daniel R. , Schlarbaum Scott E.
Published: September 2017

In 2000, we determined levels of damage by acorn weevils (Curculio spp.) and patterns of acorn fall in a northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedling orchard in eastern Tennessee. The mean (±SE) production of acorns among 43 selected trees was 5,930 ± 586 acorns per tree with a maximum production level of 16,969 acorns for one tree. Trees were selected in the spring of 2000 based on abundance of acornets. The mean (±SE) damage level to acorns was 33 (±2) percent (determined by dissection). The floating method for assessing sound acorns overestimated acorn damage by 36 percent overall. Weevils accounted for approximately 66 percent of all damage to acorns. We found that the percentage of weeviled acorns was negatively correlated to total acorn production per tree. The rate of acorn drop was higher in October and November than in September. However, the percentage of acorns damaged by weevils was higher for acorns falling in September than for acorns falling in October or November.
Lethal and Sub-Lethal Effects of Novaluron (Pedestal®) on the Soil-Dwelling Predatory Mite, Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley) (Acari: Mesostigmata: Laelapidae), under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Cabrera Ana R. , Cloyd Raymond A. , Zaborski Edmond R.
Published: September 2017

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the lethal and sub-lethal effects of the insect growth regulator, novaluron, on Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley), a soil-dwelling predatory mite widely marketed in North America as Hypoaspis miles (Berlese) for biological control of dark-winged fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.). The lethal effects of novaluron and dicofol were determined at 24, 48 and 72 h. Fifty S. scimitus protonymphs were used for each treatment. Novaluron was applied at a concentration of 62 ml per liter and dicofol was applied at 171 mg per liter. In the sublethal effect experiment, 15 S. scimitus protonymphs were exposed to water and novaluron for 72 h. Novaluron did not have any harmful effect on S. scimitus protonymphs (0% mortality) after 72 h of exposure. Dicofol, as the positive control, caused 58, 98 and 100% mortality of S. scimitus protonymphs after 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure, respectively. After 72 h of exposure, novaluron significantly prolonged the duration of the protonymphal stage by 1 to 2 d, compared to the water control. However, after the mites had molted to the deutonymphal stage, no significant effect on the duration of this stage was observed. This study presents new research on the compatibility of the insect growth regulator, novaluron, with a different mite species. As a result, greenhouse producers can use novaluron to manage plant-feeding insects without disrupting biological control programs for fungus gnats.
Effect of Pesticide Mixtures in Controlling Western Flower Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Warnock Daniel F. , Cloyd Raymond A.
Published: September 2017

Greenhouse managers mix together pesticides to broaden the spectrum of pest control and to reduce pesticide and labor costs. However, the efficacy of pesticide mixtures has not been well-documented. This study assesses how mixtures of commercially available insecticides and miticides in two, three, and four-way combinations affected the control of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, in greenhouse experiments and in a laboratory bioassay. The pesticides screened in the greenhouse experiments and laboratory bioassay were spinosad, abamectin, bifenazate, azadirachtin and imidacloprid. Each pesticide was applied at the maximum label-recommended rate. In the greenhouse experiments, transvaal daisy (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus ex Hook. f) and lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum G. Don ex Sweet) flowers were infested with 25 adult western flower thrips (mixture of females and males). Flowers were then sprayed with the designated treatments. After 72 h, flowers were dissected to assess the numbers of live and dead western flower thrips. In the laboratory bioassay, chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) leaf sections, treated with solutions of each pesticide and all possible combinations, were exposed to 15 adult western flower thrips. The numbers of live and dead western flower thrips were assessed after 48 h. For all three experiments, we were not able to identify any antagonistic pesticide combinations. All treatments with spinosad, including the individual application and pesticide mixtures, resulted in high mortality of western flower thrips. Our data suggest that combinations of spinosad with the other pesticides tested do not affect the efficacy of spinosad in controlling western flower thrips. This information is important to greenhouse managers who wish to mix pesticides and still control western flower thrips in addition to the other plant-feeding arthropods found in greenhouses.
Effects of Selected Pesticides on the Predatory Mite, Amblyseius cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Kim Sang Soo , Seo Sang Gi , Park Jong Dae , Kim Seon Gon , Kim Do Ik
Published: September 2017

Effects of field rates of selected pesticides to the predatory mite, Amblyseius cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), were evaluated in laboratory bioassays. Five of the pesticides tested, acequinocyl, bifenazate, spirodiclofen, spinosad and thiamethoxam, had little effect on the survival and reproduction of A. cucumeris adult females and eclosion of eggs deposited by treated predators. Moreover, hatch percentage of A. cucumeris eggs was unaffected by exposure to these five pesticides. Etoxazole did not seriously affect the survival and reproduction of adult female predators but caused significant lower eclosion in eggs laid by treated females and 100% egg mortality. Thiacloprid, imidacloprid, fipronil and chlorfenapyr had considerable toxic effect on A. cucumeris adult females. Pyraclofos, abamectin and emamectin benzoate were very toxic to adult female predators. Based on the results, acequinocyl, bifenazate, spirodiclofen, spinosad and thiamethoxan appear to be promising candidates for use in integrated pest management programs where A. cucumeris is the major natural enemy.
Rearing Protocol and Life History Traits for Poecilus chalcites (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in the Laboratory
Authors: Lundgren Jonathan G. , Duan Jian J. , Paradise Mark S. , Wiedenmann Robert N.
Published: September 2017

A rearing protocol for the predaceous ground beetle, Poecilus chalcites (Say), is described. The effects of dietary constituents, substrate moisture content, and substrate type on larval developmental rates and size were examined in the laboratory. The protocol was successful in obtaining nearly 80% pupation rates, although adult size was smaller than field-collected beetles, and laboratory-produced adults did not lay eggs. We determined experimentally that some of the components of the meridic diet used for colony production could be removed without compromising larval size or developmental rates, but that nutrition beyond cat food was necessary to increase larval size. We found a positive correlation of larval size with increased moisture content using vermiculite substrate at three moisture levels (33.3, 50.0 and 66.7% by weight). Untreated Fer-Til® (GreenGro Products, Jackson, WI) soil resulted in the highest pupation rate (70 to 80%) and had one of the shortest developmental periods of the five soils tested. Steaming or sifting Fer-Til soil compromised its ability to support larval development until pupation.
Plant Source and Seed Parasitism Influence Seed Viability in Redbud (Cercis spp.)
Authors: Klingeman William E. , Carrington M. Shea
Published: September 2017

Eastern redbud, Cercis canadensis L., trees are difficult to vegetatively propagate. Named cultivars of Eastern redbud do not grow “true” from seeds forcing growers to invest resources to graft buds or scions onto seed-grown liners. Whereas the unnamed North American native Eastern redbud trees produce large numbers of easily-collected seedpods that contain abundant numbers of seeds, these seeds are frequently infested with seed-parasitic beetles and associated wasp parasitoids. Of the redbuds investigated, we found that unnamed Eastern redbuds were preferred hosts for redbud seed beetles, Gibbobruchus mimus (Say). However, named and unnamed redbud types as well as C. chinensis ‘Avondale’ were suitable hosts for G. mimus. In addition, several new wasp parasitoids were recovered from seeds although it was not apparent whether these were attacking seed endosperm, G. mimus, or both. A float test successfully discriminated dead or infested seeds from seeds that were mostly viable. The majority of seeds that floated were empty, dead or infested. Growers can optimize seed collection efficiency by screening native Eastern redbud seeds for size and subjecting seeds to a float test thereby minimizing time, labor and land resources that would otherwise be expended for preparation and maintenance of fields planted with potentially nonviable seeds.
Comparison of Aerially-Applied Gypchek Strains Against Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) in the Presence of an Entomophaga maimaiga Epizootic
Authors: Webb R. E. , White G. B. , Podgwaite J. D. , D'Amico V. , Slavicek J. , Swearingen J. , Onken B. , Thorpe K. W.
Published: September 2017

The standard strain (LDP-226) of Gypchek®, a nucleopolyhedrovirus product registered by the USDA Forest Service against the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), was compared against a strain, LdMNPV-203NL (NL = nonliquefying), that was developed for production in cell culture. Both strains were applied by air to U.S. government property in Prince Georges Co., MD, in early May 2003 at the rate of 1 × 1012 occlusion bodies per ha. The two goals of the study were (1) to compare the first and second wave effects of the two strains against gypsy moth populations; and (2) to delineate the combined effects of the applied virus and the expected epizootic of the gypsy moth specialist fungal entomopathogen Entomophaga maimaiga Humber, Shimazu, and Soper. Heavy rainfall in May and June preceded a massive epizootic of E. maimaiga, whose effects did not mask the first wave of viral mortality. When the effect of application sequence was considered, it was concluded that the two strains were equivalent in their first-wave impacts. High fungal-induced mid and late-season gypsy moth larval mortality suppressed the second wave of virus at all evaluation sites. There were no obvious differences in the second waves engendered by the two LdNPV strains in the greatly reduced late-instar larval population.
Cladistics and Phylogenetic Analyses of the Grasshopper Genus Chorthippus Fieber (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Xu Sheng-Quan , Zheng Zhe-Min , Li Hou-Hun , Takeda Makio
Published: September 2017

Cladistic and phylogenetic analyses were conducted for the grasshopper genus Chorthippus Fieber. Forty-two species were analyzed, including nine belonging to the subgenus Megaulacobothrus, three to the subgenus Chorthippus, 11 to the subgenus Glyptobothrus and 19 to the subgenus Altichorthippus. In total, 50 equally parsimonious trees were constructed, with length = 176 steps, ci = 34% and ri = 77%. A strict consensus tree was constructed. All nine species of the subgenus Megaulacobothrus formed a clade, which is corroborated by five transformations. This clade is paraphyletic and near the root of the cladogram containing other Chorthippus species. In the latter clade, subclade Altichorthippus is on the base, subclade Glyptobothrus on top with subclade Chorthippus nested in it. We, therefore, suggest that the current grasshopper genus Chorthippus is paraphyletic. The subgenus Megaulacobothrus Caudell should be removed from Chorthippus and treated as a genus. The subgenus Altichorthippus contains the most ancient species of the grasshopper genus Chorthippus. The subgenus Glyptobothrus is derived from Altichorthippus and contains some species that should be referred to as Altichorthippus. The subgenus Chorthippus is a recent evolutionary group, descended from Glyptobothrus.
German Cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Blattaria: Blattellidae), Feeding Activity in Apartment Kitchens
Authors: Sedenger Brett D. , Suiter Daniel R. , Bennett Gary W.
Published: September 2017

German cockroach, Blattella germanica (I), distribution within two low-income apartment kitchens was determined by monitoring feeding activity with capacitive proximity sensors for four consecutive days. Six sensors were placed in each kitchen in the cabinets below and above the sink, beside the stove, behind the refrigerator, on the counter and on top of the upper cabinet. In both apartments, cockroach feeding activity was as follows: in the cabinet below the sink > beside the stove = behind the refrigerator > in the cabinet above the sink = on the countertop next to the sink = on top of the upper cabinet. Environmental loggers that recorded light intensity, relative humidity and temperature were placed beside each proximity sensor. Areas with the greatest feeding activity were dark and humid. Areas of less feeding activity were most often well-lit, dry, and exposed to human activity.
Duration of Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier (Diptera: Phoridae) Pupal Stages at Reduced Temperatures
Authors: Thead Larry G. , Streett Douglas A.
Published: September 2017

Duration times were determined for Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier pupae subjected to various temperature regimes. Pupae that had initially developed 12–15 d in parasitized fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, workers held at ~27°C were collected and subsequently held at different temperature regimes. Pupae exposed to a temperature of 26.7°C had the earliest peak fly emergence 15 d later. Pupae exposed to a lower temperature of 18.3°C for 12 or 19 d and then exposed to a temperature of 26.7°C required an additional 7 and 11 d to peak fly emergence, respectively. At 18.3°C peak fly emergence was delayed an additional 20 d. At 10°C for 12 or 19 d followed by 26.7°C, peak fly emergence was delayed an additional 12 and 18 d, respectively. Holding pupae at 10°C for 54 d followed by 26.7°C delayed peak fly emergence by an additional 51 d with a correspondingly high mortality. Fly survival rates tended to decrease as peak emergence was delayed. Models that predict fly emergence when pupae are held at reduced temperatures will prove useful in rearing programs where extended storage of phorid fly pupae is necessary for optimizing releases.