bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descriptions and Illustrations of the First Instars of Parthenolecanium corni (Bouché) and Parthenolecanium quercifex (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Coccidae)
Authors: Hodges Gregory S. , Williams Michael L.
Published: September 2017

Adult female specimens of Parthenolecanium corni (Bouche) and Parthenolecanium quercifex (Fitch) are often times confused for one another and misidentified. Members of the Parthenolecanium do show host-induced morphological dimorphisms, and the adult female is heavily sclerotized which can make key morphological characters obscure. Utilization of morphological characters of the first instar can help in the accuracy of the identification process. Key characters in distinguishing P. corni from P. quercifex are the absence of large (>5 μm) in the dorsal pore pattern.
Descriptions and Illustrations of the First Instar Nymphs of the Cardiococcinae (Hemiptera: Coccidae)
Authors: Hodges Gregory S. , Williams Michael L.
Published: September 2017

Taxonomic information on the Cardiococcinae is limited to morphological characters of the adult female. Morphological information on the immature stages has not been accomplished in the past. This work adds to the current knowledge of coccid immatures by providing descriptions and illustrations for the first-instar nymphs of Ceroplastodes dugesii (Signoret), Inglisia patella Maskell and Pseudokermes nitens Cockerell. Examination of the first instars indicated that morphological similarities exist between C. dugesii and P. nitens. However, I. patella differed morphologically from both of those species by lacking a rugose or papillated derm and by having greater than 34 marginal setae.
A New Chinese Species of the Genus Tomocerus (Tomocerina) from Xinjiang (Collembola: Tomoceridae) with a Discussion of Tomocerina
Authors: Ma Yitong , Chen Jian-xiu , Christiansen Kenneth
Published: September 2017

A new species, Tomocerus (Tomocerina) tianshanensis, from Xinjiang of northwest China is described. It is distinguished from other members of the subgenus by the presence of intermediate mucronal teeth, single trochanteral organ setae on the trochanter, no macrochaetae on the posterior third of the head and strongly clavate tenet hairs. It is most similar to the Japanese species T. aokii Yosii 1972 and the Chinese species T. yiliensis. A diagnostic table and key to the subgenus Tomocerina are provided.
Reproductive Biology of Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Wild and Cultivated Brassicaceae in Southern Alberta
Authors: Fox Andrew S. , Dosdall Lloyd M.
Published: September 2017

Mated and gravid status were assessed for early-season populations of Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on wild and cultivated Brassicaceae in southern Alberta, Canada. Mated female C. obstrictus were found in the first samples examined (22 May 2001). At least 84% of C. obstrictus dispersing to wild host sites up to 23 May 2001 (captured using yellow pan traps) were males. Females of C. obstrictus with at least one egg in the lateral oviducts were first encountered on 6, 8 and 18 June 2001 on Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb, Sinapis arvensis L., and Cardaria spp., (Brassicaceae), respectively. Females on S. arvensis, a true host with pods that can sustain larvae, had more robust ovary development than females on Cardaria spp. and D. sophia, food hosts with pods that cannot sustain larvae. The most fecund sample (n = 30) from S. arvensis was collected on 24 June 2001 when 80% of females had a mean of 7.2 ± 2.7 (±SD) eggs in the lateral oviducts. The most fecund full samples (n = 30) from Cardaria spp. and D. sophia had 6.7% and 40.0%, respectively, of females with at least one egg in the lateral oviducts, and an overall maximum of four eggs in the lateral oviducts per female. There is no apparent reproductive advantage to C. obstrictus in developing eggs on early-season food hosts, although food hosts likely play an important role in sustaining C. obstrictus until true hosts are encountered. Although gravid status was high in females on S. arvensis, this host supported relatively few larvae. The highest infestation level of C. obstrictus per sample of S. arvensis pods in 2001 was 13.5% (n = 891 pods) based on the presence of eggs, larvae, and exit holes. A sample of volunteer Brassica napus L. (Brassicaceae) pods (n = 100) had a 77% infestation level. The apparent discrepancy between the relatively robust gravid status of C. obstrictus on S. arvensis, and low pod infestation, was explained as a combination of factors that likely include an inherent unsuitability of wild S. arvensis pods for C. obstrictus. However, given the wide distribution of S. arvensis in southern Alberta, this wild true host would likely maintain low populations of C. obstrictus in the absence of volunteer and spring-seeded cultivated hosts.
Pollinating Efficacy of Osmia cornifrons and Osmia lignaria subsp. lignaria (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) on Three Brassicaceae Species Grown Under Field Cages
Authors: Abel Craig A. , Wilson Richard L. , Luhman Richard L.
Published: September 2017

Until 1997, honey bees, Apis mellifera L., were used to pollinate Brassicaceae grown in field cages at the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS), at Ames, IA. At this time, a solitary bee, Osmia cornifrons (Radoszkowski), was first employed to pollinate the crop in field cages; however, a native bee species, Osmia lignaria subsp. lignaria Say, out-competes O. cornifrons in central Iowa for artificial nesting sites erected for rearing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of these two solitary bee species for producing Brassica napus, B. rapa, and Sinapis alba seed in field cages. There was no difference in seed production for the S. alba accession, PI 209022, or the B. rapa accession, PI 278766, between the two species of Osmia. But, the B. rapa accession, PI 392025, and the B. napus accession, PI 469944, produced significantly more seed when pollinated by O. lignaria subsp. lignaria than by O. cornifrons. Because the native bee is easier to rear and maintain, it will be the pollinator of choice for control pollinating collections of Brassicaceae species maintained at NCRPIS. The commercial use of O. lignaria subsp. lignaria or the related subspecies, O. lignaria subsp. propinqua, should be investigated for improving the production of canola and rapeseed.
Irrigation and Fertilization Effects on Nantucket Pine Tip Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Damage Levels and Pupal Weight in an Intensively-Managed Pine Plantation2
Authors: Coyle David R. , Nowak John T. , Fettig Christopher J.
Published: September 2017

The widespread application of intensive forest management practices throughout the southeastern U.S. has increased loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L., yields and shortened conventional rotation lengths. Fluctuations in Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock), population density and subsequent damage levels have been linked to variations in management intensity. We examined the effects of two practices, irrigation and fertilization, on R. frustrana damage levels and pupal weights in an intensively-managed P. taeda plantation in South Carolina. Trees received intensive weed control and one of the following treatments: irrigation only, fertilization only, irrigation + fertilization, or control. Mean whole-tree tip moth damage levels ranged from <1 to 48% during this study. Damage levels differed significantly among treatments in two tip moth generations in 2001, but not 2000. Pupal weight was significantly heavier in fertilization compared to the irrigation treatment in 2000, but no significant differences were observed in 2001. Tree diameter, height, and aboveground volume were significantly greater in the irrigation + fertilization than in the irrigation treatment after two growing seasons. Our data suggest that intensive management practices that include irrigation and fertilization do not consistently increase R. frustrana damage levels and pupal weights as is commonly believed. However, tip moth suppression efforts in areas adjacent to our study may have partially reduced the potential impacts of R. frustrana on this experiment.
Biochemical Assay Detects Feeding Damage to Loblolly Pine Seeds Caused by the Leaffooted Pine Seed Bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Lait Cameron G. , Miller Daniel R. , Bates Sarah L. , Borden John H. , Kermode Allison R.
Published: September 2017

A large number of proteins in salivary gland extracts of the leaffooted pine seed bug, Leptoglossus corculus Say, were strongly recognized by a polyclonal antibody-based assay developed for detecting saliva of the western conifer seed bug. Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann, in lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelmann, seeds. An average of approximately 85% of loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L., seeds exposed to feeding by L. corculus for 1 to 4 weeks in the laboratory contained detectable amounts of salivary proteins when the antibody assays were performed weekly on samples (n = 10) of seed. In comparison, radiography of exposed seed detected an average of approximately 63% damaged seed over the same 4-wk period, indicating that the antibody assay increased sensitivity of damage detection by approximately one-third. Depletion of insoluble polypeptides and proliferation of soluble polypeptides ≤23.5 kDa was apparent after SDS-PAGE and quantitative assays were performed on proteins extracted from seeds that were damaged by exposure to L. corculus feeding. Our data suggest that the antibody-based test could be used to obtain accurate estimates of seed losses attributable to L. corculus feeding in southern pine seed orchards.
Sperm Production in Tarnished Plant Bugs (Heteroptera: Miridae) Following Irradiation
Authors: Villavaso Eric J.
Published: September 2017

With recent advances that allow their mass rearing, tarnished plant bugs, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), are being considered as subjects for mass sterilization and release. Because sperm production in sterile insects has been cited as an important component of competitiveness, it was measured in irradiated and unirradiated bugs. Bugs subjected to dosages of 5, 10, 20, and 40 krad (50, 100, 200, and 400 Gy) of gamma-irradiation at approximately 7 d post-eclosion to adulthood produced less sperm than untreated bugs. Sperm production was inversely related to dosage. Sperm counts exceeded 1 million per male in the control group and peaked at approximately 600,000 per male in the 5 krad group at day 21 post-eclosion, at approximately 500,000 per male for the 10 and 20 krad groups between days 17 and 21 post-eclosion, and never exceeded half of the control for the 40 krad group, which suffered high mortality in all three replications. Sperm was not seen in newly-eclosed adults, but accumulations averaged 23,000 in 3-d post-eclosion adults and increased to over 100,000 by day 5. Peak counts of 1.6 million were recorded on day 31 post-eclosion.
Ladybeetles as Predators of Pest and Predacious Mites in Citrus
Authors: Villanueva R. T. , Michaud J. P. , Childers C. C.
Published: September 2017

The acceptability of Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Tetranychidae) as prey for adults and larvae of four coccinellid species, Cycloneda sanguinea L., Exochomus childreni Mulsant, Harmonia axyridis Pallas, and Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant), was evaluated. Also, three beneficial predacious species, Euseius mesembrinus (Dean), Iphiseiodes quadripilis (Banks) and an Amblyseius sp. (Phytoseiidae), were evaluated for their acceptability as prey for H. axyridis adults. Adult females and early larval stages of C. sanguinea, E. childreni, H. axyridis, and O. v-nigrum readily consumed adult P. citri females when these were presented on leaf disk arenas in Petri dishes. The most voracious mite predator was H. axyridis. Adult female H. axyridis consumed an average of 15.14 ± 1.9 female P. citri in 24 h, and first-instar larvae consumed 6.1 ± 0.7 in 60 min. Only H. axyridis was tested with predaceous mites as prey. First-instar H. axyridis larvae consumed one or two adult Amblyseius sp. in three out of eight trials, and a single E. mesembrinus female. No I. quadripilis females were eaten by H. axyridis larvae. Adult female H. axyridis did not consume adult female phytoseiids of any species under similar conditions. If predacious phytoseiids are generally unacceptable as prey for coccinellids while P. citri is selectively consumed, then coccinellid predation would likely have a net beneficial effect in contributing to suppression of tetranychid mite populations in citrus.
Performance of Feral and Cry1Ac-Selected Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Strains on Transgenic Cottons Expressing One or Two Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki Proteins Under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Jackson R. E. , Bradley J. R. , Van Duyn J. W.
Published: September 2017

Efficacy of Bollgard (DP50B) and Bollgard II (DP50BX) cottons that express either one or two Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner proteins, respectively, along with the conventional sister genotype (DP50), was determined for a feral strain of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and a Cry1Ac-selected bollworm strain in 1999. In 2000, a greenhouse study was designed to compare the efficacy of three transgenic cottons expressing either the Cry1Ac endotoxin alone (DP50B), the Cry2Ab endotoxin alone (DP50X), or both the CrylAc and Cry2Ab endotoxins (DP50BX) against a feral and a Cry1Ac-selected bollworm strain. Results from the 1999 greenhouse study evaluating both a feral and a Cry1Ac-selected bollworm strain demonstrated that when averaged across bollworm strains, the Bollgard II genotype significantly reduced larval survival and fruit penetration by bollworm compared to the Bollgard variety. Also, the Cry1Ac-selected bollworm strain displayed increased larval survival, superficial fruit damage, and fruit penetration compared to the feral strain when averaged across genotypes. In the 2000 study, the Bollgard II genotype significantly reduced fruit penetration by bollworm below that of the Bollgard variety when averaged across strains; however, the single Cry2Ab-producing genotype performed similarly to both Bollgard and Bollgard II with respect to fruit penetration. The Cry1Ac-selected bollworm strain exhibited significantly greater larval survival and superficial fruit damage on the Bollgard variety compared to the feral strain, but no differences among larval strains were evident for other genotypes. Also, when averaged across genotypes, the Cry1Ac-selected bollworm strain penetrated a higher proportion of cotton fruit compared to the feral strain. These results suggest that commercialization of Bollgard II cottons would significantly reduce bollworm survival and damage compared to that experienced by current Bollgard varieties. Bollgard II plantings also should have a positive impact on Bt resistance management of bollworm.
Influence of Roundup Ready Soybean and Roundup Ultra Herbicide on Geocoris punctipes (Say) (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) in the Laboratory
Authors: Jackson Ryan E. , Pitre Henry N.
Published: September 2017

Roundup Ready® crops have become the dominant weed control system throughout the United States. Therefore, laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of Roundup Ready soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, and glyphosate on the fecundity and mortality of Geocoris punctipes (Say). Mortality of third instars and adults (∼30 d old) and fecundity of females exposed to glyphosate by direct spray application or residual on soybean foliage were not affected over a 10-d posttreatment period. Mortality of nymphs and adults exposed to transgenic soybean foliage did not differ from mortality of nymphs and adults exposed to foliage of conventional, glyphosate-susceptible soybean. Exposure of G. punctipes eggs to glyphosate spray had no effect on egg hatch. The knowledge of the minimal effects of Roundup Ready soybeans and glyphosate on predaceous arthropods promotes the use of the Roundup Ready soybean system.
Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Mortality Following Exposure to Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (NaHCO3)
Authors: Brinkman Mark A. , Gardner Wayne A. , Ipser Reid M.
Published: September 2017

Red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, worker responses to sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) placed on surfaces and in liquid food were evaluated in laboratory bioassays. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of NaHCO3 applied to surfaces on which workers were restricted was 7.11 mg per cm2 at 7 days after initial exposure. Only 42% of workers feeding on sugar water containing 7.5% NaHCO3 were killed; mortality was not increased with increasing concentration of NaHCO3. Choice tests demonstrated that NaHCO3 did not repel or deter feeding by workers. Whole-body pH of workers not exposed to NaHCO3 was 6.97 (±0.08), while pH of workers exposed to 28 mg NaHCO3 per cm2 on surfaces was 7.90 (±0.21). This suggests a physiological shift in hydrogen ion concentration of ants exposed to NaHCO3 and perhaps accounts for cause of death.
Re-Examination of Three Species of Tomocerus s.l. (Collembola: Tomoceridae) from China
Authors: Chen Jian-Xiu , Ma Yi-tong , Christiansen Kenneth
Published: September 2017

Three species of Collembola (Family Tomoceridae), Tomocerus (Tomocerus) folsomi Denis, 1929 and Tomocerus (Tomocerus) violaceus Yosii, 1956 and Tomocerus (Monodontocerus) modificatus Yosii, 1955, are reexamined. Tomocerus folsomi has had no modern description. Our study shows it to be clearly separated from other members of the subgenus Tomocerus s.s. by the combination of peculiar spinelets on the dental spines, multidentate lamellae mucro and a “principal” basal dental seta. Tomocerus s.s. violaceus is separated from other members of the subgenus by simple dental spines plus 3 or fewer setae on the tenaculum. The previously undescribed macrochatae are described and illustrated. Tomocerus (Monodontocerus) modificatus is recorded from China for the first time. While all the previous records were from caves, some of the Chinese specimens are from surface habitats. A number of previously undescribed features are described and illustrated.
Effects of Age and Length of Exposure on the Reproduction of Adult Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Exposed to Surfaces Treated with Ecdysone Agonists
Authors: Sun Xiaoping , Barrett Bruce , Song Qisheng
Published: September 2017

The effects of age and length of exposure on the fecundity and fertility of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), exposed as adults to surfaces treated with the ecdysone agonists tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide were examined. In addition, the development and reproduction of offspring (F1 generation) whose parents were exposed to the ecdysone agonists were investigated. The length of exposure, but not moth age, significantly affected mean moth fecundity and fertility. A 6 h exposure period to treated surfaces did not negatively affect mean fecundity and fertility. However, exposure periods of 18 h and 30 h significantly reduced mean fecundity and fertility. Despite the significant negative impacts on the reproduction of the adults (parent generation) exposed to the treated surfaces, the mean development time and fecundity of the adult offspring (F1 generation) were not affected; however, the mean fertility of the adult offspring in the methoxyfenozide treatment was significantly reduced.
Descriptions of the Final Instar Larvae of Perithous septemcinctorius, Zatypota bohemani and Z. gracilis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae)
Authors: Tormos Josep , Asís Josep Daniel , Gayubo Severiano Fernández , Selfa Jesús
Published: September 2017

The exuviae of the final larval instar of three species of pimpline Ichneumonidae (Pimplinae: Delomeristini, Ephialtini), Perithous septemcinctorius (Thunberg), Zatypota bohemani (Holmgren) and Z. gracilis (Holmgren), are described. The mature larvae of Perithous Holmgren are characterized by presenting the maxillary and labial palpi with more than two sensilla. The exuviae of the different species that have been described in this genus, Perithous divinator, P. scurra and P. septemcinctorius, can be differentiated on the basis of the following characters: (a) presence/absence of spinules on the tegument, sensillum on antennal orbit, cardo; seta on posterior part of stipital sclerite; (b) presence/absence of number of setae on labrum, clypeus, maxilla, and postlabium, and sensilla on clypeus and labrum; (c) degree of development of epistoma; (d) number of sensilla of the maxillary and labial palpi (in the three species there are more than two sensilla), and (e) differentiation of the spinneret and salivary orifice. The most apparent differences between the exuviae of Zatypota Förster, Zatypota bohemani, Z. gracilis and Zatypota sp., are the expansion shown by the stipital sclerite at its lateral end and in the number, presence/absence and arrangement of the setae of the cranial sclerites (clypeus and labrum) and mouth parts (maxillae and labium). Descriptions of the cocoons of the two species of Zatypota and host records for all three species are reported.
Southern Chinch Bug (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) Survival on St. Augustinegrass Selections
Authors: Cherry Ron , Nagata Russell
Published: September 2017

The survival of female vs male adults of southern chinch bugs (Blissus insularis Barber) was determined on five selections of St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze) of which three (Floratam, 1997-6, Floratine) are susceptible to southern chinch bugs and two (FX-10, NUF-76) are resistant. Survival of different chinch bug life stages (small nymphs, large nymphs, adults) on the five selections also was determined. Survival of female adults, male adults, and other life stages was higher on the three susceptible selections than on the two resistant selections. These data show that survivorship of all stages of southern chinch bugs (small nymphs, large nymphs, adults of both sexes) tested responded similarly to the five St. Augustinegrass selections.
Distribution of an Invasive Weevil, Pseudocneorhinus bifasciatus Roelofs, in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Wheeler A. G. , Boyd David W.
Published: September 2017

The twobanded Japanese weevil, Pseudocneorhinus bifasciatus Roelofs, first found in North America near Philadelphia, PA, in 1914, is better known in the northeastern United States than in the Southeast. Based on examination of specimens in 11 museums, fieldwork, and review of the literature, we document the presence of this pest of ornamental plants in Alabama (3 counties), Georgia (12), North Carolina (16), and South Carolina (19). The southeastern distribution is mapped, and locality and date are provided for the first collection in each state: North Carolina, 1955; Georgia, 1956; South Carolina, 1966; and Alabama, 1970.
Description of the Larvae of Two Spilomena Species, with Comments on Larval Characters in the Subtribe Spilomenina (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Crabronidae)
Authors: Asís Josep D. , Gayubo Severiano F. , Tormos José
Published: September 2017

The mature post-defecating larva of Spilomena beata Blüthgen is described, and that of S. troglodytes Blüthgen is redescribed. Larval morphology permits the separation of Spilomena from Arpactophilus, two genera whose adults are morphologically very similar. However, after the recent description of the larva of Microstigmus nigrophthalmus Melo, there do not seem to be any characters that clearly differentiate the larvae of Microstigmus from those of Spilomena.
Host Utilization and Phenology of Injury by Plum Curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in West Virginia
Authors: Brown M. W.
Published: September 2017

Host utilization by plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), among 8 species of tree fruit was tested under natural orchard conditions in eastern West Virginia. Cohorts of fruit on apricot, European plum, Japanese plum, peach, sweet cherry, sour cherry, pear and apple were examined periodically from just after fruit set to harvest for the appearance of oviposition injury. Percentage of dropped fruit with plum curculio oviposition also was recorded. Fruit also was harvested and evaluated for the presence of oviposition scars, adult feeding, and internal larvae. Apricot had the highest percentage of injury followed by Japanese plum, European plum, apple, peach, sweet cherry, sour cherry and pear. In plum, there was in increase in the percentage of fruit on the tree with oviposition injury from fruit set to harvest; whereas, with the other fruit the percentage of injury on the tree remained relatively constant beyond about a month after fruit set.
Mortality of Different Life Stages of Rhagoletis indifferens (Diptera: Tephritidae) Exposed to the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae
Authors: Yee Wee L. , Lacey Lawrence A.
Published: September 2017

Effects of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin on the mortality of different life stages of the western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae), were determined in laboratory tests. When teneral adults were exposed to fungal spores mixed in soil (7.63 × 105 and 1.61 × 106 spores/g) or applied to the surface of soil (1.14 × 106 and 2.28 × 106 spores/cm2) with 13 to 30% moisture, adult emergence was not reduced, but 14.9 to 68.0% of emerging adults were infected at death. When adult flies were exposed to various concentrations of dry spores inside vials, 15 mg (4.59 × 108 spores/10 flies) was the lowest needed for 100% mortality at 7 d post exposure, and resulted in 5.96 × 106 spores adhering to each fly. Females exposed to 1.80 mg (5.51 × 107 spores/10 flies) laid as many eggs as control females between 0 and 3 d post exposure, but due to mortality infected flies laid fewer eggs between 3 and 7 d. Third-instar larvae exposed to treated soil (9.63 × 104 to 4.81 × 106 spores/cm2) with 20% moisture were not infected.
Nymphiposition and Population Growth of Rhoaplosiphum padi L. (Homoptera: Aphididae) on Conventional Wheat Cultivars and Transgenic Wheat Isolines
Authors: Hesler L. S. , Li Z. , Cheesbrough T. M. , Riedell W. E.
Published: September 2017

Nymphiposition and population growth of bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhoaplosiphum padi L. (Homoptera: Aphididae), were measured in four experiments with conventional, non-transgenic cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and in four separate experiments with isolines of ‘Prospect’ wheat containing the pin2 gene with promoter for potato proteinase inhibitor II. In two experiments with conventional wheat, population growth of R. padi was lower on cultivars ‘Sharp,’ ‘Marshall’ and ‘Ember’ compared to that on ‘Russ.’ Numbers of R. padi were intermediate on ‘2375’ and did not differ from that on other cultivars. In the third and fourth experiments, Sharp and Marshall had less R. padi than ‘Guard’ and ‘Prospect,’ whereas ‘Butte 86’ and ‘Ivan’ had intermediate numbers of R. padi that did not differ from that on other cultivars. Nymphiposition by alate R. padi did not differ among cultivars, indicating a lack of antixenosis. Transgenic isolines did not show resistance to R. padi. Two of three experiments showed no effect of isoline on nymphiposition by R. padi, and three of four experiments showed no effect of isoline on final numbers of R. padi. However, in one experiment, nymphiposition by R. padi was greater on some transgenic isolines than others and, after 13 d, some transgenic isolines had greater populations of R. padi. Mechanical wounding of transgenic plants had no effect on nymphiposition or final numbers of R. padi. Although wheat cultivars Sharp, Marshall and Ember show promise as sources of antibiosis resistance to R. padi, more research is needed to understand potential use of proteinase transgenes in wheat for cereal aphid management.
Confinement-Tray Background Color Affects Parasitism Rates of Attacking Pseudacteon curvatus (Diptera: Phoridae) in a Laboratory Rearing System
Authors: Thead Larry G. , Streett Douglas A.
Published: September 2017

Distribution of the phorid fly (Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier), a natural parasitoid of imported fire ants (Solenopsis spp.), was tested in a laboratory rearing system to evaluate differences in phorid fly production based on tray background color. Significantly (P =0.02) higher rates of parasitism were observed for ants confined within a tray with darker background colors (olive drab, brown or ruddy brown) than for ants confined within a brighter white background tray. This study identifies a factor that may be influencing production levels in a phorid rearing system.
Colony Characteristics and Seasonal Activity of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Louis Armstrong Park, New Orleans, Louisiana
Authors: Messenger Matthew T. , Su Nan-Yao
Published: September 2017

Beginning in 1998, multiple mark-recapture studies were conducted inside 12.75-ha Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans, LA, to locate and characterize all detectable colonies of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), established within the park. This is the first attempt to characterize subterranean termite colonies on such a large scale within a defined area. As a result, 13 C. formosanus colonies were identified using characteristics such as mean worker weight (range, 2.96–4.54 mg), foraging territory size (range, 83–1634 m2), and wood consumption rate (range, 0.6–5.2 g wood/monitoring station/day). In addition, six Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) colonies were identified throughout the park. A total of 251 of 785 (~32%) trees in the park were infested by C. formosanus colonies. Foraging territories of each colony remained relatively stable over a 4-yr period, with seasonal activity within monitoring stations increasing during the summer and decreasing during winter.
Toxicity of Transgenic Corn Tissues Expressing Insecticidal Protein of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner to Southwestern Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in the Laboratory
Authors: Allen Kerry C. , Pitre Henry N.
Published: September 2017

Laboratory studies were conducted to compare the response of Diatraea grandiosella (Dyar) larvae to lyophilized transgenic corn tissue expressing the Cry1Ab endotoxin protein of Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) (Bt) with conventional corn tissue incorporated into a BioServ™ artificial diet. Whorl leaf, stalk, shank, husk, silk or kernel tissues were tested independently in the diet. Larvae fed diet containing conventional corn weighed more and were longer in length than larvae fed diet containing Bt corn for all tissue types included in the study. The number of larvae that survived depended on the tissue type and age of the tissue. Larvae fed diet with kernel tissue expressing Bt toxin had greater weight and body length than larvae fed the other Bt tissue types. The negative effects of Bt corn tissues expressing the Cry1Ab endotoxin protein on growth of D. grandiosella was observed, even at the diluted concentrations of toxic tissues incorporated into the diet in this study.
High Levels of Cotton Pollen Collection Observed for Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in South-Central Louisiana
Authors: Danka Robert G.
Published: September 2017

Honey bees, Apis mellifera L., typically reject pollen of upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., as a resource. This study evaluated the potential of stimulating bees for enhanced pollen collection in overcoming this rejection. In 2002, 16 equal-sized colonies of each of two commercial stocks of bees (Italian and Russian) were placed adjacent to cotton fields at Rosedale, LA, and manipulated so that half of the colonies of each bee type had high stimulus to collect pollen and half had low stimulus. Differential stimuli were achieved by interchanging combs having relatively large amounts of brood with combs having pollen, between colonies of the two treatment groups (i.e., high stimulus colonies donated pollen and received brood, whereas low stimulus colonies had the converse). Stimulus manipulations resulted in more general pollen collection, but not cotton pollen collection, in the high stimulus group on days 1 and 6 after treatment. Foraging responses of the treatment groups equalized by 11 days after treatment. Collection of cotton pollen was minimal (≤2% of all foragers) during this period and was not affected by stimulus treatment. Italian colonies had greater total foraging activity and pollen collection effort on day 1 after treatment, but the bee types foraged similarly on days 6 and 11. There were no interactions of the effects of stimulus treatment and bee type. After the treatment effects dissipated (by day 11, 5 August 2002), collection of cotton pollen increased substantially. Approximately one-fourth of all foragers and 80% of pollen collectors carried cotton pollen pellets during a 2-wk period in midAugust. In 2004, observations of 11 colonies at a cotton planting near Fordoche, LA, showed that foragers again carried notable amounts of cotton pollen during the middle of bloom but little cotton pollen earlier or later. At the peak, a mean of 26% of pollen loads of all colonies and 50–59% of pollen in two colonies were of cotton. The reason for this unexpected willingness to gather cotton pollen is undetermined and warrants investigation because of the potential importance for cotton pollination by honey bees.
Increased Search Tunnel Formation by Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in 2-Phenoxyethanol Treated Sand
Authors: Fei Huixin , Henderson Gregg , Fugler Allen , Laine Roger A.
Published: September 2017

Termites follow chemical and physical gradients in their search for food. In laboratory bioassays, search tunnel formation of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki was examined in response to different 2-phenoxyethanol concentrations in sand. 2-phenoxyethanol significantly increased the total tunnel network length by termites. At a concentration of 0.082%, but not 0.164%, it also significantly increased daily search activity by C. formosanus. After aging the treated sand for 2 wks, C. formosanus continued to show a significant increase in the search tunnel length in 0.082% 2-phenoxyethanol treatments. Application of 2-phenoxyethanol, a nonpheromone attractant, to termite infested soil nearby, may increase the search and thus the likelihood for contact with baits and nonrepellent termiticides in the field.
Assessment of Repellency of Nine Phthalates against Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Workers Using Ant Digging Behavior
Authors: Chen Jian
Published: September 2017

Repellency of nine phthalates against red imported fire ant workers, Solenopsis invicta Buren, was evaluated using ant digging behavior. Test compounds included dimethyl, diethyl, dipropyl, dibutyl, dipentyl, dihexyl, diheptyl, dioctyl, and dinonyl phthalates. The active ingredient was incorporated into sand within a liquid scintillation vial with an entry hole on the cap. Fire ant workers dug and removed sand from the vial through the entry hole. The differences in amount of sand removed from the treated and control vials were used to evaluate chemical repellency. Of the 9 phthalates, dimethyl and diethyl phthalates were most repellant to red imported fire ant workers. The minimum repellant concentration within 24 h was 100 ppm for both dimethyl and diethyl phthalates.
Pan Trapping for Soybean Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Minnesota Soybean Fields
Authors: Hodgson E. W. , Koch R. L. , Ragsdale D. W.
Published: September 2017

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, can be an economically important pest in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill. In 2002 and 2003, we evaluated the use of nonattractive pan traps to estimate soybean aphid densities in commercial soybean fields. A regression analysis indicated a strong relationship between log-transformed pan trap counts and whole-plant counts (r2 = 0.70). To measure soybean aphid dispersion as characterized by each sampling method, Taylor's power law a and b values were calculated. The mean-to-variance ratios for pan trapping (a = 0.85, b = 1.63, r2 = 0.96) were comparable to whole-plant counts (a = 1.67, b = 1.99, r2 = 0.93). The precision and cost (i.e., time) of each sampling method was evaluated using relative net precision. Both sampling methods were generally precise throughout the season (<0.25). However, the relative net precision of whole-plant counts (4.21) was greater than for pan traps (0.67), and therefore whole-plant counts are a more cost effective sampling method. We also evaluated trap placement within fields during the initial colonization period. Trap catches did not differ among directions within the field or at the edges of fields versus the interior of fields. This lack of a preference for alates to land at field edges may preclude the use of border sprays, which have proven effective in other systems.
The Taxon Rasivalva (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the Palaearctic Region and Description of Rasivalva pyrenaica New Species from Andorra
Authors: Oltra-Moscardó M. Teresa , Jiménez-Peydró Ricardo
Published: September 2017

Rasivalva appears to be an uncommon genus, although it is nearly cosmopolitan with the exception of the Australian continent. Five species have been recorded from Europe and Crimea. In this paper, Rasivalva pyrenaica n. sp. is described as the most southern Palaearctic record of this genus, as well as the first record of the genus from Iberian Peninsula. An identification key is proposed for the Palaearctic species.
Survival of Geocoris punctipes Say (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) Following Exposure to Selected Reduced-Risk Insecticides
Authors: Myers Lisa , Liburd Oscar E. , Arévalo H. Alejandro
Published: September 2017

Survival of Geocoris punctipes Say adults following exposure to azadirachtin, spinosad, thiamethoxam, diazinon, and imidacloprid was assessed in laboratory assays and greenhouse tests. In the laboratory assays, adults were continuously exposed for 48 h to filter papers treated with the individual insecticides. Survival was greatest following exposure to the untreated control (100 ± 0.0%), azadirachtin (95.0 ± 2.2%), and imidacloprid (81.7 ± 7.9%). Mean (± SEM) survival following exposure to spinosad (55.0 ± 11.2%) and thiamethoxam (46.6 ± 3.3%) was significantly lower, whereas diazinon killed all adults within 12 h of exposure. In the greenhouse tests, adults were continuously exposed to bush beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L., foliage treated with the individual insecticides. Mean (± SEM) survival following 144 h of continuous exposure to treated foliage was 97.5 ± 2.5% for the untreated control, 92.5 ± 5.3% for azadirachtin, 92.5 ± 3.7% for diazinon, 72.5 ± 8.4% for imidacloprid, 70.0 ± 8.4% for spinosad, and 57.5 ± 8.8% for thiamethoxam. Statistically significant differences were observed with thiamethoxam versus diazinon, azadirachtin and the control. The results for the filter paper assay and the greenhouse tests are encouraging in terms of potential natural enemy conservation in IPM programs employing these insecticides.
Early-Season Host Plant Fruit Impacts on Reproductive Parameters of the Oriental Fruit Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Myers Clayton T. , Hull Larry A. , Krawczyk Grzegorz
Published: September 2017

Oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a cosmopolitan pest of tree fruits, has been a significant pest in the United States since its introduction in the early 20th Century. Grapholita molesta historically has been a major pest of stone fruit. However, since the mid to late 1990s, outbreaks in commercial apple orchards in the eastern United States have become common place. This study examined the effects of larval host (e.g., apple vs. peach) on G. molesta reproduction, as a means to better understand the increased importance of G. molesta as an apple pest in the midAtlantic region. In laboratory investigations, G. molesta adults reared on apple fruit had approximately 2-fold higher fecundity than those reared on peach (F = 10.98; df = 3,101; P < 0.001). In two separate studies, when larvae were reared under either crowded or noncrowded feeding conditions, female adult longevity and oviposition period were significantly greater among moths reared as larvae on apple than those reared on peach (2001: P = 0.019 and 0.009, respectively; 2002: P = 0.031 and 0.001, respectively). Female pupal weight was significantly higher in individuals reared on apple than those reared on peach, in both studies (2001 and 2002: P < 0.001). Similar host-influenced impacts on G. molesta reproductive phenomena could affect population dynamics of G. molesta, especially late in the season when apple fruit are a preferred feeding site.
Detection of Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) infestation of Wheat Kernels Using Hyperspectral Reflectance
Authors: El-Sebai Osama A. , Sanderson Robert , Bleiweiss Max P. , Schmidt Naomi
Published: September 2017

Hyperspectral reflectance data were used to detect internal infestations of Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga ceralella (Olivier), in wheat kernels. Kernel reflectance was measured with a spectroradiometer over a wavelength range of 350–2500 nm. Kernel samples were selected randomly and scanned every 7 d after infestation to determine the ability of the hyperspectral reflectance data to discriminate between infested and uninfested kernels. Immature stages of S. ceralella inside wheat kernels can be detected through changes in moisture, starch, and chitin content of the kernel. By using the spectrally-derived moisture variable (Log[1/R972nm]-Log[1/R1032nm]) and starch variable (Log[1/R982nm]-Log[1/R1014nm]), it was possible to discriminate between infested and uninfested wheat kernels with 100% classification accuracy based on 90% confidence intervals. Significant differences in the spectral reflectance between the infested and uninfested kernels were due to changes in moisture and starch content in wheat kernels. Three of the four chitin variables showed slight discrimination between the infested and uninfested wheat kernels based on 90% confidence intervals with 63.9%, 68.8%, 66.7%, and 41.6% classification accuracy of the three variables (Log[1/R1130nm]-Log[1/R1670nm]), (Log[1/R1139nm ]-Log[1/R1320nm]), (Log[1/R1202nm]-Log[1/R1300nm]), and (Log[1/R2046nm]-Log[1/R2302nm]), respectively. Spectral reflectance changes as a function of wheat kernel position relative to the spectroradiometer sensor did not differ significantly (P > 0.10).
Abundance and Seasonal Activity of Arthropod Predators in St. Augustinegrass Lawns in Florida
Authors: Cherry Ron
Published: September 2017

St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze) lawns in southern Florida were surveyed for arthropod predators. Three sampling methods (vacuum, irritant, visual) were used to obtain a more complete assessment of predators present in the lawns. Seasonal activity of predators also was measured using pitfall traps. Ants were the most abundant predators recovered with 91% of all predators in the survey. The second most abundant group was spiders. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, was found more frequently and in greater abundance than any other predator. Predators were active the entire year with total predator catches in traps highest in the summer, intermediate during fall and spring, and lowest in the winter.
Visual Cues and Capture Mechanisms Associated with Traps for Plum Curculio (Coleoptera: Curculiondae)
Authors: Leskey Tracy C.
Published: September 2017

The plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), is a serious pest of stone and pome fruit in eastern North America, but an effective trap-based approach for monitoring this pest has not yet been developed. Therefore, the effectiveness of visual cues provided by pyramid and branch-mimicking cylinder traps and capture mechanisms of standard and enhanced pyramid traps (black pyramid traps with white borders and two collection devices), screen traps, standard and enhanced branch-mimicking cylinder traps (capture mechanism located at the base of the trap), Lindgren funnel and Vernon beetle traps were evaluated in 2003–2004. Pyramid traps captured more adults than branch-mimicking cylinder traps, and the greatest captures were in black and green pyramid traps. Enhanced pyramid traps did not capture more plum curculios than standard black pyramid traps. Capture mechanisms of standard masonite pyramid and screen traps were the most effective with significantly greater captures than other trap types.
Compatibility of Insecticides with Natural Enemies to Control Pests of Greenhouses and Conservatories
Authors: Cloyd Raymond A.
Published: September 2017

Natural enemies used as biological control agents may not always provide adequate control of plant-feeding insects in greenhouses and conservatories. Research continues to assess the utilization of natural enemies in conjunction with biorational insecticides including insect growth regulators, insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, feeding inhibitors, and microbial agents (entomogenous bacteria and fungi, and related microorganisms); and the potential compatibility of both strategies when implemented together. A variety of factors influence the ability of using natural enemies with insecticides. These include whether the natural enemy is a parasitoid or predator, the species of the natural enemy, life stage sensitivity, rate and timing of insecticide application, and mode of action of the insecticide. Insecticides may impact natural enemies by affecting longevity (survival), host acceptance, sex ratio, reproduction (fecundity), foraging behavior, emergence, and development. Despite the emphasis on evaluating the compatibility of natural enemies with insecticides, it is important to assess if this is a viable and acceptable pest management strategy in greenhouses and conservatories.
Female Spider Wasps, Anoplius splendens Driesbach (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae), Learn to Associate the Odor of Host Feces With the Presence of the Host
Authors: Punzo F.
Published: September 2017

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine whether or not adult female wasps, Anoplius splendens (Dreisbach), can learn a chemical stimulus (host feces) associated with host microhabitats. In a two-choice, static-air olfactometer, wasps previously exposed to hosts only in association with one stimulus (filter paper conditioned with odors from feces of the host spider, Drassodes auriculoides Barrows) exhibited a greater tendency to visit exclusively, and spend more time in, chambers containing a source of that stimulus as compared to control wasps exposed to paper with no host odors. The capacity for learning olfactory cues based on previous encounters with hosts should enhance the ability of wasps to accurately identify microhabitats where suitable hosts are most likely to be located.