In the present study, Biomphalaria snails collected from five Egyptian governorates (Giza, Fayoum, Kafr El-Sheikh, Ismailia and Damietta), as well as reference control Biomphalaria alexandrina snails from the Schistosome Biological Supply Center (SBSC) (Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt), were subjected to species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to identify the collected species. All of the collected snails were found to be B. alexandrina and there was no evidence of the presence of Biomphalaria glabrata. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR assays showed different fingerprints with varying numbers of bands for the first generation (F1) of B. alexandrina snail populations (SBSC, Giza, Fayoum, Kafr El-Sheikh, Ismailia and Damietta). The primer OPA-1 produced the highest level of polymorphism and amplified the greatest number of specific bands. The estimated similarity coefficients among the B. alexandrina populations based on the RAPD-PCR profiles ranged from 0.56 (between SBSC and Ismailia snails) to 0.72 (between Ismailia and Kafr El-Sheikh snails). Experimental infection of the F1 of progeny from the collected snails with Schistosoma mansoni (SBSC strain) showed variable susceptibility rates ranging from 15% in the Fayoum snail group to 50.3% in SBSC snails. A negative correlation was observed between the infection rates in the different snail groups and the distances separating their corresponding governorates from the parasite source. The infection rates of the snail groups and their similarity coefficients with SBSC B. alexandrina snails were positively correlated. The variations in the rates of infection of different B. alexandrina groups with S. mansoni, as well as the differences in the similarity coefficients among these snails, are dependent not only on the geographical distribution of the snails and the parasite, but also on the genetic variability of the snails. Introduction of this variability into endemic areas may reduce the ability of the parasite to infect local hosts and consequently reduce schistosomiasis epidemiology.

Devido aos danos dos ataques de Urbanus acawoios (Williams, 1926) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) em palheteiras (Clitoria racemosa) (Leguminosae) em Manaus, AM e a total ausência de qualquer informação a respeito desta espécie, o presente trabalho foi desenvolvido visando a obtenção de conhecimentos que facilitem a identificação de métodos seguros e eficientes para o seu controle. Os estudos biológicos revelaram que este inseto é multivoltino, tendo duração média de 41,89 ± 0,98 dias por geração. As condições climáticas na cidade de Manaus, a disponibilidade de alimentos, e possivelmente a ausência de inimigos naturais eficientes, parecem ser os fatores principais responsáveis pela ocorrência de erupções populacionais desta espécie. Enquanto o estágio larval consiste de 5 fases (ínstares) e dura em média 18,46 ± 1,28 dias, o da pupa necessita 9,96 ± 1,05, e o adulto 13,47 ± 0,27 dias, sob condições de 30°C e 85% UR. Estudos morfológicos foram incluídos.

Due to the lack of informations concerning Urbanus acawoios (Williams, 1926) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), and the severe damage caused by it in Clitoria racemosa trees in Manaus, AM, the present research was conducted, under semi-natural conditions, in order to obtain data about its biology and development. The occurrence of phytophagous pests in urban environments, in addition to causing troubles and problems, it needs special control methods, at least safety for the public health. Three consecutive generations were studied in the present work. As a multivoltine insect, the whole life cycle was observed to vary between 36 and 50 days, with an average of 41.89 ± 0.98 days. The oviposition behaviour, as well as the egg morphology were described. The embryonic development lasted between 3 and 4 days. External and internal alterations during the egg development were determined. The initial larval instars showed to be of aggregated habit, while the others were solitary. The larval stage, consisting of 5 instars, lasted an average of 18.46 ± 1.28 days, with a minimum of 19 and a maximum of 26 days. The biology of each instar and its duration time were also determined. The mid-gut pH of the larval stage varied between 8.4 and 9.2, with an average of 8,7. The pupal stage lasted an average of 9.96 ± 1.05 , with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 days for its development. The mated adult longevity varied between 9 and 22 days, with an average of 13.47 ± 0.27 days.

Devido à falta de informações sobre Urbanus acawoios (Williams, 1926) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), e pelos danos severos por ele causados em árvores de Clitoria racemosa, o presente trabalho foi desenvolvido sob condições de laboratório para verificar a possibilidade de utilizar Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (H-3a:3b) como agente microbiano para o seu controle. O pH do intestino médio do hesperídeo mostrou ser bastante alcalino, variando de 8,4 a 9,2 (média de 8,7), indicando a possibilidade das larvas serem susceptíveis ao patógeno. Os ensaios confirmaram a alta susceptibilidade a dosagens equivalentes a 110 g / ha, resultando em tempos letais medianos (TL50) de 42,28, 37,18, 28,00 e 51,87 horas para larvas de 3o, 4°, início e final do 5º ínstares, respectivamente. Três outras dosagens (80, 150 e 280 g/h) foram aplicadas para larvas do 3º ínstar, resultando em TLs50 de 42,62, 30,77 e 30,06 horas, respectivamente. Descrições detalhadas sobre os sintomas externos nas larvas infectadas foram dadas. As alterações histológicas do intestino médio afetado pela d-endotoxina de B. thuringiensis foram descritas. Os resultados obtidos no presente trabalho revelam a grande possibilidade de controlar esta praga utilizando-se produtos e formulados à base desta bactéria.

Due to the lack of information concerning Urbanus acawoios (Williams, 1926) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), and the severe damage caused by it in Clitoria racemosa trees in Manaus, AM, the present research was conducted. The study was undertaken under laboratory conditions, in order to investigate the possibility of its microbial control, utilizing a commercial formulation, Dipel, based on Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (H-3a:3b). The larval mid-gut contents of this insect species showed to be highly alkaline, with a pH varying between 8.4 and 9.2, with an average of 8.7, indicating initially, a possible susceptibility of the larval stage to such a pathogen. Posteriorly, Such an indication, was confirmed by bioassays. During the preliminary tests, a dosage, equivalent to 110 g / ha (17.40 IU/cm2 of leaf-covered area) was utilized and resulted in median lethal times (LTs50) of 42.28, 37.18, 28.00 and 51.87 hours for the 3rd, 4th, beginning of the 5th and end of the 5th instar, respectively. Giving more attention for the 3rd instar larvae, three dosages were applied: 80 g/ha (13 IU/cm2), 150 (25 IU/cm2) and 280 g/ha (45 IU/cm2). In this case, the LTs50 were calculated as 42.62, 30.77 and 30.06 hours, for each dose, respectively. External symptoms of the bacterial disease were studied among 5th instar infected larvae. Detailed description of these symptoms is given. The mid-gut histopathological changes caused by the d-endotoxin of B. thuringiensis are also described. The results obtained during the present work could indicate applications of B. thuringiensis, as a promising method for the microbial control of this urban pest.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a atratividade do bicudo do algodoeiro ao seu feromônio de agregação em período de inverno. Foram utilizados dois campos experimentais no município de Casa Branca, SP. Em cada um destes, foram estabelecidas três áreas separadas de aproximadamente 500 metros, sempre próximas à vegetação de refúgio. Cada área foi dividida em três sub-áreas ou blocos de 100 m² para receber a aplicação do feromônio (2,5 g por bloco). Foi realizada uma contagem de bicudos adultos no solo antes, e mais cinco após a aplicação de feromônio. Em cada bloco, foram observadas dez parcelas aleatórias, para a avaliação dos bicudos. Os adultos de A. grandis foram atraídos imediatamente após a aplicação do feromônio, sendo capturados por mais de 14 dias após. O índice mais elevado de atração foi observado 24 horas após a aplicação. A utilização do feromônio de agregação durante o inverno, pode aumentar a ação reguladora exercida pelos inimigos naturais, devido ao aumento de disponibilidade de presas. Controle químico pode ser recomendado 24 horas após a aplicação de feromônio em pequenas parcelas, como uma estratégia para a supressão de adultos de Anthonomus grandis em período de entressafra.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the attractiveness of boll weevil adults by its aggregation pheromone under winter field conditions. Two experimental fields were utilized at "Casa Branca", SP, Brazil. For each one, three areas were established near the refuge vegetation, sparated 500 m from each other. Each area was divided in three sub-areas or blocks of 100 m² to receive pheromone applications (2.5 g per block). In addition to the pre-application counting, five additional evaluations were carried out after the pheromone applicaton. Ten randomized sampling points per block were considered in each evaluation process. A. grandis adults responded immediately to the pheromone applications, and were captured for 14 days . The highest level of attractiveness was observed 24 hours after application. The application of the boll weevil aggregation pheromone during winter could increase the predation by natural enemies, due to the increase of prey availability. Chemical control can be recommended 24 hours after pheromone applications in small plots as a between-season strategy for the suppression of boll weevil adults.

Vairimorpha necatrix was detected among laboratory cultured and field collected Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. Weak infections were not always fatal. In the case of fatal infections among diseased larvae, white patches were formed by agglomerations of adipose tissue beneath the transparent integument. The mid-gut of S. frugiperda larvae presented the first site of histological alterations caused by V. necatrix. The migration of the pathogen, probably occured in the form of agglomerations, from the epithelial cells to the body cavity. Adipose tissue appears to be the principal site for the pathogen development. The nerve ganglia, muscle fibres and epidermis also presented histological alterations due to the pathogen propagation.