Resumen El control biológico en caña de azúcar en Venezuela se ha logrado establecer como una medida única, con resultados óptimos del uso de parasitoides y entomopatógenos para el control de los taladradores del género Diatraea, y, posteriormente, de la candelilla Aeneolamia spp., ambas plagas claves del cultivo. Para los taladradores, se logró después de liberaciones sistemáticas de la mosca amazónica Lydella minense desde un inicio, a mediados del siglo XX y luego con el establecimiento de la avispa bracónida Cotesia flavipes, a partir de 1987. Para el control biológico de Aeneolamia varia, plaga que implicaba la aplicación frecuente de insecticidas, después de la introducción del uso del hongo entomopatógeno Metarhizium anisopliae desde 1977, se ha establecido como medida eficiente para el control de sus adultos, aunque las ninfas eran menos controladas. Este aspecto se resolvió mediante la introducción del nematodo entomopatógeno Heterorhabditis bacteriophora en 2004, el cual se viene utilizando en forma general, y prácticamente ya se tienen las medidas biológicas para evitar la aplicación de insecticidas. Como ejemplo se tiene a la Azucarera Río Turbio, aunque en las últimas zafras ha tenido una reducción en sus áreas, por diferentes factores. Durante los últimos 58 años, la infestación de Diatraea muestra una reducción de 15 a 3.18 %, con lo cual se salvan 170 552.62 toneladas métricas (TM), con un valor de US$ 49 196 045 y un costo del control biológico de US$ 1 187 189 lo que se traduce en un beneficio-costo de US$ 41.44. Antes del establecimiento del control biológico, Aeneolamia se controlaba exclusivamente con insecticidas químicos, aplicados al follaje para los adultos y al suelo para las ninfas. Simultáneamente desde entonces, se ha utilizado el hongo M. anisopliae producido por empresas nacionales, hasta cubrir 87 000 ha, entre 1986 y 1990. También, desde 2004 se inició la utilización de nematodos entomopatógenos para el control de ninfas de Aeneolamia.

Abstract The biological control in sugarcane in Venezuela has been established as a unique measure, having optimal results of the use of parasitoids and entomopathogens for the control of borers of the genus Diatraea, and later of the candelilla Aeneolamia spp., both key pests of the crop. For borers it was achieved after systematic releases of the Amazonian fly Lydella minense from the middle of the last century and then with the establishment of the braconid wasp Cotesia flavipes from 1987. For the biological control of Aenolamia varia, pest that involved the frequent application of insecticides, after the introduction of the use of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae since 1977, has been established as an efficient measure for the control of its adults, however, the nymphs were less controlled. This aspect was resolved through the introduction of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in 2004, which has been widely used as a biological measure to avoid the application of insecticides. As an example, we have the Azucarera Río Turbio, although in the last harvests it has had a reduction in its areas due to different factors. During the last 58 years, Diatraea infestation shows a reduction of 15 to 3.18 %, which saves 170 552.62 metric tons with a value of US$ 49 196 045 and a cost of biological control of US$ 1 187 189 which translates into a benefit-cost of US$ 41.44. Before the establishment of biological control, Aeneolamia was controlled exclusively with chemical insecticides applied to foliage for adults and soil for nymphs. Simultaneously since then, the entomopathogenic fungus M. anisopliae produced by national companies has been used and this entomopathogen was used on 87 000 hectares between 1986 and 1990. Also since 2004, the methodology of using entomopathogenic nematodes to control Aeneolamia nymphs began.

Resumo Insetos galhadores são abundantes na natureza, encontrados em muitos ecossistemas globalmente, com espécies atacando plantas de importância econômica. Os efeitos de herbívoros de alimentação livre na abundância de insetos galhadores em árvores de Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) no Cerrado brasileiro (Savana) foram estudados. A porcentagem de desfolha e o número de ácaros fitófagos ou de Hemiptera fitófagos correlacionaram-se, negativamente, com a percentagem de folhas galhadas e de adultos do parasitoide Eurytoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), respectivamente. Porcentagem de folhas galhadas e o número de Eurytoma sp. adultos e ácaros fitófagos correlacionaram-se, positivamente, com o de aranhas. Os números de ácaros e fitófagos Hemiptera correlacionaram-se, positivamente, com os de joaninhas e Sycophila sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), respectivamente. O número de adultos de Ablerus magistretti Blanchard (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) correlacionou-se, negativamente, com Sycophila sp. O número de Agistemus sp. (Acari: Stigmaeidae) correlacionou-se, negativa e positivamente, com os de joaninhas e ácaros fitófagos, respectivamente. Herbívoros de alimentação livre afetaram a presença de insetos galhadores (Hymenoptera) em árvores de C. brasiliense, competindo por alimento e espaço. O mesmo foi observado entre dois parasitoides de Eurytoma sp., o que pode reduzir o controle biológico natural dessa praga.

Abstract Galling insects are abundant in nature, found in many ecosystems globally, with species attacking plants of economic importance. We studied the effects of free-feeding organisms on the abundance of galling insects on Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) trees in the Brazilian Cerrado (Savanna). Percentage of defoliation and the number of phytophagous mites or number of phytophagous Hemiptera correlated negatively with percentage of galled leaves and the parasitoid Eurytoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) adults, respectively. Percentage of galled leaves and the numbers of Eurytoma sp. adults and phytophagous mites correlated positively with spiders. Numbers of mites and Hemiptera phytophagous correlated positively with those of lady beetles and Sycophila sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), respectively. The number of Ablerus magistretti Blanchard (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) adults correlated negatively with Sycophila sp. The number of Agistemus sp. (Acari: Stigmaeidae) correlated, negatively and positively, with those of lady beetles and phytophagous mites, respectively. Free-feeding herbivores affected the presence of galling insects (Hymenoptera) on C. brasiliense trees, competing for food and space. The same was observed between two parasitoids of Eurytoma sp. galling insect, which can reduce the natural biological control of this pest.

Egeria densa is a submerged aquatic weed that can grow into dense monocultures in rivers and dams in South Africa, which negatively affects ecosystem functioning and services. The biological control agent Hydrellia egeriae Rodrigues-Júnior (Diptera: Ephydridae) was first released against Egeria densa Planchon (Hydrocharitaceae) in South Africa in 2018. Biotic resistance in an introduced range can have negative impacts on the ability of a biological control agent to establish and exert top-down pressure. Dipteran and lepidopteran species that are used as biological control agents are often susceptible to higher levels of parasitism in their introduced range than biological control agents from other insect orders. In addition, ecological analogues that are present in South Africa, make H. egeriae particularly vulnerable to biotic resistance. Considering this, post-release surveys were conducted to investigate if native parasitoids will extend their host range to include H. egeriae. Chaenusa seminervata van Achterberg, C. anervata van Achterberg (Braconidae: Alysiinae: Dacnusini) and Ademon lagarosiphonae van Achterberg (Braconidae: Opiinae) were reared from field-collected H. egeriae pupae, within a year of its release. These braconid parasitoids were previously recorded from a native herbivore, Hydrellia lagarosiphon Deeming (Diptera: Ephydridae). Parasitism levels of H. egeriae ranged from 50 to 74% in cold months and 0 to 60% in warmer months, with higher levels of parasitism at a site where H. lagarosiphon naturally occurs. This study also found that cumulative release events of the biological control agent increase the probability of parasitism of field populations, by directly increasing the host pool. However, biological control efficacy can potentially be increased by limiting release efforts to a maximum of two release events per site per season, with particular focus on releasing in warm (i.e. spring/summer) months. Continued post-release surveys are necessary to not only monitor H. egeriae's impact on E. densa, but also to obtain a better understanding of seasonal parasitism levels across E. densa-invaded sites in South Africa.

Resumen En este trabajo se determina la entomofauna benéfica asociada a especies arbóreas en escenarios de la agricultura urbana de Pinar del Río, Cuba. Entre septiembre de 2019 y marzo de 2020, se realizó un inventario florístico de la biodiversidad arbórea y se recolectaron muestras de los biorreguladores. Se inventariaron 23 especies arbóreas y 65% de ellas estuvo representado por frutales. La mayor riqueza de especies se detectó en los órdenes Diptera, Mesostigmata, Hymenoptera y Araneae. Los biorreguladores con mayor frecuencia fueron Condylostylus sp., Ocyptamus costatus y Phytoseiulus sp.; mientras que, las especies arbóreas con mayor proporción de artrópodos asociados fueron Persea americana, Citrus limon, Morinda citrifolia y Psidium guajava. Los resultados corroboran la necesidad de fomentar estratos arbóreos como reservorio de biorreguladores y profundizar en la actividad de estos organismos benéficos como alternativa para el manejo de plagas.

Abstract This work determines the beneficial entomofauna associated with tree species in urban agriculture scenarios of Pinar del Río, Cuba. Between September 2019 and March 2020, a floristic inventory of tree biodiversity was conducted and samples of bioregulators were collected. Twenty-three tree species were inventoried and 65% of them were represented by fruit trees. The greatest species richness was detected in the orders Diptera, Mesostigmata, Hymenoptera and Araneae. The most frequent bioregulators were Condylostylus sp., Ocyptamus costatus and Phytoseiulus sp.; while the tree species with the highest proportion of associated arthropods were Persea americana, Citrus limon, Morinda citrifolia and Psidium guajava. The results corroborate the need to promote tree strata as a reservoir of bioregulators and deepen the activity of these beneficial organisms as an alternative for pest management.

Abstract Introduction: Loxaulus hyalinus is a cynipid (Hymenoptera) that attacks oak groves (Quercus laeta Liebm.) in Mexico City. The insect's biology and damage potential are unknown. Objectives: Describe the biology of the sexual phase of L. hyalinus and its effects on Q. laeta, and list the associated inquilines and parasitoids. Materials and methods: To determine the period of each stage of L. hyalinus, galls were collected from infested twigs and periodically dissected to describe their development and the presence of inquilines and parasitoids in the period 2019- 2022. Results and discussion: Sexual generation began in October when the first symptoms of galls development were observed on twigs, and concluded in May of the following year, when adults emerged. The presence of many galls alters the growth pattern of the tree crown. Two Synergus species were found as inquilines and nine genera of chalcidoid parasitoids were associated with L. hyalinus. Conclusions: Sexual generation of L. hyalinus develops in twig galls and its only host confirmed is Q. laeta. This pest causes no death of its host but severely affects the shape of the crown.

Resumen Introducción: Loxaulus hyalinus es un cinípido (Hymenoptera) que ataca encinares (Quercus laeta Liebm.) de la Ciudad de México. La biología y el potencial de daño del insecto se desconoce. Objetivos: Describir la biología de la fase sexual de L. hyalinus y sus efectos en Q. laeta, así como enlistar los inquilinos y parasitoides asociados. Materiales y métodos: Para determinar el periodo de cada estado de L. hyalinus se recolectaron agallas de ramillas infestadas que se disecaron periódicamente, para describir su desarrollo y la presencia de inquilinos y parasitoides en el periodo 2019- 2022. Resultados y discusión: La generación sexual inició a partir de octubre cuando se observaron los primeros síntomas del desarrollo de las agallas en ramillas, y concluyó en mayo del siguiente año, cuando los adultos emergieron. La presencia de una gran cantidad de agallas altera el patrón de crecimiento de la copa de los árboles. Se encontraron dos especies de Synergus como inquilinos y nueve géneros de parasitoides calcidoideos asociados a L. hyalinus. Conclusiones: La generación sexual de L. hyalinus se desarrolla en las agallas de ramilla y su único hospedante confirmado es Q. laeta. Dicha plaga no ocasiona la muerte de su hospedante, pero sí afecta severamente la forma de la copa.

Abstract Almond production is an economically important activity in Portugal where both surface and production have shown a significant increase in the last decade. The almond tree is affected by several diseases and pests that can contribute to the quantitative and qualitative reduction of almond production. Biting-sucking pests (Hemiptera) such as monosteira, aphids, cicadelids, lepidopterans such as anarsia, grapholite, or coleopterans borers, such as capnode can cause, in some cases, significant damage. The aim of this study was to compare the abundance and functional diversity of arthropod communities in almond orchards using different weed management methods (displaced soil and presence of destroyed vegetation cover) in the Trás-os-Montes region. Cover crops had a significant effect on arthropod abundance and diversity. The orchard covered with vegetation (CCV) had the highest number of Araneae, Hemiptera and Neuroptera, while the orchard without vegetation cover (SCV) had the highest number of Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. Regarding the functional groups, the CCV orchard had a higher number of phytophagous and predatory arthropods, while no difference was observed between pollinators and fungivores. The diversity index was significantly higher in the presence of cover vegetation, which also showed greater dominance of hemipterans, namely the pest Monosteira unicostata.

Resumo A produção de amêndoa é uma atividade economicamente importante em Portugal onde tanto a superfície como a produção apresentaram um aumento significativo na última década. A amendoeira é afetada por diversas doenças e pragas que podem contribuir para a redução quantitativa e qualitativa da produção de amêndoa. Pragas de picadores-sugadores (hemípteros) como a monosteira, afídeos e cicadelídeos, de lepidópteros como a anársia, a grafolita ou as brocas, ou de coleópteros como o cabeça-de-prego, podem causar, em algumas situações, prejuízos significativos. O objetivo do trabalho foi comparar a abundância e a diversidade funcional das comunidades de artrópodes em pomares de amendoeira com diferentes métodos de gestão das infestantes (solo mobilizado e presença de coberto vegetal, destroçado), na região de Trás-os-Montes. As plantas de cobertura tiveram um efeito significativo na abundância e diversidade de artrópodes. O pomar com coberto vegetal (CCV) apresentou maior número de Araneae, Hemiptera e Neuroptera, enquanto o pomar sem coberto vegetal SCV apresentou maior número de Coleoptera e Hymenoptera. Quanto aos grupos funcionais, o pomar CCV apresentou maior número de artrópodes fitófagos e predadores, não se tendo observado diferenças entre polinizadores e fungívoros. O índice de diversidade foi significativamente maior na presença de coberto vegetal, que também apresentou maior dominância de hemípteros, nomeadamente da praga Monosteira unicostata.

RESUMO Lagartas de Automeris liberia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) são importantes desfolhadoras da palma de óleo, Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae) nas Américas Central e do Sul. A família Tachinidae (Diptera) compreende moscas parasitoides de muitos insetos-praga, principalmente da ordem Lepidoptera. Contudo, o registro de hospedeiros de taquinídeos ainda é relativamente escasso. No presente trabalho, relatamos a ocorrência de Belvosia sp. aff. williamsi (Diptera: Tachinidae: Exoristinae: Goniini) e Leptostylum oligothrix (Diptera: Tachinidae: Exoristinae: Blondeliini) parasitando lagartas de A. liberia em E. guineensis no município de Tailândia, Pará, Brasil. Trata-se do primeiro registro do parasitismo de A. liberia por Leptostylum no Brasil, bem como o primeiro por Belvosia no mundo. Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera Saturniidae óleo Arecaceae (Arecaceae Sul Diptera (Diptera insetospraga, insetospraga insetos praga, praga insetos-praga Contudo escasso trabalho sp aff Exoristinae Goniini Blondeliini E Tailândia Pará Brasil Tratase Trata se mundo

ABSTRACT Automeris liberia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) caterpillars are important defoliators of the African oil palm, Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae) in Central and South America. The family Tachinidae (Diptera) comprises flies that are parasitoids of many insect pests, mainly from the order Lepidoptera. However, host records for tachinids are still relatively scarce. In the present work, we report the occurrence of Belvosia sp. aff. williamsi (Diptera: Tachinidae: Exoristinae: Goniini) and Leptostylum oligothrix (Diptera: Tachinidae: Exoristinae: Blondeliini) parasitizing caterpillars of A. liberia in E. guineensis in the municipality of Tailândia, state of Pará, Brazil. This is the first record of the parasitism of A. liberia by Leptostylum in Brazil, as well as by Belvosia in the world. Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera Saturniidae palm Arecaceae (Arecaceae America Diptera (Diptera pests However scarce work sp aff Exoristinae Goniini Blondeliini A E Tailândia Pará Brazil world

Abstract Avocado cultivation (Persea americana Mill.) was very important in Chanchamayo and Satipo until 1982, when the area contributed 47% of the national production, and was affected by "root rot" caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. Based on the evaluations carried out between 1983 and 1987 by the authors, this work has been prepared updating the information to the present in the area. The objective is to demonstrate that the "avocado fruit borer" Stenoma catenifer Walsimgham remained as a potential pest due to the existence of a natural control by native parasitoids. The method was to record the abundance, importance, damage, alternate hosts, and associated natural enemies; based on periodic monthly collections of insects in avocado plantations and in the herbaceous vegetation of cultivation and rearing in the laboratory, recording the pest species and natural control insects. It is concluded that this pest S. catenifer presented different degrees of preference for fruits according to the cultivars evaluated and two species of parasitoids that alternated their abundances during the campaign. These parasitoids maintained a biological control of ± 70% on the avocado fruits, and the farmers were not economically affected; thus, it could be considered to leave this pest species in the category of potential.

Resumen El cultivo del palto (Persea americana Mill.) tuvo mucha importancia en Chanchamayo y Satipo hasta 1982, aportando el 47% de la producción nacional, y fue afectado por "podredumbre radicular" causada por el hongo Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. Sobre la base de las evaluaciones realizadas entre los años 1983 y 1987 por los autores, se ha elaborado el presente trabajo actualizando la información al presente en la zona. El objetivo es demostrar que el “barrenador del fruto del palto” Stenoma catenifer Walsimgham se mantuvo como plaga potencial debido a la existencia de un control natural por parasitoides nativos. El método fue registro de la abundancia, importancia, daños, hospedadores alternos y enemigos naturales asociados; basado en recolecciones periódicas mensuales de insectos en las plantaciones de palto y en la vegetación herbácea del cultivo y crianza en laboratorio, registrando las especies plaga e insectos controladores naturales. Se concluye que esta plaga S. catenifer presentó diferentes grados de preferencia por frutos según los cultivares evaluados y dos especies de parasitoides que alternaron sus abundancias durante la campaña. Estos parasitoides mantuvieron un control biológico de ± 70% en los frutos de palto, y los agricultores no se vieron afectados económicamente. Por ello, se podría considerar a esta especie como plaga potencial.

Resumo O ciclo de vida do percevejo, Glyphepomis dubia e a biologia de dois parasitoides de ovos (Telenomus podisi e Trissolcus basalis) foram estudados na Universidade Federal do Maranhão, a 26 ± 2oC, umidade relativa (UR) de 60 ± 10% e fotofase de 12h. Sete indivíduos de G. dubia foram coletados em lavoura de arroz localizada no município de Arari, Maranhão, Brasil e mantidos em casa de vegetação e laboratório para estudos de ciclo de vida. Do ovo ao adulto, G. dubia levou 35.2 dias para completar o ciclo de vida. O período de oviposição foi de 37 dias com massas de ovos com cerca de 12 ovos/massa e viabilidade de 93.1%. A longevidade foi de 53 e 65 dias, respectivamente, para fêmeas e machos. Os parasitoides de ovos, Te. podisi e Tr. basalis parasitaram e se desenvolveram em ovos de G. dubia, no entanto as características biológicas de Tr. basalis foi afetada. A emergência dos parasitoides foi maior para Te. podisi (83.5%) em comparação com o registrado para Tr. basalis (50.4%). Portanto, G. dubia poderá apresentar potencial para atingir o status de praga e Te. podisi é um promissor agente de controle biológico para ser utilizado no manejo de G. dubia no Brasil, pois apresentou maior longevidade e os melhores parâmetros reprodutivos.

Abstract The life cycle of stink bug, Glyphepomis dubia and the development of two egg parasitoids (Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus basalis) were studied at the Federal University of Maranhão, at 26 ± 2oC, relative humidity (RH) of 60 ± 10% and 12h photophase. Individuals used in the study were collected from seven rice fields located around the municipality of Arari, Maranhão, Brazil, and maintained in greenhouse and laboratory for the life cycle studies. From egg to adult, G. dubia took 35.2 days to complete the life cycle. The oviposition period was 37 days, with egg masses of about 12 eggs each and viability of 93.1%. Longevity was 53 and 65 days for females and males, respectively. The egg parasitoids Te. podisi and Tr. basalis parasitized and developed in G. dubia eggs; however, the biological characteristics of Tr. basalis were affected. Emergence of the parasitoids was higher for Te. podisi (83.5%) compared to the records for Tr. basalis (50.4%). Therefore, G. dubia may potentially achieve a pest status and Te. podisi is a promising biological control agent for G. dubia management in Brazil due to its higher longevity and better reproductive parameters.

Resumo A possível interferência de populações de pragas resistentes na ação de inimigos naturais ainda não foi esclarecida. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) em ovos de Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) com frequência de resistência à Metaflumizona ao longo de seis gerações de exposição ao produto. Cartelas (2,0 x 7,0 cm) com ovos de duas populações de S. frugiperda, (resistente à Metaflumizona e outra suscetível), foram expostas às fêmeas de T. pretiosum por 24 horas em condições de livre escolha e sem chance de escolha por três gerações (G1, G4 e G6). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com 25 repetições, sendo cada repetição composta por uma cartela (unidade experimental) contendo 20 ovos. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: parasitismo (%), emergência (%), razão sexual, número de parasitoides emergidos por ovo e longevidade de machos e fêmeas. ANOVA e teste de Tukey (P≤ 0,05) foram aplicados aos dados coletados. Os resultados mostraram redução do parasitismo [41,0% (G1) e 28,4% (G4)], emergência de ovos (17,5%) e parasitoides/ovo [16,2 (G4) e 17,2 (G6)] em ovos oriundos da população com frequência de resistência. As fêmeas emergidas de ovos da população G6 sem exposição à Metaflumizona, tiveram maior longevidade (3,5 dias a mais) do que a população exposta ao inseticida. A razão sexual e a longevidade de machos não foram afetadas. Os resultados indicam uma redução na atividade de T. pretiosum se as populações de S. frugiperda apresentarem alguma frequência de resistência à Metaflumizona.

Abstract The possible interference of resistant pest’s populations to insecticides in natural enemies in the action thas not been clarified yet. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) performance on Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs with resistance frequency to the Metaflumizone over six generations of product exposure. Egg cards (2.0 x 7.0 cm) containing eggs from two populations of S. frugiperda, (resistant to Metaflumizone and the other susceptible), were exposed to T. pretiosum females for 24 hours in free-choice and no-choice testing in three generations (G1, G4, and G6). A completely randomized experimental design was used with 25 replications, each consisting of an egg card (experimental unit) containing 20 eggs. The parameters evaluated were: parasitism (%), emergence (%), sex ratio, number of emerged parasitoids per egg and males/females longevity. ANOVA and Tukey test (P≤ 0.05) were applied on the results. Results showed a reduction in parasitism [41.0% (G1) and 28.4% (G4)], egg emergence (17.5%) and parasitoids/egg [16.2 (G4) and 17.2 (G6)] in eggs originating from the population with resistance frequency. Females emerging from G6 populations eggs without exposure to Metaflumizone had greater longevity (3.5 days more) than the resistant population. The sex ratio and male longevity were not affected. The results indicate a reduction in T. pretiosum activity if S. frugiperda populations have some frequency of resistance to Metaflumizone.

Resumo Mosca-das-frutas sul-americana, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Tephritidae), é uma importante praga da região subtropical do Brasil. Este inseto tem relação tritrófico entre frutos silvestres e parasitoides e está associado a pomares de macieiras (Malus domestica Borkh.) adjacentes à Mata Atlântica no Paraná. Assim, investigamos o grau de infestação da mosca-das-frutas e o parasitismo natural em frutas silvestres e cultivadas ao redor de pomares de maçã. Para tanto, foram coletados frutos de Acca sellowiana (Berg.) Burret, Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Mart), Eugenia uniflora L., Eugenia pyriformis Cambessèdes, Psidium cattleianum Sabine, Psidium guajava (L.), Annona neosericea Rainer e Eriobotrya japonica (Thumb) em pomares de maçã adjacentes à Mata Atlântica localizados nos municípios de Campo do Tenente, Lapa e Porto Amazonas. No total, coletamos 18.289 frutos durante quatro anos de cultivo. A ocorrência de A. fraterculus depende do período de suscetibilidade dos frutos da maçã. A. sellowiana e P. cattleianum foram considerados multiplicadores primários de mosca-das-frutas e P. guajava foi secundário, todos ocorrendo após a colheita da maçã (período IS). Os parasitóides a associados a A. fraterculus foram Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes, 1924) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), Opius bellus (Gahan, 1930), Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti, 1911) e Doryctobracon brasiliensis (Szépligeti, 1911) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), todos os quais são primeiros registros na Mata Atlântica no Paraná. Primeiro registro de O. bellus ocorrendo no Estado do Paraná, assim como, primeiro registro da associação tritrófica entre o hospedeiro A. neosericea, parasitoides D. areolatus e O. bellus e mosca-das-frutas A. fraterculus. O hospedeiro P. cattleianum se destacou entre as espécies de Myrtaceae pela alta diversidade de parasitóides associados (81% dos parasitóides). O número total de espécies de Figitidae (76,5%) foi superior ao de espécies de Braconidae. A influência de eventos climáticos no sul do Brasil na produção de frutas silvestres deve ser mais estudada para entender a associação de A. fraterculus com a relação tritrófica.

Abstract The South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an important pest in the subtropical region of Brazil. This insect has tritrophic relation between wild fruits and parasitoids and is associated with apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchards adjacent to the Atlantic Forest in Paraná. We thus investigated the degree of infestation of the fruit fly and natural parasitism in wild and cultivated fruits surrounding apple orchards. For this purpose, we collected fruits of Acca sellowiana (Berg.) Burret, Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Mart), Eugenia uniflora L., Eugenia pyriformis Cambessèdes, Psidium cattleianum Sabine, Psidium guajava (L.), Annona neosericea Rainer and Eriobotrya japonica (Thumb) in apple orchards adjacent to the Atlantic Forest located in Campo do Tenente, Lapa and Porto Amazonas counties. In total, we collected 18,289 fruits during four growing years. The occurrence of A. fraterculus depends on the susceptible period of apple fruits. A. sellowiana and P. cattleianum were considered primary fruit fly multipliers and P. guajava was secondary, all occurring after the apple harvest (IS period). The group of parasitoids with A. fraterculus was Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes, 1924) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), Opius bellus (Gahan, 1930), Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti, 1911) and Doryctobracon brasiliensis (Szépligeti, 1911) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) all of which are first records in the Atlantic Forest in Paraná. First record of O. bellus occurring in the State of Paraná, as well as, first record of the tritrophic association between host plant A. neosericea, parasitoids D. areolatus and O. bellus and fruit fly A. fraterculus. The host P. cattleianum stood out among the Myrtaceae species in regard to the high diversity of parasitoid species (81% of parasitoids). The total number of Figitidae species (76.5%) was higher than that of Braconidae species. The influence of climatic events in southern Brazil on wild fruit production should be further studied to understand the association of A. fraterculus with the tritrophic relationship.

Abstract The world is currently facing a severe economic crisis and the rational consumption and reuse of products, including waste are necessary. Agriculture wastes have importance containing beneficial and economic value matters, which unutilized may lead to environmental pollution. Date seed is one of these viable wastes with high nutritional value. Mass rearing of peach fruit flies is important to produce parasitoids for use in biological control programs or sterile insect techniques. In this study powder of date seeds were evaluated as an alternative diet for mass rearing of peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata. The nutrient composition of the tested diet that contained date seed powder was rich in crude proteins (13.1%), crude carbohydrates (40.41), crude fats (4.6), crude fibers (8.4), and ashes (0.29). The results indicated that the date seed powder produced insects with quality parameters equivalent to FAO, IAEA/USDA standards, without differences with those reared on yeast. The histology of the reproductive system of B. zonata reveals that the female ovariole is of meristic-polytrophic type with successive stages of egg chambers. The male testis has a single long follicle with successive stages of spermatogenesis. Thus, date seed powder is a potential alternative diet for use in the mass rearing of the peach fruit fly.

Abstract During the storage period of dry tobacco and its derivatives, insect pests such as species of Ephestia Guenée (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), popularly known as moths, cause damage to the product, being controlled mainly with physical practices and synthetic chemicals, although with limitations on their use and results. Some biological control agents, such as the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), have the potential to control these pests. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of H. hebetor release in tobacco farms and industrial warehouses, on the infestation of Ephestia spp. adults. Parasitoids were released in tobacco farmers and tobacco industry warehouses between 2016-2018, comprising two years/crop seasons. Each release consisted of 1,000 parasitoids (four times) in tobacco farmers warehouses (70 m2) and 30,000 (five times) in tobacco industry warehouses (8,000 m2). Pheromone-baited sticky traps were used to weekly monitor the average number of adults of Ephestia spp. in warehouses with (WP) and without parasitoid release (NP). The average number of adults of Ephestia spp. captured in the traps in WP environments at farmers and industry level was significantly lower than the average captured in NP from the third and fifth weeks. In the following weeks, the averages of Ephestia spp. were always significantly lower in the WP environments until the end of monitoring. Therefore, the use of H. hebetor for moth control should be considered as part of a biological control program in stored tobacco environments.

Invasive species are the second largest contributor to biodiversity loss and drivers of ecosystem change. Buffelgrass is a C4, perennial grass native to Africa and Asia that was widely introduced across tropical and subtropical rangelands as livestock forage. Buffelgrass reduces native biodiversity and ecosystem stability in its introduced range when it escapes livestock pastures. Understanding the ecology of insects associated with buffelgrass in its native range may provide an understanding of invasion processes and biological control opportunities where buffelgrass has become an invasive challenge. Here, we present the results of a six-year survey of herbivorous arthropods of a native buffelgrass population from Kenya. Buffelgrass was examined for externally and internally feeding insects of vegetative and reproductive tissues. We also categorised buffelgrass detritivores and parasitoids that may use buffelgrass herbivores as hosts. The samples were photographed and Sanger sequenced to identify them to the lowest possible taxonomic ranking. We collected information on sample abundances, phenologies, tissues consumed, and putative diet breadths. We identified 25 morphospecies representing seven orders and 16 families. The putative host plant specialisation was as high as 67% for Diptera. Phenological variation in herbivore presence correlated with seasonal rainfall and provided a guide for when to conduct follow-up biological control agent searches. The most abundant herbivore was a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that inhabits buffelgrass culms. Additional research should focus on bringing this species into containment where host choice trials can be conducted to determine if it is truly monophagous and assess its impact on buffelgrass growth.

The leaf miner, Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a polyphagous fly, which infests a wide range of vegetables and ornamental plants. However, scant knowledge exists of the biology and ecology of the pest in the Western Cape province of South Africa, both of which are essential components in developing an effective management programme. Several aspects of its biology and ecology were studied in two potato [Solanum tuberosum L. (Solanales: Solanaceae)] fields in the Sandveld region during both winter and summer months. The population densities of adult L. huidobrensis were monitored using yellow sticky traps, which were retrieved and counted once every two weeks (June 2019 to January 2020). The number of leaf miner adults caught throughout the summer and winter monitoring periods was significantly different. In addition, 50 randomly selected plants were assessed for leaf damage (in the form of punctures and mines) using presence/ absence sampling. Leaf miner persistence within the soil was confirmed through one-time soil sampling of the two fields, one month after harvesting. Leaf miner pupae were detected in the soil samples after the potatoes were harvested. However, no adult emergence was recorded among the collected pupae under laboratory conditions. The observed trend was that the traps, in both fields, caught an increasing number of leaf miners as the crops matured. Damage occurred in both the monitored fields as early as week four, after plant emergence. Of the five parasitoid species collected, Diglyphus isaea (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was the most abundant.