A Preliminary Assessment of Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) as a Potential Biocontrol Agent against Phytophagous Mites Occurring on Coniferous Plants

Development, survival and reproduction of Ambyseius andersoni (Chant), a predatory mite widely distributed in Europe, were assessed on different food items. These included two key pests of ornamental coniferous plants, i.e., Oligonychus ununguis (Jacobi) and Pentamerismus taxi (Haller) and pollen of Pinus sylvestris L. The rationale behind these experiments was to provide a preliminary assessment of the potential of A. andersoni as a biocontrol agent of the above phytophagous arthropods and evaluate pine pollen as an alternative food source for the predator. Under laboratory conditions (23 ± 0.5 °C, 70 ± 10% RH and 16L:8D) A. andersoni was able to feed, develop and reproduce on all tested diets. The shortest development time (egg to female) was obtained when the predator fed on P. taxi (mean = 5.12 d) and the longest was on pine pollen (mean = 6.55 d). The rm value was significantly higher on both tested prey (0.166 on P. taxi and 0.160 on O. ununguis) than on pollen (0.139). Thus, we do not recommend pine pollen for mass rearing of A. andersoni; however, we conclude that pollen may provide sufficient sustenance for the predator population under field conditions when prey are absent. The potential of A. andersoni as a biocontrol agent of O. ununguis and P. taxi is discussed.

Download Full-text

Field trials of Trichomalopsis sarcophagae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in cattle feedlots: a potential biocontrol agent of filth flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

The Canadian Entomologist ◽

10.4039/n02-093 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 135 (4) ◽

pp. 599-608 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

K.D. Floate

Keyword(s):

Biocontrol Agent ◽

Natural Populations ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Mass Rearing ◽

Field Trials ◽

House Fly ◽

Stable Fly ◽

Large Numbers ◽

Potential Biocontrol Agent ◽

Paired Control

AbstractA field study was performed in southern Alberta, Canada, to assess the native wasp, Trichomalopsis sarcophagae (Gahan), as a potential biocontrol agent for house fly, Musca domestica L., and stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). The wasp was readily reared in large numbers, which allowed for the cumulative release of an estimated 4.63 million wasps into three commercial feedlots during the 2-year study. Each of several releases predictably and repeatedly enhanced parasitism of sentinel house fly pupae, whereas parasitism remained low in three paired control feedlots where wasps were not released. Releases every 2nd week had a disproportionately greater effect than releases every 2nd month. In 1998, 1.2 million wasps were released into treatment feedlots resulting in the recovery of 3 952 T. sarcophagae from 31 500 sentinel pupae (0.13 wasps/pupa). In 1999, 3.43 million wasps were released into treatment feedlots, with the recovery of 37 763 wasps from 47 720 sentinel pupae (0.79 wasps/pupa). Hence, a 2.8-fold increase in the number of wasps released in 1999 resulted in a 6.1-fold increase in the recovery of wasps. This result supports industry recommendations of regular, repeated releases of wasps every 2nd or 4th week versus one or infrequent releases throughout the summer. There was no evidence that releases augmented overwintering populations of the wasp in subsequent years. These results provide proof-of-concept for the mass-rearing and release of T. sarcophagae as an inundative biocontrol agent for the control of pest flies in cattle confinements. Further studies will be required to assess the effect of T. sarcophagae releases on natural populations of pest flies.

Download Full-text

Validation of a methodology for rearingSpalangia cameroni(Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) onCeratitis capitata(Diptera: Tephritidae)

The Canadian Entomologist ◽

10.4039/tce.2014.15 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 146 (6) ◽

pp. 676-683 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

J. Tormos ◽

B. Sabater-Muñoz ◽

J.D. Asís ◽

F. Beitia

Keyword(s):

Sex Ratio ◽

Ceratitis Capitata ◽

Biocontrol Agent ◽

Sex Ratios ◽

Mass Rearing ◽

Laboratory Rearing ◽

Pupal Parasitoid ◽

Mass Rear ◽

Laboratory Colony ◽

Potential Biocontrol Agent

AbstractSpalangia cameroniPerkins (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is a pupal parasitoid of the Medfly,Ceratitis capitata(Wiedmann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), one of the principal pests of Spanish agriculture.Spalangia cameroniis a potential biocontrol agent for this pest if methods can be developed to mass-rear it effectively onC. capitata. Here, we report on the use of freeze-killed pupae ofC. capitatato maintain a laboratory colony ofS. cameroni, with a view to setting up a mass-rearing protocol. Realised fecundity, adult progeny, sex ratio, and superparasitism level were the principal parameters analysed. No significant differences were found in respect of these parameters between living or freeze-killed Medfly pupae used as hosts, although sex ratios showed a bias towards females in the case of freeze-killed pupae. Freeze-killed pupae were concluded to present the best option for the laboratory-rearing ofS. cameroni, on account of ease of rearing, and avoidance of the emergence of Medfly adults.

Download Full-text

Re-adaptation from alternative prey to target prey increased predation of predator on target mite

Systematic and Applied Acarology ◽

10.11158/saa.24.3.10 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 467 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jie Su ◽

An-Di Zhu ◽

Guo-Dong Han ◽

Fang Dong ◽

Jing Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural Enemy ◽

Spider Mite ◽

Biocontrol Agent ◽

Mass Rearing ◽

Predatory Mites ◽

Alternative Prey ◽

Tyrophagus Putrescentiae ◽

Potential Biocontrol Agent ◽

Tetranychus Turkestani

Neoseiulus bicaudus (Wainstein) is a natural enemy of spider mite and thrip and also a potential biocontrol agent for Tetranychus turkestani (Tetranychidae). Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) is an important alternative prey of N. bicaudus for mass rearing. We aimed to determine whether previous long-term feeding history, rearing on alternative prey versus target prey affected the performance of N. bicaudus. Therefore, the prey preference and functional response of predatory mites were compared between three strains: N. bicaudus fed on T. turkestani (TTS); N. bicaudus fed on T. putrescentiae (TPS); and N. bicaudus re-adapted from T. putrescentiae to T. turkestani (TPRS). When fed with the target prey, the preference rate and consumption of the TPS strain were significantly lower than the TTS strain. In addition, after 3-day-re-adaptation, the predatory mites (TPRS) increased their preference rate and consumption to target prey. The results suggested that re-adaptation before release could improve the ability of N. bicaudus to control its target prey.

Download Full-text

Ooctonus vulgatus (Hymenoptera, Mymaridae), a potential biocontrol agent to reduce populations of Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae) the main vector of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.8591 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. e8591 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Xavier Mesmin ◽

Marguerite Chartois ◽

Guénaëlle Genson ◽

Jean-Pierre Rossi ◽

Astrid Cruaud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biocontrol Agent ◽

Xylella Fastidiosa ◽

Parasitoid Wasp ◽

Large Data ◽

Mass Rearing ◽

Data Sets ◽

Philaenus Spumarius ◽

Parasitism Rates ◽

Starting Point ◽

Potential Biocontrol Agent

As a vector of Xylella fastidiosa (Wells, 1987) in Europe, the meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae) is a species of major concern. Therefore, tools and agents to control this ubiquitous insect that develops and feeds on hundreds of plant species are wanted. We conducted a field survey of P. spumarius eggs in Corsica and provide a first report of Ooctonus vulgatus Haliday, 1833 (Hymenoptera, Mymaridae) as a potential biocontrol agent of P. spumarius in Europe. To allow species identification, we summarized the main characters distinguishing O. vulgatus from other European species of Ooctonus and generated COI DNA barcodes. Parasitism rates were variable in the four localities included in the survey but could reach 69% (for an average number of eggs that hatched per locality of 109). Based on the geographic occurrences of O. vulgatus obtained from the literature, we calibrated an ecological niche model to assess its potential distribution in the Holarctic. Obviously, several questions need to be addressed to determine whether O. vulgatus could become an effective biocontrol agent of P. spumarius in Europe. So far, O. vulgatus has been reared only from P. spumarius eggs, but its exact host-range should be evaluated to ensure efficiency and avoid non-target effect. The top-down impact of the parasitoid on vector populations should also be assessed on large data sets. Finally, the feasibility of mass rearing should be tested. We hope this report serves as a starting point to initiate research on this parasitoid wasp to assess whether it could contribute to reduce the spread and impact of X. fastidiosa in Europe.

Download Full-text

What habitat does spiny snout mite occupy in Tasmania

New Zealand Plant Protection ◽

10.30843/nzpp.2015.68.5854 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 68 ◽

pp. 446-446

Author(s):

D.J. Wilson ◽

P.J. Gerard

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Sand Dune ◽

Biocontrol Agent ◽

Predatory Mites ◽

Mite Species ◽

Predatory Mite ◽

Habitat Specificity ◽

Nontarget Organisms ◽

Flea Control ◽

Potential Biocontrol Agent

Spiny snout mite (Neomolgus capillatus) is a potential biocontrol agent for clover flea (Sminthurus viridis) a white clover pest on dairy farms in warmer and wetter parts of New Zealand In the 1990s this mite was introduced from Brittany France into Tasmania for clover flea control Results during the release programme were highly promising and subsequent anecdotal farmer reports indicate widespread decreases in damage As N capillatus is a predatory mite and already known to attack nontarget organisms habitat specificity will determine whether it could be introduced into New Zealand without risk to native insects To assess this pastures on nine of the original Tasmanian release farms and adjacent nontarget habitats ranging from bush wetlands eucalypt stands to sand dune country were sampled in April 2014 Litter samples were collected heat extracted and mite species identified Neomolgus capillatus was found at effective densities in pastures that had good clover cover Where present it displaced Bdellodes spp mites that are ineffective against clover flea No N capillatus were found in the nontarget habitats all of which lacked clover and contained other predatory mites including Bdellodes spp Therefore the preference by N capillatus for lush pastures makes it an excellent prospect for introduction as a biocontrol agent into clover flea prone regions of New Zealand

Download Full-text

GroEL protein from the potential biocontrol agent Rhodopseudomonas palustris enhances resistance to rice blast disease

Pest Management Science ◽

10.1002/ps.6584 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xiyang Wu ◽

Yue Chen ◽

Chenggang Li ◽

Xin Zhang ◽

Xinqiu Tan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rice Blast ◽

Biocontrol Agent ◽

Rhodopseudomonas Palustris ◽

Rice Blast Disease ◽

Blast Disease ◽

Groel Protein ◽

Potential Biocontrol Agent

Download Full-text

Host Range of the Argentine Root Borer Carmenta haematica (Ureta) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), a Potential Biocontrol Agent for Snakeweeds (Gutierrezia spp) in the United States

Biological Control ◽

10.1006/bcon.1995.1001 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

H.A. Cordo ◽

C.J. Deloach ◽

R. Ferrer

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Host Range ◽

Biocontrol Agent ◽

The United States ◽

Potential Biocontrol Agent

Download Full-text

Biology and host specificity of Gonatocerus deleoni (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), a potential biocontrol agent of Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in California, USA

BioControl ◽

10.1007/s10526-011-9391-5 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

pp. 61-69 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

John Lytle ◽

J. G. Morse ◽

S. V. Triapitsyn

Keyword(s):

Host Specificity ◽

Biocontrol Agent ◽

Homalodisca Vitripennis ◽

Potential Biocontrol Agent

Download Full-text

Oxidative Stress Correlates with Wolbachia-Mediated Antiviral Protection in Wolbachia-Drosophila Associations

Applied and Environmental Microbiology ◽

10.1128/aem.03847-14 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 81 (9) ◽

pp. 3001-3005 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

Zhee Sheen Wong ◽

Jeremy C. Brownlie ◽

Karyn N. Johnson

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Hydrogen Peroxide ◽

Biocontrol Agent ◽

Oxygen Species ◽

Content Type ◽

Host Insect ◽

Fitness Traits ◽

Endogenous Reactive Oxygen Species ◽

Potential Biocontrol Agent ◽

Definition Of

ABSTRACTWolbachiamediates antiviral protection in insect hosts and is being developed as a potential biocontrol agent to reduce the spread of insect-vectored viruses. Definition of the molecular mechanism that generates protection is important for understanding the tripartite interaction between host insect,Wolbachia, and virus. Elevated oxidative stress was previously reported for a mosquito line experimentally infected withWolbachia, suggesting that oxidative stress is important forWolbachia-mediated antiviral protection. However,Wolbachiaexperimentally introduced into mosquitoes impacts a range of host fitness traits, some of which are unrelated to antiviral protection. To explore whether elevated oxidative stress is associated with antiviral protection inWolbachia-infected insects, we analyzed oxidative stress of fiveWolbachia-infectedDrosophilalines. In flies infected with protectiveWolbachiastrains, hydrogen peroxide concentrations were 1.25- to 2-fold higher than those in paired fly lines cured ofWolbachiainfection. In contrast, there was no difference in the hydrogen peroxide concentrations in flies infected with nonprotectiveWolbachiastrains compared to flies cured ofWolbachiainfection. Using aDrosophilamutant that produces increased levels of hydrogen peroxide, we investigated whether flies with high levels of endogenous reactive oxygen species had altered responses to virus infection and found that flies with high levels of endogenous hydrogen peroxide were less susceptible to virus-induced mortality. Taken together, these results suggest that elevated oxidative stress correlates withWolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in naturalDrosophilahosts.

Download Full-text