Species of sucking pests of ornamental crops in the conditions of the Southern Coast of the Crimea

The results of the analysis of the species composition of sucking pests species during the period from 2009 to 2019 are presented. Based on long-term phytosanitary monitoring, 37 species belonging to 12 families were identified, of which the most numerous are the families Diaspididae and Aphididae of the order Hemiptera. According to the nature of trophic connections, 59.9% are monophages, 32.4% are polyphages and 8.1% are oligophages. According to the nature of the damage caused, sucking species differ from each other. Some species lead to a change in the color of leaves and flowers (thrips, mites, coccids), others cause deformation of the leaf blade and inflorescences (coccids, worms, false coccids, herbivorous mites) and the third group includes species that form galls on the leaves (laurel psyllid, pistachio marginal gall aphid). According to ecological features, sucking pest species are divided into three main groups: open-living species, which include aphids, cicadae, psyllas, white flies, the second group includes species that have covers of various nature on the body, such as coccids, worms and false coccids, and the third group consists of gall makers. The dominant species, the degree of harmfulness, the frequency of occurrence and the range of forage plants were determined.

The Canadian Beaufort Shelf trophic structure: evaluating an ecosystem modelling approach by comparison with observed stable isotopic structure

Climate-driven impacts on marine trophic pathways worldwide are compounded by sea-ice loss at northern latitudes. For the Arctic, current information describing food web linkages is fragmented, and there is a need for tools that can describe overarching trophic structure despite limited species-specific data. Here, we tested the ability of a mass-balanced ecosystem model (Ecopath with Ecosim, EwE) to reconstruct the trophic hierarchy of 31 groups, from primary producers to polar bears, in the Canadian Beaufort Sea continental shelf. Trophic level (TL) estimates from EwE were compared with those derived from two nitrogen stable isotope (SI) modelling approaches (SI linear and scaled) to assess EwE accuracy, using a dataset of 642 δ15N observations across 282 taxa. TLs from EwE were strongly, positively related to those from both SI models (R2 > 0.80). EwE performed well (within 0.2 TL) for groups with relatively well-known diets or for taxa characterized by fewer trophic connections (e.g., primary consumers). Performance was worse (> 0.5 TL) for species groups aggregated at coarse taxonomic levels, those with poorly documented diets, and for anadromous fishes. Comparisons with SI models suggested that the scaled approach can overestimate the TL of top predators if ecosystem-specific information is not considered.

Fouling microorganisms in the reservoirs of the groundwater treatment system

The work discusses the features of the structure of fouling (biofilms) formed in the water treatment system of the iron-bearing groundwater of the Tungusskii deposit (Far East, Russia). The main factors affecting the composition of biofilms are trace amounts of organic substances, oxygen, different phylogenetic composition of microbial communities and their ability to form a polysaccharide matrix. The formation of structured communities in biofouling of the water treatment system can have a negative impact on the organoleptic characteristics of drinking water due to the formation of complex trophic connections.

Phenological monitoring of subtropic plants in Lenkoran-astarin region of Azerbaijan on infections by false sheets (Ceroplastes destructor Newstead, 1917; C. japonicus Green, 1921)

The article presents the results of studies on the distribution of two types of false shields (Ceroplastes destructor Newstead, 1917; Ceroplastes japonicus Green, 1921) in the Lenkoran-Astara region of Azerbaijan conducted during 2017-2019. The timing of the development of individual stages of the pest, the number of generations, trophic connections and the degree of infection of plants by them are established. Wintering stages have been established. It was noted that C. destructor affects 6 species, and C. japonicus affects 8 species of citrus and subtropical plants belonging to 5 families. It has been established that C. destructor in the south of Azerbaijan can develop in the open ground in 1 generation, and in closed ground in I, II or II ? generations. In 2019, the highest degree of infection with both types of pests was observed.

The evaluation of the economic effect of trophic connections of honey-bees and entomophilous plants

The paper is devoted to the study of the volume and value of biological resources of beekeeping, the feasibility and possibility of developing beekeeping on the basis of melliferous resources available in the Russian Federation. Beekeeping is an important branch of agriculture, since bee pollination of entomophilic agricultural plants is one of the most eff ective agricultural techniques, which leads to an increase in the yield of entomophilic agricultural plants by up to 300 %. The development of beekeeping on a national scale is possible only with serious state support. For such participation of the state, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the state of the industry, the biological resources of beekeeping and the prospects for development. In this regard, there is a need to analyze the feed base of beekeeping in the Russian Federation, determine potential honey reserves and prospects for the development of beekeeping in the Russia. We have touched on the topic of melliferous resources of entomophilic plants in this paper. The melliferous resources of Russia calculated in diff erent versions have been considered. The volume of melliferous resources, potential honey reserves, and the number of bee colonies that can be maintained based on the available melliferous resources in Russia have been given. The evaluation of the profi t that can be obtained with the development of beekeeping in Russia and proper pollination of entomophilic crops and wild entomophilic plants has been made. It has been noted that the melliferous resources of Russia theoretically allow to contain up to 30 million bee colonies and receive up to 452 million kg of commercial honey, which can meet the scientifi cally-based norms of honey consumption for all Russians. The total benefi t from proper pollination of entomophilic cultural and wild plants in Russia has been evaluated at an impressive amount approaching 1 trillion rubles per year.

Trophic Connections of Leafroller Moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Oaks in Sofia Region, Bulgaria

The trophic connections of leafeating tortricids (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and the oaks were studied in the Sofia region of West Bulgaria. Biological material – larvae and pupae, 5200 in number, was collected in April-May 2011-2013 at 17 sampling sites. Fifteen tortricids have been identified, 7 oak species and 57 trophic connections between them, 31 of which new for Bulgaria. A complete up-to-date list of trophic connections of leafeating trotricids with Quercus spp. reported in Bulgarian publications is provided.

Influence of seasonal climatic factors on the dynamics of birds interactions with linden consortia

The article is devoted to the bird communities in individual linden consortia (Tilia cordata Mill.) of the linden-ash oak forests. This work material was collected during different seasons of the 2009–2017 years in a linden-ash oak grove on the test plot No. 209 of the ecological profile of the NSC «Bel'gard Prisamar`e International Biospheric stationary», Novomoskovsk district, Dnepropetrovsk region. The individual consortia of 145 examples of three age conditions oak trees (virgins – virg, young generative – gl, mature and old generative individuals – g2-g3) has been investigated. Studies have shown that birds are actively involved in consortia of linden for most of the year. Meroconsortia of linden generative organs are attractive to birds during the growing season and in the cold season. In summer, the consortia of linden in terms of species composition of birds is inferior to the consortia of oak about 2 times. The same trend is observed in DTB and DMB. Only 2 species of birds participate in the consortia of the virgin linden. The consortia of young generative linden consists of only 4 species of birds, but DTB increases almost 30 times. The consortia of mature and old generative linden acquires a sufficient species composition – 14 species of birds. Interactions of birds with virginal linden are stochastic in autumn. Only 2 species of birds participate in the consortia of virgin linden in autumn. The consortia of young generative linden consists of 5 species (more than in summer). The old generative linden has a depression of consortia interactions of birds. Their volume is reduced by half compared to summer. Specialized consumers of linden nuts remain in the consortia of old generative linden mainly. Birds have very low DTB and DMB rates in consortia of all linden age groups in winter. Instead, the species composition of birds increases in the consortia of generative groups of linden in winter. The system of consortia interactions of birds is not intensive, but stable on the linden tree in winter. The volume of interactions of birds with a linden tree essentially increases in the spring. This trend is typical for trees with a dense crown. The number of consort birds is higher than in summer in consortia of virgin and young generative linden. DTB is five times higher in virgin linden than in summer. The participation of birds in the consortia of young generative linden is also greater than in summer. We believe that this is due to the fact that linden begins to grow earlier than other trees in the upper tier. The old generative linden is one of the main feeding grounds for birds in the spring. Linden, like common oak, is much more interesting for birds in spring and summer in contrast to field maple and ash. Linden first supports the system of trophic connections, and then topical in most seasons of the year. Linden forms stable groups of birds at a young generative stage during the year. Linden creates an environment for birds to live in the middle tier and complements the field maple.

Trophic connections of the brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys Stål in the conditions of the invasive area on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus

Brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) is a highly aggressive crop pest that has appeared in Russia since 2014. Under the conditions of a new invasive species area, it is important to study the characteristics of the pest biology, including the study of the range of trophic plants. The studies were carried out in the zone of humid subtropics of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus in 2014-2019. The study of trophic connections was carried out in the course of regular surveys of the region’s phytocenoses, including agrocenoses, landscape gardening and forest stands. During the observation period, the number of fodder plants of the brown marmorated stink bug was 107 species from 48 botanical families. The most diverse fodder plants of the Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae and Solanaceae families. Among the food plants of H. halys, conifers are noted. It was Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu & W.C. Cheng and Taxodium mucronatum Ten. Migration ways of brown marmorated stink bug from forest plantations to agrocenoses, gardens and city parks have been established. Such movements allows the pest to eat variably and to wait for adverse conditions.

Fauna, trophic connections, and morpho-functional adaptations of gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) forming parenchymal leaf galls of arboreal and shrubby plants

Галлицы, образующие паренхимные листовые галлы на древеснокустарниковых растениях, в мировой фауне представлены 108 видами 38 родов 12 триб, большинство относятся к подсемейству Lasiopterinae (65 видов, 25 родов). Они образуют галлы на 123 видах растений 37 родов, принадлежащих 20 семействам 15 порядков из клад Superrosids (47 видов галлиц), Superasterids (60 видов) и Eudicots (1 вид). Наибольшее количество галлиц (64 вида, 13 родов) относится к 5 порядкам продвинутой клады Superasterids (Caryophyllales, Cornales, Asterales, Dipsacales и Lamiales). Остальные 44 вида из 25 родов относятся к 10 порядкам более архаичных клад Eudicots (Buxales) и Superrosids (Fabales, Rosales, Fagales, Malpigiales, Celastrales, Myrtales, Malvales, Sapindales, Saxifragales). Наибольшее обилие растенийхозяев во влажных местообитаниях выявлено в кладе Sapindales на этих растениях развивается 15 видов галлиц из 6 родов и на растениях клады Fagales 13 видов из 7 родов. В аридных местообитаниях на растениях из клады Caryophyllales (Amaranthaceae и Polygonaceae) выявлено 56 видов из 7 родов специфической трибы Baldratiini. Среди растенийхозяев травянистые растения представлены порядками Campanulids (Asterales) и Lamiids (Lamiales), среди которых доминируют Asterales. Выделены группы родов галлиц, которые отличаются по степени морфофункциональных адаптаций имаго при галлообразовании и связям с растениямихозяевами: специфические по отношению к родам растенийхозяев и неспецифические (1 род галлиц связан с несколькими родами одного или нескольких семейств растений). Выявлено 13 монотипических родов галлиц, что составляет 36,1 от 38 родов, виды которых образуют паренхимные галлы. Доля специфических родов галлиц 57,9 (22 из 36). К монотипическим родам относятся галлицы, имеющие специфические яйцеклады колющего типа (Monarthropalpus Rbs., Atraphaxiola Fedotova, Probruggmanniella Mhn и Ribesia Gagn). Также архаичные связи галлиц с растениями проявляются у видов Drisina Giard, Acerovesiculomyia Fedotova, Litchiomyia Yang, Mikomya Kief. (яйцеклады лопастного типа), которые откладывают яйца на поверхность листьев растений одного семейства (Sapindaceae, Sapindales), занимающего центральное место в филогенетическом древе Angiospermae. Эти примеры косвенное свидетельство перехода галлиц к галлообразованию в период процветания цветковых растений. Паренхимные галлицы известны на основных лесообразующих породах. Некоторые виды являются опасными вредителями декоративных и пищевых растений. Адвентивные виды паренхимных галлиц выявлены во всех зоогеографических областях. Gall midges forming parenchymal leaf galls on trees and shrubs in the world fauna are represented by 108 species (38 genera of 12 tribes), most of which belong to the subfamily Lasiopterinae (65 species of 25 genera). They form galls on 123 plant species (37 genera belonging to 20 families) of 15 orders from the clades of Superrosids (47 gall midges), Superasterids (60 sp.), and Eudicots (1 sp.). The highest number of gall midges (64 species of 13 genera) belong to 5 orders of the advanced clade Superasterids (Caryophyllales, Cornales, Asterales, Dipsacales, and Lamiales). The remaining 44 species of 25 genera belong to 10 orders of the more archaic clades of Eudicots (Buxales) and Superrosids (Fabales, Rosales, Fagales, Malpigiales, Celastrales, Myrtales, Malvales, Sapindales, Saxifragales). The greatest number of host plants in humid habitats was found in Sapindales, on which develop 15 species of gall midges belonging to 6 genera and on the clade Fagales develop 13 species of 7 genera. Among arid species the greatest number found in Caryophyllales (Amaranthaceae and Polygonaceae) 56 species of 7 genera of the specific tribe Baldratiini. Herb host plants are represented by the Campanulids (Asterales) and Lamiids (Lamiales) orders, among which Asterales dominates. Groups of gall midges that differ in the degree of morphofunctional adaptations of adults during gall formation and connections with host plants were identified: specific for host genera and nonspecific (1 genus of gall midges is associated with several genera of one or several plant families). In total, 13 monotypic genera of gall midges forming parenchymal galls were identified (34.2 of 36 genera). The proportion of specific genera of gall midges is 57,9 (22 of 38). Monotypic genera include gall midges with specific piercingtype ovipositors (Monarthropalpus Rbs., Atraphaxiola Fedotova, Probruggmanniella Mhn и Ribesia Gagn). Also, the archaic connections of gall midges with plants are manifested in the species Drisina Giard, Acerovesiculomyia Fedotova, Litchiomyia Yang, Mikomya Kief. (lobed eggfolds) that lay eggs on the surface of the leaves of plants of one family (Sapindaceae, Sapindales), which occupies a central place in the phylogenetic tree of Angiospermae. These examples are indirect evidence of the transition of gall midges to gall formation during the period of flourishing of flowering plants. Parenchymal gall midges are known on the main forestforming species, and they are dangerous pests of ornamental and food plants. Adventive species of parenchymal gall midges are found in all zoogeographical regions.