Molecular Advances in Larval Fruit Moth Identification to Facilitate Fruit Export From Western United States Under Systems Approaches

Molecular advances facilitate fruit export by improving rapid pest diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and advanced sequencing technology. Improved pest detection provides timely certification of the quarantine pest-free status in the commodity being exported, avoiding unnecessary commodity treatment. The U.S.–Japan Systems Approach to export fresh cherries from the Western United States that targets the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is used as an example. Suspect codling moth larvae interdicted at cherry packing houses are distinguished by PCR from other internal fruit moth larvae such as the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae); lesser appleworm, G. prunivora (Walsh) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae); cherry fruitworm, G. packardi (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae); and filbertworm, Cydia latiferreana (Walsingham) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Identification is confirmed by sequencing the amplicon of a 301 bp region of the COI gene produced by PCR of the DNA from a suspect moth and comparing this sequence of COI gene sequences of other internal fruit feeders of pome fruit. This sequence comparison results in unambiguous pest identification. These findings are discussed in the context of systems approach research to meet evolving needs of phytosanitary requirements for global export of fruits.

The Enigmatic Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) Species Complex: Phylogenetic Challenges and Opportunities From a Notoriously Tricky Mosquito Group

Our understanding of how natural selection and demographic processes produce and maintain biological diversity remains limited. However, developments in high-throughput genomic sequencing coupled with new analytical tools and phylogenetic methods now allow detailed analyses of evolutionary patterns in genes and genomes responding to specific demographic events, ecological changes, or other selection pressures. Here, we propose that the mosquitoes in the Culex pipiens complex, which include taxa of significant medical importance, provide an exceptional system for examining the mechanisms underlying speciation and taxonomic radiation. Furthermore, these insects may shed light on the influences that historical and contemporary admixture have on taxonomic integrity. Such studies will have specific importance for mitigating the disease and nuisance burdens caused by these mosquitoes. More broadly, they could inform predictions about future evolutionary trajectories in response to changing environments and patterns of evolution in other cosmopolitan and invasive species that have developed recent associations with humans.

Dispersal Mechanism Assessment for Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae) Secondary Outbreaks

Secondary population outbreaks of Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) are triggered by synthetic chemical applications (dose and method), which also elicited a change in mites’ behavioral responses. This study aimed to understand the dispersal pattern of P. citri and how changes in dispersal behavior may influence secondary pest outbreaks in the field with or without chemicals. We found positive density and time-dependent dispersal within the inoculated leaflet. Dispersion from inoculated leaflets to the last leaflet depends on initial density and time. A significant difference was observed in the composite dispersal index data and preferred midrib region. The minimum dispersal was observed by P. citri in no direct contact with treated surfaces, whereas attraction was observed on treated surfaces (right). All chemicals gave different dispersal and feed disruption responses depending on the treatment application pattern. The maximum number of mites dispersed and avoid surfaces treated with abamectin and vegetable oil, respectively. Vegetable and EnSpray 99 had a positive impact on toxicity, repellency, and irritancy. The fecundity rate of P. citri boosted with a high dose and direct exposure. Panonychus citri colonization as a single individual or gregarious distribution resulted in a rapid fecundity rate, which may explain why citrus orchards were severely damaged and how suddenly a whole citrus plantation can be highly infested. This study concluded that change in treatment application patterns leads to a change in the behavioral responses in P. citri.

The Heterogonic Life Cycles of Oak Gall Wasps Need to Be Closed: A Lesson From Two Species of Dryophanta (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini)

In heterogonic gall wasps, the gall structure, phenology, and adult morphology differ between the asexual and sexual generations, even within the same species. Dryophanta japonica Ashmead and Dryophanta mitsukurii Ashmead were described in 1904, but their heterogonic life cycles were uncertain. To match their asexual and sexual generations, we compared the type specimens of both species with specimens of gall wasps reared to demonstrate heterogonic life cycles. This revealed that these two species are the respective asexual and sexual generations of a single heterogonic species. Based on the morphological characteristics, we transferred D. japonica to Cerroneuroterus Melika and Pujade-Villar as Cerroneuroterus japonicus (Ashmead, 1904) comb. nov. and treated the sexual generation as a junior synonym: Dryophanta mitsukurii Ashmead, 1904 syn. nov. Moreover, we examined the type specimens of other species previously suggested to be synonymous with D. mitsukurii. This showed that Neuroterus vonkuenburgi Dettmer, 1934 syn. nov. (and N. vonkuenburgi wakayamensis Monzen, 1954 syn. nov.) is the asexual generation of C. japonicus and that Neuroterus bonihenrici Dettmer, 1934 syn. nov. is the sexual generation. Judging from the original descriptions, Andricus asakawae Shinji, 1943 syn. nov., Andricus kanagawae Shinji, 1943 syn. nov., Andricus asakawae Shinji, 1944 syn. nov., Andricus kanagawae Shinji, 1944 syn. nov., and Neoneuroterus kashiyamai Monzen, 1954 syn. nov. were also regarded as the sexual generation of C. japonicus. Finally, we discussed how matching asexual and sexual generations in heterogonic gall wasps not only avoids taxonomic confusion but also contributes to progress in gall wasp biology.

Maggot Therapy in Chronic Wounds: New Approaches to Historical Practices

Blowfly larvae of Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are well established as debridement agents in nonhealing wounds. Maggot therapy (MT) experienced reduced application following adoption of Penicillin and other antibiotics, but the advent of antibiotic resistance and the growing global wound burden have boosted demand for new therapies. The mechanisms of action are well accepted, with debridement, disinfection, biofilm destruction, and inhibition, as well as the stimulation of tissue growth uniformly acknowledged as a remarkable biotherapy. The mechanisms of action, while well-recognized, are still being examined. The efforts to understand isolated aspects of a complex system, have resulted in a tendency to approach the field from simplified viewpoints that remove the holistic system of the larvae. Furthermore, clinical studies have conflated wound debridement and healing in definitions of ‘success’. Thus, both in vitro and clinical studies have reported mixed results, presenting some uncertainty regarding the utility of MT that prohibits routine clinical adoption. This review builds from the generally accepted basic mechanisms to justify a future for MT that encompasses larval-bacterial symbioses as the basis to a holistic system. Symbioses are well documented in the Insecta, and literature in MT supports the existence of established symbiotic associations that provide enhanced debridement action. The future of MT requires consideration of a biological system that confers enhanced antimicrobial action on larvae when selective pre-exposure to carefully selected symbionts is adopted. In treating contemporary infections, there is much to be gained from reflecting on the natural biology of the organism, as MT was used with success long before we sterilized the system.