Eucalyptus spp., native to Australia, have been introduced into many parts of the world as important timber and ornamental trees. Although the trees have important silvicultural qualities, they also have generated intense dissatisfaction, particularly among groups of individuals in California. The trees have benefited from the lack of insect pests and diseases in their adventive ranges but that has changed over the past four decades. In California, two species of insect herbivores were introduced between the time trees were first introduced to the state in the middle of the 19th century and 1983. Between 1983 and 2008, an additional 16 Australian insect pests of eucalyptus have become established in the state. The modes or routes of introduction have never been established. However, examinations of different temporal and spatial patterns suggest that the introductions were nonrandom processes. It is possible that they occurred because of increased trade or movement of people, but the hypothesis that there were intentional introductions also must be considered. The rapid accumulation of introduced herbivores on an ornamental plant system in a single state is a cautionary example of what could happen if a major food or fiber crop were intentionally targeted.

Phytosanitary irradiation (PI) treatments are promising measures to overcome quarantine barriers to trade and are currently used in several countries. Although PI has advantages compared with other treatments one disadvantage bedevils research, approval, and application: organisms may remain alive after importation. Although this does not preclude their use as a phytosanitary treatment, it does leave the treatment without an independent verification of efficacy and places a greater burden for assuring quarantine security on the research supporting the treatment. This article analyses several factors that have been hypothesized to affect PI efficacy: low oxygen, pest stage, host, dose rate, and temperature. Of these factors, the first is known to affect efficacy, whereas host and dose rate probably need more research. The International Plant Protection Convention considered several PI treatments for its international standard on phytosanitary treatments and did not approve some at first because of perceived problems with the research or the presence of live adults after irradiation. Based on these concerns recommendations for research and dealing with the issue of live adults postirradiation are given. Generic PI treatments are suggested.

In the last decade, an increase in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colony losses has been reported in several countries. The causes of this decline are still not clear. This study was set out to evaluate the pesticide residues in stored pollen from honey bee colonies and their possible impact on honey bee losses in Spain. In total, 1,021 professional apiaries were randomly selected. All pollen samples were subjected to multiresidue analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ( MS ) and liquid chromatography-MS; moreover, specific methods were applied for neonicotinoids and fipronil. A palynological analysis also was carried out to confirm the type of foraging crop. Pesticide residues were detected in 42% of samples collected in spring, and only in 31% of samples collected in autumn. Fluvalinate and chlorfenvinphos were the most frequently detected pesticides in the analyzed samples. Fipronil was detected in 3.7% of all the spring samples but never in autumn samples, and neonicotinoid residues were not detected. More than 47.8% of stored pollen samples belonged to wild vegetation, and sunflower (Heliantus spp.) pollen was only detected in 10.4% of the samples. A direct relation between pesticide residues found in stored pollen samples and colony losses was not evident accordingly to the obtained results. Further studies are necessary to determine the possible role of the most frequent and abundant pesticides (such as acaricides) and the synergism among them and with other pathogens more prevalent in Spain.

Huanglongbing is one of the most devastating diseases of citrus (Citrus spp.). One management tactic against huanglongbing is aggressive management of the vector, the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama), with insecticide applications. However, D. citri in abandoned groves are not controlled and therefore pose a risk of reinfestation for nearby commercial citrus. These abandoned groves could serve as a reservoir for the vector, as well as a source of the presumed causal agent for huanglongbing in Florida, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las). The current study was conducted to determine the degree to which Las is present in abandoned Florida citrus groves and to compare relative inoculum levels in nearby managed and abandoned groves during times of the year when D. citri are abundant (June, July, and August). In addition, the movement of Las by dispersing D. citri adults from inner and edge rows of abandoned grove plots to the corresponding rows of managed plots was quantified during the same 3 mo. The results of the current study confirmed the presence of Las in both D. citri and plant tissue in abandoned groves at statistically equivalent levels to those in nearby managed groves. The mean number of D. citri adults dispersing from abandoned to managed grove plots ranged from 7.25 ± 1.70 to 70.25 ± 21.25 per 4-d intervals. Of those, the mean number of dispersing D. citri adults that were carrying the Las pathogen ranged from 1.00 ± 0.58 to 1.50 ± 0.50. Our results indicate that abandoned citrus groves are a significant source of Ca. Las and that dispersing D. citri move this pathogen into nearby managed groves.

The results of 2 yr of field trials evaluating various chemical and biological controls of Phyllophaga anxia (LeConte) white grubs in a Fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir] Christmas tree production field are reported here. Chemical insecticides evaluated included bifenthrin, chlorantraniliprole, thiamethoxam, and time-released imidacloprid tablets (Coretect, Bayer CropScience, Research Triangle Park, NC). Entomopathogenic nematodes evaluated included Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar) and Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser). Overall, the chemical controls provided the best root protection and grub control. Targeted treatments of an insecticide in the root zone may provide adequate tree protection and can be a way to reduce overall insecticide input compared with banded sprays. The nematode H. bacteriophora provided limited root protection and grub control, whereas S. carpocapsae did not provide effective control. Differences in efficacy and persistence of the two entomopathogenic nematode species can be attributed to the biology and environmental preferences of these organisms.

Carposina niponensis Matsumura (Lepidoptera: Carposinadae), is widely distributed in pome fruit production areas in China and presents a problem in some export markets because it is considered a quarantine pest by some countries. Methyl bromide is the only fumigant used for fumigation of apples (Malus spp.) for export. However, phosphine is a candidate replacement that can be applied directly at low temperature. Here, laboratory tests showed that tolerance of different stages of C. niponensis to phosphine fumigation at 0°C differed greatly; first—second-instar larvae were the least tolerant stage and the mature fifth instars were the most tolerant stage. In the mature larvae, fumigation tests, with a range of phosphine concentrations from 0.42 to 1.95 mg/liters and exposure periods of 24 h to 14 d at 0°C indicated narcosis when phosphine concentration was ≥1.67 mg/liter and that a 15.52- 8.14-d fumigation period was required to achieve 99% mortality with different phosphine concentrations. The expression of C^0.7T = k was obtained, which indicated that exposure time was much more important than concentration of phosphine in mortality of mature larvae of C. niponensis. All results suggested that phosphine fumigation at low temperature offers promising control of C. niponensis infestation in pome fruit.

Differentiation of Bactrocera papayae Drew & Hancock and Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae) based on morphological characters has often been problematical. We describe here a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to differentiate between these two species. For detection of SNPs, fragments derived from each species were amplified using two primer pairs, COIF/COIR and UEA7/UEA10, sequenced, and aligned to obtain a contiguous 1,517-bp segment. Two new sets of primers were designed based on the 11 SNPs identified in the region. Results of the SNP-PCR test using any one of these species-specific primer sets indicate that these two species could be differentiated on basis of presence or absence of a band in the gel profile. We also tested the SNP-PCR primers on Bactrocera umbrosa F., Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett, Bactrocera latifrons Hendel, and Bactrocera tau (Walker) but did not detect any band in the gel, indicating the likelihood of a false positive for B. papayae is nil. This SNP-PCR method is efficient and useful, especially for immature life stages or when only adult body parts of the two species are available for identification, as encountered often in quarantine work.

Commercially ripe ‘Hass’ avocados, Persea americana Mill, artificially exposed to wild Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) females 24 h after harvest were placed in a cold storage facility to determine the effect of low temperature on larval survival and adult viability. Fruit were left for 3, 6, 9, and 12 d in a cold room at 5°C followed by a 20 -25-d period at ambient temperature to allow for larval development and pupation. Hass avocados and grapefruit, Citrus paradisi Macfadyen, maintained at ambient temperature served as controls. Overall, only 0.23% of the Hass avocados and 19.30% of the grapefruit were infested. The number of infested fruit increased with decreasing exposure time to cold. Puparia from cold-treated Hass avocados were significantly smaller than those stemming from cold-treated grapefruit. Hass avocados exposed for 12 d to 5°C yielded no puparia, and those exposed for 6 and 9 d yielded 22 and two puparia, respectively, but no adults. Although Hass avocados exposed to cold temperature for 3 d yielded adults that reached sexual maturity (N = 16), females laid in viable eggs. Grapefruit exposed to cold for 12 d yielded normal-sized puparia (but no adults), whereas those exposed over 9 d yielded females able to lay viable eggs. We conclude that exposing fruit to cold storage after packing and during transport represents an effective risk-mitigating procedure in the highly improbable event that a gravid A. ludens female might lay eggs in a commercially ripe Hass avocado that had been left unprotected in a packinghouse.

Laboratory studies were conducted to obtain basic biological information of Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae) on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), pigweed (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.), Russian thistle (Salsola iberica Sennen and Pau), green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), artificial diet, and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) square and cotton boll at 27°C. The nymphal developmental duration was 28.8 d on cotton bolls, nearly twice longer, compared with ≈15 d in other hosts. The nymphal survivorship was significantly lowest on the cotton boll (18%), whereas the survivorship in other hosts ranged from 33% (cotton square) to 93% (green bean). The average total nymphal survivorship was ≈60% and the most nymphal mortalities occurred on the first three instars. The life-table parameters were obtained only in cotton square, artificial diet, green bean, and alfalfa. The average adult longevity in artificial diet was the shortest (18.7 d), with the longest longevity observed (36.1 d) on green beans. The intrinsic rates of population increase (r_m) were much higher in artificial diet (0.0771) and green beans (0.0671) than in alfalfa (0.0327) and cotton square (0.0317). Although statistically significant, the difference in r_m values between alfalfa and cotton square was very small, indicating the similarity in reproductive suitability of cotton square and alfalfa in a no-choice test. Thus, even though cotton is not a preferred host, when blooming alfalfa and roadside weeds are mowed in the Texas High Plains during June–July, it is the most likely time that Lygus bugs may move from alfalfa and other host pants into adjacent cotton fields and become effective pest of actively fruiting cotton.

The effects of 10 commercial canola, Brassica napus L., cultivars widely grown in Iran—‘SLM₀₄₆,’ ‘Opera,’ ‘Okapi,’ ‘RGS₀₀₃,’ ‘Modena,’ ‘Sarigol,’ ‘Zarfam,’ ‘Licord,’ ‘Hayula₄₂₀,’ and ‘Talaye’—on the demographic parameters of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), were determined. The experiments were conducted in a growth chamber at 25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 2% RH, and aphotoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. The comparison of intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m), net reproductive rate (R₀), and the survival rate of adult stage of P. xylostella on 10 canola cultivars suggested that this pest performed best on SLM₀₄₆. The r_m value of P. xylostella ranged between 0.241 on RGS₀₀₃ and 0.304 on SLM₀₄₆. The R₀, finite rate of increase (λ), mean generation time (T), and doubling time (DT) values of P. xylostella on SLM₀₄₆ were 52, 1.35, 13.4, and 2.35 and on RGS₀₀₃ were 31, 1.27, 14.4, and 2.94, respectively. The Weibull model adequately described the shape of the survivorship curve of adult P. xylostella from life-table data. A significant fit was obtained with the Weibull model for P. xylostella in all experimental canola cultivars. As a result, SLM₀₄₆ Opera, and Hayula₄₂₀ were the most suitable hosts and had least negative impact on life-history statistics of the pest.

The effects of temperature and humidity on the emergence patterns of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), were studied at four temperatures (20, 25, 28, and 33°C), three relative humidities (50, 70, and 90%) and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h. Both sexes emerged primarily in the late afternoon to early morning, and the peaks of emergence varied depending on temperature and humidity. Females emerged significantly earlier than males. Incubation at 33°C and 90% RH had a significant effect on the emergence rate, but no significant interaction was found between temperature and humidity. Emergence duration was 25.3 h for both sexes at 90% RH, with emergence duration at 33°C lower than the other treatments. The sex ratios of diamondback moth under different temperature and humidity treatments were ≈1:1, and there were no significant effects of temperature and humidity or interactions between these two factors.

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is widely used to suppress or eradicate target pest insect populations. Although the effectiveness of SIT depends on the ability of released sterile males to mate with and inseminate wild females, the use of gamma radiation to induce sterility negatively impacts reproductive cells as well as somatic cells. Consequently, sterilization by irradiation drastically diminishes mating performance over time. In the current study, we evaluated the effect of irradiation dose intensity on fertility, mating propensity, and mating competitiveness in sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summers) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), for 16 d after irradiation. Although the mating propensity of males irradiated with 200 Gy, the dose currently used to induce complete sterility of C. f. elegantulus in the SIT program in Okinawa Prefecture, was equal to that of nonirradiated weevils for the first 6 d, the mating propensity of males irradiated with doses between of 75 and 150 Gy was maintained for the first 12 d. The potential fertilization ability of weevils was highly depressed compared with the control weevils, even in those treated with 75 Gy. Mating performance was severely compromised in weevils that were irradiated with a dose of 100 Gy or more. These results demonstrate that partial sterilization can be highly advantageous in eradication programs for the sweetpotato weevil. We discuss the advantages of the application of partial irradiation in insect eradication programs.

The genus Bactrocera (Diptera: Tephritidae) includes ≈70 polyphagous species that are major pests of fruit and vegetable crops. Most Bactrocera species have limited geographic distributions, but several species are invasive, and many countries operate continuous trapping programs to detect infestations. In the United States, California maintains ≈25,000 traps (baited with male lures) specifically for Bactrocera detection distributed over an area of ≈6,400 km² (2,500 miles²) in the Los Angeles area. Although prior studies have used male lures to describe movement of Bactrocera males, they do not explicitly relate capture probability with fly distance from lure-baited traps; consequently, they do not address the relative effectiveness of male lures in detecting incipient populations of Bactrocera species. The objective of this study was to measure the distance-dependent capture probability of marked, released males of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (methyl eugenol- and cue lure-responding species, respectively) within the detection trapping grid operating in southern California. These data were then used to compute simple probability estimates for detecting populations of different sizes of the two species. Methyl eugenol was the more powerful attractant, and based on the mark—recapture data, we estimated that B. dorsalis populations with as few as ≈50 males would always (>99.9%) be detected using the current trap density of five methyl eugenol-baited traps per 2.6 km² (1 mile²). By contrast, we estimated that certain detection of B. cucurbitae populations would not occur until these contained ≈350 males. The implications of the results for the California trapping system are discussed, and the findings are compared with mark—release—recapture data obtained for the same two species in Hawaii.

SUM2162 is the first known example of a naturally occurring maize, Zea mays L., genotype with antixenosis (nonpreference) resistance to western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), larval feeding. Behavioral responses of neonate western corn rootworm larvae were evaluated in laboratory bioassays with seven maize genotypes selected for native resistance to rootworm feeding damage. Two susceptible maize genotypes and one transgenic (Bacillus thuringiensis) maize genotype were included as controls. In soil bioassays with cut roots, no larvae entered the roots of the resistant variety SUM2162, but at least 75% of the larvae entered the roots of every other maize type. Larvae made significantly fewer feeding holes in the roots of SUM2162 than in all the other maize genotypes, except the isoline control. In feeding bioassays, larval feeding varied significantly among maize genotypes, but there was no significant difference between the resistant varieties and the susceptible controls. There were no significant differences among any of the genotypes in host recognition ( search ) behavior of larvae after exposure to the roots. Little variation in feeding stimulant blends was observed among maize genotypes, indicating minimal contribution to the observed antixenosis.

Laboratory bioassays on detached soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., leaves were used to test 23 fungicides, five insecticides, two acaricides, one herbicide, and two adjuvants on a key Australian predatory mite species Euseius victoriensis (Womersley) in “worst-case scenario” direct overspray assays. Zero- to 48-h-old juveniles, their initial food, and water supply were sprayed to runoff with a Potter tower; spinosad and wettable sulfur residues also were tested. Tests were standardized to deliver a pesticide dose comparable with commercial application of highest label rates at 1,000 liter/ha. Cumulative mortality was assessed 48 h, 4 d, and 7 d after spraying. Fecundity was assessed for 7 d from start of oviposition. No significant mortality or fecundity effects were detected for the following compounds at single-use application at 1,000 liter/ha: azoxystrobin, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) subsp. kurstaki, captan, chlorothalonil, copper hydroxide, fenarimol, glyphosate, hexaconazole, indoxacarb, metalaxyl/copper hydroxide, myclobutanil, nonyl phenol ethylene oxide, phosphorous acid, potassium bicarbonate, pyraclostrobin, quinoxyfen, spiroxamine, synthetic latex, tebufenozide, triadimenol, and trifloxystrobin. Iprodione and penconazole had some detrimental effect on fecundity. Canola oil as acaricide (2 liter/100 liter) and wettable sulfur (200 g/100 liter) had some detrimental effect on survival and fecundity and cyprodinil/fludioxonil on survivor. The following compounds were highly toxic (high 48-h mortality): benomyl, carbendazim, emamectin benzoate, mancozeb, spinosad (direct overspray and residue), wettable sulfur (≥400 g/100 liter), and pyrimethanil; pyrimethanil had no significant effect on fecundity of surviving females. Indoxacarb safety to E. victoriensis contrasts with its toxicity to key parasitoids and chrysopid predators. Potential impact of findings is discussed.

Brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), damage on developing corn, Zea mays L., ears was examined in 2005 and 2006 by using eight parameters related to its yield and kernel quality. Stink bug infestations were initiated when the corn plants were at tasseling (VT), mid-silking (R1), and blister (R2) stages by using zero, three, and six in 2005 or zero, one, two, and four bugs per ear in 2006, and maintained for 9 d. The percentage of discolored kernels was affected by stink bug number in both years, but not always affected by plant growth stage. The growth stage effect on the percentage of discolored kernels was significant in 2006, but not in 2005. The percentage of aborted kernels was affected by both stink bug number and plant growth stage in 2005 but not in 2006. Kernel weight was significantly reduced when three E. servus adults were confined on a corn ear at stage VT or R1 for 9 d in 2005, whereas one or two adults per ear resulted in no kernel weight loss, but four E. servus adults did cause significant kernel weight loss at stage VT in 2006. Stink bug feeding injury at stage R2 did not affect kernel damage, ear weight or grain weight in either year. The infestation duration (9 or 18 d) was positively correlated to the percentage of discolored kernels but did not affect kernel or ear weight. Based on the regression equations between the kernel weight and stink bug number, the gain threshold or economic injury level should be 0.5 bugs per ear for 9 d at stage VT and less for stage R1. This information will be useful in developing management guidelines for stink bugs in field corn during ear formation and early grain filling stages.

Field trials were conducted in 2005 and 2006 to evaluate the use of reusable wire nuts and nonreusable gelatin capsules for hand-infesting cornstalks with European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae. The reusable technique, which consists of a modified WingGard plastic wire connector (i.e., wire nut) as a containment device for larvae, was compared over three plant growth stages to a gelatin capsule technique. In 2005 and 2006, the wire nut technique resulted in significantly higher number of wire nuts still intact (i.e., undamaged, with or without a larva) on the stalk at 72 h after infestation compared with the gelatin capsule technique. In addition, the wire nut technique resulted in significantly higher number of tunnels per stalk compared with the gelatin capsule technique at all three corn growth stages during both years. In 2005, the mean ± SEM number of tunnels per stalk was 0.53 ± 0.03 in the wire nut technique compared with 0.13 ± 0.03 tunnels per stalk in the gelatin capsule technique. In 2006, the mean number of tunnels per stalk was 0.45 ± 0.03 in the wire nut technique compared with 0.08 ± 0.02 tunnels per stalk in the gelatin capsule technique. In addition, the relative net precision in the wire-nut technique was ≈2 times higher compared with the gelatin capsule technique.

Three studies were conducted to determine the effect of preceding crop on wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) abundance in the coastal plain of North Carolina. In all three studies, samples of wireworm populations were taken from the soil by using oat, Avena sativa L., baits. Treatments were defined by the previous year's crop and were chosen to reflect common crop rotations in the region. Across all three studies, eight wireworm species were recovered from the baits: Conoderus amplicollis (Gyllenhal), Conoderus bellus (Say), Conoderus falli (Lane), Conoderus lividus (Degeer), Conoderus scissus (Schaeffer), Conoderus vespertinus (F.), Glyphonyx bimarginatus (Schaeffer), and Melanotus communis (Gyllenhal). The effect of corn, Zea mays L.; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.; fallow; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr.; sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.; and tobacco (Nicotiana spp.) was evaluated in a small-plot replicated study. M. communis was the most frequently collected species in the small-plot study and was found in significantly higher numbers following soybean and corn. The mean total number of wireworms per bait (all species) was highest following soybean. A second study conducted in late fall and early spring assessed the abundance of overwintering wireworm populations in commercial fields planted to corn, cotton, peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), soybean, sweet potato, and tobacco in the most recent previous growing season. C. lividus was the most abundant species, and the mean total number of wireworms was highest following corn and soybean. A survey was conducted in commercial sweet potato in late spring and early summer in fields that had been planted to corn, cotton, cucurbit (Cucurbita pepo L.), peanut, soybean, sweet potato, or tobacco in the most recent previous growing season. C. vespertinus was the most abundant species, and the mean total number of wireworms per bait was highest following corn.

Sirex noctilio F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) is an invasive woodwasp, currently established in northeastern North America. In other regions of the world, stressed trap trees are used to monitor populations of S. noctilio and to provide inoculation points for the biological control nematode Deladenus siricidicola Bedding. However, the operational use of trap trees for S. noctilio in North America may be compromised by the large community of native organisms that inhabit stressed and dying pine trees. Common bark beetles such as Ips pini (Say) and Ips grandicollis (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) could potentially compete with S. noctilio and associates for resources on trap trees, possibly reducing the efficacy of trap trees as habitats for the woodwasp. In an attempt to develop a technology to mitigate this potential issue, three common semiochemical interruptants—conophthorin, green leaf volatile mix, and verbenone—were tested for effectiveness in reducing arrivals of I. pini and I. grandicollis on trap trees treated with herbicides in northeastern United States. In addition, the effects of these compounds were determined independently with pheromone-baited multiplefunnel traps. None of the interruptants reduced numbers of I. pini or I. grandicollis either arriving on trap trees or caught in pheromone-baited traps. However, verbenone increased catches of I. grandicollis in traps baited with its pheromone, ipsenol. The mix of green leaf volatiles reduced catches of a native ambrosia beetle, Gnathotrichus materiarius (Fitch), whereas verbenone reduced trap catches of an exotic ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus germanas (Blandford). Catches of X. gennanus in traps adjacent to trap trees were enhanced with conophthorin.

Entostat is an electrostatically charged wax powder that can adhere strongly to insect cuticle, making it an ideal carrier to deliver pheromone for pheromone-based confusion techniques. We investigated the attractiveness of Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) males treated with pheromone-laden Entostat powder to naïve conspecifics as well as mating behaviors of males after such treatment in a laboratory flight tunnel. Male moths exposed to Entostat containing 1% E,E-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol (codlemone) acquired and retained the largest amount of the powder and became more attractive as point sources to naïve moths compared with those treated with powder containing 5 or 10% codlemone. All Entostat-exposed males remained as attractive as a 0.1-mg codlemone lure for up to 24 h in flight tunnel investigations. Male moth orientation to normally attractive sources of codlemone was completely disrupted directly after treatment with Entostat powder. Males' ability to orient to 0.1-mg lures recovered progressively over a 6-d postexposure interval; however, their responses never reached the levels observed with untreated control moths. Entostat-exposed moths retained detectable amounts of codlemone up to 4 d. Our laboratory flight tunnel results suggest that the mode of action of Entostat powder as an autodissemination control tactic may be due to creating both attractive false point sources after exposure to the powder as well as directly inhibiting contaminated males' capability to orient to pheromone.

The Swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii Kieffer (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a common insect pest in Europe, is a newly invasive pest in North America that constitutes a major threat to crucifer vegetable and field crops. Chemical control of Swede midge with synthetic insecticides under laboratory conditions indicated that insecticides generally could provide very effective control; however, insecticide treatments in the field were rarely able to maintain damage levels within marketable limits. In the current study, factors affecting insecticide efficacy were investigated using a neonicotinoid insecticide, acetamipird, as a foliar spray on cauliflower plants. Our results indicated that Swede midge density did not affect the efficacy of acetamirpid, although it significantly increased the subsequent Swede midge population on the unsprayed cauliflower plants. Additionally, cauliflower plant age did not significantly affect spray coverage and acetamipird efficacy on Swede midge. However, acetamiprid only provided 6-d control of Swede midge and its efficacy was reduced by up to 50% 9 d after spraying. Implications of our results on the development of an overall integrated pest management (IPM) program for Swede midge also are discussed.

Microcerotermes diversus Silvestri (Isoptera: Termitidae), an important pest in Ahwaz (Khouzestan, Iran), causes serious economic damage to wooden products in buildings. In this study, we determined the foraging populations and territories of this species using mark—release—recapture techniques. Based on both the weighted mean model and Lincoln index methods, mean termite foraging population estimates for two colonies, A and B, were 2,984,489 ± 258,802 and 326,134 ± 8,713, respectively. Estimates with the Lincoln index were 2,731,229 ± 813,081 for colony A and 321,493 ± 138,499 for colony B. Estimated horizontal foraging territories for colonies A and B were 25.59 and 44.16 m², respectively. The maximum and minimum linear foraging distances were 5.40 and 2.14 m for colony A and 9.14 and 1.86 m for colony B, respectively. Our data expand the knowledge about the biology, ecology and behavior of M. diversus.

Responses of German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae), to microencapsulated (ME) formulations of six insecticides (bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and permethrin) were compared with emulsifiable concentrates (EC) (chlorpyrifos, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin) or ready-to-use (RTU) formulations (bifenthin and lambda-cyhalothrin). Two rates were tested per comparison. Baseline toxicity (LT₅₀ value) was determined by continuous exposure to residual deposits. Repellency, toxicity (LT₅₀), and performance index (PI) values were determined using Ebeling choice boxes. Baseline toxicity of the permethrin formulations was similar, but all other active ingredients had significant toxicity differences at one or both formulation × dose comparisons. Baseline toxicity and repellency were negatively correlated. Choice box LT₅₀ and the time to reach 50% of the maximum PI were positively correlated. The maximum PI was positively correlated (P < 0.06) with baseline LT₅₀ and negatively correlated (P < 0.07) with repellency. Chlorpyrifos had the lowest repellency except for the EC at 0.25%. Bifenthrin ME and lambda-cyhalothrin ME had greater PI values than comparative RTU formulations. Cyfluthrin EC at 0.03% and deltamethrin ME at 0.01% had significantly lower PI values than comparison treatments. Permethrin PI value for the EC at 0.03% exceeded that for the ME, but at 0.05% the ME had a significantly greater PI. These data demonstrate the difficulty in making generalizations about the relative performance of ME compared with EC or RTU formulations. Variable results observed within, and between, formulations may be influenced by application rate, formulation type, other formulation components, and the toxicity—repellency of the active ingredient.

Several studies have shown that Reticulitermes termites prefer food with certain types of sugars. However, the specific sugars that were preferred by the termites in each study differed. The difference between the results of these studies might be explained by differences between populations or changes in feeding responses during the active season. To address these variables, we examined the feeding response to a food source food containing glucose, sucrose, or xylose versus a food source without sugar in several populations of termites and observed whether these responses changed during the year. Termites were collected from colonies from four field sites in Missouri during the spring (May and June), summer (July and August), and fall (September and October) and tested for their response to all three sugars under laboratory conditions. Results show there are distinct differences in response to sugars between populations but only a slight seasonal effect.

In laboratory choice tests with either filter paper treatment or sand treatment, naphthalene and 10 derivatives were evaluated for their effects on the behavior of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). After 24-h exposure, workers avoided 50µg/cm²-treated filter paper with 1′- and 2′-acetonaphthone. By day 8, feeding activity on filter paper treated with 1- and 2-methoxynaphthalene, 1′- and 2′-acetonaphthone were significantly reduced compared with the controls. Naphthalene and six other derivatives were not effective at 50µg/cm²-treated filter paper. After 12-d exposure, tunnels constructed in sand treated with 1- and 2-methoxynaphthalene (0–3 cm²), 1′- and 2′-acetonaphthone (2–9 cm²), 2-naphthalene methanol (14–19 cm²), or 2-isopropylnaphthalene (16–19 cm²) at the rate of 100 mg/kg sand were significantly less than the controls (34 cm²). Consumption on filter paper placed on sand treated with 1- and 2-methoxynaphthalene and 1′- and 2′-acetonaphthone was significantly reduced (0–7 mg) compared with the controls (33–54 mg). 1-Methoxynaphthalene was the only treatment that caused significantly less feeding activity in the untreated sand chamber (0–6 mg) compared with the control (63–128 mg).

A trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of termiticidal dusts (arsenic trioxide, triflumuron, and Metarhizium anisopliae), a timber fumigant (dazomet) and liquid termiticides (bifenthrin, chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos, fipronil, and imidacloprid) for controlling subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) infesting in-service power poles in New South Wales, Australia. Dusts were applied to parts of the pole where termites were present. Fumigant was inserted into holes drilled into the base of the pole. Liquid termiticides were mixed with soil around the base of the pole and injected into internal voids if present. Poles were inspected for up to 5 yr, and the time taken for reinfestation to occur was recorded. Before the start of the trial, the major Australian pole owners were surveyed to obtain an estimate of the annual national cost of termite infestation to the power supply industry. The annual costs of termite treatment and replacing damaged poles were estimated at AU$2 million and AU$13 million, respectively. Infestation rates were lower for all treatments compared with controls within the first 12 mo of the study. Dazomet, arsenic trioxide, fipronil, and chlorpyrifos were the most efficacious treatments. Efficacy was positively related to the amount of termiticide applied and negatively related to the infestation severity but was unaffected by geographical location. Survival curves were calculated of the time elapsed before the recurrence of termite infestations (survival ≈ absence of reinfestation). Survival was highest for poles treated with liquid termiticides.

In 1996, the Australian cotton industry adopted Ingard that expresses the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin gene cry1Ac and was planted at a cap of 30%. In 2004–2005, Bollgard II, which expresses cry1Ac and cry2Ab, replaced Ingard in Australia, and subsequently has made up >80% of the area planted to cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. The Australian target species Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) are innately moderately tolerant to Bt toxins, but the absence of a history of insecticide resistance indicates that the latter species is less likely to develop resistance to Bt cotton. From 2002–2003 to 2006–2007, F₂ screens were deployed to detect resistance to Cry1Ac or Cry2Ab in natural populations of H. punctigera. Alleles that conferred an advantage against Cry1Ac were not detected, but those that conferred resistance to Cry2Ab were present at a frequency of 0.0018 (n = 2,192 alleles). Importantly, the first isolation of Cry2Ab resistance in H. punctigera occurred before significant opportunities to develop resistance in response to Bollgard II. We established a colony (designated Hp4–13) consisting of homozygous resistant individuals and examined their characteristics through comparison with individuals from a Bt-susceptible laboratory colony. Through specific crosses and bioassays, we established that the resistance present in Hp4–13 is due to a single autosomal gene. The resistance is fully recessive. Homozygotes are able to survive a dose of Cry2Ab toxin that is 15 times the reported concentration in field grown Bollgard II in Australia (500 µg/ml) and are fully susceptible to Cry1Ac and to the Bt product DiPel. These characteristics are the same as those described for the first Cry2Ab resistant strain of H. armigera isolated from a field population in Australia.

γ-Cyhalothrin was proposed as an agent for management of lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), in Australian broiler houses. From 2007 to 2009, baseline susceptibility of 20 Australian broiler farm beetle populations plus an insecticide-susceptible laboratory population was determined for γ-cyhalothrin by using topical application. In addition, repeat testing and regression analyses of specific beetle populations to γ-cyhalothrin showed that topical application was a very reliable and repeatable testing method. The 21 populations were tested with a cyfiuthrin discriminating concentration (based on LC_99.9, 0.0007% [AI]) to identify possible cross-resistance. Across all populations, there was a significant linear relationship between the γ-cyhalothrin LC₅₀ value and mortality induced by the cyfiuthrin LC_99.9. Full cyfiuthrin baseline studies of seven populations indicated that γ-cyhalothrin was twice as toxic as cyfiuthrin, even against susceptible beetles and resistance ratios at the cyfiuthrin LC₅₀ and LC_99.9 varied considerably, with maxima of 56.6 and 83.6 respectively. Corresponding ratios for γ-cyhalothrin for the same populations were 8.6 (LC₅₀) and 7.9 (LC_99.9). There were no significant correlations between beetle weights and γ-cyhalothrin LC₅₀ or LC_99.9 values. A discriminating concentration of 0.005% (AI) γ-cyhalothrin was chosen to detect any future changes in susceptibility. Results of this study suggest that cyfiuthrin can confer cross-resistance to γ-cyhalothrin in A. diaperinus, but the magnitude of this resistance is unpredictable. Thus, widespread and frequent cyfiuthrin use in broiler houses in eastern Australia, which has selected for cyfiuthrin resistance, also has resulted in reduced susceptibility to γ-cyhalothrin. Due to its higher relative toxicity, γ-cyhalothrin is still potentially useful for management of lesser mealworm, but due to cross-resistance issues, adoption of γ-cyhalothrin for broiler house use will require a cautious and judicious approach.

The life-stage variations in insecticide resistance of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), to selective insecticides (acrinathrin, formetanate, and methiocarb) were studied using resistant laboratory strains. In each strain, the second-instar larva was less susceptible to the insecticides tested than the adults. The lower the resistance level of the adults, the higher the difference between larva and adult susceptibility: 32-fold to methiocarb, 15.4-fold to formetanate, and 180-fold to acrinathrin in the reference strain. In laboratory-selected resistant strains, these differences were much lower: 5.8-fold to methiocarb, 4.8-fold to formetanate, and 2.0-fold to acrinathrin. In selected strains, higher resistance levels for each insecticide were found, both for larvae and adults, compared with the reference strain. These results show that after insecticide resistance selection in adults, the resistance is carried over to the larvae, but at lower levels.

Transgenic cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., that expresses the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ac toxin, holds great promise in controlling target insect pests. Evolution of resistance by target pests is the primary threat to the continued efficacy of Bt cotton. To thwart pest resistance evolution, a transgenic cotton culitvar that produces two different Bt toxins, cry1Ac and vip3A genes, was proposed as a successor of cry1Ac cotton. This article reports on levels of Vip3Aa tolerance in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations from the Cry1Ac cotton planting region in China based on bioassays of the F₁ generation of isofemale lines. In total, 80 isofemale families of H. armigera from Xiajin county of Shandong Province (an intensive Bt cotton planting area) and 93 families from Anci county of Hebei Province (a multiple-crop system including corn [Zea mays L.], soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and Bt cotton) were screened with a discriminating concentration of both Cry1Ac- and Vip3A-containing diets in 2009. From data on the relative average development rates and percentage of larval weight inhibition of F₁ full-sib families tested simultaneously on Cry1Ac and Vip3Aa, results indicate that responses to Cry1Ac and Vip3Aa were not genetically correlated in field population of H. armigera. This indicates that the threat of cross-resistance between Cry1Ac and Vip3A is low in field populations of H. armigera. Thus, the introduction of Vip3Aa/Cry1Ac-producing lines could delay resistance evolution in H. armigera in Bt cotton planting area of China.

A strain of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) possessing unusually high levels of resistance to a wide range of insecticides was discovered in 2004 in the course of routine resistance monitoring in Arizona. The multiply resistant insects, collected from poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) plants purchased at a retail store in Tucson, were subjected to biotype analysis in three laboratories. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of naphthyl esterases and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (780 bp) confirmed the first detection of the Q biotype of B. tabaci in the New World. This U.S. Q biotype strain, referred to as Poinsettia'04, was highly resistant to two selective insect growth regulators, pyriproxyfen and buprofezin, and to mixtures of fenpropathrin and acephate. It was also unusually low in susceptibility to the neonicotinoid insecticides imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiamethoxam, relative to B biotype whiteflies. In 100 collections of whiteflies made in Arizona cotton (Gossypium spp.), vegetable, and melon (Cucumis melo L.) fields from 2001 to 2005, no Q biotypes were detected. Regions of the United States that were severely impacted by the introduction of the B biotype of B. tabaci in the 1980s would be well advised to promote measures that limit movement of the Q biotype from controlled environments into field systems and to formulate alternatives for managing this multiply-resistant biotype, in the event that it becomes more widely distributed.

Mortality of western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, larvae due to MIR604 transgenic corn, Zea mays L., expressing the modified Cry3A (mCry3A) protein relative to survivorship on corn with the same genetic background without the gene (isoline corn) was evaluated at three Missouri sites in both 2005 and 2006. We made these comparisons by using wild-type western corn rootworm at three different egg densities (6,000, 3,000, and 1,500 eggs per m) so that the role of density-dependent mortality would be known. The mortality due to the mCry3A protein was 94.88% when averaged across all environments and both years. Fifty percent emergence of beetles was delayed ≈5.5 d. Beetles were kept alive and their progeny evaluated on MIR604 and isoline corn in the greenhouse to determine whether survivorship on MIR604 in the field for one generation increased survivorship on MIR604 in the greenhouse in the subsequent generation. There was no significant difference in survivorship on MIR604 in greenhouse assays between larvae whose parents survived isoline and larvae whose parents survived MIR604 in the field the previous generation, indicating that many susceptible beetles survived MIR604 in the field the previous season along with any potentially resistant beetles. The data are discussed in terms of rootworm insect resistance management.

In this study, random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was used to identify polymorphic genomic DNA that would discriminate among cyromazine-resistant, abamectin-resistant, and susceptible Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) leafminers. Using a reference strain that was susceptible to both cyromazine and abamectin, and a cyromazine-resistant strain and an abamectin-resistant strain, 400 oligonucleotides were assayed using RAPD-PCR. We found that two oligonucleotides, B10 and G16, amplified unique bands in the cyromazine-resistant strain but not in the reference or abamectin-resistant strains. Three oligonucleotides, K04, J13, and 102, showed polymorphisms unique to the abamectin-resistant strain but not in the reference or cyromazine-resistant strain. Leaf dip bioassays and RAPD-PCR were performed on two additional reference strains, seven strains from commercial ornamental production greenhouses, and one field strain. The two reference strains were negative for the resistance-correlated oligonucleotides. Of the seven strains from ornamental greenhouses, leaf dip bioassays showed that five had some level of resistance to both abamectin and cyromazine, whereas two were susceptible. The field strain was susceptible to both cyromazine and abamectin. In RAPD-DNA analyses, the five strains with abamectin resistance were positive for the three abamectin resistance-correlated oligonucleotides K04, J13, and 102. In the cases of cyromazine resistance, the five strains with cyromazine resistance were positive for the two cyromazine resistance-correlated oligonucleotides B10 and G16. The field strain and two greenhouse strains that were susceptible in leaf dip bioassays were negative for all three abamectin resistance-correlated oligonucleotides. The field strain and one greenhouse strain were negative for the two cyromazine resistance-correlated oligonucleotides; however, one greenhouse strain that was susceptible to cyromazine in leaf dip bioassay tested positive for one of the cyromazine resistance-correlated oligonucleotides. This method can be used to quickly identify cyromazine resistance, abamectin resistance, or both in leafminers, enabling a grower to choose an effective insecticide for leafminer control in a timely manner.

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae), is regarded as one of the most important citrus pests in many countries, such as Japan, Spain, and China. In this study, the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene was used to analyze genetic diversity and population structure of 15 P. citri populations collected from three citrus (Citrus spp.) planting regions of China. Our analysis found that these populations had relatively low genetic diversities. Bayesian tree and haplotype network showed that the 22 haplotypes of P. citri formed two lineages with low Bayesian posterior probabilities (0.55 and 0.63), and haplotypes in a sample were scattered throughout the Bayesian tree, indicating that there may be no significant genealogical structure among populations. However, when Yuxi and Danjiangkou populations (both without H7 haplotype) were excluded from the analysis, analysis of molecular variance found a weak, but significant, geographic structuring. Mantel test indicated a significant and positive correlation between genetic and geographical distances, reflecting certain degree of isolation by distance. The genetic differentiation based on pairwise FST was not significant between most populations, and some FST were even negative, indicating remarkable gene flow among these populations. The weak population structure of P. citri in this study was probably influenced by high gene flow between some populations due to long-distance dispersal of this species, which may be largely relied on the movement of plants between populations. The mismatch distribution analysis showed that no signal of population growth, but the Fu's Fs value was significantly negative for total populations and the star-like shape of haplotype network, suggesting a history of population expansion of P. citri in China.

Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), the Caribbean fruit fly, is indigenous to Florida and the Greater Antilles where it causes economic losses in fruit crops, including citrus. Because of the geographic separation of many of its native locations and anecdotal descriptions of regional differences in host preferences, there have been questions about the population structure of A. suspensa. Seven DNA microsatellite markers were used to characterize the population genetic structure of A. suspensa, in Florida and the Caribbean from a variety of hosts, including citrus. We genotyped 729 A. suspensa individuals from Florida, Puerto Rico, Cayman Island, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. The investigated seven loci displayed from 5 to 19 alleles, with expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.05 to 0.83. There were five unique alleles in Florida and three unique alleles in the Caribbean samples; however, no microsatellite alleles were specific to a single host plant. Genetic diversity was analyzed using FST and analysis of molecular variance and revealed low genetic diversity between Florida and Caribbean samples and also between citrus and noncitrus samples. Analyses using migrate revealed there is continuous gene flow between sampling sites in Florida and the Caribbean and among different hosts. These results support previous comparisons based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I locus indicating there is no genetic differentiation among locations in Florida and the Caribbean and that there is no separation into host races.

The aphid Chaitophorus leucomelas Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the most important pests of poplar (Populus spp.) plantations in Iran. In this study, development, reproduction, and life history of the aphid were assessed on 11 poplar clones; belong to three species, Populus nigra L., Populus deltoides Bartram ex Marshall, and Populus. euramericana Guinier. The experiments were carried out under controlled conditions at 24 ± 1°C, 50–60% RH, and a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D) h. The developmental time at immature stage ranged from 10 to 12 d. Nymphs reproduced per female were ranged from 49 to 98 nymphs on Populus deltoides var. missoriensis and P. deltoides 72/51, respectively. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m) varied from 0.176 to 0.264 d^-1 among poplar clones. The r_m values of the aphids were adversely affected in P. euramericana 242 in comparison with P. nigra 56/72 and P. nigra 63/135. In addition, the jackknife estimates of net reproductive rate (R₀) indicated the presence of resistance among poplar clones. R₀ ranged from 16.48 on P. nigra var. betulifoli to 47.53 on P. nigra 63/135. Mean generation times (T) was last 17.56 d on P. euramericana 242 to 14.51 d on P. deltoides 69/55. However, doubling time (DT) was 3.87 d on P. euramericana var. grandis to 2.63 d on P. nigra 63/135. The finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.192 on resistant clone (P. euramericana 242) and 1.302 on susceptible clone (P. nigra 63/135). These results indicate that variation in life-table parameters could be an important component of variation in resistance to C. leucomelas in poplar.

Genetic resistance in wheat, Triticum aestivum L., is the most efficacious method for control of Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). However, because of the appearance of new genotypes (biotypes) in response to deployment of resistance, field collections of Hessian fly need to be evaluated on a regular basis to provide breeders and producers information on the efficacy of resistance (R) genes with respect to the genotype composition of Hessian fly in regional areas. We report here on the efficacy of 21 R genes in wheat to field collections of Hessian fly from the southeastern United States. Results documented that of the 21 R genes evaluated only five would provide effective protection of wheat from Hessian fly in the southeastern United States. These genes were H12, H18, H24, H25, and H26. Although not all of the 33 identified R genes were evaluated in the current study, these results indicate that identified genetic resistance to protect wheat from Hessian attack in the southeastern United States is a limited resource. Historically, R genes for Hessian fly resistance in wheat have been deployed as single gene releases. Although this strategy has been successful in the past, we recommend that in the future deployment of combinations of highly effective previously undeployed genes, such as H24 and H26, be considered. Our study also highlights the need to identify new and effective sources of resistance in wheat to Hessian fly if genetic resistance is to continue as a viable option for protection of wheat in the southeastern United States.

Cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., bolls from 17 field locations in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, having 20% or greater internal boll damage, were studied to determine the relationship between external feeding symptoms and internal damage caused by stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) feeding. In 2006 and 2007, two cohorts of 100 bolls each were sampled at all field locations. The first cohort was removed as bolls reached approximately quarter size in diameter (2.4 cm). External and internal symptoms of stink bug feeding were assessed and tabulated. Concurrent to when the first cohort was collected, a second cohort of quarter-size-diameter bolls was identified, tagged, examined in situ for external feeding symptoms (sunken lesions), and harvested at the black seed coat stage. Harvested bolls were assessed for internal damage and locks were categorized (undamaged, minor damage, or major damage), dried, and ginned. Lint samples from each damage category were submitted for high volume instrument and advanced fiber information system quality analyses. Significant, moderately strong Pearson correlation coefficients existed between number of external stink bug feeding lesions and internal damage. Pearson correlation of total external lesions with total internal damage was stronger than any correlation among the other single components compared. Predictability plots indicated a rapid increase in relationship strength when relating external stink bug lesions to internal damage as the number of external lesions increased. Approximately 90% predictability of internal damage was achieved with four (2006) or six (2007) external lesions per boll. Gin-turnout and fiber quality decreased with increasing intensity of internal stink bug damage.

Scouting is considered an essential component of integrated pest management strategies, but most of the techniques, which involve visual assessment, remain too time-consuming for application on a commercial scale. The global scouting method proposed here for greenhouse rose (Rosa spp.) crops combines several rapid visual methods for common pests and diseases, in a single sampling process. A 2-min observation time per sampling unit is required, with two observers. The sampling unit consists of a single stem with its flower and the corresponding basal foliage. A 90-unit regular grid (1 U/6.4 m²) was used, with weekly assessments, including a spatial distribution approach, for pest monitoring. Different grid sizes were simulated and tested with reference data, to determine whether to decrease the number of sampling units. A grid size of 1U/ 21 m² was found to be acceptable, with no significant loss of information. A more realistic and cheaper sampling strategy of this type is more likely to be accepted by growers, increasing the efficiency of crop monitoring and leading to more rational decisions.

The thermal preferences in a grain mass and respiration at various temperatures in mites (Acari: Acarididae) of medical and economical importance [Acarus siro (L. 1758), Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes 1961, Lepidoglyphus destructor (Schrank 1871), and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank 1781)] were studied under laboratory conditions. Based on the distribution of mites in wheat, Triticum aestivum L., grain along a thermal gradient from 10 to 40°C, L. destructor, D. farinae, and A. siro were classified as eurythermic and T. putrescentiae as stenothermic. The lowest preferred temperature was found for D. farinae (28°C), followed by A. siro (28.5°C), L. destructor (29.5°C), and T. putrescentiae (31.5°C). The relationship between the respiration rate and the temperature was similar for all four mite species. The highest respiration was found in the range from 31 to 33°C This is ≈2°C higher than the preferred temperature of these species. The lower temperature threshold of respiration ranged from 1 to 5°C and the upper threshold ranged from 45 to 48°C Acclimatization of A. siro to temperature regimes of 5, 15, and 35°C resulted in thermal preferences between 9 and 12°C, 9 and 20°C, and 28 and 35°C, respectively. The respiration rate of acclimatized specimens increased with the temperature, reaching a maximum at 29.0°C for mites acclimatized at 5 and 15°C and a maximum at 33.7°C for those acclimatized at 30°C.

Insecticide resistance in the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), has been demonstrated previously, but mostly with insecticides that are no longer used, such as the organochlorines. Resistance to commonly used pyrethroids has been evaluated twice, but only in the midwestern United States. Stable fly susceptibility to a commonly used pyrethroid, permethrin, was determined in Florida to assess the possibility of resistance development. Diagnostic concentration evaluations of three stable fly field strains demonstrated a maximum of 57 and 21% survival to permethrin residues of 3× and 10× the LC₉₉ of a susceptible strain, respectively. Stable flies from an equine facility with no reported insecticide use demonstrated ≈20% survival with a 3× diagnostic concentration. Despite a distance of 91-km between field collection sites, survival profiles of field-collected stable fly strains were similar. Although an established stable fly colony collected from a local dairy previously expressed low level resistance to permethrin residues, five generations of laboratory permethrin selection increased resistance 15-fold.