How to translate text using browser tools
1 February 2013 Cone and Seed Pests of Pinus pinea: Assessment and Characterization of Damage
Matteo Bracalini, Stefano Benedettelli, Francesco Croci, Perla Terreni, Riziero Tiberi, Tiziana Panzavolta
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Cone and seed insects have played a key role in the decline of stone pine nut production in Italy. To evaluate the impact caused by native Palearctic and exotic insects, a greater knowledge of pest symptoms is required. During 2008–2009, first and second-year stone pine cones, as well as the seeds produced, were examined in Tuscany (Italy) to assess viability. Insect damage was characterized based on external signs on the cones and seed endosperms, and the impact of recorded insect species on nut production was evaluated. In the current study, cones attacked by anobiid beetles and Dioryctria spp. were observed, as well as asymptomatic dead cones and cones with resin drops and patches, that could not easily be related to a damaging agent. As regards the anobiid beetles, adults of Ernobius parens (Mulsant and Rey) and E. impressithorax Pic emerged from cones in laboratory rearing. A low number of cones damaged by Dioryctria spp. was recorded whereas high percentages of cones showed resin exudates. The presence of resin cannot be definitely related to a damaging agent, although the feeding activity of Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann could be one of the reasons. Damage by L. occidentalis was assessed by seed observation. Most of the seeds displayed tissues that had been damaged by this pest.

© 2013 Entomological Society of America
Matteo Bracalini, Stefano Benedettelli, Francesco Croci, Perla Terreni, Riziero Tiberi, and Tiziana Panzavolta "Cone and Seed Pests of Pinus pinea: Assessment and Characterization of Damage," Journal of Economic Entomology 106(1), 229-234, (1 February 2013). https://doi.org/10.1603/EC12293
Received: 26 July 2012; Accepted: 1 October 2012; Published: 1 February 2013
JOURNAL ARTICLE
6 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
cone abortion
Ernobius spp.
Leptoglossus occidentalis
nut production
stone pine
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top