Hemipteran insects affecting food and feed safety continue to plague producers of row crops. We report the occurrence of an invasive hemipteran pest species along the Texas Gulf Coast. Leptoglossus clypealis Heidemann (Hemiptera: Coreidae) was collected from soft-dough stage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in Nueces County, TX. This is a new geographical expansion of L. clypealis in Texas, and sorghum represents a new host plant association for the species. A comprehensive summary of associated host plants is also presented, describing 44 plant associations in 20 plant families for L. clypealis. The species has an affinity for Cupressaceae (i.e., 27.3% of occurrences), followed by Rosaceae. While additional research is needed to further elucidate the spatiotemporal presence of L. clypealis in the region, the impetus for this report is to increase awareness of this invasive pest that might injure sorghum along the Texas Gulf Coast.

The study of pests is important to assure production and health of avocado (Lauraceae) plants. Whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are a secondary pest of the crop, but are associated with reduction in tree vigor and yield. Three species of whiteflies associated with avocado were identified. Specimens were collected in the State of Morelos at altitudes of 1,736 m (“Tlayacapan” orchard, municipality of Tlayacapan), 1,934 m (“Tlalnepantla B” orchard, municipality of Tlalnepantla), and 2,230 m (“Tlalnepantla A” orchard, municipality of Tlalnepantla). Fourth-instar nymphs were mounted in Canada balsam. Morphological identification was based on illustrations by Carapia et al. (2003), Iaccarino et al. (2011), and Hodges and Evans (2005) and corroborated by the specialist of Aleyrodidae taxonomy, Dr. Vicente Emilio Carapia Ruiz. Molecular analysis was done using the COI gene. Sequences obtained, edited, and assembled were compared with those of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. Tetraleurodes perseae Nakahara, Paraleyrodes minei Iaccarino, and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) were identified. The first two were collected on avocado trees, and the third was found in weeds associated with an avocado orchard. For P. minei, there was 98% similarity with a record for the subfamily Aleurodicinae and 82% with the species Paraleyrodes bondari. T. vaporariorum had 96% similarity with 13 previous records of the same species.

The large grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus Horn, is a primary insect pest that reduces the quality and yield potential of stored cacahuacintle maize (Zea mays L.) in Mexico. Using external morphology to determine the sex of adults of the species is difficult. Digital images of 103 P. truncatus adults were processed, and the body length, abdomen length, abdomen width, and distance between clypeal tubercles were recorded from least to greatest according to the distance between clypeal tubercles. The sex of 10 insects of each of small (81.768-109.202 µm), medium (124.896-127.325 µm), and large sizes (143.668-186.901 µm) (16 males and 14 females) was corroborated by extraction of the genitalia. The dimensions were related to the sex of the insect. All small-sized insects were males, the medium-size category had 60% females and 40% males, and the large-size category was 100% female. Females had significantly greater body length (F_1,30 = 8.67, P = 0.0062), abdomen length (F_1,30 = 10.32, P = 0.0031), abdomen width (F_1,28 = 2.02, P = 0.1659), and the distance between clypeal tubercles (F_1,30 = 45.66, P < 0.0001) than did males. This complements the precision by other authors who determined the sex of adults of P. truncatus.

Monitoring is a key activity in management of pests such as phytophagous thrips (Thysanoptera). Sampling thrips on medium and tall trees has been difficult without appropriate tools. The study compared the number of thrips collected and collection time by a new method of top-canopy spraying with an original device that is more efficient and practical versus two other collection methods, beating and conventional spraying. Design, construction, and validation of the thrips-collecting device for sampling top strata of orchard trees such as avocado (Persea americana Mill.) are presented. Similar numbers of thrips were collected with conventional methods and the new collecting device. Average collection time between spraying and beating methods was reduced 48 and 67%, respectively. Using the device to collect thrips at top strata of trees resulted in less risk to collectors in an effortless way. Use of the thrips-collecting device for the top part of the canopy and the conventional spraying method for the lower part could improve detection of phytophagous thrips, and might enhance efficiency of control methods by implementing them in a timely way.

Inhibition of intestinal proteases by several plant species constitutes a major defense strategy against insects. However, the efficacy of this mechanism depends on the diversity and concentration of enzymatic components in insects and susceptibility of intestinal activity. Protease inhibition capacity by fruit of hardy parlor palms (Chamaedorea radicalis Mart.) and its effect on intestinal proteolytic activity of adult Orthoptera Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons (Walker) and Pterophylla beltrani (Bolívar and Bolívar) were studied. Proteolytic activity using chromogenic substrate Nα-benzoyl-D, L-arginine-4-nitroanilide hydrochloride was determined by spectrophotometric tests. The intestinal proteolytic activity of both orthopteran species was related to serine and cysteine proteases. Total proteolytic activity was 98,930.56 ± 7,544.46 PAU/g (proteolytic activity units per gram) of intestinal tissue in S. p. piceifrons and 52,847.22 ± 8,509.11 PAU/g in P. beltrani. Inhibition capacity of C. radicalis differed for each Orthoptera species according to the ripening stage of fruit. The orange stage of ripening had greater inhibitory effect on S. p. piceifrons, while the green stage had greater inhibitory effect on P. beltrani. Fruit of hardy parlor palms are a source of protease inhibitors targeting intestinal enzymes of the evaluated Orthoptera and could be considered strong candidates in future studies for identification and characterization of the inhibitors and their potential use in biological control.

Sphingidae is an important component contributing to ecological functions in the tropics. However, ecological studies and inventories are scarce. The diversity of nocturnal hawk moths in a fragment of tropical semi-deciduous forest (TSDF) at central Veracruz, Mexico were described. A 250-watt mercury-vapor lamp was used nocturnally for collection each month for 1 year. Collection was during 1 night of new moon from 1800 to 0600 hours. Diversity and correlated hawk moth richness and abundance were correlated with mean temperature and rainfall. In total, 178 specimens of 41 species, 18 genera, four tribes, and three subfamilies were recorded. Individual-based rarefaction curves and sample coverage showed satisfactory hawk moth community. The most abundant species were Eumorpha satellitia (Linnaeus), Xylophanes pluto (Fabricius), Nyceryx riscus (Schaus), and X. libya (Druce). Correlation analysis did not indicate a relationship between environmental variables and richness or abundance of hawk moths. PERMANOVA analysis did not show variation in the hawk moth community between rainy (29 species) and dry seasons (31 species). On local and regional scales, the study revealed many hawk moths species in tropical semi-deciduous forest. Increased knowledge of biodiversity is needed on a larger geographical scale.

Staphylinids were collected throughout 1 year by a Malaise trap at Tula, Tamaulipas, Mexico. In total, 60 specimens were collected, 54 identified to genera, and six to subfamilies Aleocharinae and Pselaphinae. Sepedophilus, Byoporus (Tachyporinae), and Palaminus (Paederinae) were the most abundant genera. Eight genera [Aleodorus, Homalota?, Phanerota, Tachiona (Aleocharinae), Cyparium (Scaphidiinae), Quedius, Xantholinus (Staphylininae), and Sepedophilus (Tachyporinae) are new records for Tamaulipas. Currently, 65 species, 71 genera, and 14 subfamilies of staphylinids have been identified and recorded from the state.

Consumption of mezcal in Mexico and its international exportation is increasing. Potential pests of agave, the plant distilled for this alcoholic beverage, need to be studied. Durango is the second state in mezcal production in Mexico. It is important to contribute to the knowledge of potential pests of agaves. Peltophorus polymitus (Boheman 1845) has been historically registered as pest at three municipalities in the State of Durango. However, little is known of the biology or ecology of P. polymitus, a potential pest of the agave crop. The objective of this work was to contribute to the knowledge of the distribution of the weevil of agave (P. polymitus) in Durango. Here, the distribution of P. polymitus was extended to 13 additional municipalities in an altitudinal range from 1,104-2,094 m above sea level, across all the ecoregions of the State.

The harpactorine assassin bug, Zelus tetracanthus (Stål) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), is an insect predator frequently found in surveys of saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) in Oklahoma. Previous studies in a laboratory showed it could prey on Diorhabda carinulata (Desbrochers) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a recently introduced biological control agent for Tamarix. An F2 cohort of Z. tetracanthus was reared from egg to adult to measure stage-specific development rates and describe immature stages at 22 ± 1.0°C and 16:8 light:dark hours. The mean times for development of the five instars were 6.96 ± 0.13, 5.18 ± 0.13, 6.94 ± 0.29, 10.92 ± 0.43, and 17.93 ± 0.76 days, respectively. Several anatomical characters to distinguish instars, including body size, body color, and select morphological characters were described. Data from museum collections of Z. tetracanthus suggested the insect has a univoltine life cycle. The development data contrast with a previous description of Z. socius (= Z. tetracanthus) and illustrate the need to further study the variable morphology, natural history, and genetic makeup of the species.

Several species of insects have been found in propagules of species of mangrove forest, but Coccotrypes rhizophorae (Hopkins) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has been recorded as one of the main pest of Rhizophora mangle (L.) (Malpighiales: Rhizophoraceae). While the species of mangrove is common in the Gulf of Mexico, the insect fauna associated with its propagules and characteristics of the damage they cause are unknown. This study evaluated the relationship between the presence of insects and damage characteristics in R. mangle propagules. Eleven mangrove forest sites in seven municipalities of the state of Veracruz (Mexico) were sampled, and 10 R. mangle propagules were collected from each site (110 in total). We found 192 individual insects of Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera at different stages of development in the propagules; Coleoptera was the most abundant order (64.3%). Qualitative characteristics such as perforations and galleries were not always associated with the presence of insects. However, other damage characteristics such as perforation size and gallery volume were significantly related to insect presence. Gallery volume, estimated as a measure of the intensity of tissue removal, was significantly greater when C. rhizophorae shared the gallery with other species of insects than when the beetle or other insects were found alone in the propagule. The results showed that R. mangle propagules could maintain colonization dynamics in insects of different orders, consuming tissue that jeopardized the survival and establishment of propagules. The damage can increase under stress in R. mangle, caused by environmental factor generating potential damage to tropical sentinel ecosystems that can eventually become irreversible.

El objetivo principal de este estudio fue identificar el compuesto mayoritario de una fracción (F3) de hojas de Dodonaea viscosa con actividad afidicida contra Melanaphis sacchari. El 3-O-rutinósido de quercetina (rutina) fue aislado de F3 por técnicas cromatográficas convencionales e identificado por resonancia magnética nuclear y análisis de cromatografía liquida de alta resolución (HPLC). La fracción F3 obtenida de un extracto metanólico de D. viscosa (DvEM), exhibió una actividad afidicida del 70% frente a M. sacchari en una concentración de 10,000 ppm a las 72 horas en dieta artificial. El insecticida imidacloprid produjo 100% de mortalidad de los áfidos, mientras que la mortalidad en el control fue 5%. Pruebas fitoquímicas clásicas comprobaron la presencia de alcaloides, flavonoides, taninos, cumarinas, antracenos, saponinas, triterpenos, y/o esteroides, en DvEM, para identificar los grupos de compuestos presentes y así llevar a cabo la estrategia de separación química. El perfil químico de DvEM realizado por HPLC indica que la fracción F3 está constituida por flavonoides, destacando la presencia de rutina. Este flavonol aislado de F3 fue caracterizado por RMN de ¹H y ¹³C. Los resultados demostraron que este tipo de flavonoides mayoritarios en DvEM pueden ser considerados como una alternativa para el desarrollo de nuevos insecticidas, constituyendo una opción ante los productos químicos tóxicos que actualmente se encuentran en el mercado.

El gusano barrenador del ruezno (GBR), Cydia caryana Fitch, es una plaga de importancia primaria del nogal pecanero en Estados Unidos y México, debido a que al alimentarse de nueces pequeñas causa su caída y al barrenar el ruezno de nueces grandes afecta el desarrollo de la almendra y mancha los frutos, lo que reduce la calidad y rendimiento, e incrementa los costos de cosecha. El presente estudio se realizó en la Comarca Lagunera de Coahuila y Durango, México, con el objetivo de evaluar la efectividad de benzoato de emamectina, methoxyfenozide, spinetoram, clorpirifos etil y cipermetrina para el control del gusano barrenador del ruezno (GBR) Cydia caryana Fitch y el impacto en su parasitismo. Las densidades de palomillas y porcentajes de nueces dañadas por el GBR en 2016 y 2017 fueron bajos en la huerta tratada con spinetoram (3.7 y 7.7 palomillas/trampa/semana, 2.0 y 5.0% de daño), intermedios en la huerta aplicada con benzoato de emamectina y methoxifenozide (10.0 y 23.0 palomillas/trampa/semana, 12.0 y 14.0% de daño), y altos en la huerta tratada con clorpirifos y cipermetrina (21.9 y 28.9 palomillas/trampa/semana, 15.0 y 34.0% de daño), así como en la huerta sin tratamiento (11.6 y 30.4 palomillas/trampa/semana, 39.0 y 63.0% de daño). En las huertas tratadas con insecticidas los rendimientos variaron de 1.3 a 2.0 ton/ha, promedio de 1.6 ton/ha, mientras que en la huerta testigo fue de 0.75 ton/ha, lo que representa una reducción del 53%. En ambos años el spinetoram fue el más efectivo en el control del GBR. No se encontró parasitismo en la huerta tratada con clorpirifós y cipermetrina, mientras que donde se aplicaron spinetoram, benzoato de emamectina, y methoxifenozide el parasitismo fue de 2.1% máximo; en los nogales sin tratar el parasitismo fue de 1.5 a 4.3%. Estos resultados indican que el uso de insecticidas convencionales tuvo un impacto negativo en el parasitismo natural. Los parasitoides encontrados fueron Apanteles epinotiae Viereck, Macrocentrus instabilis Muesebeck, Eupelmus sp. y Brachymeria sp.; siendo más abundante A. epinotiae (66.6%). El género Brachymeria constituye nuevo registro para la Comarca Lagunera, México.

Brahea berlandieri es una palma endémica del noreste de México catalogada como especie sujeta a protección especial. Se evaluó la herbivoría en seis etapas del desarrollo de la palma (plántulas, juveniles, adultos 1, adultos 2, adultos 3, y adultos 4), así como los niveles de daño foliar que causa la grilleta Pterophylla beltrani. Los resultados muestran que la herbivoría es dirigida principalmente en los cuatro estados de adultos y que las plántulas no presentan daño. Se encontró un índice de herbivoría de 11%, por lo que P. beltrani no debe ser considerada como plaga defoliadora de la palma, ya que tiene una baja posibilidad de poner en riesgo la persistencia poblacional de B. berlandieri.

Se exploró la abundancia y aspectos biológicos de Pterourus multicaudata en árboles de capulín (Prunus serotina Ehrn.) en dos localidades del Estado de México. La duración del ciclo biológico de P. multicaudata fue de 96.83 ± 6.66 días, desde huevo hasta la emergencia del adulto y la larva presentó cinco estadios larvarios. A través de un análisis de correlación de Pearson se determinó la relación entre huevos y larvas con temperatura y humedad. Los análisis muestran que en su mayoría hay una marcada tendencia a correlaciones positivas entre las variables climáticas con los huevos y larvas.

El gusano cogollero, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), está distribuido en todo el continente americano y recientemente en el continente africano y en Asia. Este insecto es de importancia económica ya que ataca a una variedad de plantas de diferentes familias principalmente gramíneas entre las que sobresalen maíz, sorgo, arroz, y pastos. En este estudio se determinó el ciclo biológico de tres grupos de S. frugiperda, colectados en maíz. Los insectos fueron criados en condiciones de laboratorio, dos grupos fueron alimentados con dieta artificial y uno con hojas de maíz. Los resultados muestran que el ciclo biológico fue diferente en los tres grupos, los criados con dieta artificial tardaron 57.6 y 58.9 días en completar el ciclo, y los criados con hojas de maíz 66.9 días. Además, se capturaron los compuestos volátiles emitidos por las hembras durante el llamado y se identificaron tres compuestos: (Z)-9-acetato de tetradecenilo (Z9-14:OAc) como mayoritario, (Z)-11-acetato de hexadecenilo (Z11-16:OAc) como compuesto secundario y el (Z)-7-acetato de dodecenilo (Z7-12:OAc) como trazas en los tres grupos estudiados, por cromatografía de gases acoplado a espectrometría de masas (CG-EM). Los compuestos identificados mostraron variación proporcional entre los grupos de insectos estudiados. Estos resultados muestran un posible efecto de la dieta en el ciclo biológico del insecto y en la producción de la feromona sexual, y pueden ser útiles para la implementación de monitoreo de esta plaga con feromona.

Los índices entomológicos son una herramienta habitual utilizada para la vigilancia de vectores con importancia en salud pública, como Aedes aegypti. En México y particularmente en Sinaloa estas prácticas entomológicas son utilizadas con frecuencia en áreas urbanas pero es incierta su aplicación en áreas rurales. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la fluctuación temporal del índice de positividad de ovitrampa (IPO), mediante la aplicación de un diseño modificado de ovitrampas, y el índice de casa (IC), en una zona rural de Sinaloa. Para este propósito, se determinó cada siete días la infestación de ovitrampas y casas en 20 viviendas habitadas en la comunidad de Rosa Morada, Navolato, Sinaloa, México, durante febrero a julio del 2016. No se observaron ovitrampas afectadas y la accesibilidad a las casas fue constante durante el tiempo del monitoreo. Ambos índices entomológicos aumentaron significativamente durante el periodo evaluado, con rangos que variaron de 0-60 y 15-40% para el IPO e IC. Los valores del IPO e IC se relacionaron significativamente con la temperatura media semanal, pero no se observó esta tendencia con la variación de la temperatura. El IPO tuvo una correlación positiva fuerte (rho = 0.894) con la temperatura; la correlación fue menor con el IC (rho = 0.526). Este último índice entomológico fue más sensible a factores como el saneamiento de las casas, inducido por las evaluaciones entomológicas. Los resultados indican que la aplicación del IPO en zonas rurales podría ser más eficiente para la evaluación de la dinámica de infestación de Ae. aegypti.

Se actualiza la riqueza de especies de mosquitos en el estado de Durango, México, obtenida en 28 localidades. Se colectaron 1,362 ejemplares que pertenecen a 19 especies. Las especies Aedes epactius Dyar y Knab, 1908 y Culex quinquefasciatus, Say 1823 asociadas a los núcleos urbanos fueron las más abundantes. Se registran por primera vez: Culex coronator Dyar y Knab, 1906, Haemagogus (Haemagogus) anastasionis Dyar, 1921b, Uranotaenia lowiiTheobald, 1901,Culex salinarius Coquillett, 1904, Mansonia indubitans Dyar y Shannon, 1925, Culiseta inornata (Williston, 1893) y Lutzia bigoti (Bellardi, 1862).

En México se han reportado 235 especies de mosquitos divididas en 21 géneros. Uno de los géneros más representativos es Aedes, el cual se divide en 10 subgéneros y 62 especies, siendo el género con mayor número de especies. En Tabasco se han reportado 104 especies, 12 pertenecen al género Aedes. Con la finalidad de actualizar el listado de especies de mosquitos en Tabasco se realizaron colectas en la localidad Tierra Adentro 2ª sección, municipio de Jalpa de Méndez. Las especies colectadas fueron Aedes fulvus, Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, y Culex quinquefasciatus. Aedes fulvus representa un nuevo registro para Tabasco, elevando el número de especies a 105. Se revisaron los registros de distribución de las especies del grupo C Chrysoconops (sensu Edwards) (Aedes: Ochlerotatus) para México, el cual incluye Ae. bimaculatus, Ae. fulvus, y Ae. stigmaticus. No existe evidencia que sustente la presencia de Ae. stigmaticus en México, por lo que esta especie es removida de la lista de especies mexicanas, reduciendo el número de especies en México a 234.

Se describe una nueva especie de mosca blanca Aleuropleurocelus eriogonum Carapia-Ruiz sp. nov., encontrada en Tijuana, Baja California, en hojas de Erionogum fasciculatum Benth. Se ilustra con microfotografías de estructuras morfológicas de puparios y se discute la separación con otras especies cercanas de Aleuropleurocelus. Se proporciona nuevos registros para Baja California de A. laingi Drews & Sampson en Salvia apiana Jeps., y de A. coachellensis en Pluchea sericea (Nutt.).

Los cicadélidos (Cicadellidae) se encuentran entre las plagas que afectan el cultivo de arándano (Vaccinium spp.) en el mundo. Causan daños por succión de nutrimentos, obstrucción del flujo vascular, y por la transmisión de fitopatógenos causales de enfermedades. A pesar del daño potencial que pueden causar no hay reportes de su presencia en México, lo cual es esencial para planear estrategias de manejo. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las especies y abundancia estacional de los cicadélidos asociados a plantaciones comerciales de arándano, en Jalisco, México. Los cicadélidos fueron colectados con trampas amarillas, cada dos semanas, en el periodo de abril de 2018 a abril de 2019. Se obtuvieron 6,236 especímenes que representan a ocho subfamilias, 21 tribus, 45 géneros, y 40 especies de Cicadellidae. En subfamilias Deltocephalinae y Cicadellinae se concentró el mayor número de especies. Empoasca aracoma, Dalbulus maidis, Scaphytopius nitridus, Agallia quadripunctata, Balclutha incisa, Graminella sonora, Xestocephalus desertorum, y Planicephalus flavicosta fueron las especies más abundantes. La mayor abundancia de cicadélidos se registró en febrero - marzo y octubre - noviembre que coincide con los periodos de fructificación y floración. No hubo correlación entre la densidad poblacional y los aspectos climáticos analizados, pero se observó una tendencia a una mayor densidad en los meses más cálidos y secos.

Speleketorinae booklice are rarely collected, but their disjunct populations are especially useful for studying ancient geographical patterns. We report the third known locality for a rare booklouse, Speleketor flockiGurney 1943, not collected in more than 35 years. We collected a single female from a pitfall trap in Big Gypsum Valley, Colorado, in July 2012. Previously, the species was known only from two caves in hot, low-elevation deserts of Arizona and Nevada. This new record expands the range of the entire genus significantly north and into colder environments at higher elevation. While some Speleketorinae might be restricted to caves, our finding of a specimen with wings outside a cave suggests a life stage that disperses.

Lynxacarus radovskyiTenorio, 1974, is a mite that infests domestic and wild cats. We report a case in domestic cat, Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758. The cat was remitted to the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco because it presented alopecia on the sacrum area and small yellowish white dots in its hair. During clinical evaluation, the coat was observed to be in poor condition, and alopecia was observed on the sacrum area, perineum, tail, hind legs, and inguinal area, as well as on the face to a lesser extent. Ectoparasites were observed in the hair and subsequently collected and taxonomically identified as L. radovskyi. The clinical confirmation of the presence of the mite species in Mexico can impact differential diagnosis of feline dermatological diseases in Mexico, especially when clinical signs such as poor coat condition and alopecia are present on the sacrum area, perineum, tail, hind legs, and inguinal area.

En esta nota se describe por primera vez, hasta donde se sabe, el comportamiento de cuidado parental en el ciempiés Scolopendra morsitans Linnaeus para Chamela, México. En agosto de 2019, bajo un tronco en descomposición, se observó una hembra adulta (longitud 44 mm) enroscada sobre una masa de embriones (al menos 25 embriones en el segundo estadio; talla 3 mm). Se discute esta observación.

When using predators or parasitoids for biological control of target pests, pesticides might be required to manage other arthropod pests and plant diseases. To minimize risk to natural enemies, growers need to be aware of which pesticides cause direct and indirect toxicity when combining biological and chemical controls. Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), an endoparasitoid of green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and other aphid pests, killed after exposure for 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours to 13 contact insecticides and two fungicides at medium and high rates were assessed in a laboratory. In addition, percentage of parasitism of green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), after plants were treated with five soil-applied systemic insecticides was determined in a greenhouse. Using standards set by the International Organization for Biological Control-West Palearctic Regional Section (IOBC-WPRS), most foliar-applied pesticides tested were “slightly harmful” or “moderately harmful” to A. colemani. However, permethrin, spinetoram + sulfoxaflor, dinotefuran, tolfenpyrad, and acetamiprid killed ≥70% of A. colemani. In addition, the systemic insecticides cyantraniliprole, dinotefuran, flupyradifurone, imidacloprid, spirotetramat killed 100% of green peach aphids, thereby eliminating hosts for A. colemani to parasitize. Results underscore the need to develop new, practical guidelines for evaluating pesticide toxicity to natural enemies.

Se reporta por primera vez a Zadiprion roteus asociado con Pinus greggi y P. patula en Toluca, Estado de México. Las larvas de Z. roteus fueron parasitadas por Lamachus cushmani (Ichneumonidae) y Masyphia cunina (Tachinidae), lo que representa nuevas asociaciones entre huésped y parasitoides en moscas sierra del género Zadiprion en México.

Se reporta una especie del género Homolobus (Homolobinae): Homolobus truncator (Say) como parasitoide del gusano cogollero Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) en Durango, México. Este parasitoide contribuye al conocimiento de la biodiversidad de himenópteros para el Estado de Durango.

Trachyderes (Dendrobias) mandibularis Dupont es reportado en diferentes estados de México asociado a frutales tropicales reportándose por primera vez su presencia en estado adulto alimentándose de frutos de guanábana (Annona muricata L.) en el estado de Nayarit, México.

Early stand decrease in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) throughout New Mexico is increasingly being attributed to root systems damaged by larvae of whitefringed beetle, Naupactus leucoloma Dejean. Entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser, Steinernema feltiae Filipjev, and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar) effectively control other species that inflict similar damage to alfalfa and other crops, but it is not known if they occur naturally or can persist if released in irrigated semiarid lands. Persistent strains of entomopathogenic nematodes were released in May 2017 by the New Mexico State University Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari into an irrigated alfalfa field not known to be infested with whitefringed beetle. Treatments were mixtures of nematode species Steinernema carpocapsae (NY 001) + S. feltiae (NY 04) or S. feltiae (NY 04) + Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Oswego) in a randomized complete block design with four replications near nontreated check plots. Twenty soil cores were collected per plot in autumn 2017 and 2018 to bioassay for establishment of entomopathogenic nematodes. After inoculation, S. carpocapsae was not found in any sample either year, while H. bacteriophora was found only in 4% of samples from S. feltiae + H. bacteriophora plots in 2017. Similar percentages of S. feltiae were found each year (∼20% of cores in S. feltiae + S. carpocapsae and S. feltiae + H. bacteriophora plots). No entomopathogenic nematode was detected in nontreated check plots, suggesting lack of native entomopathogenic nematodes and lack of spread from treated plots. The multiyear persistence of S. feltiae ‘NY 04' and perhaps H. bacteriophora ‘Oswego’ in the arid Southwestern US was not reported previously. Because entomopathogenic nematodes can control whitefringed beetle and a plethora of other crop pests with similar larval root-feeding behavior on many economic crops, establishing locally adapted sources of entomopathogenic nematodes for widespread distribution would be appropriate.

The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea Drury, is a key insect pest of trees such as pecan, Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch, and apple, Malus domestica Borkh., being difficult to control because of the silk web formed by the larval stage for protection. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin on webworm larvae. Three strains of each pathogen were collected from the Arteaga Coahila region, grown to concentrations of 1 × 10⁸ to 1 × 10⁴ CFU/ml, and inoculated on 4^th-instar larvae under controlled conditions in a laboratory. Numbers of dead fall webworm were checked every 24 hours for 8 days. B. bassiana strains were most effective at controlling the pest at LT50 of 31.8 hours, while LT50 for M. anisopliae strains was 67.1 hours at a concentration of 1 × 10⁸ CFU/ml.

The grasshopper Sphenarium purpurascens (Charpentier) (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) is one of the most important pests of crops in Mexico. Entomopathogenic fungi used as biological control agents in different agroecosystems are natural enemies of the insect. Lethal effects of two native strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchn.) Sorokin, and a commercial strain of Metarhizium acridum (Driver and Milner) were evaluated against S. purpurascens purpurascens, by measuring lethal concentrations 50 and 90 (LC₅₀ and LC₉₀). The native strain with most pathogenicity was compared with the commercial strain in the field. LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ for strain 6MaEM under controlled conditions were 1.7 × 10⁵ and 1.0 × 10⁶ conidia/ml compared to 1.7 × 10⁶ and 7.1 × 10⁶ for strain 9MaEM. Cumulative survival of M. anisopliae and M. acridum 28 days after application in the field was 53.99 and 2.06%, respectively. Sporulation of 6MaEM was 8.3%, compared to 27.63% by M. acridum. M. anisopliae had acceptable pathogenicity under field conditions, but M. acridum killed the most grasshoppers. More isolates are needed and doses and formulations need to be adjusted in future studies to have a pool of biological control options.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an economically important insect with larvae damaging maize (Zea mays L.) leaves and ear tissue. The pest has become resistant to several classes of insecticide and Bt-maize grown in some geographical areas. Once discovered and characterized, native sources of maize resistance to this pest could be effectively integrated with existing control tactics. The objective for this study was to test experimental lines derived from maize germplasm XL370A for resistance to leaf feeding by fall armyworm. Plants were grown in the field in 2018 and 2019, artificially infested with fall armyworm, and leaf damage scores recorded. Average 14-day scores for experimental maize lines GEMN-0095 (5.8), GEMN-0096 (5.7), and GEMN-0133 (5.6) were moderately resistant and 7- and 14-day scores for these entries were not significantly different across both years. Cuba 94 was not significantly different from the three entries with the exception of having greater 7-day damage scores in 2019. GEMN-0048 was not resistant but variability was observed in 14-day scores between 4 (resistant) and 8 (susceptible) in individual plants. The experimental lines are adapted for growth in temperate regions and might provide maize breeding programs with useful levels of resistance to fall armyworm.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), causes economic damage to maize (Zea mays L.) and is resistant to several classes of insecticide. Native resistance in maize to fall armyworm could enhance existing control tactics. The objective for the study was to test maize germplasm developed from Ecuador for resistance to leaf-feeding fall armyworm. Plants were grown in the field and artificially infested at the seven-leaf stage with fall armyworm. Visual rating scores for leaf damage were recorded at 7- and 14-days post infestation. Maize PI 487903, Ames 28851, and PI 390554 received 14-day scores of ≤6.0 across both years of testing and were considered moderately resistant. PI 487903 was not significantly different than resistant check GT-FAWCC(C5). All germplasms tested are tropical populations that require breeding to enable more research in temperate regions.

The rice delphacid, Tagosodes orizicolus (Muir), is a major insect pest of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Latin America. When abundant, the insect causes hopperburn and loss of yield potential as well as being a vector of rice hoja blanca virus. The insect pest was discovered in rice in the southern U.S. on multiple occasions, most recently in 2015 and 2018. To promote development of a sustainable management program, eight Nicaraguan rice varieties were evaluated in greenhouse and field experiments for resistance to the pest. Insect densities in the field were measured using a battery-powered vacuum sampler during as many as five sample dates before and after flooding. Two field experiments with separate planting dates and locations allowed detection of resistance when insects were naturally few and when abundant. Densities were 40-46 and 31-47% lower on Fedearroz 2000, Linea 34, and Altamira 1N varieties than on the most susceptible variety, INTA Dorada, in the first and second field experiments, respectively. An experiment in a greenhouse confirmed that insect densities were lowest on Fedearroz 2000, Linea 34, and Altamira1N. Densities on these varieties were 55-73% lower than on susceptible standard Bluebonnet 50. Overall, Fedearroz 2000, Linea 34, and Altamira 1N were more resistant than was the susceptible standard Bluebonnet 50. The varieties might be useful in management programs against the delphacid in Central America and serve as potential sources of resistance for incorporation into breeding programs in the U.S.

Red spider mite, Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae), has increased its host plants and causes severe damage and defoliation. Control of pest mites depends mostly on the use of agrochemicals. Mite-resistant plants are needed. Piquin chili, Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum (Dunal) Heiser & Pickersgill, is a wild species of chili pepper and a major source of phytochemical compounds such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, capsaicinoids, carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, and volatile compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate antibiosis and antixenosis as resistance mechanisms in three accessions (BGH-425, BGH-426, and Ch) of piquin chili in laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In the laboratory, antixenosis was evaluated by non-preference for oviposition, antibiosis by infinitesimal rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ), and repellency by percentage of mites killed. In the greenhouse, antibiosis was evaluated by r and λ. Preference for the lower or upper leaf surface was evaluated. Antixenosis, antibiosis, and repellency were observed in the three piquin chili accessions. In the laboratory, females survival was 60, 80, 80 and 93.33% on BGH-426, BGH-425, Ch and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), respectively. The lower r was observed on Ch accession (0.3857 day^-1) and the higher on bean (0.6105 day^-1). The λ ranged from 1.47 on Ch to 1.84 on bean. In the greehouse, the highest and the lowest values of the r y λ were obtained at bean (0.6014 day^-1 and 1.82) and Ch accession (0.3591 day^-1 and 1.43), respectively. Red spider mite preferred to colonize the lower leaf surface of the three piquin chilis and bean. The three accessions of piquin chili were most resistant to T. merganser.

Soybean, Glycine max (L.), in the field is very susceptible to infestation by sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Preference for oviposition by whitefly in two soybean genotypes was evaluated, and a profile of volatile compounds in healthy plants was obtained. The average number of eggs per square centimeter was 4.1 to 13.7 in ‘Nainari’ variety and 15.1 to 28.4 in an experimental line. Trichome averaged 6.5 per square centimeter in Nainari and 6.8 in the experimental line. The average length of trichomes of Nainari was 311 microns and in the experimental line was 342. Solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to obtain the profile of volatile compounds in two Nainari soybean genotypes and one experimental line: cis-3-hexenyl acetate; cis-3-methyl-1,3-pentadiene; 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene; cis-3-hexenyl valerate; cis-2-hexen-1-ol; 9-ethyl-9-heptyloctadecane; tetradecane; tridecane; and 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-(1-oxopropyl) phenol. In plants infested with whitefly eggs and nymphs, eight compounds were identified in Nainari and seven in the experimental line: M-xylene; 1-octen-3-ol; d-limonene; cedrene; propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-methyl propyl ester; 3-methylnonane; longifolene; caryophyllene; 2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione, 2,6-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-; alpha-farnesene; pentanoic acid, 2,2,4-trimethyl-3-carboxyisopropyl, isobutyl ester, and 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-(1-oxopropyl) phenol. Differences in the profile of volatile compounds in healthy Nainari plants might explain oviposition repellency.