Biological diversity is a key descriptor to evaluate ecological systems and is often used to identify specific components of local habitat that can be quantified. Heterogeneous habitats provide increased environmental variation in habitat type and might support increase in biological diversity. Spiders (Araneae) are a diverse taxonomic group that fills numerous niches in a grassland landscape. I hypothesized that plant type (shrub species) affects habitat availability of arboreal spiders and expected differences in spider diversity patterns (Shannon index, abundance) to be observed locally. This research was done at Comanche and Pawnee National Grasslands in Colorado and studied how spiders occupy native shrubs in the grassland steppe ecoregion. Araneae taxa are reported for both Comanche and Pawnee National Grassland locations. For Comanche National Grassland, significant differences in spider diversity existed between specific shrub species, especially the spider families Salticidae, Philodromidae, Oxyopidae, and Dictynidae. Fewer shrub species were at Pawnee National Grassland, but Salticidae, Dictynidae, and Oxyopidae were abundant. Twenty-seven genera and thirty-one species were at CNG, and seven genera and sixteen species were at PNG. Analyses provide support that spiders prioritize certain shrubs that provide more resources. Results suggested that changes in available shrub habitat might significantly impact spider diversity in the grassland ecosystems.

Elm leaf beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola Müller (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is an invasive pest of elm trees, Ulmus spp. L. Natural enemies are thought to be important in controlling elm leaf beetles, but their natural enemy community is poorly described in many areas of the invaded range. The aim of this research was to identify parasitoids and predators of elm leaf beetle in Colorado, an area with frequent pest outbreaks and where few natural enemies have been described. We present new state records of the egg parasitoid Oomyzus gallerucae Fonscolombe (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and the larval-adult parasitoid Erynniopsis antennata Rondani (Diptera: Tachinidae) in Colorado. Parasitism of elm leaf beetle eggs and larvae was <3% during the 2021 sampling season. Both parasitoid species were nearly absent early in the season, and parasitism peaked in late summer. We also identified six species of elm leaf beetle predators, several of which are newly documented to consume elm leaf beetle. Considering the low levels of parasitism and few predators observed in our study, it seems unlikely that natural enemies effectively control elm leaf beetles in Colorado. Additional research is needed to develop effective methods to control this invasive insect pest.

Winter canola (Brassica napus L.) is planted in late September through October in central Oklahoma and harvested in June. Three aphid species typically infest canola fields in central Oklahoma: cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L.; green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer); and turnip aphid, Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (Davis). Predatory insects and spiders and hymenopteran parasitoids that prey on aphids are present in canola fields in central Oklahoma. We used a D-vac suction device to sample aphids and natural enemies in a total of 23 canola fields in central Oklahoma in early November and mid-March of three growing seasons. During the three growing seasons, 2.4 to 50.9 aphids were collected per 120 placements of the D-vac sampler per canola field. Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) was the most abundant parasitoid, with 0.04 to 5.1 individuals per 120 placements, while Araneae (spiders) were the most abundant predators ranging from 0.35 to 4.9 per 120 placements. Other predators were Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae, Nabidae, and Syrphidae, with relative density of most taxa increasing from November to March. Correlations of relative density of D. rapae and larval Coccinellidae to aphid relative density were positive and significant suggesting the taxa had a reproductive and/or aggregative numerical response to aphids in canola. D. rapae, Coccinellidae, and perhaps spiders killed the most aphids in central Oklahoma canola fields.

24.8% of parasitism represented by six genera and four species of parasitoids of larvae of sawfly, Monoctenus sanchezi Smith, an insect that defoliates white cedar (Juniperus flaccida Schlechtendal) at San Luis Potosí, Mexico, were reported. The genera and species were molecularly identified as Casinaria sp. (Ichneumonidae), Digonogastra sp. (Braconidae), Billaea biserialis Portshinsky, Lespesia postica Walker, and Vibrissina mexicana Aldrich (Tachinidae), in addition to the tachinid fly hyperparasitoid Perilampus tristis Mayr (Perilampidae). The braconid Digonogastra sp. and tachinid B. biserialis were reported for the first time parasitizing M. sanchezi larvae, thus expanding its number of hosts and range of distribution.

The objective of this research was to compare the toxicity of reduced doses and enzymatic activity associated with insecticide tolerance to abamectin and profenofos on Chrysoperla carnea Stephens and its prey Bactericera cockerelli Sulc. Residual toxicity was measured at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0% of the recommended dose of abamectin and profenofos for controlling B. cockerelli. Measured were α-esterases, β-esterases, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and oxidase content of larvae and nymphs of C. carnea and B. cockerelli exposed to the insecticides. The three abamectin concentrations killed more nymphs of the pest than did larvae of green lacewing. Profenofos at 1.0% concentration was very toxic to the pest and its predator. At concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0, fewer died and was similar for both species. Abamectin killed fewer C. carnea than did profenofos at the three doses. Enzymatic activity of α and β-esterase was greater for C. carnea compared with B. cockerelli exposed to abamectin and profenofos. Activity of the enzyme glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and oxidase content where greater for B. cockerelli than C. carnea. The study demonstrated that abamectin was less toxic to C. carnea and more to B. cockerelli, suggesting the insecticide was very selective, which could be related to greater esterase enzymatic activity.

Sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is now the main pest of sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (Poaceae), in Mexico. Several ecologically friendlier alternatives were studied to control the pest, including use of pure commercial molecules. The main objective of the study was to evaluate insecticidal potential of four pure molecules (squalene, xylitol, myristic acid, and quercetin) by fumigation in vitro against apterous M. sacchari adults. Results showed that myristic acid had the strongest insecticidal effect (79%) against M. sacchari, followed by squalene at 2,500 ppm with 56% during 72 hours. Xylitol and quercetin had weaker insecticidal effects. Positive check imidacloprid killed 100% within 24 hours, and the negative check, Tween 20, killed only 4% during 72 hours. Results showed commercial myristic acid and squalene were effective against M. sacchari and could be an environmentally friendly alternative to frequent use of synthetic insecticides.

In rural communities in the State of Guerrero, farmers keep seeds to plant during the dry season, and maize (Zea mays L.) and bean grains for 6 to 9 months as the main food for consumption at home. However, in recent years maize weevils and beetles have been found in containers where seeds and grains were stored. Maize from the containers was sampled to identify damage caused by insects. Maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky), and red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), were detected in damaged maize kernels. According to molecular analysis, red flour beetle is another pest of maize used by farmers in rural communities in the State of Guerrero.

The State of Campeche in southeastern Mexico borders the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea that contribute to rich flora and fauna that include many species of economic importance. Local agriculture is frequently affected by pests of quarantine importance, such as the fruit fly complex. The purpose of this research was to identify the presence of fruit flies in backyard orchards in the south of the State. Multilure-type artisanal traps were installed in August, September, and October in backyard citrus (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, Citrus aurantium L.) orchards at the Municipality of Escarcega. Two species of fruit flies were found: Anastrepha ludens (Loew) 1873 and A. serpentina (Wiedemann) 1830 in sweet and sour orange trees. Results confirmed the two species of fruit fly in citrus, which might be useful in decisions for effective and economical control of the fruit fly complex in the State of Campeche.

El Estado de Campeche en el sureste de México limita con el Golfo de México y el Mar Caribe que contribuyen a una rica flora y fauna que incluye muchas especies de importancia económica. La agricultura local se ve frecuentemente afectada por plagas de importancia cuarentenaria, como el complejo de la mosca de la fruta. El propósito de esta investigación fue identificar la presencia de moscas de la fruta en huertos de traspatio en el sur del Estado. En agosto, septiembre y octubre se instalaron trampas artesanales tipo multiseñuelo en huertos de traspatio de cítricos (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, Citrus aurantium L.) del Municipio de Escárcega. Se encontraron dos especies de moscas de la fruta: Anastrepha ludens (Loew) 1873 y A. serpentina (Wiedemann) 1830 en arboles de naranja dulce y agria. Los resultados confirmaron las dos especies de mosca de la fruta en cítricos, lo que podría ser de utilidad en las decisiones para el control efectivo y económico del complejo de moscas de la fruta en el Estado de Campeche.

We report Phyllobaenus pulchellus (Gorham, 1883) as a new country record for Mexico and the State of Oaxaca. We report new state records: P. haematicus (Gorham, 1883), P. nigroaeneus (Gorham, 1883), P. obscurus (Gorham, 1883), and P. wickhami (Wolcott, 1908) for Durango; P. lateralis (Gorham, 1883) for Hidalgo; P. aeneicollis (Schenkling, 1907) for Queretaro; P. discoideus for Chihuahua; and P. sordidus (Gorham, 1883) for Zacatecas.

Painteria leptophylla (DC.) Britton y Rose es una planta poco estudiada, que debido a las condiciones ambientales en las que se desarrolla puede ser utilizada en la restauración ecológica de zonas áridas y semiáridas. Las semillas de esta especie son consumidas por escarabajos de la familia Bruchidae. Se identificaron las especies que se alimentan de ellas, se calculó el porcentaje de depredación de semillas durante la etapa de pre-dispersión, así como de post-dispersión, a los dos meses, y un año después de haber sido colectadas, se evaluó la germinación de semillas sanas y dañadas. Merobruchus politus Kingsolver depredó 43.2% y Stator limbatus (Horn) 31.5% durante la pre-dispersión. La depredación durante la post dispersión de semillas (dos meses) fue 51.6 para M. politus y 50.6 para S. limbatus. El porcentaje promedio de depredación 1 año después de haber sido colectadas las semillas fue 51.6 para M. politus y de 79.7% para S. limbatus. La germinación de semillas de P. leptophylla sin daño fue 37%, y con daño causado por S. limbatus fue 60% para las semillas con un orificio de emergencia, mientras que las semillas con dos orificios fue 16.6%, y de 7% para M. politus. Se concluye que el porcentaje de depredación fue mayor en la pre-dispersión de las semillas para la especie M. politus, lo que seguramente se debe a que esta especie es univoltina. Las semillas sin daño aparente causado por brúquidos germinaron 37%, comparado con las semillas con un orificio causado por S. limbatus, que presentaron un porcentaje de germinación mayor (60%), lo que se debe a que el daño causado por esta especie de brúquido en las semillas incrementa su permeabilidad y germinación. Las semillas con daño causado por M. politus germinaron 7% debido al tamaño del insecto, ya que al ser de mayor tamaño consumen el embrión de las semillas.

Painteria leptophylla (DC) Britton y Rose is a rarely studied plant used in ecological restoration of arid and semi-arid zones. Its seeds are consumed by beetles of the Bruchidae family. Species that feed on the seeds were identified, the percentage of seed predation calculated during the pre-dispersal and post-dispersal stages, 2 months and a year after being collected, and germination of healthy and damaged seeds was evaluated. Merobruchus politus Kingsolver damaged 43.2% and Stator limbatus (Horn) 31.5% during pre-dispersal. Predation during post seed dispersal was 51.6% by M. politus and 50.6% by S. limbatus. Average percentage of predation 1 year after the seeds were collected was 51.6% by M. politus and 79.7% by S. limbatus. Thirty-seven percent of seeds without damage germinated and 60% were damaged by S. limbatus, with 16.6% of seeds with one emergence hole germinating and only 7% for M. politus. The percentage of predation by M. politus was greater in pre-dispersal of seeds, which might be because the species is univoltine. Thirty-seven percent of seeds without apparent insect damage germinated compared to seeds with a hole caused by S. limbatus. The greater percentage (60%) of germination, might be because damage by S. limbatus increased permeability and germination. Only 7% of seeds damaged by M. politus germinated because the larger size of the insect consumed most of the seed embryo.

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) es la plaga más importante del maíz y constituye un hospedero ideal para la cría en masa de algunos enemigos naturales. Se probaron tres sustratos: Zea mays, Cucurbita pepo, y Racinus communis con el fin de hacer más eficiente y barata la producción masiva de S. frugiperda para su uso como huésped. El ciclo biológico de S. frugiperda no registró diferencias en la duración a la emergencia de adultos entre Z. mays (32.3 ± 0.4) y R. communis (32.8 ± 1.4), mientras que C. pepo, tuvo la mayor duración (37.0 ± 0.5). La diferencia del ciclo biológico se observa al alimentar larvas con hojas de R. communis, las cuales presentaron los mejores atributos biológicos como mayor porcentaje de eclosión de huevos (95%), mayor porcentaje de larvas que se convirtieron en pupas (93%), mayor porcentaje emergencia de adultos (78%), y mayor cantidad de huevos en la siguiente generación (1,569 ± 32). Las tablas de vida mostraron tasa de mortalidad (qx) baja, y esperanza de vida alta cuando se alimentaron con R. communis. La prueba de logrank indica que existen diferencian entre las diferentes tablas de vida entre C. pepo y Z. mayz; C. pepo y R. communis; y R. communis, y Z. mayz, siendo R. communis un mejor sustrato para la cría de S. frugiperda.

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is the most important pest of maize and constitutes an ideal host for mass rearing of some natural enemies. Three substrates were tested: Zea mays, Cucurbita pepo, and Racinus communis to produce a more efficient and cheaper diet for mass production of S. frugiperda to be used as host. The life cycle of S. frugiperda did not differ in the duration of adult emergence between Z. mays (32.3 ± 0.4) and R. communis (32.8 ± 1.4), while C. pepo had the longest duration (37.0 ± 0.5). The difference in its biological cycle was observed when feeding larvae with R. communis leaves, which presented the best biological attributes such as higher percentage of egg hatching (95%), higher percentage of pupae (93%), higher percentage of adult emergence (78%), and higher number of eggs in the next generation (1,569 ± 32). Life tables showed low mortality rate (qx) and high life expectancy when fall armyworm larvae were fed R. communis. The logrank test indicated a difference between the different life tables between C. pepo and Z. mayz; C. pepo and R. communis; and R. communis and Z. mayz, with R. communis a better substrate for rearing S. frugiperda.

El gusano elotero causa pérdidas económicas al cultivo de maíz (Zea mays L.) en Durango, México. Para su control biológico se pueden utilizar enemigos naturales del orden Hymenoptera. Se colectaron huevos de Helicoverpa zea Boddie en maíz y se reporta la presencia de: Trichogramma pretiosum Riley y Trichogramma exiguum Pinto y Platner, así como de Telenomus remus Nixon, el cual es un nuevo registro como parasitoide de gusano elotero en México.

The corn earworm causes economic losses to corn (Zea mays L.) in Durango, Mexico. Some of its natural enemies belong to the order Hymenoptera. Eggs of Heliothis zea Boddie were collected in maize from which Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, Trichogramma exiguum Pinto and Platner, and Telenomus remus Nixon emerged. The latter is a new record as a parasitoid of corn earworm in Mexico.

Se evaluó el efecto bioinsecticida de dos formulaciones micro encapsuladas a base del hongo entomopatógeno Metarhizium anisopliae contra larvas de primer ínstar del gusano tabacalero Chloridea virescens, plaga recurrente del tomate y garbanzo en Sinaloa. Cada micro encapsulado probado contenía 1×10⁸ conidias/ml, MDF1 se hizo a base de maltodextrina al 10%, y GBF2 con gelatina bovina al 7%, se usó un control sin formular y otro con agua destilada. A cada formulación se le adicionó extracto del alga Macrocystis pyrifera al 2% como coadyuvante. El micro encapsulado MDF1 midió 2 a 18 micras, presentó 2.95% de humedad, 87% de adherencia, 85% de solubilidad, y 15 min de tiempo de liberación de conidias; GBF2 midió 1 a 10 micras y tuvo 3% de humedad, 79% de adherencia, 82% de solubilidad, y tiempo de liberación de 28 min. La mortalidad de larvas de C. virescens en MDF1 fue 68% y en GBF2 54%, y el tiempo letal fue de 4.5 y 4.9 días. El extracto de M. pyrifera facilitó la liberación y germinación de conidias, las cuales se adhieren mejor a la cutícula del insecto, haciéndolas más efectivas para el control de C. virescens, respecto al control.

The bioinsecticide effect of two microencapsulated formulations of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae was evaluated on first-instar larvae of tobacco budworm, Chloridea virescens, a recurring pest of tomato and chickpea at Sinaloa, Mexico. Each microencapsulated contained M. anisopliae at 1×10⁸ conidia/ml, MDF1 based on maltodextrin at 10%, GBF2 with bovine gelatin at 7%. Macrocystis pyrifera algal extract at 2% was added to each formulation as adjuvant. Fungus at 1×10⁸ conidia/ml and distilled water was used as a check. The MDF1 microencapsulation measured 2 to 18 microns, had 2.95% of moisture, 87% of adherence, 85% of solubility, and conidia release time of 15 minutes; GBF2 measured 1 to 10 microns and had 3.1% of moisture, 79% of adherence, 82% of solubility, and release time of 28 minutes. The mortality of C. virescens was 68% in MDF1 and 54% in GBF2, and their lethal times were 4.5 and 4.9 days. M. pyrifera extract allowed release and germination of the conidia that adhere better to insect cuticle, making them more effective for control of C. virescens.

El gorgojo del frijol, Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say, 1831) es un problema para los productores y almacenadores de leguminosas. Se estima que provoca pérdidas de hasta 20% de la producción, reduciendo la calidad de la cosecha y afectan la viabilidad de las semillas para siembras. Se evaluaron extractos etanólicos de 8 plantas: hoja de batamote Baccharis glutinosa Pers.; eucalipto Eucalyptus globulus Labill; gobernadora Larrea tridentata (Sessé & Moc. ex DC.) Cov.; tabaquillo Nicotiana glauca Graham; y cacachila Karwinskia humboldtiana (Shult.) Zucc.; semilla de paraíso Melia azedarach L. e higuerilla Ricinus communis L y corteza de copalquin Hintonia latiflora Bullock, a dosis de 5, 10, 15, y 20% p/v. Se evaluó la mortalidad y emergencia corregidas, índice de repelencia, porcentaje de semilla dañada y de pérdida de la capacidad germinativa. Los resultados indicaron que N. glauca y K. humboldtiana (10% p/v) son los mejores tratamientos con 0% de semilla dañada, nula emergencia de la F1 de la plaga, y mantuvieron la capacidad germinativa intacta. Lo que los hace una alternativa para manejar a A. obtectus en frijol almacenado.

The bean weevil, Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say, 1831), is a problem for producers and storage of legumes. It is estimated to cause as much as 20% loss of production. It also reduces the quality of harvest and affects viability of seeds for sowing. Ethanol extracts from eight plants were evaluated: saltmarsh leaf, Baccharis glutinosa Pers.; eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus Labill; creosote bush, Larrea tridentata (Sessé & Moc. ex DC.) Cov.; tree tobacco, Nicotiana glauca Graham; cacachila, Karwinskia humboldtiana (Shult.) Zucc.; chinaberry seed, Melia azedarach L.; castor, Ricinus communis L.; and copalquin bark, Hintonia latiflora Bullock, at doses of 5, 10, 15, and 20% w/v. Corrected mortality and pest emergence, repellency index, percentage of damaged seed, and loss of germination capacity were evaluated. Results indicated that N. glauca and K. humboldtiana (10% w/v) were the best treatments with 0% damaged seed, no emergence of the F1 generation of the pest, and maintained ability to germinate. Extracts of the two plants might be an alternative to manage A. obtectus in stored beans.

Se realizó el monitoreo del género Ips DeGeer (1775) y Pseudips Cognato (2000) con trampas Lindgren en el Cofre de Perote, Veracruz, México. Los ecosistemas de esta montaña proveen bienes y servicios ambientales a los habitantes de las comunidades vecinas, además de que alberga gran riqueza florística. Por ejemplo, ahí se encuentran siete especies de pináceas. Las trampas fueron cebadas con atrayentes generalistas para Ips, Ipsenol, Ipsdienol, y Cis-verbenol. Las especies capturadas Ips bonanseai, I. integer, I. cribricollis, y Pseudips mexicanus, así mismo se reportan insectos asociados a los pinos de los géneros Hylastes, Pityophthorus, Gnathotrichus, e Hylurgops y enemigos naturales de los géneros Cymatodera, Enoclerus, Elacatis, y de la familia Staphylinidae. Las especies más abundantes fueron Ips bonanseai, y Pseudips mexicanus en los meses de febrero a mayo. Ips bonanseai muestra preferencia a los 2,500 msnm en tanto que P. mexicanus no presento preferencia. El atrayente utilizado durante el estudio mostro ser atractivo para I. bonanseai, P. mexicanus, y asociados. Los resultados permiten conocer los sitios de preferencia de las especies, su fluctuación en el tiempo, así como la presencia de depredadores, lo que puede coadyuvar en el manejo silvícola en cuanto al manejo y transporte de material hacia los centros de transformación de la madera.

The genus Ips DeGeer (1775) and Pseudips Cognato (2000) were monitored with Lindgren traps in the Cofre de Perote, Veracruz, Mexico. The ecosystems of this mountain provide environmental goods and services to the inhabitants of neighboring communities. It is also home to a wealth of flora. For example, seven species of Pinaceae are found there. The traps were baited with generalist attractants for Ips, Ipsenol, Ipsdienol, and Cis-verbenol. The species captured were Ips bonanseai, I. integer, I. cribricollis, and Pseudips mexicanus, as well as insects associated with pines of the genera Hylastes, Pityophthorus, Gnathotrichus and Hylurgops and natural enemies of the genera Cymatodera, Enoclerus, Elacatis, and the family Staphylinidae. The most abundant species were Ips bonanseai and Pseudips mexicanus from February to May. Ips bonanseai showed a preference at 2,500 m asl, while P. mexicanus showed no preference. The attractant used during the study proved to be attractive to I. bonanseai, P. mexicanus, and associates. The results allow us to know the sites of preference of the species, their fluctuation over time, as well as their predators, which can help in silvicultural management in terms of handling and transport of material to the wood-processing centers.

El Huanglongbing (HLB) es transmitido por el psílido asiático de los cítricos (Diaphorina citri) y afecta severamente las plantaciones comerciales de lima mexicana (Citrus aurantifolia) en la región tropical seca de México. El manejo del Huanglongbing se basa en el uso intensivo de prácticas agronómicas, como riego, nutrición, Poda, y control de maleza, plagas, y enfermedades. Durante 2018 a 2022, se evaluó el efecto de acolchados plásticos de color negro, blanco, y aluminio en comparación con una malla de polipropileno blanca (ground cover) y suelo desnudo (sistema tradicional), sobre la población de D. citri y la incidencia-severidad (I-S) de Huanglongbing, así como el rendimiento de lima mexicana. Los árboles con todos los tipos de acolchado plástico redujeron la I-S durante los primeros 13 meses del estudio (35 a 40% del follaje afectado) en comparación con el suelo desnudo (74% de la afectación de los árboles). Además, las parcelas con los acolchados tuvieron menos adultos del psílido asiático de los cítricos (1 a 16 insectos/trampa/semana) en comparación con el suelo desnudo (11 a 28 adultos). Los tratamientos con acolchado tuvieron un efecto positivo en el rendimiento de fruta. Después de cuatro años, las parcelas con plástico blanco, aluminio, verde y negro produjeron 41.6, 40.1, 39.7, y 34.9 t/ha. El suelo desnudo produjo sólo 26.6 t/ha. El costo de instalar estos acolchados plásticos fue de 526 dólares/ha. Considerando que los plásticos aumentaron los rendimientos en un 50-57% y el precio promedio de la fruta de lima mexicana fue de 600 dólares/t, este sistema de producción es una alternativa viable para los productores para coexistir con el HLB en el trópico seco de México.

Huanglongbing (HLB) vectored by Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) severely affects commercial plantations of Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia) in the dry tropic region of Mexico. Management of Huanglongbing is based on intensive use of agronomic practices such as irrigation, nutrition, pruning, and weed, insect pest, and disease control. During 2018 to 2022, the effect of black, white, aluminum, and green plastic mulches, a white polypropylene mesh (ground cover), and bare soil (traditional system), were evaluated on D. citri and incidence-severity (I-S) of Huanglongbing, and Mexican lime yields. Trees with all types of plastic mulch had less I-S during the first 13 months of the study (35 to 40% of affected foliage) compared to bare soil (74% of tree affected). Also, plots with plastic mulches had fewer Asian citrus psyllid adults (one to 16 insects/trap/week) as compared with bare soil (11 to 28 adults). Mulched treatments had a positive effect on fruit production. After 4 years, plots with white, aluminum, green, and black plastic yielded 41.6, 40.1, 39.6, and 34.9 t/ha. Bare soil yielded only 26.6 t/ha. The cost to install plastic mulches was $526/ha. Because of that, the plastics increased yields by 50-56% and the average price of Mexican lime fruit was about $600 per ton. This production system is an economically profitable alternative to the growers to coexist with Huanglongbing in the dry tropics of Mexico.

Mexican black scale, Saissetia miranda (Hemiptera: Coccidae), was reported in commercial fig plantations (var. Black Mission) at Axochiapan, Morelos, Mexico. Because of damage observed in the field and the increase in area cultivated with figs, the insect is potentially a major pest of the fruit crop.

Canine hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne disease caused by Hepatozoon canis (James, 1905) and Hepatozoon americanum (Vincent-Johnson, 1997). The disease has been reported infrequently in Mexico. The aim of this report was to describe haemato-biochemical changes and confirm diagnosis by molecular-based methods of clinical infection by H. canis in a dog. A 9-year-old female, boxer dog, Canis familiaris (Linnaeus, 1758), was taken to a veterinary clinic at Colima, Mexico. The dog showed depression and more than 2 weeks of gradual weight loss without decreased appetite. Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) ticks were found when the dog was physically examined. Blood samples were collected for smear, hematological, and biochemical analyses, and PCR assays. Hematological analysis revealed an apparently non-regenerative normochromic normocytic moderate anemia, mild thrombocytopenia, left shift without neutrophilia, and mild lymphopenia associated with possible stress. Biochemical analysis showed hyperbilirubinemia, hyperamylasemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, increased ALT, and hypocalcemia. Microscopic examination of Diff-Quick-stained blood smears showed capsule-shaped structures consistent with gametocytes of Hepatozoon sp. Clinical history, hematological changes, and molecular assays described in the report confirmed the first case of canine hepatozoonosis caused by H. canis in the Pacific region of Mexico.