The invasive multicolored Asian ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae... more The invasive multicolored Asian ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), aggregates inside dwellings during winter to avoid cold weather. This adaptive behavior disturbs homeowners, because of the large numbers of individuals that aggregate, which induces allergic reactions. The migratory flight patterns of this species have been well documented, with individuals preferentially moving toward prominent and high color contrast elements. However, the factors involved in the selection of aggregation sites by this species have yet to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the influence of (i) the density of individuals and (ii) the type of available shelters on decisions by H. axyridis to settle and aggregate under shelters. A dual choice bioassay conducted in the laboratory demonstrated the presence of mutual attraction to conspecifics. We also found that individuals preferentially settled under red covered shelters compared to transparent shelters, and that the ty...
Some Culicoides species of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are biological virus vectors ... more Some Culicoides species of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are biological virus vectors worldwide and have indeed been associated with outbreaks of important epizoonoses in recent years, such as bluetongue and Schmallenberg disease in northern Europe. These diseases, which affect domestic and wild ruminants, have caused considerable economic losses. Knowledge of substrates suitable for Culicoides larval development is important, particularly for the main vector temperate species. This study, realized during two years, aimed to highlight the larval development sites of these biting midge species in the immediate surroundings of ten Belgian cattle farms. Moreover, spatial distribution of the coprophilic Culicoides larvae (C. chiopterus and C. dewulfi) within pastures was studied with increasing distance from farms along linear transects (farm-pasture-woodland). A total of 4347 adult specimens belonging to 13 Culicoides species were obtained by incubation of 2131 soil samples ...
Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences, 2009
The biocontrol potential of a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium (PGPR) Bacillus subtilis S499... more The biocontrol potential of a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium (PGPR) Bacillus subtilis S499 on tomato was studied in open field sites in low attitude area of the plain of Imbo in Burundi. Application of the PGPR strain on seed before sowing have significantly increased growth and fruit yield of tomato plants in addition to its remarkable control of a local important disease caused by a fungus type-Fusarium.. This pathogen causing large tosses in Burundi tomato plantings is closely related to Fusarium semitectum based on a preliminary identification. Results obtained in open field assays from two successive years on the same site demonstrate that treatment with B. subtilis S499 strain suspensions significantly increase growth and fruit-yield and provided a high level of protection of tomato plantings against the new fungal disease apparently uncontrolled by routine chemical pesticides.
Aphids are one of the most serious pests of crops worldwide, causing major yield and economic los... more Aphids are one of the most serious pests of crops worldwide, causing major yield and economic losses. To control aphids, natural enemies could be an option but their efficacy is sometimes limited by their dispersal in natural environment. Here we report the first isolation of a bacterium from the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum honeydew, Staphylococcus sciuri, which acts as a kairomone enhancing the efficiency of aphid natural enemies. Our findings represent the first case of a host-associated bacterium driving prey location and ...
Essential yield components of potato crops are influenced by the physiological age of the tubers ... more Essential yield components of potato crops are influenced by the physiological age of the tubers at planting. Previous studies have attempted to develop biophysical, physiological or biochemical markers of potato tuber ageing. This research note focuses on characterising a physiological age index (PAI) based on sprouting parameters and originally developed by Caldiz et al. [Caldiz, D.O., Fernandez, L.V., Struik, P.C.,
Carrion beetles are important in terrestrial ecosystems, consuming dead mammals and promoting the... more Carrion beetles are important in terrestrial ecosystems, consuming dead mammals and promoting the recycling of organic matter into ecosystems. Most forensic studies are focused on succession of Diptera while neglecting Coleoptera. So far, little information is available on carrion beetles postmortem colonization and decomposition process in temperate biogeoclimatic countries. These beetles are however part of the entomofaunal colonization of a dead body. Forensic entomologists need databases concerning the distribution, ecology and phenology of necrophagous insects, including silphids. Forensic entomology uses pig carcasses to surrogate human decomposition and to investigate entomofaunal succession. However, few studies have been conducted in Europe on large carcasses. The work reported here monitored the presence of the carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) on decaying pig carcasses in three selected biotopes (forest, crop field, urban site) at the beginning of spring. Seven species of Silphidae were recorded: Nicrophorus humator (Gleditsch), Nicrophorus vespillo (L.), Nicrophorus vespilloides (Herbst), Necrodes littoralis L., Oiceoptoma thoracica L., Thanatophilus sinuatus (Fabricius), Thanatophilus rugosus (L.). All of these species were caught in the forest biotope, and all but O. thoracica were caught in the agricultural biotope. No silphids were caught in the urban site.
To evaluate postmortem intervals (PMIs), one should take into account the determined age of necro... more To evaluate postmortem intervals (PMIs), one should take into account the determined age of necrophagous flies present on the cadaver. However, PMI determination needs further improvement, and rapid and accurate approaches have therefore to be developed. While previous studies have focussed on insect cuticular hydrocarbons, here we explore the volatile profile released by larvae and pupae of Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae). We monitored changes in volatile compounds daily, by headspace solid-phase microextraction, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Branched and unbranched hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters and acids were identified, and the volatile profile was shown to vary, in both composition and quantity, with the age of the larva/pupa under investigation. We concluded, based on the analysis of the released volatile organic compounds, that it is possible to increase the accuracy of the estimated PMI, through improved estimation of the age of blowflies present on the cadaver.
Abstract:[en] Aphids are some of the most serious pests of crops worldwide, causing major yield a... more Abstract:[en] Aphids are some of the most serious pests of crops worldwide, causing major yield and economic losses. They damage plants by feeding on the phloem sap, excreting copious amounts of honeydew and, in some cases, vectoring plant diseases. Here, we report the first isolation of a bacterium from the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum honeydew, Staphylococcus sciuri, which is involved in the release of semiochemicals acting as a kairomone for aphid natural enemies. These semiochemicals were identified by Solid- ...
The invasive multicolored Asian ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae... more The invasive multicolored Asian ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), aggregates inside dwellings during winter to avoid cold weather. This adaptive behavior disturbs homeowners, because of the large numbers of individuals that aggregate, which induces allergic reactions. The migratory flight patterns of this species have been well documented, with individuals preferentially moving toward prominent and high color contrast elements. However, the factors involved in the selection of aggregation sites by this species have yet to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the influence of (i) the density of individuals and (ii) the type of available shelters on decisions by H. axyridis to settle and aggregate under shelters. A dual choice bioassay conducted in the laboratory demonstrated the presence of mutual attraction to conspecifics. We also found that individuals preferentially settled under red covered shelters compared to transparent shelters, and that the ty...
Some Culicoides species of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are biological virus vectors ... more Some Culicoides species of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are biological virus vectors worldwide and have indeed been associated with outbreaks of important epizoonoses in recent years, such as bluetongue and Schmallenberg disease in northern Europe. These diseases, which affect domestic and wild ruminants, have caused considerable economic losses. Knowledge of substrates suitable for Culicoides larval development is important, particularly for the main vector temperate species. This study, realized during two years, aimed to highlight the larval development sites of these biting midge species in the immediate surroundings of ten Belgian cattle farms. Moreover, spatial distribution of the coprophilic Culicoides larvae (C. chiopterus and C. dewulfi) within pastures was studied with increasing distance from farms along linear transects (farm-pasture-woodland). A total of 4347 adult specimens belonging to 13 Culicoides species were obtained by incubation of 2131 soil samples ...
Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences, 2009
The biocontrol potential of a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium (PGPR) Bacillus subtilis S499... more The biocontrol potential of a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium (PGPR) Bacillus subtilis S499 on tomato was studied in open field sites in low attitude area of the plain of Imbo in Burundi. Application of the PGPR strain on seed before sowing have significantly increased growth and fruit yield of tomato plants in addition to its remarkable control of a local important disease caused by a fungus type-Fusarium.. This pathogen causing large tosses in Burundi tomato plantings is closely related to Fusarium semitectum based on a preliminary identification. Results obtained in open field assays from two successive years on the same site demonstrate that treatment with B. subtilis S499 strain suspensions significantly increase growth and fruit-yield and provided a high level of protection of tomato plantings against the new fungal disease apparently uncontrolled by routine chemical pesticides.
Aphids are one of the most serious pests of crops worldwide, causing major yield and economic los... more Aphids are one of the most serious pests of crops worldwide, causing major yield and economic losses. To control aphids, natural enemies could be an option but their efficacy is sometimes limited by their dispersal in natural environment. Here we report the first isolation of a bacterium from the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum honeydew, Staphylococcus sciuri, which acts as a kairomone enhancing the efficiency of aphid natural enemies. Our findings represent the first case of a host-associated bacterium driving prey location and ...
Essential yield components of potato crops are influenced by the physiological age of the tubers ... more Essential yield components of potato crops are influenced by the physiological age of the tubers at planting. Previous studies have attempted to develop biophysical, physiological or biochemical markers of potato tuber ageing. This research note focuses on characterising a physiological age index (PAI) based on sprouting parameters and originally developed by Caldiz et al. [Caldiz, D.O., Fernandez, L.V., Struik, P.C.,
Carrion beetles are important in terrestrial ecosystems, consuming dead mammals and promoting the... more Carrion beetles are important in terrestrial ecosystems, consuming dead mammals and promoting the recycling of organic matter into ecosystems. Most forensic studies are focused on succession of Diptera while neglecting Coleoptera. So far, little information is available on carrion beetles postmortem colonization and decomposition process in temperate biogeoclimatic countries. These beetles are however part of the entomofaunal colonization of a dead body. Forensic entomologists need databases concerning the distribution, ecology and phenology of necrophagous insects, including silphids. Forensic entomology uses pig carcasses to surrogate human decomposition and to investigate entomofaunal succession. However, few studies have been conducted in Europe on large carcasses. The work reported here monitored the presence of the carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) on decaying pig carcasses in three selected biotopes (forest, crop field, urban site) at the beginning of spring. Seven species of Silphidae were recorded: Nicrophorus humator (Gleditsch), Nicrophorus vespillo (L.), Nicrophorus vespilloides (Herbst), Necrodes littoralis L., Oiceoptoma thoracica L., Thanatophilus sinuatus (Fabricius), Thanatophilus rugosus (L.). All of these species were caught in the forest biotope, and all but O. thoracica were caught in the agricultural biotope. No silphids were caught in the urban site.
To evaluate postmortem intervals (PMIs), one should take into account the determined age of necro... more To evaluate postmortem intervals (PMIs), one should take into account the determined age of necrophagous flies present on the cadaver. However, PMI determination needs further improvement, and rapid and accurate approaches have therefore to be developed. While previous studies have focussed on insect cuticular hydrocarbons, here we explore the volatile profile released by larvae and pupae of Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae). We monitored changes in volatile compounds daily, by headspace solid-phase microextraction, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Branched and unbranched hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters and acids were identified, and the volatile profile was shown to vary, in both composition and quantity, with the age of the larva/pupa under investigation. We concluded, based on the analysis of the released volatile organic compounds, that it is possible to increase the accuracy of the estimated PMI, through improved estimation of the age of blowflies present on the cadaver.
Abstract:[en] Aphids are some of the most serious pests of crops worldwide, causing major yield a... more Abstract:[en] Aphids are some of the most serious pests of crops worldwide, causing major yield and economic losses. They damage plants by feeding on the phloem sap, excreting copious amounts of honeydew and, in some cases, vectoring plant diseases. Here, we report the first isolation of a bacterium from the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum honeydew, Staphylococcus sciuri, which is involved in the release of semiochemicals acting as a kairomone for aphid natural enemies. These semiochemicals were identified by Solid- ...
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