Forest Entomology

Sampling design in Quercus pubescens Willd. Forest stands In order to design a method for monitoring the abundance of Tortrix viridana L. eggs in Iarge forest areas, the spatial distribution of the egg-clusters was investigated in eight Quercus pubescens WilId. stands in centra! Sardinia. In each area ofbetween 300 and 1000 ha, a three-stage sampling was conducted: 8 one-hectare pIots per area, 8 trees per pIot, 4 termina! branches per tree. The egg-clusters on the branches were counted in the Iaboratory. During the survey, the average time taken by a team of two sampIers was reckoned (6.5, 1.5 and 4.5 minutes respectiveIy to identify a pIot within the area, a tree within the pIot, and the colIecting and checking of a branch). Using Kuno's method for multistage sampIing, we determined, for each area, the optimaI alIocation of sampling effort for extensive surveys, with precision D = 25 and 20%, and for intensive surveys with D = 10%. The total effort calculated varied, for the three levels of precision (25, 20 and 10%), from 14 to 78, from 21 to 120 and from 84 to 468 branches, between the most heavily infested area and that with the lowest egg-cluster density (8 and 2 egg-clusters per branch respectiveIy). To find a univocaI sampIing design we studied the reIation between the number of branches to be sampIed per area (E) and the mean number of eggclusters per branch ex) with the function: E = a·b'l; . The three equations obtained significantIy interpolated the sampling data (l'' = 0.91, 0.90 and 0.88 for D = 25, 20 and 10%) and alIowed the calcuIation of the optimal sampIing effort as 34, 50 and 195 branches per area respectiveIy, considering the density of 4 egg-clusters per branch as potentialIy dangerous for the forests. FinalIy, a fixed sampling pIan for within pIots was drawn up, invoIving the colIection of 8 branches, 2 per tree from 4 randomly seIected trees. The number of plots to be sampled in each forest area was Ieft variable, depending on the level of precision, and proved to be 5,7 and 25 respectiveIy for D = 25, 20 and 10%. This study heIped us esign a sampling method for T viridana eggs, to obtain precise estimates of egg-cluster abundance in Iarge areas of forest. This couId be usefuI for making reliabIe projections about the risk of infestation in forests of deciduous oaks.

A study was conducted to identify and assess damage of an insect pest girdling young Eucalypts in Korogwe Forest Plantation, Tanga. Purposive sampling was employed to establish 10 plots of 10m by 10m. A total of 90 trees were sampled. Insect pest specimens were collected and girdled trees counted in each plot. The insect pest specimens were identified using reference resources at the Department of Ecosystems and Conservation, SUA. The mean number of girdled stems was computed. Results showed that the girdling insect pest was Paranaleptes reticulata. The pest was girdling Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. terecticornis. It was found girdling up to 150 stems/ha of Eucalyptus stems. Removal and burning of girdled branches material especially dry ones keeps in check the population density of P. reticulata below economic injury level. The pest is a potential risk to Eucalyptus plantations and woodlots in Tanzania. Therefore, there is a need of immediate interventions to control P. reticulata.

Наведено результати досліджень щодо сезонного розвитку, динаміки популяцій і шкідливості соснового підкорового клопа у чистих соснових і мішаних сосново-березових насадженнях Новгород-Сіверського Полісся, зокрема у комплексних осередках з іншими шкідливими комахами. Запропоновано балову оцінку поширення соснового підкорового клопа, що дає змогу визначити ділянки насаджень із високою загрозою виникнення осередків та їхню потенційну площу. Обґрунтовано заходи щодо профілактики поширення осередків соснового підкорового клопа та захисту від нього насаджень, зокрема оптимальні терміни прочищення, внесення листового опаду, мінеральних добрив, застосування інсектицидів і препарату Боверин.
Spread, population dynamics and injuriousness of pine bark bug (Aradus cinnamomeus Panzer: Heteroptera, Aradidae) were studied in pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands of Novgorod-Siverske Polissya.
Field investigations were carried out in the forest stands of Sumy and Chernigiv Regional Administration of Forest and Hunting Management in different forest site conditions: very dry and dry poor (A0, A1), relatively poor (B1) and relatively rich (C1); fresh poor (A2), relatively poor (B2) and relatively rich (C2); moist poor (A3) and relatively poor (B3), and in pure pine stands, and in mixed pine & birch stands.
Pine bark bug has two-year life cycle in the stands of Novgorod-Siverske Polissya. The specimens of even and odd generation present every year in pine bark bug population. Odd-year population of pine bark bug dominated in all investigated stands, although the specimens of even and odd generation present every year.
Pine bark bug hibernates in the litter under crown or under the bark of the lower part of stem. It begins feeding after stable transition of air temperature above 5 ºC. Larvae hatch at the beginning of June. Larvae of the 2nd instar appear in the middle of July, larvae of the 3rd instar at the beginning of August, larvae of the 4th instar at the beginning of September, and the larvae of the 5th instar soon after hibernation. Larvae of the 4th and 5th instar can be seen during all months.
Pine bark bug colonizes pure pine plantations in the age 4–40 years old (maximum in the age 17–24 years old), and mixed stands in the age from 5–7 to 25 years old (maximum in the age 12–14 years old). Population density of this insect reaches a dangerous level only in the pure pine plantations in dry and fresh poor site conditions and dry relatively poor site conditions. In the dry poor and relatively poor site conditions, as well as in fresh poor site conditions population density of pine bark bug is significantly higher in artificial stands than in natural ones, especially under forest canopy. Pine bark bug less inhabits the stands, which are planted in the clear-cuts after mixed stands, than after pure stands or in former arable lands.
A scoring of threat of pine bark bug distribution has been developed which consider forest site conditions and forest age. Maximal score (5 points, very high threat) is assigned to pure pine stands in dry poor and relatively poor site conditions of 11–15 years old. The area of stands with very high threat of spread the foci of pine bark bug was evaluated using forest inventory database for forest management enterprises of the region.
Tree mortality in the complex foci of pine bark bug and other pests of pine plantations (white grubs, large pine weevil, pine shoot moths, and foliage browsing insects) is 2.1–2.6 times lower in mixed stands than in pure ones.
Mean index of health condition of pine stands correlated with pine bark bug population density. It was the highest in poor and dry forest site conditions, increased for 4 years in pure plantations and decreased in mixed stands.
The difference between radial increment of pine bark bug colonized and not colonized trees increased from the age of 7 years. The percentage of late wood in pine plantations of 14 years old was 77.4 and 38.4 % in trees with high and low population density of pine bark bug respectively.
With increasing density of pine bark bug population, the proportion of wound parenchyma area in the cross section of the pine stem increased, and needle mass and length as well as resin excretion decreased. It was the most expressed in dry and poor forest site conditions, in pure pine plantations and in the trees of the worst health condition.
Commercial timber output was almost twice lower in the pure pine stands of 60 years old, which were damaged by pine bark bug many years ago comparing to undamaged stands.
Measures on prevention of spread of pine bark bug foci and stand protection have been developed, including optimal time of early thinning (in June of swarming years of pine bark bug), application of fallen foliage of different tree species, fertilizing, use of insecticides and entomopathogenic fungal preparation Boverin.
It was recommended to grow mixed pine and birch stands, to use scoring of threat of pine bark bug distribution, as well the method of this pest assessment using adhesive tape.

Проаналізовано динаміку площ осередків соснових пильщиків у
насадженнях Луганської області. Показано збільшення інтенсивності, частоти і тривалості масових розмножень порівняно з попередніми десятиріччями. Оцінено принадність насаджень для соснових пильщиків за типом лісорослиних умов, віком, складом і повнотою, визначено насадження з високою загрозою формування осередків. Уточнено терміни проведення обліків соснових пильщиків у регіоні. Визначено ймовірності зміни санітарного стану та відпаду дерев сосни в осередках соснових пильщиків з урахуванням типу лісорослинних умов, віку та санітарного стану насаджень, що важливо для обґрунтування
необхідності та обсягів проведення санітарних рубок.
Розраховано на фахівців з лісового господарства, захисту лісу,
науковців, аспірантів і студентів лісогосподарських та біологічних
факультетів ВНЗ.

The Philippines is considered as a biodiversity hotspot, however, different threats could cause the demise of its biological treasures. One of these threats could be the lack of awareness and the negative perception of the people towards wildlife and conservation. In this study, 303 students and 52 teachers from Laguna State Polytechnic University-Los Baños Campus (LSPU-LBC) were randomly selected to answer a questionnaire designed to assess their awareness and perception towards wildlife and conservation in the Philippines. The results of the study showed that the respondents have poor to intermediate awareness and knowledge about Philippine wildlife and conservation. Moreover, the students have a higher familiarity of randomly selected wildlife species compared to the teachers (T-test; p=0.741), and students enrolled under the College of Fisheries have the highest familiarity of the wildlife species (ANOVA; p=0.000) compared to students enrolled in other colleges. However, despite the poor awareness of most of the respondents towards Philippine wildlife, the results show that they have a generally positive perception towards the conservation of these animals. This could further mean that the respondents have concern and willingness to conserve the remaining biodiversity in the country.

The Heteropsylla cubana has caused damaging effects to Leucaena leucocephala in Tanzania since its outbreak in 1992. Tamarixia leucaena and Psyllaephagus yaseeni were introduced from Trinidad to Tanzania for the biological control of the pest in 1995 and 1996. The major objectives of the study were; to determine population density of H. cubana, mummies of Tamarixia leucaena and Psyllaephagus yaseeni, indigenous predators associated with psyllid, infestation density and shoot health of Leucaena leucocephala resulting from psyllid attack in Morogoro and Tanga region. The Point Centre Quarter method was employed to select Leucaena leucocephala for observation of psyllid, mummies, indigenous predators, infestation and shoot health. R and Excel program software were used in data analysis to obtain descriptive statistics of observed data. The mean number of eggs, small nymphs, medium nymphs, large nymphs and adults per 15cm terminal shoot were 14.24, 11.77, 8.78, 4.79 and 2.81 in Morogoro and 11.40, 8.16, 5.80, 3.72 and 2.42 in Tanga respectively.  The population density of eggs differed significant among crown levels (upper, middle and lower) and not significant among dbh classes (1-5 cm, 6-15 cm and >15 cm) in Morogoro, differently in Tanga where was not significantly among crown level and among dbh classes. The interaction between dbh and crown level was not significantly different in both Morogoro and Tanga for eggs population density. There was no significance difference (P > 0.05) of nymph and adult population density among crown level and among dbh classes in Morogoro and Tanga. The mean mummies of Tamarixia Leucaenae and Psyllaephagus yaseeni were 2.33 and 1.68 in Tanga and 2.64 and 2.1 in Morogoro respectively. The dominant indigenous predators found were spider followed by ladybird beetles, dragonfly and lacewing for adult and regenerants Leucaena leucocephala. The infestation density and shoot damage were slightly high in Morogoro compared to Tanga for adults and regenerants Leucaena leucocephala.  The study has found good shoot health and small injury to Leucaena leucocephala as a result of low population density of psyllid. Farmers are advised to plant Leucaena leucocephala for various use as psyllid’s population is below Economic Injury Level.

Periodical phenomena in biotic and abiotic environment together with seasonal development of foliage browsing insects and their outbreaks are examined. Methodical approaches to prediction of foliage browsing insects seasonal development, as well as evaluation of area and boundaries of their foci using forest inventory data and GIS technologies are suggested. Means for strategic, tactical and operative prediction of foliage browsing insects outbreaks are formulated. Special attention is paid of possible influence of global climate changes on foliage browsing insects in Ukrainian forests.
For researchers, students, post-graduates, teachers, personnel of forest management, forest protection, plant protection, biologists, ecologists.

Oak declines are multifactorial processes in which bark and wood boring (BWB) beetles can act as major inciting factors, killing the weakened trees. Nonetheless, the current knowledge on the biology, ecology of these species is scattered and no efficient management strategies are currently available. Based on the existing literature and field observations from the French forest health service, we firstly identified the prominent BWB species implicated in oak declines in Europe. Secondly we performed a state of the art on the biology and ecology of these species, with a particular reference to the interactions with their host trees. Finally considerations were made on how climate change could affect these interactions. Six species, namely Agrilus biguttatus, Coraebus florentinus, Coraebus undatus, Cerambyx cerdo, Platypus cylindrus and Scolytus intricatus are frequently implicated in oak declines in Europe. The interactions with their hosts regarding selection and resistance are generally poorly known. Likewise, these beetles are associated with a diverse microbial community, which composition and implication in the biology of insects and decline processes is unclear in most cases. Climate change will probably increase the frequency and distribution of oak declines in Europe. It will also likely modify the interactions between oaks and these beetles by promoting contributing factors of decline, modifying directly and indirectly host resistance, phenology and attractiveness, and beetles development, distribution and interaction with microorganisms. Evidences point out that the increase in temperature has already favored the distribution and development of C. florentinus and could enhance the development of other species. Potential research prospects are proposed, aiming at acquiring missing basic knowledge and improving the currently limited management strategies.

In the lake zone of Xochimilco is commonly observed defoliation by the “forest tent caterpillar” Malacosoma incurvum on the “ahuejote”. In the present study it was determined the abundance and distribution of O. kuvanae in the area, levels of parasitism on eggs of M. incurvum were studied and the emergency of O. kuvanae under laboratory conditions was analized. Field trips were done to collect eggs masses of M. incurvum on branches and trunks of S. bomplandiana, they were maintained under laboratory conditions monitoring parasitoids emergency. Parasitoids were collected daily, separated by sex and registered. The percentage of parasitism was obtained comparing the total number of eggs with the total of parasitoids emerged. Taxonomic determination of O. kuvanae was done using photographs of adults in electron microscope were taken and keys by Noyes (1985) and Huang & Noyes (1994) were utilized. Associated organisms were also collected. A total of 11,317 egg masses of M. incurvum were collected, concentrated in 17 samples, 11 of the area 1 and 6 of the area 2. A total of 2,260,253 eggs were collected. A total of 28,349 specimens of O. kuvanae were registered, 18,185 in the area 1 and 10,164 in the area 2. 17,914 were females and 10,435 males. The sex proportion was of 1.8 females by each male. The average parasitism of O. kuvanae on eggs of M. incurvum was of 1.25. Places with higher percentage of parasitism were Paraje Cuemanco with 3.05 and Paraje La Comunidad (Two samples) with 2.97 and 2.07. The arguments to consider the possibility that O. kuvanae be specie not reported for Mexico are provided. Finally, 941 arthropods of different orders and families were registered; the Hymenoptera genus Baryscapus (Eulophidae) and Brasema (Eupelmidae) are the more important.

Prospección de entomología forestal en 1961 en Chanchamayo y Satipo y continuada en 1962 en Tingo María y Puerto Maldonado. Los insectos agrupados por familias, son citados con mención de su importancia en la Selva del Perú,de las especies arbóreas y fase de la explotación en que son dañadas.

This study was carried out to examine the variation in the abundance of tree and
insect species in some selected forest reserves in Ondo State Nigeria. The study also examined the
relationship between soil mesofauna, tree and the insect species. Eight sample plots (20 m by 40 m)
were demarcated where enumeration of trees species, sampling of insets, and collection of soil
samples were carried out. A total number of 1167 woody trees species were encountered from all
forest reserves, distributed in to 360, 371, 274, and 162 in Akure/Ofosu, Oluwa, Akure Queen’s
forest and Owo forest reserves respectively. Shannon-Wiener diversity index values are 3.60,
3.57, 3.34 and 3.31 for Oluwa, Akure/Ofosu, Owo and Akure Queen’s forest reserves respectively.
Trees species richness was higher in Oluwa forest reserve (61), and the least was found in Owo
(38). Then were nine hundred and fifty six (956) insects’ species with 123, 234, 236 and 363 in
Owo, Akure/Ofosu, Oluwa and Akure (Queen) forest reserve respectively. Shannon-Weiner diversity
index values for the reserves were 3.07, 3.08 3.17 and 3.31 for Owo, Akure/ Ofosu, Oluwa and
Akure Queen’s forest reserves were respectively. Insects’ species richness was highest in Akure
Queens forest (36) while the least was found in Owo (26). The results of soil mesofauna shows that
309 mesofauna were recorded in the Oluwa forest, 250, 233 and 115 were encountered in Akure/
Ofosu, Akure Queen’s and Owo forest reserves respectively. The correlation coefficient between
insects and mesofauna was positive and high (0.7747). However the correlation coefficient between
trees and insects abundance was negative (-0.3800) while those of trees and mesofauna abundance
was positive but low (0.1120). Suggestions were made on how our forest can be managed sustainably.
Keywords: Ecosystems, Diversity, Mesofauna, Abundance.

Citrus is one of the world's most cultivated fruit crop based on its availability and contribution to human diets. However, various diseases such as Phytophthora foot rot, melanose, citrus scab, citrus brown spot, citrus greening and Pseudocercospora leaf and fruit spot disease spot of hamper its production in Uganda. The aim of the study was to assess the susceptibility of five citrus varieties to Pseudocercospora angolensis infections in Uganda. Identification and selection of diseased samples based on examination of disease of citrus trees showing rots and lesions on leaves, twigs, and fruits in fruit orchards of farmers in Soroti district. Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media was prepared for fungal cultures on which diseased portions were placed and incubated at room temperature for 20 days. The isolated fungus was confirmed to be Pseudocercospora angolensis based on morphology. Following inoculation, Pseudocercospora leaf and fruit disease were prevalent in all citrus varieties. The overall mean incidences of the disease on leaves of Washington navel, lemons, Hamlin, Valencia, and tangerines were 37.8, 35.5, 30.8, 25.2 and 27.3% while mean disease severity ratings were 2.5. 3.0, 2.8, 2.3 and 2.0 respectively. There was a significant difference (P˂0.05) in susceptibility of selected citrus varieties to the disease. The selection of moderately resistant varieties and cultivars is likely to be important in the management of Pseudocercospora leaf and fruit spot disease in Uganda.

В развитие gap-парадигмы, описывающей устойчивость лесных сообществ как динамический процесс (баланс между образованием «окон» или «прорывов» лесного полога и восстановлением его элементов в ходе популяционной жизни деревьев и кустарников), а
их пространственную структуру — как совокупность нарушений, находящихся на разных стадиях зарастания, реконструируется роль дятловых птиц в этой динамике, в зависимости от видов лесных биомов и степени их нарушенности

ABSTRACT
The ethnobotanical data of along river Panjkora in Sheringal valley was documented during 2015. 31 species of 29 genera belonging to 17 families were found useful in every day life of local inhabitants as medicinal, fuel, shelter, fodder/forage and in making agriculture tools. Information collected from local peoples shows that most of the plants used for diuretic, anticancer, stomach diseases, chronic constipation, headache problems, anti respiratory diseases, anti cholestrolemic, anti hepatitis, inflammation of gall blader, against bacterial infection, skin diseases, gynecologic problems, agues treatment, cutaneous diseases, treatment of asthma, against heart diseases, anti viral and treatment of fever.  Most of the species were noticed having more than one ethnobotanical uses. Family Poaceae and Lamiaceae was recorded unique among all the families in having comparatively the highest number of species. i.e., 5

An optimized, patented lure for the larger pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda has been developed and tested in the United States, Poland, and Croatia. Seven different beetle attractants were tested: α- pinene, α-pinene oxide, ethanol, nonanal, myrtenal, myrtenol, and trans-verbenol. α-pinene was tested alone or in combination with two or more of the remaining compounds. Attraction of all candidate lures was compared to attraction of Tomodor, a Polish commercial lure for T. piniperda, using the Intercept™ Panel Trap (PT). A lure containing α-pinene, α-pinene oxide, neonatal, myrtenal, myrtenol, and trans-verbenol was used to compare trap captures in Intercept PT with 12- unit multi-funnel traps in USA, Theyson trap in Croatia, and IBL-3 trap in Poland. This study demonstrated that at least a quaternary semiochemical combination, including α-pinene, neonatal, trans-verbenol, and myrtenol is required to assure maximum trap captures. The best IPM Tech lure was significantly more attractive than Tomodor when tested in Poland and Croatia. Catches of T. piniperda in the Intercept PT were significantly higher than in the IBL-3 trap or Theyson trap.
Keywords: larger pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda, attractant, Intercept Panel Trap (PT), insect monitoring

The effects of various concentration levels of neem oil (Nimbecidine 0.03% Aza) and water extracts of neem seed and leaf on growth and development of African bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera were studied under laboratory condition. Square dip and larval immersion experiments were conducted in three replications in a Completely Randomized Design. In square dip experiment, all tested concentration levels (2.5%, 5% and 10%) of neem seed and leaf extracts at 3, 6 and 9 days after treatment application resulted in significantly lower larval weight. In larval immersion experiment, only 10% neem seed extract and 10% neem leaf extract resulted in significantly lower larval weight at 3 days after treatment. In the same experiment, all tested concentration levels (2.5%, 5% and 10%) of neem seed extracts significantly reduced the weight of larvae at 6 days after treatment application. However, at 9 days after treatment application, only 5% and 10% neem seed extracts were found effective in reducing the larval weight. Only the two higher concentration levels (5% and 10%) of neem seed extract significantly reduced the weight of pupae. Generally, the result of this study indicated the potential of neem extracts for the integrated management of H. armigera.

Bark beetles (Scolytinae) are hosts to a broad diversity of mites (Acari), including several genera of Ori-batida (Sarcoptiformes). Of these, Paraleius (Scheloribatidae) species are the most frequently collected oribatid mites associated with bark beetles. A new species was discovered while surveying the acarofauna of bark beetles in Eastern Canada and is described as Paraleius leahae sp. n. (Oribatida, Scheloribatidae). This species was collected from two host beetle species, Hylastes porculus Erickson and Dendroctonus valens LeConte, in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The genus Paraleius is rediagnosed, Metaleius is considered a synonym of Paraleius, and the proposed synonymy of Paraleius with Siculobata is rejected. The three known species are Paraleius leontonycha (Berlese), P. leahae sp. n., and P. strenzkei (Travé), comb. n. The barcode region of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was amplified from P. leahae sp. n.

The ecological preferences and bioacoustics of bush-crickets, crickets and grasshoppers species were studied in middle and lower Prut River basin, a research conducted in 55 localities from Romania and 33 localities in the Republic of Moldova. A total number of 91 species of Orthoptera were collected in the study area: 85 species encountered on the western side of Prut River basin (9 Phaneropteridae, 24 Tettigoniidae, 1 Bradyporidae, 5 Gryllidae, 1 Gryllotalpidae, 1 Tridactylidae, 5 Tetrigidae, 39 Acrididae) and 76 species found on the eastern side (7 Phaneropteridae, 19 Tettigoniidae, 1 Bradyporidae, 5 Gryllidae, 1 Gryllotalpidae, 1 Tridactylidae, 3 Tetrigidae, 39 Acrididae). Four species are recorded for the first time in the Orthoptera fauna of the Republic of Moldova: Barbitistes constrictus (Fabricius), Poecilimon fussii Brunner von Wattenwyl, Metrioptera roeselii fedtschenkoi (Saussure) and Pholidoptera frivaldskyi (Herman). Résumé. Les préférences écologiques et bioacoustique des espèces de sauterelles, grillons et criquets ont été étudiés dans le bassin moyen et inférieur du fleuve Prut, une recherche menée dans 55 localités de la Roumanie et de 33 localités dans la République de Moldova. Un total de 91 espèces d'orthoptères a été recueillis dans la zone d'étude: 85 espèces rencontrées sur le côté d'ouest du bassin de la rivière Prut (9 Phaneropteridae, 24 Tettigoniidae, 1 Bradyporidae, 5 Gryllidae, 1 Gryllotalpidae, 1 Tridactylidae, 5 Tetrigidae, 39 Acrididae) et 76 espèces présentes sur la côte orientale (7 Phaneropteridae, 19 Tettigoniidae, 1 Bradyporidae, 5 Gryllidae, 1 Gryllotalpidae, 1 Tridactylidae, 3 Tetrigidae, 39 Acrididae). Quatre espèces sont enregistrées pour la première fois dans la faune d'Orthoptères de la République de Moldova: Barbitistes constrictus (Fabricius), Poecilimon fussii Brunner von Wattenwyl, Metrioptera roeselii fedtschenkoi (Saussure) et Pholidoptera frivaldskyi (Herman).

• Our aim is to present why the hypothesis, that Ophiostomatoid fungi play an important role in the establishment of most bark beetle species on living conifers, is valuable. • After summarizing knowledge about the relationships of bark beetles with conifers and fungi, we conclude that controversy results from misinterpretations when using fungal pathogenicity to demonstrate the role of Ophiostomatoid fungi in beetle establishment on host trees. • We demonstrate that fungal pathogenicity is not the right parameter to appreciate the role of fungus in beetle establishment on host trees. We argue that artificial low density inoculations that allow the appreciation of fungus ability to stimulate tree defenses and thus to help beetles in overcoming tree resistance must be used in complement to mass inoculations. In both cases, results must be expressed in terms of tree defense stimulation rather than in terms of tree killing. (i) Fungal species stimulating tree defenses are generally not those that grow the best in the sapwood. (ii) We argue that beetle development in the phloem, fungal invasion of the sapwood and phloem, and tree death, occur after tree defenses are exhausted, and that any fungus present in the beetle gallery could thus potentially invade the sapwood after defense exhaustion. • We conclude that stimulation of the tree defense reactions in both the phloem and the superficial sapwood is a real benefit brought by fungi to the beetles during the first phase of establishment (overcoming tree resistance). • Considering the origin of the bark beetle fungus associations attacking living trees and their general functioning based on stimulation of tree defenses, we develop three hypotheses: (i) any beetle species would be helped in its establishment in a given tree species by developing an association, even loosely, with a fungus species belonging to the Ophiostomatoid flora of that tree species; (ii) the necessity of a considerably low level of tree resistance for fungus extension into the tree is the selection pressure that has led fungi to develop their intrinsic ability to stimulate tree defenses, through their ability to grow into the phloem. This association can be completed by antagonistic fungal species controlling extension of the previous fungal species in the tree tissues; (iii) Beetle species using the strategy of overcoming tree resistance are associated with a fungal complex, of which species could assume three roles regarding relationships between beetles and trees: 1-to stimulate tree defenses in the phloem and superficial sapwood, 2-to grow into the sapwood after tree resistance is overcome, and 3-to control phloem extension of the first other two categories. Bringing nutrients to the beetle progeny can be a fourth role. • We propose that bark beetle – Ophiostomatoid associations can be categorized, based on associ-ations' frequency and complexity while taking into account beetle aggressiveness. We show that a close correspondence exists between beetles' aggressiveness and the ability of their main associated fungal species to stimulate the defenses of their host tree. • We conclude with suggesting that most sapwood invading fungi might be " cheaters " which have taken advantage of the efficiency of the relationship between beetles and fungi that stimulate tree defenses.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência de Hypsipyla grandella em árvores de cedro situadas em Brasília, Distrito Federal, bem como descrever os principais danos decorridos em frutos e sementes. Foram coletados 283 frutos caídos de árvores de cedro e cada fruto foi analisado individualmente quanto à presença da H. Grandella, visualização dos principais sintomas e sinais da lagarta, como a presença de orifícios, goma, teia e excrementos. Foram encontradas 128 lagartas e 41 pupários no interior dos frutos. A partir do presente estudo foi possível constatar a presença e permanência de H. grandella em árvores de cedro durante os meses de janeiro a abril, época de produção e maturação de frutos da espécie, os quais, assim, servem de inóculo para futuros plantios, tanto de produção comercial como para fins paisagístiscos, dessa Meliaceae na região do Distrito Federal, Brasil.

The present study determined new faunastic records of Family dermestidae from Kargil. Kargil is one of the two districts of ladakh region known as Cold desert of the country (India) and falls in the transhimalayan mountain system. A total of 3 species belonging to 3 subfamilies viz., Dermestinae, Attageninae and Megatominae were recorded and described for the first time from the area under study. Notes on the bionomy of all the three species is presented. Two species Anthrenus indicus and Attagenus gobicola are new records for the area.

The study assessed the effects of anthropogenic activities on the regenerative capacity of “Alibangbang” (Bauhinia malabarica Roxb.), a pioneer species with known fire-resistant and excellent coppicing qualities, in the remnant forest and grass-dominated watersheds of Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. The various uses and potentials of alibangbang as a local resource was determined through interviews, direct observations, and analysis of secondary information. Results of the study revealed that the low regeneration of alibangbang could be attributed to upland farming, pasture and grazing, and the gathering of alibangbang shoots and leaves, cogon grass, charcoal, and fuelwood in the area. High preference for alibangbang fuelwood and charcoal put pressure on the survival and growth of remaining patches in the area. Local people prefer to use the shoots of alibangbang as a food flavoring resulting in over harvesting and pruning that disturb the tree’s photosynthetic activity and inhibits growth. Escape fires from land clearing and kaingin as well as regular browsing and trampling of grazing animals further affected the species’ capacity for natural succession resulting in slow colonization, despite the abundance of good mother alibangbang trees in the watershed.

A retrospective study covering a period of seven years (1997-2003) was conducted to assess the extent of damage of Cinara cupressivora on Cupressus lusitanica Orchard and determine any correlation with climatic factors in Dedza, Malawi. Furthermore, the study was also aimed at determining the efficacy of Pauesia juniperorum as a biological control. The data was extracted from monthly reports of the Forestry Research Institute of Malawi (Centre), where a total of 319 trees were assessed. A statistically significant (X2=13.97, P<0.001) association was found between the damage of the trees and increased number of C. cupressivora. The damage was found to be eighteen times (Odds Ratio=18.1) more likely to occur on trees attacked by C. cupressivora than those not attacked. The hot-dry season was found to be significantly (X2=8.6, P<0.001) associated with the increased number of C. cupressivora, and the damage was found to be three times (Odds Ratio=3.4) more likely to occur in this season compared to cold-wet and warm-wet seasons. Consequently, the results further show a significant (X2=26.37, P<0.001) association between the survival of trees and the presence of P. juniperorum. The trees attacked by C. cupressivora were found to be twenty-nine times (Odds Ratio=29.1) more likely to survive with the presence of P. juniperorum than those where the parasitic wasp were absent. It is, therefore, recommended that classical biological control is the most suitable and permanent solution for control. Hence, P. juniperorum is a potential agent for the biological control of C. cupressivora.

In a northern Sardinia cork oak stand the development of Malacosoma neustrium larvae, starting from egg hatch, was studied in order to verify the number of larval instars, characterise the nests built during the different instars and show a possible periodicity of their daily activity. The data obtained by direct open field observations (n. 16 cork oak trees infested with 22 egg masses) and laboratory rearing (25°C; RH=60%) using cork oak leaves as food source for larvae, were analysed. In the selected area, temperature, relative humidity, global radiation (MJ/m2) and rainfall (hourly and daily average data) were recorded. The insect completed 5 instars both in the field and in the laboratory; each instar was properly defined by using head capsule (cps) and frass (frs) measurements (H,p,=559.05; Hr,,=541.43; d.f.=4, P<0,05; Kruskal-Wallis's test). Up to 3rd instar, the larvae showed aggregation behaviour both in searching for food and in building the characteristic silk shelters. First instar larvae, hatched from the same egg masses, built various refuges around the young buds they eat but they completed the first moult in only one of them. In contrast, both 2nd and 3rd instar larvae generally built only one nest, of a more complicated structure, offering also an inside refuge to the colony. Fourth instar larvae maintained aggregation behaviour for a short while and showed a premature inclination to scatter in the canopy. In ali observed cases, fourth instar larvae did not build nests but spun only some tents on primary branches and at their junctions, which were used as a stand to rest and moult. Fifth instar larvae did not show any aggregation behaviour and in some cases, they left the host tree to search for food. Direct observations of larval activity revealed that the larvae, up to 4th instar, are not active between midnight and 3.00 a.m. whereas they eat intensively at dawn (between 6.00 and 8.00 a.m.) and at sunset (between 7.00 and 9.00 p.m.). During the last instar, the larvae seemed continuously engaged in foraging activity except for a short interval in the course of the day.

LastCall™ (LC), an attract and kill bait matrix, was deployed for the management of shoot boring moths in pine plantations and seed orchards. The targeted moths were the Western pine shoot borer, Eucosma sonomana (WPSB), European pine shoot moth, Rhyacionia buoliana (EPSM), Ponderosa pine tip moth, Rhyacionia zozana (PPTM), and Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (NPTM) in pine plantations and seed orchards. Attract and kill technology very selectively removes male moths of the target species from the ecosystem with negligible impact on non-target organisms. Baits combine the selectivity of pheromone (only 0.21 g/ha, compared to 3.5-20 g/ha for mating disruption) with the rapid toxicity of insecticides (only 7.92 g/ha, compared to 500-800 g/ha for conventional sprays). This bait retains the insecticide within a hydrophobic matrix that precludes run-off or drift, and thus prevents ecosystem contamination and damage.