Effects of permethrin sprays on the mite fauna of apple orchards

In two apple orchard trials, single high volume sprays of 25–50 mg permethrin/ litre greatly reduced numbers of the phytosend predatory mite Typhlodromus pyri whether the spray was timed pre-bloom at growth stages from ‘bud-burst’ to ‘late green cluster’ or post-bloom in June. At ‘bud-burst’T. pyri were partially protected in hibernating sites on the bark, but the lethal effect of the spray was only delayed; no appreciable selectivity could be obtained by this early timing. Bioassays showed that the persistent toxicity of permethrin residues on bark or on leaves declined to a low level within 20 days, and was related to the decline in residue levels determined by G.C. analyses. Residues were detectable for 3 months or longer. Resurgence of spider mites, Panonychus ulmi, occurred within 2 months after all spray timings, and effective predation by T. pyri was only fully re-establised after several months. In one trial, apple rust mite, Aculus schlechtendali also increased when T. pyri was reduced by spraying. Tydeid mites were killed by permethrin.     

Simulation model of the European red mite andTyphlodromus pyri in New Zealand apple orchards

A deterministic model of the European red mitePanonychus ulmi (Koch) and its predatorTyphlodromus pyri Scheuten is presented. The model is driven by daily maximum and minimum temperatures, and requires the per-leaf densities of both mites in spring to start each simulation. It was successful at predicting the general change in mite populations, and the peak prey density, but deviations from field results occurred at low prey density. Simulations have suggested that the present miticide spray thresholds used in New Zealand are too conservative and have also provided further insight into integrated control ofP. ulmi.     

The impact of insecticides applied in apple orchards on the predatory mite Kampimodromus aberrans (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Kampimodromus aberrans is an effective predatory mite in fruit orchards. The side-effects of insecticides on this species have been little studied. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of insecticides on K. aberrans. Field experiments showed the detrimental effects of etofenprox, tau-fluvalinate and spinosad on predatory mites. Spider mite (Panonychus ulmi) populations reached higher densities on plots treated with etofenprox and tau-fluvalinate than in the other treatments. Single or multiple applications of neonicotinoids caused no detrimental effects on predatory mites. In the laboratory, spinosad and tau-fluvalinate caused 100 % mortality. Etofenprox caused a significant mortality and reduced fecundity. The remaining insecticides did not affect female survival except for imidacloprid. Thiamethoxam, clothianidin, thiacloprid, chlorpyrifos, lufenuron and methoxyfenozide were associated with a significant reduction in fecundity. No effect on fecundity was found for indoxacarb or acetamiprid. Escape rate of K. aberrans in laboratory was relatively high for etofenprox and spinosad, and to a lesser extent thiacloprid. The use of etofenprox, tau-fluvalinate and spinosad was detrimental for K. aberrans and the first two insecticides induced spider mite population increases. The remaining insecticides caused no negative effects on predatory mites in field trials. Some of them (reduced fecundity and repellence) should be considered with caution in integrated pest management programs.     

The effect of groundcover and herbicide treatment on twospotted spider mite density and dispersal in southern Oregon pear orchards

A total of 49 groundcover plant species representing 47 genera in 22 families were identified from a survey of 5 pear orchards. Density of twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) inhabiting these plants was estimated visually several times during the field season. Plants were ranked in 1 of 3 categories depending on mite densities found on these plants during the summer. T. urticae was found to be highly abundant (category 3) on 26 species, at lower densities on 10 species (category 2), and was rarely or never found on the remaining 12 species (category 1). Dispersal of mites from groundcover plants into trees was found to be highly variable within and between orchards. Within orchard dispersal appeared to be related to the distribution and abundance of category 3 host plants in the orchard. Variability between orchards may also be affected by groundcover management techniques and levels of acaricide resistance in T. urticae. The use of herbicides to control groundcover plants significantly increased the dispersal of T. urticae into the orchard trees.     

Oviposition model of overwintered adult Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and mite phenology on the ground cover in apple orchards

The phenology of overwintered Tetranychus urticae was studied on the ground cover in apple orchards in the early season, and an oviposition model of overwintered adults was developed. The movement of overwintered adults from trees to ground cover started from mid-March and continued until mid-April. One life cycle from eggs to new adults (the 1st generation adults) on the ground cover was from late March to early May. The longevity and fecundity of overwintered T. urticae were affected largely by temperature. The longevity ranged from 46.6 days at 10 degrees C to 6.5 days at 35 degrees C. The total fecundity was minimum (0.2 eggs) at 10 degrees C and maximum (45.5 eggs) at 25 degrees C. The relationship between total fecundity and temperature was described well by a nonlinear equation. The cumulative age-specific oviposition rate was described well by the two-parameter Weibull function. The overall adult survival exhibited a reverse logistic curve. Three temperature-dependent components, age-specific cumulative oviposition rate, temperature-dependent total fecundity and age-specific survival rate functions, were incorporated into an oviposition model. The oviposition model simulation described the occurrence pattern of eggs laid by overwintered T. urticae on the ground cover in apple orchards relatively well.     

印度小裂绵蚜在土壤中的垂直分布及其种群消长

【目的】印度小裂绵蚜Schizoneurella indica Hille Ris Lambers是在云南昭通苹果上发现的一种新害虫,发生普遍且严重。研究印度小裂绵蚜种群在土壤中的垂直分布及其消长动态是为了掌握其发生与危害特点。【方法】2002—2006年,我们采用盆栽和田间调查的方法对印度小裂绵蚜在土壤中的垂直分布和种群消长开展了研究。【结果】印度小裂绵蚜田间种群数量高峰期主要集中发生在9—12月,5—7月份为其田间种群快速增长期,种群增长率可达200%~273%。印度小裂绵蚜无翅蚜种群在0~30 cm的土壤范围内占总虫量的49.0%,30~60 cm的占27.0%,>60 cm的占24.0%。无翅蚜的各虫龄全年均有发生,冬季以第4龄若虫和无翅成虫为主。有翅蚜的发生全年只有1个时期,为11月上旬至12月下旬。【结论】印度小裂绵蚜田间种群数量全年发生1个高峰期,主要集中在0~30 cm的土壤范围内,随着土壤深度的增加,印度小裂绵蚜种群数量亦逐渐下降。田间有翅蚜虫量极少,较难观察到。     

Population dynamics of Cacopsylla melanoneura (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in northeast Italy and its role in the apple proliferation epidemiology in apple orchards

In the current study, incidence of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali' in an experimental apple orchard in northeast Italy, in addition to abundance and phytoplasma infectivity of Cacopsylla melanoneura (F?rster) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) was determined and the role of this psyllid as a vector of 'Ca. P. mali' in this region was reviewed. Insect samples collected in the orchard by the beating method indicated high abundance of C. melanoneura (up to 7.92 specimens/branch); however, the psyllid C. picta was not observed. Molecular analyses revealed presence of 'Ca. P. mali' in 6.25% of overwintered psyllids. This infection rate is quite high in comparison to other localities where C. melanoneura is known as the main vector of the phytoplasma. This finding supports the assumption that C. melanoneura also is paramount in the epidemiology of the apple proliferation disease also in northeast Italy. Moreover, we correlated immigration dynamics to the temperatures registered in the apple orchard, and defined an immigration index to predict the progressive arrival of the overwintered adults from winter sites. Psyllids start to reach the apple orchards when either the average of the maximum temperature of the 7 d is above 9.5 degrees C or the immigration index has a positive value. This index will be a useful tool for the growers to prevent apple proliferation phytoplasma spread with well-timed insecticide treatments targeted against C. melanoneura. However, further research is needed to validate or adjust the index to other apple growing regions, which may affect more efficacious management of this disease and psyllid vector.     

Empirical models of the conductance of leaves in apple orchards

Abstract. Seasonal data on leaf conductance (g_l) for three different apple cultivars grown in four separate orchards with different aged trees was studied between 1979 and 1985. A number of empirical models for predicting leaf conductance from environmental measurements were compared using this data and a general method for adapting such models for the prediction of different data sets is proposed. Although stepwise multiple regression identified relative humidity or vapour pressure as important variables, it frequently did not identify the optimal set of independent variables, which often did not include either of these. There was no advantage in regressing g_l against principal components of the environment, rather than against the raw environmental variables. A simple model involving air vapour pressure deficit, air temperature and a hyperbolic function of irradiance was found to explain between 32 and 62% of the variance in g_l for the different data sets. Parameters fitted for one data set led to the effective prediction of g_l in other years or plots. The model fit could generally be improved significantly by including soil moisture deficit among the independent variables.     

Fireblight epidemic among Kentish apple orchards in 1969

Evidence from field observations and orchard plans indicates that the fireblight epidemic among apples in 1969 followed a critical combination of weather conditions. There is little doubt that diseased hawthorns, situated entirely or mainly to the north-west of the main lanes of infection, were the source of inoculum. Initial infection was confined to shoots. No blossom infection was seen at any time. Weather data from a nearby meteorological station point to distribution of inoculum having taken place on one of the days 6–10 July when strong winds, rainfall and hailstorms occurred. These days were followed immediately by temperatures above 18d?C which are considered suitable for infection and for progress of the bacterium within the shoot tissues. The control measures advised were the removal and destruction of diseased parts, the disinfection of pruning implements, the protection of wounded surfaces against infection and the destruction of nearby diseased hawthorns.     

Effect of native natural enemies on the population dynamics of the grape mealybug,Pseudococcus maritimus (Hom.: Pseudococcidae), in apple and pear orchards

The impact of native natural enemies on populations of the grape mealybug,Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) in apple and pear orchards was assessed using a combination of techniques, including exclusion cages, limb-banding, and visual inspection of shoots and fruits. The complex of native natural enemies (which included two encyrtid parasitoids, (Pseudaphycus websteri Timberlake andMayridia species), a coccinellid beetle (Hyperaspis lateralis Mulsant), and a chamaemyiid fly (Leucopis verticalis Malloch), provided reasonably good control in orchards that had not been treated with insecticides for one to two years. However, surveys indicated that most of these species were absent from orchards regularly sprayed with pesticides.     

苹果蠹蛾成虫在苹果园中的动态分布

为了解苹果蠹蛾Cydia pomonella(L.)在田间的空间分布格局及其季节变化,从而为基于不同果园特点的诱捕器监测及有害生物综合治理提供基础信息,2005及2010年,本研究选择甘肃高台县和张掖甘州区的两处果园,应用地统计方法对其中的成虫空间分布及其季节性变化进行了研究。其结果显示:在采取常规防治的果园中,苹果蠹蛾发生热点集中在果园的边缘,且随着成虫数量季节性的消长,这种边界效应变的更加突出;而在采取了迷向防治措施的果园当中,诱捕器捕获量的空间相关性与信息素浓度和虫口数量有密切的关系。根据以上研究结果,在今后的监测工作中,尤其是在较大的果园中进行诱捕器布局的时候,应将果园的边缘地区作为重点监测区域。     

Temperature-dependent predator-prey mite ecosystem on apple tree foliage

Summary The biological control of the McDaniel spider mite, which is a pest on apple tree foliage, by a predacious mite species, which feeds upon it, is represented by a continuous-discrete time hybrid model incorporating temperature effects explicityland mite metamorphosis implicitly. The results of this model can be shown to provide good agreement when compared with relevant field data.     

Establishing insecticide-resistant phytoseiid mite predators in deciduous tree fruit orchards

A summary of basic biological, ecological and toxicological characteristics of 3 phytoseiid mite predatorsTyphlodromus occidentalis Nesbitt,Amblyseius fallacis Garman andTyphlodromus pyri Scheuten which have developed resistances to certain insecticides commonly used in commercial fruit orchards is presented. Methods of culturing and mass-rearing these mites are reviewed. Also the cultural and pesticidal measures which should be maintained to facilitate effective biological control of spider mite pest of deciduous fruit crops by these predators and to maximally provide for their establishment in areas of the world where resistance has not developed or they do not occur naturally are discussed.

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Résumé L'auteur résume les caractéristiques fondamentles biologiques, écologiques et toxicologiques de 3 phytoséiides prédateurs d'acariens,Typhlodromus occidentalis Nesbitt,Amblyseius fallacis Garman etTyphlodromus pyri Scheuter, qui ont acquis une résistance à certains insecticides généralement utilisés dans les vergers de fruits commerciaux. Les méthodes d'élevage et de multiplication massive de ces acariens sont rappelées. Sont également discutées les techniques culturales et phytosanitaires qui sont à employer pour favoriser ces prédateurs comme agents de lutte biologique efficace contre les acariens nuisibles aux vergers et pour procéder à leur implantation dans les régions du monde où la résistance ne s'est pas manifestée ou bien où ces prédateurs n'existent pas naturellement.

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This publication was supported in part by a NSF-EPA grant GB-34718 to the University of California. The findings, opinions and recommendations expressed herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the University of California, NSF or EPA. Published as Journal Article N. 1559 of the Michigan State University Agricultural Experiment Station.     

苹果园周围生境对凹唇壁蜂种群的维持作用

【目的】凹唇壁蜂Osmia excavata Alfken是我国重要授粉昆虫之一,在北方苹果树授粉有极其重要的作用。如何通过管理措施,维持壁蜂种群成为急需解决的重要问题之一。【方法】以苹果园和周围生境为研究区域,在四类不同生境类型中(苹果园中心区与边缘区,苹果周围生境中心区和边缘区),共选取18个点,采用粘虫板(白板和黄板)和蜂巢(芦苇管和塑料巢箱)两种不同调查方式监测凹唇壁蜂及其天敌叉唇寡毛土蜂种群数量动态,重点分析苹果园周围生境对凹唇壁蜂种群的维持作用。【结果】粘虫板调查结果表明:整体上凹唇壁蜂的数量在苹果园周围生境(65%±17%)高于苹果园生境(35%±12%)。芦苇巢管调查表明:凹唇壁蜂筑巢数量在苹果园周围生境(69%±26%)高于苹果园生境(31%±9%);塑料巢管调查表明,凹唇壁蜂筑巢数量在苹果园周围生境(48%±13%)与苹果园生境(52%±13%)基本相同。苹果园的周围生境可以为释放在果园内的壁蜂提供稳定觅食筑巢条件,起到有效维持凹唇壁蜂种群的作用。【结论】苹果园景观中的凹唇壁蜂种群受生境类型的影响,果园周围的生境可以为凹唇壁蜂等授粉昆虫提供栖息空间与食物资源,具有重要价值。在苹果园实际生产与管理时,应考虑在其周围生境中保护与种植更多的开花植物,为以凹唇壁蜂为代表的授粉昆虫提供适宜的栖息环境和补充食物,维持其种群。     

Resistance to organophosphates, and the genetic background, in fruit tree red spider mite, Panonychus ulmi, from English apple orchards

Assays on adult females and eggs of Panonychus ulmi , on leaf discs of Myrobalan plum, were used to characterise and establish homogenous organophosphateresistant (OR) and susceptible strains. Reciprocal crosses of these strains, and assays on adult mites and eggs of the parent, F₁ and F₂ generations confirmed that resistance was controlled by a single major gene, the expression of which was dominant in the response to parathion, and incompletely dominant to vamidothion, dimethoate and demeton-S-methyl. Reproductive incompatibility, between strains, as in Tetranychus urticae , was not found.
Bioassays on larvae hatched from winter eggs, collected from several orchards in Kent, Essex and Somerset, were used to evaluate the spectrum of cross-resistance to a range of 20 organophosphates (OPs). Together with assays on adult females, these tests showed 10- to 100-fold resistance to most of the OPs used for several years including those noted above, but less than 10-fold to azinphos compounds and to several recently-introduced OPs, e. g. dialifos, triazophos, dioxathion. The resistance spectrum in strain OR and five field strains was similar, but some had higher levels to parathion and demeton-S-methyl, and others to dioxathion after 3–4 years' exposure. Resistance levels to individual OPs may be enhanced by specific selection. Strains resistant to OPs showed only 2- to 5-fold resistance to two carbamates, and were fully susceptible to dicofol.