Field parasitism levels of Ceratitis capitata larvae (Diptera: Tephritidae) by Aganaspis daci on different host fruit species in the coastal region of Tartous,Syria

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a key pest of fruit trees in Syria and is attacked by the larval-pupal parasitoid, Aganaspis daci (Weld) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae). The seasonal population dynamics and distribution of A. daci were studied in surveys of orchards [Citrus reticulatum (clementine), Citrus sinensis (maourdi blood orange), Citrus paradise (grapefruit), C. sinensis (sweet orange), Eriobotrya japonica (loquat), Prunus persica (peach), Prunus domestica (plum), Malus domestica (apple), Figus carica (fig) and Psidium guajava (guava)] at eight locations along the coastal region of Syria, between November 2013 and November 2014. A total of 69.4?kg of infested fruits were sampled, yielding 4274 puparia. From these, 3173 emerged as C. capitata adults, 351 as hymenopteran parasitoids and 750 did not eclose. The parasitoids were identified as A. daci (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) and Psyttalia sp. (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). The predominant species was A. daci comprising 348 (99.1%) of the total number of parasitoids collected. Populations of A. daci were present from May 2014 to September 2014, and numbers increased with increasing temperature to peak at 32.05% and 34.01% parasitism in June and August 2014, respectively. Parasitoids were only retrieved from larvae reared from loquat, grapefruit, peach and guava with parasitism levels of 1.68%, 30.76%, 18.28% and 16.15%, respectively. These results are important because they suggest that populations of A. daci have potential to be used for biological control in integrated pest management programmes for C. capitata in the coastal region of Syria.     

Mayflies of the Northern Levant (Insecta: Ephemeroptera)

Abstract

For 31 species of mayflies, new records on their distribution are presented. Most of them are new to the Middle East or to the northern Levant (Turkey, Syria, Lebanon). The fauna is composed for the most part of species widespread in Europe (63%), a relatively high number (26%) of endemic species, and a few Caucasian (8%) and South European (3%) species. Using the genus Prosopistoma as an example, it is shown that the mayfly fauna of the northern Levantine has been isolated from the faunas of Africa and Asia for a very long period.     

First record of the beetle Osphranteria coerulescens Redtenbacher, 1850 (Coleoptera,Cerambycidae) from Turkey

Abstract

The beetle Osphranteria coerulescens, until now known only from a few places in Iran and in Syria is reported from four sites in Eastern Turkey.     

The establishment of the North-American mosquito fish,Gambasia holbrooki,in Syrian inland waters)

Abstract

The North-American mosquito fish, Gambusia holbrooki (Girard, 1859), came to Syria in 1929 but only recently spread over large parts of the country. Between 1977 and 1979 Gambusia was studied in various water bodies throughout Syria. The conditions For its successful establishment and its effect on populations of the indigenous cyprinodont fish Aphanius mento (Heckel, 1843) were surveyed. Out of 31 localities where Gambusia and/or Aphanius occurred 17 were inhabited by both species, 11 only by Aphanius and three only by Gambusia. A comparison of these localities indicated that Gambusia is better adapted to high salinity and polluted water whereas Aphanius tolerates stronger currents. Possible negative effects of Gambusia on the indigenous aquatic fauna of Syria are briefly discussed.     

Phylogenetic analysis of Starmerella apis in honey bees (Apis mellifera)

Honey bees are among the most effective pollinators that promote plant reproduction. Bees are highly active in the pollen collection season, which can lead to the transmission of selected pathogens between colonies. The clade Starmerella comprises yeasts that are isolated mainly from bees and their environment. When visiting plants, bees can come into contact with Starmerella spp. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and phylogenetic position of S. apis in bee colonies. Bee colonies were collected from nine apiaries in three regions. Ten colonies were sampled randomly from each apiary, and pooled samples were collected from the central part of the hive in each colony. A total of 90 (100%) bee colonies from nine apiaries were examined. Starmerella apis was detected in 31 (34.44%) samples, but related species were not identified. The 18S rRNA amplicon sequences of S. apis were compatible with the GenBank sequences of Starmerella spp. from India, Japan, Syria, Thailand, and the USA. The amplicon sequences of S. apis were also 99.06% homologous with the sequences deposited in GenBank under accession numbers JX515988 and NG067631 .This is the first study to perform a phylogenetic analysis of S. apis in Polish honey bees.     

Microsatellites for diversity studies in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

Ten polymorphic microsatellites were developed for the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), a widely used model organism in biological and medical researches. All loci were used to analyse the microsatellite variability in wild golden hamsters from Syria and in a sample of domestic animals comprising different strains. Average mean expected heterozygosity (H_E) and mean allele number (A) of domestic hamsters measured 0.279 ± 0.058 and 2.6 ± 0.306, respectively, compared to 0.809 ± 0.019 and 8.3 ± 1.075 found for wild hamsters. Cross‐species application in other Mesocricetus species proved conservation of most loci throughout the genus.     

Entomopathogenic fungi of Eurygaster integriceps Puton (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae): collection and characterization for development

Exploratory activities were done in Syria, Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, The Kyrghyz Republic, and Russia to locate entomopathogenic fungi of Eurygaster integriceps. Isolates from the entomopathogenic genera Beauveria, Paecilomyces, and Verticillium were collected. Beauveria bassiana was the most commonly recovered species. Thirty-one isolates of the 221 recovered were examined at 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C for 20 days for growth and sporulation. Growth and sporulation were generally highest at 25 °C. None of the isolates grew at 35 °C, and at 30 °C growth was retarded with no conidia being produced. Single- and multiple-concentration bioassays were conducted on greenhouse-grown wheat plants and in pine litter to evaluate virulence of fungi from several sources to E. integriceps. When tested at a single concentration, mortality after 15 days ranged from 66 to >95% in the litter assays and 50 to 91% in the plant assays. There was a distinct concentration response for most of the isolates tested in the multiple-concentration assay, particularly in the in-litter environment. In litter, mortality tended to develop earlier than in on-plant assays. Several isolates of B. bassiana and one Metarhizium anisopliae displayed consistently high virulence against E. integriceps and were more virulent than two commercial strains. Our results demonstrate the potential of entomopathogenic fungi for management of E. integriceps in overwintering sites and in wheat fields.     

Molecular and ecological study of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eryngium</Emphasis> species in Syria

Eryngium L. species growing in Syria were characterized using morphological, geographical and molecular analyses (IRAP and RAPD). Eight Eryngium L. species have been determined to exist in Syria. E. glomeratum, E. campestre and E. falcatum were found to grow in the mountain regions. E. creticum and E. desertorum were found to grow in variant environments: mountains, semidesert and saline environments, which indicate their wide range of adaptation and tolerance to abiotic stresses.     

Characterization and distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daucus</Emphasis> species in Syria

Syria is considered as one of the important centres for Daucus diversity including Daucus carota. Therefore, it is essential to study the distribution and characterization of these species in Syria. An exploration of plants belonging to the Apiaceae family was conducted on road and field sides in several areas of Syria. Seeds (fruits) from these plants have been also collected. The seeds were sown in pots containing peatmoss in a glasshouse and emerging plants were grown until flowering and seed formation. The plants were classified based on leaf, umbel, and seed shape. Proteins were extracted from the leaves and analysed using electrophoresis to establish genetic relationships among species. Seven Daucus species have been identified to grow in Syria. These are D. aureus, D. bicolor, D. carota, D. durieua, D. guttatus, D. littoralis, and D. muricatus. Isozyme and total protein analysis, cluster analysis, and correlation matrix have revealed considerable genetic variation among studied Daucus species. Wild carrot (D. carota) came in one group with its cultivated form (D. carota ssp. sativus) and the closest species to them was D. guttatus. Species D. bicolor and D. durieua were in the same group and D. aureus and D. littoralis were in another group farther from the previous groups. The farthest species on the genetic tree was D. muricatus.     

Diversity and the origin of the European population of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum dicoccum</Emphasis> (Schrank) Schuebl. As revealed by chromosome analysis

Cluster analysis of the Triticum dicoccum chromosome passports by artificial neural networks and UPGMA divided the European T. dicoccum population into two groups, West European and Volga-Balkan. The West European T. dicoccum accessions displayed a predominance of the marker translocation T7A:5B (67% of the accessions), which was also found in a few accessions from other countries (Turkey, Iran, and northern Africa), and were similar in chromosome C-banding patterns. The Volga-Balkan T. dicoccum accessions differed in the C-banding patterns of some chromosomes from the West European accessions, thus probably originating from another founder population. It was assumed that the T. dicoccum accessions carrying the T7A:5B translocation had a common origin and that the wild T. dicoccum population of the Middle East (Syria and Lebanon) contributed to the origin of West European T. dicoccum.     

The revenant: rediscovery of Margaritifera homsensis from Orontes drainage with remarks on its taxonomic status and conservation (Bivalvia: Margaritiferidae)

Since Margaritifera marocana (Pallary, 1918) and M. laosensis (Lea, 1863) were rediscovered, M. homsensis (Lea, 1865) remains the only pearl mussel species known solely based on old shell samples from natural history museums. This is also the last pearl mussel species, which is absent in a phylogeny of the family. Here, we aimed to provide an integrative revision of the taxonomic status of M. homsensis from the Orontes Basin. Using a newly collected specimen from the River Karasu, Hatay Province, southern Turkey, five gene partitions were sequenced, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), large ribosomal subunit rRNA (16S), large ribosomal subunit rDNA (28S) and its D3 expansion segment (D3), and small ribosomal subunit rDNA (18S). The multi-gene phylogeny indicates that M. homsensis is a sister taxon of M. auricularia, but both these species are closely related to M. marocana by nuclear genes. The main conchological features, i.e., the shell shape, teeth morphology, and mantle attachment scars, as well as Fourier shell shape analysis have not shown principal differences between M. homsensis and M. auricularia. Based on these data, we concluded that M. homsensis is a valid species that is most closely related to M. auricularia. Special conservation efforts for a population of M. homsensis discovered in Turkey, including the formation of a nature reserve, might contribute to the conservation of the species. Finally, an extensive search for surviving populations in Orontes drainage (southern Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria) and the Nahr-el-Kabir River (Lebanon and Syria) remains necessary to develop a transboundary conservation strategy for this unique taxon.     

BIOGEOGRAPHY OF CLADOPHOROPSIS MEMBRANACEA (CHLOROPHYTA) BASED ON COMPARISONS OF NUCLEAR rDNA ITS SEQUENCES1

Nucleotides were compared at 988 sites, spanning both internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA, among 17 isolates of the green alga Cladophoropsis membranacea (Hofman Bang ex C. Agardh) Boergesen and two isolates of Struvea anastomosans (Harvey) Piccone and Grunow. Collections were made from Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Croix, the Canary Islands, the Cape Verde Islands, Mauritania, Syria, the Red Sea, Okinawa, and Hawaii. Two nucleotide substitutions were found between the sequenced coding regions of C. membranacea and S. anastomosans. Of the 720 nucleotides compared in ITS1 and ITS2, an average of 6.7% sequence divergence was found within C. membranacea and 17.4% between C. membranacea and S. anastomosans. Sequences were analyzed using maximum parsimony. Phylogenetic hypotheses were compared with the biogeographic hypothesis of an east-west Tethyan vicariance. Results of the study allow the identification of widely dispersed biogeographic populations, the identification of an underlying Tethyan imprint, and support for the hypothesis that dispersal has occurred between the Caribbean and the tropical eastern Atlantic. These results demonstrate the usefulness of ITS sequences at the sub-specific level in C. membranacea.     

The genus Hyalomma. XI. Redescription of all parasitic stages of H. (Euhyalomma) asiaticum (Acari: Ixodidae) and notes on its biology

The tick Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) asiaticum Schulze & Schlottke is provisionally considered to belong to the H. (E.) asiaticum group of closely related species. Males of H. asiaticum can be distinguished from those of other species of the group by their long and very deep cervical grooves, long, narrow, straight adanal plates, long dorsal prolongation of the spiracular plates, dorsal posterior margin of the basis capituli deeply concave and angular, and unbroken ivory-coloured strip on the dorsal aspect of the leg segments. Females of H. asiaticum can be distinguished from those of other species of the H. asiaticum group by their very deep cervical grooves, narrowly U-shaped genital aperture, with bulging preatrial fold. Larger domestic and wild ungulates are the principal hosts of the adults, while nymphs and larvae parasitize mainly rodents, leporids and hedgehogs. Hyalomma asiaticum is widely distributed in Asia, from Syria in the West to eastern China in the East. Here all the parasitic stages of H. asiaticum are illustrated and redescribed. Data on its disease relationships are also provided.     

Occurrence and impact ofPhytomyza orobanchia [Diptera: Agromyzidae] onOrobanche crenata [Orobanchaceae] in Syria

A survey was carried out in 1988 to determine the occurrence and distribution of the flyPhytomyza orobanchia Kaltenbach [Diptera: Agromyzidae] on broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forskal) at 21 locations in northwestern Syria. Fruit capsules of broomrape were examined in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) fields. The fly was present at 95% of the locations sampled. Of 630 broomrape plants examined over all locations, 55.5% were infested. Of the 1,890 capsules examined, 32.5% were attacked. Fly populations were highest near the coast where 79% of the broomrapes were damaged. The total seed output of broomrape plants was reduced by 29.4% in the surveyed area due to a mean seed destruction of 91.1% per infested broomrape capsule.      

CYTOGENETICS OF HYBRIDS OF CARTHAMUS SPECIES (COMPOSITAE) WITH TEN PAIRS OF CHROMOSOMES

Plants thought to be typical of 7 species were chosen to represent the various taxa of Carthamus species with 10 pairs of chromosomes. These entities were crossed in all possible combinations and 20 of the possible 21 interspecific hybrids were obtained after 3 seasons of crosses. Analyses of the hybrids included studies of microsporocytes, pollen stainability, achene fertility, rudimentary ovaries, and other morphological characteristics. Pairing of chromosomes at metaphase I indicated no translocations were present in hybrids between C. tenuis from Israel, C. alexandrinus from Egypt, C. glaucus from northern Israel, and C. syriacus from Jordan. Members of this group are assigned the standard arrangement. Hybrids of C. glaucus from Iran, C. glaucus from Syria, and C. dentatus from Turkey always showed a translocation or chromosomal interchange when crossed with any member having the “standard” arrangement. The last 3 species are considered to have the “non-standard” chromosomal arrangement. The parental species used in this study can be regarded as a set of testers which will allow identification of chromosomal differentiation in additional Carthamus materials as they are collected.     

Use of consensus sequences and genetic networks to identify members of the Bemisia tabaci cryptic species complex in Egypt and Syria

The sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), is a cryptic species complex composed of at least 24 different morphologically indistinguishable species. The considerable differences in the pest status across the complex, and the ability of some to develop resistance to, insecticides make awareness of their identity critical in terms of developing effective control measures. Previously, phylogenetic reconstructions have been used to identify different B. tabaci, but this approach is no longer necessary because of the existence of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase one consensus sequences for each of the known species. We therefore use these consensus sequences to determine the identities of the members of the complex in Syria and Egypt and then used genetic networks to reveal the pattern of their genetic relatedness to other haplotypes in the species to which they were assigned. The results showed the presence of three species in Syria, AsiaII 1, Middle East–Asia Minor 1 (this equates to the global invader known commonly as the B biotype) and Mediterranean (this equates to the global invader known commonly as the Q biotype). Egypt was shown to have two cryptic species, Middle East–Asia Minor 1 and Mediterranean. In Syria, Middle East–Asia Minor 1 was found around Damascus only (south‐west Syria), while Mediterranean was found throughout Aleppo (northern Syria) and Hama (north central Syria). AsiaII 1 was found around Hims (south central Syria) and Damascus (south‐western Syria). In Egypt, Mediterranean was found in Cairo and Ismailia (central Upper Egypt), while Middle East–Asia Minor 1 was found in the remaining all parts of Upper Egypt, Suez, North Sinai, Port Said, Dakahila, Behera and Alexandria which cover the main agricultural zone of Egypt. Genetic relatedness of Syrian and Egyptian populations with each other and with rest of world is also discussed.     

The Sarcophagidae (Diptera) of the Middle East

A list of 285 species of Sarcophagidaе in the Middle East countries is presented with distributional data, including Bahrain (3 species), Cyprus (46), Egypt (both African and Asian parts) (114), Iran (83), Iraq (17), Israel (113), Jordan (14), Kuwait (3), Lebanon (13), Oman (2), Gaza Strip (5), Palestinian Authority (42), Quatar (1), Saudi Arabia (37), Syria (42), Turkey (both European and Asian parts) (157), United Arab Emirates (14) and Yemen (15). Three new synonyms are established: Blaesoxipha delilah Lehrer, 2006 = Agriella setosa Salem, 1938, syn. n.; Blaesoxipha nahaliana Lehrer, 2008 = Blaesoxipha popovi Rohdendorf, 1937, syn. n.; and Liosarcophaga daccanella Lehrer, 2008 = Liosarcophaga (s. str.) dux (Thomson, 1869), syn. n. Four new combinations for species names are proposed: Liopygia (Engelisca) adhamae (Lehrer & Abou-Ziad, 2008), comb. n.; Liosarcophaga (s. str.) pedestris (Villeneuve, 1910), comb. n.; Liosarcophaga (Pandelleisca) theodori (Lehrer, 1998), comb. n., and Liosarcophaga (Pharaonops) tewfiki (Salem, 1940), comb. n.     

Comparative virulence of Pyrenophora teres f. teres from Syria and Tunisia and screening for resistance sources in barley: implications for breeding

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the pathogenic diversity and virulence groups among Pyrenophora teres f. teres isolates, sampled from Syria and Tunisia, and to identify the most effective source of resistance in barley that could be used in breeding programmes to control net blotch in both countries. Methods and Results: One hundred and four isolates of P. teres f. teres were collected from barley in different agroecological zones of Tunisia and Syria. Their virulence was evaluated using 14 barley genotypes as differential hosts. The upgma clustering identified high pathogenic variability; the isolates were clustered onto 20 pathotypes that were sheltered under three virulence groups, with high, intermediate and low disease scores. According to susceptibility/resistance frequencies and mean disease ratings, CI05401 cultivar ranked as the best differential when inoculated with the Syrian isolates. However, CI09214 cultivar was classified as the best effective source of resistance in Tunisia. Conclusions: All P. teres f. teres isolates were differentially pathogenic. CI09214 and CI05401 cultivars were released as the most effective sources of resistance in Syria and Tunisia. Significance and Impact of the Study: National and international barley breeding programmes that seek to develop resistance against P. teres f. teres in barley should strongly benefit from this study. This resistance cannot be achieved without the proper knowledge of the pathogen virulence spectrum and the sources of host resistance.     

Two new species of Hedychrum Latreille from the Middle East and Pakistan (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae)

Hedychrum zenobia sp. n. is described from Syria and Iraq, and H. linsenmaieri sp. n. from Pakistan. They belong to the H. cirtanum species group hereby established, which includes some of the largest Palaearctic Hedychrum species, characterised by a modified metascutellum projecting over the propodeum, a deep mid-tibial groove in the male and an apicomedial tooth on the third metasomal sternum in the female. Hedychrum cirtanum var. minusculum du Buysson, 1898 is transferred to the genus Hedychridium Abeille de Perrin, 1878 and elevated to species rank as Hedychridium minusculum (du Buysson, 1898) stat. n.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:DE7B4BF7-3E4B-4664-8F3A-1FD480F72A41     

A kaolin‐based particle film for suppression of the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae Gmelin (Dip., Tephritidae) in olive groves

The efficacy of a kaolin‐based particle film formulation M‐99‐099 to control olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae Gmelin, field infestations was investigated in north‐western Syria. The results showed that fruit infestation levels were significantly reduced on kaolin‐treated trees compared with untreated trees. Kaolin particle film successfully suppressed B. oleae populations and provided season‐long insect control (>14 weeks) whereas the insecticide dimethoate failed to protect olives for as long a period after the last spray. Consistent with previous findings, the M‐99‐099 kaolin particle film proved to be a promising alternative method to synthetic insecticides and could be used to control B. oleae in olive groves.