Spermiogenesis in Three Species of Whitefly (Homoptera, Aleyrodidae)

Aflagellate and immotile spermatozoa of three species of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, Dialeroudes citri and Trialeroudes vaporariorum (Aleyrodidae), are described. In these three species, axoneme and mitochondria are present in the early spermatid, but degenerate in the later stages. The acrosome has arborescent appendages that almost completely surround the spermatozoan. In D. citri the acrosomal projections are more elongated and branched than in T. vaporariorum and B. tabaci . Nuclear and cell elongation appear to occur in the absence of microtubules.     

Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) infestation on cassava genotypes grown at different ecozones in Nigeria

Large-scale screening of cassava, Manihot esculenta Crantz, genotypes for resistance to infestation by whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius, the vector of cassava mosaic geminiviruses, is limited. A range of new cassava elite clones were therefore assessed for the whitefly infestation in the 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 cropping seasons in experimental fields of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria. On each scoring day, between 0600 and 0800 hours when the whiteflies were relatively immobile, adult whitefly populations on the five topmost expanded leaves of cassava cultivars were counted. All through the 6-mo scoring period, there was a highly significant difference in whitefly infestation among the new cassava elite clones. Vector population buildup was observed in Ibadan (forest-savanna transition zone) and Onne (humid forest), 2 mo after planting (MAP). Mean infestation across cassava genotypes was significantly highest (16.6 whiteflies per plant) in Ibadan and lowest in Zaria (0.2). Generally, whitefly infestation was very low in all locations at 5 and 6 MAP. During this period, cassava genotypes 96/1439 and 91/02324 significantly supported higher infestations than other genotypes. Plants of 96/1089A and TMS 30572 supported the lowest whitefly infestation across cassava genotypes in all locations. The preferential whitefly visitation, the differences between locations in relation to whitefly population, cassava mosaic disease, and the fresh root yield of cassava genotypes are discussed.     

First record of Erysiphe quercicola (Ascomycota: Erysiphales) on species of Quercus subgenus Cyclobalanopsis (evergreen oaks,Fagaceae)

During the DNA sequence analyses of specimens on Quercus subgenus Cyclobalanopsis deposited as Erysiphe gracilis or Cystotheca wrightii, some specimens exhibited DNA sequences that are different from the sequences of the two species. Based on BLAST search and morphological observations, the true causal agent was identified as E. quercicola. This is the first record of E. quercicola on species of subgenus Cyclobalanopsis. Previous studies revealed that E. quercicola is plurivorous infecting a wide range of tropical fruit trees and woody plants. Further studies are needed to address the question as to why only E. quercicola infect species of subgenus Cyclobalanopsis.     

The Efficacy of Yellow Tape Formulation of Pyriproxyfen against the Sweet Potato Whitefly,Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

A tape formulation of pyriproxyfen was prepared by coating the chemical onto yellow plastic film. We evaluated the transovarial ovicidal activity of the tape formulation against Bemisia tabaci and investigated the optimal application method and efficacy in a greenhouse. The tape formulation showed high ovicidal activity of over 80% mortality against B. tabaci for 4 days by a 30-second compulsory contact test. The formulation controlled the B. tabaci population on tomatoes by both “sideways spreading application” and “vertical hanging application”. “Sideways spreading application” was considered to be more practical, although there was no significant difference in efficacy between the two application methods. In a large-scale greenhouse trial of “sideways spreading application”, the tape formulation suppressed the B. tabaci population for 77 days. The results suggested that the tape formulation is promising as a tool for IPM because of its high efficacy and lower environmental impact.     

The Balearic Islands: a reservoir of cpDNA genetic variation for evergreen oaks

Aim To analyse the role of the Balearic Islands as a refuge area for evergreen Quercus (cork oak: Quercus suber L., holm oak: Q. ilex L., kermes oak: Q. coccifera L.), by using molecular, historical and palaeobotanical data. Location The Western Mediterranean Basin (Balearic Islands, eastern Iberia, Provence, Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, Malta, Italy, Northern Africa). Methods We sampled 108 populations and used the PCR‐RFLP technique with five universal cpDNA primers to define haplotypes in the sampled populations. Diversity, differentiation parameters and spatial analysis of the populations, using a spatial version of amova , were linked to the geological history of the Western Mediterranean Basin in order to explain the present spatial pattern of the evergreen Quercus populations in the Balearics. Results Evergreen Quercus cpDNA shows a complex structure, with remnants of ancient diversity in the Balearics. Balearic populations of holm oak are related to Iberian populations, while for cork and kermes oaks, we found both Tyrrhenian and Iberian haplotypes. Main conclusions The complex spatial patterns of cpDNA in Balearic evergreen Quercus appears explicable in terms of a combination of physical (vicariance and long distance dispersal) and biological (introgressive hybridization) factors. The Balearics constitute a glacial refuge area and a reservoir of genetic variation with traces of ancient diversity from Messinian–Pliocene stages.     

New psyllids (Insecta: Homoptera: Psylloidea) from Canada

Psylla kananaskensis sp. nov. and Psylla subspiculata sp. nov. are described from specimens collected off Salix sp. in the Kananaskis Valley, Alberta, Canada. Psylla kananaskensis is close to P. arcuata Loginova; P. subspiculata is close to P. spiculata Jensen and P. parallela Crawford. A new dioecous subspecies of Psylla myrtilli is also described from specimens collected off Vaccinium myrtillus L. in the same locality. In addition the following species are recorded from Canada for the first time: Aphalara nubifera Patch, Craspedolepta alaskensis (Ashmead), C. minutissima (Crawford), C. subpunctata (Foerster), Trioza obtusa (Patch) and T. pletschi Tuthill.     

Compatibility of Insect Growth Regulators with Eretmocerus eremicus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) for Whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) Control on Poinsettias: I. Laboratory Assays

The compatibility of five insect growth regulators (IGRs), buprofezin, pyriproxyfen, fenoxycarb, pymetrozine, and kinoprene, were tested in the laboratory for compatibility with the whitefly parasitoid Eretmocerus eremicus Rose and Zolnerowich (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). The survivorship of adult parasitoids foraging on poinsettia leaves with residues 6, 24, and 96 h of age was determined. The toxicity of Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) patches treated with IGRs presented to female parasitoids 24 and 96 h posttreatment was quantified. Survivorship of immature E. eremicus developing within B. argentifolii nymphs was determined by treating whitefly nymphs with IGRs 5 and 13 days postoviposition by female parasitoids. Finally, behavioral observations of female parasitoids foraging on IGR-treated and untreated B. argentifolii patches presented simultaneously were quantified to determine whether IGR residues had a repellant effect toward E. eremicus. Averaging ranks for IGRs based on their compatibility with E. eremicus and their ability to kill B. argentifolii nymphs produced the following parasitoid compatibility order: buprofezin > fenoxycarb > pymetrozine = pyriproxyfen > kinoprene. Further work in greenhouses assessing the efficacy of buprofezin with E. eremicus for B. argentifolii control on poinsettias is recommended.     

New cavernicolous cixiid from New Zealand (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea)

Confuga persephone n.gen. & sp. (Cixiidae) is described from a cavernicolous population in Nelson Province, New Zealand. Most of its generic characters can be matched separately in other endemic genera, but it appears not to be closely related to any one of them. Malpha duniana Myers is transferred to Aka White.     

Two-year cycles of synchronous acorn and leaf production in biennial-fruiting evergreen oaks of subgenus Cyclobalanopsis (Quercus, Fagaceae)

Many masting species switch resources between vegetative growth and reproduction in mast and non-mast years. Although masting of oak species is well known, there have been few investigations of the relationship between vegetative growth and reproduction based on long-term monitoring data, especially in evergreen oaks of subgenus Cyclobalanopsis. We investigated annual variations over 13?years in acorn and leaf production of three evergreen oak species in subgenus Cyclobalanopsis, genus Quercus (Fagaceae)??Q. acuta, Q. salicina and Q. sessilifolia??in western Japan. In these species, the maturation of acorns occurs in the second autumn after flowering, which is known as a biennial-fruiting habit. We found a pattern of acorn production and masting in alternate years that was synchronized in all three species. Masting was not correlated with temperature and precipitation. Annual leaf-fall also showed 2-year cycle in the three oak species; peak years were synchronized between species and peak leaf-fall alternated with acorn production in all three species. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between acorn and leaf production in all three species. Data showing 2-year cycles of acorn and leaf production and the negative correlation between them supports the hypothesis of resource switching between vegetative growth and reproduction. The 2-year cycle might be the basic, intrinsic rhythm of resource allocation in biennial-fruiting Cyclobalanopsis species.     

Snow damage in a Himalayan forest maintains the dominance of evergreen oaks

Extreme climate events are increasing due to climate change. Heavy snowfall in a Himalayan evergreen oak forest damaged 21% trees and created large treefall gaps. Such occasional events may help define the upper altitudinal boundary of certain species. Oak trees with branches lopped by local communities showed lower damage.     

Compatibility of Insect Growth Regulators with Eretmocerus eremicus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) for Whitefly (Homoptera: Alyerodidae) Control on Poinsettias: II. Trials in Commercial Poinsettia Crops

The efficacy and cost of reduced release rates of the parasitoid Eretmocerus eremicus Rose and Zolnerowich (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) when combined with application of the insect growth regulator buprofezin were compared to those of a higher parasitoid release rate used alone for whitefly control (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Koltz.). The trial was conducted in seven greenhouses in Methuen, Massachusetts from August through December 1997 and employed commercial poinsettia production practices. Two whiteflies species, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) and Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring (= Bemisia tabaci [Gennadius] strain B), were present. Three treatments were examined: (1) E. eremicus used alone at a release rate of three females per plant per week (two greenhouses); (2) E. eremicus at an intermediate release rate of two females per plant per week, combined with mid-season use of buprofezin (two applications, spaced 1 week apart, applied in weeks 9 and 10) (two greenhouses); and (3) E. eremicus at a low release rate of one female per plant per week, combined with mid-season use of buprofezin, applied as in treatment 2 (two greenhouses). In addition, observations were made in one additional greenhouse at the site, in which the grower used pesticides for whitefly control. Prior to the start of the trial, cuttings used for all treatments experienced some pesticide use, first abamectinduring rooting and later buprofezin at potting to reduce whitefly numbers, which were initially very high. At harvest, densities of live whitefly nymphs were not statistically different among the biological control treatments, indicating that a low parasitoid release rate combined with buprofezin was as effective as a higher release rate of the parasitoid used alone. Nymphal densities in separate market samples (based on smaller sample sizes) showed differences among treatments, but all treatments, including the low parasitoid release rate + buprofezin maintained densities of live nymphs + pupae at or below approximately two per leaf, a level commercially acceptable in local markets. Control costs per single-stemmed poinsettia plant were $1.18 for the high parasitoid release treatment, $0.75 for the treatment of weekly releases of two female parasitoids per plant per week + buprofezin, $0.38 for the treatment of releases of one female parasitoid per plant per week + buprofezin, and $0.14 for the chemical control greenhouse.     

中国阔颈叶蝉属分类研究（同翅目：叶蝉科：缘脊叶蝉亚科）

阔颈叶蝉属现全世界已知2种,中国均有分布。本文记述1新种,新种模式标本保存在西北农林科技大学昆虫博物馆。     

长头叶蝉属一新种(同翅目:铲头叶蝉科)

本文记述铲头叶蝉科(Hecalidae)长头叶蝉属(Bumizana)一新种。模式标本存放在贵州农学院。折端长头叶蝉Bumizana reflexana,新种(图 1-8)     

中国边大叶蝉属的分类研究 (同翅目：大叶蝉科

研究了中国大叶蝉科边大叶蝉属Kolla Distant,描述了3新种：五斑边大叶蝉K.pentistigma新种、黑条边大叶蝉K.nigrifascia新种、棒突边大叶蝉K.rhabdoma新种,编制出种检索表。模式标本保存在贵州大学昆虫研究所。     

中国大叶蝉亚科三新种记述（同翅目：叶蝉科）

记述中国叶蝉科大叶蝉亚科斑大叶蝉属Ａｎａｔｋｉｎａ Ｙｏｕｎｇ１新种－－左氏斑大叶蝉Ａｎａｔｋｉｎａ ｚｕｏｉ,ｓｐ．ｎｏｖ．及条大叶蝉属Ａｔｋｉｎｓｏｎｉｅｌｌａ Ｄｉｓｔａｎｔ２新种－－李氏条大叶蝉Ａｔｋｉｎｓｏｎｉｅｌｌａ ｌｉｉ,ｓｐ．ｎｏｖ．黄氏条大叶蝉Ａｔｋｉｎｓｏｎｉｅｌｌａ ｈｕａｎｇｉ,ｓｐ．ｎｏｖ．。模式标本保存在西北农林科技大学昆虫博物馆。     

Rapid estimation of numbers of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleurodidae) and thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on sticky traps

The presence or absence of greenhouse whiteflies, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood, and thrips, primarily western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), in cells of a grid laid over 7.6 cm by 12.7 cm sticky traps was used to estimate the population density of these pests on the trap. The method accurately predicted trap population densities of between 15 and 192 individuals per side for thrips on blue and yellow traps and between 15 and 168 whiteflies per side on yellow traps. The distribution of both whiteflies and thrips tended to be clustered on the sides and upper edge of the traps. The method is useful in giving a far more rapid estimate than counting individuals, particularly at high population densities.     

Three New Species of Curtara (Homoptera: Cicadellidae: Gyponinae) from Brazil

Three new species of the leafhopper genus Curtara DeLong & Freytag, 1972, C. mejdalanii spec. nov., C. maricaensis spec. nov., and C. restingalis spec. nov., are described from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. They belong to the Notanda group of the subgenus Curtara because of the presence of only two subapical processes in the aedeagal shaft. C. mejdalanii spec. nov. seems to be more closely related to C. rugara DeLong & Freytag, 1976 because of the shape of the subapical aedeagal processes but differs from it by the enlarged apical area of the aedeagus, the absence of ventral pre-apical saliency of style, the rounder apex of the subgenital plate, and the longer pygofer, with a fold accompanying the whole lateral margin. C. maricaensis spec. nov. and C. restingalis spec. nov. seem to be closely related to C. esona DeLong & Freytag, 1976, as suggested by the general shape of internal genital parts, but differ from it by the shape of the apex of basal processes of the aedeagus, the apex of subgenital plates and the absence of an outer fold on the ventral margin of the pygofer.     

脊额叶蝉属一新种（同翅目：叶蝉科：横脊叶蝉亚科）

记述脊额叶蝉属Carinata 1新种,即中带脊额叶蝉Crinata midfasciana Wang et Li,sp.nov.模式标本保存在贵州大学昆虫研究所。     

脊额叶蝉属四新种（同翅目：叶蝉科：横脊叶蝉亚科）

记述脊额叶蝉属Ｃａｒｉｎａｔａ４新种,即：周氏脊额叶蝉Ｃ．ｃｈｏｕｉ,ｓｐ．ｎｏｖ．;短地蝉Ｃ．ｂｒａｃｈｙ ｆｕｒｃａｔａ,ｓｐ。ｎｏｖ．;倒钩脊额叶蝉Ｃ．ｂａｒｂｕｌａｔａ,ｓｐ．ｎｏｖ．及双突脊额叶蝉Ｃ．ｂｉｆｕｒｃａ,ｓｐ。ｎｏｖ．模式标本分别保存在西北农业大学昆虫博物馆,中国科学院动物研究所和中山大学。     

A new species of Eriopeltis Signoret (Homoptera: Coccidae) from Britain

Abstract. Eriopeltis varleyi from Wytham in Britain is described as new. The adult female and male are described and all stages are illustrated. Keys are provided for the identification of all known species of Eriopeltis, and to the males of the three species known from Britain. E. varleyi is univoltine and apparently specific to Brachypodiumpinnatum (L.) Beauv. Males and females occur in equal proportions, but many more males were produced when populations were reared under very warm dry conditions in the laboratory. The population studied at Wytham was parasitized by a number of species of chalcid wasps and a chamaemyid fly egg predator.