Biological control of mites in European vineyards and the impact of natural vegetation

In vineyards, generalist phytoseiids are important in keeping phytophagous mites at economically acceptable levels. Among these predators, Typhlodromus pyri and Kampimodromus aberrans have proven to be most effective, because they increase in numbers in response to mite pests and alternative prey/food, they persist under conditions of prey scarcity, and they can tolerate several fungicides and insecticides. Natural colonization of commercial vineyards by phytoseiids may take several years. Therefore, strains showing field resistance to certain insecticides (e.g., organophosphates) and fungicides (e.g., mancozeb) are of practical interest. Here we report results obtained with releasing T. pyri and K. aberrans strains with different pesticide histories, with emphasis on factors affecting their persistence, i.e., alternative food availability (pollen or downy mildew), leaf morphology, and selective pesticides. Natural vegetation surrounding vineyards may impact the densities of phytoseiids in neighbouring crops. For example, phytoseiid densities on plants surrounding vineyards under IPM in Southern France (Languedoc-Roussillon) were correlated with leaf structures, and K. aberrans density appeared positively affected by high trichome densities and presence of domatia. Also pollen density was significantly correlated with trichome density and domatia (hair tufts). Predatory mites disperse mainly by air currents and hence their dispersion depends on wind intensity and direction. Crop colonization potential (speed, intensity, uniformity) was directly associated with phytoseiid densities and the proximity of natural vegetation. A deep, dense, and tall woody area with suitable host plants constitutes the stablest source of phytoseiids. Natural colonization of vineyards by phytoseiid mites has great potential and it may well be promoted by careful management

An Intimate Relationship Between Eriophyoid Mites and Their Host Plants - A Review

Eriophyoid mites (Acari Eriophyoidea) are phytophagous arthropods forming intimate relationships with their host plants. These mites are associated with annual and perennial plants including ferns, and are highly specialized with a dominant monophagy. They can be classified in different ecological classes, i.e., vagrant, gall-making and refugeseeking species. Many of them are major pests and some of them are vectors of plant pathogens. This paper critically reviews the knowledge on eriophyoids of agricultural importance with emphasis on sources for host plant resistance to these mites. The role of species belonging to the family Eriophyidae as vectors of plant viruses is discussed. Eriophyoid-host plant interactions, the susceptibility within selected crops and main host plant tolerance/resistance mechanisms are discussed. Fundamental concepts, subjects, and problems emerged in this review are pointed out and studies are suggested to clarify some controversial points

Airborne pollen can affect the abundance of predatory mites in vineyards: implications for conservation biological control strategies

BACKGROUND The importance of pollen as alternative food for generalist phytoseiid mites occurring in vineyards has been investigated in northeastern Italy. We compared pollen and phytoseiid abundance in four vineyards and in plots located at different distance from flowering hop plants. Pollen (Carpinus betulus and Typha spp.) was sprayed onto the foliage to evaluate the potential impact of this food source on predatory mite abundance. Finally, grass management was investigated to analyze the effect of a reduced mowing frequency on predatory mite population densities. RESULTS Arboreal pollen was found mostly during the spring and the grapevine blossoming period. Nonarboreal pollen dominated throughout the growing seasons. In vineyards, the abundance of Amblyseius andersoni, Kampimodromus aberrans, Phytoseius finitimus, Typhlodromus pyri eggs and motile forms increased after a phase of large pollen availability. Hop pollen promoted K. aberrans population increases in vineyards. Pollen applications increased predatory mite egg and motile form densities and similar effects were obtained by reducing mowing frequency in vineyards. CONCLUSION Pollen availability positively affects the biology of four phytoseiid species, promoting stable predatory mite populations in vineyards. However, natural pollen availability and predatory mite abundance often decrease in summer, and pollen supply can mitigate this trend. A higher pollen availability could be guaranteed by inserting hedges comprising species having scalar bloom, reducing mowing of inter-row groundcover and spraying pollen. The presence of flowering plants surrounding vineyards and in their inter-rows should be considered as a relevant factor to enhance the success of biocontrol tactics against phytophagous mites in viticulture

New insights into the distribution and spreading of the Asian walnut moth, Garella musculana (Erschov, 1874) (Lepidoptera, Nolidae) in Europe with a focus on the Italian range

The Asian walnut moth, Garella musculana (Erschov, 1874) (Lepidoptera, Nolidae) is an alien pest originating from Central Asia and is now spreading in Europe, attacking walnut trees. In this study, we updated the current distribution of G. musculana, focusing on the Italian range, where it was reported for the first time in 2021. Field surveys showed an extensive distribution of G. musculana in northern Italy, particularly in the Veneto Region. In this area, the Asian walnut moth developed on English and black walnut, attacking almost exclusively tree shoots. Based on current distribution data, further investigations are required in the nearby regions as well as in those that were less surveyed. Lastly, it is imperative to conduct more studies on insect biology and the impact on walnut production

Investigations on the grape leafhopper Erasmoneura vulnerata in north-eastern Italy

The leafhopper Erasmoneura vulnerata (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is native of Northern and Central America where it occurs on wild and cultivated grapes as well as on a number of secondary hosts. This species was recorded for the first time in Europe (Italy, Veneto region) in 2004. Since then it has spread over Northern Italy and Slovenia. Studies on the biology of E. vulnerata in America are limited and thus its phenology was investigated on Vitis labrusca L. and Vitis vinifera L. plants under field and semi-field conditions. These observations suggest that E. vulnerata can complete 2⁻3 generations per year. The development of E. vulnerata from first instar nymphs to adults was studied under controlled conditions (about 23 °C). Developmental times lasted from 16.1 days in July⁻August to 19.5 days in September, and this variability was probably due to grape cultivar and plant susceptibility. Data were consistent with the number of generations previously reported. Erasmoneura vulnerata was more abundant on vines close to overwintering sites than on those located 100⁻250 m from these sites and contiguous to commercial vineyards

A Discussão Epistemológica em Marketing 1990-2010

This study investigates how much the discussion of epistemology in marketing has been present in the journals in the area in the last 20 years. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the top 5 marketing journals, according to the 2011 Journal Citation Reports’ 5-year Impact factor (Journal of Marketing, Journal of Retailing, Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Consumer Psychology) plus two periodicals chosen by their editorial profile directly related with the main purposes of this research (Marketing Theory and Marketing Science). Papers, comments, and editorials published between 1990- 2010 were analyzed, as well books that may have contained discussions about marketing epistemology. The analysis revealed an inconstancy in the amount of publications about this subject, and two periodicals (Marketing Theory and Marketing Science) were identified as leading the debate in this period. The numbers indicate that the epistemological discussion was an isolated effort made by some periodicals and the Sage Publications, and it was not a broader academic debate. Lastly, the substantial amount of publications found about methodology may indicate an instrumentalization of the marketing discipline. The study is organized as it follows: Introduction, (1) the beginnings of marketing study, to understand the discipline history; (2) the rise of marketing as academic discipline; (3) marketing and science, a quick retake of the historical debate; (4) method; (5) results; discussion and conclusion.O presente estudo investiga o quanto a discussão epistemológica em marketing tem estado presente nos periódicos da disciplina nos últimos 20 anos. Com este objetivo, foi realizada uma análise bibliométrica nos 5 principais journals da área (Journal of Marketing, Journal of Retailing, Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Consumer Psychology) e em mais duas publicações escolhidas por seu perfil editorial (Marketing Theory e Marketing Science). Foram analisados artigos, comentários e editoriais publicados entre 1990 e 2010. Igualmente foram buscados livros editados sobre a disciplina e que pudessem conter discussões acerca da epistemologia em marketing. A análise dos dados revelou uma inconstância na quantidade de publicações sobre o tema, bem como o destaque de dois periódicos (Marketing Theory e Marketing Science) identificados como aqueles que capitanearam o debate no período. A quantidade proporcional de artigos encontrados revela que os momentos de discussão sobre epistemologia aconteceram por esforços isolados de periódicos ou de uma editora (Sage), e não por um debate fomentado por diversos acadêmicos. Por último, a grande quantidade de publicações encontradas sobre metodologia, e não sobre epistemologia, pode estar evidenciando uma tendência à instrumentalização da disciplina. O trabalho é dividido como segue: Introdução; (1) Os primórdios do estudo de marketing, onde buscamos entender a história da disciplina; (2) O surgimento do marketing como disciplina, em que descrevemos como o marketing foi formalmente aceito como área de estudo; (3) Marketing e ciência, uma rápida retomada do debate sobre cientificidade em marketing; (4) Método; (5) Resultados; Discussão e conclusão. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v13i1.237

Molecular and spatial analyses reveal new insights on Bois noir epidemiology in Franciacorta vineyards

Bois noir (BN) grapevine disease is associated with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ (CaPsol), a pathogen with a complex ecology including multiple insect vectors and plant hosts. A key point to improve the effectiveness of BN control strategies consists in determining the epidemiological role of ground‐cover weeds. The present study employed a multidisciplinary approach, based on the application of spatial (Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs) and molecular (stamp gene typing) analyses, to identify weeds with a potential role in BN epidemiology in Northern Italy. Generated data showed that, in addition to Convolvulus arvensis, one of the main CaPsol inoculum source, Chenopodium album, Polygonum aviculare, and Trifolium repens were found associated with BN epidemiology. CaPsol molecular typing highlighted that the strains prevalent in symptomatic grapevines were characterized by stamp sequence variants St19, St11 (nettle‐related), and St5 (bindweed‐related). The latter was prevalent also in Hyalesthes obsoletus and weeds, suggesting their main association with bindweed‐related epidemiology. On the other hand, nettle‐related CaPsol strains were occasionally found in H. obsoletus and weeds. Considering that H. obsoletus‐mediated transmission of CaPsol occurs mainly with young instars, further investigations will confirm if, in addition to bindweed and nettle, weeds associated with BN epidemiology in Franciacorta can represent larval developmental hosts, and, consequently, act as CaPsol reservoirs for transmission to grapevine. Moreover, other studies are needed to clarify the relationship between such weeds and CaPsol alternative vectors

An update of the Worldwide Integrated Assessment (WIA) on systemic insecticides. Part 3: alternatives to systemic insecticides

International audience; Over-reliance on pesticides for pest control is inflicting serious damage to the environmental services that underpin agricultural productivity. The widespread use of systemic insecticides, neonicotinoids, and the phenylpyrazole fipronil in particular is assessed here in terms of their actual use in pest management, effects on crop yields, and the development of pest resistance to these compounds in many crops after two decades of usage. Resistance can only be overcome in the longterm by implementing methods that are not exclusively based on synthetic pesticides. A diverse range of pest management tactics is already available, all of which can achieve efficient pest control below the economic injury level while maintaining the productivity of the crops. A novel insurance method against crop failure is shown here as an example of alternative methods that can protect farmer's crops and their livelihoods without having to use insecticides. Finally, some concluding remarks about the need for a new framework for a truly sustainable agriculture that relies mainly on natural ecosystem services instead of chemicals are included; this reinforcing the previous WIA conclusions (van der Sluijs et al. Environ Sci Pollut Res 22:148-154, 2015)