A survey on pest insects of fiber and grain sorghum in northern Italy

In the Po valley plain grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) has been introduced in the last decades for cattle feed production. More recently fiber sorghum has been tested to be used for electric power production. Since little is known about the sorghum insect pest community in northern Italy, a research was carried out in a study area located in the central western area of the Po valley. Grain sorghum plots and fields were studied between 2008 and 2011. No insect pest of economic importance was recorded in grain sorghum cultivations. Population density of the aphid Rhopalosiphim maidis was very low, as well as the one of the European Corn Borer (ECB, Ostrinia nubilalis, Lepidoptera Crambidae). Lygus rugulipennis (Hemiptera Miridae) tended to colonize grain sorghum after panicle development, but densities were not a matter of concern. In fiber sorghum plots ECB populations did not result noxious, while R. maidis density was higher than the one on grain sorghum, but infestations did not signifi¬cantly affect the development of the stalks, being localized only on panicles during their first stage of develop¬ment. The production of cyanogenetic compounds by young sorghum plants is likely to be an effective protection against ECB first generation larvae, while earlier harvest time of both grain and fiber sorghum compared with maize later harvest time prevents significant damages caused by ECB second generation larvae. Sorghum requires less water than maize. Such a condition, joint to the weak susceptibility to insect pests, could favour a further increase of sorghum cultivations in northern Italy

Development of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera Bostrichidae) on durum wheat kernels and semolina

he time necessary to larvae of Rhyzopertha dominica to drill kernels with or without dusts (semolina or debris from adults), and the possibility of development on semolina were evaluated. T ests were carried out on durum wheat kernels (Triticum durum Desfontaines), debris deriving from rearing, and semolina. Development was observed also on 0.5 and 6 mm of semolina and of debris. T hirty replicates were carried out for each test. The number of first instar larvae, that successfully drill sound kernels within 10 days, was higher by adding semolina or debris. When only kernels were provided, the time needed to larvae to drill increased. Development and the number of emerging adults were not significantly influenced by the addition of semolina to the kernels. Larvae couldn’t develop on 0.5 mm, while an equal number of individuals completed the development to adult in 6 mm of semolina as in the tests with kernels. When development was on debris, a lower number of emerged adults was observed

Racial differences in systemic sclerosis disease presentation: a European Scleroderma Trials and Research group study

Objectives. Racial factors play a significant role in SSc. We evaluated differences in SSc presentations between white patients (WP), Asian patients (AP) and black patients (BP) and analysed the effects of geographical locations.Methods. SSc characteristics of patients from the EUSTAR cohort were cross-sectionally compared across racial groups using survival and multiple logistic regression analyses.Results. The study included 9162 WP, 341 AP and 181 BP. AP developed the first non-RP feature faster than WP but slower than BP. AP were less frequently anti-centromere (ACA; odds ratio (OR) = 0.4, P < 0.001) and more frequently anti-topoisomerase-I autoantibodies (ATA) positive (OR = 1.2, P = 0.068), while BP were less likely to be ACA and ATA positive than were WP [OR(ACA) = 0.3, P < 0.001; OR(ATA) = 0.5, P = 0.020]. AP had less often (OR = 0.7, P = 0.06) and BP more often (OR = 2.7, P < 0.001) diffuse skin involvement than had WP.AP and BP were more likely to have pulmonary hypertension [OR(AP) = 2.6, P < 0.001; OR(BP) = 2.7, P = 0.03 vs WP] and a reduced forced vital capacity [OR(AP) = 2.5, P < 0.001; OR(BP) = 2.4, P < 0.004] than were WP. AP more often had an impaired diffusing capacity of the lung than had BP and WP [OR(AP vs BP) = 1.9, P = 0.038; OR(AP vs WP) = 2.4, P < 0.001]. After RP onset, AP and BP had a higher hazard to die than had WP [hazard ratio (HR) (AP) = 1.6, P = 0.011; HR(BP) = 2.1, P < 0.001].Conclusion. Compared with WP, and mostly independent of geographical location, AP have a faster and earlier disease onset with high prevalences of ATA, pulmonary hypertension and forced vital capacity impairment and higher mortality. BP had the fastest disease onset, a high prevalence of diffuse skin involvement and nominally the highest mortality

Are Dried and Powdered Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves Susceptible to Moths That Feed on Stored Products?

The leaves of Moringa oleifera are increasingly used as a food supplement in several countries due to their nutritional composition, which is rich in protein, vitamins, and mineral salts. Foodstuffs can be damaged by several pests when stored in environments with temperatures that are favorable to insect development; therefore, the susceptibility of M. oleifera leaves to attacks of moths that feed on stored products was tested. Tests were carried out on Pyralid Cadra cautella, Corcyra cephalonica, and Plodia interpunctella, as well as Geometrid Idaea inquinata, which were reared on dried whole or powdered M. oleifera leaves, an artificial diet, or an artificial diet supplemented with dried or powdered leaves. The numbers of adults and the development periods with the different diets were recorded. M. oleifera leaves were unsuitable as a rearing medium for all of the species except I. inquinata, although only a few individuals of this species reached the adult stage. The use of an artificial diet of which one-quarter consisted of dried and powdered leaves did not affect the number of progeny or on the biological cycle, showing that the effect was due to the nutritional composition, as well as to the toxic effect. The storage of M. oleifera as powdered leaves is recommended in order to preserve the nutritional characteristics and avoid damage caused by moth larvae

Study of the postembryonic development of Idaea inquinata under different abiotic factors

Abstract We investigated the biology of Idaea inquinata (Scopoli) (Lepidoptera Geometridae), the rusty wave moth, to determine the number and duration of larval instars and the duration of the pupal stage. The study was conducted at 21, 26, 29, and 34 ± 1 °C; for each temperature tests were conducted at 35 and 70 ± 5% relative humidity (RH), with a photoperiod of 16:8 (light:dark). At 35% RH, five larval instars were observed at 26, 29, and 34 °C, whereas eight instars were found at 21 °C. At 21 °C and 70% RH, only one larva pupated after the fifth instar, two completed the sixth instar and one reached the seventh instar. At 21 °C and 35% RH an increase of mortality and in the number of larval instars was observed; the few larvae that reached the tenth instar did not survive. The shortest larval developmental periods were observed at 26 and 29 °C at 70% RH and were 31.9 ± 2.26 and 30.6 ± 3.12 days respectively. The longest developmental period was recorded at 21 °C and 35% RH, and was 172.5 ± 16.26 days. The pupal stage was longer at 21 °C at 35 and 70% RH, and lasted 22.5 ± 2.12 and 22 ± 3.65 days respectively. In all other conditions, the pupal periods lasted from 9 to 10 days. The highest adult emergence was observed at 26 and 29 °C at 70% RH and corresponded to 90% and 83% respectively. I. inquinata did not complete development at 34 °C and 35% RH. At 34 °C and 70% RH, only 13% of the specimens reached the adult stage. At 26 °C and 35% RH there was 66% adult emergence but this declined to 30% at 29°C and 35% RH. Percentage of adult emergence at 21 °C and 35% and 70% RH were 6 and 13% respectively. Considering the reduction in adult emergence at 21 °C, we recommend that a temperature of 18° C is maintained in air conditioned warehouses for the storage of dried medicinal plants to prevent I. inquinata infestations

An overview of Takahashia japonica: present distribution, host plants, natural enemies and life-cycle, with observations on its morphology

The Asiatic string cottony scale, Takahashia japonica (Cockerell) (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Coccidae), was first detected in Eu- rope (Italy) in 2017 and is now established in three European countries. Based on thorough bibliographic research, updated data on its world distribution, host plants and natural enemies are reported. Moreover, according to recent literature, its current systematic placement within the Family Coccidae is discussed. The morphology of first- and second-instar nymphs are described and illustrated using SEM micrography. Some previously undescribed morphological characters of the living second-instar female and the pre- reproductive female are described and illustrated. The life cycle of this species in North Italy is outlined

First Results on Heteroptera (Hemiptera) of Dry Grassland in Malpaga-Basella Nature Reserve (Italy)

The Nature Reserve Malpaga-Basella, located along the Serio River in Lombardy, was recently established in 2017. It is interesting as it presents plant species typical in dry grassland habitats, not present in the surrounding area. In this study, Heteroptera were surveyed in the Nature Reserve and in a bordering giant Miscanthus crop in 2019. The biodiversity of the reserve was well characterized by the presence of species linked to arid environments with steppe or Mediterranean characteristics, like Antheminia lunulata. Four species new for Lombardy were collected, Lygus italicus, Drymus pilipes, Ortholomus punctipennis, and Arenocoris waltlii. Giant Miscanthus hosted only a few ubiquitous species, also collected in the Nature Reserve

First Results on Heteroptera (Hemiptera) of Dry Grassland in Malpaga-Basella Nature Reserve (Italy)

The Nature Reserve Malpaga-Basella, located along the Serio River in Lombardy, was recently established in 2017. It is interesting as it presents plant species typical in dry grassland habitats, not present in the surrounding area. In this study, Heteroptera were surveyed in the Nature Reserve and in a bordering giant Miscanthus crop in 2019. The biodiversity of the reserve was well characterized by the presence of species linked to arid environments with steppe or Mediterranean characteristics, like Antheminia lunulata. Four species new for Lombardy were collected, Lygus italicus, Drymus pilipes, Ortholomus punctipennis, and Arenocoris waltlii. Giant Miscanthus hosted only a few ubiquitous species, also collected in the Nature Reserve

Customer complaints about insect contaminated ready meals: Presentation

More than one-hundred food complaints about ready meals, coming from mass catering, were analyzed from 2003 to 2017. Even if insects in meals have an enormous negative impact on customers, the percentage relevance, considering the long period and the number of meals served, is negligible. Coleoptera (34%) was the most represented order, followed by Lepidoptera (27%), and Diptera (23%). Coleoptera insects were mainly field pests, found in salads and spinach, moths were represented by species infesting vegetables (58%) and by stored product pests (42%). Species of hygienic concern were found in Diptera. Few cases of cockroach contamination were reported on different food, but it is important to underline their presence in the meal, as it indicates a heavy environmental infestation and a high hygienic risk.More than one-hundred food complaints about ready meals, coming from mass catering, were analyzed from 2003 to 2017. Even if insects in meals have an enormous negative impact on customers, the percentage relevance, considering the long period and the number of meals served, is negligible. Coleoptera (34%) was the most represented order, followed by Lepidoptera (27%), and Diptera (23%). Coleoptera insects were mainly field pests, found in salads and spinach, moths were represented by species infesting vegetables (58%) and by stored product pests (42%). Species of hygienic concern were found in Diptera. Few cases of cockroach contamination were reported on different food, but it is important to underline their presence in the meal, as it indicates a heavy environmental infestation and a high hygienic risk