Biology and natural enemies of spotted ash looper, Abraxas pantaria (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in Krka National Park

Background and Purpose: Spotted ash looper (Abraxas pantaria) is a forest present in Krka National Park, Croatia with occasional mass occurrence. The caterpillars of this pest have completely defoliated leaves of Narrow-leafed ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) in the upper flow of river Krka in the period from 2008–2010. We have researched the biology of spotted ash looper which is first comprehensive study of this pest in Croatia. Materials and Methods: The research of spotted ash looper included field trials through all the years and laboratory experiments. Caterpillars were reared and daily weighted in laboratory. Fresh and dry Narrow-leafed ash leaves have beenweighted and factor of drymatter in leaves defined. For each individual sex, moment of onset of particular larval instar, prepupa, pupa and butterfly was noted in order to identify the duration of each stage and possible differences. Duration of larval stages and consummation of food were analysed separately by gender. A total of 200 pupae of spotted ash looperwere transferred to the laboratory for the identification of natural enemies. Each pupa was placed in a separate glass tube and incubated in laboratory. Results and Conclusions: Our results show biology of this pest in Croatia. Caterpillars feed on Narrow-leafed ash and have not been found on Manna ash (Fraxinus ornus). They have moulted only 3 times and pass through 4 larval instars in laboratory conditions. Average caterpillars of 4th larval instar gained their maximum growth on the 4th day from the beginning of that stage andmaximumweight on the 8th day, three days before entering the prepupal stage. The difference betweenmales and females starts to develop during the 4th larval instar when females consume significantly more food, gain significantly more weight and form significantly heavier pupae. The average 4th larval instar consumes between 0.3329 and 0.3673 g of fresh leaf. Research shows that number of pupae diapauses during the winter,while some of themhave no diapause. This indicates that the pest has at least two generations a year, which was also shown by observations in the field. Pathogen fungus Beauveria bassiana, parasitoids Pales pavida, Cratichneumon cf. fabricator F. and unidentified species from the genus Coelichneumon were natural enemies found in pupae. Beauveria bassiana as a pupal pathogen plays an important role as the most important natural enemy and the existence of its alternative host, ash weevil (Stereonychus fraxini)which occupies the same overwintering niche is also important

PRVI NALAZ GRINJE Histiostoma ulmi NA OBIČNOJ JELI I NAZNAKA NJEZINOG MOGUĆEG FORETIČKOG ŠIRENJA PUTEM CVILIDRETE Acanthocinus reticulatus

The mite Histiostoma ulmi (Histiostomatidae), originally discovered by the describer within the bark beetle galleries of genus Scolytus, has been found to be phoretic on a tenebrionid beetle Hypophloeus bicolor. The first discovery of H. ulmi in the galleries of the longhorn beetle Acanthocinus reticulatus indicates the possibility of its phoretic association with several beetle carriers: tenebrionid, cerambycid and scolytid beetles. In Croatia, scolytids of the genus Pityokteines, occupying the same niche within their food plant, silver fir (Abies alba) could represent these additional carriers. Acanthocinus reticulatus infested the bark of an Abies alba specimen as a pioneer taxon, as opposed to the usual earliest colonising beetles Pityokteines spinidens and P. curvidens. Histiostoma ulmi was reared from samples taken from the galleries of this longhorn beetle’s larvae. As is typical for histiostomids, these mites feed on bacteria. They represent a monophyletic group of at least six very similar species. The morphological characters separating H. ulmi from similar species are expressed only in adult mites. Deutonymphs found attached to Pityokteines were previously determined to be Histiostoma piceae, but were never reared to adulthood. Due to a close resemblance between the deutonymphs of H. piceae and H. ulmi, incorrect assignments, relying only on deutonymphs for determination, are possible. H. ulmi was observed under laboratory conditions carrying spores of an undetermined mold fungus. Other phoretic mites, such as Tarsonemus, are known to carry spores of blue stain fungi (Ophiostomatidae) which could be of practical importance in silver fir decline. Future studies need to show, whether deutonymphs of H. ulmi, possible vectored by bark beetles, tenebrionids and longhorn beetles, also carry spores of blue stain fungi.Grinja Histiostoma ulmi (Histiostomatidae) izvorno je opisana kao vrsta koja se nalazi u hodnicima potkor­njaka roda Scolytus s kojima nema foretički odnos, za razliku od kornjaša Hypophloeus bicolor iz porodice Tenebrionidae. Prvi nalaz grinje H. ulmi u hodnicima strizibuba Acanthocinus reticulatus indicira mogućnost foretičke asocijacije s nekoliko kornjaša iz porodica Tenebrionidae, Cerambycidae i Curculionidae. Na običnoj jeli (Abies alba) u Hrvatskoj potkornjaci roda Pityokteines zauzimaju istu hranidbenu nišu kao i A. reticulatus te su također mogući prijenosnici spomenutih grinja. Acanthocinus reticulatus napadaju koru jele debla kao pionirski takson, suprotno od dosadašnjih saznanja kako Pityokteines spinidens i P. curvidens dolaze prvi. Histiostoma ulmi sakupljana je s uzoraka uzetih od hodnika larvi strizibuba. Histiotomatidae koje se hrane bakterijama, predstavlja monofiletičku grupu sastavljenu od šest vrlo sličnih vrsta. Morfološke razlike H. ulmi sa sličnim vrstama vidljive su isključivo u stadiju imaga. Deutonimfe nađene na vrstama roda Pityokteines u ranijim istraživanjima determinirane su, bez razvoja odraslih oblika, kao Histiostoma piceae. Glede velike sličnosti između deutonimfi H. piceae i H. ulmi, moguće je da su napravljene pogreške u identifikaciji. Histiostoma ulmi uzgajana u laboratorijskim uvjetima na tijelu je nosila neidentificirane gljive. Grinje kao primjerice Tarsonemus, poznate su kao prenositelji gljive plavila (Ophiostomatidae) koje mogu imati važnu ulogu kod odumiranja jele. Buduća istraživanja trebaju pokazati da li deutonimfe H. ulmi kojima su mogući vektori kukci rodova Cerambycidae, Tenebrionidae ili Curculionidae, također prenose spore gljive plavila

Biology and natural enemies of spotted ash looper, Abraxas pantaria (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in Krka National Park

Background and Purpose: Spotted ash looper (Abraxas pantaria) is a forest present in Krka National Park, Croatia with occasional mass occurrence. The caterpillars of this pest have completely defoliated leaves of Narrow-leafed ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) in the upper flow of river Krka in the period from 2008–2010. We have researched the biology of spotted ash looper which is first comprehensive study of this pest in Croatia. Materials and Methods: The research of spotted ash looper included field trials through all the years and laboratory experiments. Caterpillars were reared and daily weighted in laboratory. Fresh and dry Narrow-leafed ash leaves have beenweighted and factor of drymatter in leaves defined. For each individual sex, moment of onset of particular larval instar, prepupa, pupa and butterfly was noted in order to identify the duration of each stage and possible differences. Duration of larval stages and consummation of food were analysed separately by gender. A total of 200 pupae of spotted ash looperwere transferred to the laboratory for the identification of natural enemies. Each pupa was placed in a separate glass tube and incubated in laboratory. Results and Conclusions: Our results show biology of this pest in Croatia. Caterpillars feed on Narrow-leafed ash and have not been found on Manna ash (Fraxinus ornus). They have moulted only 3 times and pass through 4 larval instars in laboratory conditions. Average caterpillars of 4th larval instar gained their maximum growth on the 4th day from the beginning of that stage andmaximumweight on the 8th day, three days before entering the prepupal stage. The difference betweenmales and females starts to develop during the 4th larval instar when females consume significantly more food, gain significantly more weight and form significantly heavier pupae. The average 4th larval instar consumes between 0.3329 and 0.3673 g of fresh leaf. Research shows that number of pupae diapauses during the winter,while some of themhave no diapause. This indicates that the pest has at least two generations a year, which was also shown by observations in the field. Pathogen fungus Beauveria bassiana, parasitoids Pales pavida, Cratichneumon cf. fabricator F. and unidentified species from the genus Coelichneumon were natural enemies found in pupae. Beauveria bassiana as a pupal pathogen plays an important role as the most important natural enemy and the existence of its alternative host, ash weevil (Stereonychus fraxini)which occupies the same overwintering niche is also important

Wood nematode species spectrum in the Mediterranean pine forests of Croatia

Background and purpose: This work presents the first research on wood nematodes in Croatia and it was done in order to address the question of the impact of dendropathogenic nematodes in pine stands in the coastal region of Croatia. To reveal this impact, the first step is the isolation and proper identification of the species spectrum of the existing wood nematodes. The aim of this study was to identify wood nematode species isolated from different pine tree species (Pinus halepensis, P. nigra, P. maritima) throughout the coastal region of Croatia and to identify their status as either pathogens or saprofits, which should build the basis for further research and understanding of the negative influence of this organisms on the decline of Mediterranian pine stands. Materials and methods: The research was carried out in 2013 and 2014 and it was done along the entire coastal region of Croatia. The experiments were carried out at two levels: by sampling wood nematodes and by monitoring pine longhorn beetles. Wood samples of dry or partly dry trees of P. nigra, P. halepensis and P. pinaster were collected throughout the year in the form of rings, branches, sawdust or wood chips without bark on different heights on the trees. Two techniques were used for the extraction of nematodes: Baermann funnel technique and Cobb`s method. In samples with an increased number of nematodes, some nematodes were separated and preserved in DESS solution for further morphological and molecular analysis. In the spring of 2014, the monitoring of pine longhorn beetle Monochamus galloprovincialis was done at 6 locations along the coastal region of Croatia were traps with pheromones were installed. The traps were placed in the treetops at a height of about 7 m in P. halepensis stands. The collected pine longhorn beetles were inspected for nematodes in the laboratory. Results: Saprophytic nematodes from the families Rhabditidae, Diplogasteridae and Cephalobidae dominated in the samples. In 9 wood samples pathogenic nematodes which belong to the genus Bursaphelenchus: B. mucronatus, B. sexdentati and B. minutes were detected . The pine wood nematode B. xylophilus was not found in the collected samples. A total of 109 pine longhorn beetles have been caught in traps with pheromones and their analysis showed that neither B. xylophilus nor native wood nematodes were present on them.. Conclusions: This is the first record of wood nematodes in the coastal region of Croatia. The results of this research confirm the presence of nematodes and their possible influence on the process of pine decline of the Mediterranean pine species in Croatia. The presence of M. galloprovincialis, the vector of highly damaging B. Xylophilus, has been confirmed during this research

First Record of Cacopsylla pulchella (Hemiptera, Psyllidae) in Albania

The aim of this study is to identify plant lice Cacopsylla pulchella as a new alien insect in the fauna of Albania. In order to assess the potential of this insect as a pest causing damages on trees, infestation level assessment was used. In the first decade of June 2020 samples were collected at three locations in Albania, where Cercis siliquastrum is grown. Samples were collected and brought to the laboratory for further analysis. Field research was performed to assess distribution and infestation intensity across various localities. The intensity of infestation was assessed by visual examination and was categorized according to previously determined categories. C. pulchella was confirmed on C. siliquastrum in three localities in Albania. Most of the infested trees had a moderate or high intensity of infestation. Compared to the results of other countries, it seems that the Judas trees are under heavy attack in Albania. Librazhd and Elbansn districts had the highest recorded infestation level. Infested trees found in this study should be inspected in the following years and this alien insect should be further monitored in order to estimate its potential of becoming an invasive pest in this country

Sociology of the Genius - Vincent van Gogh

Sociologija genija jest projekt kojeg je stvorio i tek dijelom započeo razvijati njemački sociolog Norbert Elias (1897. – 1990.). Inspiraciju za naziv ovog, nikad etabliranog i nekonvencionalnog područja sociologije, Elias je dobio kada je radio na sociološkoj analizi života velikog baroknog skladatelja Wolfganga Amadeusa Mozarta. Međutim, sociologiju genija bilo bi pogrešno svrstati u područje sociologije kulture ili sociologije umjetnosti. Ovo područje progovara o geniju, individualnom pojedincu koji svojim društvenim radom ili utjecajem doprinosi stvaranju društvenog kapitala u bilo kojem području djelovanja. Genij, kako je shvaćen u ovom radu, jest osoba koja je ostavila permanentan trag u povijesti civilizacije te je kao takav poznat i priznat bez obzira na globalne struje i kretanja. Kako Norbet Elias nije stigao razraditi metode i tehnike istraživanja genija, ovaj rad ima dva cilja: prvo, oživjeti Eliasovu sociologiju genija te ju predstaviti kroz ličnost Vincenta van Gogha i drugo, uhvatiti se u koštac sa izazovima stvaranja tehnika i metoda za znanstveno izučavanje genija. Rad se temelji na proučavanju primarnih i sekundarnih izvora o životu i djelu Vincenta van Gogha te društva u kojem je živio i zajednica u kojima se kretao kako bi se iz društvenih okolnosti moglo zaključiti o elementima njegove genijalnosti. Riječ je o teorijskom pristupu mikrosociološkoj temi, kojim se na fenomenološki način opisuje sama esencija života jedne individue u društvu. Kao tehnika istraživanja sociologije genija, u ovom radu predlaže se korištenje narativne, odnosno biografske analize kojom se dubinski opisuje odnos društva spram genija i reakcije genija na društvo

Lignicolous fungi on Pedunculate oak in lowland forests of Central Croatia

Background and Purpose: Dead wood is one of the most important factors for biodiversity in forests. Lignicolous fungi are key players; they are responsible for primary decomposition and they play important role in nutrient cycles. Pedunculate oak forests in Croatia are one of the most significant sources of organic material and mineral elements which provide habitat, nutrition or food to a variety of organisms of which some play an important role in its composition and mineralization. The purpose of our study was to reveal the species spectrum of lignicolous fungi on Pedunculate oak in lowland forests of Central Croatia. Materials and Methods: During the three-year research period (2002– 2004), fruit bodies of lignicolous fungi were collected on living standing trees, fallen logs, stumps, timber assortments in the forest and on log yards, and fallen dead branches on Pedunculate oak in Pokupski bazen and Lonjsko polje in Central Croatia. Identification based on upon their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, using standard binocular and light microscope. Results and Conclusions: A total of 72 species of lignicolous fungi on Pedunculate oak in lowland forests of Central Croatia were identified during the research. One species from Croatian Red list of fungi was identified: Hapalopilus croceus. A certain number of species found during this research can be considered as harmful lignicolous fungi in managed Pedunculate oak forests attacking standing trees, causing heartrot at the stem, stem base or root. Because of geographical diversity, Croatian forests have high biodiversitiy potential for lignicolous fungi

Influence of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana on the mortality of fir bark beetles Pityokteines spinidens and Pityokteines curvidens

Istraživanjem je obuhva}ena analiza prisutnosti patogene gljive Beauveria bassiana u populaciji jelovih potkornjaka te njezin utjecaj na redukciju populacije vrsta iz roda Pityokteines na dva lokaliteta u Hrvatskoj. Utvr|en je visok ukupni mortaliteta potkornjaka; 60-73% u populaciji iz Trakošćana i 41-45% u populaciji iz Litorića. Gljiva B. bassiana bila je uzro~nik mortaliteta u Trakošćanu na 11,6-25,2% od ukupno uginulih potkornjaka, a u Litoriću ovaj se postotak kretao izme|u 1,7% i 13,2%. Cilj provedenog istra`ivanja je stvaranje preduvjeta za razvoj budu}ih istraživanja izolata gljive B. bassiana čije bi spore mogle biti upotrijebljene protiv jelovih potkornjaka kao jedna od bioloških metoda suzbijanja potkornjaka.Occurrence of the entpomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and their influence in the reduction of Pityokteines fir bar beetle population was studied at two localities in Croatia. The mortality of bark beetles at the location Trakošćan was 60-73% while 41-45% at Litorić. The mortality rate caused by the fungi B. bassiana in Trakošćan was between 11,6 and 25,2%, and in Litorić between 1,7% and 13,2%. The aim of this study was to obtain first information about the fungi B. bassiana in fir bark beetle population in Croatia and build a basis for future research of fungi isolates which can be used in biological control measures against fir bark beetles