FIRST RECORD IN ITALY OF PSYLLAEPHAGUS BLITEUS RIEK (Hymenoptera Encyrtidae) PARASITOID OF GLYCASPIS BRIMBLECOMBEI MOORE (Hemiptera Psyllidae)

Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera Encyrtidae), parasitoid of the red gum lerp psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera Psyllidae), has been recorded for the first time in Italy in September 2011. The arrival of P. bliteus in Sicily is due to an accidental introduction, probably together with its host, as already happened in New Zealand, Brazil, Spain and Morocco

Primi reperti in Sicilia su diffusione e biologia di Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann (Hetroptera: Coreidae), cimice americana dei semi delle conifere

In this paper the first data on the distribution and biology of L. occidentalis in Sicily are reported; this bug, belonging to the family Coreidae, originates from North America, where it is regarded as a serious pest of conifer seed orchards. The first Sicilian specimens of L. occidentalis were found in September 2002 near Gangi (PA), while the first collecting data published until now refer to November 2003 in Niscemi (CL). The coreid is distributed in all Sicily provinces (30 collecting sites), from the sea level to 1.430 m a.s.l. on the mountains; it was collected on cones and plants of Pinus halepensis Miller, P. laricio Poiret, P. pinea L., P. nigra J.F.Arnold and Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, and also inside or near buildings. Females fed in laboratory (at 22 °C ± 1 and 80% U.R.) on P. menziesii shoots layed up to 148 eggs, beginning oviposition after 3 days when collected at the end of May and after 73 days when collected in November. In the laboratory the oviposition period lasted 35 days on average; adults were obtained 61 days after oviposition. Our field and laboratory data did not allow to ascertain the number of yearly generations of L. occidentalis in Sicily, but they should not be more than 2

Dannosità e controllo di Rhagoletis cerasi (L.) in ceraseti biologici della Sicilia occidentale.

Damage and control of Rhagoletis cerasi (L.) in organic cherry orchards in Western Sicily The study was carried out in 2009, 2010 and 2011 in organic cherry orchards in Western Sicily, were the control of Rhagoletis cerasi (L.), the cherry fly, is a problem for medium-late ripening cultivars. Presence and infestation of the dipteran were monitored on local cultivars and the effectiveness of pyrethrum, allowed in organic farming, was tested, comparing it with net bags. The presence of the cherry fly was recorded in all cherry orchards except in one isolated and recently planted. The infestation on fruits was not very high; it was absent until the end of May. Nets drastically reduced the infestation, while pyrethrum was less effective in lowering it. Riassunto Lo studio è stato condotto nel 2009, 2010 e 2011 in ceraseti biologici della Sicilia Occidentale, dove il controllo di Rhagoletis cerasi (L.), mosca delle ciliegie, costituisce un problema per le cultivar a maturazione medio-tardiva. Sono state monitorate la presenza e le infestazioni del dittero, confrontando anche l’efficacia del piretro, ammesso in agricoltura biologica, con la protezione delle ciliegie con sacchi di rete. La presenza della mosca delle ciliegie è stata registrata in tutti i ceraseti, con l’unica eccezione di un ceraseto isolato e impiantato di recente. Le infestazioni nei frutti non sono state registrate fino alla fine di maggio, e anche dopo non sono risultate elevate. Le reti hanno ridotto drasticamente le infestazioni della mosca delle ciliegie, mentre il piretro è stato meno efficace nel controllarla

First data on the repellent activity of essential oils of Citrus limon towards medfly (Ceratitis capitata)

The biological activity of peel essential oils of two Sicilian cultivars of C. limon, ‘Interdonato’ and ‘Lunario’, was investigated by electrophysiological recordings (EAG) and field trials on Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera Tephritidae). The EAG data showed a remarkable dose-response relationship and a low activation threshold dose (10-3M) for both essential oil extracts. In field tests, essential oils showed a good repellent and antiovipositional activi- ty on ‘Navelina’ oranges, and in particular the essential oils of ‘Lunario’ pro- vided the same results of kaolin. Potential applications of essential oils from C. limon cultivars against C. capitata in organic farming are discussed

Genetic testing for Hennekam syndrome

Abstract Hennekam Syndrome (HS) is a combination of congenital lymphatic malformation, lymphangiectasia and other disorders. It is a very rare disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance. We developed the test protocol "Hennekam Syndrome" on the basis of the latest research findings and diagnostic protocols on lymphatic malformation in HS. The genetic test is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials

Genetic testing for cystic hygroma

AbstractCystic hygroma (CH) is characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the region of the fetal neck and is a major anomaly associated with aneuploidy. Morphologically characterized by failure of the lymphatic system to communicate with the venous system in the neck, the clinical manifestations of CH depend on its size and location. Incidence is estimated at one case per 6000-16,000 live births. CH has autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive inheritance. This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials

Genetic testing for coarctation of aorta

Abstract Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is an inherited narrowing of the proximal descending thoracic aorta. Histological features include localized medial thickening and infolding with superimposed neointimal tissue. CoA is diagnosed by detection of a murmur or hypertension during routine examination. Typical clinical features are delayed or absent femoral pulses and difference in blood pressure between the arm and legs. These symptoms may appear in the first weeks of life or after the neonatal period. CoA accounts for 4-6% of all congenital heart defects and has a reported prevalence of about 4 per 10,000 live births. It is more common in males than females (59% vs 41%). This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials

Genetic testing for Ebstein anomaly

Abstract Ebstein anomaly (EA) is a rare congenital tricuspid valve malformation, characterized by downward displacement of the septal leaflet and an atrialized right ventricle. About 80% of cases of EA are non-syndromic; in the other 20%, the anomaly is associated with a chromosomal or Mendelian syndrome. The prevalence of EA is estimated at about 1 per 20,000 live births, and accounts for less than 1% of all congenital heart defects. EA has autosomal dominant inheritance. Likely causative genes are: NKX2-5, MYH7 and TPM1. This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, potential risk assessment and access to clinical trials

Genetic testing for ventricular septal defect

Abstract Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are the commonest heart malformations and may affect the membranous or the muscular septum. Clinical presentation depends on the amount of interventricular flow, which is determined by the size of the defect and the relative resistances of the pulmonary and systemic vascular beds. The prevalence of VSD is estimated at about 5% among infants. Many small malformations present at birth may later undergo spontaneous closure. VSD may have autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive inheritance and may exist as isolated forms or as part of a syndrome. This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials