Notes on Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera Drosophilidae): field survey in Tuscany and laboratory evaluation of organic products

Reported for the first time in Italy in 2009, the Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera Drosophilidae), has rapidly spread throughout the country, causing serious damage on many fruit crops. The potential of infestation rate by D. suzukii is enormous: the females can complete many generations per year, and are able to attack the fresh, ripe fruit of many hosts by laying eggs under the soft skin; the larvae grow in the fruits and destroy the commercial value of them. The host range of SWD is reportedly wide, including both cultivated (soft fruits, sweet cherry, stone fruits etc…) and wild plants. In 2013, field surveys aimed at monitoring the presence of the insect on Tuscany territory, were regularly carried out: on an important district for the sweet cherry production with differently managed in control, on a biological blueberry orchard and even on other host plants neighboring the samples’ areas. D. suzukii was present in the monitored areas and its numerically large populations and heavy infestations on sweet cherries have shown that the species has settled in these areas. In laboratory tests, labeled organic products and substances of natural origin - in accordance with the requirements of EU regulations which provides for the reduction of chemicals - were evaluated as concern toxicity and residual effect on the pest. As regards effects of direct toxicity, products based on Beauveria bassiana have shown some effectiveness in the control of SWD, other organic products have shown interesting results. The evidences acquired are discussed

An effective method for Graphosoma lineatum (L.) long-term rearing.

A simple and time-saving technique for an effective and continuous rearing of Graphosoma lineatum (L.) (Heteroptera Pentatomidae), an alternative host for Trissolcus spp. and Ooencyrtus spp. production, was set for entomological research and maintained for a long period. Insects were maintained in containers as rearing units; 100x35x35cm cages hosted adults; 40x30x30cm cages hosted nymphs. Graphosoma lineatum was fed on seeds of Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Anethum graveolens L. and Pimpinella anisum L. Moreover, potted young plants of F. vulgare were also used as additional food source. Water for insects and plants was provided by small automatic irrigation systems. When each colony cage reached the density of 100 adult couples, the number of oviposited batches was followed up for 12 weeks. Batches laid per cage were approximately one hundred per week. Therefore the overall weekly production of six adult cages was about 8400 eggs. This technique was plain and cost effective, allowing a constant egg production throughout the year.

ACLEESCF. SP. FOVEATUS(COLEOPTERA CURCULIONIDAE), AN EXOTIC PESTOF FICUS CARICAIN ITALY: A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO DEFENCE BASEDON ALUMINOSILICATE MINERALS AS HOST PLANT MASKING SOLIDS

The exceptionally frequent entries of alien pest are a major source of concern for the farmers who haveto protect their crops from unknown insects, often without natural enemies in the new areas. A new pestbelonging to the Molytinae family (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), tribe Hylobiini, reported as Acleessp. cf.foveatusVoss, was recently introduced in Italy. The species is responsible for severe damages in many Italianfig nurseries and orchards, particularly in the Italian Central Northern regions, i.e. Tuscany, Ligury andLatium. Currently, no active ingredients are registered against this insect on fig crops. An innovative and eco-friendly approach for controlling this exotic weevil infestation was investigated, by using montmorillonite-based clays, either in their native state or containing copper(II) species, and clinoptilolite zeolites, in order tocheck the perception of the adults’ weevil towards the different solid materials and, subsequently, to evaluatethe capability of these innovative products to act as masking agent with respect to the host plant and/or asrepellent upon contact. The formulations containing copper(II)-exchanged clay and clinoptilolite zeoliteshowed preliminary promising results in terms of efficacy and environmental sustainability