Investigations on Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): larval infestation on the tomato cultivated in open field and evaluation of five essential oils against larvae in laboratory

Abstract The tomato miner Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a Neotropical species, which cause serious damages to tomato in spread areas. It appeared in 2008 in Italy, where it seriously threatened tomato production both in greenhouse and open field cultivations. In this work a study on infestation by this leafminer on leaves was conducted in an organic cultivation of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) "Pizzutello" variety in Sicily (Italy), and the insecticidal activity of 5 essential oils (EOs) on T. absoluta was evaluated in laboratory. EOs of basil, cypress, laurel, peppermint and Spanish oregano were used against 3rd- and 4th-instar larvae to assess contact effects and, only for oregano and laurel, inhalation effects. Results showed that the infestation in field had a variable trend showing peaks in two periods, in the months of July and October. Larvae of T. absoluta developed on leaves for most of the growing season of tomato showing a peak of 1.5 larva per leaf in the first part of July decreasing in the subsequent months. Results on the use of essential oils against the leafminer showed a good larvicidal effects confirming their use as potential alternative for pest control. Basil, cypress and laurel oils showed major contact efficacy. Inhalation effects of the oils of oregano and laurel increased with increasing their doses with a positive correlation. Oregano oil was effective at lower doses than laurel

Le infrastrutture ecologiche come elemento funzionale nella gestione della biodiversità degli agrosistemi, con particolare riferimento al vigneto

Molti studiosi, già da diverso tempo, hanno messo in risalto l’importanza della diversità vegetale negli agroecosistemi sull’aumento della presenza di artropodi utili che contribuiscono al contenimento delle specie dannose. In quest’ambito una strategia di difesa per mantenere alto il livello di biodiversità riguarda l’uso delle cosiddette “infrastrutture ecologiche” o “aree di compensazione ecologica”, cioè siepi o fasce di vegetazione adiacenti al campo coltivato o al suo che forniscono ospiti alternativi e siti rifugio per predatori e parassitoidi di insetti dannosi, aumentando in tal modo l’abbondanza dei nemici naturali e la colonizzazione delle colture confinanti. Alcuni lavori di campo hanno testato i concetti di ecologia del paesaggio applicata all’agricoltura, come ad esempio l’uso di corridoi biologici per contrastare insetti dannosi, evidenziando che l’uso di corridoi vegetazionali, interrompendo le monocolture, fungono da tramite per la dispersione di nemici naturali all’interno del campo, aumentando così il loro impatto sulle popolazioni dei fitofagi. La composizione delle specie costituenti la vegetazione circostante e la distanza alla quale i nemici naturali si disperdono nella coltura hanno grande influenza sull’abbondanza e diversità di insetti entomofagi all’interno di un campo. Risulta di rilevante importanza la gestione degli habitat, come forma di controllo della conservazione biologica allo scopo di creare adeguate infrastrutture ecologiche all’interno del paesaggio agrario, fornendo risorse di cibo, prede alternative e ripari ai nemici naturali. Nell’ambito del vigneto, l’incremento della diversità botanica ha apportato benefici soprattutto rilevabili nelle relazioni tra tignole e antagonisti, tra cicaline e i parassitoidi 4-2013 22 del genere Anagrus e tra acari e predatori quali acari Fitoseidi. È da tenere presente, però, che nonostante gli aspetti positivi delle infrastrutture ecologiche evidenziati, in alcune aree viticole possono verificarsi effetti sfavorevoli in relazione ad alcuni fitofagi quali cicaline, soprattutto quelle vettrici di fitoplasmi e virosi, cocciniglie e fillominatori. Vengono riportati i diversi studi finora effettuati in Italia e all’estero (paesi europei ed extra-europei).Ecological infrastructures as a functional element in the management of biodiversity of agroecosystems, with particular reference to the vineyard Many researchers have emphasized the importance of plant diversity in agro-ecosystems on increasing the presence of beneficial arthropods that contribute to the control of harmful species. In this context, a defense strategy to maintain a high level of biodiversity is the use of so-called “ecological infrastructure” or “ecological compensation areas”, i.e. hedges or strips of vegetation adjacent to the cultivated field or inside. These sites provide alternate hosts and refuge for predators and parasitoids of pests, thereby increasing the abundance of natural enemies and colonization of neighboring crops. Some field studies have tested the concepts of landscape ecology applied to agriculture, such as the use of biological corridors to control harmful insects that breaking monocultures, are the bridge to the dispersal of natural enemies in the field, increasing their impact on the pests populations. The different species of the surrounding vegetation and the distances that natural enemies disperse into the cropping system have a great influence on the abundance and diversity of beneficial insects. The habitat management is an aspect of conservation biological control using the appropriate ecological infrastructure in the agricultural landscape that provides resources for food, shelter and alternative prey to enhance natural enemies. In vineyards, the enhancement of botanical diversity has beneficial effects especially in the relationships between grape moths and antagonists, leafhoppers and parasitoids as Anagrus spp. and mites and predators as Phytoseiid mites. Despite the positive aspects of ecological infrastructures in the vineyard, unfavorable effects may occur in particular viticultural areas in relation to some pests such as leafhoppers, especially those vectors of grapevine phytoplasma and viruses diseases, scale and leafminers insects. In the paper we report the state of studies carried out in Italy, Europe and other world countries on the role of natural hedges and floral resources in supporting predatory insects with particular reference to Coccinellids and parasitoids of genus Anagrus and Trichogramma and associated natural enemies with tripids. In addition, we report briefly studies on the ecological effectiveness on species richness and abundance of animal groups and pollinators

Effects of essential oils of Origanum vulgare L. (Fam. Labiatee), Pelargonium odoratissimum L. (Fam. Geraniaceae) and Syzygium aromaticum L. (Fam. Mirtaceae) on mortality of Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphidiidae) in laboratory

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphidiidae), is a cosmopolitan and highly polyphagous species causing serious economic damage to numerous plants including Cucurbitaceae. The use of synthetic insecticides represent the main method of control of this aphid, often resulting in resistance to all the major insecticide group. The use of natural products, such as essential oils (EOs), has increased in recent years because they have advantages in reduction of this resistance. Within this research area, we have implement and evaluate the applications of EOs that aim at reinforcing knowledge on the control of this aphid. We investigated the topical application of the EOs of Origanum vulgare L. (oregano), Pelargonium odoratissimum L. (cloves) and Syzygium aromaticum L. (geranium bourbon) by means the Potter tower on 1st instar nymphs under laboratory conditions. In our results, mortality response to EOs tested was dose-dependent and depending on the time from the treatment. It is remarkable that already after 24 hours of exposure to treatments, all three EOs caused mortality. Highest mortality was detected after 48 at doses of 1200 μl/l with values of 52%, 67% and 69% for clove, geranium and oregano, respectively. The probit analysis after 24 hours revealed that the lowest DL50 was detected for oregano (562.34 μl/l), followed by geranium (707.95 μl/l) and clove (954.99 μl/l) EOs. The results highlight a potential use of these EOs in the pest control being less toxic to the plants unlike chemical-based insecticides

Assessment of the insecticidal activity of five essential oils used against the subterranean termite Reticulitermes lucifugus (Rossi) (Blattodea, Rhinotermitidae) in laboratory

Among Reticulitermes genus the most abundant species living in Italy is Reticulitermes lucifugus Rossi. This termite is very dangerous to wooden structures of artistic heritage and buildings. The traditional control of R. lucifugus is very difficult resulting in negatively impact on the environment, therefore the use of phytochemical, such as essential oils (EOs), could lead to an alternative to synthetic insecticides, with advantages in reducing environmental risks. In this work we investigated the insecticidal activity of EOs of Citrus bergamia Risso, Syzygium aromaticum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Pelargonium odoratissimum L., and Origanum vulgare L. by inhalation against R. lucifugus workers. It is the first study to examine the efficacy of EOs on this termite species. Results showed that after 24 hours of treatment exposure, mortality occurred in all treatments and was dose-dependent, increasing when the treatment dose increased. At the lowest dose (2.5 μl/l), oregano, clove, and geranium EOs resulted in mortality of more than 80%. Oregano EO was the most active already at low doses, while fennel EO was the least effective. 24 hours after the treatment, the lowest DL50, obtained by the dose-response analysis, was detected for oregano EO (1.21 μl/l), followed by those of EOs of clove (1.28 μl/l), geranium (1.73 μl/l), fennel (2.20 μl/l), and bergamot (2.88 μl/l). This study highlighted the possibility of using these EOs in the termite control for the preservation of wooden structures

Indagini sulle infestazioni di Aphis gossypii Glover su melone invernale (Cucumis melo Var. Helios) in aziende a conduzione biologica della Sicilia occidentale.

Investigations on the aphid infestation occurring on winter melon crops (Cucumis melo var. Helios) in organic farms of western Sicily The winter melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an important crop in Sicily. Previous studies carried out in western Sicily have shown that the aphid species Aphis gossipii is the key pest of winter melon crops.A. gossypii is a cosmopolitan species with very polyphagous habits; this phytophagous insect is capable of serious economic damage due to direct feeding of the sap plant and due to the honeydew secretion and the consequent presence of sooty mold and due to the possible transmission of viruses. The aim of this work was to investigate the levels of aphid infestation in two different organic winter melon fields located in western Sicily by monitoring the dynamic of population of A. gossypii and the complex of natural enemies associated with the pest. In addition the possible influence of mulching as aphid repellent has been evaluated. In one location we monitored the aphid infestation through direct observation of the plants that have been carried out weekly from transplant to harvest of the product. In the other location, we investigated the dynamics of population and levels of adult infestation, evaluating also the possible influence of mulching, using chromotropic traps, consisting in yellow adhesive plates placed horizontally in mulched rows, on the plastic film, and alleyways, on the ground. In addition, surveys were carried out by comparing mulched plots and not mulched plots. Our results showed that, in both locations, the population density of A. gossypii was low and no serious damage has been inflicted to the crop: this is probably related to the abundant presence of natural enemies of the pest and to the repellent action of mulching

Indagine su Raphidopalpa foveicollis (Lucas) nella coltura del melone biologico della Sicilia occidentale.

Investigations on Raphidopalpa foveicollis (Lucas) in an organic cultivation of winter melon in western Sicily Red pumpkin beetle (Raphidopalpa foveicollis), is a Chrysomelidae beetle that lives on various species of cucurbits with greater preference for Cucumis sp. Both larval and adult stages are injurious to the crops. The former feeds on roots and stems of the plants, while the latter feeds on foliage, petals and fruits. In Sicily, this insect has occurred in the past as a secondary pest on the winter melon, but sometimes it reaches levels of infestation to arouse considerable concern among farmers. In order to implement economic methods of pest control a study on organic cultivation of winter melon was conducted in Camporeale (500 meters a.s.l.) (Palermo). Particularly, the dynamics of population and infestation levels have been investigated, taking into account also the possible influence of mulching, using chromotropic traps. Such traps consisted of yellow adhesive plates placed horizontally in mulched rows, on the plastic film, and between the rows, on the ground. In addition, surveys were carried out by comparing mulched plots and not mulched ones. Results showed that the peak catches (47.4 adults / trap) occurred in mid-June and the greater number of catches was found in the traps placed between the rows, with significant difference. A greater number of individuals has been detected on plants of the not mulched plots than that of the mulched plots, even though no statistically significant difference was found. The percentage of plants with damaged leaves ranged from 68.7% to 100% on mulched plots and 93.3% to 100% on not mulched plots with no significant differences. The presence of adults has also been observed on fruits but without signs of trophic activity. In addition, young stages were not detected in the plants examined. In conclusion, the combined effect of mulching, at least until the vegetation does not cover the plastic film, and sticky traps, placed mostly between the rows, plays a synergistic action to the pest control. Considering the low cost of such technique, it may be a potential tool for managing this pest using mass trapping method

Current state of the Prunetalia spinosae communities in the centre and south of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal)

This paper re-examines the Rhamno-Prunetea class in the centre and south of the Iberian Peninsula, especially in Andalusia. The paper also deals with the alliances Pruno-Rubion ulmifolii Lonicero-Berberidion hispanicae in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, and Berberidion vulgaris (Berberidenion seroi) in the area of Cuenca. Our analysis of 225 relevés arranged in 22 phytosociological tables helped us to re-organize the available information and subsequently propose three associations and two subassociations: Clematido vitalbae-Rosetum micranthae nova; Berberido hispanicae- Buxetum sempervirentis nova; Roso siculae-Berberidetum hispanicae Mota nova subas. prunetosum ramburii Mota nova; Lonicero arboreae-Rhamnetum cathartici Martínez-Parras and Molero 1983 subas. prunetosum ranburii nova. As a result of the study, a total of 18 syntaxa with the rank of association and four with the rank of subassociation are proposed for the south of the Iberian Peninsula

China and Latin America: Mutual benefits or asymmetric relationship?

With China’s rapid growth, it is worth considering whether or not the country has challenged the United States, which for decades was the hegemonic power in much of Latin America. Posed in international studies, these questions are viewed from a Western perspective, arguably ethnocentric and universalist, which understands the international context as one of allies and enemies, center and periphery. Thus, it is difficult to understand a global rearrangement involving a non-Western actor. There seems to be no other way of understanding peaceful coexistence without involving the dominant and dominated relationship. Therefore, this paper seeks to explain whether a strategic relationship, fostered based on equal relationships for mutual benefit, is possible, without thinking about the soft or strong power notion that characterized the international order of the 20th Century. For the approach, a qualitative analytical-descriptive methodology is used

Marte 2025, territorio de oportunidad : viabilidad de asentamientos humanos en Marte en un futuro

Estudio de Marte, sus condiciones y los proyectos propuestos sobre el planeta. En unos años se espera que algo que hasta ahora solo hemos podido imaginar o ver en películas de ciencia ficción sea una realidad. Ya se han dado los primeros pasos para ello. El mayor reto de la humanidad seguramente requerirá de la inversión de grandes cantidades de dinero y de la participación, durante años, de numerosos científicos especializados. Exigirá asimismo tecnología muy avanzada, metodologías nunca antes vistas y una investigación considerable.Universidad de Sevilla. Grado en Fundamentos de Arquitectur