The Eucalyptus gall wasp Ophelimus maskelli (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and its parasitoid Closterocerus chamaeleon (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were observed for the first time in Portugal, in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Data on the distribution of O. maskelli in Portugal, differences in the susceptibility of two host species, Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and parasitism by C. chamaeleon are given.
Around 2004, a new type of injury was noticed in potato tubers harvested in the north of Portugal. Two North American flea beetles, Epitrix cucumeris and Epitrix similariswere later identified. The second species seems to be responsible for the characteristic type of tuber injury observed. The main morphological characters enabling the two species to be distinguished are presented.
The potato flea beetle species Epitrix similaris and Epitrix cucumeris were identified in mainland Portugal in 2009. This was the first finding of the species E. similaris in the EPPO region, and the first report of the species E. cucumeris, established in the Atlantic Islands of Azores (Portugal) for three decades, in the mainland EPPO zone. Preliminary information on the damage patterns caused by E. similaris and E. cucumeris on potato and their host plant preferences is provided. Leaf feeding by the adults causes the characteristic shot-hole pattern common to flea beetles. The larvae of both species develop on the root system and cause damage to the tubers. In field experiments, tuber damage by E. similaris presented three patterns: superficial tracks (serpentines), black splinters, and shallow holes. In the laboratory E. cucumeris was observed to be able to feed on very small immature tubers, causing serpentines and holes as well. However, in some cases it developed exclusively on roots. The adults of both Epitrix species hardly fed and reproduced on sweet pepper plants but fed and reproduced on the remaining five solanaceous plants tested (aubergine, Datura stramonium, tomato, potato and Solanum nigrum). E. similaris produced a much higher number of progeny on potato and on S. nigrum than on the other host plants. E. cucumeris produced more offspring on S. nigrum than on the other host-plants.
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