Thaumastocoris peregrinus is a recently introduced invertebrate pest of non-native Eucalyptus plantations in the Southern Hemisphere. It was first reported from South Africa in 2003 and in Argentina in 2005. Since then, populations have grown explosively and it has attained an almost ubiquitous distribution over several regions in South Africa on 26 Eucalyptus species. Here we address three key questions regarding this invasion, namely whether only one species has been introduced, whether there were single or multiple introductions into South
The bronze bug Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae) was detected infesting Eucalyptus trees in Brazil in 2008, in the states of Sao Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul and Minas Gerais and in 2009 was found in the state of Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rio de Janeiro and Paraná. Details about geographical spread, means of introduction, impact in Eucalyptus plantations and natural enemies observed in the field are discussed.
This study evaluated the insecticidal activity of garlic, Allium sativum Linnaeus (Amaryllidaceae) essential oil and their principal constituents on Tenebrio molitor. Garlic essential oil, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl sulfide oil were used to compare the lethal and repellent effects on larvae, pupae and adults of T. molitor. Six concentrations of garlic essential oil and their principal constituents were topically applied onto larvae, pupae and adults of this insect. Repellent effect and respiration rate of each constituent was evaluated. The chemical composition of garlic essential oil was also determined and primary compounds were dimethyl trisulfide (19.86%), diallyl disulfide (18.62%), diallyl sulfide (12.67%), diallyl tetrasulfide (11.34%), and 3-vinyl-[4H]-1,2-dithiin (10.11%). Garlic essential oil was toxic to T. molitor larva, followed by pupa and adult. In toxic compounds, diallyl disulfide was the most toxic than diallyl sulfide for pupa > larva > adult respectively and showing lethal effects at different time points. Garlic essential oil, diallyl disulfide and diallyl sulfide induced symptoms of intoxication and necrosis in larva, pupa, and adult of T. molitor between 20–40 h after exposure. Garlic essential oil and their compounds caused lethal and sublethal effects on T. molitor and, therefore, have the potential for pest control.
This research investigated the effects of neem oil on mortality, survival and malformations of the nontarget stink bug predator, Podisus nigrispinus. Neurotoxic and growth inhibitor insecticides were used to compare the lethal and sublethal effects from neem oil on this predator. Six concentrations of neem oil were topically applied onto nymphs and adults of this predator. The mortality rates of third, fourth, and fifth instar nymphs increased with increasing neem oil concentrations, suggesting low toxicity to P. nigrispinus nymphs. Mortality of adults was low, but with sublethal effects of neem products on this predator. The developmental rate of P. nigrispinus decreased with increasing neem oil concentrations. Longevity of fourth instar nymphs varied from 3.74 to 3.05 d, fifth instar from 5.94 to 4.07 d and adult from 16.5 and 15.7 d with 0.5 and 50% neem doses. Podisus nigrispinus presented malformations and increase with neem oil concentrations. The main malformations occur in wings, scutellum and legs of this predator. The neem oil at high and sub lethal doses cause mortality, inhibits growth and survival and results in anomalies on wings and legs of the non-traget predator P. nigrispinus indicating that its use associated with biological control should be carefully evaluated.
Podisus nigrispinus
Dallas (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), released in biological control programs, is a predator of Lepidopteran and Coleopteran species. Lemongrass essential oil and its constituents can be toxic to this natural enemy. The major constituents of lemongrass essential oil are neral (31.5%), citral (26.1%), and geranyl acetate (2.27%). Six concentrations of lemongrass essential oil and of its citral and geranyl acetate constituents were applied to the thorax of
P
.
nigrispinus
nymphs and adults. The walking and respiratory behavior of the
P
.
nigrispinus
third-instar nymphs, treated with citral and geranyl acetate at the LD
50
and LD
90
doses, were analyzed with video and respirometer. The lemongrass essential oil toxicity increased from first- to fifth-instar
P
.
nigrispinus
nymphs. The
P
.
nigrispinus
respiration rates (μL de CO
2
h
−1
/insect) with citral and geranyl acetate in the LD
50
and LD
90
differed. Nymphs exposed to the lemongrass essential oil and its constituents on treated surfaces presented irritability or were repelled.
Podisus nigrispinus
adults were tolerant to the lemongrass essential oil and its constituents, geranyl acetate and citral. The altered respiratory activity with geranyl acetate and the fact that they were irritated and repelled by citral suggest caution with regard to the use of the lemongrass essential oil and its constituents in integrated pest management incorporating this predator, in order to avoid diminishing its efficiency against the pests.
O gênero Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) é originário da Austrália e foi introduzido no Brasil na segunda metade do Séc. XIX. Atualmente o Brasil tem a segunda maior área plantada de Eucalyptus no mundo e que se destina principalmente à produção de celulose, papel, chapas de fibra e carvão vegetal (Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia 2004). Os plantios de Eucalyptus se destacam por ocuparem extensas áreas, oferecendo assim maior quantidade de alimento e abrigo para insetos-pragas. No ano de 2003 foi verificada pela primeira vez no Brasil a ocorrência de Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera, Psyllidae) também conhecido por psilídeo-de-concha atacando plantios de Eucalyptus spp. primeiramente no estado de São
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