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An epizootic has been reported in Fiorinia externa populations in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and NewJersey. Infected insects have profuse sclerotial masses enclosing their bodies. The most commonly isolated microorganism from infected F. externa was Colletotrichum sp. A morphological and molecular characterization of this fungus indicated that it is closely related to phytopathogenic C. acutatum isolates. Isolates of Colletotrichum sp. from F. externa in areas of the epizootic were similar genetically and were named Colletotrichum acutatum var. fioriniae var. nov, based on our findings. In vitro and in planta mating observed between isolates of C. acutatum var. fioriniae could serve as a possible source of genetic variation and might give rise to new biotypes with a propensity to infect insects. Only one other strain, C. gloeosporioides f. sp. ortheziidae, has been reported to show entomopathogenic activity.

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Spark ignition engines are responsible to a considerable extent for the major pollutants that are emitted in the atmosphere. The interest of researchers in the development of oxygenated fuel extenders has increased in recent years due to the removal of lead compounds from gasoline in combination with the need to reduce the components with high ozone-forming potential, i.e., aromatics and olefins. The purpose of the current work was to investigate the ignition quality of compounds derivable from renewable sources (furan derivatives and p-cresol), their effects on regulated emissions from conventional spark ignition engines, and their effects on gasoline properties. It was found that furan derivatives and p-cresol are very effective antiknock compounds, thus allowing a reduced aromatic content in gasoline without any further negative effects on gasoline properties. Hydrocarbon and CO emissions were found to be a function of the air-fuel ratio (AFR) and independent of engine loading, whereas NO x emissions appeared to be affected not only by AFR and load but by the fuel's nitrogen content as well. Fuel NO x predominated over thermal NO x under low engine loading conditions. Moreover, 2-methylfuran, furfurylamine, and p-cresol reduced HC and CO emissions relative to base fuel even at the same AFR level, whereas the effects of the compounds studied on NO x emissions were dependent on the engine operating AFR level and on the nitrogen content of the fuel.

The brown marmorated stink bug. Halyomorpha halys, (BMSB) is an exotic pest causing damage to fruits and vegetables. They also transmit diseases. Integrated pest management strategies are lacking for this invasive. For the first time, information is presented on the virulence of several entomopathogenic fungi against BMSB. Three Beauveria bassiana and two Metarhizium anispoliae isolates were bioassayed against adult BMSB. One B. bassiana isolate was the active ingredient in BotaniGard® which produced 85 and 100% mortality in 9 and 12 days post treatment, respectively. Experimental isolates ERL 1170 and ERL 1540 were also efficacious. Metarhizium anispoliae isolates produced lower mortalities than the B. bassiana isolates. Data presented showed the potential for management of BMSB with entomopathogenic fungi.