The leaf beetle Labidostomis lusitanica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) as an Iberian pistachio pest: projecting risky areas

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is a commercially important tree in the Mediterranean basin, where there is a considerable increase in cultivation, especially in Spain. Because of its recent introduction as a crop in the country (1980s), studies on the pests of pistachio in Spain are still rare. Here, we studied the leaf beetle Labidostomis lusitanica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), which was observed on pistachio and might become a serious pest under the expanding Spanish pistachio fields. Because early detection of pests is extremely important to properly plan control strategies, we (i) updated the information on the distribution of the species through samplings and surveys, and (ii) modelled its potential distribution. RESULTS: Currently, L. lusitanica occurs across the whole Iberian Peninsula, especially in its southern and eastern parts, with adults on flight roughly from late April to early June. Analysis of climatic niches showed that L. lusitanica prefers dry and hot areas, which are conditions found especially in the central-southern parts of the Iberian Peninsula. Such highly suitable areas for this pest overlap considerably with the suitable areas for pistachio cultivation. Surveys of pistachio growers weakly suggested a higher pest attack probability, but, unexpectedly, a lower perceived impact in very suitable areas for L. lusitanica, suggesting that other factors may shape its pest potential in a complex way. CONCLUSION: In line with what has been observed for other Labidostomis species on pistachio in other Mediterranean countries, L. lusitanica has a good potential to harm pistachio production in Spain, claiming for further investigations and prevention strategies.

Risk Assessment of the Worldwide Expansion and Outbreak of Massicus raddei (Blessig) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Based on Host Plant and Climatic Factors

“…For instance, Rank et al [ 17 ] proposed that Lobesia botrana (Denis and Schiffermuller) and its host Vitis vinifera L. occupied a similar ecological niche, and all potential suitable cropping areas would experience the risk of being invaded by this pest. Gómez et al [ 48 ] projected at-risk areas of Labidostomis lusitanica (Germar, 1824) across pistachio cultivation at the Iberian Peninsula level and observed that this pest would find an optimal suitable climate mainly in the areas in which pistachios also had suitable climatic conditions for their growth. In the present study, only the overlapping areas of the potential distributions of M. raddei and current plantation areas or the potentially suitable regions of its susceptible hosts could be reasonably considered as risky areas.…”

“…However, there are some limitations weakening the prediction of the models used here. On the one hand, it is worth noting that the MaxEnt model describes a species’ fundamental niche, rather than its realized niche, of which the prediction accuracy will be based on the quantity and quality of the presence data and the appropriateness of applied environmental factors [ 48 , 59 , 60 ]. The concealed life-history characteristic of this borer makes it more difficult to detect, especially in pest populations with low density, such as most oak forests of southern China.…”

Laboratory Evidence of 2-Isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine as a Male-Released Aggregative Cue in Labidostomis lusitanica (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

“…In Spain, the European country with the greatest pistachio crop area, there is still a lack of knowledge on the insect pests that may threaten pistachio production [ 8 , 16 ]. Recently, a comprehensive study conducted by Gómez and coworkers highlighted the leaf beetle Labidostomis lusitanica (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) as a potential serious threat for pistachio production in the Iberian Peninsula [ 17 ]. L. lusitanica is a polyphagous leaf beetle that feeds not only on pistachio, but also on Quercus L., Salix L. and Populus L., and on the herbaceous genera Rumex L. and Polygonum L. In pistachio plantations, it is considered a voracious species that may defoliate young trees in a few hours [ 17 ].…”

“…Recently, a comprehensive study conducted by Gómez and coworkers highlighted the leaf beetle Labidostomis lusitanica (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) as a potential serious threat for pistachio production in the Iberian Peninsula [ 17 ]. L. lusitanica is a polyphagous leaf beetle that feeds not only on pistachio, but also on Quercus L., Salix L. and Populus L., and on the herbaceous genera Rumex L. and Polygonum L. In pistachio plantations, it is considered a voracious species that may defoliate young trees in a few hours [ 17 ]. The species is found mostly in the eastern and southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, overlapping with pistachio crops [ 17 ].…”

“…L. lusitanica is a polyphagous leaf beetle that feeds not only on pistachio, but also on Quercus L., Salix L. and Populus L., and on the herbaceous genera Rumex L. and Polygonum L. In pistachio plantations, it is considered a voracious species that may defoliate young trees in a few hours [ 17 ]. The species is found mostly in the eastern and southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, overlapping with pistachio crops [ 17 ]. During late April–early June, evenly distributed aggregates containing both sexes are commonly found, in which they feed, mate and lay eggs for a period of 4–5 weeks, and, subsequently, the individuals disperse across the crop.…”