Search Results (85)

Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) has been widely planted beyond its natural range due to its fast growth rate and valuable wood. In Québec, over 200 million seedlings have been planted since 1964. Several of these plantations are now facing a new potential threat, i.e., spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)) infestations. Despite contrasting results, Norway and white spruce (P. glauca [Moench] Voss) apparently sustain a similar degree of budworm defoliation. The main study objective is to quantify defoliation in Norway spruce caused by spruce budworm. We also evaluate the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner spp. kurstaki (Btk) in protecting this exotic host tree. Annual defoliation was assessed in plantations of Norway, white, and black spruce (P. mariana [Mill.] BSP) between 2018 and 2022 in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. Additional surveys were conducted in Norway and white spruce plantations in the Gaspésie and Côte-Nord to evaluate Btk efficacy. We show that both species exhibit similar defoliation levels, though Norway spruce sometimes sustains greater damage (e.g., 35% vs. 10% in 2019). Btk formulations showed low efficacy in protecting Norway spruce foliage (≥49.32% defoliation in treated plantations). Further studies are needed to understand factors influencing Btk efficacy on this host. Full article

Tortrix viridana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) (TV) is a serious pest of oaks in the West-Palearctic. In Ukraine in the 50–70s of the 20th century, the area of TV outbreaks reached 140–180 thousand hectares. Since the late 1980s, outbreaks have become rarer and have occurred in a smaller area. This research aimed to assess the main parameters of TV outbreaks in Ukraine, considering its prevalence in flush feeders’ complex, the suitability of forest structure for this insect, and the phenological mismatch between bud-flushing and TV hatching. Historical data on TV outbreaks in Ukraine since 1947, data for 1978–2025 by regions, field and climate data, and forest management databases as of 1996 and 2017 from the Kharkiv region were analyzed. Since 1985, the incidence, severity, and duration of TV outbreaks have decreased in all regions of Ukraine. It was explained by: (1) TV decrease in the flush feeding complex due to monophagy; (2) decrease in the suitable area due to a change in the forest age composition, proportion of pure oak stands, and stands with low relative stocking density; (3) the shift of oak bud-flushing and TV hatching to earlier dates with the tendency of earlier bud-flushing than egg-hatching. Full article

The Grapholita dimorpha is one of the significant borer pests that primarily damage plum, pear, and apple trees, often resulting in substantial economic losses in fruit production. However, the potential distribution range of this economically important pest remains poorly understood. In this study, we simulated an optimized maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to predict the spatiotemporal distribution pattern of G. dimorpha and identified its underlying driving factors. The results indicate that suitable habitats, under current bioclimatic conditions, are mainly distributed in eastern China, northeastern China, Korea, and Japan, covering a total of 273.5 × 10⁴ km². The highly suitable habitats are primarily located in Korea and parts of central Japan, with a total area of 19.8 × 10⁴ km². In future projections, the suitable area is expected to increase by 17.74% to 62.10%, and the suitable habitats are predicted to shift northward overall. In particular, there are more highly suitable habitats for G. dimorpha in China and Japan compared to their predominance in Korea under current climatic conditions. The bio9 and bio18 contribute 51.9% and 20.7% to the modeling, respectively, indicating that the distribution of G. dimorpha may be shaped mainly by the mean temperature of the driest quarter and precipitation of the warmest quarter. In summary, the distribution range predicted, particularly for regions with highly suitable habitats, poses a high risk of G. dimorpha outbreaks, emphasizing the priority of pest monitoring and management. Furthermore, the key bioclimatic variables identified could also provide crucial reference for pest monitoring. Full article

Cydia kamijoi (Oku, 1968) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) is a pest of conifer cones. It was first found in Hokkaido, Japan and was considered to be an endemic species of Hokkaido, which was rarely reported. Here, we report C. kamijoi in China for the first time, whose larvae feed on Pinus koraiensis pine cones. Descriptions of the larval and adult morphology of C. kamijoi, along with the COI DNA barcoding data available and the phylogenetic analysis are provided for this species for the first time. The emergence of C. kamijoi has severely threatened the health of P. koraiensis cones. This work may have important implications for the pest control of P. koraiensis cones in Northeast China. Full article

The Manchurian fruit moth, Grapholita inopinata (Heinrich) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is an important pest of fruit crops, particularly apples (Malus spp., Rosaceae), and is classified as a quarantine pest in many European countries and other world regions. Until recently, this species was known only in Northeastern China, Japan, and Russia (from Eastern Siberia and the Far East). To determine the westernmost distribution of G. inopinata and assess its abundance, we conducted nine-year pheromone monitoring across 13 administrative regions of Russia from 2014 to 2018 and 2021 to 2024. A total of 1866 traps were deployed, capturing 31,962 G. inopinata specimens in 1811 traps. The species was newly detected in eight regions—seven in Asian Russia and one in European Russia (Perm Krai). These findings doubled the moth’s known range on the Asian continent and extended its western boundary to 56° E in European Russia. Between 2021 and 2024, G. inopinata was generally found at low densities across the surveyed regions (≤10 males per trap per week), with the exception of Perm Krai, Omsk, and Novosibirsk Oblasts, where moderate abundance (up to 38 males per trap per week) was recorded. In contrast, from 2014 to 2018, moderate to high population densities (up to 94 males per trap per week), including mass occurrences (over 100 males per trap per week), were observed in Krasnoyarsk Krai, with an absolute peak capture of 303 males in one trap in June 2017. Notably, in 2015–2017, male flight activity in southern Krasnoyarsk Krai exhibited two distinct peaks: one in mid-to-late June and another from late July to mid-August, indicating the development of two generations. This is the first-ever record of a bivoltine seasonal cycle for G. inopinata in Siberia. These findings are critical for improving pest risk assessments and developing early detection strategies, supporting more effective monitoring and management approaches of this orchard pest. Full article

A four-component blend comprising pear ester, DMNT, linalool oxide, and acetic acid (CM4K) was identified as a potent allelochemical lure for both sexes of codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (L.). Studies conducted from 2020 to 2022 in Washington State (USA) examined factors which could impact the lure’s relative performance. The CM4K lure was effective across a range of mating disruption programs and was equally attractive in monitoring wild and sterile CM. The lure remained attractive for at least 10 weeks. Total catch in traps baited with the CM4K was significantly less impacted than a sex pheromone lure located near mating disruption dispensers and female catches were largely unaffected. Traps with the CM4K lure caught significantly more females and fewer males when placed near clusters of fruits in a trellised orchard. Two factors were found to significantly impact the relative performance of the CM4K to sex pheromone lures: the CM4K lure was only equivalent to sex pheromone lures in pear MD orchards, and apple and pear orchards with vigorous weed growth. This is the first report of a monitoring lure for a tortricid moth being negatively impacted by the background odor of non-host weed species present within an orchard. Full article

The spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana Clem. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is the most severe defoliator of balsam fir (Abies balsamea) in eastern Canada and northeast U.S.A. A large budworm outbreak is currently underway in the province of Québec, with 10.5 million hectares defoliated in 2023, up 14.1% from the year before. Populations of budworms are controlled using management guidelines of Forest Protection Strategy (FPS); the approach aims at killing defoliating larvae with aerial application of microbial insecticide, with the objective to limit defoliation and prevent tree mortality. The decision to treat/not treat a given forest block is based, in part, on local density of overwintering second instars (L2) collected at ca. 600 sampling points each year across the entire province at a cost of CAD 350 for three branches per site; the threshold for FPS (T_FPS) corresponds to 20 L2/branch. Aerial defoliation maps also guide management decisions because FPS generally target areas within or in the vicinity of defoliated forest stands. Budworm abundance rapidly declines with distance to aerial defoliation (in km), to the extent that larval density rarely attains T_FPS outside the core range of FPS (>15 km from defoliation). A cost-effective monitoring approach is proposed whereby forest blocks outside the core range of FPS are sampled every second year (as opposed to every year), representing a potential economy of CAD 40,000 annually. Full article

Codling moth Cydia pomonella is well established nearly everywhere apples are grown. Due to this almost global distribution, larvae are often intercepted at U.S. ports of entry where immature specimens cannot be identified accurately to species leading to unnecessary quarantine actions. To assist with identifying intercepted C. pomonella from port inspections, we developed a probe-based real-time PCR assay to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region 2 of C. pomonella. The assay was tested for inclusivity using 110 C. pomonella specimens from six continents. Analytical specificity was examined by testing related species intercepted at U.S. ports of entry, as well as non-targets with the same geographic distribution and host species as C. pomonella. The assay developed here identified all C. pomonella individuals correctly and produced appropriately negative results for all non-target species. These results ensure that the assay provides a rapid and accurate tool for unambiguously identifying C. pomonella among material intercepted at U.S. ports of entry. Since C. pomonella is not actionable, the ability to identify all life stages of C. pomonella conclusively will save time, effort, and money while also directing identification efforts towards species of current quarantine concern. Full article

Findings from monitoring Greek fir forests in central Greece regarding radial growth, insect infestations, plant communities, and climate response have highlighted the urgent need for expanded field research to address critical conservation challenges within the fir forest ecosystem on Giona and Parnassus mountains. This underscores the urgency of adopting measures to mitigate the impacts of both abiotic and biotic factors. Our findings so far, encompassing biometric data, tree ring analysis, observations on plant communities, climatic response, and insect infestations—primarily Choristoneura murinana (European Bud Moth)—across various stands on the mountain, have revealed significant local infestations of varying degrees. In many instances, these infestations were detected in adult trees, particularly in sunny areas or near country roads. Furthermore, our research has revealed the varied ability of the fir trees to adapt to both minor and significant climatic variations. The proposed research aims to monitor, preserve, and protect the fir trees, utilizing new knowledge for informed decision-making in their management. The project’s scope includes studying the growth characteristics of the fir forest, mitigating threats from biological factors (primarily the moth Choristoneura murinana-Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) by involving pheromones and other biological methods, promoting natural regeneration, preserving biodiversity, and evaluating the water status of the fir trees in response to climate change. Investigating their interactions and understanding the ecosystem’s status concerning the previously mentioned aspects is a significant priority for biological and genetic diversity, landscape aesthetics, recreation, and sustainable regional development (with economic impacts on local beekeepers and guesthouse owners). The evaluation of the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy in Greece has shown partial or minimal progress in addressing new threats and challenges, as well as in promoting new approaches. The proposed project, with specific actions, aligns with the spirit of the National Biodiversity Strategy and contributes to the strategy goals within the framework of conservation, restoration, and the strengthening of nationwide enhancement actions. Full article

Timing insecticide applications with insect emergence is critical for the management of cranberry pests like Sparganothis fruitworm (Sparganothis sulfureana, Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). The annual peak flight of S. sulfureana has previously been predicted using a degree-day model with a biofix date of 1 March; however, this biofix is not suitable for regions where winter and spring temperatures are warmer and flooding of cranberry beds is relied upon, which inhibits S. sulfureana development. In this study, we present two new degree-day models for predicting S. sulfureana peak flight based on six years of trapping data from New Jersey (USA): one with a biofix of 15 April, a date when drainage of cranberry beds occurs on average, and another using individual bed drainage dates. These models project peak flights at 525.5 and 521.0 degree-days using 15 April and water draw date as biofixes, respectively. These models can be used interchangeably, with both biofixes being suitable for regional grower guidance. Furthermore, differences in S. sulfureana peak flight were observed across four cranberry varieties; however, the effect of variety was influenced by year (significant variety-by-year interaction). This year-to-year variation in peak flight was strongly associated with spring (April–May) temperatures. Using these models, we project that with climate change, the peak flight of S. sulfureana in New Jersey cranberry beds may occur up to a week earlier by 2050. The use of a region-specific biofix and variety-specific models will help to better refine degree-day models for S. sulfureana, allowing for improved timing of management strategies against this pest. Full article

Phenology models are widely used in Decision Support Systems to predict the phenology of pests. Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a polyphagous pest, has a high prevalence in apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) (Rosales: Rosaceae) in certain areas, despite the fact that apple trees are considered secondary hosts. Its natural behavior of feeding inside plant tissue at the larval stage makes monitoring and planning methods of control critical for Integrated Pest Management. The development times and survival rates of two field populations of G. molesta larvae on apple cultivars ‘Gala’, ‘Golden’, and ‘Fuji’ were determined under different temperature (constant versus field fluctuation) and feeding conditions (diet versus apples attached to the tree and detached from the tree). The results showed that G. molesta fitness in apples is affected by fluctuating temperature regimes in the field, the condition of the fruit, whether or not the fruit is attached to the tree, and the cultivar. The temperature was the main cause of the differences in the studied parameters. Larvae developme–nt time was delayed due to fluctuating field temperatures. Larvae had a shorter development time in fruits detached from the tree compared to attached fruits, and apple cultivars influenced development time in both laboratory and field conditions, with the ‘Golden’ cultivar having better fitness and a higher rate of larvae survival in the fruits attached to the tree. These factors need to be considered to properly adjust the phenology models and improve the Integrated Pest Management system of apples. Full article

The plum fruit moth, Grapholita funebrana Treitschke, is one of the most significant borer pests, often causing huge economic losses in fruit production. However, the potential distribution range of this economically important pest is still poorly understood. For this study, we simulated an ensemble species distribution model to predict the spatiotemporal distribution pattern of G. funebrana at a global scale. The results show that the suitable habitats for this moth, under current environmental conditions, are mainly distributed in Europe; East Asia, including China and Japan; Central Asia; and some parts of America. In future projections, the suitable habitats are predicted to generally expand northward, while the suitable area will remain unchanged overall. However, the area of highly suitable habitat will decrease to only 17.49% of that found under current conditions. None of the nine factors used were revealed to be predominant predictors in terms of contributing to the model, suggesting that the integrated effects of these variables shape G. funebrana’s distribution. In this study, the distribution range that has been predicted, especially for the regions with a highly suitable habitat, poses a high risk of G. funebrana outbreaks, highlighting the urgency of pest management. Moreover, in the United States of America (USA) and Japan (for which G. funebrana distributions were not previously recorded), especially in areas highly suitable for this moth, monitoring and quarantine measures should be strengthened to prevent the colonization and further dispersal of this pest, as seen with its close relative G. molesta, which has become a cosmopolitan pest species, migrating from its native region (East Asia) to other continents, including the Americas. Full article

Thirty-five genera and one hundred and two species of the tortricid tribe Olethreutini documented from Taiwan are listed, two genera and six species of which are newly recorded for China and two genera and eighteen species of which are newly recorded for Taiwan. Nine species are recorded in the mainland of China for the first time, which were endemic to Taiwan before this study. The local monographs of China and references are summarized with the examined specimens. The synonymies and geographic distribution in China are provided for each species, and a list of examined specimens is provided when applicable. Full article

Integrated pest management relies upon mutual compatibility among pest control tactics. The fruit-boring moths Carposina sasakii and Grapholita molesta can be devastating pests of pome and stone fruit production. Trichogramma dendrolimi parasitizes the eggs of these pests, preventing their eclosion, but its efficacy can be reduced by other pest control tactics. We tested T. dendrolimi attraction to five colors, and moth attraction to six colors, in laboratory choice tests, and thereafter deployed yellow sticky cards in tandem with releases of T. dendrolimi in field trials in a pear orchard. Yellow sticky cards deployed at high density trapped T. dendrolimi and reduced their numbers post-release. They also trapped adult G. molesta, which appeared to compensate for reduced egg parasitism on this species, but not on C. sasakii, which had higher abundance in plots with yellow sticky cards. The cards also captured adult lacewings, likely reducing their numbers in the field, but did not capture large numbers of lady beetles. The results suggest that yellow sticky cards can be used at high density to control aphids, psyllids and leafhoppers in early spring (March and April) when natural enemies are in low numbers, then removed in May so as not to interfere with augmentative releases of T. dendrolimi that must be timed to coincide with peak flights of fruit-boring moths. This strategy should enhance the compatibility of yellow sticky cards with egg parasitoid releases. Full article

Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916), a significant pest affecting various fruits such as pears, apples, peaches, etc., is highly adaptable to changing temperatures. However, the phenological response mechanism of this pest to climate warming remains unclear. To address this issue, we collected population dynamics data of G. molesta in China over the years along with corresponding climate data. We analyzed five phenological indexes: the first, end, and peak occurrence dates of contemporary adults as well as the first and peak occurrence dates of overwintering adults in China. Results revealed an upward trend in the annual average temperature and average temperature of the four seasons in regions infested by G. molesta in eastern, northeastern, northwestern, northern, and southwestern China from 1980 to 2020. Notably, the population peak date of overwintering adults in northeastern and eastern China significantly advanced along with the first occurrence date and the population peak date of overwintering adults in northern China. Additionally, the population peak date of contemporary adults in northwestern China significantly advanced. However, the end occurrence date of contemporary adults in northern China was significantly delayed, as was the first occurrence date of overwintering adults in northwestern China. Furthermore, our study demonstrated spatial heterogeneity in the phenological response of G. molesta to climate warming across China. This study elucidates the phenological response of G. molesta to climate warming, offering valuable insights for predicting future pest infestations and informing adaptive pest management strategies in fruit tree cultivation. Full article