CHRYSOPIDS AS A FACTOR IN THE NATURAL CONTROL OF THE ORIENTAL FRUIT MOTH

1932 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 121-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wm. L. Putman

During the summer of 1930 it was observed that large numbers of eggs of the Oriental fruit moth (Laspeyresia molesta Busck.) were being destroyed by some enemy which pierced the shell and sucked out the contents. The presence of many chrysopid larvae on the trees indicated that these might be responsible for the destruction of the eggs.

2003 ◽  
Vol 93 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Lundkvist ◽  
J. Landin ◽  
M. Jackson ◽  
C. Svensson

AbstractField experiments were performed in artificial ponds to evaluate how the density of predatory diving beetles (Dytiscidae) would affect the population levels of mosquito larvae (Culicidae). Mosquitoes colonizing the ponds were predominantly species of the genus Culex. In 2000, most of the dytiscids colonizing the ponds were small (Hydroporus spp.), and these predators had no impact on the size of larval mosquito populations, not even in ponds with added dytiscids. In 2001, larger beetles (Ilybius, Rhantus, and Agabus spp.) were more common, and there were significantly fewer mosquito larvae in ponds with the highest numbers of dytiscids. There was a negative correlation between numbers of diving beetles in the ponds and the mean body length of mosquito larvae. In neither year could dytiscid densities be maintained above a certain level owing to emigration. In laboratory tests, there were marked differences between three common dytiscid species in regard to preferences for Daphnia and Culex species as prey: Colymbetes paykulli Erichson chose mosquito larvae more often, whereas both Ilybius ater (De Geer) and I. fuliginosus (Fabricius) preferred Daphnia spp. All of the tested dytiscids consumed large numbers of prey. Since some dytiscid species can efficiently decrease populations of mosquito larvae, they are probably important in the natural control of these dipterans.


1976 ◽  
Vol 108 (5) ◽  
pp. 485-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
John S. Hard

AbstractHemlock sawfly infestations occur most commonly in the warm southern half of southeast Alaska. Biotic factors that limit sawfly populations are a fungus, Entomophthora sphaerosperma, which kills disproportionately large numbers of female larvae; food quality as affected by host site and defoliation; and three ichneumonid parasitoid species, Delomerista japonica diprionis, Oresbius tsugae tsugae, and Itoplectis quadricingulatus, which attack prepupal larvae in cocoons. E. sphaerosperma was the most effective natural control in recent years, especially during wetter than normal summers. Parasites which attack after the fungus has decimated larval populations were most abundant during two dry summers. Parasitization and sawfly emergence were directly related, and both were highly inversely correlated with percentage fungus killed sawflies. Sawflies reared on lightly defoliated trees produced significantly more eggs than those reared on heavily defoliated trees, and fecundity was directly related to cumulative heat units during the summer. Between 1952 and 1974, most negative sawfly population trends south of Frederick Sound occurred when two wet summers occurred consecutively. Apparent widespread collapse of sawfly populations in 1974 was associated with low temperatures in 1973 which delayed sawfly development and reduced opportunities for successful oviposition.


1977 ◽  
Vol 109 (10) ◽  
pp. 1399-1401
Author(s):  
R.W. Fisher ◽  
D. R. Menzies

Manipulation of individual first instar larvae of the oriental fruit moth (OFM) has been successful using a sable hair (Fisher and Menzies 1976). However, when large numbers of larvae must be treated quickly and held for a long time, they cannot be handled singly. Also, larvae exposed to insecticides, even for short periods, are hard to retain on a substratum for observation.


1961 ◽  
Vol 93 (12) ◽  
pp. 1162-1168 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Clark ◽  
N. R. Brown

Pullus impexus (Muls.) is one of many species of predators that have been introduced into Eastern Canada since 1933 as part of a biological control program against the balsam woolly aphid, Adelges piceae (Ratz.) Delucchi (1954) has published many details of the systematics, biology, and natural control of this species in Europe where he found it to be associated with all A. piceae infestations. According to Pschorn-Walcher and Zwölfer (1960), it is one of a group of predators that are usually associated with lower population densities of A. piceae and other related adelgids, rhan are Aphidoletes thompsoni Möhn and Laricobius erichsonii Rosen. Because it is common on adelgid infestations in Europe and because it can easily be reared en masse, large numbers have been released in North America. The purpose of the present paper is to bring together available information on releases, life-history and natural control, and control value of this species, obtained from studies carried out over the past nine years in New Brunswick.


1935 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 89-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. G. Dustan

In connection with our studies on the Oriental fruit moth, large numbers of the insect are reared in the insectary on apples. The fruit moth eggs are placed on apples in closed containers such as No. 10 tins, and when the larvae are mature the majority of them come to the top of the containers and are placed on strips of corrugated paper in lantern globes for pupation and emergence.The remaining larvae are allowed to pupate and emerge in the rearing containers.


1938 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 343-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Eliot Hardy

1. Plutella maculipennis, Curt., a widespread Lepidopterous pest of Brassica was introduced into New Zealand about sixty years ago. In most countries a high degree of natural control is maintained, but in New Zealand the moth population is permanently maintained at a high level. Investigation showed that in New Zealand there were no natural enemies of importance, while in other areas these are constantly associated with Plutella.2. The distribution of the moth throughout the world is exceedingly wide, but in England it only occasionally reaches pest proportions.3. Preliminary work indicated that two Campoplegines, Angitia cerophaga and A. fenestralis, constantly parasitized large numbers of the Plutella larvae. Initial efforts were devoted to collecting and breeding a large supply of these in England for introduction into New Zealand as controlling agents.4. From several thousand specimens of Plutella, fourteen species of parasites were recovered, of which eight were hyperparasites. The only parasites which were numerically important were the two parasites, Angitia cerophaga and A. fenestralis. Their efficiency is not impaired to any appreciable extent by hyperparasites. A key showing the diagnostic differences of the parasites and hyperparasites of Plutella is given.5. These two species of Angitia are commonly recorded as parasites of Plutella throughout the world, although under different names. A large quantity was bred in the laboratory and despatched to New Zealand after overcoming certain difficulties connected with transport. It appears that both species of parasite must overwinter in other hosts than Plutella.6. Certain experiments were performed in an endeavour to assess some of the effects of climate. The upper limiting temperature of Plutella is approximately 40°C. and the lower limit for breeding purposes about 10°C. All stages of the moth can survive short periods of cold greater than 10°C., but it is believed that hibernation is normally accomplished in the adult stage. As the immature stages of the moth live in a specialised microclimate of high humidity, changes in the moisture content of the general atmosphere have little effect. Rain, if appearing at certain critical times in the life-cycle, may be a controlling agent.7. The most favourable areas for multiplication of the moth appear to be in the sub-tropics and warmer temperate zones. It is suggested that Plutella originated in the Mediteranean region.8. Even in the cooler temperate countries the climate would allow an indefinite increase in the moth. It is believed that an effective check on this multiplication is supplied by parasites.9. As the climate of England and New Zealand are essentially similar there is reason to suppose that the introduction of parasites from the former country will lead to eventual control being obtained in New Zealand.


1937 ◽  
Vol 15d (2) ◽  
pp. 29-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wm. L. Putman

This paper presents further biological and ecological data on the Chrysopidae gathered during a study of the predators of the oriental fruit moth. The species concerned are Chrysopa rufilabris Burm.; C. plorabunda Fitch; C. downesi R. C. Smith; C. oculata Say; C. nigricornis Burm.; Meleoma signoretti Fitch and M. emuncta Fitch. Data on life history include relation of development to temperature, number of generations, method of overwintering, and oviposition. The early stages of C. downesi, M. signoretti and M. emuncta are described. Seasonal prevalence and fluctuations in abundance from year to year are discussed and notes are given on natural control agencies. The value of chrysopids in the biological control of the fruit moth is summarized, with the conclusion that only in exceptional seasons are they of appreciable importance.


1953 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. W. MacPhee

Lord (1949) listed the predators of the European red mite, Metatetranychus ulmi (Koch.), in Nova Scotia and described the effects of a number of chemicals on them. Among the more important predators is the thrips Haplothrips faurei Hood. This thrips, however, does not confine its feeding to European red mite eggs but readily attacks the eggs of many other mites and insects. There is strong evidence that it is one of the most important biotic factors in the natural control of insect and mite pests in Nova Scotia apple orchards. It and another species, Leptothrips mali (Fitch), are the only thrips of economic significance, and H. faurei, because of its greater numbers, is the more important. A description of the life-history of L. mali was given by Bailey (1940), who also (1939) studied the biology of another thrips, Scolothrips sexmaculatus (Perg.), which is of minor importance in Nova Scotia. The only other predacious thrips found is a species bclieved to be Zygothrips minutus Uzel, which occurs only rarely and in small numbers. Haplothrips subtilissimus Hal. (later identified as H. faurei), was found by Putman (1942) in Ontario to be predacious on phytophagons mites and the eggs of oriental fruit moth, Grapholitha molesta Busck.


1934 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. E. Van Steenburgh

The investigations described in this paper were carried out during the period 1928–1933, and deal with the egg parasite, Trichogramma minutum Riley, with special reference to its field of usefulness in the biological control of the oriental fruit moth (Laspeyresia molesta Busck.) in Ontario. This cosmopolitan parasite is a factor of considerable importance in regulating the abundance of the fruit moth in southern New Jersey, but appears to be of little practical significance in the natural control of the pest in Ontario. Under certain conditions of weather and host abundance, parasitism may be increased materially by the liberation of Trichogramma in the orchards but, in general, the results are not dependable. A large number of experiments were conducted utilizing three biological races of the species. The technique employed in the work and the results obtained are given as well as a number of important observations on the habits and biology of the parasite.


1965 ◽  
Vol 97 (8) ◽  
pp. 810-816 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. G. Dustan

AbstractLarge numbers of Oriental fruit moth adults were successfully tagged (500 or more counts per minute) by holding them for 24–48 hr. in cages provided with cotton wicks moistened with a water-solution of P32 at 20 microcuries per millilitre. The addition of sugar to the tagging solution did not increase its effectiveness. Approximately 80% of the total radioactivity of the tagged moths was internal due to ingested liquid and the remainder was on the surface of their bodies; 73% of the total was in and on the abdomen. The loss in radioactivity of tagged moths in 1–6 days was 2.2–4.7 times greater than the theoretical loss due to isotope decay alone. The highest rate of loss occurred during the first day, probably through excretion before the P32 was absorbed from the digestive tract. Egg laying contributed to loss of radioactivity. Though water and liquid bait removed some P32 from tagged moths this did not result in appreciable contamination of other moths trapped in the liquids.Attempts to tag large numbers of moths (400–1000 per cage) for release and recovery experiments were only partially successful as the radioactivities attained by individual moths varied widely at different times and from cage to cage, even under the same environmental conditions. This appeared to be partly due to differences in the feeding behaviour of different batches of moths and it may have been influenced by the conditions under which they were reared.


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