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Sciandra C, Amoriello S, Degli EI, Nicotera V, Barbieri F, Mazza G, Torrini G, Roversi PF, Strangi A. First report of Rhabditis ( Rhabditella) axei with the invasive palm borer Paysandisia archon. J Nematol 2024; 56:20240005. [PMID: 38495930 PMCID: PMC10940275 DOI: 10.2478/jofnem-2024-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Rhabditis (Rhabditella) axei is a free-living, pseudoparasitic, necromenic, and parasitic nematode, depending on the host. This species feeds mainly on bacteria present in decaying organic matter, soil, and other substrates; however, in its parasitic form, it can colonize some species of snails. Moreover, the presence of R. axei has also been detected in birds and mammals, including humans. In 2021-2023, during monitoring of the palm borer Paysandisia archon in Central Italy, R. axei emerged from dead larvae of this alien invasive moth and was extracted from palm fibres of Trachycarpus fortunei in three independent sites. The nematode was identified by morphological and morphometric analyses. Molecular analyses using SSU and LSU gene fragments were used to confirm the identification and to perform Bayesian reconstruction of the phylogeny. Each sampling site showed a unique haplotype. Concerning the pathogenicity of this nematode against insects, the test performed on Galleria mellonella larvae did not show any entomopathogenic effect. This is the first time that R. axei was found associated with P. archon, and this recurrent association was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sciandra
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria – Centro di Ricerca Difesa e Certificazione, Firenze, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Siena, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Amoriello
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria – Centro di Ricerca Difesa e Certificazione, Firenze, Italy
| | - Emilia Innocenti Degli
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria – Centro di Ricerca Difesa e Certificazione, Firenze, Italy
| | - Valentina Nicotera
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria – Centro di Ricerca Difesa e Certificazione, Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesco Barbieri
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria – Centro di Ricerca Difesa e Certificazione, Firenze, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mazza
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria – Centro di Ricerca Difesa e Certificazione, Firenze, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo90133, Italy
| | - Giulia Torrini
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria – Centro di Ricerca Difesa e Certificazione, Firenze, Italy
| | - Pio Federico Roversi
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria – Centro di Ricerca Difesa e Certificazione, Firenze, Italy
| | - Agostino Strangi
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria – Centro di Ricerca Difesa e Certificazione, Firenze, Italy
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Paoli F, Iovinella I, Barbieri F, Sciandra C, Sabbatini Peverieri G, Mazza G, Torrini G, Barzanti GP, Benvenuti C, Strangi A, Bosio G, Mori E, Roversi PF, Marianelli L. Effectiveness of field-exposed attract-and-kill devices against the adults of Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): a study on duration, form and storage. Pest Manag Sci 2023; 79:3262-3270. [PMID: 37073818 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Japanese beetle Popillia japonica Newman is an insect pest native to Japan that has spread into North America, the Azores and, recently, into continental Europe. Here, we present a study assessing the effectiveness of a long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN), assembled in semiochemical-baited attract-and-kill devices (A&Ks) as a low environmental impact means to control P. japonica in the field. We compared the attractiveness of three different forms of A&Ks that were left outdoors throughout the summer, and the residence time of P. japonica landing on them. Moreover, we performed a preliminary study testing the effectiveness of new LLINs after storage. Collected data also allowed us to investigate the beetles' diel flight patterns in relation to meteorological conditions. RESULTS Killing effectiveness of the field-exposed A&Ks declined steadily over the flight season (from 100% to 37.5%) associated with a decrease in residues of α-cypermethrin, the active ingredient in the LLINs. The different A&K forms (pyramidal, octahedral and ellipsoidal) attracted similar numbers of beetles. Individual beetles' residence time ranged from 75 to 95 s and differed slightly between A&K forms. Effectiveness of LLINs decreased by ≈30% after 1 year storage. Based on numbers landing on A&Ks, the beetles' flight activity peaked about 14:30 h and was inversely correlated with relative humidity. CONCLUSION This study indicates that semiochemical-baited A&Ks are effective for controlling P. japonica in the field. Because of active ingredient decay, the LLINs should be replaced after 30-40 days of field exposure to ensure that the A&Ks remain fully functional. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Paoli
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Barbieri
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Sciandra
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Mazza
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Torrini
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Florence, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Barzanti
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Benvenuti
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Florence, Italy
| | - Agostino Strangi
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bosio
- Settore Fitosanitario e Servizi Tecnico-scientifici, Torino, Italy
| | - Emiliano Mori
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, 90133, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Marianelli
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Florence, Italy
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Barzanti GP, Enkerli J, Benvenuti C, Strangi A, Mazza G, Torrini G, Simoncini S, Paoli F, Marianelli L. Genetic variability of Metarhizium isolates from the Ticino Valley Natural Park (Northern Italy) as a possible microbiological resource for the management of Popillia japonica. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 197:107891. [PMID: 36716929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The natural occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) was investigated along the Ticino River (Ticino River Natural Park, Novara Province, Piedmont, Italy), at the center of the area of the first settlement of the invasive alien pest Popillia japonica. Using Zimmermann's "Galleria bait method", EPF were successfully isolated from 83 out of 155 soil samples from different habitats (perennial, cultivated, or uncultivated meadows, woodlands, and riverbanks). Sequencing of the 5' end of the Translation Elongation Factor 1 alfa (5'-TEF) region allowed the assignment of 94% of the isolates to Metarhizium spp., while 8% and 7% were assigned to Beauveria spp. and Paecilomyces spp., respectively. Four Metarhizium species were identified: Metarhizium robertsii was the most common one (61.5% of the isolates), followed by M. brunneum (24.4%), M. lepidiotae (9%), and M. guizhouense (5.1%). Microsatellite marker analysis of the Metarhizium isolates revealed the presence of 27 different genotypes, i.e., 10 genotypes among M. robertsii, 8 among M. brunneum, 5 among M. lepidiotae, and 4 among M. guizhouense. Metarhizium brunneum appeared to be associated with woodlands and more acid soils, while the other species showed no clear association with a particular habitat. Laboratory virulence tests against P. japonica 3rd instar larvae allowed the identification of one M. robertsii isolate that showed efficacy as high as 80.3%. The importance of this kind of study in the frame of eco-friendly microbiological control is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Paolo Barzanti
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 50125 Florence, Italy.
| | - Jürg Enkerli
- AGROSCOPE Institute for Sustainability Sciences ISS, Molecular Ecology, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Benvenuti
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Agostino Strangi
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mazza
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Torrini
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Stefania Simoncini
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Paoli
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Leonardo Marianelli
- CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 50125 Florence, Italy
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Mazza G, Nerva L, Strangi A, Mori E, Chitarra W, Carapezza A, Mei M, Marianelli L, Roversi PF, Campanaro A, Cianferoni F. Scent of Jasmine Attracts Alien Invaders and Records on Citizen Science Platforms: Multiple Introductions of the Invasive Lacebug Corythauma ayyari (Drake, 1933) (Heteroptera: Tingidae) in Italy and the Mediterranean Basin. Insects 2020; 11:insects11090620. [PMID: 32927750 PMCID: PMC7565189 DOI: 10.3390/insects11090620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The jasmine lacebug Corythauma ayyari is a pest of cultivated and ornamental plants mainly associated to Jasminum spp. This invasive insect is native to Asia, and it has been recently introduced in several countries, mainly within the Mediterranean basin. Here, we updated the known distribution of this species, including five new Italian regions (Liguria, Tuscany, Latium, Apulia, and Calabria); Salamis Island in Greece, and the Occitanie region in France. Citizen-science data have significantly contributed to the knowledge on species distribution, and the online platform for sharing biodiversity information can represent an effective tool for the early detection. Molecular analyses revealed that the specimens collected in Peninsular Italy and Sicily belong to a unique clade, suggesting the possibility of a single introduction, whereas those from Menton (France) and Calabria (Southern Italy) are separated from the others and probably originate from separated introductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Mazza
- Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-DC), Via di Lanciola 12/a, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy; (G.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.); (P.F.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Luca Nerva
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IPSP), Strada delle Cacce 73, 10125 Torino, Italy; (L.N.); (W.C.)
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (Treviso), Italy
| | - Agostino Strangi
- Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-DC), Via di Lanciola 12/a, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy; (G.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.); (P.F.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Emiliano Mori
- Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRET), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy;
| | - Walter Chitarra
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IPSP), Strada delle Cacce 73, 10125 Torino, Italy; (L.N.); (W.C.)
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (Treviso), Italy
| | - Attilio Carapezza
- University of Palermo, Via Sandro Botticelli 15, 90144 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Mei
- Entomology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Valerio Massimo 6, 00142 Roma, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Marianelli
- Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-DC), Via di Lanciola 12/a, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy; (G.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.); (P.F.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Pio F. Roversi
- Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-DC), Via di Lanciola 12/a, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy; (G.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.); (P.F.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessandro Campanaro
- Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-DC), Via di Lanciola 12/a, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy; (G.M.); (A.S.); (L.M.); (P.F.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Fabio Cianferoni
- Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRET), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy;
- Zoology, “La Specola”, Natural History Museum, University of Florence, Via Romana 17, 50125 Firenze, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Torrini G, Strangi A, Simoncini S, Luppino M, Roversi PF, Marianelli L. First report of Bursaphelenchus fungivorus (Nematoda: Aphelenchida) in Italy and an overview of nematodes associated with Crocus sativus L. J Nematol 2020; 52:1-11. [PMID: 32227750 PMCID: PMC7266043 DOI: 10.21307/jofnem-2020-023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Saffron is one of the most precious spices in the world. It is derived from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus L. flowers. This plant is triploid sterile and propagated by corms. As a subterranean organ, the corm can come into contact with different nematodes. In this contribution Bursaphelenchus fungivorus was reported for the first time in Italy. It was found associated with C. sativus corms and characterized based on morphological and morphometrical characteristics for this species. The identification was confirmed using molecular analyses. Moreover, a review of nematodes associated with C. sativus worldwide is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Torrini
- CREA Research Center for Plant Protection and Certification, Via di Lanciola 12/A, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Agostino Strangi
- CREA Research Center for Plant Protection and Certification, Via di Lanciola 12/A, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Stefania Simoncini
- CREA Research Center for Plant Protection and Certification, Via di Lanciola 12/A, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Maria Luppino
- Regione Lazio - Direzione Regionale Agricoltura, Promozione della Filiera e della Cultura del Cibo, Caccia e Pesca - Area Servizio Fitosanitario Regionale Innovazione in Agricoltura - Via del Serafico, 107, 00142 Roma, Italy
| | - Pio Federico Roversi
- CREA Research Center for Plant Protection and Certification, Via di Lanciola 12/A, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Leonardo Marianelli
- CREA Research Center for Plant Protection and Certification, Via di Lanciola 12/A, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy
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Torrini G, Strangi A, Mazza G, Marianelli L, Roversi PF, Kanzaki N. Description of Bursaphelenchus irokophilus n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) isolated from Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C. Berg wood imported into Italy from Cameroon. NEMATOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1163/15685411-00003268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Summary
A new species of Bursaphelenchus, extracted from unprocessed logs of Milicia excelsa from Cameroon and arriving in the port of Leghorn, Tuscany, Central Italy, is described. Bursaphelenchus irokophilus n. sp. is based upon morphological and molecular characters and is characterised by the two-lined lateral field, mitten-shaped spicule possessing cucullus and well-developed and slightly dorsally curved condylus with narrowly rounded tip, female vulva with side flap, and long, smoothly tapering and strongly ventrally recurved female tail. The new species belongs to the abietinus-group and is similar to, but distinguished from, B. abietinus and B. rainulfi by the position of secretory-excretory pore, longer and slender female tail and some morphometric values. In addition, the phylogeny based on SSU and D2-D3 LSU regions shows that this species belongs to the abietinus-group, the relationship among the species of this group being discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Torrini
- 1CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Via di Lanciola 12/A, Firenze 50124, Italy
| | - Agostino Strangi
- 1CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Via di Lanciola 12/A, Firenze 50124, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mazza
- 1CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Via di Lanciola 12/A, Firenze 50124, Italy
| | - Leonardo Marianelli
- 1CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Via di Lanciola 12/A, Firenze 50124, Italy
| | - Pio Federico Roversi
- 1CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, Via di Lanciola 12/A, Firenze 50124, Italy
| | - Natsumi Kanzaki
- 2Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI), 68 Nagaikyutaroh, Fushimi, Kyoto 612-0855, Japan
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Cito A, Barzanti GP, Strangi A, Francardi V, Zanfini A, Dreassi E. Cuticle-degrading proteases and toxins as virulence markers ofBeauveria bassiana(Balsamo) Vuillemin. J Basic Microbiol 2016; 56:941-8. [DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201600022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Cito
- Research Centre for Agrobiology and Pedology; CREA; Florence Italy
| | | | - Agostino Strangi
- Research Centre for Agrobiology and Pedology; CREA; Florence Italy
| | | | - Assunta Zanfini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie; Chimica e Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Siena; Siena Italy
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie; Chimica e Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Siena; Siena Italy
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Torrini G, Mazza G, Strangi A, Barabaschi D, Landi S, Mori E, Menchetti M, Sposimo P, Giuliani C, Zoccola A, Lazzaro L, Ferretti G, Foggi B, Roversi PF. Oscheius tipulae in Italy: Evidence of an Alien Isolate in the Integral Natural Reserve of Montecristo Island (Tuscany). J Nematol 2016; 48:8-13. [PMID: 27168647 PMCID: PMC4859620 DOI: 10.21307/jofnem-2017-003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Montecristo Island is an integral natural reserve of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park (Central Italy), characterized by a peculiar assemblage of flora and fauna, with several endemic taxa, and also with a high number of alien species. During a soil survey, we found an alien Oscheius tipulae Lam & Webster, 1971 isolate, phylogenetically close to others from South America. In this article, we examined the possible pathways of introduction of this nematode. Because of the high number of alien plants in this protected area and the low desiccation survival ability of O. tipulae, we hypothesized that the presence of this alien nematode isolate may be related to the soil of introduced plants, although historical association with plant-associated invertebrates is also possible. Further studies with more populations and marker molecules are necessary to investigate the distribution of O. tipulae and the possible impact on this natural reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Torrini
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Agrobiology and Pedology Research Centre, Via Lanciola 12/A, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mazza
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Agrobiology and Pedology Research Centre, Via Lanciola 12/A, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Agostino Strangi
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Agrobiology and Pedology Research Centre, Via Lanciola 12/A, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Delfina Barabaschi
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Genomics Research Centre, Via S. Protaso, 302, 29017 Fiorenzuola d'Arda, Italy
| | - Silvia Landi
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Agrobiology and Pedology Research Centre, Via Lanciola 12/A, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Emiliano Mori
- Department of Agriculture, Forest and Food Sciences, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Mattia Menchetti
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Paolo Sposimo
- Nature and Environment Management Operators s.r.l., Piazza M. D'Azeglio 11, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Claudia Giuliani
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Antonio Zoccola
- Corpo Forestale dello Stato, Ufficio Territoriale per la Biodiversità di Pratovecchio, via D. Alighieri 41, 52015 Pratovecchio, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lazzaro
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Giulio Ferretti
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Bruno Foggi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Pio Federico Roversi
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Agrobiology and Pedology Research Centre, Via Lanciola 12/A, Cascine del Riccio, 50125 Firenze, Italy
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Cito A, Mazza G, Strangi A, Benvenuti C, Barzanti GP, Dreassi E, Turchetti T, Francardi V, Roversi PF. Characterization and comparison of Metarhizium strains isolated from Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2014; 355:108-15. [PMID: 24831464 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is considered the worst pest of palm species, and few natural enemies are reported for this parasite in its area of origin. Here, we report the first recovery of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium pingshaense associated with R. ferrugineus from Vietnam. The morphological, biochemical, and toxicological features of this strain were studied and compared with those of another Metarhizium strain associated with this weevil in Sicily (Italy), an area of recent introduction. The potential use of these fungi as biocontrol agents was tested against adult insects in laboratory trials and a similar mortality rate was found. Both strains were able to produce toxins and cuticle-degrading proteases, but they showed dissimilar enzymatic and toxicological profiles, suggesting a different virulence activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Cito
- Consiglio per la ricerca e la sperimentazione in agricoltura, Research Centre for Agrobiology and Pedology, Firenze, Italy
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Strangi A, Sabbatini Peverieri G, Roversi PF. Managing outbreaks of the citrus long-horned beetle Anoplophora chinensis (Forster) in Europe: molecular diagnosis of plant infestation. Pest Manag Sci 2013; 69:627-634. [PMID: 23097325 DOI: 10.1002/ps.3416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Revised: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anoplophora chinensis (Forster) (Coleoptera Cerambycidae) is a polyphagous long-horned beetle native to Eastern Asia that infests a wide range of broadleaved plants, causing disruption of vascular tissue, structural weakness and tree death. As a result, A. chinensis is a quarantine pest for the European Union. In order to confirm its infestations on plants, it is necessary to obtain adult or larval specimens on which morphological or molecular analysis can be performed. However, obtaining such specimens from infested plants can be a demanding and difficult task. Therefore, a diagnostic tool that is non-invasive for the plant and able to be performed in the absence of any insect stages may be useful to confirm infestations of A. chinensis on plants. RESULTS A protocol is presented that is based on polymerase chain reaction amplification using DNA extracted from A. chinensis faecal material collected in the field. CONCLUSION Results obtained in the present work show that the non-invasive approach is a reliable and accurate alternative diagnostic tool in phytosanitary surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Strangi
- CRA - ABP, Agrobiology and Pedology Research Centre, Florence, Italy.
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Roversi PF, Strong WB, Caleca V, Maltese M, Sabbatini Peverieri G, Marianelli L, Marziali L, Strangi A. Introduction into Italy of Gryon pennsylvanicum (Ashmead), an egg parasitoid of the alien invasive bug Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2338.2011.02439.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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