Potential Parasitoids for Biocontrol of the Ber Fruit Fly, Carpomya vesuviana Costa (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The ber fruit fly (BFF), Carpomya vesuviana Costa, 1854 (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an important key pest of the jujube, Ziziphus jujuba Miller. The main control measures against this pest are to use chemical control, but the first survey for its natural enemies was performed in Iran. Here, we report eight species of parasitic wasps of the BFF from five different families. The family Eurytomidae with three species, the families Pteromalidae and Mutillidae with two species each, and the families Braconidae and Diapriidae with one species each are associated with different immature stages of the BFF, of which Eurytoma pineticola Zerova (Eurytomidae) and Cyrtoptyx lichtensteini (Masi) (Pteromalidae) were the most abundant parasitoid species. Fopius carpomyiae (Silvestri,) was not reared on BFF on the jujube during this survey, but it was reported on Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) with a high parasitism rate. Therefore, it seems to be the most important parasitoid of BFF in Iran. The parasitoid community of BFF in Khorasan, Eastern Iran, is reviewed, and an identification key to these species is proposed.

New data on the subfamily Opiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Iran

Specimens of the Opiinae subfamily (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were collected using Malaise traps during 2010-2011 in Northern Iran (Alborz, Guilan, Mazandaran, Qazvin and Tehran provinces). A total of 32 species belonging to 12 genera were identified, of which 11 species are new records for the fauna of Iran: Apodesmia posticatae (Fischer, 1957), Apodesmia striatula (Fischer, 1957), Biosteres (Chilotrichia) advectus Papp, 1979, Bitomus (Bitomus) multipilis Fischer, 1990, Desmiostoma parvulum (Wesmael, 1835), Opius (Misophthora) rufimixtus Fischer, 1958, Opius (Opiothorax) phytobiae Fischer, 1959, Opius (Misophthora) mischa Fischer, 1968, Opius (Opiothorax) attributus Fischer, 1962, Phaedrotoma pseudonitida (Fahringer, 1943) and Utetes curtipectus (Fischer, 1958). In addition, 21 species are new provincial records. Local and global distributions of all 32 species as well as diagnostic characters of each of the newly recorded species are provided.

Silicon beneficial effects on yield, fruit quality and shelf-life of strawberries grown in different culture substrates under different iron status

The silicon application either as foliar or to the radicular system of strawberry plants was investigated. Fortuna strawberry plants were grown in two different substrates (coconut fibre and organic substrate) under optimal (20 μM) or low (5 μM) iron (Fe) conditions. During the study, crop parameters including leaf area, SPAD and fruit yield were measured. At harvest, fruit quality and post-harvest shelf-life were evaluated. Results indicated that "Fortuna" strawberries plants had a poor development in coconut fibre and excellent growth and yield in the organic substrate. In the coconut fibre substrate, no differences in foliar area, fruit diameter, colour, pH and shelf-life were observed related to the Si addition under deficient Fe conditions, but an increased in weight and the firmness of the fruits, as well as in fructose content was shown. However, when 20 μM Fe were supplied, the root application of Si significantly increases: protein, mineral and sugar content, as well as fruit shelf-life by an average of 1.5 days. Likewise, the radicular silicon application to the organic substrate considerably improved yield, fruit diameter, fruit weight, glucose and fructose fruit content and the fruit shelf-life without causing distinguishable chemical or physicochemical changes. In summary, Si application to Fortuna strawberries through the roots could be a good solution to increase fruit quality and yield and to increase benefits from the agronomical point of view. Further studies in other strawberry varieties and dose rates will allow knowing with better precision how the radicular application of silicon contributes to yield and fruit shelf-life.

A review of the genus Apronopa van Achterberg (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Alysiinae) with a key to species

A review of the genus Apronopa van Achterberg, 1980 with illustrated re-descriptions of the known species and a key for their identification is provided.

The parasitoid complex of D. suzukii and other fruit feeding Drosophila species in Asia

Drosophila suzukii is an invasive fly of East Asian origin that has become a serious fruit pest worldwide. Classical biological control through the introduction of parasitoids from Asia could help reduce populations of D. suzukii in invaded regions. Little is known about the native parasitoids of the fly in Asia. Therefore, surveys for larval parasitoids of D. suzukii were carried out in China and Japan between 2015 and 2017. Parasitoids of D. suzukii and other fruit-inhabiting drosophilids (D. pulchrella and D. subpulchrella) that are probably attacked by the same parasitoid complex were found in four Chinese provinces and four Japanese prefectures. Larval parasitoids were obtained at most sites where D. suzukii was found, with parasitism varying from 0.0 to 75.6%. At least eight parasitoid species were reared. The most abundant and frequent parasitoids were the Figitidae Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis and Leptopilina japonica, but another Leptopilina species and at least five Braconidae species belonging to the genera Areotetes, Asobara and Tanycarpa were obtained in low numbers. Due to its likely restricted host range, the most promising parasitoid for biological control is Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis. However, its exact specificity and taxonomic status require future research.

Revision of the New World species of the genus Dinotrema (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae)Revision of the New World species of the genus Dinotrema (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae)

The first comprehensive revision of the Nearctic and Neotropical species of the genus Dinotrema Foerster, 1863 is provided. Twenty-two species of this genus are redescribed and illustrated. The following new combinations are suggested: D. floridensis (Shenefelt, 1974), comb. nov.; D. ephemera (Viereck, 1917), comb. nov.; D. foliformis (Fischer, 1969), comb. nov.; D. latitergum (Fischer, 1969), comb. nov.; D. lobidens (Fischer 1969), comb. nov. and D. longibasis (Fischer 1969), comb. nov. Dinotrema bucculatricis (Fischer 1969) is synonymized with D. angusticorne (Fischer 1969), syn. nov. Dinotrema sublatitergum (nom. nov.) is new name for junior homonym Dinotrema latitergum (Fischer, 1975), not D. latitergum (Fischer, 1969). The key to all New World species of Dinotrema is compiled for the first time.

New South African species of the genus Idiasta Foerster, 1863 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae), with a key to the Afrotropical and Malagasy taxa

A new species from South Africa, Idiasta iaiaorum sp. nov., is described and illustrated. A key for determination of the Afrotropical and Malagasy Idiasta species is provided.

Review of species of the genus Adelurola Strand, 1928, with a key to species (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Alysiinae)

The alysiine genus Adelurola Strand, 1928 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) is revised. Illustrated re-descriptions and a key to all known species of this genus are given. The following new combination is proposed: Dapsilarthraeurys (Chen & Wu, 1994), comb. n.Adelurolaamplidens (Fischer, 1966) and Adelurolaasiatica Telenga, 1935 are recorded for the first time from Iran and Kyrgyzstan, respectively.

Catalogue of the Iranian Microgastrinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

In the present study, the Iranian Microgastrinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) fauna is summarized. It is based on a detailed study of all available published data and new material collected. In total 99 species belonging to 8 genera are from Iran: Apanteles Förster, 1862 (36 species), Cotesia Cameron, 1891 (34 species), Deuterixys Mason, 1981 (1 species), Diolcogaster Ashmead, 1900 (4 species), Microgaster Latreille, 1804 (4 species), Microplitis Förster, 1862 (11 species), Pholesetor Mason, 1981 (4 species) and Protapanteles Ashmead, 1898 (5 species) in 4 tribes (Apantilini, Cotesiini, Microgastrini and Microplitini). A faunistic list with distribution data, and host records are given. Four species are new records for the fauna of Iran: Apanteles brunnistigma Abdinbekova, 1969, A. ingenuoides Papp, 1971, Microplitis decipiens Prell, 1925 and M. marshallii Kokujev, 1898.

An annotated catalogue of the Iranian Alysiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

In the present study, a catalogue of the Iranian Alysiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is given. It is based on a detailed study of all available published data. In total 78 species from 15 genera including Alloea Haliday, 1833 (1 species), Angelovia Zaykov, 1980 (1 species), Aphaereta Foerster, 1862 (2 species), Aspilota Foerster, 1862 (2 species), Chorebus Haliday, 1833 (42 species), Coelinidea Viereck, 1913 (2 species), Coloneura Foerster, 1862 (1 species), Dacnusa Haliday, 1833 (10 species), Dinotrema Foerster, 1862 (5 species), Idiasta Foerster, 1862 (1 species), Orthostigma Ratzeburg, 1844 (3 species), Phaenocarpa Foerster, 1862 (1 species), Protodacnusa Griffiths, 1964 (2 species), Pseudopezomachus Mantero, 1905 (2 species), and Synaldis Foerster, 1862 (3 species) are reported in this catalogue. Two species are new records for Iran: Coelinidea elegans (Curtis, 1829) and Dacnusa (Pachysema) aterrima Thomson, 1895. Also, a faunistic list with distribution data and host records is provided.

Revision of the Western Palaearctic species of the genus Dinotrema Foerster, 1862 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Alysiinae)

The first comprehensive revision of the Western Palaearctic species of the genus Dinotrema Foerster, 1862 is provided. 174 species of this genus are redescribed and illustrated. Ten species are described as new, viz, D. acompressum sp. nov., D. cahitum sp. nov., D. collybiae sp. nov., D. digitatum sp. nov., D. glabrideum sp. nov., D. helote sp. nov., D. lepiotae sp. nov., D. norwegicum sp. nov., D. oxybellum sp. nov. and D. torpi sp. nov. The following new combinations are suggested: Dinotrema adventum (Fischer), comb. nov., D. aurelianum (Fischer), comb. nov., D. cetiusmonte (Fischer), comb. nov., D. converginerve (Fischer), comb. nov., D. intermissum (Fischer), comb. nov., D. leptocorne (Fischer), comb. nov., D. longicarinatum (Fischer), comb. nov., and D. thurnense (Fischer), comb. nov. The following names are synonymised: Dinotrema naeviformis (Fischer) with D. costulatum (Thomson), Dinotrema aequale Tobias with D. tarbagataicum Tobias, D. alua (Stelfox et Graham) with D. tauricum (Telenga), D. isometricum (Fischer) with D. cruciatum (Fischer), D. isosoma (Fischer) with D. cruciforme (Fischer), and D. ovalisignum (Fischer) with D. catharinae (Fischer) (syn. nov.). A key to all Western Palaearctic species of Dinotrema is provided for the first time. 

Aspilota-group (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae) diversity in Mediterranean Natural Parks of Spain

This work analyses the biodiversity of the Aspilota-group (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae) in three Mediterranean Natural parks: Natural Park of La Font Roja, Natural Park of Las Lagunas de la Mata-Torrevieja and Natural Park of La Tinença de Benifassà. Samples were carried out from April 2004 to December 2007. In total, 822 specimens, belonging to 52 species, were collected. Alpha, beta and gamma diversities were analysed, and the Tinença Park was proven to have higher diversity than the Font Roja and Torrevieja. Also, the structure of the Aspilota-group community was analysed.

Contributions to the Opiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of Eastern Iran with updated checklist of Iranian species

The present work collects the checklist of species of Opiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Iran and presents new information about the specimens captured in the Sistan and Baluchestan province during 2009-2011. A total of 68 species belonging to eight genera have been listed, of which nine species including Opius (Hypocynodus) arundinis Fischer, 1964a; Opius (Hypocynodus) bouceki (Fischer, 1958b); Opius (Opius) caricivorae Fischer, 1964b; Opius (Opius) exilis Haliday, 1837; Opius (Opiothorax) opacus Fischer, 1968; Opius (Allophlebus) tabificus Papp, 1979; Phaedrotoma biroica (Fischer et Beyarslan 2005a); Phaedrotoma mirabunda (Papp, 1982) and Xynobius rudis (Wesmaelm, 1835) are new records from Iran.

Seven new Spanish species of the genus Synaldis (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Alysiinae) with mesoscutal pit

Descriptions of seven new species of the alysiine genus Synaldis having mesoscutal pit from Spain are given: Synaldis berbegalae sp. nov., S. falcoi sp. nov., S. gilaberti sp. nov., S. jujisae sp. nov., S. lozanoae sp. nov., S. martinezae sp. nov., and S. navarroae sp. nov.

Microgastrinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the Forest State of Artikutza (Navarra: Spain): Diversity and Community Structure

Microgastrinae is one of the largest subfamilies of the Braconidae with about 2,000 described species worldwide. These wasps are of enormous ecological interest due to their role in controlling the caterpillar populations. This study analyses diversity and community structure within the Microgastrinae in the Artikutza Forest, located in the Peñas de Aia Natural Park, western Pyrenees, Spain. The specimens were collected in two different habitats: mixed forest and beech forest. A total of 524 specimens, belonging to nine separate genera and 27 species were captured. Alpha, beta and gamma diversity were analyzed. Additionally, the relationship between Microgastrinae phenology and climatic conditions were studied.

New Spanish Dinotrema species with propodeal areola or mainly sculptured propodeum (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Alysiinae)

The illustrated descriptions of eight new species of the genus Dinotrema with either the propodeum mainly sculptured or having a large propodeal areola from Spain are provided, viz. Dinotrema amparoae sp. n., Dinotrema benifassaense sp. n., Dinotrema lagunasense sp. n., Dinotrema pilarae sp. n., Dinotrema robertoi sp. n., Dinotrema teresae sp. n., Dinotrema tinencaense sp. n., and Dinotrema torreviejaense sp. n..

New western Palaearctic Dinotrema species with mesoscutal pit and only medially sculptured propodeum (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Alysiinae)

Descriptions of four new species of the genus Dinotrema Foerster with a mesoscutal pit and only medially sculptured propodeum are given. Dinotrema alysiaesp. n. (Denmark, England, Netherlands, Spain), Dinotrema paramicumsp. n. (Denmark, Finland), Dinotrema tirolensesp. n. (Italy) and Dinotrema valvulatumsp. n. (Denmark, Italy).

Six new Dinotrema species (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) from Spain, with prescutellar pit and medially sculptured propodeum

Descriptions of six new species of the genus Dinotrema from Spain with smooth or only medially sculptured propodeum are provided. The new species described are: D. achterbergi sp. nov., D. broadi sp. nov., D. enanum sp. nov., D. fischerianum sp. nov., D. munki sp. nov. and D. pappi sp. nov.