Journal of Entomological and Acarological Research

Infestation level of banana fruit fly (Bactrocera musae, Tryon) on Kalapua banana (Musa sp.) in Gazelle Peninsula, Papua New Guinea

Kari Iamba — 2024-07-11

The banana fruit fly (Bactrocera musae Tryon), belonging to the family Tephritidae and subfamily Dacinae, is the main pest of bananas responsible for significant crop losses. In order to monitor the B. musae infestation, we collected banana fruit samples from four locations on the Gazelle Peninsula: Burit, Kereba, Vudal, and Vunapalading. On each field collection date, twelve banana bunches were chosen at random from the corresponding study sites. Following the removal of 100 individual fruits (fingers) from each fresh bunch at each study site, the fruits were weighed, thoroughly cleaned with rainwater three times, and then incubated in containers until the larval developmental stages were finished. When compared to the other three sites, the number of adults in the Kalapua bananas sampled from Burit was the highest. The banana fruits were divided into three main groups: “mature green”, “mature ripe”, and “immature green”. Mature green fruits produced a higher adult abundance than mature ripe fruits. Compared to the other two stages, immature green had the fewest adults. By fruit weight, Burit had the highest infestation (20.9%), while Vunapalading had the lowest (11.9%). After Kereba (14.7%), Vudal had the second-highest infestation (16.8%). Mature ripe fruit had the highest infestation (37.1%) by fruit weight, while immature green fruits had the lowest infestation (2.04%). A moderate level of infestation was observed in mature green fruits (17.1%). Regarding fruit count, the least infected fruits were immature green fruits (1.8%), moderately infected mature green fruits (17.0%), and highly infected mature ripe fruits (26.9%). Geographically, the Gazelle Peninsula has a Kalapua infestation level ranging from 11.9 to 20.9%, and a different maturity stage infestation level ranging from 2.04 to 26.9%. In general, the degree of infestation has escalated, and B. musae has established itself in the Gazelle Peninsula.

Hyperparasitic showdown: Sclerodermus cereicollis, a non-aggressive but surprisingly secondary hyperparasitoid

Serena Malabusini — 2024-05-29

This study investigates the dynamics of hyperparasitism within the Bethylidae family, focusing on the interaction between Sclerodermus cereicollis and Goniozus legneri, two parasitoid wasp species characterized by different sociality and aggressivity towards conspecifics. Experimental trials were conducted using Corcyra cephalonica larvae as hosts, with different setups to stimulate competition. The results revealed unexpected behaviors, especially by S. cereicollis, including aggressive interactions, cannibalism, and hyperparasitism. In contrast, despite the typically aggressive nature of G. legneri, no particular hostility was observed toward S. cereicollis. The study highlights the complex dynamics of competition for resources among parasitoids, shedding light on the adaptive strategies and fitness costs associated with hyperparasitism. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the ecological interactions within parasitoid wasp communities.

Chrysis fuscipennis or Chrysis angolensis? An answer with new synonymies, a new combination and species resurrected (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae)

Paolo Rosa — 2024-03-11

All species of the Chrysis angolensis group were synonymised with C. angolensis Radoszkovsky, 1881, excluding Chrysis diademata Mocsáry, 1889, endemic of the Philippines. However, after the study of type materials, four species are herein resurrected: Chrysis callaina Gribodo, 1884 stat. reviv., C. erratica Abeille de Perrin and du Buysson in du Buysson, 1887 stat. reviv., C. mossulensis Abeille de Perrin and du Buysson in du Buysson, 1887 stat. reviv., C. sulcifera Bischoff, 1910 stat. reviv. New synonymies are proposed for the following taxa: C. szalayana Mocsáry, 1912 n. syn. and C. ukerewensis Mocsáry, 1914, n. syn. of C. callaina Gribodo, 1884; Chrysis janthina Smith, 1874 n. syn. of C. brachyceras Bischoff, 1910. The new combination Praestochrysis brachyceras (Bischoff, 1910) n. comb. is proposed. Chrysis fuscipennis Brullé, 1846, the name in use for the oldest taxon described in the angolensis group, was replaced with Chrysis angolensis Radoszkovsky, 1881 because primary junior homonym of C. fuscipennis Dahlbom, 1829. However, Chrysis angolensis is here regarded as nomen dubium, C. fuscipennis Dahlbom, 1829 as nomen oblitum, because no longer in use as a valid name after 1899, and C. fuscipennis Brullé as nomen protectum, thus making the name C. fuscipennis Brullé, 1846 stat. reviv. available and restored.

Efficacy evaluation of some bio-insecticides against green leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida) infesting brinjal

Md. Mahi Imam Mollah — 2024-07-09

In Bangladesh, brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable crop due to its year-round cultivation, high demand for consumption, and nutritional value. The main obstacle to the successful cultivation and production of brinjal is insect pests. The current study was carried out in the winter, when green leafhoppers (Amrasca biguttula biguttula), one type of sucking insect pest, are most prevalent. Early in the vegetative stage, an infestation of green leafhoppers (GLH) was noted; as the canopy size increased, so did their numbers. The consumption of brinjal with its peel poses a health risk due to possible contamination with toxic chemical insecticides. We assess a few non-toxic or minimally toxic bio-insecticides against GLH in order to tackle this crucial problem. Fizimite, one of the bio-insecticides, was found to be effective against GLH in a sodium lauryl ether sulfate preparation. Fizimite decreased the amount of GLH in the plant by 85.8%, the amount of leaf infestation by 77.84%, and the amount of GLH-infected brinjal leaf abundance by 54.34%. But Voliam Flexi, a chemical control, was also discovered to be successful against GLH. Fizimite may therefore be a non-toxic, bio-rational substitute for Voliam Flexi, a synthetic, toxic medication used to control GLH.