Control of Metcalfa pruinosa (Hemiptera: Flattidae) on kiwi orchards in the prefecture of Kavala

D. RAPTOPOULOS¹, M. KONSTANTOPOULOU², P. MILONAS³, N. BABILIS¹, A. SIDIROPOULOS⁴ and S.S. ANDREADIS⁵

¹NovAgrica Hellas S.A., 10678 Athens, Greece
²Chemical Ecology and Natural Products Laboratory, IBE NCSR “Demokritos”
³Laboratory of Biological Control, Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute,
 ⁴Inspection and Certification Center of Plant-Reproductive Material and Fertilizer Control of Kavala, Ministry of Rural Development & Food,
 ⁵Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection-Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 23053 Alnarp, Sweden

15th Panhellenic Entomological Congress
Kavala, 22-25 October 2013

Metcalfa pruinosa (Say) (Hemiptera: Flatidae) is a polyphagous species native of North America, which was introduced into Europe in the late 80’ causing severe damage on a variety of trees, shrubs and herbs. In Greece, kiwifruits (Actinidia deliciosa: Actinidiaceae) are among the most important hosts of M. pruinosa.Over the last few years a significant infestation was noticed in the area of Chrysoupoli on kiwifruit orchards. Adults, but especially larvae, are covered with a white epicuticular wax filament affecting negatively the quality of the fruits and making the plants to look unpleasant. However, the most severe damage is caused by the adult’s honeydew secretions as they feed on the sap. Although control of M. pruinosa is of outmost importance to kiwifruit growers the number of authorized plant protection products in the Greek market is inadequate.
In the present study RELDAN and TETRASTOP® have been tested against both adults and immature stages of M. pruinosa, in a commercial kiwifruit orchard in Chrysohori (Kavala). TETRASTOP® was chosen due to the low toxicity of its active ingredients (farnesol and nerolidol) and its effectiveness on other Hemiptera insects. On the other hand RELDAN was chosen as it was the most potent amongst those that were authorized for a short term (120 days) permission of use on kiwifruit at the time the experiment was conducted. From mid of June until early of August 2011, three treatments with a 20 days interval were carried out, using in total 3 replicates and 4 trees per plot. In both cases the doses used were those inscribed on the labels of the respective products. Efficacy of both active compounds was quite satisfactory against immature stages of M. pruinosa, especially against mature larvae, suggesting that they could be used to control this pest. However, no significant effect was observed against adults.

Monitoring Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae) populations and their management by employing mating disruption 

A. MICHAELAKIS¹, P.G. MILONAS², D.P. PAPACHRISTOS¹, D.CH.KONTODIMAS¹, F. KARAMAOUNA³, C.M. PONTIKAKOS⁴, D. RAPTOPOULOS⁵,N. BABILIS⁵ and M.A. KONSTANTOPOULOU⁶ 

¹Lab. of Agricultural Entomology, BPΙ,  ²Lab. of Biological Control, BPI
³Lab. of Biol. Control of Pesticides, BPI, ⁴Region of Attica, ⁵Novagrica Hellas AE
 ⁶ Chemical Ecology and Natural Products Laboratory, NCSR “D”

14th Panhellenic Entomological Congress
Nafplion, 11-14 October 2011

The pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera, Thaumetopoeidae) is one of the major defoliator pine pests in southern Europe and North Africa. Moreover, last-instar larvae may liberate microscopic urticating hairs, which can cause severe irritation to the skin and mucous membrane, often leading to strong allergic reactions in humans. Although several alternative methods have developed worldwide (biological, biotechnological, environmental management etc) in Greece, the control is based mainly on the use of chemical agents. The aim of the study was the monitoring population of pine processionary moth in the area of attiko alsos (Attica-Greece) and the evaluation of mating disruption control method.
The first adult was captured at the mind of August and the latest at the end of October. Adult capture rates packed between minds of September to mind of October. Significant differences in the adult density were observed among the mating disruption area and control area.

Toxicity of TETRASTOP® on the black bean aphid Aphis fabae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

A. MARTINOU¹, P. MILONAS¹, D. RAPTOPOULOS², N. BABILIS² and M. KONSTANTOPOULOU³

¹Benaki, Phytopathological Institute,
²Novagrica Hellas,
³ Chemical Ecology & Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Biology, NCSR “Demokritos”.

14th Panhellenic Entomological Congress
Nafplion, 11-14 October 2011

In recent years effort is being driven towards the development of biorational products with acaricidal or insecticidal potency similar to that of the chemical ones but would not allow insects to develop resistance, would have low mammalian toxicity and would degrade rapidly in the environment.
Biorational acaricides-insecticides were developed after strenuous studies of the biology, ecology and behavior of the pest targets and have led to products composed of bioactive naturally occurring substances endowed with specific physicochemical properties. It is well established that insecticides of plant origin (pyrethroids, azadirachtin, rotenone, nicotine and many essential oils of plant origin) are used since long ago in plant protection. In their effort to protect against their enemies, plants use a variety of substances such as alcohols, terpenes and aromatic compounds most of which have negligible effect on non-target organisms and the environment as they decompose rapidly. These substances may:

• have acute toxic effects,
• have anti-feedant effect,
• protect plants against pathogens,
• serve as attractants for pollinators,
• serve in plant-to-plant communication

The active ingredients in TETRASTOP®, farnesol and nerolidol are sesquiterpene alcohols of natural origin. They are constituents of the essential oils of many plant species and both of them are of GRAS status (Generally recognised as Safe), conform to FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) requirements and arerecognised by FEMA (Flavour Extracts Manufacturing Association). They are approved for use in the preparation of foodstuffs. The main area of application is for the manufacture of Flavours and Fragrances.The toxicity of TETRASTOP® was tested in laboratory bioassays against nymphs and adults of the aphid Aphis fabae Scopoli. Bioassays were done in the laboratory at 25C. Aphid colony was maintained on broad bean plants. Ten potted broad bean plants were sprayed till run-off at different concentrations of the product. Mortality was assessed 24 h later. In all concentrations used, tetrastop was found to be toxic for aphids. The highest mortality both for nymphs and adults was recorded at the concentration of 1.5ml/l. The LC50 values were estimated at 0.60 and 1.14 ml/l for nymphs and adults respectively.
Up to now TETRASTOP® has not been reported to induce resistance on target organisms. As a result it is a fail-proof selection to be included in Integrated Pest Management programs where alternation of biocides is required.