Loading...
22 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 22
- Como promover os serviços de ecossistema na agricultura usando a biodiversidade: o caso de estudo da perceção da fileira da vinhaPublication . Branquinho, Cristina; Proença, Vania; Grilo, Filipa; Sardinha, Idalina Dias; Faria, Margarida Lima; Franco, José Carlos; Romeiras, Maria; Monteiro, Filipa; Goulao, Luis; Santos-Reis, Margarida
- Influência do enrelvamento na abundância de artrópodes associados a uma vinha da EstremaduraPublication . Monteiro, Ana; Franco, José Carlos; Lopes, C.M.; Campos, LeonorA utilização de enrelvamento em vinhas e noutros sistemas culturais perenes está associada à atracção de insectos benéficos e à redução da densidade de pragas. Contudo, o seu papel no contexto dos programas de protecção integrada da vinha não está ainda bem compreendido e a sua utilização na regulação das pragas constitui uma prática controversa. Neste trabalho,apresentam-se os resultados de um estudo que teve como objectivo avaliar o efeito de 3 modalidades de gestão do solo da vinha, mobilização da entrelinha, enrelvamento natural na entrelinha e enrelvamento semeado na entrelinha, na abundância de pragas e auxiliares associados a uma vinha da Estremadura.
- Prey consumption and conversion efficiency in females of two feral populations of Macrolophus pygmaeus, a biocontrol agent of Tuta absolutaPublication . Borges, Isabel; Oliveira, Luísa; Barbosa ·, Francisco; Figueiredo, Elisabete; Franco, José Carlos; Durão, Ana C.; Soares, António OnofreMacrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur, 1839) (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a polyphagous predator used in programs of biological control and integrated pest management as a natural enemy against small arthropod pests including whiteflies, thrips, spi- der mites and aphid. This mirid is also successfully mass reared under factitious prey for commercial purposes. In the present study we assessed and com- pared the prey consumption, weight gain and conver- sion efficiency in females of two populations of M. pygmaeus, from mainland Portugal and the Azores, fed on single prey diets of Ephestia kuehniella Zel- ler (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs, or Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) eggs. We found that female’s prey consumption on eggs of T. abso- luta was higher than that of E. kuehniella, presum- ably due to the comparative size/amount of biomass of the eggs. Translating prey consumption in biomass ingested, we only found a significant difference for consumption on E. kuehniella eggs by M. pygmaeus from the Azores. Despite the smaller size of females from the Azores, they were able to consume more prey and ultimately reaching a similar body weight and conversion efficiency compared with females from mainland, independently of the prey provided. Our results are in line with a previous study, showing differences in the life-history traits of M. pygmaeus from mainland Portugal and Azorean populations fed on alternative prey. From an applied perspective, our results are a contribution to the decision-making on the use of the most effective biocontrol agents for different prey and/or agroecosystem contexts.
- Insights into the origin of the invasive populations of Trioza erytreae in Europe using microsatellite markers and mtDNA barcoding approachesPublication . Ruíz-Rivero, Omar; Garcia-Lor, Andrés; Rojas-Panadero, Borja; Franco, José Carlos; Khamis, Fathiya; Kruger, Kerstin; Cifuentes, Dina; Bielza, Pablo; Tena, Alejandro; Urbaneja, Alberto; Pérez-Hedo, MeritxellThe African citrus psyllid Trioza erytreae is one of the major threats to citrus industry as the vector of the incurable disease known as huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening. The psyllid invaded the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula 6 years ago. The invasion alarmed citrus growers in the Mediterranean basin, the largest citrus producing area in Europe, which is still free of HLB. Before our study, no research had been carried out on the genetic diversity of T. erytreae populations that have invaded the Iberian Peninsula and the archipelagos of the Macaronesia (Madeira and the Canary Islands). In this study, combining microsatellites markers and mtDNA barcoding analysis, we characterize the genetic diversity, structure and maternal relationship of these new invasive populations of T. erytreae and those from Africa. Our results suggest that the outbreaks of T. erytreae in the Iberian Peninsula may have derived from the Canary Islands. The populations of T. erytreae that invaded Macaronesia and the Iberian Peninsula are likely to have originated from southern Africa. We anticipate our results to be a starting point for tracking the spread of this invasive pest outside of Africa and to be important for optimizing contingency and eradication plans in newly invaded and free areas
- First records of the lawn bug Blissus insularis Barber (Hemiptera: Blissidae) in EuropePublication . Lima, Arlindo; Valada, Tatiana; Caetano, Maria Filomena; Franco, José Carlos; Ramos, Ana PaulaSince October 2019, chinch bugs have been detected in large sunken dead patches of St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) lawns in different locations of Lisbon and Setubal districts, in Portugal. Based on morphological and molecular studies, using mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, the collected insects were identified as Blissus insularis (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Blissidae). This is the first record of this noxious chinch bug species in Europe and in the Palaearctic region
- Melanaspis corticosa: a new insect pest of olive trees in EuropePublication . Mazzeo, Gaetana; Pellizzari, Giuseppina; Mateus, Célia; Silva, Elsa Borges da; Russo, Agatino; Nucifora, Salvatore; Soares, Celestino; Tomé, Dora; Andrade, Eugénia de; Franco, José CarlosThe presence of the South African Obscure Scale, Melanaspis corticosa (Brain) (Hemiptera, Diaspididae), was detected infesting olive trees, in Portugal. The identity of the scale insect was confirmed based on both morphological and molecular studies. Until now, this species was only known in a few African countries, including Guinea, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. This is the first record of this species in Europe and in the Palearctic region. The scale was observed in 15 different locations, in the Algarve, since its first detection at the end of 2016. Samples were collected between 21 December 2016 and 10 March 2022, covering all seasonal periods. Most of the sampling sites resulted from private requests from farmers and proprietaries received by the Plant Protection Division of the Regional Directorate of Agriculture. Although it is considered a polyphagous species, it was not observed in other plant species, besides olive trees. The actual dispersion in the region suggests that M. corticosa became established and has been expanded its distribution since its arrival. This scale insect is a potential injurious pest of olive trees and needs to be studied to clarify its pest status and develop effective pest management strategies.
- Do dominant native ants outcompete the invasive Argentine ant in Mediterranean citrus ecosystems? A laboratory testPublication . Zina, Vera; Conde, Sofia; Branco, Manuela; Franco, José CarlosThe invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) poses a significant threat to ecosystem stability worldwide. In Mediterranean citrus ecosystems, its spread may be limited by interactions with dominant native ant species. We conducted laboratory experiments to investigate the competitive dynamics between Argentine ants and two major native species, Tapinoma nigerrimum and Lasius grandis. At the individual level, both native species exhibited superior competitive performance, attributed to their larger body sizes and potential differences in chemical defences. At the colony level, T. nigerrimum demonstrated efficiency in interference competition, successfully defending food resources from Argentine ants. However, the Argentine ant exhibited higher recruitment capacity, albeit it was density-dependent. Our findings support the hypothesis that dominant native ants can serve as barriers against Argentine ant invasion in citrus ecosystems, highlighting the importance of interspecific competition in shaping community dynamics and invasive species management. This study underscores the potential role of native ant species in mitigating the impacts of invasive ants on ecosystem functioning and biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes, offering valuable insights for invasive species management strategies in Mediterranean citrus ecosystems
- An annotated checklist of ladybeetle species (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) of Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira ArchipelagosPublication . Soares, António Onofre; Calado, Hugo Renato; Franco, José Carlos; Aguiar, António Franquinho; Andrade, Miguel M.; Zina, Vera; Ameixa, Olga M.C.C.; Borges, Isabel; Magro, AlexandraA comprehensive annotated checklist of the ladybeetle species of Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, is presented. The Coccinellidae fauna comprises a total of 101 species: 83 from the Mainland, 39 from Madeira, and 32 from the Azores. The listed species are distributed among 2 sub-families and 13 tribes: within the subfamily Microweiseinae, Madeirodulini (1 species), Serangiini (2 species), and within the subfamily Coccinellinae, Azyini (1 species), Chilocorini (4 species), Coccidulini (7 species), Coccinellini (30 species), Epilachnini (4 species), Hyperaspidini (7 species), Noviini (2 species), Platynaspini (1 species), Scymnini (37 species), Stethorini (3 species), and Sticholotidini (2 species). The Portuguese fauna comprises 10 exotic species: 5 present in the Mainland, 7 in Madeira, and 6 in the Azores. Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) from Madeira, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Azores, Delphastus catalinae (Horn, 1895) from the Azores and Madeira, Nephus (Geminosipho) reunioni (Fürsch, 1974) and Nephus (Nephus) voeltzkowi Weise, 1910 from Madeira and Microserangium sp. from the Mainland, are reported for the first time. Some species are considered doubtful records, as explained in the text. These results were obtained by compiling information on the available literature regarding ladybeetle species on the Portuguese mainland and insular territories, and original data
- Contrasting Phenotypic Variability of Life-History Traits of Two Feral Populations of Macrolophus pygmaeus (Hemiptera: Miridae) under Two Alternative DietsPublication . Borges, Isabel; Oliveira, Luísa; Durão, Ana C.; Arruda, Patrícia; Figueiredo, Elisabete; Franco, José Carlos; Lucas, Eric; Soares, António O.Tuta absoluta is a major pest attacking tomato crops. This invasive species emerged in Europe (Spain) in 2006, and 3 years later it spread to Portugal. In 2009/2010, it was recorded for the first time in the Azores archipelago. Macrolophus pygmaeus is a predator widely used as biological control agent against the tomato leaf miner. This study contrasted the life-history traits and population growth parameters of two feral populations of M. pygmaeus, one from Portugal mainland and one from the Azores archipelago. The predators were tested on single prey diet, either of Ephestia kuehniella eggs, a factitious prey used for mass rearing of mirids, or T. absoluta eggs. We predicted that populations would express differences in its phenotypic characteristics, with the Azorean population displaying low performance due to likely low genetic diversity, as expected for insular populations. Our results revealed the inexistence of phenotypic differences in several life history traits, such as immature developmental time, female longevity, males’ body weight and sex ratio. Contrary to our predictions, traits with direct impact on fitness, such as lifetime fertility (95.78 ± 14.23 vs. 61.38 ± 13.52 nymphs), explain better performances for the population of the Azores. Azorean M. pygmaeus females were larger, matured earlier and reproduced at a higher rate for longer periods, than mainland females. Therefore, population growth parameters show a positive advantage for the population of the Azores, fed on T. absoluta (time required for doubling the population Azores, Ek: 8.42 ± 0.50, Ta: 5.76 ± 0.31 and mainland, Ek: 10.88 ± 1.94, Ta: 12.07 ± 3.15). Biological performance of M. pygmaeus was similar when fed with T. absoluta or E. kuehniella that could be beneficial both to optimize mass production of the predator and biological control of the pest. Our results are discussed as well in a fundamental perspective, seeking if differences in biological performance can be explained by lower genetic diversity driven by geographic isolation.
- Eradication programs against non-native pests and pathogens of woody plants in Europe: which factors influence their success or failure?Publication . Branco, Sofia; Douma, Jacob C.; Brockerhoff, Eckehard G.; Gomez-Gallego, Mireia; Marcais, Benoit; Prospero, Simone; Franco, José Carlos; Jactel, Hervé; Branco, ManuelaWhen a non-native species succeeds in establishing in a new habitat, one of the possible responses is to attempt its eradication. In the present study, we analysed European eradication programmes against non- native pests and pathogens of woody plants (PPWP) from 1945 to date. Our main goal was to identify which factors affect the success of an eradication programme, reinforcing guidelines for future eradica- tion of PPWP. Data on eradication campaigns were obtained from online databases, scientific and grey literature, and Plant Protection Organizations’ reports. Factors influencing eradication success for both arthropods and pathogens were analysed with LASSO regression and decision tree learning. A total of 848 cases officially declared as eradication attempts were documented in our database (8-fold higher than previous reports). Both the number of programmes and their rate of success increased sharply over the last two decades. Only less than 10% of the non-native organisms affecting woody plants were targeted for attempted eradication despite the high economic and ecological impacts caused by some species for which no efforts were undertaken. Almost one-third of the officially declared cases of eradication concerned organisms that were still restricted to the material with which they were introduced. For these cases the success rate was 100%. The success rate of established species was only 50% for arthropods and 61% for pathogens. The spaSofia Branco et al. / NeoBiota 84: 281–317 (2023)282 tial extent of the outbreak was the factor that most affected the outcome of eradication campaigns. The eradi- cation success decreased abruptly above 100 ha for arthropods and 10 ha for pathogens. Additionally, other variables were shown to influence the outcome of eradication programmes, in particular the type of environ- ment, with the highest eradication success rate found in nurseries and glasshouses, with successful outcomes increasing if quarantine measures were applied and when monitoring included asymptomatic plants. Particu- lar species traits may reduce eradication success: parthenogenetic arthropods, saprotrophic pathogens, wind dispersal, the possibility to remain asymptomatic indefinitely, and the existence of resting spores or stages. In conclusion, small affected areas, quick response, and efficient implementation of quarantine re- strictions, together with particular species traits, may allow a high probability of eradication success. Pre- paredness at the country and European level would allow a larger number of target species to be included in future eradication programmes.
- «
- 1 (current)
- 2
- 3
- »