The effects of entomopathogenic nematodes EPN (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) and fungi EPF (Beauveria bassiana) strains were evaluated in laboratory assays against larvae of four xylophagous pests: the Asparagus moth Parahypopta caestrum, the European goat moth Cossus cossus, the pine longhorn Arhopalus syriacus and the black Buprestid Capnodis tenebrionis. Due to their biology and ethology, these insects may be included in the category of pests residing in cryptic habitats. The control of these species is considered difficult, due to the inability of chemical pesticides to penetrate the cryptic habitats and reach the targets. The pathogenicity of the entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi was tested in vitro against the pests. Two experimental models were considered and aimed to imitate the natural environment of the pests, in Petri dishes filled with plant material and inside wood galleries respectively. Main results showed that the majority of the tested strains of nematodes and fungi affected the insects' survival rate. Steinernema feltiae and B. bassiana caused the highest percentage of larval mortality (80-100%). Considering the lack of effective chemical control means, the microbial control of the xylophagous pests by EPN and EPF reveals promising perspectives. Nematodes and fungi are able to penetrate the cryptic habitats because they are living organisms and may be horizontally transmitted by infected hosts. The distribution of EPF as preventive control method and the injection of EPN suspensions to reach and infect the larvae inside the wood galleries can be a combined sustainable control system.

Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) from the genus Trichovirus, family Betaflexiviridae, has been reported from several grape-growing regions of the world in asymptomatic and symptomatic vines showing leaf mottling and deformation (Saldarelli et al. 2017). A total of 108 grapevine samples representing 14 cultivars (Black Magic,

beetles (Coleoptera Curculionidae Scolytinae) associated with Pinus pinea in Lebanon: new records with remarks on their ecology, distribution and potential threat for forest stands. Five species of Scolytinae new to Lebanon were recorded on Pinus pinea: Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius), Hylurgus micklitzi Wachtl, Hylastes angustatus (Herbst), Hylastes attenuates Erichson, Carphoborus pini Eichhoff. Their ecology, distribution and potential phytosanitary risk are discussed in the context of stone pine conservation.

Mediterranean stone pine nut is appreciated for its high economic and nutritional value. Starting in 2012, Pinus pinea nut production declined throughout the Mediterranean area. The dry cone syndrome associated with this decline and the introduction of Leptoglossus occidentalis occurred simultaneously. This study aims to evaluate potential reasons behind the decline in pine nut production in Lebanon, considering climatic factors and the invasion of L. occidentalis. Correlation analysis was used to examine a potential relationship between cone yield and the percentage of damaged seeds per cone. Climatic variables were also tested. Two time periods were considered for analysis: before and after 2012. Cone production and the percentage of damaged seeds were negatively correlated (r = −0.42). From 2012 to 2017, cone production declined by 50% and the percentage of damaged seeds increased on average from 3% in 2012 up to 60% in 2017. Correlations were detected between cone production and the temperature of the hottest three months of the year of harvesting, and between cone production and average temperatures during the year of cone initiation. A conjunction of factors that include L. occidentalis and climatic factors might have affected the pine nut production in Lebanon.