Parasitoids associated with Monochamus galloprovincialis (Oliv.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) within the pine wilt nematode-affected zone in Portugal

Abstract

Until recently, the pine sawyer Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) (Coleoptera; Cerambycidae) was considered a secondary forest pest in Portugal. Its pest status changed when it was found to be the main vector of the recently introduced pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Bu¨hrer) Nickle (Nematoda; Aphelenchoididae). A survey in three locations within the PWN-affected zone was conducted in order to identify parasitoids associated with immature stages of the beetle and to evaluate their importance. No parasitoid was found associated with the insect eggs whereas 10% of the larvae were found parasitised by three Braconidae. Cyanopterus flavator Fabricius was the most numerous species; Iphiaulax impostor (Scopoli) and Coeloides sordidator Ratzeburg were the other species present. A review of the parasitoids associated with Monochamus in Europe, eastern Asia and North America was made, and the possibility of using the local species in future biological control programmes in Portugal is briefly discussed.

Fécondité et développement larvaire de Monochamus galloprovincialis (Coleoptera Cerambycidae) en élevage

“…Since M. galloprovincialis was proved to be the vector of the PWN in Portugal, several studies have been conducted on this species (Naves et al, 2005;2006a;2006b). Nevertheless this insect has not been, so far, the subject of an exhaustive survey in France and details of its biology are still unknown.…”

Pine Wilt Disease: a threat to European forestry

“…The insect vector is also considered to be an interesting target for the use of MCAs, such as the case of the fungal genera Trichoderma and Baeuveria, used against Monochamus alternatus (Shimazu 2006). Hyperparasites of the insect vector are also being investigated, as a potential biocontrol method for Monochamus galloprovincialis (Naves et al 2005).…”

“…Following the era of intensive control via aerial insecticidal sprays, in the 1970s in Japan, environmental-friendly strategies for PWD control are nowadays a primary concern, and are mainly focused on the application of natural or/ and chemical nematicides/insecticides with low side effects (Naves et al 2005;Wang et al 2010b); biological agents (Maehara 2008;Wang et al 2011); and the more challenging and long-term approach, breeding programs for resistance and tolerance of forest trees (Toda and Kurinobu 2001;Kurinobu 2006;Sniezko 2006).…”

A new parasitoid (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in China

“…Live larvae were collected and observed under a binocular microscope for the presence of ectoparasitoids. Whenever a parasitoid larva or cocoon was detected, it was placed individually in a Petri dish at room temperature according to Naves et al (2005). The Petri dishes were checked every second day, and emerging insects were kept in alcohol for further identification.…”