First report of Nalanthamala vermoesenii causing pink rot of Phoenix canariensis in Mexico.

In Mexico City, the Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis Chabaud) is an important plant forming part of its landscape identity. In February 2022, pink rot disease symptoms were observed on 16 P. canariensis plants in Mexico City (19°25'43.98"N, 99° 9'49.41"W). The incidence was 27%, while the severity 12%. External symptoms included necrotic lesions that advanced from the petiole towards the rachis. Internal symptoms were rotted, dark brown discoloration in bud, petiole, and rachis. Abundant conidial masses were developed on the infected tissues. Pieces of diseased tissues (5-mm cubes) were surface sterilized for 2 min in 3% sodium hypochlorite, rinsed with sterilized distilled water, plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated at 24°C and 12-h photoperiod, 20 pink fungal colonies were developed with sparse aerial mycelia on PDA. Conidiophores were hyaline, dimorphic, penicillate, and Acremonium-like. Conidia were dimorphic, typically with somewhat truncated ends, 4.5 to 5.7 × 1.9 to 2.3 µm (mean 4.99 × 2.15, n = 100), borne in long chains on penicillate conidiophores; on Acremonium-like conidiophores conidia were cylindrical, straight, and slightly curved, 4.55 to 10.1 × 1.2 to 2.35 µm (mean 8.2 × 1.7, n = 100). These morphological characteristics resembled those of Nalanthamala vermoesenii (Biourge) Schroers (Schroers et al. 2005). Genomic DNA was extracted from the mycelia of a representative isolate CP-SP53. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the large subunit of ribosomal ribonucleic acid (LSU) were amplified and sequenced. The sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers OQ581472 (ITS) and OQ581465 (LSU). Phylogenetic trees based on ITS and LSU sequences of Nalanthamala species were reconstructed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. Isolate CP-SP53 was placed in the clade of Nalanthamala vermoesenii. The pathogenicity test was carried out twice with isolate CP-SP53 on five 3-year-old P. canariensis plants. Four petioles per plant were surface disinfected with 75% ethanol, and wounded with a sterilized scalpel (shallow cuts 0.5 cm wide). A mycelial plug (5 mm in diam.) of a 1-week-old PDA culture was placed on each wounded site. Sterile PDA plugs were used for five non-inoculated control plants. All plants were maintained at 22 ± 2°C and a 12-h photoperiod. Twenty-five days after inoculation (dai), wounded petioles showed the same symptoms observed in the field, whereas control plants remained healthy. Forty-five dai, all inoculated plants died. Pink conidial masses developed on symptomatic tissues. To fulfill Koch's postulates, the pathogen was reisolated by placing the pink conidial masses onto PDA. The colony characteristics and morphometric measurements were identical to those of isolate CP-SP53. Nalanthamala vermoesenii has been reported on P. canariensis in Greece and United States (Feather et al. 1979; Ligoxigakis et al. 2013) and Syagrus romanzoffiana in Egypt (Mohamed et al. 2016). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Nalanthamala vermoesenii as the causal agent of pink rot on P. canariensis in Mexico. This plant is the most commonly planted ornamental palm in Mexico City. The spread of N. vermoesenii could be a threat for the estimated 15 thousand palms, therefore dramatically change the urban landscape.

Revision of the Amphibolips niger group with the description of a new species (Hymenoptera: Cynipini).

Amphibolips is currently divided into two species-groups, clearly differentiated by adult and gall morphology. The niger group of Amphibolips species is revised. This complex includes eight species: A. gumia Kinsey, A. jubatus Kinsey, A. elatus Kinsey, A. maturus Kinsey, A. nebris Kinsey, A. niger Kinsey, A. pistrix Kinsey and A. ufo Cuesta-Porta & Pujade-Villar sp. nov. We provide descriptions of new species and re-descriptions of known species, diagnoses, keys to complexes and species. The possibility of the niger complex belonging to a new genus is also discussed.

Assessment of Age, Gender, Mating Status, and Size on Single and Repeat Flight Capabilities of Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a specialist pest of avocado fruit and is considered an incursion risk for U.S. avocado producers. At the time work reported here was undertaken the flight capabilities of H. lauri were unknown. Consequently, proactive studies were undertaken to quantify aspects of this pest's flight capabilities to inform potential future control efforts. Flight mill studies were conducted in a quarantine laboratory to measure the dispersal capacity of H. lauri with respect to gender, mating status, and size on the single and repeat flight capabilities of weevils. Gender, mating status, and size did not significantly affect measured flight parameters. Average total distances flown and flight velocity, and mean maximum flight bout distances and durations significantly declined as weevil age increased and when weevils engaged in repeat flights. Survivorship rates were significantly reduced as the number of successive flights undertaken increased. The distribution of total average flight distances flown and total cumulative flight distances flown was platykurtic. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of developing incursion management plans.

Revision of the Amphibolips species of the 'nassa' complex from Mexico and central America (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae).

The cynipid gall wasp species of Amphibolips (Cynipidae: Cynipini) belonging to the "nassa" complex are reviewed for Mexico and Central America. Five new species are described: A. bassae Cuesta-Porta Pujade-Villar n. sp., A. bromus Pujade-Villar Cuesta-Porta n. sp., A. kinseyi Cuesta-Porta Pujade-Villar n. sp., A. rulli Pujade-Villar Cuesta-Porta n. sp., and A. turulli Pujade-Villar Cuesta-Porta n. sp. Amphibolips quercuspomiformis (Bassett) comb. nov. is redescribed and Amphibolips malinche Nieves-Aldrey Maldonado is proposed as a new synonym of A. hidalgoensis Pujade-Villar Melika. The validity of A. dampfi is discussed. Diagnostic characters, distribution, host-plant relationships, and biology are provided. Also new diagnostic characters and new distribution data for earlier described species are given. Keys to adults and galls for all known "nassa" complex species from Mexico and Central America are presented.

Synergus Hartig species group (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Synergini) with partially smooth mesopleurae from the New World.

Inquiline oak gall wasps from the genus Synergus Hartig (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Synergini) that occur in the New World should be classified into the following morphological groups: i) species with the radial cell of fore wings open; ii) species with the radial cell of fore wings closed and mesopleurae completely sculptured, always with transversal striae covering its surface; iii) species with the radial cell of fore wings closed and mesopleurae partially smooth, with the speculum always shiny and not sculptured. The latter group, which appears to be unique to the New World's fauna, is the focus of this study. An exhaustive taxonomical revision of all the Synergus species within this morphological group is carried out for the first time after the initial treatment by Lobato-Vila Pujade-Villar (2017). Redescriptions, images and new distribution and biological data are provided. A new species from Mexico, Synergus aurofacies Lobato-Vila Pujade-Villar, sp. nov., is here formally described and illustrated. Synergus variegatus McCracken Egbert, 1922 is a junior synonym of S. flavens McCracken Egbert, 1922 syn. nov.; S. profusus McCracken Egbert, 1922 is a junior synonym of S. pacificus McCracken Egbert, 1922 syn. nov.; and S. flavus Kieffer, 1904 and S. varicolor Fullaway, 1911 are junior synonyms of S. pomiformis (Ashmead, 1885) syn. nov. A key to species of this group is provided. The morphological traits of the species with partially smooth mesopleurae are discussed.

A New Genus of Oak Gall Wasp, Striatoandricus Pujade-Villar (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini) from America with Descriptions of Two New Mexican Species.

A new genus of cynipid oak gall wasp, Striatoandricus Pujade-Villar (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini), is described. Striatoandricus gen. nov. includes four previously described species, Andricus nievesaldreyi n. comb., A. georgei n. comb., A. maesi n. comb., and A. barriosi n. comb., which induce pubescent leaves or twig galls on Quercus belonging to Quercus section. Two new species from México are also described: S. cuixarti Pujade-Villar n. sp. and S. sanchezi Pujade-Villar n. sp. in Quercus section. Descriptions of the genus and diagnostic characters, including DNA sequence data, are presented. This new genus is supported by both morphological and molecular data.

Genetic variation in foundation species governs the dynamics of trophic interactions.

Various studies have demonstrated that the foundation species genetic diversity can have direct effects that extend beyond the individual or population level, affecting the dependent communities. Additionally, these effects may be indirectly extended to higher trophic levels throughout the entire community. Quercus castanea is an oak species with characteristics of foundation species beyond presenting a wide geographical distribution and being a dominant element of Mexican temperate forests. In this study, we analyzed the influence of population (He) and individual (HL) genetic diversity of Q. castanea on its canopy endophagous insect community and associated parasitoids. Specifically, we studied the composition, richness (S) and density of leaf-mining moths (Lepidoptera: Tischeridae, Citheraniidae), gall-forming wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), and canopy parasitoids of Q. castanea. We sampled 120 trees belonging to six populations (20/site) through the previously recognized gradient of genetic diversity. In total, 22 endophagous insect species belonging to three orders (Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, and Diptera) and 20 parasitoid species belonging to 13 families were identified. In general, we observed that the individual genetic diversity of the host plant (HL) has a significant positive effect on the S and density of the canopy endophagous insect communities. In contrast, He has a significant negative effect on the S of endophagous insects. Additionally, indirect effects of HL were observed, affecting the S and density of parasitoid insects. Our results suggest that genetic variation in foundation species can be one of the most important factors governing the dynamics of tritrophic interactions that involve oaks, herbivores, and parasitoids.

[Scolitids (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) associated to the cocoa agroecosystem in Tabasco, Mexico]. / Escolítidos (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) asociados al agroecosistema cacao en Tabasco, México.

The Scolytidae fauna associated to the cacao agroecosystem in Tabasco, Mexico was studied during 2007. Adult insects were captured by using ethanol and light traps, and by direct collecting in their host plants. 3,192 specimens of 34 species belonging to 18 genera of Scolytidae were collected. Twenty-two species are new records for the State of Tabasco. The genera with more species were Xyleborus (6) and Hypothenemus (6). We conclude that the Scolytidae fauna associated to the cacao agroecosystem captured with the three trap systems are similar through the year of study. We also conclude that although the ethanol traps were more efficient, obtaining the highest species diversity, the use of other methods is important.

Escolítidos (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) asociados al agroecosistema cacao en Tabasco, México / Scolitids (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) associated to the cocoa agroecosystem in Tabasco, Mexico

El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la fauna de escolítidos asociada al agroecosistema cacao durante el año 2007 en Tabasco, México; para ello se utilizaron trampas de alcohol etílico, trampa de luz y captura sobre sus plantas huéspedes como métodos de recolecta. Se registraron 3,192 especimenes de 34 especies pertenecientes a 18 géneros de escolítidos. Veintidós especies son registros nuevos para el Estado de Tabasco. Los géneros con mayor riqueza de especies fueron Xyleborus (6) e Hypothenemus (6). Se concluye que la fauna de escolítidos capturadas con los tres métodos de recolecta presentó una fluctuación poblacional similar a través del año de estudio. Además concluimos que aunque la trampa de alcohol etílico fue el método de captura más eficiente para la obtención de la mayor diversidad de especies es importante la utilización de los otros métodos que complementan y enriquecen la información obtenida.

The Scolytidae fauna associated to the cacao agroecosystem in Tabasco, Mexico was studied during 2007. Adult insects were captured by using ethanol and light traps, and by direct collecting in their host plants. 3,192 specimens of 34 species belonging to 18 genera of Scolytidae were collected. Twenty-two species are new records for the State of Tabasco. The genera with more species were Xyleborus (6) and Hypothenemus (6). We conclude that the Scolytidae fauna associated to the cacao agroecosystem captured with the three trap systems are similar through the year of study. We also conclude that although the ethanol traps were more efficient, obtaining the highest species diversity, the use of other methods is important.

Genitalia de tres especies de Heilipus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) que dañan frutos de aguacate (Persea americana Mill) en México y Costa Rica / Genitalia of three species of Heilipus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) that damage avocado fruits (Persea americana Mill.) in Mexico and Costa Rica

The male and female genitaliae of three species of the genus Heilipus Germar (H. lauri Boheman, H. pittieri Barber and H. trifasciatus Fabricius) that damage avocado fruits (Persea americana Mill.) in Mexico and Costa Rica are described and illustrated. The aedeagus, spiculum gastrale, styli of 8th sternite are different in each one of the three species studied and can be used for specific identification.

La genitalia masculina y femenina de tres especies de Heilipus Germar (H. lauri Boheman, H. pittieri Barber y H. trifasciatus) que dañan frutos de aguacate (Persea americana Mill.) en México y Costa Rica es descrita e ilustrada. El edeago, espícula gastrale, y estilos del esternitos VIII son diferentes en cada una de las tres especies estudiadas y pueden ser usadas para la identificación específica.

[Genitalia of three species of Heilipus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) that damage avocado fruits (Persea americana Mill.) in Mexico and Costa Rica]. / Genitalia de tres especies de Heilipus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) que dañan frutos de aguacate (Persea americana Mill) en México y Costa Rica.

The male and female genitaliae of three species of the genus Heilipus Germar (H. lauri Boheman, H. pittieri Barber and H. trifasciatus Fabricius) that damage avocado fruits (Persea americana Mill.) in Mexico and Costa Rica are described and illustrated. The aedeagus, spiculum gastrale, styli of 8th sternite are different in each one of the three species studied and can be used for specific identification.