Identification and distribution of leafrollers (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) associated with berries (Rosaceae) cultivated in Mexico.

Berries are agricultural products of great economic interest for Mexico, and their production has increased in recent years; however, crops are affected by tortricid leafrollers. From August 2019 to April 2021 in Michoacán and Guanajuato, Mexico, a study was conducted to determine the species of tortricids associated with blackberries (Rubus spp. L.), raspberries (Rubusidaeus L.) and strawberries (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.), as well as their altitudinal distribution. In 12 orchards located in these states, shoots, leaves and flowers infested by larvae were collected. The species were identified by male genitalia and were determined taxonomically as Amorbiacuneana (Walsingham, 1879), Argyrotaeniamontezumae (Walsingham, 1914) and Platynota sp. Walker, 1859, found at elevations from 1290 to 2372 m. The most abundant species were A.cuneana and A.montezumae. Generally, these tortricids prefer to feed on tender vegetative parts of the plant, but the economic impact they have is not known. It is worth mentioning that the number of species found is lower than those reported in other countries, but it is necessary to broaden the study area to other berry-producing regions to determine whether their distribution is wider.

A new species of Eucalantica Busck (Lepidoptera, Yponomeutidae) poses potential concerns on blueberry industry in Mexico.

A new species of Eucalantica, E. nestori n. sp. is reported on the basis of 13 type specimens collected from blueberry farms in Atzingo and Xoxonacatla, Puebla, Mexico. Habitus and genital features of the species are described and illustrated. Larval feeding habit of E. nestori n. sp. is demonstrated from field observations. Damage of the larvae was observed from the leaves, flowers and shoots of blueberries. Agricultural concerns involving E. nestori n. sp. are discussed.

Sequential and Binomial Sampling Plans to Estimate Thrips tabaci Population Density on Onion.

Thrips tabaci Lindeman is a worldwide onion pest that causes economic losses of 10-60%, depending on many factors. Population sampling is essential for applying control tactics and preventing damage by the insect. Conventional sampling methods are criticized as time consuming, while fixed-precision binomial and sequential sampling plans may allow reliable estimations with a more efficient use of time. The aim of this work was to develop binomial and sequential sampling for fast reliable estimation of T. tabaci density on an onion. Forty-one commercial 1.0-ha onion plots were sampled (sample size n = 200) to characterize the spatial distribution of T. tabaci using Taylor's power law (a = 2.586 and b = 1.511). Binomial and sequential enumerative sampling plans were then developed with precision levels of 0.10, 0.15 and 0.25. Sampling plans were validated with bootstrap simulations (1000 samples) using 10 independent data sets. Bootstrap simulation indicated that precision was satisfactory for all repetitions of the sequential sampling plan, while binomial sampling met the fixed precision in 80% of cases. Both methods reduced sampling time by around 80% relative to conventional sampling. These precise and less time-consuming sampling methods can contribute to implementation of control tactics within the integrated pest management approach.