A new vagrant species of eriophyoid mite, Asetadiptacus acarubri n. sp., is described and illustrated from Rubus fruticosus (Rosaceae) in Britain, a key to the world species of Asetadiptacus is provided, and Anthocoptes rubicolens Roivainen and Trimeroptes rubi Bagdasarian are recorded from Britain for the first time. In addition, Acalitus essigi (Hassan) and Phyllocoptes gracilis (Nalepa) are reported from R. fruticosus and Rubus sp., respectively. Collection details, distribution and host plant symptoms are provided, together with digital micrographs of the prodorsal shield and coxigenital region of a female from each species discussed. A review of the other eriophyoid mite species hitherto recorded in Britain from Rubus is also provided.

The occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes was assessed in soil samples collected from different orchards and fields in southern Syria. Nematodes and fungi were isolated from soil samples through baiting them by the larvae of wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). A total of 157 soil samples were collected from different orchard habitats during 2008. Only two samples were positive for entomopathogenic nematodes (1.27% occurrence) that were identified as Steinernema sp. and 26 samples were positive for entomopathogenic fungi (16.56% occurrence) belonging to Nomurea riley, Beauveria sp., Paecilomyces sp., and Aspergillus sp.

The main morphological, biological and ecological aspects making the Eriophyoid mites highly effective against the weedy plants are briefly reviewed. Obstacles and interferences for correct species identification and survey are summarized. Challenging research topics requiring further deep investigations are pointed out.

The acarocecidia of the Italian Flora can be related to the feeding activity of the Eriophyoidea. They display high morphological and biological adaptations to the life in protected host microhabitats. This intimate relationship has been allowing a strict co-evolution between host and mite symbionts which is often addressed to the induction of architecturally intricate plant deformations. Some of the most common galls on the Italian flora are described herein.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a grain legume widely cultivated in the warm temperate and semi-arid regions for its high nutritional value, given the 15-25% high quality protein seed content. In Italy, about 3,500 hectares are cultivated with chickpea, mainly in southern and island regions. We predisposed a chickpea germplasm collection consisting in 50 different south Italian landraces and other 100 different feral forms and landraces originated from different world areas. In order to assess the genetic variability on the whole collection, we used a set of microsatellites markers (SSR) specific for chickpea. A quite large polymorphism of SSR in the different genotypes was observed and this result, will be further exploited to study the genetic distance among genotypes. At the same time, to evaluate the response to drought stress of the whole collection, an assay on seedlings was set up in growth chamber, treating the plants with different concentrations of NaCl and PEG solutions. These experiments allowed to identify two accession (red-coloured seeds) showing a high degree of tolerance to the experimental conditions used. Moreover, a trial was also conducted for resistance to the seed-beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.) that causes considerable economic losses worldwide. A preliminary laboratory bioassay was conducted on eighteen genotypes, that were evaluated by measuring the percentage damage to seeds, founding one black seed genotype (CA-100) that exhibited a complete resistance. This promising genotype will be studied at molecular level to highlight the bases of the resistance in this interaction plant-insect, and it will be incorporated in future breeding programme as bruchid resistance in chickpea lines.

Only a small number of diseases have been confirmed to be caused by virus species transmitted by eriophyid mites; many others have uncertain aetiology and the involvement of a virus is suspected. Many eriophyid species produce symptoms which may be confused with viral diseases or hide virus infections not identified yet. The development of biotechnologies and their continuous updating and improvements could allow a larger detection of virus entities. The purpose of the present review is to describe the current state of knowledge on the eriophyid and plant virus interactions pointing out the weak points of these investigations.

L‟arsenico (As) presente nell‟ambiente è estremamente tossico soprattutto nelle sue forme inorganiche per gli uomini, gli animali e le piante. La sua pericolosità può essere valutata attraverso analisi di bioaccumulo ed ecotossicità in organismi bioindicatori. I lombrichi sono potenti bioindicatori di suoli inquinati grazie alla loro capacità di ingerire le particelle del suolo e di avere la superficie corporea continuamente a contatto con il suolo. Il presente lavoro mostra i risultati di analisi di bioaccumulo ed ecotossicità nei lombrichi Eisenia andrei (Bouché) in suoli contaminati da attività minerarie e industriali che presentano differenti e crescenti concentrazioni di As (35, 60, 170, 730, 3000 e 14000 μg·g-1). Lombrichi adulti sono stati esposti a microcosmi contaminati e successivamente adoperati per saggi biologici e chimici. Dopo due giorni di esposizione è stato eseguito un avoidance test sul suolo contaminato; dopo 14 giorni sono stati misurati il tasso di sopravvivenza, la variazione in peso, il contenuto in metallotioneine, lo stress ossidativo e genotossico; dopo 28 giorni è stata valutata la capacità riproduttiva (OECD Test). La distribuzione e il bioaccumulo dell'As nei lombrichi sono stati determinati mediante spettroscopia di microfluorescenza di raggi X (μXRF) e fluorescenza di raggi X a riflessione totale (TXRF). I suoli contaminati sono stati evitati dai lombrichi in tutte le tesi tranne che in quella ad alto contenuto di sostanza organica; in nessun caso l‟esposizione ai suoli contaminati è stata letale dopo 14 giorni; anche il contenuto di metallotioneine e il danno genotossico non sono risultati differenti dal controllo; al contrario il tasso di riproduzione e l‟incremento in peso hanno mostrato una correlazione negativa con la quantità di As e, in tutte le tesi, lo stress ossidativo è risultato maggiore rispetto al controllo. Le analisi effettuate nelle sezioni trasversali dei lombrichi e nei fluidi celomatici mediante μXRF e TXRF hanno evidenziato un notevole accumulo dell‟elemento nella cavità celomatica. Per una migliore interpretazione dei risultati sono in corso ulteriori test per valutare altri biomarkers (stabilità lisosomiale, malondialdeide, enzimi antiossidanti come catalasi, superossidodimutasi e glutatione S-transferasi).

Eriophyoid mites overwinter by a winter form (deutogyne) morphologically distinct from the spring-summer form (protogyne). Deutogyne is well distinct and known for a part of eriophyoids. Grapevine erineum mite, Colomerus vitis (Pagenstecher), is widespread in the main world viticultural areas, was recently demonstrated vector Grapevine pinot gris virus. Its females overwinter mainly under outer scales of buds and a deutogyne was described but not perfectly distinct from the protogyne. A morphometric, biomolecular and biological approach was applied in order to better characterize deutogynes versus protogynes. Buds or leaves of Luisa infested by C. vitis were sampled 6 times from the same vineyard between December 2015 and January 2017. Females were studied for about 70 traits commonly used for taxonomic identification. Kruskal-Wallis test was applied for the measured populations. ITS1 was investigated in individuals collected from buds (winter) and erinea (spring). Groups of protogynes and deutogynes were separately submerged in water or vaseline, at 5/25±1°C, and mite survival was assessed every week/day, respectively. Data were analyzed by regression analysis. Length of foreleg seta l’ and hindleg seta ft’, and numbers of smooth dorsal semiannuli were significantly different between protogynes and deutogynes. ITS1 analysis confirmed the homogeneity of these populations. The study demonstrated the presence of population composed by protogynes and deutogynes in July and September 2016. In April and May 2016 were collected only protogynes, whereas in December 2015 and January 2017 were collected only deutogynes, as expected. Deutogynes showed a higher survival than the protogynes in all experimental conditions.

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid element, often found in soils and wastes around mines and industrial sites treating As-bare minerals. The assessment of the bioavailability of As in these soils is crucial in order to protect human and ecosystems health. Earthworms are often used to assess the bioavailability of As in soils (Langdon et al., 2003). In this work, Eisenia andrei was exposed to As-polluted soils from two sites in Italy (Valle Anzasca and Scarlino). Different X-ray based techniques and bioassays were used to evaluate the concentration, speciation and distribution of the As both in soils and earthworms.

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid, naturally associated with gold, sulphur, iron and heavy metals and is often found in soils and wastes around former mines and industrial sites because of the processing of As-bare minerals. Assessment of the bioavailability of As in these soils is very important in order to protect human and ecosystems health. Earthworms are often used to assess the bioavailability of As in soils (Langdon et al., 2003). In this work, Eisenia andrei was exposed to As-polluted soils from Valle Anzasca and Scarlino (Italy) in order to evaluate the bioavailability of As. Different X-ray based techniques were used to evaluate the concentration and the distribution of As both in soils and earthworms. For this study, three soil samples per polluted site were collected, sieved (2 mm) and dried. The mineralogical characterization of the soils was carried out by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). The total As was estimated on site via portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF), while sequential extractions (Wenzel et al., 2001) coupled with total reflection XRF (TXRF) were used to study the mobility of As. Soil elemental maps were acquired using micro XRF (µXRF) in order to evaluate the As distribution and its correlation with other elements. All the above analyses were conducted also on two control soils. For the assessment of the bioavailability, ten sexually mature earthworms were exposed to each contaminated soil and controls. The mortality was assessed after 14 days of exposure (acute toxicity). Oxidative stress was estimated by mesauring H2O2, catalase, phenoloxidase, glutathione S-transferase and malondialdehyde. The effect of As on the reproduction (chronic toxicity), was assessed after 28 days of exposure. Earthworms were embedded in epoxidic resin and thin sections (100 μm thickness) were analyzed via μXRF in order to localize As accumulation. Since detoxification mechanisms seem to act mainly inside the coelom (e.g. for Cd, Panzarino et al., 2016), coelomic fluids (few µl) were electrically extruded from worms and analysed by TXRF in order to quantify the As concentration....

The Particulate Matter (PM) originates from natural or anthropogenic activities.Aclassification ofthePM isbasedontheparticlediameterdistinguishing PMlO ifless than 10 11m and PM2.5 ifless than 2.5 11m. The PM particles ca1l adsorb other molecules such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PARs). The current study is aimed at investigating the possible genotoxic damage of PMI0 and PARs on earthworms applying the comet assay. A DNA damage was observed starting from 16 ppm ofPMIO and 0.008 ppm of PARs.

Eriophyid mites have been considered to have a high potential for use as classical biological control agents of weeds. We reviewed known examples of the use of eriophyid mites to control weedy plants to learn how effective they have been. In the past 13 years, since Rosenthal's 1996 review, 13 species have undergone some degree of pre-release evaluation (Aceria genistae, A. lantanae, Aceria sp. [boneseed leaf buckle mite (BLBM)], A. salsolae, A. sobhiani, A. solstitialis, A. tamaricis, A. thalgi, A. thessalonicae, Cecidophyes rouhollahi, Floracarus perrepae, Leipothrix dipsacivagus and L. knautiae), but only four (A. genistae, Aceria sp. [BLBM], C. rouhollahi and F. perrepae) have been authorized for introduction. Prior to this, three species (Aceria chondrillae, A. malherbae and Aculus hyperici) were introduced and have become established. Although these three species impact the fitness of their host plant, it is not clear how much they have contributed to reduction of the population of the target weed. In some cases, natural enemies, resistant plant genotypes, and adverse abiotic conditions have reduced the ability of eriophyid mites to control target weed populations. Some eriophyid mites that are highly coevolved with their host plant may be poor prospects for biological control because of host plant resistance or tolerance of the plant to the mite. Susceptibility of eriophyids to predators and pathogens may also prevent them from achieving population densities necessary to reduce host plant populations. Short generation time, high intrinsic rate of increase and high mobility by aerial dispersal imply that eriophyids should have rapid rates of evolution. This raises concerns that eriophyids may be more likely to lose efficacy over time due to coevolution with the target weed or that they may be more likely to adapt to nontarget host plants compared to insects, which have a longer generation time and slower population growth rate. Critical areas for future research include life history, foraging and dispersal behavior, mechanisms controlling host plant specificity, and evolutionary stability of eriophyid mites. This knowledge is critical for designing and interpreting laboratory and field experiments to measure host plant specificity and potential impact on target and nontarget plants, which must be known before they can be approved for release. One of the more successful examples of an eriophyid mite controlling an invasive alien weed is Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, whose impact is primarily due to transmission of a virus pathogenic to the target, Rosa multiflora. Neither the mite nor the virus originated from the target weed, which suggests that using "novel enemies" may sometimes be an effective strategy for using eriophyid mites.

Trees from Juglandaceae, Ulmaceae, Salicaceae, Leguminosae and Betulaceae were sampled during two growing seasons, 2010 and 2011, in the southwest region of East Azerbaijan province, Iran, in order to survey their eriophyid mite fauna. Among identified taxa, eight species appeared to be new for the Iranian eriophyid fauna: Coptophylla lamimani (Keifer, 1939b), Stenacis palomaris Keifer, 1970, Shevtchenkella juglandis (Keifer, 1951), Anthocoptes striatus Ponomareva, 1978, Aculus mogeri (Farkas, 1960), Aculops unguiculatus (Nalepa, 1897), Aculops allotrichus (Nalepa, 1894) and Tegolophus califraxini (Keifer, 1938). Supplementary descriptions were given for Sh. ulmi (Farkas, 1960), A. striatus, A. mogeri, A. unguiculatus and A. allotrichus. In this study, Alhagi maurorum Medik (Leguminosae) and Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. subsp. angustifolia (Oleaceae) were reported as new host plants for A. allotrichus and T. califraxini, respectively. Remarks on the eriophyid distribution in East Azerbaijan were also given.

The plum bud gall mite, Acalitus phloeocoptes (Nalepa) is an important pest in Miandowab region (West Azerbaijan province, Iran). The feeding activity of these mites create galls around buds that lead to tree death after few years and made fruit decrease of the host plants. Early in the spring, overwintering females migrate from the galls toward new buds where they inhabit and feed. The controlling of this pest is depended to the investigation on its biology that must be done. Regarding the study of the mite emergence in relation to duration and type of cold exposure, on early January 2017, 100 number of 1/2 year old plum branches in an orchard at Miandowab were marked with ribbon tapes as field-wintered group and another 100 branches were brought to the laboratory and stored in refrigerator with constant 3°C as laboratory-stored group. From 30 February to 24 March 2017, 12 branch sections were removed from laboratory cold-storage and 12 branches were collected from the orchard at two weeks intervals. Selected branches had the similar diameter and gall size. Three branches selected for each sides including north, south, east and west. A stickyband trap was placed near the gall on each branch and branches were placed at 15°C and 13:11 (L: D) h photoperiod. Traps were replaced on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 14, 21 and 28 days after trap placement, and captured mites were counted using magnification 10 of Leitz LABORLUX S microscope until no more mites were trapped. For each time by cold-storage combination, the cumulative distribution of the proportion of mites trapped was calculated for each branch. The number of days of median emergence for each branch in a sample was estimated by linear interpolation to the x-axis. The mean number of days to median emergence was then calculated for each time by cold storage combination, and a comparison between means for emergence from laboratory-stored and field-wintered branches at each collection date was made using MSTATC software. In general the mean time of 50% emergence of mites from field-wintered branches (4.3 days) was more than that in laboratory-stored branches (3.8 days), but this difference between the two groups of branches was not significant. This time was almost constant in field-wintered group (3.7–4.1 days), but there were more variation in laboratory-stored branches (3.3–5.1 days).

Populations of eriophyoid mites infesting Brassicaceae were surveyed and two species belonging to the genus Metaculus Keifer were found in an attempt to find enemies of some brassicaceous weeds in Turkey. A new species, Metaculus lepidifolii n. sp., was collected on Lepidium latifolium L., commonly known as broadleaved or perennial pepperweed, manifesting leaf curling and deformation. In addition, Metaculus rapistri Carmona, was collected and redescribed from Isatis tinctoria L., dyer’s woad, as a new host record and report for the Turkish fauna. This species also causes leaf deformation. A key to all known species of Metaculus found worldwide is provided. Because only a few eriophyoid species have been recorded on brassicaceous vegetables and weeds so far and the mite taxonomy appears to be confusing, remarks are given about the current state of knowledge. The new genus combination for Aculops lepidii is also given.

More than one hundred species of Eriophyoidea have been recorded hitherto from Turkey. Within the last decade, a large plant survey was carried out in order to investigate the eriophyoid fauna present in Turkey, with particular emphasis on species affecting weeds and ornamental plants. In addition, the Turkish literature has been examined for previous records of eriophyoid mites. New species, Paraphytoptus intybi n. sp. on common cichory, Cichorium intybus (Compositae) and Phytoptus albae n. sp. on white poplar, Populus alba (Salicaceae), are described and illustrated herein. In addition, a further 31 species were found to be new records for the eriophyoid fauna of Turkey with Aceria calaceris, Phyllocoptes didelphis and Vasates immigrans being new reports for the Palaearctic region. All known eriophyoid species records from Turkey appearing in papers published up until March 2013 are listed in this catalogue along with remarks and information on their current distribution in Turkey and taxonomic status.

This paper describes two new species of Eriophyoidea associated with trees belonging to the order Rosales in the southwestern portion of East Azerbaijan province, Iran, collected during a survey in 2011: Aceria lobolinguae n. sp. on Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (Elaeagnaceae) and Rhinophytoptus nemalobos n. sp. on Prunus domestica L. (Rosaceae). Additionally, Phyllocoptes abaenus Keifer on Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosaceae), Aculus fockeui (Nalepa & Trouessart) on Prunus amygdalus Stokes and Malus domestica Borkh. (Rosaceae), and Aceria mori (Keifer) on Morus alba L. (Moraceae) were collected and are new records for the mite fauna of Iran. New locality records and host plant data are provided for Eriophyes similis (Nalepa), Eriophyes pyri (Pagenstecher) and Calepitrimerus baileyi (Keifer) which are eriophyoid species previously known from Iran.

Five species of eriophyoid mites were identified during surveys of mite fauna associated with plant species of the family Compositae from Southwest of East Azerbaijan province during 2010 and 2011. Two of them, Aceria virgatae n. sp. from Centaurea virgata Lam. and Aceria xeranthemis n. sp. from Xeranthemum squarrosum Boiss., were found to be new to science. No damage symptoms were observed on their host plants. Aceria xeranthemis n. sp. is the first eriophyoid collected from the plant genus Xeranthemum. Aculops centaureae (Farkas, 1960) from Centaurea albonitens Turrill and Aceria cichorii Petanovic et al. 2000 from Cichorium intybus L. are new records for Iranian mite fauna. The deutogyne female of Aceria anthocoptes (Nalepa) was recorded for the first time in Iran, too. A key to the species collected on Compositae in Iran is given.

Invasive alien plant species may have a strong impact on indigenous biodiversity and this is the case of Ailanthus altissima and Ambrosia artemisiifolia, whose control in the Euro-Mediterranean areas is required. Ailanthus altissima, commonly known as Tree of Heaven, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native of China, with is highly invasive. It is considered worldwide (Europe, Asia, South Africa, South-eastern Australia, North America) a serious invasive plant species of disturbed urban sites, competing with autochthonous flora and causing structural damages to railways, roads, buildings and historical monuments. In addition, it is also an important pest in rural areas, invading cropland, fencerows, forest edges and rocky areas. Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Common Ragweed, is an annual herbaceous plant, native of temperate North America regions, but considered invasive in Europe, parts of Asia and Australia. Its success as an invasive species is probably due to its ecological amplitude and its ability to colonise and dominate disturbed agricultural and anthropogenic habitats. The main impact is primarily due to the its abundant and highly allergenic pollen that induces health respiratory problems among human populations, but it is also an agricultural pest, competing with cultivated crops. Despite several attempts employing different control methods, it is clear that the total eradication of these alien species cannot be achieved and efforts have to be addressed for the ecological preservation of these ecosystems by the use biological and integrated control approaches. Conducting geographical surveys of the invasive species in question is the first step for potentially finding candidates to be used in the classical biological control of alien species. In particular, among the potential candidate agents associated with the target weed, eriophyid mites play a relevant role, because they are obligate plant feeders with high host specificity. For this reason, eriophyid mites have been considered potential control agents for both A. altissima and A. artemisiifolia. Very few eriophyid species have been recorded in association with the Tree of Heaven in its native areas. Recently, a new eriophyid species on A. altissima has been described in Hungary, pointing out the chance that a potential biocontrol agent of this invasive species is already present in the Palaeartic Region. This mite forms dense populations on the undersurface of the leaflets, which are responsible of making the lamina narrow, deformed, twisted, with edges folded or rolled downward toward the main vein of the leaflets. Drying and necrosis of the apical parts of the stems have been observed on heavily infested plants; whereas high infestations in young plants are also associated to the premature loss of leaves. An eriophyid mite species is already know to be associated with Common Ragweed in Europe and it seems to prevent male flower development and hence pollen production, but also result in a decrease in the number of viable seeds. First surveys regarding the distribution of these eriophyid mites associated with A. altissima and A. artemisiifolia, respectively, were carried out and will be presented in this communication, together with the first data regarding the potential impact of these mites on both invasive alien plant species.

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) was largely applied as wood preservative and can residue into the soil. This highly toxic and persistent xenobiotic was investigated to monitor its impact on the soil environment testing its genotoxic damage by means of the comet assay applied on earthworms, herein used as appropriate bio-indicator. A preliminary time-course experiment in artificial soil was carried out in order to define the most suitable adaptation period required from earthworms in presence ofthe xenobiotic. Then, the genotoxic damage was assayed by means of the comet assay in earthworms exposed to a soil spiked with 15 and 150 ppm of PCP. The comet assay evidenced a dose-dependent DNA damage on earthworm coelomocytes.

Centaurea solstitialis L. (yellow starthistle) is an annual noxious weed that currently infests millions of acres of rangelands, non-cultivated and natural areas in the Western USA. It displaces native plant communities reducing plant diversity and forage production for livestock and wildlife. Aceria solstitialis L. is an eriophyoid mite found exclusively in association with C. solstitialis in Turkey and Bulgaria. This mite damages bolting plants causing stunting, leaf curling and incomplete flower development. During 2008 and 2009, two open field tests were conducted in Bulgaria, to study the mite’s dispersal behavior and host range. The experiments were conducted on plots of 100 m2 at the experimental field of Agricultural University of Plovdiv. Five plant species were included in the experiment: C. solstitialis (infested and not-infested), C. diffusa Burm.f. .C. cyanus L., Carthamus tinctorius Mohler, Roth, Schmidt & Boudreaux, and Cynara scolymus L. The plants were infested with mites before transplanting them in the field. An infested leaf cutting, with at least 30 mites, was placed on each test plant except on the negative control (C. solstitialis notinfested). Results of these field experiments showed that A. solstitialis mites were present in high population densities only on intentionally infested C. solstitialis and C. cyanus.

Phenanthrene toxicity in soil is related to its bioaccessibility and bioavailability. The Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) can increase the mobility of a contaminant, and should increase its bioavailability and, consequently, its toxicity. The aging should decrease the soil bioavailability ofpollutants. This research aims at investigating the influence of the DOM on the bioaccessibility, bioavailability and toxicity of PRE. Agricultural soil samples were spiked with 15 and 150 ppm of pollutant, aged at 20 and 120 days and treated with DOM extracted from compost. The bioaccessibility ofPHE in presence ofDOM was lower than that observed in absence ofDOM. The bioavailability measured through PRE uptake in Eisenia andrei exposed for 14 days to soil samples treated with DOM was lower than that observed in absence of DOM. The DOM seemed to positively interact with earthworms because their survival was higher in samples polluted and treated with DOM than in those polluted but untreated with DOM.

Prove di controllo contro il ragnetto rosso comune, Tetranychus urticae sono state condotte su cetriolo (varietà Merinda F1) al fine di valutare l’efficacia di Oberon 200 SC, a base di piromesifen, a confronto con altri acaricidi comunemente impiegati nelle stesse condizioni colturali. La prova è stata condotta in serra fredda, in agro di Zapponeta (FG), su coltura infestata per trasferimento del ragnetto rosso da altra serra, nel biennio 2009/2010. Il trattamento con Oberon è stato efficace principalmente contro le forme giovanili, manifestando un’azione pari o superiore a quella esercitata dagli altri formulati a base di abamectina, etoxazole e fenazaquin applicati a confronto.

Centaurea solstitialis (yellow starthistle, Asteraceae) is an invasive annual weed in the western USA that is native to the Mediterranean Region and is a target for classical biological control. Aceria solstitialis is an eriophyid mite that has been found exclusively in association with Ce. solstitialis in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria. The mite feeds on leaf tissue and damages bolting plants, causing stunting, witch’s broom and incomplete flower development. Field experiments and laboratory no-choice and two-way choice experiments were conducted to assess host plant specificity of the mite in Bulgaria. Mites showed the highest degree of host specificity in the field and lowest in the no-choice experiments. In the field, highest densities of mites occurred on Ce. solstitialis and Ce. cyanus (bachelor’s button), and either no mites or trace numbers occurred on the other test plants: Ce. diffusa (diffuse knapweed), Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) and Cynara scolymus (artichoke). In no-choice experiments, mites persisted for 60 days on Ce. diffusa, Ce. cyanus, Ce. solstitialis, Ca. tinctorius and Cy. scolymus, whereas in two-way choice experiments mites persisted on 25% of Cy. scolymus plants for 60 days and did not persist on Ca. tinctorius beyond 40 days. The eight other species of plants that were tested in the laboratory were less suitable for the mite. These results suggest that although A. solstitialis can persist on some nontarget plants for as long as 60 days in the laboratory, it appears to be much more specific under natural conditions, and warrants further evaluation as a prospective biological control agent.

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid element, naturally associated with gold, sulphur, iron and heavy metals and is often found in soils around former mines and industrial sites treating As-bearing minerals. The assessment of the bioavailability of As in these soils is very important in order to protect human and ecosystem health. Earthworms are the most used organisms to assess the bioavailability of As in contaminated soils. The present work aims at evaluating the bioavailability of As in six polluted soils sampled in the industrial area of Scarlino (Tuscany, Italy) and the gold mining site of the Anzasca Valley (Piedmont, Italy), using Eisenia andrei as a bioindicator and a multianalytical X-ray based approach. The soils were preliminary analysed in situ by portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pEDXRF) which detected As concentrations ranging from 20 to 800 mg/kg in Scarlino, and from 20 to 20000 mg/kg in Anzasca Valley. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) detected no As-bearing mineral. Only in the most contaminated soil from Anzasca Valley, jarosite and goethite were detected as minerals formed as a consequence of the alteration of pyrite and arsenopyrite. In order to have more information about As speciation, micro X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) analysis were performed on soil thin sections, which showed the co-presence of Fe and As around quartz or feldspar grains. This is in accordance with the results of sequential extractions which indicated that As was mainly associated with amorphous and/or well-crystallized Fe oxides and hydroxides. To study As bioavailability, ten sexually mature earthworms were exposed to contaminated and control soils. After 14 days, mortality (which gives information about acute toxicity) and oxidative stress were measured. The chronic toxicity was estimated with reproduction tests after 28 days. μXRF analyses on earthworm thin sections revealed that As accumulates mainly in the coelomic cavity while no As was detected in other parts of the body. Given that As detoxification in earthworms seemed to involve mainly the coelom, coelomic fluids were electrically extruded and the As concentration was estimated via total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy. In all cases, no earthworm died after 14 days of exposure to contaminated soils even if an oxidative stress was measured. A chronic toxicity was observed after 28 days with a reduction in new born organisms with the increase of As concentration. TXRF analyses on coelomic fluids suggested that the As concentration in the fluids was closely related with the As available fraction (adsorbed or loosely bound to Fe oxides and hydroxides) and not with the total As concentration in soils. In fact, when a consistent part of the As was associated with well crystallized Fe-hydrous oxides (the low available fraction) the concentration of As in the coelomic fluids was comparable to that found in earthworms exposed to control soils. Finally, this study showed the usefulness of laboratory x-ray based techniques for bioavailability studies and could be used as a base for the development of new procedures for the assessment of As bioavailability in contaminated soils.

Trisetacus juniperinus (Nalepa) sensu Keifer (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Phytoptidae) causes irregular development of buds, shoot deformations and stunted growth of trees, resulting in a serious threat to nurseries and young stands of Cupressus sempervirens L. (Mediterranean cypress). Recently, some cypress clones selected for their resistance to the fungal canker agent Seiridium cardinale (Wag.) have shown high susceptibility to the mite. Considering its tiny body, its hidden lifestyle inside the buds and the probable occurrence of other species (the vagrant Epitrimerus cupressi (Keifer) is common on the Mediterranean cypress in Italy), detection and monitoring of T. juniperinus require taxonomic expertise and are often time-consuming and challenging before serious damage is discernible. In the present study, a rapid, cost-effective PCR-based method was developed and validated to detect T. juniperinus on cypresses. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was amplified with degenerate and specific primers, but the latter were the only ones able to discriminate between T. juniperinus and E. cupressi. PCR products distinguished the two species both in a pool of individuals in a mixed population of both species and in single individuals, indicating the sensitivity of the detection method. PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) by means of XmnI and XbaI endonucleases separated the two species. Furthermore, a washing-sieving protocol was used to make mite collection from the tree sample faster and simpler; this procedure did not interfere with the molecular detection of the species. The possibility of the routine use of this assay to monitor quarantine eriophyoids infesting plant material is discussed.

Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus (GPGV) is a new Trichovirus associated with symptoms of chlorotic mottling and leaf deformations in grapevine (Vitis vinifera). Preliminary studies indicate that GPGV can be transmitted by the eriophyid mite Colomerus vitis (Pagenstecher). Acquisition and transmission by an arthropod vector is central to the infection cycle of the majority of plant pathogenic viruses. In this work we carried out transmission trials and analyzed the virus to detect which strains of the GPGV is transmitted by C. vitis. Specimens of C. vitis were collected in GPGV symptomatic vineyards and mites were extracted from infested buds and leaf erinea. A pool of 10 mites for sample was subjected to RT-PCR to ascertain the presence of GPGV. Total RNAs of C. vitis were extracted and GPGV detection was carried out by RT-PCR and real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). To detect GPGV strains, PCR products were both sequenced and compared with GenBank, and digested by BAM HI. Transmission trials were carried out under controlled conditions (22°C, 70 % relative humidity, 16:8 L:D) using GPGV infected buds and leaf erinea infested by C. vitis. Buds and leaf erinea were placed onto GPGV free vines. After transmission trials the appearance of erinea was observed and each plant was analyzed with the above described methods to assess the presence of GPGV and qualify the strain. Both strains of GPGV were found in C. vitis as well as in the GPGV positive vines obtained by transmission trials.

An account is given on the 39 arthropod species which were found on different Ficus trees in the Maltese Islands. Seventeen species represent new records for Malta including Anothopoda fici, Asetadiptacus emiliae, Astichus bachmaieri, Ecphylus caudatus, Empoasca alsiosa, Eupristina verticillata, Ficocyba ficaria, Gynaikothrips ficorum, Josephiella microcarpae, Philotrypesis caricae, Pleistodontes sp., Rhaphitelus maculats, Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae, Scobicia chevrieri, Silba adipata, Singhiella citrifolii and Zanchius breviceps. Anothopoda fici and Zanchius breviceps, also represent new records for the entire European territory. Of the 39 arthropods, 33 feed on Ficus trees, whereas the rest are either parasitoids or predators of some of these plant feeders. The 33 species which use Ficus as their host-plant spend most of their development on and utilise the aforementioned trees as their main source of food, at least during their larval development. The 33 species were grouped as follows:Seven species were associated with wood including Scobicia chevrieri, Metholcus sylindricus, Deroplia troberti, Niphona picticornis, Hypoborus ficus, Hypocryphalus scabricollis and Hypothenemus leprieurii;Seventeen species were plant sap feeders including Zanchius breviceps, Empoasca alsiosa, Ficocyba ficaria, Homotoma ficus, Bemisia tabaci, Singhiella citrifolii, Toxoptera aurantii, Greenidea ficicola, Planococcus ficus, Pseudococcus longispinus, Ceroplastes rusci, Coccus hesperidum, Saissetia oleae, Lepidosaphes conchiformis, Anothopoda fici, Asetadiptacus emiliae and Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae;Six species induce galls either inside the florets of syconia, such as Blastophaga psenes, Odontofroggatia galili, Eupristina verticillata and Pleistodontes sp., or in the leaves, such as Josephiella microcarpae and Gynaikothrips ficorum;Two species feed on the tissue of syconia, namely Ceratitis capitata and Silba adipata;One species has larvae that specialise in eating the leaf tissue, namely Choreutis nemorana. Of these 33 arthropods, fifteen species are polyphagous. Two additional species namely Hypoborus ficus and Greenidea ficicola even though generally associated with Ficus carica or Ficus spp. respectively, have been associated with few other unrelated host-plants and as such should be considered polyphagous. Ficocyba ficaria is a dioecious species, host alternating between Ficus carica in summer and Lonicera in winter. The rest of the species are generally either associated with different Ficus (oligophagous) or with just one species (monophagous) as for most gall inhabiting species. New host-plant records include: Ficus carica for Metholcus cylindricus, Zanchius breviceps and Anothopoda fici; Ficus elastica for Toxoptera aurantii, and Ficus microcarpa for Anothopoda fici and Asetadiptacus emiliae. Additionally, the predatory bug, Montandoniola moraguesi feeding on Gynaikothrips ficorum was also found. Three parasitoids were found associated with the larvae of Hypoborus ficus. These include the ectoparasitic brachonid, Ecphylus caudatus and the chalchid parasitoids, Rhaphitelus maculatus and Astichus bachmaieri. A third species of chalchid parasitoid, Encyrtus aurantii was found associated with Coccus hesperidum and the kleptoparasite, Philotrypesis caricae was found in association with Blastophaga psenes.

One of the greatest potential uses of halophytic plants such as Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) M. Bieb. (Amaranthaceae: Salicornioideae) probably rests in their utilization as forage and fodder. It is particularly relevant for some countries such as Iran with serious soil salinity problems. Until now seven eriophyid species described from the plants of family Amarantaceae that among them four species belong to Aceria genus and none of them are from the plants of genus Halocnemum. During the study on Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) M. Bieb. plant samples collected in Ajabshir region of East Azerbaijan province (Iran) on late July 2016, their eriophyoid mites were recovered by means of a modified washing method. The mites were slide mounted according to Baker et al. (1996). All morphological measurements were taken by means of a phase contrast microscope Olympus BX53 according to Amrine and Manson (1996) as modified by de Lillo et al. (2010). In result a species of Aceria genus identified, illustrated, investigated with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and is cosidered as Aceria sp. nov. This species is the first eriophyoid species recorded from Halocnemum plants. The new species compared with all species described from the plants of family Amarantaceae and showed similarities with Aceria amaranthi Abou-Awad & El- Banhawy, 1992 described from Amaranthus sp. in Dar El-Salam of Tanzania. A. amaranthi caused numerous galls on both leaf surface and malformation of the leaves, but the new species was vagrant in high population. The prodorsal shield pattern of new species composed of lines made by longitudinal slight bumps including median line with one or two V-shape mark at the basal part, complete admedian, first and second submedian lines and broken lateral lines but A. amaranthi had complete median, admedian and first and second submedian curved lines and two curved dashes between first and second submedian lines. These two species also differ in ventral semiannuli number (56 versus 70 in A. amaranthi), empodium rays number (6 versus 5 in A. amaranthi), and length of setae sc (16–18 versus 25 in A. amaranthi), c2 (48–56 versus 11 in A. amaranthi), d (78 versus 37 in A. amaranthi), e (57–63 versus 9 in A. amaranthi), f (27–30 versus 16 in A. amaranthi) and 3a (37–55 versus 12 in A. amaranthi).

Until now about 19 eriophyoid species have been described from plants of family Apiaceae. Among them, three species belong to the Aculus genus including: A. eurynotus (Nalepa, 1894) from Torilis arvensis (Huds.) Link in Rheinbrohl, Germany; A. aphanotrichus (Liro, 1943) from Angelica sylvestris L. in Särkisalo, Regio turkuensis, Finland; A. pimpinellae (Liro, 1941) from Pimpinella saxifraga L. in Hollola, Hatsina, Tavastia australis Natural Province, Finland. Regarding the study of eriophyoid mite fauna of Ajabshir region in Iran, sampling was done on the plants of family Apiaceae during late July 2016. In result eriophyid mites found on the host plant Eryngium thyrsoideum Boiss. and were recovered by means of a modified washing method. The mites were slide mounted according to Baker et al. (1996). All morphological measurements were taken by means of a phase contrast microscope Olympus BX53 according to Amrine and Manson (1996) as modified by de Lillo et al. (2010). The mites identified as a new species of the genus Aculus. Until now 13 of more than 297 Aculus species have been found in Iran and two Aceria and one Shevtchenkella species have been found on Eryngium plants. Among them Shevtchenkella denticulata Lotfollahi, de Lillo & Haddad, 2014 is the only eriophyoid mite found on E. thyrsoideum. So this Aculus sp. nov. is the forth eriophyoid species and first Aculus species from Eryngium plants. The new species compared with all species found on Apiaceae plants and similarities with the species A. aphanotrichus have been found in dorsal semiannuli number, smooth genitalia coverflap and setae sc length. However these two species can be distinguished from each other in the following features: prodorsal shield pattern (smooth in A. aphanotrichus versus with lines made by slight longitudinal bumps in the new species); empodium rays number (5 in A. aphanotrichus and 4 in the new species); setae h1 presence (absent in A. aphanotrichus and present in the new species); setae d length (35 in A. aphanotrichus and 70–80 in the new species). This new species was vagrant on the host plant and no apparent damage was observed.

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) characterizes the atmospheric air quality. PM particles can adsorb and include several toxic air pollutants of urban areas. The current study aimed to develop an experimental procedure to assess the toxicity of the pollutants on PM10 by means of the comet assay on earthworms directly exposed to PM10 collecting filters. A particular focus was the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the filter, in spite of their very low concentration in PM, because of their strong mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. A quartz filter exposed to polluted air containing 24.9 mg/g of PM10 and 14.1 mu g/g of PAHs was characterized and mechanically reduced into a very fine powder by means of a planetary ball mill. This powder was combined with artificial soil samples allowing treatments at 15 mu g/g of PM10 (0.008 mu g/g of PAHs), 22.5 mu g/g of PM10 (0.012 mu g/g of PAHs), 30 mu g/g of PM10 (0.016 mu g/g of PAHs). Earthworms were exposed to each treatment for seven days, including blank treatments with powdered clean quartz filter, such as phenanthrene (used as the standard), and an untreated soil. DNA damage was observed starting from 0.012 mu g/g of PAHs in 22.5 mu g/g of PM10. No single PAH was detected or quantified in the bodies of the earthworms after microwave assisted solvent extraction (MASE) and GC-MS analysis. The results demonstrate that even a very low amount of PM10 absorbed by the earthworms had a toxic effect on their immune systems, which could also have been caused by other xenobiotics included into the filter.

Specimens of an unknown species of Phyllocoptes (Eriophyidae Phyllocoptinae) were collected from the shoots of three Eucalyptus species (Myrtaceae) in North-Western Italy. The mite, herein described as Phyllocoptes cacolyptae n. sp., was associated with the death of apical buds and the development of rearranged and deformed shoots causing yield loss in the quantity and quality of green cut foliage. The damage appeared to be more severe on Eucalyptus pulverulenta Sims cultivar “Baby Blue”, than on Eucalyptus cinerea F. Muell. ex Benth. and Eucalyptus ovata Labill. The mite was found also in the Department of Var (France). It is the first record of an eriophyoid mite on gum trees in the European and Mediterranean basin. Remarks are provided on the eriophyoid mites currently associated to Eucalyptus spp.

The plum bud gall mite, Acalitus phloeocoptes (Nalepa) is a pest of Rosaceae plants. The feeding activity of this mite create galls around buds. Adult A. phloeocoptes overwintering females survive in the hardened galls as the infective population for the next year. After the serious damages observed in plum trees of Miandowab region, sampling was done and the pest identified as A. phloeocoptes. No economic damage was disclosed in Iran before and it seems the mites spread very fast and the problem grows every year. So this mite biology must be investigated. Regarding the study of the survived mites in different side branches, on early January 2017, 100 branches of one or two years old in four sides including north, south, east and west of each plum trees of an orchard were marked with ribbon tapes as field-wintered group and another 100 branches were brought to the laboratory and stored in constant 5°C as laboratory-stored group. From 30 February to 24 March 2017, 12 branch sections were removed from laboratory cold-storage and 12 branches were collected from the orchard at two weeks intervals. A sticky-band trap was placed near the gall on each branch and branches were placed at 15°C and 13:11 (L: D) h photoperiod. Traps were replaced every 24 hours and captured mites were counted using magnification 10 of Leitz LABORLUX S microscope until no more mites were trapped. Finally the total mites captured in each branch counted and a comparison between means for total emerged mites from the two group branches of different sides at each collection date was made using MSTATC software. The mean number of total mites emerged from field-wintered branches (592) was more than that in laboratory-stored branches (111). It shows that the mites better survived in the field and constant 3°C is fatal for them. The comparison between means for total emerged mites from branches of different sides showed significant difference between them. The south side branches had more emerged mites (mean = 483.1) and the north and west branches grouped as the sides with lowest emerged mites (respectively 321.1 and 261.2). It was predictable and the more worm condition of the south branches in cold regions such as Miandowab were more favourable condition for the overwintering females, because in this region there are many winter days with sub-zero minimum temperatures that will kill many of them.

Le larve di Capnodis tenebrionis (L.) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) infestano le radici di drupacee causandone spesso la morte. Ciascuna femmina depone oltre un migliaio di uova nel suolo presso il colletto e nei primi millimetri di profondità. La temperatura influenza ampiamente la fisiologia dell’adulto, il conseguimento della maturità sessuale, la fertilità e altre attività e comportamenti delle larve e dell’adulto. In generale possiamo dire che queste sofisticate risposte metaboliche, si articolano principalmente attraverso variazioni della espressione genica e, non meno importanti, anche dall'attivazione di meccanismi epigenetici. La metilazione del DNA, in quanto uno dei meccanismi epigenetici, è parte integrante della risposta degli esseri viventi agli insulti ambientali. Anche per gli insetti vale il dogma che l'abilita' di alterare rapidamente e reversibilmente i pattern d'espressione di numerosi geni, è la chiave della flessibilità della risposta all'ambiente circostante. Non potendo disporre di alcuna informazione specifica sul DNA del buprestide e volendo saggiare la risposta epigenetica allo stress termico e nonché alla ovo-deposizione si è deciso di applicare la tecnica RAPD per identificare sonde genomiche in grado di osservare polimorfismi sul DNA di insetti sottoposti a blando stress termico. Adulti di C. tenebrionis sono stati prelevati da Mariotto (Ba) e Ripalta (FG) nel settembre 2010 e allevati in condizioni controllate (23 o 28±1°C, 16 ore di luce e 8 ore di buio, UR 60±10%) per una settimana. Gonadi di maschi e femmine, selezionati in base alla temperatura di allevamento e al sesso, sono state destinate all’estrazione del DNA genomico. Per la tecnica RAPD sono stati utilizzati 44 primers OPERON delle serie OPY, OPU, OPW e OPX. Inizialmente, è stato saggiato il DNA genomico dei maschi allevati a 28°C. Dai primi esiti è stato possibile selezionare 18 primers in base ai profili elettroforetici con il maggior numero di bande di restrizione. Nelle successive analisi, i primers selezionati sono stati saggiati sul DNA genomico tal quale e su DNA, digerito con le endonucleasi di restrizione HpaII e MspI (enzimi sensibili alla metilazione), di femmine allevate a 28 o 23°C. Sono stati scelti i profili RAPD che presentavano differenze tra DNA tal quale e DNA digerito, riducendo il numero dei primers a due (OPY8 e OPY12). I risultati del polimorfismo di banda sono stati confermati anche saggiando OPY8 e OPY12 sul DNA genomico dei maschi e delle femmine allevati sia a 28 che a 23°C. In questo modo le bande di DNA individuate sono state clonate e avviate al sequenziamento. Il DNA di tutti gli insetti precedentemente trattati è stato poi, digerito con due differenti coppie di enzimi di restrizione sensibili alla metilazione e ibridato con le sonde precedentemente isolate, tramite tecnica Southern, al fine di ottenere un overview degli eventuali siti genomici di C. tenebrionis differentemente metilati.

Capnodis tenebrionis (L.) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), the so called Mediterranean flat-headed root-borer, is an economically important phytophagous pest species mainly on stone fruit trees (apricot, plum, cherry, peach and nectarine). Chemicals and Entomopathogenic nematodes are used for the control of adults and neonate larvae, respectively. Further control means are under investigations in order to have more options within Integrated Pest Control strategies. This study is aimed at investigating the susceptibility of rootstocks to the larvae of C. tenebrionis. Two bioassays were carried out during 2016 and 2017. A first bioassay was based on the evaluation of a potential antixenosis action expressed by neonate larvae infesting twigs of rootstocks (Marianna 26, Barrier, Adesoto, Mylaboran 29C, GF677, Garnem, Cab 6P, Max Ma60 and Colt). This bioassay allowed to process a high number of different rootstocks in a short time. It has a preliminary value. The second bioassay assessed the antibiosis influence of the rootstocks through the breeding of larvae (since the neonate ones) on artificial diets containing bark flour of Adesoto, Cab 6P, Colt, Garnem, GF677, Max Ma60, Montclar and 29C rootstock. The first bioassay showed that Colt, Mylaboran 29C and GF677 were the most susceptible rootstocks to larval infestation of C. tenebrionis and Max Ma60 was less favorable to the pest. Concerning the effects of the diet, larvae reared on a diet containing Montclar, Cab 6P and GF 677 bark flour had a mean daily increase of their weight higher that those reared on cortex tissues of other genotypes whereas Garnem and Colt had a lower increase.

The leopard moth (Zeuzera pyrina L), is a cossid whose larvae bore into twigs, branches and trunks of various woody species, weakening and killing trees or shrubs. Recently it caused serious losses of apple trees in Syria. The flight dynamics of Z. pyrina was monitored by pheromone traps (first time in Syria) compared to light trap device. This study was carried out in Damascus countryside, Qunaytirah and Sweida provinces during 2007-2008. Results indicated that the flight of moths during 2007 started in early June in Damascus countryside and Sweida provinces. The highest number of caught adults (the highest peak) was concentrated in mid July in Sweida province, whereas in Damascus countryside province there were a high peak in mid June and a small peak in early July. On the other hand, flight of moths during 2008 started in mid-May in Damascus countryside province while in Qunaytirah province started in early June. The highest number of caught adults (the highest peak) was concentrated in late July in Damascus countryside, whereas in Qunaytirah province there were small peaks in mid June and mid July. Experiments conducted to evaluate capturing efficiency of different types of traps (pheromone traps and light trap) demonstrated that there was significantly high difference within the trap devices, wherein Capta trap got the best results and caught more males than the others.

The susceptibility of six genotypes of Cicer arietinum L. (Fabaceae) to Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) was evaluated through comparative laboratory bioassays. The egg-laying amount, pattern of adult emergence, median development time and pre-adult mortality were assessed under free-choice and no-choice bioassays on three local genotypes (Altamura, Grumo Appula White and Grumo Appula Black) and three commercial varieties (Barraco, Sultano and standard of large-scale retail trade as control). Trials were performed on a completely randomized experimental design under artificial conditions with the release of males and females (ratio 1:3), at the most 24-h old. Among the assayed genotypes, the local one provided with a black coat (Grumo Appula Black) was significantly (P<0.05) the least susceptible to the cowpea beetle owing to the least number of laid eggs (2.0±1.8 under free-choice and 2.2±1.3 under no-choice bioassays), the delayed median developmental time (30.3±0.6 and 32.3±0.6, respectively), the lower adult emergence (45.6 and 46.2, respectively) and susceptibility index (7.7±2.04 and 7.8±0.51, respectively).

La pericolosità dell'Arsenico (As) nei suoli è strettamente correlata alla sua speciazione, che ne influenza la frazione biodisponibile e quindi il reale rischio per le catene alimentari. Il presente contributo vuole fornire i risultati preliminari di analisi di speciazione, bioaccumulo e tossicità acuta e cronica nei lombrichi in suoli contaminati da attività minerarie e industriali che presentano differenti e crescenti concentrazioni di As (35, 60, 170, 730, 3000 e 14000 μg/g). I lombrichi sono potenti bioindicatori largamente usati in studi di ecotossicità di suoli inquinati grazie alla loro capacità di ingerire le particelle del suolo e di avere la superficie corporea continuamente a contatto con il suolo. Lombrichi della specie Eisenia andrei (Bouché) sono stati esposti a microcosmi contaminati e successivamente adoperati per saggi biologici e chimici. Dopo 14 giorni di esposizione il tasso di sopravvivenza, la variazione in peso e lo stress ossidativo dei lombrichi sono stati misurati per una stima della tossicità acuta. La stima della tossicità cronica è stata effettuata valutando la capacità riproduttiva dopo esposizione per 28 giorni (OECD Test). La distribuzione e il bioaccumulo dell'As nei tessuti dei lombrichi sono stati determinati mediante spettroscopia di microfluorescenza di raggi X (μXRF), che consente una mappatura e quantificazione elementare di sezioni dei lombrichi inclusi in resina epossidica. Su tutti i suoli sono state effettuate analisi chimiche e mineralogiche mediante spettrometria XRF (sui suoli tal quali) e μXRF (suoli in sezione sottile), e per diffrazione di raggi X su polveri (XRPD). I risultati preliminari mostrano che in nessun caso l’esposizione ai suoli contaminati è stata letale dopo 14 giorni; il tasso di riproduzione mostra una correlazione negativa con la quantità di As; in tutte le tesi lo stress ossidativo è risultato maggiore rispetto ai suoli di controllo. L’analisi della distribuzione dell’arsenico nelle sezioni trasversali dei lombrichi mediante μXRF ha evidenziato un notevole accumulo dell’elemento nella cavità celomatica piuttosto che nei tessuti. Campioni di fluido celomatico sono in fase di analisi mediante fluorescenza di raggi X a riflessione totale (TXRF) per determinarne il contenuto di As. Per una migliore interpretazione dei risultati sono in corso l’acquisizione di mappe di sezioni longitudinali dei lombrichi con la μXRF ed ulteriori test per valutare altri biomarkers (metallotioneine, malondialdeide, danno genotossico, enzimi antiossidanti come catalasi, superossido dimutasi e glutatione S-transferasi).

A proper soil risk assessment needs to estimate the processes that affect the fate and the behaviour of a contaminant, which are influenced by soil biotic and abiotic components. For this reason, the measurement of biomarkers in soil bioindicator organisms, such as earthworms, has recently received increasing attention. In this study, the earthworm Eisenia andrei was used to assess the pollutant-induced stress syndrome after exposure to sublethal concentrations of Cd (10 or 100 microg g-1) in OECD soil, after 14 d of exposure. Cadmium bioaccumulation and potential biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), malondialdehyde (MDA), phenoloxidase (PO), metallothioneins (MTs) and genotoxic damage were determined. Results suggested that the exposure to 10 and 100 mg g1 Cd significantly increased Cd bioaccumulation, MTs and MDA; 100 microg g-1 Cd contamination evidenced significantly higher values of H2O2 content and PO activity; CAT activity was inhibited at the higher concentration while GST and Comet assay did not show any significant differences from the control. Rank-based biomarker index showed that both different contaminated soils had an effect on the earthworms and allowed to validate the ecotoxicological relevance of this battery of biomarkers for a promising integrated multi-marker approach in soil monitoring and assessment.

Methods used for sample storage, specimen clearing, slide mounting, species illustration and morphometric description in alpha-taxonomic studies are essential for the Eriophyoidea. Eriophyoid mites are very tiny and delicate, for which truly permanent specimen slides currently cannot be prepared, resulting in eventual loss of material, including type specimens. Often, published descriptions and drawings have not achieved the required level of quality, and thus many relevant taxonomic details have been permanently lost or neglected. These shortcomings can make certain identifications impossible and cause significant confusion. Consequently, there is a considerable need for accurate and uniform descriptive and illustrative data for the Eriophyoidea. Based on their expertise on this topic, the authors provide guidelines and advices, assisted also by illustrations, of the main critical aspects in managing eriophyoid mites in order to supplement and improve techniques for handling and preparation of specimens, and for improving their taxonomic study. The effects of the short- and long-term preservation methods (i.e., fresh, dried and liquid preservative choices) on digesting the internal tissues of the mites are discussed. Clearing and mounting procedures are analyzed, and special tips are suggested for handling mites and designing tools needed during these steps. Methods for recovering specimens from unsuitable slides (i.e., undercleared and overcleared specimens) are proposed and described. Techniques and tricks to produce descriptive line drawings of good quality are highlighted, and the content to include in plates is stressed. Finally, detailed instructions for standardization of measurements are given.

Trisetacus juniperinus (Nalepa) sensu Keifer (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Phytoptidae) causes irregular development of buds, shoot deformations and stunted growth of trees, resulting in a serious threat to nurseries and young stands of Cupressus sempervirens L. (Mediterranean cypress). Recently, some cypress clones selected for their resistance to the fungal canker agent Seiridium cardinale (Wag.) have shown high susceptibility to the mite. Considering its tiny body, its hidden lifestyle inside the buds and the probable occurrence of other species (the vagrant Epitrimerus cupressi (Keifer) is common on the Mediterranean cypress in Italy), detection and monitoring of T. juniperinus require taxonomic expertise and are often time-consuming and challenging before serious damage is discernible. In the present study, a rapid, cost-effective PCR-based method was developed and validated to detect T. juniperinus on cypresses. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene was amplified with degenerate and specific primers, but the latter were the only ones able to discriminate between T. juniperinus and E. cupressi. PCR products distinguished the two species both in a pool of individuals in a mixed population of both species and in single individuals, indicating the sensitivity of the detection method. PCR–RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) by means of XmnI and XbaI endonucleases separated the two species. Furthermore, a washing-sieving protocol was used to make mite collection from the tree sample faster and simpler; this procedure did not interfere with the molecular detection of the species. The possibility of the routine use of this assay to monitor quarantine eriophyoids infesting plant material is discussed.

Several approaches to monitor the bioavailability and ecotoxicity of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in sterile and non sterile soils as a function of aging are reported. Porapak resins and water were used to assess the bioaccessibility and the bioavailability of PCP in soil. Aging effects were observed mainly after 240 d of aging. Actual bioavailability, measured as PCP bioaccumulation in earthworms, decreased more markedly with time. The ecotoxicological biomarker neutral red retention time (NRRT) displayed a dose dependent effect but no aging effects after exposing the earthworms to polluted soils. Nevertheless, mortality of earthworms increased after 240 d at 150 mg kg(-1) contamination. In contrast, the luminescent biosensor Pseudomonas fluorescens pUCD607 evidenced in non sterilized samples a slight reduction of ecotoxicity in time related to the degradation of the molecule. Once again, results highlight the necessity to study the fate of soil pollutants with different chemical and biological approaches. Different PCP degradation pathways and/or the different sensitivity of earthworms and bacteria could explain the different behaviours observed.

The risk related to the presence of hydrophobic contaminants in soil is mainly due to their availability, influenced by aging processes and the amount and quality of organic matter An improper estimation of the risk of a pollutant in soil. could affect whatever remediation action Therefore, integrated approaches are needed for a realistic evaluation of the contaminant availability. This work aims to correlate chemical extraction methods and bioassays to assess the bioaccessibility, bioavailability and toxicity of phenanthrene (PHE). Bioaccessibility and bioavailability of PHE in an agricultural soil polluted with 15 and 150 mg kg(-1) of PHE have been studied in relation to aging. effects (up to 240 days) and compost amendments (10 and 30 t ha(-1)). The bioaccessibility, evaluated by means of the PHE amount desorbed by Tenax TA resin, evidenced a decrease in PHE amount extracted at 240 days, with respect to that extracted at 20 days (aging effect) in the presence of 15 mg kg PHE, and at 10 t ha(-1) of compost addition. The addition of higher doses of compost (30 t ha(-1)) evidenced a reduction of the bioaccessible PHE fraction after only 20 days of aging. No differences were observed in samples contaminated with 150 mg kg(-1) of PHE. The bioavailability was assessed by PHE uptake in Eisenia andret (Annelida. Lumbricidae) exposed for 14 days to soil samples This parameter showed a marked reduction with ailing and compost amendment both at 15 and 150 mg kg(-1) of PHE concentration. A reduction of the acute toxicity (mortality of individual earthworms) and of morphological alterations in immune system cells were observed after 240 days of aging in all samples. Results evidenced that the toxicity of PHE was well correlated with the bioavailability. However, the relationships between the bioaccessibility and the two above-mentioned parameters were less clear.

Three new Aculops species (Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) including Aculops menthafoliae n. sp., Aculopsconsoregalis n. sp. and Aculops coluteae n. sp. were identified from Mentha longifolia (L.) L. (Lamiaceae), Consolida regalis Gray (Ranunculaceae) and Colutea cilicica Boiss. & Balansa (Leguminosae), respectively, in Southwest of East Azerbaijan province of Iran. It is the first record of genus Aculops from Ranunculaceae and the first record of eriophyoid mites from Consolida regalis Gray. A key to the Aculops species collected in Iran is provided.

Three new eriophyid species (Phyllocoptinae), Shevtchenkella denticulata sp. n., Notallus pestehae sp. n. and Echinacrus ruthenicus sp. n., were described from Eryngium thyrsoideum Boiss. (Apiaceae), Pistacia vera L. (Anacardiaceae) and Lycium ruthenicum Murray (Solanaceae), respectively. All the three new species were collected from southwest of the East Azerbaijan province, Iran in 2011. It is the first record of an eriophyoid mite collected from E. thyrsoideum and L. ruthenicum and the first record of Notallus from Anacardiaceae plant family.

Eriophyoid mites infesting spurges (Euphorbiaceae) were surveyed in Kandovan and Govgan, southwest of East Azerbaijan Province in Iran, during 2010 and 2011. Two new species are described and illustrated: Aculops seguieranae n. sp. from Euphorbia seguierana Necker and Euphorbia cheiradenia Boiss. et Hohen, and Aceria cheiradeniae n. sp. from E. cheiradenia. No damage symptoms were observed.

Two new Aceria species of mites (Acari: Eriophyidae) including Aceria spanda sp. nov. and Aceria longisolenidia sp. nov. are described from Peganum harmala L. (Nitrariaceae) and Verbascum speciosum Schrad. (Scrophulariaceae), respectively, in Hilevar village of East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. This is the first record of an eriophyoid mite from the family Nitrariaceae and on Verbascum speciosum in the world and the first record of an eriophyoid mite on Scrophulariaceae in Iran. A key to the Aceria species collected on Scrophulariaceae is given.

Two new species of mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) are described from Rubia tinctorum L. (Rubiaceae) in the south-west of East Azerbaijan Province, Iran: Leipothrix retidorsi sp. nov. and Aculops rubitinctus sp. nov. This is the first record of the genus Leipothrix from Rubiaceae and the first record of Aculops from the genus Rubia.

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid often associated to mining and industrial sites and its presence can cause health problems to living organisms and human beings. In order to assess As bioavailability in soils, tests which use earthworms as sentinel organisms are usually done. The evaluation of As concentration in the earthworm is commonly done after the whole digestion of the organism, which can lead to the overestimation of the concentration due to the possible presence of soil residues in the intestine. However, As is mainly accumulated by earthworms in the coelomic cavity , in particular in the coelomic fluid. This fluid can be easily extracted without killing the organism and analysed. Due to its small amount (less than 100 microliters), total x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF) has demonstrated to be a powerful method for As detection in coelomic fluid extracts [1]. For these reasons, the present work aims at developing a new method to assess As bioavailability in contaminated soils by analyzing the As concentration in coelomic fluid extracts with TXRF. Six natural As polluted soils and two control soils were characterized by XRPD and WDXRF, while the As mobility was assessed by a sequential extraction procedure. Then, 10 sexually mature earthworms were exposed to each soil for 14 days. The elemental distribution inside the earthworm was studied by μXRF on thin sections, which localized As only in the coelomic cavity. After 24h without nourishment, three earthworms per soil were washed with distilled water and coelomic fluid extracts were collected from each of them applying a voltage of 5 V for 3 seconds. Ten microliters of extract were mixed with 80 µl of PVA and 10 µl of Y standard solution (10 mg/l). In order to compare the As concentration in the coelomic fluid extracts with the As concentration in the earthworm body, additional three earthworms per soil were depurated, dryed at 60 °C and pulverized. Slurry suspensionswere prepared using 100 mg of powder, 5 ml of Triton X-100 and 10 µl of Y standard solution (1000 mg/l). In both cases, 10 µl of sample were pipetted onto a quartz reflector and were left drying at 50 °C. TXRF analysis were performed with a S2 Picofox spectrometer (Bruker) using an acquisition time of 1000 s. Results revealed that As (both in fluids and whole bodies) increased with increasing mobile As in the soil. hHowever, As saturation (in both fluid and body) was observed when the mobile As fraction exceeded 200 mg/kg. Finally, the As concentration in coelomic fluids was positively correlated with that in the whole body. These results show that TXRF is a powerful tool to determine As concentration in earthworm coelomic fluids and that it can be used for As bioavailbility studies in soils. [1] I. Allegretta, C. Porfido, O. Panzarino, M.C. Fontanella, G.M. Beone, M. Spagnuolo, R. Terzano, Spectrochimica Acta Part B 130, 2017, 21-25.

La pianta del cece (Cicer arietinum L.) è prevalentemente diffusa nelle regioni temperate calde o semi aride della terra e rappresenta tra le leguminose da granella, il legume più coltivato a livello mondiale dopo il fagiolo e il pisello. In Italia sono coltivati a cece circa 3.500 ettari, quasi tutti localizzati nelle regioni meridionali e insulari. Sotto il profilo chimico nutrizionale, il seme del cece contiene proteine (15-25% del peso secco) di qualità alimentare tra le migliori nell‟ambito delle leguminose da granella. Avendo a disposizione germoplasma di cece costituito da specie selvatiche e varietà coltivate, ottenuto da differenti Istituzioni pubbliche, abbiamo stabilito di valutarne la variabilità genetica. Questo prerequisito è importante per un futuro utilizzo del materiale in programmi di miglioramento genetico. La collezione costituita da 150 differenti individui, è stata analizzata tramite caratteri morfologici biochimici e molecolari. Sono state condotte analisi con marcatori molecolari del tipo SSR in quanto è noto in letteratura che sono capaci di distinguere bene i differenti genotipi.Nel particolare dopo l‟estrazione del DNA si sono avviate analisi PCR utilizzando differenti primer specifici per il cece (Niroj Kumar et al., 2006). In aggiunta, sono stati allestiti saggi per ottenere una stima nel tempo della tolleranza allo drought stress sulle plantule della collezione. In particolare le piantine sono state trattate a concentrazioni differenti di soluzioni di NaCl (5mM e 100 mM) e con differenti soluzioni di PEG. Infine, su una parte dell‟intera collezione, è stato condotto un test di resistenza a Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.). Al momento i risultati ottenuti hanno indicato la presenza di alcuni dei marcatori SSR polimorfici tra i differenti genotipi della collezione mentre i test di resistenza alla siccità hanno evidenziato due accessioni di cece rosso tolleranti. Anche il test di resistenza al bruchide ha evidenziato un cece nero completamente resistente. Il proseguo della ricerca si articolerà nell‟identificare ulteriori marcatori di classe SSR capaci di distinguere meglio i differenti genotipi e si cercherà di aumentare le informazioni su quelle accessioni risultate essere tolleranti e resistenti agli stress biotici ed abiotici attraverso analisi di RealTime PCR.

La valutazione ecotossicologica e uno degli argomenti di discussione e approfondimento piu attuali nel mondo scientifico in previsione di una piu accurata determinazione dei limiti di sostenibilita dell’inquinamento ambientale. Fino ad oggi, gli studi a riguardo sono stati condotti principalmente su lombrichi, crostacei, mitili e lumache, mentre solo poche specie di insetto sono state utilizzate a questo scopo. Il presente contributo vuole fornire i risultati preliminari del saggio di determinazione delle metallotioneine applicato su Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) e su Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Il baco da seta e la tarma della cera sono stati utilizzati come modelli in quanto di facile manipolazione e gestione in laboratorio. L’indagine ha lo scopo di comparare le risposte di un biomarker di esposizione (metallotioneine) al rilievo di un metallo pesante (cadmio), avendo l’intento di estendere tale esperienza ad altri biomarkers, su altre specie di insetto e in condizioni naturali. Il baco e la tarma sono stati sottoposti a una dieta artificiale specifica per consentire il loro regolare sviluppo larvale. L’alimento e stato contaminato con acetato di cadmio per disporre di due tesi a differente concentrazione in cadmio: 10 e 100 ug.g-1. Per ogni trattamento e per il testimone sono state allestite tre repliche. Sei larve di B. mori di IV eta e sei larve di G. mellonella di V eta per replica sono state esposte per 5 e 6 giorni rispettivamente, a 29+-1C e 60+-5% U.R., alle tesi previste. Al termine dell’esposizione, gli individui sono stati avviati alla determinazione delle metallotioneine. Le larve di B. mori si sono mantenute vitali fino al termine della prova e il contenuto di metallotioneine e stato significativamente maggiore nei trattati con 10 ug g-1 di Cd (14,4 +- 8,5 nmol/mL) e con 100 ug g-1 di Cd (19,4 +- 0,5 nmol/mL) rispetto al controllo (2,3 +- 0,2 nmol/mL); anche le larve di G. mellonella si sono mantenute vitali fino al termine della prova e sono state apprezzate variazioni significative nel contenuto di metallotioneine tra i trattati con 10 ug g-1 di Cd (19,9 +- 1,8 nmol/mL) e con 100 ug g-1 di Cd (20,4 +- 2,4 nmol/mL) ed il controllo (12,1 +- 1,7 nmol/mL). Pertanto, la sensibilita al Cd da parte delle popolazioni delle due specie di insetto saggiate e stata simile. Una variazione significativa del contenuto di metallotioneine si e osservata in entrambe le tesi inquinate rispetto al controllo mentre l’effetto dose dipendenza tra le due tesi e risultato statisticamente non significativo.

The proposed research is to select and set up a battery of biomarkers to be applied on the wax moth (Galleria mellonella) as an environmental indicator for assessing the toxicity of cadmium-contaminated areas. This insect specie is traditionally used as a model in many biological and ecological studies because of its easiness breeding in laboratory, repeated generations during the year and its plasticity for developing and optimizing eco-toxicological assays. It is reasonable that multiple bioassays may provide more reliable data to evaluate simultaneously the effects of the environmental conditions on several biological parameters avoiding false positive/negative results. We suppose that antioxidant and detoxification systems play an important role in the defense mechanisms against cadmium and other xenobiotics which endogenously produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in several insects. Therefore, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and ROS production were tested in sixth larval instar of wax moths fed with artificial diet containing 10 and 100 ppm of cadmium. Cadmium contamination resulted in changes of haemolymph enzymatic activities. The activities of SOD and GST were higher in cadmium-treated groups compared to untreated and the content of MDA (indicator of oxidative stress) gave the same results. On the other hand, the activity of CAT showed a slight decrease after cadmium treatment. The production of hydrogen peroxide analyzed by the Amplex Ultra Red assay showed a decrease in cadmium-treated groups compared to untreated. Cadmium reduced larval weight in both applied concentrations and larvae treated by 100 ppm of cadmium showed also a delay in their development. The SOD, GST, CAT and MDA biomarkers showed certain sensitivity to cadmium. We infer from these findings that dietary cadmium activates insect antioxidant enzymatic responses.

Fundamental knowledge on the morphology, biology, ecology, and economic importance of Eriophyoidea has been exhaustively compiled by Lindquist et al. (Eriophyoid mites-their biology, natural enemies and control; Elsevier, 1996). Since that time, the number of recognized species and the economic importance of the taxon have increased substantially. The aim of this paper is to analyze and briefly review new findings from eriophyoid mites' literature after Lindquist et al. book, stressing persistent gaps and needs. Much recent attention has been given to sampling and detection, taxonomy and systematics, faunistic surveys, internal morphology, rearing techniques, biological and ecological aspects, biomolecular studies, and virus vectoring. Recommendations are made for integrating research and promoting broader dissemination of data among specialists and non-specialists.