Hellenic Plant Protection Journal Feed

Erratum

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Current distribution and status of the Persea mite Oligonychus perseae infesting avocado trees in Morocco

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Surveys to assess the current distribution and status of the Persea mite Oligonychus perseae Tuttle, Baker and Abatiello (Acari: Tetranychidae) and its natural enemies were conducted in 85 avocado orchards in north-west Morocco between October 2023 and October 2025. The mite was recorded on leaves in several orchards with low to high infestation while it did not occur on the fruits. A morphological identification of O. perseae is provided, based on Moroccan specimens. Currently, O. perseae is not causing economic damage to avocado fruits in Morocco, but its establishment in new areas within the country and the increase of its population on leaves may constitute a threat to fruit and yield in commercial avocado cultivation in the future.

Herbicide-resistant weeds in Greek rice cultivation systems: A Review of the status, drivers, and Integrated Management Implications

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Herbicide resistance has emerged as a major constraint to sustainable rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in Greece, where intensive water-seeded monoculture systems rely heavily on chemical weed control. This review synthesizes current knowledge on rice production systems, herbicide use patterns, and the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds in Greek agroecosystems. Rice cultivation is concentrated in northern Greece under flooded conditions that favor the proliferation and persistence of competitive weed species. The dominant resistant weeds include Echinochloa spp., Cyperus difformis, weedy rice (red rice) and Leptochloa fusca subsp. fascicularis. Resistance has been documented to multiple herbicide modes of action, including propanil, acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors, synthetic auxins, and glyphosate, with increasing occurrence of cross- and multiple-resistant biotypes. Resistance evolution is driven by prolonged herbicide reliance, continuous monoculture, seedbank persistence, and dispersal through irrigation networks. The review further evaluates species-specific resistance mechanisms and highlights integrated weed management strategies based on preventive, tactical, and long-term Best Management Practices. This baseline assessment provides a consolidated reference for researchers, advisors, and policy-makers and supports the development of coordinated resistance management frameworks aligned with EU Integrated Pest Management principles and the specific challenges of Greek rice production.

Winter survival of Culex pipiens biotype pipiens adults in Central Greece

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Winter survival is a key life-history trait of insect vectors in temperate ecosystems, shaping early seasonal population growth and vector-borne disease epidemiology. For West Nile virus infection in Europe, including Greece, Culex pipiens is the principal vector. We conducted overwintering experiments in three areas in Central Greece, to assess winter survival of adult Culex pipiens biotype pipiens under coastal (Nea Anchialos and Volos) and inland (Kalamaki) conditions. A proportion of females survived winter at all sites, whereas males did not overwinter. Female survival reached 23.9% in Kalamaki and 25.3% in Nea Anchialos, while in Volos it ranged from 9.4 to 15.7% across treatments. Surviving females were able to blood-feed and oviposit in spring, producing viable offspring. The proportion of fertile females was 52.3% in Kalamaki and 47.4% in Nea Anchialos, whereas in Volos it ranged from 20.8 to 47.2%. Survival varied among locations and treatments, suggesting an effect of local environmental conditions on overwintering success. The results provide evidence that females of Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens can survive winter conditions in the study areas and subsequently initiate reproduction in spring. This study contributes to improving the understanding of the overwintering ecology of an important vector and highlights the need for further studies in different habitats.

Behavioral responses of a herbivorous mite and its potential predatory mirid to synthetic plant volatiles

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) mediate tritrophic interactions among plants, herbivores and their natural enemies. Using Y-tube olfactometer bioassays, we evaluated the behavioral responses of the zoophytophagous predator Macrolophus pygmaeus (Hemiptera: Miridae) and the herbivorous mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) to ten synthetic volatile compounds associated with HIPV blends emitted by pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants under herbivore attack. Each compound (methyl salicylate [MeSA], farnesene, [mix of isomers] decanal, (+)-3-carene, (−)-β-pinene, (1S)-(−)-α-pinene, nonanal, hexanal, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, and 1H-indole) was tested at three concentrations (1, 10 and 100 ppm) against a hexane solvent control. At 100 ppm, M. pygmaeus was significantly attracted to MeSA and farnesene and significantly repelled by (+)-3-carene; neither attractant elicited a response at 10 ppm. Tetranychus urticae showed no attraction to any compound but was strongly repelled by (+)-3-carene at all three concentrations tested. Results demonstrate that HIPVs can differentially influence predator and herbivore behaviour in a dose-dependent manner. The identification of (+)-3-carene as a potent repellent for T. urticae and of MeSA and farnesene as attractants for M. pygmaeus provides a basis for volatile-based IPM strategies that integrate pest deterrence with natural enemy attraction within the crop, which could represent a practical tool supporting conservation biological control in pepper.

Low energy portable industrial radiography X-ray machine of irradiation of Phthorimaea operculella sterilization

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Gamma ray’s irradiation has long widely utilized in medical, industrial and agricultural research and applications. Many countries have approved its use as an effective tool for the sterile insect technique (SIT) within integrated pest management programs. The actual study evaluates the potential of using low-energy portable industrial radiography (LEPIR) X-ray machine (typically employed for nondestructive testing of materials) to sterilize the potato tuber moth (PTM) pupae and adult moths rather than gamma radiation that is routinely used in SIT programs. Our data are consistent with previous finding and reveal clear dose-dependent damaging detrimental effects on key biological parameters of the pest, including adult emergence, longevity, fecundity, fertility and F1 egg hatchability at a dose of 150 Gy. These findings indicate that LEPIR X-ray machine may serve as a practical and alternative to gamma irradiation in any SIT program targeting the potato tuber moth.

First record of Theridula aelleni (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Crete, Greece

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Theridula aelleni (Hubert, 1970) (Araneae: Theridiidae) is a Mediterranean species with a limited known distribution, so far reported only in Tunisia, Madeira, and Spain. Here, we present the first record of T. aelleni in Greece. Two adult males were collected in an olive grove in the area of Asterousia in the Messara valley of Heraklion, Crete during pitfall trapping in 2022 and 2025. Identification was confirmed through comparison with diagnostic characters provided in the original description and subsequent taxonomic treatments. This finding significantly extends the known geographical range of the species eastwards within the Mediterranean basin and contributes to expanding our knowledge regarding the spider fauna of Greece.

First record of Dermestid and Ptinid beetles as insect pests of stored silkworm products in Egypt – Description of morphological features

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Attagenus fasciatus (Thunberg, 1795) and Anthrenus coloratus Reitter 1881 (both Coleoptera: Dermestidae), and the spider beetle Gibbium psylloides (Czempinski, 1778) (Coleoptera: Ptinidae), were recorded for the first time in stored silkworm products such as cocoons and feaces in Egypt. Notes on the detailed morphological descriptions for all species are presented. The impact on national sericulture industry should be considered. Attagenus fasciatus and A. coloratus are serious pests of silk-worm cocoons which are damaged by their larvae boring into them to feed on pupae. Gibbium psylloides is a minor pest of the silkworm industry feeding on dry debris plant, and feaces.

Effectiveness of microwave radiation on life stages of Sitotroga cerealella and its impact on chemical composition of wheat grains

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The efficacy of microwave power (MP) (110, 220, and 440 W) for five exposure times against different stages of Sitotroga cerealella was assessed. Mortality percentage of life stages, adult emergence, and chemical components in wheat grains were evaluated. Complete egg mortality (100%) was achieved with 440 W and an exposure time of 270 sec. Larvae and pupae were affected by increasing MP, resulting in a reduction in adult emergence. Furthermore, full mortality of adults increased with longer exposure periods to MP, reaching 100% 3 days after treatment with 110 W of MP and exposure times of 150, 210, and 270 sec. Complete adult mortality was achieved 2 days after treatment with 220 W and exposure times of 210 and 270 sec, and 1 day after treatment with 440 W and exposure times of 150, 210, and 270 sec. Moreover, MP caused a slight reduction in the chemical components of wheat grains except for fibre content. These findings suggest that MP may be a useful method for the management of S. cerealella.

New Records of Tetranychidae (Prostigmata) in avocado crops in Crete, Greece

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

In April 2024, infestation was recorded on leaves of avocado trees, bearing brown necrotic spots on the upper surface of the leaves and/or whitish, almost circular spots on the underside, in Zounaki, Crete, Greece. In September of the same year, infestation of different symptomatology was observed, consisting of a bronze tone at the upper surface of the leaves, in an avocado orchard in Ayia village, Crete. A microscopic examination of infested leaves revealed the presence of mites which were identified as Oligonychus (Olygonychus) perseae Tuttle, Baker and Abbatiello and Oligonychus (Olygonychus) punicae (Hirst) (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) which are both first recorded in Greece. By autumn of 2024, the persea mite rapidly spread across nearly all regions where avocados are cultivated in the western and coastal part of Crete. Up to date, nearly one year after the first detection of these mite species, infestations of O. (O.) perseae remains below economic thresholds, whereas O. (O.) punicae is found in a few orchards and in limited populations (end of 2025).

Residue dynamics of fluopyram and trifloxystrobin in grapes: Consumer safety insights from Saudi agriculture

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study examines the dissipation and residue behavior of fluopyram, trifloxystrobin, and their metabolites (fluopyram-benzamide and trifloxystrobin acid, CGA 321113) in grapes grown in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. The fungicide Luna Sensation® 500 SC (250 g/L fluopyram, 250 g/L trifloxystrobin) was applied at the recommended rate (100–150 g a.i./ha). A multi-residue LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated according to SANTE 11312/2021 guidelines, demonstrating high linearity (R² > 0.999), low detection limits (0.00021–0.00094 mg/kg), and recoveries of 84.8–94.8% with RSDs < 20%. Dissipation studies revealed first-order kinetics, with fluopyram exhibiting faster degradation (t1/2 = 2.23–3.02 days) than trifloxystrobin (t1/2 = 3.46–4.04 days). CGA 321113 dissipated to below detectable levels within 3 days, while fluopyram-benzamide remained undetected. Terminal residues were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of 3 mg/kg (trifloxystrobin) and 2 mg/kg (fluopyram), with pre-harvest intervals of 6.29 and 2.13 days, respectively. Chronic dietary risk assessments confirmed negligible health risks and provided valuable insights for effective pest management and the safe use of pesticides in Saudi grape cultivation.

First record of the poinsettia thrips Echinothrips americanus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Greece

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The presence of the poinsettia thrips, Echinothrips americanus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is reported for the first time in Greece. In spring 2023, specimens of E. americanus were collected from infested Rhoicissus rhombifolia plants in Attiki.

Dissipation patterns and characteristics of four pesticides in sandy and clay soil under controlled conditions

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The dissipation of pesticides significantly influences their behaviour in soil, which is crucial for evaluating their stability and safety. This study investigated the dissipation patterns and half-lives of four pesticides—ametryn, bentazone, carbofuran, and oxamyl—in sandy and clay soils at two concentration levels (25 mg‧kg1 and 100 mg‧kg1). The experiment was conducted at 26°C with a 60% water-holding capacity. First-order kinetics effectively described the dissipation (R2 > 0.92). After 60 days, pesticide dissipation exceeded 97% in sandy soil, while remaining residues were 80–86% for ametryn, 80– 89% for bentazone, and 85-88% for carbofuran and oxamyl. In clay soil, dissipation was initially slower (<8% for all pesticides), but subsequently accelerated. The quantity of pesticides declined sharply in the first month, followed by a gradual decrease in the second month. Ametryn exhibited the longest half-life, whereas bentazone had the shortest. Overall, pesticide loss correlated with decreased concentrations and organic matter content.

New record of Hylesinus varius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) on olive trees in Insular Greece

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This is a new record of the ash bark beetle, Hylesinus varius (Olivier), traditionally known as a pest of Fraxinus (ash) and other Oleaceae species, on olive trees (Olea europaea) on Milos Island of the Cyclades Group, Greece, after an old report on Crete. Adult specimens were found in galleries of living branches during the olive fruit harvest. This new record emphasizes the need for intensified monitoring of the insect and further research to assess its dispersal and potential impact on olive production.

Eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pest control for sustainable citrus groves in Morocco

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The citrus industry plays a significant socio-economic role in the Moroccan national economy. Seventy phytophagous insect, mite and snail species have been recorded from citrus orchards in Morocco. However, only a few are considered major or occasional pests and may cause economic damage warranting control. Using broad-spectrum pesticides to control insects and mites has resulted in several problems due to human, environmental and eco-toxicological concerns. This paper provides an overview of practical and preventative eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pest control for sustainable citrus groves in Morocco. The role of appropriate biological and cultural methods and safe chemical control in controlling citrus pests is discussed.

Toxicity of ozone fumigation on Galleria mellonella larvae and latent effects on pupation and adult emergence

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. is a serious pest of honey bee combs in hives. Ozone fumigation was applied on fourth instar larvae at three concentrations, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/m3 for 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. Our findings showed that the two concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 g/m3 were less effective than that of 2.0 g/m3 on larval mortality with 40 and 60%, respectively, at 120 min of exposure time after 7 days. Full larval mortality (100%) was obtained by 2.0 g/m3 of ozone at 90 min exposure time in 3 and 7 days post treatment. Our findings demonstrated that ozone had latent effects on pupation as well as adult emergence from treated larvae of G. mellonella. Exposure to 0.5 g/m3 for 120 min, 1.0 g/m3 for 120 min and 2.0 g/m3 for 60 min resulted in the lowest pupation percentage (60, 40 and 0%, respectively) and strong inhibition of adult emergence (16.7, 0 and 0% adult emergence, respectively. Our research indicates that ozone fumigation is a useful strategy for the control of the greater wax moth.

Effect of abiotic factors in seed germination of the medicinal aromatic plant Ziziphora hispanica L.

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Ziziphora hispanica L. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal aromatic plant which is native to Algeria in semi-arid regions, Morocco and southern Spain. Despite the medicinal and economic interests as well as the uncertain future that this species may encounter in its natural habitats, various aspects of the biology of its seeds have not been recognized up to date. To fulfill these gaps, seed germination has been studied under the effect of different incubation temperatures, and under the influence of defer-ential concentrations of water stress and saline stress. The seeds were first incubated at different temperatures (15, 20 and 25°C). Then, at 20°C, germination studies were carried out at various sodium chlo-ride concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 Mmol /l) and various solutions of polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) (0, -0.2, -0.4, and-0.6 Mpa). The results showed that Z. hispanica seeds were not dormant, and the optimal temperature of germination was 20°C, at which the maximum final germination percentage occurred (94%). A high negative correlation was obtained between the germination percentage and the various concentrations of NaCl. In comparison to other plant species that share its habitats, the results of the water stress impact tests indicate that Z. hispanica is very sensitive to water stress, indicating difficulties in germinating in semi-arid and arid regions and that climate change may restrict its natural habitats. The results of this study can serve as guidelines for propagation protocols of this species to support its conservation and cultivation.

First record of the scale insect Parlatoria camelliae Comstock (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) in Greece

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The scale insect Parlatoria camelliae Comstock (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) is recorded for the first time in Greece οn 12 August 2024. It was found on Camellia japonica L. (Theaceae: Ericales) in Chalkidiki. From preliminary studies it was found that P. camelliae is an oviparous, bipa-rental species.

An easy analytical method for the determination of L-Canavanine in legumes and pulse-based fish feed

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

L-Canavanine is a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid found in certain legumes, where it plays a significant role in plant defence acting as an anti-herbivory compound by disrupting the biology of insect herbivores and pulse-based fish feed. In this study, a simple, easy and robust analytical method was developed and validated to monitor the compound accurately and reliable. The developed method includes a simple quick and low-cost extraction procedure using acidified acetonitrile. Chromatographic determination is based on Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry operating in positive electron spray ionization. The method was successfully validated by assessing accuracy, precision, linearity of response (gradient of the calibration curve) at a range of concentrations 1.25 - 25 μg L−1, matrix effect and limit of quantitation according to European Guidelines. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for estimating the contribution to overall uncertainty and finally to the reported value/concentration, of homogenization and sub-sampling step.

Determination of nitroimidazole and fumagillin residues in honey employing Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry: An insight in the 2023-2024 Greek honey production

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Honey bees (Apis sp.) are vital to ecosystems, enhancing agricultural productivity and preserving biodiversity. However, the observed decline of their populations, caused by, among other, Nosema infections has led to the use of the antibiotics fumagillin and nitroimidazoles. Nonetheless, due to increasing concerns over their genotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties, the presence of fumagillin residues in honey is prohibited, while similar is the case for the parent nitroimidazoles and their metabolites in animal-derived food. Within this context and considering the limited availability of pertinent data on Greek honey, we have developed and applied robust analytical methods for the detection of fumagillin and nitroimidazole residues in honey, employing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The developed protocols, based on solid phase extraction, proved fit for the purpose of detecting fumagillin and nitroimidazoles in honey samples with substantial sensitivity (detection capability, CCβ not exceeding 0.78 μg/kg), comparable to recent literature, and could be applied in routine analyses to ensure consumers’ safety. Application of the methods in 30 Greek honey samples did not unveil residues above the CCβ of the analytes, and the developed pipeline can be further exploited in future large-scale monitoring studies to investigate Greek apiculture and its adherence to regulatory obligations.