Exploring the contribution of the salivary gland and midgut to digestion in the swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii) through a genomics-guided approach.

The larvae of Contarinia nasturtii (Kieffer) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), the swede midge, targets the meristem of brassica crops where they induce the formation of galls and disrupt seed and vegetable production. Previously, we examined the salivary gland transcriptome of newly-hatched first instar larvae as they penetrated the host and initiated gall formation. Here we examine the salivary gland and midgut transcriptome of third instar larvae and provide evidence for cooperative nutrient acquisition beginning with secretion of enzymes and feeding facilitators followed by gastrointestinal digestion.

Comparative transcriptomic assessment of the chemosensory receptor repertoire of Drosophila suzukii adult and larval olfactory organs.

The spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has emerged within the past decade as an invasive species on a global scale, and is one of the most economically important pests in fruit and berry production in Europe and North America. Insect ecology, to a strong degree, depends on the chemosensory modalities of smell and taste. Extensive research on the sensory receptors of the olfactory and gustatory systems in Drosophila melanogaster provide an excellent frame of reference to better understand the fundamentals of the chemosensory systems of D.

Seed choice in ground beetles is driven by surface-derived hydrocarbons.

Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are among the most prevalent biological agents in temperate agroecosystems. Numerous species function as omnivorous predators, feeding on both pests and weed seeds, yet the sensory ecology of seed perception in omnivorous carabids remains poorly understood. Here, we explore the sensory mechanisms of seed detection and discrimination in four species of omnivorous carabids: Poecilus corvus, Pterostichus melanarius, Harpalus amputatus, and Amara littoralis.

Components of the Female Sex Pheromone of the Newly-Described Canola Flower Midge, Contarinia brassicola.

The canola flower midge, Contarinia brassicola Sinclair (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a newly-described species that induces galls on canola, Brassica napus Linnaeus and Brassica rapa Linnaeus (Brassicaceae). Identification of the sex pheromone of C. brassicola is essential to developing monitoring tools to elucidate the geographic range and hosts of this new pest, and the extent to which it threatens the $30 billion Canadian canola industry.

De Novo Whole-Genome Assembly of the Swede Midge (Contarinia nasturtii), a Specialist of Brassicaceae, Using Linked-Read Sequencing.

The swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii, is a cecidomyiid fly that feeds specifically on plants within the Brassicaceae. Plants in this family employ a glucosinolate-myrosinase defense system, which can be highly toxic to nonspecialist feeders. Feeding by C.

Compensatory Abilities of Canola in Response to Swede Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Damage.

Swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii Kieffer) is an invasive, economic pest of canola (Brassica napus L.) that threatens production throughout Canada. Swede midge has up to four overlapping generations, placing canola at risk of multiple infestations in the field.

Disjunction between canola distribution and the genetic structure of its recently described pest, the canola flower midge ().

Population genomics is a useful tool to support integrated pest management as it can elucidate population dynamics, demography, and histories of invasion. Here, we use a restriction site-associated DNA sequencing approach combined with whole-genome amplification (WGA) to assess genomic population structure of a newly described pest of canola, the diminutive canola flower midge, . Clustering analyses recovered little geographic structure across the main canola production region but differentiated several geographically disparate populations at edges of the agricultural zone.

Examining population structure of a bertha armyworm, Mamestra configurata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), outbreak in western North America: Implications for gene flow and dispersal.

The bertha armyworm (BAW), Mamestra configurata, is a significant pest of canola (Brassica napus L. and B. rapa L.

Determining Temperature-Dependent Development and Mortality Parameters of the Swede Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae).

The swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii Kieffer) is an invasive insect in North America whose feeding has caused a decline of over 60% of total canola acreage in Ontario, Canada since 2011. Temperature-dependent development and mortality information are important to develop an effective pest management strategy for this insect; as the most comprehensive study on C. nasturtii development was completed on populations from the United Kingdom in the 1960s, new geographically relevant information is needed.

Challenges of Mating Disruption Using Aerosol-Emitting Pheromone Puffers in Red Clover Seed Production Fields to Control Coleophora deauratella (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae).

Sex pheromone-mediated mating disruption using pheromone puffer dispensers was evaluated to control Coleophora deauratella (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) at three red clover seed production fields in Alberta, Canada. The objectives of the study were to determine aspects of the biology of C. deauratella which may affect successful mating disruption, evaluate the ability of aerosol-emitting pheromone puffers to reduce male moth catch in small-plot trials, and evaluate the ability of puffers to reduce male capture in traps, larval numbers and damage in large-plot trials.

Mating disruption of Coleophora deauratella (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) using laminate flakes in red clover seed production fields.

Background: The red clover casebearer, Coleophora deauratella, is a significant pest in red clover (Trifolium pratense) seed production regions throughout the world. The internal feeding nature of C. deauratella larvae makes infestations difficult to control with insecticide.

Efficacy and mechanisms of communication disruption of the red clover casebearer moth (Coleophora deauratella) with complete and partial pheromone formulations.

The red clover casebearer, Coleophora deauratella Leinig and Zeller (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae), is a major pest of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) grown for seed in Canada and parts of Europe. Insecticides are ineffective against C.

Factors affecting pheromone-baited trap capture of male Coleophora deauratella, an invasive pest of clover in Canada.

Coleophora deauratella Leinig and Zeller (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) is an invasive pest of red clover, Trifolium pratense L. (Fabeles: Fabaceae), grown for seed in Canada. A pheromone-based monitoring program to determine the presence and seasonal activity of adult C.