Snježana Hrnčić

Diversity and localization of bacterial symbionts in three whitefly species (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) from the east coast of the Adriatic Sea

Several whitefly species (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are cosmopolitan phloem-feeders that cause serious damage in numerous agricultural crops. All whitefly species harbor a primary bacterial symbiont and a diverse array of secondary symbionts which may influence several aspects of the insects biology. We surveyed infections by secondary symbionts in Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) and Siphoninus phillyreae (Haliday) from areas in the east cost of the Adriatic Sea. Both the Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) B. tabaci genetic groups were detected in Montenegro, whereas only the MED was confirmed in Croatia. Trialeurodes vaporariorum and S. phillyreae were found in all areas surveyed. MEAM1 and MED exhibited similarity to previously reported infections, while populations of T. vaporariorum from Montenegro harbored Rickettsia, Wolbachia and Cardinium in addition to previously reported Hamiltonella and Arsenopnohus. Siphoninus phillyreae harbored Hamiltonella, Wolbachia, Cardinium and Arsenophonus, with the latter appearing in two alleles. Multiple infections of all symbionts were common in the three insect species tested, with some reaching near fixation. Florescent in situ hybridization showed new localization patterns for Hamiltonella in S. phillyreae, and the morphology of the bacteriosome differed from that observed in other whitefly species. Our results show new infections with bacterial symbionts in the whitefly species studied. Infections with the same symbionts in reproductively isolated whitefly species confirm complex relationships between whiteflies and bacterial symbionts, and suggest possible horizontal transfer of some of these bacteria.

Wolbachia infection in natural populations of Dictyophara europaea, an alternative vector of grapevine Flavescence dorée phytoplasma: effects and interactions

The European lantern fly, Dictyophara europaea, is an alternative vector of the Flavescence doree phytoplasma (FDp) disease of grapevine in European vineyards, enabling infection initiation from wild reservoir compartment (Clematis vitalba). Heretofore recorded rate of D. europaea FDp-infection has been very low (3%), making it less epidemiologically significant than would be expected based on reservoir plant infection rate (30%). In this study we present findings on a heavily FDp-infected D. europaea population (>60%), on the natural Wolbachia infection of populations with low FDp-infection rates (DeWo+) and on Wolbachia absence in highly FDp-infected population (DeWo−). We examine several possible causes underlying the differences in vector infection rates: (a) population genetic characteristics of D. europaea and correlation with Wolbachia strain wEur natural infections, (b) Wolbachia effects on fitness components of DeWo+ laboratory colony and (c) rate of reservoir plant FDp-infection and differences in FDp genotypes harboured by low and highly infected vector populations. The vector genetic diversity level was found to be lower in DeWo+ than in uninfected individuals and to exhibit a different evolution of fixed haplotypes. All DeWo+ populations were infected with the same strain of wEur. The FDp was found to be genetically diversified (five genotypes) but had no relation to infection rates. We did not find evidence of fitness upgrades with regard to Wolbachia infection status. Although more experimentation is needed, it seems that Wolbachia confers protection against FDp or is in competition with FDp according to the observed correlations: low FDp-infected vector populations are infected with Wolbachia and vice versa.

Distribution and molecular identification of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro

Abstract Since 2010, the South American tomato moth - Tuta absoluta (MEYRICK, 1917) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) - has been recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) and Montenegro. In 2012, pheromone traps were placed among tomato crops growing in greenhouses and open fields in 14 localities in B&H and Montenegro; the pest was caught at all the sites. Adults were caught in both greenhouses and open fields in Trebinje (B&H) on 4th June 2012 and in Ulcinj (Montenegro) in mid-May. Species identification was confirmed by means of morphological characters of adults and male genitalia. In addition, molecular identification of specimens from B&H and Montenegro was performed using mitochondrial (mtDNA) markers.

Possible Development of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) on Different Host Plants in the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Tomato leaf miner – Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) is a serious pest of tomato. A study on possible grown host plants of T. absoluta was conducted during 2015 and 2016 in a greenhouse in the area of Banja Luka (Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina - BiH). As host plants the following were used: Solanum lycopersicum – tomato, Solanum tuberosum – potato, Solanum melongena – eggplant and Phaseolus vulgaris – green bean. The plants were placed into entomological cages and exposed to infestation of 10 adults of Tuta absoluta. Feeding damages by all larval instars and the number of developed generations per year at different host plants were observed under greenhouse conditions. The study showed that tomato is a preferable host plant. This paper is the first record of green bean as an incompatible host plant for T. absoluta in BiH.

FIRST REPORT OF FIG MOSAIC VIRUS, FIG LEAF MOTTLE- ASSOCIATED VIRUS 1 AND FIG MILD MOTTLE-ASSOCIATED VIRUS INFECTING FIG (Ficus carica) IN MONTENEGRO

In Montenegro more than 200 000 fig trees are registered with an annual production of about 4000 t. A survey was conducted on fig trees of different varieties, located in a commercial orchard in Podgorica and a germplasm collection located in Bar, Montenegro, to assess the presence of five fig viruses i.e. Fig mosaic virus (FMV), Fig leaf mottle-associated virus 1 and 2 (FLMaV-1 and -2), Fig latent virus 1 (FLV-1) and Fig mild mottle-associated virus (FMMaV). In May 2015, leaf samples were taken from 21 fig trees showing leaf discolorations, vein clearing, ring spots, leaf distortion and mosaic symptoms. Total RNA was extracted using RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (QIAGEN) and tested by RT-PCR using virus-specific primers (Elbeaino et al., 2006, 2009, 2010). RT-PCR results showed infections with FMV (9 of 21 samples tested), FLMaV-1 (18 of 21) and FMMaV (2 of 21), whereas FLMaV-2 and FLV-1 were not detected. FMMaV was identified only in samples from Bar in mixed infection with FMV and FLMaV-1. Nucleotides sequence analyses of PCR amplicons obtained (GenBank accession Nos. KU198374-KU198377, KU198383-KU198389) revealed that at the nucleotide level, FMV, FLMaV-1 and FMMaV isolates from Montenegro shared 86-95%, 93-95% and 84- 95% identity, respectively with homologues in the GenBank. To our knowledge, this is the first report of FMV, FLMaV-1 and FMMaV in fig trees in Montenegro. In the future, an extensive survey on more samples could allow a better evaluation of the sanitary status of this crop in the country.

Napomyza gymnostoma Loew. (Diptera, Agromyzidae) in Banja Luka Region (Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Allium leaf miner - Napomyza gymnostoma Loew. (Diptera, Agromyzidae) feeds on diferent species of onions ( Allium spp.). Itis spreadin the wholeEurope andconsidered as oneof the most important onion pests, especially onyoung plantsinspringandautumn. During 2006 and 2007 presence of Napom yza gymnostoma was observed on onion in the Banja Luka region at seven different locations. Onion plants were visually inspected in order to find damages that are caused by adult feeding. Afterthe first damages were detected,20 plants in5 places in eachplot were randomlyselected and observed. The percentageof damaged plants was determined at every location. During springgeneration, the length of development stageswas monitored at the entomological cages in the open field. Based on the morphological characteristics, in the laboratory was confirmed the identity of the species. In 2006 the first damages caused by adult feeding were detected on 22 nd April at the location Sargovac. The highest percentage of damages was found at location Vakuf 1 (50%). In 2007 the first damages of adult feeding was detected on 5 th April at the location Sargovac 1, while the highest percentage of damaged plants was registered at location Vakuf 2a (41%). Larval development lasted from 29 to 34 days and pupal development 4 months, including summer diapause.

The Productivity Analysis of Five Leading Potato Varieties in the Agroecological Conditions of a Mountainous Region in Montenegro

An analysis of genetic productivity potential of five leading varieties in Montenegro (Kennebec, Agria, Aladdin, Tresor and Riviera) was conducted during 2010 and 2011 in the municipalities of Žabljak region, on mountainous black soil at 1,500 meters of altitude. The highest number of tubers was found in a parcel planted with Tresor and Aladdin- 8.5, while the lowest number of tubers was found in Kennebec- 6.8 tubers per plant. Comparing to other tested varieties, Kennebec had a significantly lower number of tubers. On average, Kennebec and Tresor had the largest tubers (96 and 91 g), and differences found were statistically very significant. The biggest tuber yield was measured in Tresor – 32.5 t/ha, while the lowest tuber yield was in Agria and Riviera (24.0 and 25.2 t/ha). Tresor had significantly higher tuber production comparing to other varieties.