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Insights on the bioecology of the invasive apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) in Tunisia

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Abstract

The Eurytomidae family includes many agricultural pests of economic importance. The apricot seed wasp (ASW) Eurytoma samsonowi Vassiliev, 1915 (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), a major economic pest of apricot (Prunus armeniaca), was recently detected in apricot orchards in Gafsa, Southern-West of Tunisia. In this study, we investigated population dynamics and host plant range of this emerging pest. Moreover, we recorded its occurrence on almond, plum, and peach fruits. The monitoring of adult emergence showed that the ASW is a univoltine species. Adults emerged starting from the end of February to the end of March from “mummified” fruits remained attached on trees. Males emerged earlier than females by 3 to 7 days (protandry). Females started to lay eggs in unripe young fruits from March until April. Oviposition started, respectively, on the early ripening cultivar Bakour, then Bedri, Amor Leuch, and Bayoudhi. Up to seven eggs per fruit were deposited under natural conditions, and up to three larvae per fruit hatched. However, only one larva completed its development inside the seed. Larvae feed on the unripe developed seeds causing the premature fall of fruits, and some of the infested fruits remained attached on the trees after the harvest as “mummified” apricots. During post-harvest, full-grown larvae become grey and enter in diapause by June to overwinter inside the stones of fruits. Pupation occurs by the end of December to February. Examination of “mummified” fruits showed an infestation rate ranging from 98 to 99.89%. They are the primary source of infestation of next year crops.

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Data Availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available on reasonable request from the corresponding author.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the Association for the Preservation of the City of Gafsa (ASM Gafsa, Tunisia) for the support during the field work.

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  1. Department of Biological Sciences and Plant Protection, High Agronomic Institute of Chott-Mariem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia

    Takwa Wannassi, Khaled Abbes, Ahlem Harbi & Brahim Chermiti

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  1. Takwa Wannassi
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  2. Khaled Abbes
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  3. Ahlem Harbi
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  4. Brahim Chermiti
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Correspondence to Brahim Chermiti.

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Wannassi, T., Abbes, K., Harbi, A. et al. Insights on the bioecology of the invasive apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) in Tunisia. Biologia 78, 3401–3413 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11756-023-01471-x

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