Edmundo Sousa

Bio: Edmundo Sousa is an academic researcher from Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos. The author has contributed to research in topics: Bursaphelenchus xylophilus & Pinus pinaster. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 53 publications receiving 1651 citations.

First report of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Portugal and in Europe

Abstract: A survey of aphelenchid nematodes (Nematoda: Aphelenchida) associated with maritime pine, Pinus pinaster, was conducted in Portugal in 1996 and 1999. A Bursaphelenchus species has been identified for the first time in the Iberian Peninsula. B. xylophilus is reported for the first time in Europe. It was found in very high numbers - up to 38 000 per 10 g of pine wood - inside a few declining trees infested with curculionid, cerambycid and scolytid beetles. Morphological observations, including shape of spicules, bursa, vulva, female tail end and stylet as well as morphometrics, were in accordance with the species description. Species-specific DNA fragment patterns were obtained using ITS-RFLP analysis, with five different restriction enzymes. The importance and implications of this finding are discussed. Premiere signalisation de Bursaphelenchus xylophilus au Portugal, at en Europe - Une enquete sur les nematodes Aphelenchides (Nematoda: Aphelenchida) associes au pin maritime (Pinus pinaster) a ete realisee au Portugal de 1996 a 1999. Une espece de Bursaphelenchus a ete identifiee pour la premiere fois dans la Peninsule Iberique. B. xylophilus est signale pour la premiere fois en Europe. Il a ete trouve en tres grand nombre - jusqu'a 38 000 individus pour 10 g de bois de pin - dans des arbres deperissants infestes par des Coleopteres Curculionides, Cerambycides et Scolytides. Les observations concernant la morphologie - en particulier la forme des spicules, la bourse, la vulve, l'extremite de la queue de la femelle et le stylet - de meme que les donnees morphometriques correspondent a la description de l'espece. Des sequences de fragments d'ADN specifique de l'espece ont ete obtenus par analyse ITS-RFLP a l'aide de cinq enzymes de restriction. L'importance et les implications de cette decouverte sont discutees.

Widespread Phytophthora infestations in European nurseries put forest, semi-natural and horticultural ecosystems at high risk of Phytophthora diseases

Abstract: An analysis of incidence of Phytophthora spp. in 732 European nurseries producing forest transplants, larger specimen trees, landscape plants and ornamentals, plus 2525 areas in which trees and shrubs were planted, is presented based on work conducted by 37 research groups in 23 European countries between 1972 and 2013. Forty-nine Phytophthora taxa were recorded in 670 nurseries (91.5%); within these nurseries, 1614 of 1992 nursery stands (81.0%) were infested, although most affected plants appeared healthy. In forest and landscape plantings, 56 Phytophthora taxa were recovered from 1667 of 2525 tested sites (66.0%). Affected plants frequently showed symptoms such as crown thinning, chlorosis and dieback caused by extensive fine root losses and/or collar rot. Many well-known highly damaging host-Phytophthora combinations were frequently detected but 297 and 407 new Phytophthora-host associations were also observed in nurseries and plantings, respectively. On average, 1.3 Phytophthora species/taxa per infested nursery stand and planting site were isolated. At least 47 of the 68 Phytophthora species/taxa detected in nurseries and plantings were exotic species several of which are considered well established in both nurseries and plantings in Europe. Seven known Phytophthora species/taxa were found for the first time in Europe, while 10 taxa had not been previously recorded from nurseries or plantings; in addition, 5 taxa were first detections on woody plant species. Seven Phytophthora taxa were previously unknown to science. The reasons for these failures of plant biosecurity in Europe, implications for forest and semi-natural ecosystems and possible ways to improve biosecurity are discussed.

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda; Aphelenchoididae) associated with Monochamus galloprovincialis (Coleoptera; Cerambycidae) in Portugal

Abstract: Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer, 1934) Nickle, 1970 is the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD) in Pinus. It is a quarantine organism in the European Union (Directive 77/93, EEC) and an impediment to international trade of forest products. A pest risk analysis for B. xylophilus and its vectors in the genus Monochamus for the territories of the European Union concluded that, due to the frequent occurrence of susceptible pine hosts in Europe and the presence of suitable insect vectors, PWD couldhave important economicandecolog

Preliminary survey for insects associated with Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Portugal.

Abstract: The detection of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Pinus pinaster trees in Portugal in 1999 led the official services to implement exceptional and urgent control measures to prevent the spread of the pest. Because the pest is vector-transmitted, special attention was paid to the insects associated with infested trees. A survey comprising 21 species of insects, from six families, with a total of 1367 specimens, was made in order to evaluate their possible role as vectors of the nematode in Portugal. Five insect species were found to carry other Bursaphelenchus spp., but only Monochamus galloprovincialis was associated with B. xylophilus.

Biology of Monochamus galloprovincialis (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) in the Pine Wilt Disease Affected Zone, Southern Portugal

Abstract: The biology of Monochamus galloprovincialis, which is the vector of the pathogenic nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, was studied in the pine wilt disease-affected zone south of the Tejo River, Portugal. Insects required ten to thirteen months to develop and had a single generation per year. The emergence pattern during 2001 to 2004 occurred from May to September with a peak in July, being consistent with the captures of attractive traps (flight curve). Emergencies occurred slightly earlier for males than for females, with a global sex ratio of 0.48. Females laid eggs on trap-trees from May to August and the young larvae had an extremely fast development before tunnelling into the xylem, where they passed the winter. The number of larval instars could not be defined by the frequency distribution of head-capsule width measurements. Developmental success and adult dimensions differed between tree sections, being higher for the trunk. Mortality was generally low for all developmental instars and the within log generation survivorship from egg to adult was 53%. The most important identified mortality agents were the fungi Beauveria bassiana and the parasitic wasp Cyanopterus flavator. Results are discussed in view of the current strategies to control the insect and the possible existence of a winter dormancy affecting the insect's larvae.

Top 10 plant-parasitic nematodes in molecular plant pathology

Abstract: The aim of this review was to undertake a survey of researchers working with plant-parasitic nematodes in order to determine a ‘top 10’ list of these pathogens based on scientific and economic importance. Any such list will not be definitive as economic importance will vary depending on the region of the world in which a researcher is based. However, care was taken to include researchers from as many parts of the world as possible when carrying out the survey. The top 10 list emerging from the survey is composed of: (1) root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.); (2) cyst nematodes (Heterodera and Globodera spp.); (3) root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.); (4) the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis; (5) Ditylenchus dipsaci; (6) the pine wilt nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus; (7) the reniform nematode Rotylenchulus reniformis; (8) Xiphinema index (the only virus vector nematode to make the list); (9) Nacobbus aberrans; and (10) Aphelenchoides besseyi. The biology of each nematode (or nematode group) is reviewed briefly.

Bark and Wood Boring Insects in Living Trees in Europe, a Synthesis

Abstract: The BAWBILT bases in Europe.- The Bawbilt Context in Europe.- The Directory of European Experts.- The Bawbilt Database.- Damage and Control of Bawbilt Organisms an Overview.- Bark Beetles.- Taxonomy and Systematics of Bark and Ambrosia Beetles.- Genetic Tools in Scolytid Research.- General Biology of Bark Beetles.- Chemical Ecology of Bark Beetles in a Complex Olfactory Landscape.- Host Resistance to Bark Beetles and Its Variations.- Fungal Associates of European Bark Beetles With Special Emphasis on the Ophiostomatoid Fungi.- Research on Parasitoids and Predators of Scolytidae - A Review.- Pathogens in Bark Beetles.- Bark Weevils.- Taxonomy and Systematics of Bark Weevils.- General Biology and Life Cycles of Bark Weevils.- Semiochemicals in the Life of Bark Feeding Weevils.- Hylobius Abietis - Host Utilisation and Resistance.- Fungi Associated With Hylobius Abietis and Other Weevils.- Parasitoids, Predators, Nematodes and Pathogens Associated with Bark Weevil Pests.- Damage, Control and Management of Weevil Pests, Especially Hylobius Abietis.- Buprestids and Longhorns.- Biology, Ecology and Economic Importance of Buprestidae and Cerambycidae.- Natural Enemies of Cerambycidae and Buprestidae Infesting Living Trees.- "Non-Coleopteran" Bawbilt organisms.- "Non-Coleopteran Insects".- Research needs and priorities for Europe.- General Conclusions and Research Priorities for Bawbilt Organisms in Europe.

How much does climate change threaten European forest tree species distributions

Abstract: Although numerous species distribution models have been developed, most were based on insufficient distribution data or used older climate change scenarios. We aimed to quantify changes in projected ranges and threat level by the years 2061-2080, for 12 European forest tree species under three climate change scenarios. We combined tree distribution data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, EUFORGEN and forest inventories, and we developed species distribution models using MaxEnt and 19 bioclimatic variables. Models were developed for three climate change scenarios – optimistic (RCP2.6), moderate (RCP4.5) and pessimistic (RPC8.5) – using three General Circulation Models, for the period 2061-2080. Our study revealed different responses of tree species to projected climate change. The species may be divided into three groups: “winners” – mostly late-successional species: Abies alba, Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur and Q. petraea; “losers” – mostly pioneer species: Betula pendula, Larix decidua, Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris and alien species – Pseudotsuga menziesii, Q. rubra and Robinia pseudoacacia, which may be also considered as “winners”. Assuming limited migration, most of the species studied would face significant decrease of suitable habitat area. The threat level was highest for species that currently have the northernmost distribution centers. Ecological consequences of the projected range contractions would be serious for both forest management and nature conservation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Agriculture Development, Pesticide Application and Its Impact on the Environment.

Abstract: Pesticides are indispensable in agricultural production. They have been used by farmers to control weeds and insects, and their remarkable increases in agricultural products have been reported. The increase in the world's population in the 20th century could not have been possible without a parallel increase in food production. About one-third of agricultural products are produced depending on the application of pesticides. Without the use of pesticides, there would be a 78% loss of fruit production, a 54% loss of vegetable production, and a 32% loss of cereal production. Therefore, pesticides play a critical role in reducing diseases and increasing crop yields worldwide. Thus, it is essential to discuss the agricultural development process; the historical perspective, types and specific uses of pesticides; and pesticide behavior, its contamination, and adverse effects on the natural environment. The review study indicates that agricultural development has a long history in many places around the world. The history of pesticide use can be divided into three periods of time. Pesticides are classified by different classification terms such as chemical classes, functional groups, modes of action, and toxicity. Pesticides are used to kill pests and control weeds using chemical ingredients; hence, they can also be toxic to other organisms, including birds, fish, beneficial insects, and non-target plants, as well as air, water, soil, and crops. Moreover, pesticide contamination moves away from the target plants, resulting in environmental pollution. Such chemical residues impact human health through environmental and food contamination. In addition, climate change-related factors also impact on pesticide application and result in increased pesticide usage and pesticide pollution. Therefore, this review will provide the scientific information necessary for pesticide application and management in the future.