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Erythrina Stem Borer, Terastia meticulosalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and reforestation efforts of the Atlantic Forest biome in Brazil with seedlings of mulungu-do-litoral, Erythrina speciosa

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A. J. V. Zanuncio
A. J. V. Zanuncio
A. J. V. Zanuncio
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A. S. P. Silva Junior
A. S. P. Silva Junior
A. S. P. Silva Junior
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Alexandre Igor Azevedo Pereira at Instituto Federal Goiano
Alexandre Igor Azevedo Pereira
P.J. Ferreira Filho at Federal University of São Carlos
P.J. Ferreira Filho
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1/2Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2023, vol. 83, e274647 | https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.274647
Notes and Comments
THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON NEOTROPICAL BIOLOGY
THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENT
ISSN 1519-6984 (Print)
ISSN 1678-4375 (Online)
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A pantropical genus of coral trees, Erythrina (Fabaceae),
contains approximately 130 species, many of which are of medical
importance [e. g., Fahmy et al. (2018), (2020)]. For instance,
E. mulungu Kuntze has anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory
properties, E. speciosa Andrews and E. variegata L. have
analgesic and antiseptic effects (Holetz et al., 2002;
Rambo et al., 2019) and Erythrina suberosa Roxb has been
used to treat leukemia (Kumar et al., 2013). Moreover,
these plants are highly valuable horticultural species
because of their flame-like flowers. In Brazil, these trees are
frequently used for decorating city streets (e. g., Figure 1.1),
and they are also used as shade trees. They are favored
by hummingbirds and insects [e. g., Vitali-Veiga and
Machado (2000)].
Erythrina Stem Borer,
Terastia meticulosalis
(Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and reforestation efforts of
the Atlantic Forest biome in Brazil with seedlings of
mulungu-do-litoral,
Erythrina speciosa
A. J. V. Zanuncioa, A. S. P. Silva Juniorb* , A. I. A. Pereirac , P. J. Ferreira-Filhod, C. F. Wilckene, P. G. Lemesf, M. M. Souzag
and J. C. Zanunciob
aUniversidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Engenharia Florestal, Viçosa, MG, Brasil
bUniversidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Entomologia – BIOAGRO, Viçosa, MG, Brasil
cInstituto Federal Goiano, Departamento de Agronomia, Urutaí, GO, Brasil
dUniversidade Federal de São Carlos, Programa de Pós-graduação em Planejamento e Uso de Recursos Renováveis, Sorocaba, SP, Brasil
eUniversidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” – UNESP, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
f
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Laboratório de Entomologia Aplicada a Área Florestal – LEAF, Montes Claros, MG, Brasil
gInstituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sul de Minas, Laboratório de Zoologia, Inconfidentes, MG, Brasil
*e-mail: alex.s.junior@ufv.br
Received: May 9, 2023 – Accepted: June 22, 2023
Figure 1. (1) Mature Erythrina speciosa (Fabaceae) tree, city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais state, Brazil; (2) Erythrina Stem Borer moth,
Terastia meticulosalis (Crambidae) (photographed by Andrei Sourakov in Florida); (3)-(4) Damage from the Erythrina Stem Borer
caterpillar to the seedling of E. speciosa (Engenheiro Paulo de Frontin, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil); (5) Erythrina Leafroller moth,
Agathodes designalis (Crambidae) reared from the propagated trees.
Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2023, vol. 83, e2746472/2
Zanuncio, A.J.V. et al.
References
FAHMY, N.M., AL-SAYED, E., EL-SHAZLY, M. and SINGAB, A.N., 2018.
Comprehensive review on flavonoids biological activities of
Erythrina plant species. Industrial Crops and Products, vol. 123,
pp. 500-538. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.06.028.
FAHMY, N.M., AL-SAYED, E., EL-SHAZLY, M. and SINGAB, A.N., 2020.
Alkaloids of genus Erythrina: an updated review. Natural Product
Research, vol. 34, no. 13, pp. 1891-1912. http://dx.doi.org/10.1
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HODEL, D.R., HENRICH, J.E., GREBY, K.J. and ARAKELIAN, G., 2016.
Erythrina stem or twig borer: a new and potentially devastating
pest of coral trees in California. PalmArbor, vol. 1, pp. 1-10.
HOLETZ, F.B., PESSINI, G.L., SANCHES, N.R., CORTEZ, A.G.,
NAKAMURA, C.V. and DIAS FILHO, B.P., 2002. Screening of some
plants used in the Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment
of infectious diseases. Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz,
vol. 97, no. 7, pp. 1027-1031. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0074-
02762002000700017. PMid:12471432.
KUMAR, S., PATHANIA, A.S., SAXENA, A.K., VISHWAKARMA, R.A.,
ALI, A. and BHUSHAN, S., 2013. The anticancer potential of
flavonoids isolated from the stem bark of Erythrina suberosa
through induction of apoptosis and inhibition of STAT signaling
pathway in human leukemia HL-60 cells. Chemico-Biological
Interactions, vol. 205, no. 2, pp. 128-137. http://dx.doi.
org/10.1016/j.cbi.2013.06.020. PMid:23850732.
RAMBO, D.F., BIEGELMEYER, R., TOSON, N.S.B., DRESCH, R.R.,
MORENO, P.R.H. and HENRIQUES, A.T., 2019. The genus
Erythrina L.: a review on its alkaloids, preclinical, and clinical
studies. Phytotherapy Research, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 1258-1276.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6321. PMid:30767297.
SOURAKOV, A., 2023 [viewed 14 June 2023]. Coral trees of Los
Angeles and the moths that attack them. Erythrina Stem Borer
and Banana Moths feeding on Erythrina in Southern California
[online]. Florida Museum of Natural History. Available from:
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/andrei-sourakov/activities/
coral-trees-california/
SOURAKOV, A., ZHANG, J., CONG, Q., SONG, L. and GRISHIN, N.V.,
2022. Erythrina stem borer moth in California – new taxonomic
status and implications for control of this emerging pest.
Journal of Applied Entomology, vol. 146, no. 10, pp. 1225-1229.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jen.13082. PMid:36776347.
VITALI-VEIGA, M.J. and MACHADO, V.L.L., 2000. Visitantes florais
de Erythrina speciosa Andr. (Leguminosae). Revista Brasileira de
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S0101-81752000000200007.
In many places, the cultivation of Erythrina is greatly
jeopardized by the moth specialist, Erythrina Stem Borer,
Terastia meticulosalis Guenée (Figure 1.2), which bores into
shoots and frequently aborts normal tree development,
by damaging their tip or breaking the stem in half by
hollowing it out. In southern California, for example, this
is a serious problem for the horticultural industry, because
many non-natives but highly-prized Erythrina species are
grown there (Hodel et al., 2016; Sourakov et al., 2022;
Sourakov, 2023).
Here, we report a pest problem that arouse during
the attempted propagation of the mulungu-do-litoral
trees, Erythrina speciosa, in Engenheiro Paulo de Frontin
(S 22º 32’ 59” W 43º 40’ 42”, 395 m asl) in the Atlantic biome
of the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The plants were grown for
replanting but suffered damage from the caterpillars of the
Erythrina Stem Borer (Figures 1.3 and 1.4). Additionally, another
specialist moth, the Erythrina Leafroller, Agathodes designalis
Guenée, was also reared from the same plants (Figure 1.5).
While damage from the Erythrina Stem Borer can greatly
reduce the production of Erythrina speciosa for planting
in reforestation projects and for horticultural purposes,
we suggest further investigation into the means by which
this pest can be controlled until the trees are strong and
mature enough to be planted and to sustain moth damage.
For instance, in California, nurseries are reportedly growing
potted Erythrina plants for sale, which is made possible
because of periodic pesticide treatment, monitoring, and
mechanical removal of infested shoots (Sourakov, 2023).
Acknowledgements
To “Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico
e Tecnológico (CNPq)”, “Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento
de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)”, “Fundação de
Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)”,
“Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sul
de Minas – Campus Inconfidentes – IFSULDEMINAS” and
“Programa Cooperativo sobre Proteção Florestal (PROTEF)”
of the “Instituto de Pesquisas e Estudos Florestais (IPEF)”
for financial support. Global Edico Services corrected and
edited the English of this manuscript. We thank Andrei
Sourakov at the Florida Museum of Natural History for his
suggestions concerning the manuscript.
... However, such control can be more difficult to implement in landscapes, especially on larger trees, so additional research is needed to mediate the problem. Solving this problem may help not only horticulture in California, but also in other tropical regions of the world, such as Brazil, where similar problems exist (e.g., Zanuncio et al. 2023). ...
Coral Trees of Southern California and the moths that attack them: Terastia meticulosalis occidentalis (Crambidae) and Opogona sacchari (Tineidae). News of the Lepidopterists' Society, 66(2): 88-91.
Technical Report
Full-text available
  • Jun 2024
Abstract: The recent infestations of coral trees in Southern California by the Erythrina Stem Borer (aka Erythrina Twig Borer), Terastia meticulosalis (Crambidae), and the Banana Moth, Opogona sacchari (Tineidae) are described. We also discuss possible solutions to the problem that these moths present to horticulture.
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... However, such control can be more difficult to implement in landscapes, especially on larger trees, so additional research is needed to mediate the problem. Solving this problem may help not only horticulture in California, but also in other tropical regions of the world, such as Brazil, where similar problems exist (e.g., Zanuncio et al. 2023). ...
View
Alkaloids of genus Erythrina : An updated review
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2019
Genus Erythrina (Fabaceae) comprises several species, which are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The plants of this genus exhibited significant role in traditional medicine targeting different diseases. Alkaloids and flavonoids were reported as the chief bioactive constituents of this genus with a wide range of biological activities. About 143 alkaloids were isolated from Erythrina sp. Anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, curare-like activity, insecticidal and cytotoxic activities were reported for Erythrina sp. alkaloids. The present work is an overview of the isolated alkaloids from Erythrina sp. with their reported biological activities. Abbreviations: CHCl3: Chloroform; CNS: Central nervous system; DCM: Methylene chloride; DPPH: 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; E.: Erythrina; ERα/β: Estrogen receptors α/β; EtOAc: Ethyl acetate; EtOH: Ethanol; Hep-G2: Human liver carcinoma cell lines; HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus; HL-60: Human promyelocytic leukemia cells; K-562: Human immortalized myelogenous leukemia cell line; LPS: Lipopolysaccharide; MeOH: Methanol; MOLT-4: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line; nAChRs: nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; NO: Nitric oxide; NREM: non-rapid eye movement; Pet. ether: Petroleum ether; RBA: Receptor binder affinity; TRAIL: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand
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Screening of some plants used in the Brazilian folk medicine for treatment of infectious diseases
Article
Full-text available
  • Nov 2002
  • MEM I OSWALDO CRUZ
Extracts of 13 Brazilian medicinal plants were screened for their antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts. Of these, 10 plant extracts showed varied levels of antibacterial activity. Piper regnellii presented a good activity against Staphylococus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, a moderate activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a weak activity against Escherichia coli. Punica granatum showed good activity on S. aureus and was inactive against the other standard strains. Eugenia uniflora presented moderate activity on both S. aureus and E. coli. Psidium guajava,Tanacetum vulgare, Arctium lappa, Mikania glomerata, Sambucus canadensis, Plantago major and Erythrina speciosa presented some degree of antibacterial activity. Spilanthes acmella, Lippia alba, and Achillea millefolium were considered inactive. Five of the plant extracts presented compounds with Rf values similar to the antibacterial compounds visible on bioautogram. Of these, three plants belong to the Asteraceae family. This may mean that the same compounds are responsible for the antibacterial activity in these plants. Anticandidal activity was detected in nine plant extracts (P. guajava, E. uniflora, P. granatum, A. lappa, T. vulgare, M. glomerata, L. alba, P. regnellii, and P. major). The results might explain the ethnobotanical use of the studied species for the treatment of various infectious diseases.
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Erythrina stem borer moth in California – New taxonomic status and implications for control of this emerging pest
Article
  • Sep 2022
During the last 10 years, the Erythrina stem borer moth, Terastia meticulosalis, emerged as a pest of cultivated coral trees (Erythrina spp.) in California. Erythrina trees are valued for their moderate drought resistance and beautiful flame‐like flowers. They are beloved enough to be considered Los Angeles's official “City Tree.” Thus, they are a valuable horticultural crop and are grown by many nurseries and occur throughout the landscape in coastal southern California. Coral trees have been heavily affected by T. meticulosalis recently. Using whole genome sequencing techniques, we analysed the origins of this and other infestations of Erythrina in coastal areas and found that they have likely originated from the repeated expansions of the native range of the species in Arizona, a process possibly driven by climatic factors and/or movement of plants by humans. We also found sufficient genetic differences between the western population of the moth and the rest of the New World populations to describe a new western subspecies, T. meticulosalis occidentalis Sourakov & Grishin ssp. n. (type locality USA: CA, San Diego Co., La Jolla). These findings are of economic importance for future attempts to control the moth's impact on activities surrounding the horticultural use of Erythrina spp. by the Californian landscape and nursery industries.
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The genus Erythrina L.: A review on its alkaloids, preclinical, and clinical studies: A review of Erythrina L. alkaloids
Article
  • Feb 2019
Erythrina L. genus (Fabaceae) comprises about 115 species, and it has been extensively studied, mainly because of its alkaloids, which have pharmacological properties. References demonstrated that Erythrina spp. have a potential to act in the central nervous system, presenting anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties already established. Phytochemical investigations confirmed the presence of tetracyclic alkaloids as the major compounds. However, other alkaloid classes have also been reported, including dimeric and trimeric substances, coupled through direct polymerization or two erythrinine units via an acetyl glucose. The present review covers the relevant literature from 1990 until 2017 and outlines the current data on chemical composition and preclinical and clinical studies on Erythrina species. Additionally, the quite striking analogy in the biosynthetic route of erythrin, morphinans, and Amaryllidaceae family alkaloids was also discussed.
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Comprehensive review on flavonoids biological activities of Erythrina plant species
Article
  • Nov 2018
  • IND CROP PROD
Erythrina species (Fabaceae) or coral trees are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. They are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments, such as anxiety, inflammation, wound healing, and microbial infections. Alkaloids and flavonoids are the main bioactive constituents isolated from genus Erythrina. The present review sheds light on Erythrina species flavonoidal content, that can serve as lead compounds in managing various diseases, including oxidative stress, inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. It is a comprehensive study of the flavonoidal constituents from Erythrina species, with their structural diversity and reported biological activity. More than 370 flavonoid compounds were isolated from genus Erythrina, including flavones, flavonols, flavanones, chalcones, isoflavans, isoflav-3-enes, neoflav-3-ene, isoflavanones, isoflavones, pterocarpans, coumestans, arylcoumarins, coumaronochromones, arylbenzofurans, and biflavonoids.
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The anticancer potential of flavonoids isolated from the stem bark of Erythrina suberosa through induction of apoptosis and inhibition of STAT signaling pathway in Human leukemia HL-60 cells.
Article
  • Jul 2013
Erythrina suberosa is an ornamental tall tree found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Thailand and Vietnam. We have isolated four known distinct metabolites designated as α-Hydroxyerysotrine, 4'-Methoxy licoflavanone (MLF), Alpinumisoflavone (AIF) and Wighteone. Among the four isolated metabolites the two flavonoids, MLF and AIF were found to be the most potent cytotoxic agent with IC50 of ∼20μM in Human leukemia HL-60 cells.We are reporting first timethe anticancer and apoptotic potential of MLF and AIF in HL-60 cells. Both MLF and AIF inhibited HL-60 cell proliferation and induce apoptosis as measured by several biological endpoints. MLF and AIF induce apoptosis bodies formation, enhanced annexinV-FITC binding of the cells, increased sub-G0 cell fraction, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), release of cytochrome c, Bax, activation of caspase-9, caspase-3 and PARP (poly ADP Ribose polymers) cleavage in HL-60 cells. MLF and AIF also increase the expression of apical death receptor, Fas, with inhibition of anti-apoptotic protein Bid. All the above parameters revealed that these two flavonoids induce apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in HL-60 cells. In spite of apoptosis, these two flavonoids significantly inhibit nuclear transcription factor NF-κB and STAT (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription) signaling pathway, which are highly expressed inleukemia. The present study provide an insight of molecular mechanism of cell death induced by MLF and AIF in HL-60 cells which may be useful in managing and treating leukemia.
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Visitantes florais de Erythrina speciosa Andr. (Leguminosae)
  • Jan 2000
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  • VITALI-VEIGA M.J.