Roberta Ascolese

Dr. Roberta Ascolese


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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27 August 2025 in Insects
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GMGianluca Melone
Gianluca Melone
LALucia Andretta
Lucia Andretta
FPFeliciana Pica
Feliciana Pica
Francesco Pio DonnarummaFrancesco Pio Donnarumma
Francesco Pio Donnarumma
RARoberta Ascolese
Roberta Ascolese
SLStefania Laudonia
Stefania Laudonia
The occurrence of the invasive Orange Spiny Whitefly (Aleurocanthus spiniferus) has expanded rapidly in Italy, prompting responses from both native and unintentionally introduced natural enemies. Through field monitoring, morpho-molecular identification, and phenological analysis, a multi-species parasitoid complex acting on this pest was revealed. In addition to the predominant activity of Eretmocerus iulii, this study reports the first European detection of Encarsia smithi, genetically confirmed as belonging to haplogroup I, a lineage previously associated with A. spiniferus in Asia. Occasional parasitization by Cales noacki was also observed. Seasonal patterns suggest a possible ecological complementarity between Er. iulii and E. smithi, which may contribute to the suppression of A. spiniferus populations. Although climatic variables showed weak correlations with infestation or parasitism rates, a slight positive relationship was observed between rainfall and whitefly abundance. The increasing biocenotic complexity, reflected by the diversity and interactions among parasitoid species, indicates an emerging ecological balance. These findings underscore the potential role of unintentional biological control in supporting agroecosystem resilience.