Nut weight and nutrient contents ofCola acuminata andC. nitida (Sterculiaceae)

Cola acuminata andC. nitida nuts were classified into nut weight classes, and each nut weight class was divided into groups according to the number of nut cotyledons. The nuts in each group were analyzed for inorganic and organic constituents. Statistical analyses showed the effect of nut weight to be significant on nutrient composition in the two species (P = 0.001) while cotyledon number effect was not significant inC. acuminata. Germination percentage and growth performance varied directly with nutrient contents which, parenthetically, were positively and significantly correlated with the nut weights (0.77 < r < 0.99 and 0.1% <P < 5%). Relationship between nut cotyledon number and the nutrient contents was not consistent. The preferential taste forC. nitida by people as compared toC. acuminata is probably because the former contains more free sugar and is more nutritious.     

南方红豆杉水浸提液对喜树种子发芽和幼苗生长的化感作用

化感作用是影响人工混交林种间关系的重要因素之一。已有研究表明：喜树南方红豆杉混交对喜树生长有明显促进作用,并从混交改善混交林地微气候角度解释了这种促进作用,但未从种间化感作用角度探讨这种作用。为了探究南方红豆杉是否对喜树具有潜在的化感促进作用,从而更全面了解喜树南方红豆杉混交林种间关系,考察了不同浓度（25、50 g/L和100 g/L）的南方红豆杉（Taxus chinensis var.mairei）鲜叶、凋落叶、枝和根水浸提液对喜树（Camptotheca acuminata）种子发芽和幼苗生长的影响。结果表明：（1）南方红豆杉凋落叶浸提液对喜树种子发芽和幼苗生长无显著影响（P>0.05）,而鲜叶、枝和根浸提液对喜树发芽和幼苗生长均具有不同程度的促进作用（P<0.05）,且作用强度大体与浓度呈正相关;（2）100 g/L的南方红豆杉鲜叶、枝和根浸提液浸泡的喜树种子,其发芽率比对照组分别提高8.1%、14.9%和25.6%;（3）南方红豆杉鲜叶浸提液只有在高浓度（100 g/L）时,对喜树幼苗基径生长具有促进作用（P<0.05）,而对其株高、全株干重和净光合速率无显著影响;南方红豆杉根和枝浸提液对喜树幼苗株高、基茎、干重和净光合速率均具有促进作用（P<0.05）,与对照组相比,100 g/L的根和枝浸提液浇灌喜树幼苗,可以使喜树幼苗株高分别提高14.2%和8.4%,基径分别提高19.0%和15.3%,干重分别提高23.1%和15.9%,净光合速率分别提高11.6%和6.1%。研究结果表明,在喜树南方红豆杉混交林中,南方红豆杉对喜树的正向化感作用可能是促进喜树生长的重要因素之一。     

Water-soluble polysaccharide from Bupleurum chinense DC: Isolation, structural features and antioxidant activity

The water-soluble polysaccharide (BCPS-1) was isolated from Bupleurum chinense DC. BCPS-1 (M_w = 29 kDa) was composed of Ara; Gal; Glc with a molar ratio of 2.1:2.5:1. According to FT-IR, partial acid hydrolysis, periodate oxidation and Smith degradation, methylation and GC-MS analysis, the results indicate BCPS-1 had a backbone of (1→5)-linked Ara, (1→4)-linked Gal and (1→3)-linked Gal residues with occasionally branches at O-6. The branches were composed of (1→4)-linked Glc, and terminated with Gal residues. The in vitro antioxidant activity evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging method showed that BCPS-1 had a significant antioxidant effect in a concentration-dependent manner.     

Cleavage of the O antigen 4,5,12 of Salmonella typhimurium by hydrofluoric acid

The effect of hydrofluoric acid (aqueous 48% HF) upon different lipopolysaccharides (LPS) was studied, employing conditions (48 h at + 4°C) that are commonly used to dephosphorylate LPS. From the LPS of Salmonella typhimurium having the O antigen 4,5,12 almost all of the O-antigenic sugars (Abe, Gal, Glc, Man, Rha) were liberated in dialysable form, whereas the saccharide chains of Salmonella LPS with O antigen 6,7 (Man, Glc, GlcNAc) were resistant to HF. The lability towards HF was shown to be due to the presence of the deoxysugar L-rhamnose in the saccharide backbone of the O antigen 4,5,12, since only Rha was found as the terminal sugar in the corresponding dialysable material. Hydrofluoric acid can thus be used to specifically cleave Rha-containing polysaccharides.     

大仔买麻藤在两种栽培环境下叶片的营养成分比较

为探讨栽培环境对大仔买麻藤(Gnetum montanum Markgr.f.megalocarpa Markgr.)叶片营养成分的影响,将采自云南省景东县的大仔买麻藤分别在北京和昆明的温室内培养,对其1年生幼苗叶片的营养成分进行研究。结果表明,不同栽培环境对大仔买麻藤叶片的大部分营养成分无显著影响;叶片总淀粉、总糖、黄酮和生物碱含量无显著差异;但在二糖、莰菲醇、部分氨基酸和某些元素含量上有显著差异;并且大部分的元素含量受土壤的影响显著。因此,不同栽培环境对大仔买麻藤叶片营养成分的影响不大。     

Bottom-up controls on a mixed-species HAB assemblage: A comparison of sympatric Chattonella subsalsa and Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae) isolates from the Delaware Inland Bays, USA

Recent novel mixed blooms of several species of toxic raphidophytes have caused fish kills and raised health concerns in the highly eutrophic Inland Bays of Delaware, USA. The factors that control their growth and dominance are not clear, including how these multi-species HAB events can persist without competitive exclusion occurring. We compared and contrasted the relative environmental niches of sympatric Chattonella subsalsa and Heterosigma akashiwo isolates from the bays using classic Monod-type experiments. C. subsalsa grew over a temperature range from 10 to 30 °C and a salinity range of 5–30 psu, with optimal growth occurring from 20 to 30 °C and 15 to 25 psu. H. akashiwo had similar upper temperature and salinity tolerances but also lower limits, with growth occurring from 4 to 30 °C and 5 to 30 psu and optimal growth between 16 and 30 °C and 10 and 30 psu. These culture results were confirmed by field observations of bloom occurrences in the Inland Bays. Maximum nutrient-saturated growth rates (μ_max) for C. subsalsa were 0.6 d⁻¹ and half-saturation concentrations for growth (K_s) were 9 μM for nitrate, 1.5 μM for ammonium, and 0.8 μM for phosphate. μ_max of H. akashiwo (0.7 d⁻¹) was slightly higher than C. subsalsa, but K_s values were nearly an order of magnitude lower at 0.3 μM for nitrate, 0.3 μM for ammonium, and 0.2 μM for phosphate. H. akashiwo is able to grow on urea but C. subsalsa cannot, while both can use glutamic acid. Cell yield experiments at environmentally relevant levels suggested an apparent preference by C. subsalsa for ammonium as a nitrogen source, while H. akashiwo produced more biomass on nitrate. Light intensity affected both species similarly, with the same growth responses for each over a range from 100 to 600 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹. Factors not examined here may allow C. subsalsa to persist during multi-species blooms in the bays, despite being competitively inferior to H. akashiwo under most conditions of nutrient availability, temperature, and salinity.     

国产鸡血藤属和崖豆藤属(豆科)的花粉形态及其系统学意义

为探讨国产豆科(Leguminosae)鸡血藤属(Callerya Endl.)和崖豆藤属(Millettia Wight et Arn.)的属间和属下分类,在扫描电镜下观察了鸡血藤属11种5变种和崖豆藤属6种2变种的花粉形态。结果表明,鸡血藤属和崖豆藤属植物的花粉都是3孔沟或3沟的单粒,辐射对称,赤道面观主要为类球形或近扁球形,极面观主要为圆形或圆状三角形。鸡血藤属植物的花粉大小为中等,而崖豆藤属的为小型。两属植物花粉的沟膜呈现或多或少的隆起或凹陷,附有细微的或粗糙的颗粒,花粉外壁纹饰可分为6种类型。花粉形态不支持Schot合并所有灰毛鸡血藤复合体中除了亮叶鸡血藤[C.nitida(Benth.)R.Geesink]与喙果鸡血藤[C.cochinchinensis(F.P.Metcalf)Z.WeiPedley]为灰毛鸡血藤[C.cinerea(Benth.)Schot]的观点,花粉大小支持将鸡血藤属从广义崖豆藤属中分离。     

Fusarium nygamai, a potential bioherbicide for Striga hermonthica control in sorghum

Glasshouse trials were performed to investigate the control of the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica by Fusarium nygamai and the performance of the host plant sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) using different inoculum substrates and inoculum amounts of the fungus. Optimal constant and alternating temperatures for the growth of the fungus were 25°C and 30/20°C, respectively. Striga incidence was decreased up to 100% when the fungus was incorporated into the soil preplanting. Emerged Striga plants at different stages of growth up to the flowering stage were killed by the fungus when the fungus was applied postemergent. In root-chamber trials none of the Striga seeds germinated when 10 ml inoculum suspension of 8 × 10⁶ spores/ml of F. nygamai was applied on seeds of the parasitic weed sprinkled on the surface of filter paper. F. nygamai has potential as a bioherbicide for Striga control. Further studies regarding its performance under field conditions and its safety to the environment and humans should be assessed.     

Genetic characterizations of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in humans in Henan, China

Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections are common causes of diarrhea worldwide. To better understand the transmission of human cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in Henan, China, 10 Cryptosporidium-positive specimens and 18 Giardia-positive specimens were characterized at the species/genotype and subtype levels. Cryptosporidium specimens were analyzed by DNA sequencing of the small subunit rRNA and 60 kDa glycoprotein genes. Among those genotyped, nine belonged to C. hominis and one C. felis, with the former belonging to three subtype families: Ia, Ib, and Id. The three Ib subtypes identified, IbA16G2, IbA19G2, and IbA20G2, were very different from the two common Ib subtypes (IbA9G3 and IbA10G2) found in other areas of the world. The distribution of Giardia duodenalis genotypes and subtypes was assessed by sequence analysis of the triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) gene. The assemblages A (eight belonging to A-I and four A-II) and B (belonging to six new subtypes) were found in 12 and six specimens, respectively. More systematic studies are needed to understand the transmission of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis in humans in China.     

桉树杂交种对桉树枝瘿姬小蜂的抗性变异分析

植物种间杂交是一种普遍自然现象,杂交往往造成植物表型及生理变异,从而改变杂种抗虫性。与亲本种相比,杂种抗虫性可能增强或减弱,也有可能处于与亲本相似水平。初生、次生代谢物的质变与量变是引起杂种抗虫性变异的重要原因。近年来,桉树杂交育种已在世界范围内广泛应用并取得了显著成效,桉树杂交种间抗虫性表现参差不齐,因此,桉树是研究杂交种抗虫性变异机制的理想材料。以2个桉树杂交种巨细桉DH201-2、巨尾桉G9及桉树重要害虫桉树枝瘿姬小蜂为研究对象,比较了2个杂交种与其纯亲本种[(巨桉×细叶桉),(巨桉×尾叶桉)]间的抗虫性差异;同时,综合比较了品系间叶片性状(叶片厚度、含水率、比叶面积)、初生化合物(C、N、可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白)及次生化合物(总酚、单宁)差异,以研究桉树杂交种抗虫性变异的理化机制。结果表明:DH201-2感染桉树枝瘿姬小蜂的虫瘿数目显著高于其双亲本种,而G9上虫瘿数目显著低于其双亲本种。DH201-2与G9的叶片厚度与巨桉相近,而显著薄于另一亲本种。DH201-2叶片含水率显著高于细叶桉、与巨桉相近;G9叶片含水率则显著低于其双亲本种。相似的是,DH201-2和G9的比叶面积均显著高于其双亲本种。初生化合物方面,DH201-2叶片可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白含量均显著高于其亲本种,N含量则仅高于细叶桉;而G9叶片可溶性蛋白含量虽高于其双亲本种,可溶性糖含量则无显著差异,N含量显著低于其双亲本种。次生化合物方面,DH201-2叶片总酚和单宁含量显著低于其双亲本种,而G9则显著高于其双亲本种。因此,与其亲本种相比,DH201-2感虫性增加,而G9抗虫性增加;与桉树枝瘿姬小蜂发育相关的营养指标(如含水率、可溶性糖、N含量)及次生防御物质(如总酚、缩合单宁)在桉树杂交种组织内的含量差异影响了桉树杂交种对桉树枝瘿姬小蜂的抗性。在全球推行桉树杂交育种且桉树害虫数量逐年增加的大背景下,应加强对桉树杂交种抗虫性机制研究,为选育高抗品系及桉树产业可持续发展提供理论指导。     

Parasitism by Pteromalus cerealellae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) on the Cowpea weevil, Callosbruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae): Host density, temperature effects, and host finding ability

Studies on interactions between a larval parasitoid, Pteromalus cerealellae (Boucek) and one of its hosts, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) were carried out in the laboratory. The number of host larvae parasitized by P. cerealellae increased with host larvae at low densities and tended to a plateau at a density of 25 larvae per female parasitoid. Each parasitoid was able to parasitize more hosts and produced more offspring at 20 and 25 °C than at 30 °C. The number of non-infested seeds mixed with seeds infested with the last instar of C. maculatus did not preclude P. cerealellae from identifying infested seeds and attacking larvae inside them. When infested seeds were tightly packed, several host larvae escaped parasitism. P. cerealellae may be a useful biological control agent in newly harvested cowpea with low C. maculatus infestation, and lowering the temperature of the storage system may enhance the effectiveness of this parasitoid.     

Field and laboratory studies on the fungus Aspergillus parasiticus, a pathogen of the pink sugar cane mealybug Saccharicoccus sacchari

Infestation of sugar cane nodes by the mealybug Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell) was studied in two commercial fields over a 7-month period in 1987. Natural enemies associated with S. sacchari were fungi Aspergillus parasiticus Speare, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin, and Penicillium spp.; the dipteran Cacoxenus perspicax Knab; and the hymenopteran parasitoid Anagyrus saccharicola Timberlake. A. parasiticus was the predominent natural enemy of S. sacchari whereas all other natural enemies showed a low level of activity. The highest prevalence of A. parasiticus was in March when it occurred on 84% of S. sacchari-infested nodes. The prevalence of A. parasiticus declined rapidly during April and May and was absent in the winter months during which nodal infestation of S. sacchari increased. In laboratory bioassays all fungal isolates originating from S. sacchari were more virulent at 28°C than at 24°C. Laboratory studies supported the hypothesis based on field observations that temperature highly influenced the efficacy of A. parasiticus against S. sacchari.     

The effect of blueberry extracts on Giardia duodenalis viability and spontaneous excystation of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, in vitro

The protozoan parasites Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium parvum are common causes of diarrhoea, worldwide. Effective drug treatment is available for G. duodenalis, but with anecdotal evidence of resistance or reduced compliance. There is no effective specific chemotherapeutic intervention for Cryptosporidium. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the antimicrobial properties of berries and their phenolic compounds but little work has been done on their antiparasitic actions. The effect of various preparations of blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) extract on G. duodenalis trophozoites and C. parvum oocysts were investigated. Pressed blueberry extract, a polyphenolic-rich blueberry extract, and a commercially produced blueberry drink (Bouvrage) all demonstrated antigiardial activity. The polyphenol-rich blueberry extract reduced trophozoite viability in a dose dependent manner. At 167 μg ml⁻¹, this extract performed as well as all dilutions of pressed blueberry extract and the Bouvrage beverage (9.6 ± 2.8% live trophozoites remaining after 24 h incubation). The lowest dilution of blueberry extract tested (12.5% v/v) contained >167 μg ml⁻¹ of polyphenolic compounds suggesting that polyphenols are responsible for the reduced survival of G. duodenalis trophozoites. The pressed blueberry extract, Bouvrage beverage and the polyphenolic-rich blueberry extract increased the spontaneous excystation of C. parvum oocysts at 37 °C, compared to controls, but only at a dilution of 50% Bouvrage beverage, equivalent to 213 μg ml⁻¹ gallic acid equivalents in the polyphenolic-rich blueberry extract. Above this level, spontaneous excystation is decreased. We conclude that water soluble extracts of blueberries can kill G. duodenalis trophozoites and modify the morphology of G. duodenalis and C. parvum.     

疣壶藓尖叶变种的芽胞形成及其生态意义

该研究以疣壶藓尖叶变种(Gymnostomiella vernicosa var.acuminata)为实验材料,在人工培养条件下观察并记录其芽胞产生及脱落过程,以揭示该分类群及相关类群的芽胞形成过程和机制,为疣壶藓尖叶变种的分类提供参考性特征指标,明确苔藓植物芽胞的进化和生态学意义。结果显示,疣壶藓尖叶变种的芽胞形成过程划分为3个阶段:(1)茎表皮细胞的外切向壁局部向外隆起,外突的疣壶藓尖叶变种表皮细胞富含叶绿体,可进行光合作用。(2)芽胞起始细胞横向分裂,形成一个基细胞和一个顶细胞;基细胞经数次横向分裂,下部形成柄状结构,上部的细胞常呈喇叭形的“柄托”;顶细胞经多方向细胞分裂,形成椭球状至圆球状芽胞体,形成初期为富含叶绿体的厚壁细胞,成熟后叶绿体数目逐渐减少,最终变成深棕色至红棕色。(3)由薄壁的柄细胞随机破损使芽胞从母株上脱落。研究表明,在无法预测的多变栖息环境中,相对于有较高的能量、遗传和生态消耗的有性生殖,疣壶藓尖叶变种产生芽胞是一种风险分担策略,可以提高生存几率和有效利用资源,可视为一种扩大和维持种群的有效途径。     

越南壳斗科植物新记录种(英文)

记载了采自越南奠边省的越南新记录种Castanopsis gamblei Hickel et A.Camus。该种与C.jucunda Hance相似,但区别在于中脉在叶上面凸起,侧脉8~12对,壳斗外壁的刺长为1~1.5 cm,壳斗具短柄和坚果被伏毛等,并根据采自越南的标本,提供了C.gamblei的形态特征描述和绘图。     

Foreign exploration for Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and associated natural enemies on avocado (Persea americana Miller)

Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara was discovered attacking avocados in California, USA, in 1996. Host plant surveys in California indicated that S. perseae has a highly restricted host range with larvae being found only on avocados, while adults were collected from 11 different plant species. As part of a management program for this pest, a “classical” biological control program was initiated and foreign exploration was conducted to delineate the home range of S. perseae, to survey for associated natural enemies and inventory other species of phytophagous thrips on avocados grown in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, and Brazil. Foreign exploration efforts indicate that S. perseae occurs on avocados grown at high altitudes (>1500 m) from Uruapan in Mexico south to areas around Guatemala City in Guatemala. In Costa Rica, S. perseae is replaced by an undescribed congener as the dominant phytophagous thrips on avocados grown at high altitudes (>1300 m). No species of Scirtothrips were found on avocados in the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, or Brazil. In total, 2136 phytophagous thrips were collected and identified, representing over 47 identified species from at least 19 genera. The significance of these species records is discussed. Of collected material 4% were potential thrips biological control agents. Natural enemies were dominated by six genera of predatory thrips (Aeolothrips, Aleurodothrips, Franklinothrips, Leptothrips, Scolothrips, and Karnyothrips). One genus each of parasitoid (Ceranisus) and predatory mite (Balaustium) were found. Based on the results of our sampling techniques, prospects for the importation of thrips natural enemies for use in a “classical” biological control program in California against S. perseae are not promising.     

Insecticidal action of Bauhinia monandra leaf lectin (BmoLL) against Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Zabrotes subfasciatus and Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Bruchid beetle larvae cause major losses in grain legume crops throughout the world. Some bruchid species, such as the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) and the Mexican bean weevil (Zabrotes subfasciatus), are pests that damage stored seeds. The Mediterranean flour moth (Anagasta kuehniella) is of major economic importance as a flour and grain feeder; it is often a severe pest in flour mills. Plant lectins have been implicated as antibiosis factors against insects. Bauhinia monandra leaf lectin (BmoLL) was tested for anti-insect activity against C. maculatus, Z. subfasciatus and A. kuehniella larvae. BmoLL produced ca. 50% mortality to Z. subfaciatus and C. maculatus when incorporated into an artificial diet at a level of 0.5% and 0.3% (w/w), respectively. BmooLL up to 1% did not significantly decrease the survival of A. kuehniella larvae, but produced a decrease of 40% in weight. Affinity chromatography showed that BmoLL bound to midgut proteins of the insect C. maculatus. 33 kDa subunit BmoLL was not digested by midgut preparations of these bruchids. BmoLL-fed C. maculatus larvae increased the digestion of potato starch by 25% compared with the control. The transformation of the genes coding for this lectin could be useful in the development of insect resistance in important agricultural crops.     

Differences in oligosaccharide pattern of a sample of polar bear colostrum and mid-lactation milk

Although the concentrations of carbohydrate in the colostrum and in the mid-lactation milk of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) were similar, the oligosaccharide patterns differed. The colostrum sample contained Neu5Ac(α2-3)Gal(β1-4)Glc (3′-N-acetylneuraminyllactose), GalNAc(α1-3)[Fuc(α1-2)]Gal(β1-4)Glc (A-tetrasaccharide), Fuc(α1-2)Gal(β1-4)Glc (2′-fucosyllactose) and Gal(β1-4)Glc (lactose). The mid-lactation milk contained Gal(α1-3)[Fuc(α1-2)]Gal(β1-4)[Fuc(α1-3)]Glc (B-pentasaccharide), GalNAc(α1-3)[Fuc(α1-2)]Gal(β1-4)[Fuc(α1-3)]Glc (A-pentasaccharide), Gal(α1-3)[Fuc(α1-2)]Gal(β1-4)Glc (B-tetrasaccharide), A-tetrasaccharide, Gal(α1-3)Gal(β1-4)[Fuc(α1-3)]Glc (3-fucosylisoglobotriose), Gal(α1-3)Gal(β1-4)Glc (isoglobotriose) and lactose. The dominant saccharides in the colostrum were 3′-N-Acetylneuraminyllactose and lactose, whereas isoglobotriose was the dominant saccharide in the mid-lactation milk in which lactose was only a minor component. Isoglobotriose, which had previously been found to be a dominant saccharide in mature milk from the Ezo brown bear, the Japanese black bear and the polar bear, was not found in the polar bear colostrum.     

Determination of Homalodisca coagulata (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) egg ages suitable for oviposition by Gonatocerus ashmeadi, Gonatocerus triguttatus, and Gonatocerus fasciatus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae)

Homalodisca coagulata (Say) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) eggs 1–10 days of age were exposed to Gonatocerus ashmeadi Girault, Gonatocerus triguttatus Girault, and Gonatocerus fasciatus Girault (all Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) in no choice laboratory trials to investigate egg age utilization and to determine which egg ages are vulnerable to attack by these three parasitoids. The H. coagulata egg ages that were most suitable for oviposition by G. ashmeadi, G. triguttatus, and G. fasciatus were eggs 3, 4, and 2 days of age, respectively. Egg ages least suitable for parasitoid development were 6–10 days for G. ashmeadi (resulting in <50% parasitism), 1–2 and 7–10 days for G. triguttatus (resulting in <25% parasitism), and 3–10 days for G. fasciatus (resulting in <11% parasitism). Pooling parasitism data across all egg ages showed that parasitism by G. ashmeadi was 12.9 and 28.5% higher compared with G. triguttatus and G. fasciatus, respectively, and G. triguttatus resulted in 15.6% higher percentage parasitism compared with G. fasciatus. Egg age had a significant effect on the percentage of female G. ashmeadi offspring produced, but this was not significant for G. triguttatus, and low G. fasciatus parasitism prevented statistical analyses for comparisons. Results from tests where females were offered a choice for oviposition between eggs 1, 3, and 5 days of age demonstrated that G. ashmeadi and G. triguttatus showed no significant oviposition preference, while percentage parasitism by G. fasciatus was 29.4 and 7.4% higher when females were presented eggs 1 and 3 days of age, respectively, compared with eggs 5 days of age. Choice tests indicated that an overlap in egg age suitability for oviposition exists between G. ashmeadi, G. triguttatus, and G. fasciatus, and that interspecific competition for eggs 1, 2, and 3 days of age may occur in the field environment.