Effects of neem-based insecticides on beet armyworm （Lepidoptera： Noctuidae）

Abstract Three commercial neem [ Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae)]-based insecticides, Agroneem, Ecozin, and Neemix, and a non-commercial neem leaf powder, were evaluated for oviposition deterrence, antifeedant effect on larvae, and toxicity to eggs and larvae of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on cotton leaves in the laboratory. Oviposition deterrence in no-choice, and two- and fivechoice assays, was observed for the neem-based insecticide treatments when compared with a non-treated control. Neem-based insecticides also deterred feeding by beet armyworm larvae. Direct contact with neem-based insecticides decreased the survival of beet armyworm eggs. Survival of beet armyworm larvae fed for 7 days on leaves treated with neembased insecticides was reduced to 27, 33, 60, and 61% for neem leaf powder, Ecozin, Agroneem, and Neemix, respectively. Possibilities for adoption of neem-based insecticides in commercial cotton for beet armyworm control are discussed.     

Control of Plutella xylostella using polymer-formulated Steinernema carpocapsae and Bacillus thuringiensis in cabbage fields

Abstract:  Field trials evaluating the potential of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae and the feasibility to combine nematodes with Bacillus thuringiensis for sustainable control of the diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella were conducted in cabbage cultivated in the province Probolinggo, east Java and Indonesia. A single use of 0.5 million S. carpocapsae  m⁻² applied with a surfactant-polymer-formulation containing 0.3% xanthan and 0.3% Rimulgan^® achieved a significant reduction of the insects per plant with >50% control after 7 days. Even 14 days after the application about 45% control was recorded and dead larvae containing nematodes were found. No significant effects were recorded when the formulation was compared with nematodes applied in water or with a surfactant alone. This was attributed to high humidity in the experimental area at the end of the rainy season and a microclimate in the cabbage heads favouring nematode survival. Weekly applications of B. thuringiensis (Turex^®) or alternating applications of Turex^® and the nematodes achieved >80% control. The application of both biological agents together every second week reached insignificant lower efficacy (70%). Nematodes can be used to substitute ineffective chemical insecticides and alterations with B. thuringiensis can prevent the further development of resistance against the bacterial control agent.     

Pb2+在甜菜夜蛾体内的积累及对种群的影响

重金属的污染及其治理是目前倍受关注的生态学问题之一.甜菜夜蛾是我国长江流域及以南地区蔬菜、棉花等作物上的主要害虫,近几年突发趋势明显.本文以甜菜夜蛾为靶标对象,设计5个浓度(0.3、1.2、4.8、19.2、76.8 mg · kg^-1)重金属Pb²⁺处理,探讨处理后甜菜夜蛾各虫态体内Pb²⁺的积累和排泄,并根据甜菜夜蛾各虫态的生长与存活情况,构建了该虫连续3个世代的种群生命表.结果表明: 取食含有不同浓度Pb²⁺的人工饲料后,各虫态甜菜夜蛾体内Pb²⁺的浓度在同一世代不同处理间存在显著差异,且呈显著的剂量 反应关系.各虫态体内Pb²⁺的浓度基本上随胁迫世代数的延长而增加.受Pb²⁺胁迫后,各虫态体内Pb²⁺的浓度顺序为5龄幼虫＞成虫＞蛹;该虫可通过粪便、预蛹蜕和蛹壳排泄体内部分重金属,且粪便和预蛹蜕中的Pb²⁺浓度远大于蛹蜕中的浓度;根据Pb²⁺不同浓度条件下甜菜夜蛾各虫态的存活率、雌性比和产卵量,构建的种群生命表表明,低浓度Pb²⁺胁迫可促进甜菜夜蛾的种群增长,而高浓度胁迫使种群增长衰退;且随着重金属的持续胁迫,其种群衰退更明显.研究结果为长期、客观评价重金属的危害性以及对重要农业害虫的种群影响提供了借鉴.     

Pb2+在甜菜夜蛾体内的积累及对种群的影响

重金属的污染及其治理是目前倍受关注的生态学问题之一.甜菜夜蛾是我国长江流域及以南地区蔬菜、棉花等作物上的主要害虫,近几年突发趋势明显.本文以甜菜夜蛾为靶标对象,设计5个浓度(0.3、1.2、4.8、19.2、76.8 mg · kg^-1)重金属Pb²⁺处理,探讨处理后甜菜夜蛾各虫态体内Pb²⁺的积累和排泄,并根据甜菜夜蛾各虫态的生长与存活情况,构建了该虫连续3个世代的种群生命表.结果表明: 取食含有不同浓度Pb²⁺的人工饲料后,各虫态甜菜夜蛾体内Pb²⁺的浓度在同一世代不同处理间存在显著差异,且呈显著的剂量 反应关系.各虫态体内Pb²⁺的浓度基本上随胁迫世代数的延长而增加.受Pb²⁺胁迫后,各虫态体内Pb²⁺的浓度顺序为5龄幼虫＞成虫＞蛹;该虫可通过粪便、预蛹蜕和蛹壳排泄体内部分重金属,且粪便和预蛹蜕中的Pb²⁺浓度远大于蛹蜕中的浓度;根据Pb²⁺不同浓度条件下甜菜夜蛾各虫态的存活率、雌性比和产卵量,构建的种群生命表表明,低浓度Pb²⁺胁迫可促进甜菜夜蛾的种群增长,而高浓度胁迫使种群增长衰退;且随着重金属的持续胁迫,其种群衰退更明显.研究结果为长期、客观评价重金属的危害性以及对重要农业害虫的种群影响提供了借鉴.     

Effects of Host Cell Density on Cell Infection Level in Antheraea eucalypti (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) Cell Cultures Persistently Infected with Nosema bombycis (Microsporida: Nosematidae)

ABSTRACT. Spores of Nosema bombycis Y9101, isolated from the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua , were primed with an alkaline solution and inoculated into Antheraea eucalypti cell cultures. Infected cells were subcultured every five days at three cell densities (2.5 × 10³, 5.0 × 10³, and 1.0 × 10⁴ cells/cm²). A difference was observed in the spread of N. bombycis Y9101 infection between low-density and higher-density cultures of host cells. The host cell density did not affect the productivity of secondary infective forms of the parasite. The principal factor determining the rate of microsporidian infection in vitro was the number of host cells existing within the reach of extruded short-coiled polar tubes from spores germinated intracellularly.     

Functional response of Picromerus bidens: effects of host plant

Abstract:  The influence of three solanaceous plants (tomato, sweet pepper and eggplant) on the functional response of the predatory bug Picromerus bidens to densities of fourth-instar larvae of the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua was assessed. Logistic regression indicated a type II functional response on all host plants. Over all prey densities, P. bidens killed significantly fewer fourth instars of S. exigua on tomato than on sweet pepper or eggplant (1.96 ± 0.17 vs. 4.37 ± 0.19 and 3.90 ± 0.15 larvae per predator per 24 h respectively). A higher theoretical maximum predation rate was estimated on sweet pepper (11.1 prey larvae per day) and eggplant (7.4) than on tomato (5.4). The mean number of prey killed per day by P. bidens females ranged from 0.78 at a density of one prey on tomato to 8.45 at a density of 24 prey on sweet pepper. The data indicated that the estimates of handling time ( T _h) and attack rate ( a ) were highly affected by host plant. Based on asymptotic 95% confidence intervals, a lower attack coefficient was found on tomato (0.02 h⁻¹) than on sweet pepper or eggplant (0.07 and 0.11 h⁻¹ respectively). On the other hand, handling times were significantly longer on tomato (4.42 h) and eggplant (3.23 h) than on sweet pepper (2.15 h). This laboratory study suggests that plant characteristics influence the ability of P. bidens to respond to changes in prey density.     

甜菜夜蛾抗药性研究现状

就有关甜菜夜蛾Spodoptera exigua(Hbner)对常用杀虫剂的抗药性现状作综述。甜菜夜蛾对拟除虫菊酯类、有机磷类、氨基甲酸酯类杀虫剂已产生了较高水平的抗药性,其中山东泰安抗性种群对氯氟氰菊酯的抗性高达2445.5倍;对多杀菌素等生物杀虫剂产生了中低水平的抗性;对昆虫生长调节剂如虫酰肼的敏感性也有所降低,但昆虫生长调节剂依然是比较理想的防治药剂。对交互抗性及抗性治理也作了阐述。     

甜菜夜蛾群体繁殖及其对杀虫剂毒力敏感性测定

用黄豆粉、麦胚粉、酵母粉为主要营养成份研制成人工饲料,实现了甜菜夜蛾大量饲养及群体繁殖,与自然饲料相比,人工饲料饲养甜菜夜蛾幼虫存活与成虫产卵量明显增加,室内用浸渍法测定11种杀虫剂对甜菜夜蛾2龄幼虫的毒力,结果表明,田间甜菜夜蛾种群对除尽,米满,菜喜最敏感,其次是对抑太保,卡死克,毒丝本,高效灭百可,快灵,对锐劲特,氯氰菊酯,乙酰甲胺磷的毒力均已高度不敏感。     

草地贪夜蛾幼虫对常用杀虫剂相对敏感基线的建立

【目的】本研究旨在建立草地贪夜蛾Spodoptera frugiperda对常用杀虫剂的相对敏感基线,为我国草地贪夜蛾的抗药性系统性监测提供依据。【方法】从玉米田采集草地贪夜蛾在室内不接触任何杀虫剂连续饲养5~7代,采用浸叶法和点滴法测定了草地贪夜蛾3龄幼虫以及采用饲料药膜法测定了草地贪夜蛾2龄幼虫对6大类共7种常用杀虫剂(甲维盐、乙基多杀菌素、虫螨腈、茚虫威、四氯虫酰胺、虱螨脲和氯虫苯甲酰胺)的敏感性,并据此建立了草地贪夜蛾幼虫对这7种杀虫剂的相对敏感基线。【结果】浸叶法测得上述7种药剂对草地贪夜蛾幼虫的LC₅₀值在0.054~12.131 mg/L之间;点滴法测得上述6种药剂(不含虱螨脲)对草地贪夜蛾幼虫的LD₅₀值在0.355~4.707 μg/g之间;饲料药膜法测得上述7种药剂对草地贪夜蛾幼虫的LC₅₀值在0.003~0.238 μg/cm²之间。【结论】采用3种生测方法建立了草地贪夜蛾幼虫对几种常用杀虫剂的相对敏感基线,为我国草地贪夜蛾的抗药性监测和化学防治提供了依据。     

不同方式诱导植物抗性对甜菜夜蛾幼虫及其寄生蜂斑痣悬茧蜂发育表现的影响

【目的】明确诱导植物抗性对植食性昆虫甜菜夜蛾 Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) 及内寄生蜂斑痣悬茧蜂 Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) 生长发育的影响。【方法】采用取食损伤、机械损伤及外源喷施3种浓度 (0.01, 0.1和1 mmol/L) 茉莉酸甲酯 (MeJA) 3种方式来诱导菜薹抗性,观察甜菜夜蛾初孵幼虫及其寄生蜂斑痣悬茧蜂的发育表现。【结果】取食取食损伤和茉莉酸甲酯处理的菜薹后,甜菜夜蛾幼虫存活率显著降低,茉莉酸甲酯浓度与幼虫存活呈负相关; 取食0.1 mmol/L MeJA处理的菜薹后,甜菜夜蛾幼虫体重显著低于清水对照。甜菜夜蛾取食取食损伤和0.1 mmol/L MeJA处理的菜薹,其寄生蜂斑痣悬茧蜂幼虫的死亡率显著增加,同时结茧率显著降低;0.1 mmol/L MeJA处理的菜薹使成蜂体重显著低于对照。不同处理间斑痣悬茧蜂的卵巢发育无明显差异,卵巢由8~10根卵巢管组成,羽化24 h后成熟卵数量为7~10个,成熟卵的长度和宽度分别为350和78 μm。【结论】结果说明,取食损伤和茉莉酸甲酯处理诱导的菜薹反应会影响甜菜夜蛾的存活和大小,进而抑制斑痣悬茧蜂生长。     

Action of major insecticide groups on insect cell lines of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, compared with larvicidal toxicity

In a first series of experiments, the biological response of a continuous cell line of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, was tested with different groups of insecticides with different modes of actions: acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, acetycholine receptor agonists, inhibitors and uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, site I electron transport inhibitors, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor inhibitors, chitin synthesis inhibitors, and juvenile hormone analogues. From the concentration response curves, 50% inhibition concentration (IC(50)) values were calculated. The most active compound in vitro was pyridaben with an IC(50) value of 0.0083 ppm. In a second series of experiments, the toxicity of these insecticide groups was determined on third-instar larvae of S. exigua, and lethal concentration with 50% kill (LC(50)) values were used in the evaluation of their in vivo biological activity. Toxicity bioassays showed that lufenuron was the most toxic (LC(50) = 0.098 ppm). To explain the discrepancies in biological responses in vitro with insect cells compared with in vivo conditions with whole third-instar larvae, the significance of different detoxifying enzyme systems was tested. P(450) monooxygenases, esterases, and glutathione S-transferases were measured in third-instar larvae and cells of S. exigua. Data are discussed in terms of the usefulness of insect cell cultures as tools in the screening for novel insecticide actions.     

Top-down and bottom-up regulation of herbivores: Spodoptera frugiperda turns tables on endophyte-mediated plant defence and virulence of an entomopathogenic nematode

Abstract.  1. The fungus Neotyphodium lolii forms a symbiotic relationship with its grass host Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass). The fungus benefits from access to plant nutrients and photosynthate, whereas the plant benefits from acquired chemical defence against herbivory.
2. This study examined the potential for endophyte-mediated plant defences to influence interactions between fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda , and the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae and clarified biological mechanisms underlying the observations made.
3. In laboratory and greenhouse experiments, S. frugiperda larvae were fed endophytic or non-endophytic L. perenne then exposed to S. carpocapsae or injected with the nematodes' symbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus nematophila .
4. In all instances, S. frugiperda larvae fed endophyte-infected grass suffered significantly lower mortality than those fed non-endophytic plants. Although larvae fed endophyte-infected grass often had significantly lower biomass than those fed uninfected grass, these differences did not account for altered susceptibility to S. carpocapsae .
5. Endophyte-mediated reductions in herbivore susceptibility to the nematode pathogen represent a herbivore adaptation that effectively turns the tables on both plant and natural enemy by reducing the virulence of the nematodes' symbiotic bacteria while expanding the temporal window of herbivory.     

Significance of penetration and metabolism on topical toxicity of diflubenzuron in Spodoptera littoralis and Spodoptera exigua

Toxicity assays indicated that when diflubenzuron (DFB) was topically applied on larvae of the Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval), and the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), estimated LD₅₀ values were similar, reaching 0.47 and 0.44 ng/larva, respectively. This study evaluated the importance of the rate of uptake and excretion, and of enzymatic metabolism in building up an insecticidal toxicity after topical application on the insect cuticle in both species. In general, penetration of DFB in S. littoralis was about 2-fold higher than in S. exigua, whereas metabolic breakdown was of minor importance in S. littoralis as compared with S. exigua. The current data indicate the importance of cuticle penetration and discuss that extrapolation from oral feeding toxicity results to topical toxicity data should be evaluated with caution, especially for insect growth regulators used in integrated pest management.     

氰氟虫腙对草地贪夜蛾的毒力与田间防效

【目的】本研究旨在明确氰氟虫腙对草地贪夜蛾Spodoptera frugiperda幼虫的毒力水平和田间防治效果,为科学使用氰氟虫腙防治草地贪夜蛾提供参考依据。【方法】采用饲料混毒法在室内测定了氰氟虫腙与4种常用杀虫剂甲维盐、氯虫苯甲酰胺、虱螨脲和茚虫威对草地贪夜蛾3和6龄幼虫的致死中浓度(LC₅₀)及LC₉₀值,以及LC₉₀浓度的这些杀虫剂对3龄幼虫的致死中时(medium lethal time, LT₅₀)值。采用人工喷雾方法测定了玉米田中22%氰氟虫腙悬浮剂(6.6 g/667 m²)、22%氰氟虫腙悬浮剂(17.6 g/667 m²)、5.7%甲维盐水分散剂(1 g/667 m²)和150 g/L茚虫威悬浮剂(2 g/667 m²)对草地贪夜蛾幼虫的防效。【结果】室内生测结果显示,供试的5种杀虫剂中氰氟虫腙对草地贪夜蛾3和6龄幼虫均具有较高的毒力,其LC₅₀值分别为2.64和4.3...     

甜菜夜蛾不同龄期幼虫对药剂的敏感性及其与酶活力的关系

【目的】明确甜菜夜蛾Spodoptera exigua(Hübner)不同龄期幼虫对甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐和毒死蜱的敏感性及其与羧酸酯酶、多功能氧化酶、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶和乙酰胆碱酯酶活性的相关性。【方法】采用室内生物测定方法检测甜菜夜蛾不同龄期幼虫对药剂的敏感性,并检测了不同龄期幼虫体内羧酸酯酶、多功能氧化酶、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶和乙酰胆碱酯酶的活力。【结果】在所测定的5个龄期中,随龄期增加,敏感性逐渐降低,其中1~5龄幼虫对甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐的LC50分别为0.1010、0.3561、0.7568、1.4325和8.4390 mg/L,对毒死蜱的LC50分别为27.4632、46.8495、87.5222、129.3217和1 356.6770 mg/L。单头幼虫的羧酸酯酶、多功能氧化酶、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶和乙酰胆碱酯酶活力随虫龄的增加而提高,与龄期间对药剂的敏感性呈负相关(由于外源化合物摄入量减少,5龄单头幼虫的多功能氧化酶活力略有降低)。【结论】甜菜夜蛾不同龄期幼虫对药剂的敏感性存在非常明显的差异,在田间防治中,应选择对杀虫剂敏感性较高的低龄幼虫作为最佳防治时期。     

Toxicity of six commercially formulated insecticides and biopesticides to third instar larvae of mushroom sciarid, Lycoriella ingenua Dufour (Diptera: Sciaridae), in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract  Lycoriella ingenua is one of the major pests of cultivated mushrooms, Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach . Insecticide resistance among mushroom sciarid populations has been reported from other countries, and there is a need to determine the toxicity of currently approved and potential pesticides to sustain control of mushroom sciarid populations in Australia. The present study investigated the toxicity of six commercial formulations of insecticides or biopesticides against third instar larvae of L .  ingenua using laboratory bioassays. Insecticide treatments were incorporated into the growing medium for sciarid larvae and the concentration of the pesticide, which killed 90% of the test population (LD₉₀) determined the efficacy of selected insecticides. Triflumuron was the most effective insecticide against L. ingenua with an LD₉₀ of 53.12 mg active ingredient (a.i.)/m² followed by cyromazine (LD₉₀, 179.68 mg a.i./m²) and diazinon (LD₉₀, 261.72 mg a.i./m²). Abamectin and Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. israelensis were ineffective against L. ingenua . Steinernema feltiae , an entomopathogenic nematode, reduced the number of third instar larvae of L. ingenua only when applied at a higher rate (LD₉₀, 732 422 nematodes/m²) than was recommended on the label.     

Characterization of the damage of Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) and Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to structures of cotton plants

The cotton plant, Gossypium hirsutum, hosts various pests that damage different structures. Among these pests, Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker) and Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are considered important. The objectives of this study were to characterize and to quantify the potential damage of S. eridania and S. cosmioides feeding on different structures of cotton plants. For this purpose, newly-hatched larvae were reared on the following plant parts: leaf and flower bud; leaf and boll; flower bud or boll; and leaf, flower bud and boll. The survival of S. cosmioides and S. eridania was greater than 80% and 70% for larvae fed on cotton plant parts offered separately or together, respectively. One larva of S. eridania damaged 1.7 flower buds, but did not damage bolls, while one larva of S. cosmioides damaged 5.2 flower buds and 3.0 cotton bolls. Spodoptera eridania and S. cosmioides can be considered species with potential to cause economic damage to cotton plants because they can occur throughout cotton developmental stages causing defoliation and losses of reproductive structures. Therefore, the results validate field observations that these two species of Spodoptera are potential pests for cotton.     

New cell lines from larval fat bodies of Spodoptera exigua: characterization and susceptibility to baculoviruses (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Two new cell lines, designated IOZCAS-Spex-II and IOZCAS-Spex-III, were initiated from the fat bodies of larvae of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in TNM-FH medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. The spherical cells were predominant among the various cell types and measures approximately 15 microm in diameter. The cell lines were mainly composed of tetraploid cells with chromosome numbers ranging from 116 to 131 (n=31). The cell lines were confirmed to have originated from the S. exigua by DAF-PCR technique. They were susceptible to the multiple nucleocapsid nuclear polyhedrosis viruses from S. exigua.     

甜菜夜蛾SeGluCl剪接变异体的敲除及其对杀虫剂敏感性的影响

【目的】本研究旨在利用CRISPR/Cas9基因编辑技术,探索甜菜夜蛾Spodoptera exigua谷氨酸门控氯离子通道(glutamate-gated chloride channels, GluCls)基因不同转录变异体编码的SeGluCls对杀虫剂敏感性是否存在差异。【方法】采用RT-PCR和RACE技术获得甜菜夜蛾SeGluCl的全长cDNA序列,并对其进行生物信息学分析;利用CRISPR/Cas9基因编辑技术敲除SeGluCl两个剪接变异体SeGluCl 3a和SeGluCl 3b,并构建甜菜夜蛾敲除品系(3a-KO和3b-KO),生物测定甜菜夜蛾敏感品系WH-S(对照品系)及3a-KO和3b-KO品系的3龄幼虫对阿维菌素、甲维盐和氟虫腈3种杀虫剂敏感性的差异。【结果】获得了甜菜夜蛾SeGluCl全长cDNA序列,并发现其2种剪接变异体(SeGluCl 3a和SeGluCl 3b),SeGluCl 3a(GenBank登录号：OM304353)的开放阅读框(open reading frame, ORF)长1 362 bp,编码454个氨基酸,SeGluCl 3b(Gen...     

Entomopathogenic Nematode Infectivity Assay: Comparison of Penetration Rate into Different Hosts

Penetration rate (the percentage of the initial infective juvenile inoculum that invades an insect host) was tested as an indicator of entomopathogenic nematode infectivity. Several host-parasite-substrate combinations were evaluated for penetration rate. Four steinernematids, Steinernema carpocapsae, S. glaseri, S. feltiae, S. riobravis and two strains of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora were tested in a contact bioassay against the wax moth, Galleria mellonella, the yellow meal worm, Tenebrio molitor, the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon, and the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. The insect larvae were confined individually in sand and filter paper arenas and exposed to 200 infective juveniles. After incubation, dead insects were dissected in order to count the nematodes penetrated. The data were analyzed for the effects of nematode strain and substrate on penetration rate. The bioassay substrate had a variable effect depending on the insect species. The nematode effect was highly significant for all insects tested. The penetration rate therefore allowed comparisons among nematode strains invading a host. Nematode ranking for infectivity differed according to the insect tested.