Life table attributes of Clitostethus arcuatus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) feeding on Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Siphoninus phillyreae (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

The ladybird beetle Clitostethus arcuatus Rossi (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is one of the most effective predators of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood, and the ash whitefly, Siphoninus phillyreae Haliday (Hem: Aleyrodidae). Two stock cultures of C. arcuatus were established under controlled conditions (25 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 5%RH and L–D:16–8), one using T. vaporariorum and one using S. phillyreae as prey. Newly laid C. arcuatus eggs from each culture were evaluated for immature survival. Thirty pairs of C. arcuatus (24 h-old) were selected for studying the reproductive life history of C. arcuatus on the two hosts. Results showed that the period between oviposition and hatch did not show significant difference on different prey. Duration of different instars stages of C. arcuatus differed significantly, except second instars, which was 4 days for both diets. Pupal period differed significantly between the two prey types. Egg hatch was 95% and 91.7% for adults fed on T. vaporariorum and S. phillyreae, respectively. There was a significant difference among some treatments for gross fecundity rate and net reproductive rate (R₀), indicating that prey had a significant impact on the biological activities of C. arcuatus. The intrinsic rate (r_m) and finite rate of increase (λ) were 0.063 and 0.078, respectively, for T. vaporariorum, and 1.0026 and, 1.08, respectively, for S. phillyreae.     

Biology and thermal requirements of Chrysoperla genanigra (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) reared on Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) eggs

Chrysoperla genanigra Freitas is a common green lacewing associated with melon pests in the Northeastern Brazil. All life stages of this recently described species were studied under a range of constant temperature conditions (17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 35 and 37 °C), a photoperiod of 12 h:12 h (L:D) and 70 ± 10% relative humidity. Adults of C. genanigra were fed on a diet consisting of a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of brewer’s yeast and honey, while larvae were provided with eggs of Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) ad libitum. The duration of preimaginal development of the species was inversely proportional to temperature and ranged from approximately 63 days at 17 °C to 15 days at 35 °C. The percentage of adult emergence varied from 6.7% at 17 °C to 76.7% at 25 °C, although no larvae were able to complete development at 37 °C. The lower thermal threshold for total preimaginal development was approximately 10.8 °C and the thermal requirement was 336.7 degree-days. Egg production, along with the longevity of both males and females, were significantly affected by temperature. It is concluded that the best temperature for rearing C. genanigra is 25 °C, with the lowest preimaginal mortality and the highest egg production (992.7 eggs/female).     

Oviposition and reproductive performance of a generalist parasitoid (Trichogramma pretiosum) exposed to host species that differ in their physical characteristics

The response of generalist egg parasitoids to alternative natural hosts that are present simultaneously is not well known. We investigated the behavior of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in relation to two field hosts Helicoverpa armigera Hübner and Spodoptera litura Fabricius, in choice and no choice tests. We quantified the effects of natal host species and post-emergence adult age on the oviposition preference of the parasitoids. H. armigera eggs were consistently preferred over S. litura eggs, regardless of the natal host and adult age. When only S. litura eggs were available as hosts, they were parasitized at statistically similar rates to H. armigera eggs (average of 17 ± 2.7 vs. 13 ± 3.0, H. armigera to S. litura). The adult lifespan and lifetime fecundity of T. pretiosum were variable but were affected by natal host species and/or host species to which they were exposed. Mean lifespan and fecundity of parasitoids that had developed in H. armigera eggs and were exposed to H. armigera eggs for oviposition were 13.9 ± 1.8 days and 98.7 ± 11.0 adult offspring. By contrast, those that developed in S. litura eggs and were exposed to S. litura eggs for oviposition lived for 7 ± 0.9 days and produced 53.8 ± 8.0 adult offspring. The ovigeny index (OI) was significantly lower in the parasitoids exposed to H. armigera eggs than in those exposed to S. litura eggs, regardless of the natal host, indicating that H. armigera eggs sustain the adult parasitoids better than S. litura eggs. These results are used to predict parasitoid behavior in the field when both hosts are available.     

Synthesis and antioxidant evaluation of (S,S)- and (R,R)-secoisolariciresinol diglucosides (SDGs)

Secoisolariciresinol diglucosides (SDGs) (S,S)-SDG-1 (major isomer in flaxseed) and (R,R)-SDG-2 (minor isomer in flaxseed) were synthesized from vanillin via secoisolariciresinol (6) and glucosyl donor 7 through a concise route that involved chromatographic separation of diastereomeric diglucoside derivatives (S,S)-8 and (R,R)-9. Synthetic (S,S)-SDG-1 and (R,R)-SDG-2 exhibited potent antioxidant properties (EC₅₀ = 292.17 ± 27.71 μM and 331.94 ± 21.21 μM, respectively), which compared well with that of natural (S,S)-SDG-1 (EC₅₀ = 275.24 ± 13.15 μM). These values are significantly lower than those of ascorbic acid (EC₅₀ = 1129.32 ± 88.79 μM) and α-tocopherol (EC₅₀ = 944.62 ± 148.00 μM). Compounds (S,S)-SDG-1 and (R,R)-SDG-2 also demonstrated powerful scavenging activities against hydroxyl [natural (S,S)-SDG-1: 3.68 ± 0.27; synthetic (S,S)-SDG-1: 2.09 ± 0.16; synthetic (R,R)-SDG-2: 1.96 ± 0.27], peroxyl [natural (S,S)-SDG-1: 2.55 ± 0.11; synthetic (S,S)-SDG-1: 2.20 ± 0.10; synthetic (R,R)-SDG-2: 3.03 ± 0.04] and DPPH [natural (S,S)-SDG-1: EC₅₀ = 83.94 ± 2.80 μM; synthetic (S,S)-SDG-1: EC₅₀ = 157.54 ± 21.30 μM; synthetic (R,R)-SDG-2: EC₅₀ = 123.63 ± 8.67 μM] radicals. These results confirm previous studies with naturally occurring (S,S)-SDG-1 and establish both (S,S)-SDG-1 and (R,R)-SDG-2 as potent antioxidants and free radical scavengers for potential in vivo use.     

Effect of temperature and host species on parasitism,development time and sex ratio of the egg parasitoid Trichogrammatoidea lutea Girault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

The developmental biology of Trichogrammatoidea lutea Girault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) was studied at six constant temperatures (18, 21, 24, 27, 30 and 35 °C) on eggs of three lepidopteran host species: Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Noctuidae), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Crambidae) and Cadra cautella (Walker) (Pyralidae). T. lutea did not complete development at 35 °C on any of the three host species. Parasitism levels were highest on H. armigera at 27 °C (58%), C. cautella at 27 and 30 °C (31% and 28%) and C. partellus between 24 and 30 °C (13–17%). Realized progeny of T. lutea per parasitized host egg was influenced by host size. The number of progeny of T. lutea per parasitized host egg was highest on H. armigera, followed by C. partellus and lowest on C. cautella. The sex ratio was female biased on C. partellus, female biased on C. cautella with the exception of 21 °C and close to 1:1 on H. armigera. The rate of development from egg to pupa and egg to adult was fastest on H. armigera and slowest on C. partellus. Lower thresholds for development and degree days (DD) of T. lutea from egg to adult were 12.8 °C and 105.4 DD on H. armigera, 11.3 °C and 141.6 DD on C. partellus and 12.9 °C and 118.2 DD on C. cautella, respectively. Based on these results, H. armigera is the most suitable host for mass rearing of T. lutea for biological control of Lepidoptera pests because of the relatively high parasitism levels, short development time, greater clutch size and balanced sex ratio. C. cautella may also be used although longer exposure times might be required due to lower parasitism levels.     

Life history parameters of three phytophagous spider mites,Tetranychus piercei,T. truncatus and T. bambusae (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Tetranychus piercei McGregor and Tetranychus truncatus Ehara are major pests of many crops in Bangladesh, while Tetranychus bambusae Wang and Ma is found only on plants in the family Bambusaceae. We compared the development, survivorship, and life table parameters of T. piercei and T. truncatus on bean leaves and of T. bambusae on bamboo leaves at 25 °C, 60–70% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (light:dark). The development times of T. piercei and T. truncatus from eggs to adult females were 10.2 and 8.8 days, respectively, when fed on bean leaves, while it took 9.5 days for T. bambusae feeding on Bambusa sp. leaves to develop from eggs to adult females. Mated T. piercei, T. truncatus, and T. bambusae females laid 186.9, 132.5, and 46.3 eggs on average over oviposition periods averaging 22.3, 13.5, and 20.2 days, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) was 0.275 for T. piercei, 0.301 for T. truncatus, and 0.182 for T. bambusae; meanwhile the net reproductive rate (R₀) was 114.5/female for T. piercei, 101.9/female for T. truncatus, and 25.4/female for T. bambusae. The doubling time (t_D) was lowest in T. truncatus (2.3 days) compare to T. piercei (2.5 days) and T. bambusae (3.8 days). The two polyphagous Tetranychus mites collected in Bangladesh were found to share similar life table parameters with Tetranychus mites from various other regions irrespective of food sources. This is the first report of the life table parameters of T. bambusae reared on bamboo leaves.     

Trichogramma pretiosum parasitism of Pseudoplusia includens and Anticarsia gemmatalis eggs at different temperatures

Egg parasitism of Trichogramma pretiosum strain RV when presented with eggs of Anticarsia gemmatalis and Pseudoplusia includens was investigated at 18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30 and 32 °C. The number of eggs parasitized per day decreased for both hosts as a function of the age of parasitoids, reaching 80% of lifetime parasitism more rapidly as temperature increased; on the 4th day at 32 °C and on the 12th day at 18 °C. The lifetime number of parasitized P. includens eggs achieved by the parasitoid maintained at 20 °C (44.95 ± 3.94) differed from the results recorded at 32 °C (28.5 ± 1.33). Differently, the lifetime number of A. gemmatalis parasitized eggs did not differ among the temperatures. When T. pretiosum reached 100% of lifetime parasitism, each adult female had parasitized from 28.5 ± 1.33 to 44.95 ± 3.94 and from 29.58 ± 2.80 to 45.36 ± 4.50 P. includens and A. gemmatalis eggs, respectively. Also, the longevity of these adult T. pretiosum females, for which P. includens or A. gemmatalis eggs were offered, was inversely correlated with temperature. Not only were the survival curves of those adult T. pretiosum females of type I when they were presented with eggs of A. gemmatalis but also with eggs of P. includens, i.e., there was an increase in the mortality rate with time as the temperature increased. In conclusion, T. pretiosum strain RV parasitism was impacted by temperature when on both host eggs; however, the parasitoid still exhibited high survival and, more importantly, high number of parasitized A. gemmatalis and P. includens eggs even at the extremes tested temperatures of 18 and 32 °C. Those results indicate that T. pretiosum strain RV might be well adapted to this studied temperature range and, thus, be potentially suitable for use in biological control programs of P. includens and A. gemmatalis in different geographical areas that fits in this range. It is important to emphasize the results here presented are from laboratory studies and, therefore, field trials still need to be carried out in the future with this strain in order to support the full development of the technology intend to use this egg parasitoid in soybean fields worldwide.     

Small vertebrates (Amphibia,Squamata, Mammalia) from the late Pleistocene-Holocene of the Valdavara-1 cave (Galicia,northwestern Spain)

The Valdavara-1 cave, located in the westernmost part of the Iberian Peninsula, is an archaeological site that has been excavated since 2007. At least two main sedimentary units have been identified: an upper one, 30 cm-thick, that has yielded many fragments of ceramic characteristic of the Recent Prehistory (with a radiocarbon age of 4.490 ± 40 years BP), and a lower one, 90 cm-thick, separated from the upper one by an erosive discontinuity and late Pleistocene in age (radiocarbon ages between 13.770 ± 70 and 15.120 ± 70 years BP). The small-vertebrate assemblages recovered from the sieving-washing of all the sediment from the excavation campaigns include a total of at least 34 taxa (six amphibians, nine squamate reptiles, five insectivores, two chiropterans and 12 rodents). The materials from this locality constitutes the first mention in northwestern Spain for Microtus (Iberomys) cabrerae and Micromys minutus, currently absent from this area, as well as the first mention in the fossil record for Chioglossa lusitanica, Discoglossus galganoi and Chalcides striatus. In both layers, such small-vertebrate associations suggest a patchy landscape dominated by humid meadows and woodland areas, with the existence of water areas in the vicinity of the cave. The climate shows a more continental pattern during the late Pleistocene, as evidenced by the presence of Microtus arvalis, Sorex minutus and Rana temporaria, and was milder during the Recent Prehistory, with the occurrence of typically Mediterranean taxa such as Crocidura russula, Chioglossa lusitanica, Discoglossus galganoi, Rana iberica, Chalcides striatus and Timon lepidus. The amphibian and squamate associations suggest that the climate change recorded at the Valdavara-1 cave between the latest Pleistocene and Holocene levels may correspond to a difference of 0.8 °C in terms of mean annual temperature, although the difference is 2.8 °C for the mean temperature of the coldest month.     

Aspects of the reproductive biology of Pseudaphycus maculipennis (Hym: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of obscure mealybug,Pseudococcus viburni (Hem: Pseudococcidae)

Laboratory experiments to determine aspects of the reproductive biology of Pseudaphycus maculipennis are described. All experiments were carried out at a constant temperature of 21 ± 2 °C, a 16-h photoperiod and ambient RH. Pseudaphycus maculipennis was shown to be an arrhenotokous, synovigenic, gregarious endoparasitoid of Pseudococcus viburni. Females and males lived for 16 and 11 days, respectively, when fed either honey-agar or mealybug honeydew. Relatively, large instars (third instar or adult females) were preferred for oviposition; mated females parasitized more mealybugs than unmated females, and the progeny sex ratio favored females by 3:1. Egg load increased with age from emergence to day 8, averaging 23 mature eggs/female. Mean realised daily fecundity never exceeded 5, with a mean lifetime fecundity of 46 eggs/female. Parasitised mealybugs remained alive for about 5 days and then mummified. Total development period was 20–21 days (larva 4–5 days, prepupa 3 days, pupa 8–9 days). Development periods of eggs and individual larval instars were not measured. A mean of 3.01 ± 0.1 parasitoids/mealybug were reared after individual parasitism events, increasing through super-parasitism (either self or conspecific) to 9 parasitoids/mealybug when hosts were exposed to competing females. Pseudaphycus maculipennis progeny emerged from the mummies in discrete cohorts over periods ranging from 3 min to 18 h (depending on the number of cohorts).     

Biology and demography of Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on mulberry

Lesser mulberry pyralid, Glyphodes pyloalis Walker, is a monophagous pest of mulberry and has recently been reported in northern Iran. The biology and life table of this pest were studied in controlled conditions (24 ± 1 °C, 75 ± 5% RH and 16:8 LD). Mortality rate, metamorphosis, appearance of adult insects and adult sex ratio were recorded daily. Data were analyzed based on an age-stage, two-sex life table. Developmental rate among individuals and between sexes were also considered. The developmental periods for the egg, first through fifth instar larvae, prepupae and pupae were 4.06 ± 0.03, 2.93 ± 0.03, 2.03 ± 0.02, 2.01 ± 0.01, 2.10 ± 0.03, 4.09 ± 0.03, 2.04 ± 0.02 and 9.7 ± 0.09 days, respectively. The mean total developmental period from egg to adult was 35.40 ± 0.37 days. The maximum adult longevity was 7 and 11 days for males and females, respectively. The pre-oviposition period lasted 2.14 ± 0.04 days. Laboratory observation showed that adults are nocturnal and female lay eggs at night. The intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) and the finite rate of increase (λ) were 0.14 ± 0.005 d^? 1 and 1.15 ± 0.01 d^? 1. The net reproductive rate (R₀), gross reproductive rate (GRR) and mean generation time (T) were 134.67 ± 20.6 female offspring, 294.71 ± 4.07 eggs/female and 34.44 ± 0.2 days, respectively. Life expectancy of freshly laid egg was 32.15 days.     

Hatching,survival and deformities of piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus) embryos subjected to different cooling protocols

Groups of one hundred Brycon orbignyanus embryos at the stage of blastopore closure were subjected to different cooling protocols. Different combinations and concentrations of cryoprotectants were tested: sucrose, methanol, ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulfoxide (Me₂SO); at different temperatures (0.0 ± 2.0 °C and 8.0 ± 2.0 °C) and refrigeration times (6, 10, 24, 72 and 168 h), with the exception of the positive control (incubation without previous cooling). At the end of each refrigeration time, the embryos were acclimatized, rehydrated and incubated to determine hatching, survival and deformity rates. Morphological analysis of embryos was also carried out. The results showed that temperature and refrigeration time are critical factors for embryo survival. No embryos survived after 24, 72 and 168 h of refrigeration. Furthermore, when the refrigeration time increased from 6 to 10 h and the temperature decreased from 8.0 ± 2.0 °C to 0.0 ± 2.0 °C, mortality rates increased significantly. It was also found that in all protocols dead eggs and/or larvae with some degree of deformity were present. The main larval deformities observed were the malformation of the head, tail, yolk sac, vertebral column and eyes.     

Effects of diets of differing fiber contents on digestibility,passage rate of digesta and heat production in lesser mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus)

The effects of different levels of dietary fiber on feed intake, digestibility, mean retention times of solute and particle and heat production were studied in twelve male lesser mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus). The animals were randomly assigned into four groups of three mouse deer each and fed on individual basis. Four diets, namely A, B, C and D were prepared in pellet forms. Each diet contained ～14% crude protein and ～18 kJ/g gross energy. The crude fiber contents of diet A, B, C and D were 4.2, 11.3, 16.8 and 22.5%, respectively. The results showed that the crude fiber intake of mouse deer was 1.4 ± 0.04, 3.8 ± 0.4, 5.8 ± 0.7 and 6.0 ± 0.6 g/kg W^0.75/d fed diet A, B, C and D, respectively. Mouse deer fed diet D had significantly lower DM intake than those fed lower levels of fiber. The digestibility values of DM decreased gradually with increasing levels of fiber in the diet. The mean retention times (MRTs) of particles (～1.5 mm) in the reticulorumen were in the range of (19.0–22.9 h), with the shortest time for mouse deer fed diet D. However mouse deer fed diet C and D showed significant shorter solute MRT in the reticulorumen (17.1–18.5 h) when compared to mouse deer fed lower fiber diets (21.4–21.9 h). The selectivity factor in the reticulorumen was in the range of 1.04–1.18, indicating the mouse deer to be a ‘moose-type’ ruminant. Fiber levels had no significant effect on water intake of mouse deer. Heat production tended to decrease with increasing levels of fiber (448.3–435.7 kJ/kg W^0.75/d) but differences among the mouse deer fed the four diets were not significant.     

Biological characteristics and thermal requirements of a Brazilian strain of the parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum reared on eggs of Pseudoplusia includens and Anticarsia gemmatalis

A new strain of the parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum, was collected in Rio Verde County, State of Goiás, Central Brazil, and designated as T. pretiosum RV. This strain was then found to be the most effective one among several different strains of T. pretiosum tested in a parasitoid selection assay. Therefore, its biological characteristics and thermal requirements were studied, aiming at allowing its multiplication under controlled environmental conditions in the laboratory. The parasitoid was reared on eggs of Pseudoplusia includens and Anticarsia gemmatalis at different constant temperatures within an 18–32 °C temperature range. The number of annual generations of the parasitoid was also estimated at those temperatures. Results have shown that T. pretiosum RV developmental time, from egg to adult, was influenced by all temperatures tested within the range, varying from 6.8 to 20.3 days and 6.0 to 17.0 days on eggs of P. includens and A. gemmatalis, respectively. The emergence of T. pretiosum RV from eggs of A. gemmatalis was higher than 94% at all temperatures tested. When this variable was evaluated on eggs of P. includens, however, the figures were higher than that within the 18–30 °C range (more than 98%), and were also statistically higher than the emergence observed at 32 °C (90.2%). The sex ratio of the parasitoids emerged from eggs of A. gemmatalis decreased from 0.55 to 0.29 at 18–32 °C, respectively. However, for those emerged from eggs of P. includens, the sex ratio was similar (0.73, 0.72 and 0.71) at 20, 28 and 32 °C, respectively. The lower temperature threshold (Tb) and thermal constant (K) were 10.65 °C and 151.25 degree-days when the parasitoid was reared on eggs of P. includens; and 11.64 °C and 127.60 degree-days when reared on eggs of A. gemmatalis. The number of generations per month increased from 1.45 to 4.23 and from 1.49 to 4.79 when the parasitoid was reared on eggs of P. includens and A. gemmatalis, respectively, following the increases in the temperature.     

Enhancing bio-suppression of Parthenium hysterophorus L.: Diapause in Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister and its manipulation through insulin-like peptides (ILPs)

In-depth investigations on diapause behaviour of Z. bicolorata revealed that the adults entered diapause at any time from August to December and that the number peaked (42.00%) during the last half of November. The percentage of adults entering diapause increased with a decrease in day length. Weight of diapausing adults was significantly higher than weight of non-diapausing adults. The percentage of adults undergoing diapause at 30 °C was significantly lower than those undergoing diapause at 15 and 25 °C. The percentage of adults burrowing increased with increasing moisture. In silty soil and soil with high organic matter, 46.7% and 49.2% of adults entered diapause, respectively, whereas in sandy soil, only 23.5% of adults entered diapause. When newly emerged beetles were exposed to 5 μg of human insulin 30/70, a significantly lower percentage of treated adults underwent diapause compared to untreated adults under both feeding and no feeding conditions. Insulin treatment also influenced the emergence period from diapause (93.92 ± 1.73 days), percent emergence (81 ± 1.54%) and fecundity/month (512.7 ± 25.38 eggs) of Z. bicolorata in treated adults as compared to untreated adults (109.05 ± 2.2, 74.00 ± 1.82 and 438.3 ± 19.33 eggs, respectively). However, there was no significant impact of insulin on adult longevity. These findings are of great utility in the biological suppression of Parthenium as it will enhance the effectiveness of this beetle through manipulation of diapause.     

Life cycle of the aquatic firefly Luciola ficta (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

This research is the first to record the complete life history of the aquatic firefly Luciola ficta (Olivier) using a unique individual rearing method. Transparent containers (250 ml; height: 6 cm; bottom diameter: 8 cm; mouth diameter: 9.5 cm) were used to rear individuals from egg to adult in the laboratory, so that they could be observed throughout the whole life cycle. Larvae were fed on the meat of the water snail Cipangopaludina chinensis (Gray). Temperature ranged from 18 °C to 30 °C, relative humidity (RH) was 80 ± 5%, and the light:dark (L:D) ratio was 10:14. Of 80 eggs, 35 individuals completed their life cycle under these laboratory conditions in Jiji, Nantou County, Taiwan. The external morphological characteristics of each growing stage were described. Egg hatching rate was 95%. On average, one generation spanned 388.2 ± 25.7 days. The durations of egg, larva, climbing larva, cocoon, and adult stages were 19.1 ± 1.5 days, 328.9 ± 33.2 days, 10.9 ± 7.8 days, 14.7 ± 5.3 days, and 15.7 ± 5.2 days, respectively. The number of larval instars ranged from five to seven, with a modal value of six instars for males and seven instars for females. Female larval duration averaged 337.1 ± 31.2 days, which was higher than the 307.6 ± 34.1 days of the males. From January to December 2002, adult emergence peaked twice, with the main high peak appearing in April and the second peak occurring in August. The results of indoor rearing and of field investigations in Jiji, Nantou County, suggested that L. ficta is univoltine. Adult body length is negatively correlated with larval duration (P < 0.01). The life history traits of L. ficta show plasticity in adult occurrence, egg size, egg duration, larval duration, larval instars, and adult body length. Some variations were discussed in the context of survivorship in field habitats.     

EPA,DHA, cholesterol and phospholipid content in Pagrus pagrus (cultured and wild), Trachinus draco and Trigla lyra from Mediterranean Sea

EPA, DHA, cholesterol and phospholipid content were determined in the Trachinus draco, Trigla lyra and (wild and cultured) Pagrus pagrus muscles.The EPA and DHA levels – as determined by GC-GC/MS – in the cultured P. pagrus muscles (233.20 ± 16.3 and 399.39 ± 31.1 mg/100 g of the wet tissue respectively) were found to be significantly higher compared to the ones in the wild P. pagrus, T. draco and T. lyra (26.31 ± 2.26, 158.24 ± 10.92 mg/100 g, 28.65 ± 1.68, 155.97 ± 2.63 mg/100 g 35.66 ± 0.66 and 102.52 ± 1.71 mg/100 g of the wet muscles respectively). The amounts of cholesterol (determined by GC on a capillary column) and phospholipids in the cultured P. pagrus muscles were significantly higher (149.3 mg/100 g and 0.80 g/100 g of the wet tissue respectively) compared to the ones in the wild P. pagrus (8.73 mg/100 g and 0.40 g/100 g), T. draco (41.72 mg/100 g and 0.59 g/100 g) and T. lyra muscles (38.63 mg/100 g and 0.40 g/100 g of the wet tissue respectively).The highest DHA/EPA and ω-3/ω-6 ratios were 6.00 and 5.93 in wild P. pagrus and T. draco muscles respectively, while the lowest in cultured P. pagrus (1.71 and 1.48 respectively).     

Comparison of the lipid properties of captive,healthy wild,and pansteatitis-affected wild Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus)

The results presented describe and compare the fatty acid composition and melting properties of captive, healthy wild, and pansteatitis-affected wild crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus). Differences in fatty acid composition between intramuscular and adipose fat is noted in captive crocodiles, and the latter differs from wild crocodiles as a result of different diets. Adipose fat of healthy wild crocodiles differs minimally from diseased ones, respectively with 37.3 ± 2.6% vs. 43.2 ± 2.3% monounsaturated fatty acids, and 43.2 ± 2.9% in dead crocodiles, while polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease from 27.3 ± 1.9% to as low as 21.9 ± 3.6% respectively. Of the unsaturated fatty acids 18:2n? 6 decreased from 6.5 ± 2.6% in unaffected crocodiles to 3.5 ± 0.6% in highly affected and 3.2 ± 0.4% in dead crocodiles, and 22:5n?3 from 2.8 ± 0.6% to 1.8 ± 0.3% and 2.2 ± 0.3% respectively. The melting properties as determined by differential scanning calorimetry show that extracted adipose fat is a small degree softer in pansteatitis-affected tissue, specifically in the temperature range 7–36 °C, and does not contribute to the hard texture noted for adipose fat tissue of pansteatitis-affected animals. A high moisture content of 51.0 ± 19.7% of the fat tissue of pansteatitis-affected animals vs.17.1 ± 8.0% of healthy ones, suggests that physiological changes due to interstitial inflammation may contribute to the hard texture.     

Thermal tolerance,growth and oxygen consumption of Labeo rohita fry (Hamilton, 1822) acclimated to four temperatures

A 30 day feeding trial was conducted using a freshwater fish, Labeo rohita (rohu), to determine their thermal tolerance, oxygen consumption and optimum temperature for growth. Four hundred and sixteen L. rohita fry (10 days old, 0.385±0.003 g) were equally distributed between four treatments (26, 31, 33 and 36 °C) each with four replicates for 30 days. Highest body weight gain and lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded between 31 and 33 °C. The highest specific growth rate was recorded at 31 °C followed by 33 and 26 °C and the lowest was at 36 °C. Thermal tolerance and oxygen consumption studies were carried out after completion of growth study to determine tolerance level and metabolic activity at four different acclimation temperatures. Oxygen consumption rate increased significantly with increasing acclimation temperature. Preferred temperature decided from relationship between acclimation temperature and Q₁₀ values were between 33 and 36 °C, which gives a better understanding of optimum temperature for growth of L. rohita. Critical thermal maxima (CTMax) and critical thermal minima (CTMin) were 42.33±0.07, 44.81±0.07, 45.35±0.06, 45.60±0.03 and 12.00±0.08, 12.46±0.04, 13.80±0.10, 14.43±0.06, respectively, and increased significantly with increasing acclimation temperatures (26, 31, 33 and 36 °C). Survival (%) was similar in all groups indicating that temperature range of 26–36 °C is not fatal to L. rohita fry. The optimum temperature range for growth was 31–33 °C and for Q₁₀ values was 33–36 °C.     

Quality assessment of Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) eggs cold-stored at different temperature and relative humidity regime

Supplementation of host resource can be more economical method for the biological control of insect pest compared to direct release of adult parasitoids. Periodical release of non-viable cold-stored eggs of Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) has been found to enhance parasitism of this pest in soybean fields. To find the optimum environmental conditions for cold storage of these host eggs, we evaluated nine different combinations of temperature (2, 6, and 10 °C) and relative humidity (high 90–95%, medium 70–75%, and low 30–35%). After 30 d of cold-storage, eggs were weighed and held at 26.6 °C and 75% relative humidity for 8 d before testing. To test the eggs’ suitability as hosts following cold storage, females of Ooencyrtus nezarae Ishii (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) were released individually onto batches of eggs, and parasitization rates and the development, emergence, sex ratio, adult longevity, and size of parasitoid progeny were examined. Eggs stored at high relative humidity showed less weight loss than those stored at low relative humidity. The number of eggs parasitized was highest (5.9/15) on eggs stored at 6 °C and high relative humidity. Developmental times and adult emergence were optimal on host eggs stored at 2 °C and high relative humidity. A significantly lower proportion of eggs produced male parasitoids when eggs were stored at 2 or 6 °C. Adult longevity was not affected by egg storage conditions, but adult size of progeny decreased in eggs stored at 10 °C. In conclusion, eggs of R. pedestris stored below 6 °C and with a high relative humidity maintained the best quality for parasitization by O. nezarae.