Searching and Oviposition Behavior of Anagrus atomus L. (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) on Four Host Plants of Its Host, the Green Leafhopper Empoasca decipiens Paoli (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)

Anagrus atomus L. is an important egg parasitoid of the green leafhopper Empoasca decipiens Paoli. In this study the ability of the parasitoid to locate and parasitize its host was investigated on four host plants, i.e., broad beans (Vicia faba L.), sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). For each plant species, the behavior of the parasitoid was observed on E. decipiens infested and noninfested plants. Searching and oviposition behavior were characterized by drumming, probing, and resting. Parasitoids spent significantly less time on non-infested than infested plants, 274.5 and 875.7 s, respectively, and no probing behavior was observed on non-infested plants. Frequency of resting behavior was significantly greater on non-infested than on infested plants. Total foraging time was significantly longer on infested than on non-infested plants, indicating that A. atomus females can efficiently discriminate between leaves with and without infestation. Parasitism of A. atomus was influenced by parasitoid density, with the highest parasitism rate (64.0%) obtained at a density of 10 A. atomus females/0.1356 m² but the number of parasitized eggs per female and the searching efficiency decreased with increasing parasitoid density.     

ATP6蛋白影响异沙叶蝉对小麦蓝矮植 原体的传播效率

【目的】探索异沙叶蝉Psammotettix alienus ATP6蛋白对小麦蓝矮植原体(wheat blue dwarf phytoplasma, WBDp)传播效率的影响。【方法】将异沙叶蝉mRNA反转录合成cDNA,构建分离泛素酵母双杂交膜系统cDNA文库;用WBDp的虫传相关蛋白P2-4为诱饵,从异沙叶蝉cDNA文库杂交筛选互作蛋白;通过RNAi沉默ATP6基因,验证ATP6蛋白对异沙叶蝉3龄若虫传播WBDp的影响。【结果】构建了异沙叶蝉分离泛素酵母双杂交膜系统cDNA文库,用P2-4从cDNA文库中杂交筛选获得了ATP6等多种互作蛋白。RNAi结果发现沉默ATP6基因后异沙叶蝉3龄若虫的WBDp传播率比对照组显著下降了23.33%±3.33%,表明ATP6是异沙叶蝉参与WBDp传播的关键蛋白。【结论】明确了异沙叶蝉ATP6是参与WBDp传播的一个关键蛋白。为进一步探明异沙叶蝉传播WBDp的分子机制和植原体病害的田间防治提供了理论基础。     

网粒体脱落有助于茶小绿叶蝉成虫逃离蜘蛛网

[目的]茶小绿叶蝉Empoasca onukii是我国茶园的重要害虫,其体表覆盖网粒体,而网粒体是否具有防御功能则知之甚少.本研究旨在明确网粒体脱落是否对该害虫逃离茶园蜘蛛网起到关键作用.[方法]将茶小绿叶蝉成虫置于草间小黑蛛Hylyphantes graminicola的不规则网内,利用高清摄像机和Vegas软件对茶...     

假眼小绿叶蝉微卫星位点的生物信息学分析

【目的】为开发假眼小绿叶蝉Empoasca vitis分子标记,采用高通量测序技术对假眼小绿叶蝉DNA进行了测序与分析。【方法】本研究基于Illumina Hi Seq测序技术,构建了PE文库(~400bp),对获得的测序数据利用生物信息学分析手段完成全基因组扫描,并进一步使用MISA分析鉴定基因组序列中出现的微卫星序列(SSR)。针对微卫星序列共设计10对引物,并使用3步法进行引物多态性筛选。【结果】共计检测Scaffold数量为183 194条,其中包含SSR的Scaffold共计1 545条,共计筛选出1 569个SSR位点。在假眼小绿叶蝉的微卫星中,共包括87种重复基元类型,二核苷酸与三核苷酸重复序列为主要重复类型,分别占SSRs总数的70.26%和27.84%;二核苷酸重复基元CA/TG和三核苷酸重复基元AAT/ATT是优势重复基元,分别占SSRs总数的33.96%和5.86%。在设计的10对引物中,5对具有多态性,在8个假眼小绿叶蝉个体中共发现16个等位基因。【结论】结果说明假眼小绿叶蝉SSR位点在多态性方面具有极大的可开发性,具有多态性的SSR位点可对假眼小绿叶蝉种群间的分化,种群间的扩散机理和途径及影响因素等问题提供分子视角。     

Two new species of the leafhopper subgenus Empoasca (Empoasca) Walsh (Hemiptera,Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae,Empoascini) from China

Two new species of the leafhopper subgenus Empoasca (Empoasca) namely, E. (E.) dorsodenticulata Yu & Yang, sp. n. and E. (E.) spiculata Yu & Yang, sp. n. from China are described and illustrated and a key provided for Chinese subgenera of Empoasca.     

Climate Change and Phenology: Empoasca fabae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Migration and Severity of Impact

Climate change can benefit individual species, but when pest species are enhanced by warmer temperatures agricultural productivity may be placed at greater risk. We analyzed the effects of temperature anomaly on arrival date and infestation severity of potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae Harris, a classic new world long distance migrant, and a significant pest in several agricultural crops. We compiled E. fabae arrival dates and infestation severity data at different states in USA from existing literature reviews and agricultural extension records from 1951–2012, and examined the influence of temperature anomalies at each target state or overwintering range on the date of arrival and severity of infestation. Average E. fabae arrival date at different states reveal a clear trend along the south-north axis, with earliest arrival closest to the overwintering range. E. fabae arrival has advanced by 10 days over the last 62 years. E. fabae arrived earlier in warmer years in relation to each target state level temperature anomaly (3.0 days / °C increase in temperature anomaly). Increased temperature had a significant and positive effect on the severity of infestation, and arrival date had a marginal negative effect on severity. These relationships suggest that continued warming could advance the time of E. fabae colonization and increase their impact on affected crops.     

Host plant specificity, oviposition behaviour and egg parasitism in some leafhoppers of the genus Eupteryx (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Abstract.

• 1 Three species of Eupteryx, E.aurata, E.cyclops and E.urticae are regularly found on stinging nettles in South Wales.
• 2 E.aurata host alternates between nettles in spring and autumn, and Heraclewn, Eupatorium and Mentha species in summer. E.cyclops and E.urticae attack only nettles.
• 3 All species are host specific during oviposition and show preferences to lay eggs in discrete plant regions.
• 4 A Mymarid egg parasite of the genus Anagrus was reared more commonly from eggs laid in nettles than from eggs laid in alternative hosts.

     

Host suitability and gas exchange response of grapevines to potato leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Although potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is highly polyphagous, classic host studies do not recognize grapevines (Vitis spp.), as suitable hosts. Recently, injury has been reported and reproduction documented within grape vineyards, suggesting a host expansion for the leafhopper. To document this apparent expansion in host use, we determined whether grape plants were suitable hosts for potato leafhopper reproduction, measured the consequence of feeding injury on gas exchange rates of grape leaves, and compared the susceptibility to feeding injury among cultivars. We found that potato leafhopper adults survived equally well on grape (Vitis vinifera L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and fava bean (Vicia faba L.). The total number of offspring was greater on fava bean but did not differ between alfalfa and grape. Injury to grapevines was assessed by measuring gas exchange responses of leaves in field cages and in greenhouse tests. We found marginally significant declines in photosynthesis and transpiration rates in the field (9.6 and 13.2%, respectively), and much stronger effects in greenhouse tests (ranging between 22 and 52%). Our results verify that Vitis is a suitable host, and that potato leafhopper is capable of injuring its gas exchange physiology. We discuss possible explanations for the host expansion, and its potential to damage commercial grapevines.     

茶小绿叶蝉成虫唾液细菌蛋白的鉴定

[目的]通过鉴定茶小绿叶蝉Empoasca flavescens成虫水状唾液蛋白中的细菌蛋白,解析叶蝉唾液的细菌种类.[方法]利用自制的收集装置和Parafilm膜夹营养液法对叶蝉成虫唾液进行收集,经超滤浓缩和电泳分离后,使用膜辅助样品制备技术法(filter-aided sample preparation,FASP...     

Detection and variability of aster yellows phytoplasma titer in its insect vector, Macrosteles quadrilineatus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

The aster yellows phytoplasma (AYp) is transmitted by the aster leafhopper, Macrosteles quadrilineatus Forbes, in a persistent and propagative manner. To study AYp replication and examine the variability of AYp titer in individual aster leafhoppers, we developed a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to measure AYp concentration in insect DNA extracts. Absolute quantification of AYp DNA was achieved by comparing the amplification of unknown amounts of an AYp target gene sequence, elongation factor TU (tuf), from whole insect DNA extractions, to the amplification of a dilution series containing known quantities of the tuf gene sequence cloned into a plasmid. The capabilities and limitations of this method were assessed by conducting time course experiments that varied the incubation time of AYp in the aster leafhopper from 0 to 9 d after a 48 h acquisition access period on an AYp-infected plant. Average AYp titer was measured in 107 aster leafhoppers and, expressed as Log10 (copies/insect), ranged from 3.53 (+/- 0.07) to 6.26 (+/- 0.11) occurring at one and 7 d after the acquisition access period. AYp titers per insect and relative to an aster leafhopper chromosomal reference gene, cp6 wingless (cp6), increased approximately 100-fold in insects that acquired the AYp. High quantification cycle values obtained for aster leafhoppers not exposed to an AYp-infected plant were interpreted as background and used to define a limit of detection for the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. This method will improve our ability to study biological factors governing AYp replication in the aster leafhopper and determine if AYp titer is associated with frequency of transmission.     

Seasonal population dynamics of Draeculacephala minerva (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and transmission of Xylella fastidiosa

The grass sharpshooter, Draeculacephala minerva Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a very common and often abundant grass-feeding leafhopper in California. Its population dynamics and ability to transmit Xylella fastidiosa were monitored over a 2-yr period in California's San Joaquin Valley. Collections of individuals from natural populations in irrigated pastures and alfalfa, Medicago savita L. fields adjacent to X. fastidiosa-infected almond (Prunus spp.) orchards indicated the occurrence of three discrete generations per year that peaked during the summer. Population densities varied significantly among experimental field survey sites. Insects captured on intercepting mesh traps, yellow sticky cards, and UV-light traps indicated local movement of these insects into and surrounding X. fastidiosa-infected, almond orchards. Local movement and seasonal transmission of X. fastidiosa from infected almonds to Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don indicated that this insect may be partly responsible for the slow spread of almond leaf scorch now recently observed in California's San Joaquin Valley.     

Phylogeny of the tribe Empoascini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) based on morphological characteristics,with reclassification of the Empoasca generic group

A morphology‐based phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Empoascini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) is presented for 58 of 83 formerly recognized genera based on 99 morphological characters of adults. The results support excluding the New World Beamerana generic group from Empoascini. The remaining genera of Empoascini were recovered as a monophyletic sister group of Dikraneurini. Previously recognized tribes Jorumini and Helionini are derived from within Empoascini and are considered synonyms of the latter tribe. Three previously recognized informal generic groups, the Empoasca group, Alebroides group and Usharia group were paraphyletic but the Ficiana group was recovered as monophyletic based on five synapomorphies. Genera previously placed in the Alebroides group represent at least six independent lineages, indicating that the hind wing character separating this group from the Empoasca group (CuA and MP veins free) is highly homoplasious. Empoasca (sensu lato) is also paraphyletic. Thus, twelve previously recognized subgenera of Empoasca are elevated to genus status and five species groups of Empoasca from the New World are recognized as separate new genera. Sikkimasca Dworakowska, 1993 is treated as synonym of Marolda Dworakowska, 1977 based on the phylogeny. Biogeographic analysis suggests that Empoascini most likely first evolved in the Oriental region and spread to other biogeographic realms more recently by multiple independent invasions.     

Variation in tolerance and resistance to the leafhopper Empoasca fabae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) among potato cultivars: implications for action thresholds

The potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is an emerging pest of potato and insecticide applications to control this insect have increased in recent years. Based on field observations of leafhopper-crop dynamics, however, currently recommended action thresholds seem to be overly conservative. As a result, we initiated two experiments designed to quantify the impact of leafhoppers on potato yield, and determine how the magnitude of this effect changes among cultivars. In experiment 1, leafhoppers were manipulated (control versus insecticide-treated plots) on 17 potato varieties. In experiment 2, three cultivars (Superior, Atlantic, and Snowden) were planted representing early-, mid-, and late-season maturing lines, and six insecticide spray regimes were imposed (early-, late-, and full-season applications at high and low rates). In both experiments, leafhopper abundance, plant damage, and potato yield were measured. Overall, leafhoppers reduced yield in control plots by 15.7% relative to insecticide-treated plots. Leafhopper impact, however, varied among cultivars; a significant effect of leafhoppers on yield was detected in 6, 12, and 59% of cultivars tested in each of three trials. Of the 44 cases in which leafhoppers exceeded action thresholds, yield loss was only documented in 13 cases. Data from these experiments provide evidence that such variable effects ofleafhoppers on yield are explained by cultivar-specific resistance and tolerance traits. Our results suggest that potato growers can accept higher leafhopper densities than current thresholds recommend, particularly when cultivating resistant and/or tolerant varieties.     

Mating behavior of Psammotettix alienus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

The Wheat dwarf virus, the causal agent of the wheat dwarf disease, is transmitted by leafhoppers from the genus Psammotettix and currently the main protection strategy is based on the use of insecticide treatments. Sustainable management strategies for insect vectors should include methods that are targeted to disrupt reproductive behavior and here we investigated the mating behavior of Psammotettix alineus (Dahlbom 1850) in order to determine the role of vibrational signals in intra‐specific communication and pair formation. Both genders spontaneously emit species‐ and sex‐specific calling songs that consisted of regularly repeated pulse trains and differ primarily in pulse train duration and pulse repetition time. Females preferred the conspecific male calling song. After a coordinated exchange of pulse trains, the male approached the stationary female. During the close range courtship and also immediately prior to copulatory attempts distinct male vibrational signals associated with wing flapping and wing vibrations were recorded from the substrate. In the presence of a receptive female, competing males emitted vibrational signals most likely aimed to interfere with male‐female interaction. Mated females regained sexual receptivity after they laid eggs. Although results suggest that the viruliferous status of insects may have an effect on vibrational songs, our current results did not reveal a significant effect of virus on leafhopper performance in mating behavior. However, this study also suggests, that detailed understanding of plant–vector–virus interactions relevant for vector mating behavior is essential for trying new approaches in developing future control practices against plant viruses transmitted by insect vectors.     

烟粉虱(Bemisia tabaci)的寄主选择性

通过田间系统调查、实验室嗅觉测定、笼内和培养皿内自由扩散观察,对烟粉虱的寄主选择性进行了研究.结果表明,在田间,烟粉虱对不同的寄主植物存在明显的寄主选择性,其中对茄子、花椰菜、黄瓜等植物具有较强的嗜性,而对蕹菜、芹菜、苋菜等植物的嗜性较差;烟粉虱对同一植物的不同品种也有明显的选择性.烟粉虱对寄主植物颜色有明显的选择性,选择结果与烟粉虱对这些寄主的嗜性趋势基本一致.烟粉虱对单株寄主植物的嗅觉反应不敏感,但对植物叶片的乙醇抽提物有明显的嗅觉反应,并表现出较强的寄主选择性.在养虫笼内,烟粉虱从虫源皿向寄主植物自由扩散的过程中,在不同寄主植物和同一植物的不同品种上着落的成虫数量不同,并且在一定的时间范围内,着落在寄主叶片上的虫量还会不断的发生变化.     

Host plant toxins and unpalatability of Neacoryphus bicrucis (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae)

Abstract. 1. Host plant choice of the seed bug, Neacoryphus bicrucis Say (Hemiritera, Lygaeidae), was evaluated in four different Georgia habitats. N. bicrucis utilized only species of Senecio as host plants at a granite outcrop and at old fields on the coastal plain, in the piedmont, and in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
2. In laboratory tests N. bicrucis is distasteful to the green anole lizard, Anolis carolinensis Voight. Only six of ninety field-collected bugs were eaten in palatability trials while eighty-four of the remaining ninety attacked bugs were rejected by lizards without apparent harm. However, the bugs were palatable to Fowler's toads, Bufo woodhousei fowleri Hinckley, which ate all thirty-six bugs offered to them.
3. N. bicrucis selectively sequesters pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Senecio spp. These may cause the insects' distastefulness to green anoles. In palatability trials, lizards ate all twenty insects reared on sunflower seeds, Helianthus annus, but rejected all twenty reared on Senecio smallii.     

Beet leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) transmits the Columbia Basin potato purple top phytoplasma to potatoes, beets, and weeds

Experiments were conducted to determine whether the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus (Baker) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), transmits the purple top phytoplasma to potato, Solanum tuberosum L.; beets, Beta vulgaris L.; and selected weed hosts. The beet leafhopper-transmitted virescence agent (BLTVA) phytoplasma was identified as the causal agent of the potato purple top disease outbreaks that recently occurred in the Columbia Basin of Washington and Oregon. The phytoplasma previously was found to be associated almost exclusively with the beet leafhopper, suggesting that this insect is the probable vector of BLTVA in this important potato-growing region. Eight potato cultivars, including 'Russet Burbank', 'Ranger Russet', 'Shepody', 'Umatilla Russet', 'Atlantic', 'FL-1879', 'FL-1867', and 'FL-1833', were exposed for a week to BLTVA-infected beet leafhoppers. After exposure, the plants were maintained outdoors in large cages and then tested for BLTVA by using polymerase chain reaction after 6 to 7 wk. The leafhoppers transmitted BLTVA to seven of the eight exposed potato cultivars. Sixty-four percent of the exposed plants tested positive for the phytoplasma. In addition, 81% of the BLTVA-infected potato plants developed distinct potato purple top disease symptoms. Beet leafhoppers also transmitted BLTVA to beets and several weeds, including groundsel, Senecio vulgaris L.; shepherd's purse, Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik); kochia, Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad; and Russian thistle, Salsola kali L. This is the first report of transmission of BLTVA to potatoes, beets, and the above-mentioned four weed species. Results of the current study prove that the beet leafhopper is a vector of the potato purple top disease.