Effects of methoxyfenozide-treated surfaces on the attractiveness and responsiveness of adult leafrollers

Abstract The attractiveness and responsiveness of the adult redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker), and obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), exposed to surfaces treated with the ecdysteroid agonist methoxyfenozide were investigated in wind tunnel and orientation tube assays. For both species, when males were exposed to water‐treated surfaces for 48 h, and regardless of what treatment surfaces the females had been exposed to, the mean percentage recaptures of such treated males in the wind tunnel assays were always significantly greater than the recaptures of males that had been exposed to methoxyfenozide. However, exposure to surfaces treated with surfactant (Latron B‐1956) also negatively affected the responsiveness (or attractiveness) of both moth species. In the orientation tube assays, males exposed to methoxyfenozide‐treated surfaces always had significantly lower mean levels of individuals exhibiting sexual excitability, and the mean distances traveled upwind, regardless of females’ exposure. In addition, exposure to surfactant‐treated surfaces did not affect mean levels of sexual excitibility and distances traveled upwind. The two bioassays demonstrated that male A. velutinana and C. rosaceana exposed to methoxyfenozide‐treated surfaces were not as responsive to calling females (treated and non‐treated) as were the non‐treated males. Conversely, females exposed to methoxyfenozide‐treated surfaces were just as attractive to non‐treated males as water‐treated females. It appears that a male's ability to respond to a calling female is more negatively affected by the ecdysone agonist than a female's ability to call and attract males.     

Effects of methoxyfenozide-treated surfaces on the attractiveness and responsiveness of adult codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The attractiveness and responsiveness of adult codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), exposed to surfaces treated with the ecdysteroid agonist methoxyfenozide was investigated in wind tunnel and orientation tube assays. When males were exposed to either water- or surfactant-treated surfaces for 48 h, and regardless of what treatment surfaces the females had been exposed to, the mean percent recaptures of such treated males in the wind tunnel assay were sometimes significantly greater than the recaptures of males that had been exposed to methoxyfenozide. Similarly, in the orientation tube assay, males exposed to methoxyfenozide-treated surfaces almost always had significantly lower mean levels of individuals exhibiting sexual excitability and the mean distances traveled upwind, regardless of female exposures. The two assays demonstrated that male codling moths exposed to methoxyfenozide-treated surfaces were not as responsive to calling females (treated and nontreated) as were the nontreated males. Conversely, females exposed to methoxyfenozide-treated surfaces were just as attractive to nontreated males as were nontreated females. It appears that a male's ability to respond to a calling female is more negatively affected by the ecdysone agonist than a female's ability to call and attract males.     

Behaviors of Naïve vs. Pheromone-Exposed Leafroller Moths in Plumes from High-Dosage Pheromone Dispensers in a Sustained-Flight Wind Tunnel: Implications for Mating Disruption of These Species

Brief exposures of male Choristoneura rosaceana and Argyrotaenia velutinana to the plumes generated by lures releasing 3-component pheromone blends specifically tuned for each species or by commercially distributed Isomate OBLR/PLR Plus pheromone rope dispensers induced markedly different subsequent behavioral responses to pheromone. A greater proportion of C. rosaceana males took flight and successfully oriented toward lures 24 h after preexposure to a lure, a rope, or the lure–rope combination in a sustained-flight wind tunnel compared to naïve moths. Flights were also longer for preexposed than naïve moths. Preexposed male C. rosaceana were not more likely to fly toward ropes 24 h after preexposure. By contrast, fewer male A. velutinana oriented to lures 24 h after preexposure than did naïve moths. Those preexposed A. velutinana successfully locking onto plumes from lures flew for significantly shorter intervals than did unexposed moths. Electroantennograms revealed no changes at the periphery 15 min and 24 h after preexposure. For A. velutinana, the long-lasting effect was decreased attraction to a lure and increased attraction to a rope. For C. rosaceana, pheromone preexposure increased responsiveness to its authentic blend. This behavioral evidence is sufficient to explain why sexual communication of C. rosaceana is more difficult to disrupt than that of A. velutinana. Furthermore, it suggests a more complete blend of pheromone may be necessary to disrupt the former species but not the latter when using rope dispensers.     

Toxicity of insecticides to obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana, larvae and adults exposed previously to neem seed oil

Adult and sixth instar obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), exposed previously as fifth instar larvae to sub-lethal concentrations of neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss., seed oil contained in artificial diet were more susceptible to topically applied pyrethroid, carbamate and organophosphate insecticides than C. rosaceana reared on control diets. Increased susceptibility to insecticides did not result from reduced vigour, as measured by reductions in adult or larval weights, but is instead correlated with previously demonstrated reductions in detoxication enzyme activities. The modest increases in susceptibilities, not exceeding ca. 4.5-fold, for C. rosaceana exposed to neem were achieved with subjects from a susceptible laboratory colony; a larger response could be expected for resistant field populations having elevated detoxication enzyme levels. Neem-based insecticides could be useful tools for the management of orchard pests that have developed resistance to synthetic neurotoxins. These findings also contribute to a better understanding of the numerous physiological changes that occur in larval Lepidoptera following exposure to neem extracts.     

Assessment of sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide on oriental fruit Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Sublethal effects of the insect growth regulator methoxyfenozide were examined in oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck), in laboratory and field studies. In laboratory studies, oriental fruit moth larvae reared on diet amended with 0.1 ppm methoxyfenozide developed at the same rate as larvae reared on untreated diet, and paired moths reared as larvae from the same treated or untreated diets exhibited similar fecundity and fertility. Population growth differences over multiple generations were used to examine sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide on population dynamics in the field. Multiple single-tree cages were placed over apple (Malus spp.) trees treated with two applications of methoxyfenozide (70 g [AI] /ha) and nontreated trees. Cages were infested at a single time point with virgin male and female oriental fruit moth adults, and population growth was evaluated by egg counts, shoot infestation, fruit damage, and larval counts over a 12-wk period. Significantly fewer eggs, larvae, and damaged fruit were found on methoxyfenozide-treated compared with nontreated trees in 2001. Observed population differences may have been a result of direct mortality to eggs and larvae of the first generation rather than sublethal effects. In 2002, no differences were observed between treatments, but a heavy rain event shortly after the early infestation impacted the experiment. A late moth release treatment was tested in 2002 to examine the effects of residual methoxyfenozide 55 d after initial application. Significantly fewer eggs were found in the methoxyfenozide treatment compared with the control, but no differences existed among treatments in shoot infestation, percentage of damaged fruit, or larval populations. It was concluded direct mortality of eggs and larvae exposed to methoxyfenozide rather than sublethal effects were most important in reduction of subsequent generations.     

Larval performance of two leafroller species on known and potential hosts

Two univoltine leafroller species,Archips argyrospila Walker andArchips rosana L., were reared from eclosion to adulthood on known or potential host plants. Both species were able to complete development on eight of the ten plants tested, the exceptions being apricot and peach. Rates of development differed among hosts, and indicated a range of host suitability. Differences in female pupal weights were apparent following the different rearing treatments, but these did not correlate with subsequent female fecundity. When development was compared between the two leafroller species,A. rosana had higher survivorship, more rapid development and higher female fecundity than didA. argyrospila, regardless of host. These findings indicate thatA. rosana may successfully exploit a wider host range than doesA. argyrospila. Comparisons of survivorship and developmental rates among hosts for each species of leafroller suggest that both species may have the potential for host-range expansion.     

Stage-specific control of grape berry moth, Endopiza viteana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), by selective and broad-spectrum insecticides

The insect growth regulators (IGRs) tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide and the broad-spectrum insecticides azinphosmethyl, carbaryl, and fenpropathrin were compared for their activity against adult, egg, and larval stages of the grape berry moth, Endopiza viteana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), under laboratory and vineyard conditions. Adult mortality was not affected by exposure to field-equivalent rates of tebufenozide or methoxyfenozide on grape clusters, whereas all the broad-spectrum compounds significantly reduced adult survival, compared with the untreated controls. Surviving adult moths laid significantly more eggs on berries treated with the IGRs than on berries treated with any of the broad-spectrum insecticides. Survival of these eggs through to late larval and pupal stages was significantly lower on methoxyfenozide-treated grapes than on untreated grapes, and no pupae were found when grapes were treated with azinphosmethyl or fenpropathrin. Neither of the growth regulator insecticides limited egg eclosion or larval development by E. viteana when insecticides were applied before egg laying, whereas broad-spectrum insecticides were effective against both eggs and neonates at this timing. When applied after egg eclosion, all insecticide treatments significantly reduced survival of grape berry moth larvae. Under vineyard conditions, berries with 1-d-old residues of tebufenozide or methoxyfenozide received more E. viteana eggs than berries treated with broad-spectrum compounds. After aging for 7 or 14 d, no significant effects on E. viteana survival were detected among treatments. Whereas broad-spectrum insecticides provide control of multiple life stages of E. viteana, integration of tebufenozide or methoxyfenozide into vineyard management programs for control of this pest will be most successful if applications are timed for egg hatch.     

Investigations of Mechanisms of Pheromone Communication Disruption of Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) in a Wind Tunnel

Although atmospheric treatment with synthetic pheromone is used commercially to control several lepidopteran pests, little is known about how mate-finding behavior is altered by this procedure. Mechanisms of disruption of the mate-finding behavior of Choristoneura rosaceana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) were examined in wind tunnel bioassays. Male moths were exposed to synthetic sex pheromone or pheromone components prior to or during upwind flight to a calling virgin female. The proportion of males successfully contacting a calling female was reduced only when the synthetic pheromone treatment was presented simultaneously. A synthetic source of the attractive four-component pheromone placed upwind of a calling female was more effective than a less attractive two-component blend in achieving disorientation. Habituation of the central nervous system does not appear to be a significant factor in disruption of mate-finding behavior of male C. rosaceana, as exposure to pheromone prior to the bioassay did not alter the proportion of males that achieved subsequent upwind flight. Disruption of mate-finding behavior of C. rosaceana in a wind tunnel is probably the result of a combination of mechanisms including adaptation of antennal receptors, camouflage of the female-produced plume, and false-trail following which contributed to the additive disruption effect observed with the most attractive four-component pheromone.     

Tebufenozide targeted against codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) adults, eggs, and larvae

The effectiveness of tebufenozide applied against the adult, egg, and larvae of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), was evaluated. Significant reductions in fecundity and egg hatch occurred after 1-h and 24-h exposures of females and 24-h exposures of males-only to residues in plastic plates. A significant reduction in egg hatch was also found after a 1-h exposure of males. The ovicidal effects of tebufenozide in field trials did not significantly differ for eggs laid on residues or treated topically. Corrected egg mortality exceeded 95% for cohorts laid <130 degree-days after sprays were applied. Fecundity and egg hatch were measured after either a 24-h exposure of moths or a 10-d exposure of moths and eggs on apple trees. Significant reductions in both fecundity and fertility occurred compared with an untreated control up to 7 d in the 24-h assays and accounted for 60-70% fewer larvae produced per mated female. The mean numbers of larvae produced per mated female after the 10-d exposure were reduced 100-75% in assays started on day 0-21 after the spray application compared with the untreated control. Fecundity was significantly reduced for 7 d and egg hatch was reduced for the entire 21-d test period in these trials. Residues had a 14-d half-life on apple foliage. Residues applied to foliage or to foliage and fruit did not significantly increase the proportion of uninjured fruit compared with the untreated control in bioassays where neonates were placed on foliage 10 cm from fruit. However, the proportion of injured fruits with shallow stings versus deep entries was higher on the treated versus the untreated plants. Field applications of tebufenozide reduced fruit injury >90% when applied early during emergence. Plots treated after the beginning of egg hatch had a larger proportion of injured fruits with shallow larval feeding.     

Effect of ecdysone agonists on vitellogenesis and the expression of EcR and USP in codling moth (Cydia pomonella)

The effects of tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide on vitellogenin (Vg) synthesis/release in the fat body, translocation in hemolymph, uptake by the ovary, and the expression of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and its heterodimer partner, ultraspiracle protein (USP) in fat body, were investigated in Cydia pomonella. The results indicated that both ecdysone agonists significantly increased the Vg level in the adult hemolymph when the moths were exposed to agonist-treated surfaces. However, these agonists did not affect Vg release from the fat body nor Vg deposition in the first batch oocytes. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of EcR and USP was significantly increased in tebufenozide- and methoxyfenozide-treated samples compared to the control, suggesting that ecdysone agonists regulated the Vg synthesis via the EcR and USP proteins complex.     

Antennal responses of Cydia pomonella (L.) exposed to surfaces treated with methoxyfenozide

Electroantennogram (EAG) measurements were recorded from the antennae of male and female codling moth, Cydia pomonella L., to determine whether adult moths exposed to surfaces treated with the ecdysteroid agonist methoxyfenozide experience a decline in their antennal reception and thus olfactory sensitivity. Such a phenomenon would offer a possible mechanism for the previously reported decreased responsiveness from moths treated with methoxyfenozide to pheromone‐ and plant volatile‐based monitoring lures. Mean EAG data revealed that the antennae from methoxyfenozide‐treated male moths appear to be just as sensitive to various doses of synthetic codlemone as the antennae from the control and surfactant‐treated moths, but they appeared to be less sensitive to the pheromone component 12OH (collected from female effluvia) than the control male antennae. Mean male EAG responses to the pheromone components E8,E10‐12Al and codlemone collected from methoxyfenozide‐treated females were significantly less than the responses towards those two pheromone components collected from the control and surfactant‐treated females. Female moth exposure to methoxyfenozide did not negatively impact the sensitivity of female antennae to the plant volatile pear ester, but it did towards the apple volatile butyl hexanoate. Data from this study show that adult C. pomonella exposure to methoxyfenozide‐treated surfaces does appear to negatively impact, in a minor way, the (i) olfactory sensitivity (or detection) of male antennae towards some components of the female sex pheromone, (ii) the female antennal sensitivity towards a key apple volatile and (iii) the attractiveness of female pheromone effluvia.     

Effects of field applied residues and length of exposure to tebufenozide on the obliquebanded leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Studies were conducted with the obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), and tebufenozide to determine the influence of various factors on the efficacy of this insecticide under field conditions. Larvae were exposed to apple foliage collected from commercial orchards at different intervals after insecticide applications. Mortality of neonates on actively growing (terminal) and mature (spur) foliage 10 d after an airblast sprayer application of tebufenozide was 0 and 35-74%, respectively. Feeding by larvae was also assessed on collected foliage. There was significantly less feeding on tebufenozide-treated foliage than chlorpyrifos- and nontreated foliage (P < 0.05). In the second study, to determine the efficacy of tebufenozide in the absence of larval movement to terminals with sublethal residues, terminal foliage with obliquebanded leafroller larvae was collected from two commercial orchards 24 h after an airblast sprayer application of tebufenozide. After larvae were confined on this terminal foliage in the laboratory for 10 d, mortality was >90%. In the third study, to examine the effects of obliquebanded leafroller movement to foliage with sublethal residues, we designed a laboratory bioassay in which larvae were exposed to foliage treated with tebufenozide and transferred to untreated foliage after various exposure intervals. The higher the concentration of tebufenozide, the less exposure time was necessary to cause high levels of mortality of neonates. The terminal feeding behavior ofobliquebanded leafroller larvae, low residues on terminal foliage before the end of the typical 2-wk spray interval, and the length of exposure necessary for high levels of mortality may decrease the effectiveness of tebufenozide for obliquebanded leafroller control.     

Establishment and characterization of an Ostrinia nubilalis cell line, and its response to ecdysone agonists

Summary A cell line derived from embryonic tissues of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (UMC-OnE), was established in EX-CELL 401 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. The cells grew in suspension, and were mainly spherical in shape. The cell doubling times at the 17th and 79th passages were 56 and 36 h, respectively. DNA amplification fingerprinting showed that the DNA profile of the OnE cell line was different from that of the southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella (UMC-DgE), and that of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (BCIRL-HZ-AM1). The OnE cell line was responsive to treatments of 20-hydroxyecdysone and the ecdysone agonists, methoxyfenozide (RH-2485) and tebufenozide (RH-5992). These compounds caused similar effects on the cells, which included cell clumping and decreased cell proliferation. The clumps were observed on the third day of incubation, and became larger after 7 d of incubation. After 168 h of incubation, methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide were 35 and 11 times more effective, respectively, in inhibiting proliferation of the OnE cells than was 20-hydroxyecdysone.     

Effects of larval exposure to sublethal concentrations of the ecdysteroid agonists RH-5849 and tebufenozide (RH-5992) on male reproductive physiology in Spodoptera litura

Sublethal concentrations of the bisacylhydrazine moulting hormone agonists, RH-5849, and tebufenozide (RH-5992) were fed to sixth (final) instar larvae of Spodoptera litura. Both RH-5849 and tebufenozide adversely affected the mating success of S. litura when the surviving treated males were crossed with normal females. The ecdysone agonists decreased the longevity of treated males and of untreated females when crossed with treated males. The number of eggs laid by untreated females mated to treated males was decreased, and the fertility (percentage of hatching success) of the resulting eggs was reduced. These effects on male reproductive success were at least in part explained by a reduction in the number of sperm transferred during mating. The adverse effects of tebufenozide on male reproductive function were qualitatively the same as those of RH-5849, but tebufenozide was active at lower concentrations. To understand the reason for these adverse effects on male reproduction, we investigated the effects of the insecticides on male reproductive physiology. Male reproductive tract development and testicular volume of resulting adult moths were adversely affected by sublethal larval exposure to the ecdysone agonists. Dose-dependent reductions occurred in the production of eupyrene and apyrene spermatozoa in the adult testes, and in the number of spermatozoa released from the testes into the male reproductive tract. The descent into the male tract of both eupyrene and apyrene sperm was found to start at the normal stage of development in both normal and treated insects, but the daily rhythm of sperm descent was subsequently disturbed in the insecticide-treated moths. This affected the numbers of sperm in the upper vas deferens (UVD), seminal vesicle (SV), and duplex (duplex). Injections of RH-5849 given to pharate adult or newly emerged adult S. litura also caused drastic reduction in the number of sperm in the upper regions of the male tract, when measured 24 h after injection. The possible importance of pest population reduction through the sublethal anti-reproductive effects of insecticides is discussed.     

Impact of spinosad on ichneumonid‐parasitized Choristoneura rosaceana larvae and subsequent parasitoid emergence

The impact of low levels of spinosad on the obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana Harris (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), and the koinobiont endoparasitoid, Apophua simplicipes Cresson (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), was assessed when the parasitoid was in the larval stage within second‐ and fourth‐instar hosts. These are developmental stages that would be exposed to spring orchard treatments of the insecticide. Oral spinosad LC₅₀ levels for unparasitized obliquebanded leafroller hosts were <1% of the recommended orchard treatment levels. Apophua simplicipes survival was significantly reduced within parasitized spinosad‐treated second‐ and fourth‐instar larval hosts. Both the leafroller host and parasitoid were much more susceptible (ca. 65‐fold) to spinosad when larval hosts fed on spinosad‐treated leaf material as opposed to being treated topically. When hosts were exposed to extremely low doses of spinosad, a small percentage of parasitoids was able to survive to emerge as adults. These laboratory trials predict that applications of spinosad may reduce biological control of C. rosaceana populations by ichneumonid endoparasitoids developing within treated hosts.     

Field observations quantifying attraction of four tortricid moths to high-dosage pheromone dispensers in untreated and pheromone-treated orchards

Orientational responses of four species of feral tortricid moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to polyethylene tube dispensers of pheromone were observed in a 0.8 ha apple orchard treated with such pheromone dispensers and in an untreated 0.8 ha orchard. Male oblique‐banded leafrollers, Choristoneura rosaceana (Walker) (mean 7.2 ± 0.4 moths/night during 21 nights), Oriental fruit moths, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (mean 10.5 ± 2.1 during 20 evenings), and the redbanded leafrollers, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker) (mean 2.0 ± 1.1 during 14 nights) were observed approaching within 100 cm of their respective polyethylene‐tube pheromone dispensers in the untreated orchard. Furthermore, C. rosaceana (mean 2.0 ± 0.7 during 17 nights) and G. molesta (mean 1.5 ± 0.4 over 20 evenings) came within 100 cm of their respective polyethylene‐tube pheromone dispensers in the pheromone‐treated orchard. Most visits lasted less than 10 s, after which the majority of moths departed by flying upwind. In the untreated orchard, the number of C. rosaceana observed orienting to polyethylene tube dispensers was greater than the number captured in optimized monitoring traps (1.9 ± 0.4) per night of observation. The numbers of A. velutinana (2.0 ± 1.1) or G. molesta (10.5 ± 2.1) attracted to polyethylene‐tube dispensers in the untreated orchard did not differ statistically from the numbers captured in optimized monitoring traps per night of observation. In the pheromone‐treated orchard, the number of C. rosaceana (2.0 ± 0.4) or G. molesta (1.2 ± 0.2) observed orienting to polyethylene‐tube dispensers did not differ statistically from the numbers of male moths of these species captured in optimized monitoring traps per night of observation. No codling moths, Cydia pomonella L. were observed orienting to, or landing near, their respective polyethylene‐tube dispensers in either the untreated or pheromone‐treated orchards, although substantial numbers were captured in monitoring traps per night of observation (6.0 ± 1.7) in the untreated orchard. The attraction of male moths to polyethylene tube dispensers thus occurred in three of the four species observed. These results provide support for the idea that false‐plume‐following is an important component of the mechanisms mediating communicational disruption in moths by polyethylene‐tube dispensers.     

Effect of neem on the growth and development of the obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana

Neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae), seed oil (NSO) added to meridic diet at concentrations as low as 0.016% reduced pupation and prevented adult eclosion of obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). At a rate of 0.0016%, NSO reduced the fitness of C. rosaceana, resulting in longer developmental times, lower adult eclosion rates, and reduced egg production compared with controls. The neem insecticide Margosan-O ^TM produced comparable results based on concentrations of the most biologically active constituent, azadirachtin. Pupation was completely inhibited at concentrations of 0.25% and 1.0% for larvae exposed at 5th or 6th instar, respectively; rates as low as 0.016% reduced pupal weights and adult eclosion rates. For larvae transferred to treated diet at 5th instar, physical abnormalities in the wings of adults occurred at a rate of 0.004% NSO and increased with increasing treatment rates. NSO at concentrations as high as 2.0% was not antifeedant to neonate larvae, based on 24 and 48 h choice test bioassays, when incorporated into a meridic diet.     

The parasitoid complex affecting Choristoneura rosaceana and Pandemis limitata in organically managed apple orchards

Parasitism and density of obliquebanded leafroller,Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), and thethree-lined leafroller, Pandemis limitata(Robinson) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), were studied in 1998–2001 in organically managed apple orchards in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. The density of the overwintered generation of leafrollers in spring was significantly higher than thedensity of the first generation in summer. There was a significant inverse correlation between the density of leafrollers and the percent parasitism within generation and therefore parasitoids may play a role in controlling leafroller density. Parasitism of the overwintered generation (means between 5.5 and 24.7%) was significantly lower than parasitism documented in the summer generation (means up to 67.9%). The parasitoid complex recorded as emerging from these leafrollerpopulations in 1998–1999 included 30 species, of which eight have not been previously recorded in the literature as parasitoids of either leafroller species. The most frequently occurring parasitoids included Apophuasimplicipes (Cresson) and two species of Glypta(Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), Macrocentrus linearis (Nees), Meteorus trachynotus Viereck, Apantelespolychrosidis Viereck, Apanteles atra (Ratzeburg) and Microgaster epagoges Gahan (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Colpoclypeus florus (Walker) and one Sympiesisspecies (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). All of these more common parasitoids, except Glypta sp. 1 and M. epagoges, were recorded parasitizing leafroller hosts in both leafroller generations. The number of days to adult parasitoid emergence, when field collected parasitized hosts were held at 20°C, was recorded for four of the parasitoid species. Meteorus trachynotus was found to emerge early enough in spring toparasitize the few remaining overwintered early instar leafrollers. Glypta sp. 1, A. simplicipes and one Apanteles species emerged to coincide with the first generationin the summer.     

Sublethal exposure to methoxyfenozide-treated surfaces reduces the attractiveness and responsiveness in adult oriental fruit moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The chemical communication (female attractiveness and male responsiveness) of adult oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), exposed to surfaces treated with the ecdysteroid agonist methoxyfenozide for 48 h were investigated in two laboratory wind tunnel assays. The recapture assay examined the ability of treated males to orient to a single cage of treated females, and the data gathered were mean percentage of males recaptured per treatment. The male sexual behavior assay examined some specific orientation behaviors (associated with sexual excitability) of treated males when they were given a choice of two competing pheromone sources (cages of treated females), and the data gathered were mean time males spent in upwind plume orientations and at source contact (female cage) per treatment. Data from the recapture assay suggests that exposure to methoxyfenozide impacts male responsiveness more than female attractiveness. In contrast, data from the sexual behavior assay strongly revealed that exposure to methoxyfenozide-treated surfaces does negatively impact both the ability of calling females to attract males and of aroused males to display sustained upwind flight behavior and time spent at the female cages.     

The sublethal effects of tebufenozide on the precopulatory and copulatory activities of Choristoneura fumiferana and C. rosaceana

The sublethal effects of tebufenozide, an ecdysone agonist, on the reproductive biology of Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem) and of Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), treated during the larval stage, were evaluated using two treatment methods: the force‐feeding method and the diet method. The percentage of mortality and the developmental time of survivors increased linearly with the concentration of tebufenozide used. This ecdysone analogue proved to be more toxic to C. fumiferana than to C. rosaceana. In C. rosaceana, the weight of males and females decreased proportionally with the dose ingested, but females were affected to a greater extent. This difference might be due to a greater consumption of the treated diet, or to a differential vulnerability to tebufenozide. Tebufenozide did not modify the pre‐copulatory activities associated with chemical communication in the females. However, the consumption of tebufenozide delayed ovarian maturation, causing a reduction in the fecundity of females. Treated males had smaller spermatophores and fewer eupyrene sperms in their bursa copulatrix and spermatheca, along with lower mating success. In C. fumiferana, tebufenozide delayed the females’ onset time of calling the first night after emergence, but did not affect the mean time spent calling or the production of the main component of the sex pheromone. The males showed significantly greater difficulty in executing oriented flight in a wind tunnel, although their mating success was not affected. We concluded that tebufenozide interferes with various aspects of the reproductive biology of males and females of C. fumiferana and C. rosaceana, including some pre‐copulatory behaviors associated with sex pheromone communication.