Enzymatic Response of the Eucalypt Defoliator Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) to a Bis-Benzamidine Proteinase Inhibitor

Ingestion of proteinase inhibitors leads to hyperproduction of digestive proteinases, limiting the bioavailability of essential amino acids for protein synthesis, which affects insect growth and development. However, the effects of proteinase inhibitors on digestive enzymes can lead to an adaptive response by the insect. In here, we assessed the biochemical response of midgut proteinases from the eucalypt defoliator Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll) to different concentrations of berenil, a bis-benzamidine proteinase inhibitor, on eucalyptus. Eucalyptus leaves were immersed in berenil solutions at different concentrations and fed to larvae of T. arnobia. Mortality was assessed daily. The proteolytic activity in the midgut of T. arnobia was assessed after feeding on plants sprayed with aqueous solutions of berenil, fed to fifth instars of T. arnobia for 48?h before midgut removal for enzymatic assays. Larvae of T. arnobia were able to overcome the effects of the lowest berenil concentrations by increasing their trypsin-like activity, but not as berenil concentration increased, despite the fact that the highest berenil concentration resulted in overproduction of trypsin-like proteinases. Berenil also prevented the increase of the cysteine proteinases activity in response to trypsin inhibition.     

Host plant and the predator Podisus nigrispinus: when the defense compounds of the plant affect the third trophic level

Many herbivorous insects can overcome chemical plant defenses, using the plant's defensive products for their own good, as a defense against predators. Eucalyptus spp. (Myrtaceae), recently introduced in Brazil, are rich in secondary compounds; however, there are reports that these plants have been suffering from population outbreaks of defoliating Lepidoptera in Brazil. The predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has been used against herbivorous insects in eucalyptus plantations, but little is known about its establishment in the field. This study aims to investigate whether the effectiveness of this predator may be affected indirectly by compounds of eucalyptus plants, when compared to guava, Psidium guajava L., a Brazilian native species of Myrtaceae. Thus, we evaluated the performance of P. nigrispinus on larvae of Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) reared on eucalyptus (exotic species) or guava plants (native species). Podisus nigrispinus performance (reproduction and survival) was better on larvae fed on guava than on larvae fed on eucalyptus. It is possible that the negative effect on the predator's development occurred because of the plants’ secondary compounds appropriated by caterpillars, due to the short coevolutionary history between eucalyptus and the predator. The data suggest that the chemical compounds that could help the plant's defenses against herbivores may also affect their natural enemies, especially when the interaction between plant and natural enemy involves an exotic plant recently introduced into the insect's habitat.     

Lethal and sublethal effects of cypermethrin and methoxyfenozide on the larvae of Rachiplusia nu (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Rachiplusia nu is a defoliator lepidopteran species considered a potential pest in soybean and other crops. Cypermethrin is the main insecticide used in Argentina. Worldwide trends in pest control promote the use of insecticides with high specificity like methoxyfenozide; however, their usage in South America is still incipient. The effectiveness of cypermethrin and methoxyfenozide was studied on fifth larval instar of R. nu under chronic exposure in laboratory conditions. Four dilutions (between 10% and 80%) of the maximum field recommended concentration for each insecticide were assessed. Methoxyfenozide caused 100% larval mortality in all tested concentrations, while at tested cypermethrin concentrations, larval mortalities were between 75% and 98%. Cypermethrin treatments showed higher mean survival time values than methoxyfenozide. Both insecticides inhibited larval growth according to weight loss assessment. Cypermethrin also inhibited diet consumption during the first 24-h exposure.     

Population growth rate of the depredating Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) and of the Tuta absoluta (Leptoptera: gelechiidae) in wintering place

The fertility life table of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) preying either on Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) caterpillars or on alternative prey Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) under greenhouse conditions (30 +/- 5 degrees C, 61 +/- 23% RH) were studied. The life table was also determined for the pest T. absoluta under the same conditions. The net reproductive rate (Ro) and the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) were higher 14.13 and 46.32 times for predators fed on T. molitor prey, however, the generation time (T) was similar between prey. The pest T. absoluta showed Ro and rm higher 2.15 and 32.10 times than those achieved for predators fed on this pest. However, females fed on a suitable prey T. molitor showed higher Ro and rm than those yielded for the pest. The survival curves were similar for P. nigrispinus females fed on both prey and classified as being type II by Weibull analysis. The results suggest that P. nigrispinus is able to maintain its population preying only on T. absoluta caterpillars; however, the life table parameters determined individually for both showed that the pest produces more generations per year and faster population natural growth than the predator.     

Effect of a turnip rape <Emphasis Type="Italic">(Brassica rapa)</Emphasis> trap crop on stem-mining pests and their parasitoids in winter oilseed rape <Emphasis Type="Italic">(Brassica napus)</Emphasis>

Concerns about the negative effects of chemical control of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) pests on non-target species, human safety, and development of insecticide resistance, require alternative control strategies such as the use of trap crops and biocontrol to be developed. Psylliodes chrysocephala(L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) (cabbage stem flea beetle) and Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus (Marsh.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (cabbage stem weevil) are two major stem-mining pests of oilseed rape. This study investigated the phenology of these pests and their main parasitoids in the UK, the potential use of turnip rape (Brassica rapa L.) as a trap crop to reduce oilseed rape infestation, and the effects of insecticide treatment on pest incidence and larval parasitism. Water trap samples, plant dissections and pest larval dissections were done to determine: the incidence of adult pests and their parasitoids, the level of plant infestation by the pests and percentage larval parasitism, respectively. The turnip rape trap crop borders reduced P. chrysocephalabut not C. pallidactylus infestation of oilseed rape plots. Treatment of the trap crop with insecticide had little effect on either pest or parasitoid incidence in the oilseed rape. TersilochusmicrogasterSzép. andT. obscurator Aub. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) were the main larval parasitoids of P. chrysocephalaand C. pallidactylus, respectively. Tersilochus microgasteris reported for the first time in the UK. The implications for integrated pest management are discussed.     

Detecting host–parasitoid interactions in an invasive Lepidopteran using nested tagging DNA metabarcoding

Determining the host–parasitoid interactions and parasitism rates for invasive species entering novel environments is an important first step in assessing potential routes for biocontrol and integrated pest management. Conventional insect rearing techniques followed by taxonomic identification are widely used to obtain such data, but this can be time‐consuming and prone to biases. Here, we present a next‐generation sequencing approach for use in ecological studies which allows for individual‐level metadata tracking of large numbers of invertebrate samples through the use of hierarchically organised molecular identification tags. We demonstrate its utility using a sample data set examining both species identity and levels of parasitism in late larval stages of the oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea—Linn. 1758), an invasive species recently established in the United Kingdom. Overall, we find that there are two main species exploiting the late larval stages of oak processionary moth in the United Kingdom with the main parasitoid (Carcelia iliaca—Ratzeburg, 1840) parasitising 45.7% of caterpillars, while a rare secondary parasitoid (Compsilura concinnata—Meigen, 1824) was also detected in 0.4% of caterpillars. Using this approach on all life stages of the oak processionary moth may demonstrate additional parasitoid diversity. We discuss the wider potential of nested tagging DNA metabarcoding for constructing large, highly resolved species interaction networks.     

Spatial and temporal variation in the control failure likelihood of the tomato leaf miner,Tuta absoluta

Insecticide resistance is frequently associated with field control failure, but such an assessment of its likelihood seldom occurs. This phenomenon is a potential cause of the control failure of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae); therefore we surveyed insecticide resistance as the control failure likelihood for a duration of 7 years in 20 field populations of this species. The insecticide label rate was used as the discriminating concentration, and the minimum efficacy threshold required for insecticides in Brazil (i.e. 80% efficacy) was the targeted efficacy. The spatial and temporal variations of the control failure likelihood were also assessed, as was the potential influence of land topography for the area‐wide pattern observed. Most populations of T. absoluta were susceptible to abamectin, chlorfenapyr and spinosad and not to bifenthrin, triflumuron and teflubenzuron. The indoxacarb susceptibility varied in space and time. Spatial dependence was observed for abamectin and indoxacarb. The control failure likelihood of T. absoluta was higher for bifenthrin, triflumuron and teflubenzuron. A flat topography and the wind direction may favour the spread of the control failure likelihood and should be considered in designing pest management programs for T. absoluta.     

Non‐targeted insecticidal stress in a pest species: insecticides,sexual fitness and hormesis in the Neotropical brown stink bug Euschistus heros

An understudied aspect of insecticides is their stress on non‐targeted pest species. Sublethal insecticidal stress may elicit a range of protective and non‐protective responses that may affect behaviour and sexual fitness of the exposed insects, which may lead to negative, neutral or stimulatory (i.e. hormetic) responses. We assessed the behavioural response of the Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros, a soybean pest in the Neotropical region with increasing pest status, following exposure to chlorantraniliprole, pyriproxyfen and spinosad, insecticides commonly used against soybean caterpillars and whiteflies. Both individuals, or only the male or female of each mating pair, were exposed. Reproductive behaviour and output were measured to determine insecticide‐ and gender‐mediated fitness. We found that treatment scenario significantly affected mating behaviour, and that the duration of some behaviours were significantly affected. Chlorantraniliprole and pyriproxyfen reduced latency to mate, while spinosad increased this behaviour. Insecticide exposure also decreased the interacting time of each couple and male antennation of the female. Fertility table analyses of exposed couples indicated negligible effect of pyriproxyfen exposure, while spinosad extended generation time and reduced net reproductive rate, leading to lower rates of population growth of the brown stink bug. In contrast, chlorantraniliprole led to only a slight extension on the generation time, but enhanced net reproductive rate of the stink bug leading to higher rates of population growth; no effects on sexual fitness were observed, as both compounds exhibited similar effect on females and males. Latency to mate correlated significantly with the population growth rate. The positive response to chlorantraniliprole exposure reinforces the notion that sublethal exposure of the brown stink bug to this insecticide may lead to stimulatory (hormetic) response favouring its outbreaks in soybean fields.     

Comparison of larval performance and oviposition preference of Spodoptera frugiperda among three host plants: Potential risks to potato and tobacco crops

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a major polyphagous pest with the potential to seriously damage various crops. A better understanding of FAW's performance on different hosts may help to predict which plants will be attacked when the preferred host is absent, and facilitate the development of effective pest management practices. We compared the larval performance of FAW fed on maize with that of FAW fed on potato and tobacco, which are important crops in China, using an age-stage two-sex life table and adult female oviposition preference experiments. In cage experiments with potato, tobacco, or maize as the host, FAW reared on maize exhibited the strongest performance with shorter developmental time in the larval stage, longer longevity, and a higher reproductive rate in adults. Females oviposited on maize in preference to potato or tobacco. Compared with larvae fed on maize, those fed on potato and tobacco exhibited significantly lower survival, with only 31.61% and 8.13% developing to the adult stage, respectively. Several life table parameters, including the mean generation time (T), net reproductive rate (R₀), finite rate of increase (λ), and intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) were negatively affected in FAW fed on potato and tobacco. Our results support the preference–performance hypothesis, that is, that herbivore females maximize fitness by choosing host plants associated with strong larval performance. Although larvae and adults performed poorly on potato and tobacco, their offspring will be capable of establishing populations on them, posing a potential threat to these crops in China.     

Warm springs reduce parasitism of the cereal leaf beetle through phenological mismatch

Variation in weather among years may affect biological control of insect pests by influencing how well matched in phenology specialist parasitoids are with their pest hosts. A 10‐year study in western North America (Utah) revealed greater change with warm versus cool springs in the life cycle timing of the cereal leaf beetle (CLB), Oulema melanopus (L.), than of its principal enemy, the parasitoid wasp Tetrastichus julis (Walker). The beetle laid eggs, and larval populations developed in crop fields earlier on a calendar‐day basis, but nonetheless after more degree‐days had accumulated, in warmer than in cooler springs. The phenology of parasitism by wasps, in contrast, varied little among springs in relation to accumulated degree‐days. Consequently, in warmer springs, larval phenology of the CLB was delayed relative to adult parasitoid activity, and parasitism was reduced. Presently, a significant degree of biological control of the CLB results from parasitism by T. julis. By promoting phenological mismatch between host and parasitoid, however, a warming climate could weaken this biological control of the insect pest.     

Constructing life-tables for the invasive maize pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Col.; Chrysomelidae) in Europe

Abstract: The western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, Col.; Chrysomelidae) is an alien invasive species in Europe. It is a univoltine species with eggs that overwinter in the soil and larvae that hatch in spring. Three larval instars feed on maize roots, which can cause plant lodging and yield loss of economic importance. Adults emerge between mid‐June and early August and can reduce yields through intensive silk feeding. In order to provide a thorough understanding of the population dynamics of this invasive pest species in the invaded European region, complete age specific life‐tables were constructed in two maize fields in southern Hungary assessing the significance of natural mortality factors acting on D. v. virgifera populations. This information provides a rational basis for devising sustainable integrated pest management programmes, in particular, by enabling the identification of vulnerable pest age intervals for the timely application of various management tools. The life‐table for D. v. virgifera in Europe resulted in a total mortality of about 99% from the egg stage in the autumn to the emergence of adult females in the following year (K_Total = 2.48), which is comparable with North America. The highest reduction of D. v. virgifera numbers resulted from the mortality in first instar larvae (94% marginal death rate) and from the unrealized fecundity (80%). However, only the variation in mortality between years can change the generational mortality and thus influence population growth. High variation in the marginal death rate between fields and years was found in the second and third instar larval stages, and in the overwintering egg stage. These mortality factors therefore have the potential to cause changes in the total generational mortality. Furthermore, the life‐table suggested that a high fecundity could compensate for a high generational mortality and would lead to population increase.     

Silicon dioxide in the defence induction of soybean against Spodoptera frugiperda

Silicon can increase the natural defence of plants against stresses including herbivorous insects. Silicon dioxide (SiO₂) is one of the forms of silicon, and despite its wide use in the industrial sector, its use in agriculture is still poorly adopted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of foliar application of SiO₂ in inducing defence against Spodoptera frugiperda in soybean. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomised design with four treatments (0%, 1%, 2.5%, and 5% of SiO₂). The effect on cannibalism, biological parameters (mortality, duration of the larval stage, duration of the pupal stage and pupal weight) and wear on the mandible of S. frugiperda were evaluated. The foliar silicon content was also determined. The supply of SiO₂ prolonged the duration of the larval and pupal stages of the S. frugiperda by 0.56 and 0.17 days for each 1% of SiO₂ applied, respectively. The use of SiO₂ at 5% increased the mortality rate of caterpillars in the larval stage by approximately 25%. There was no effect of SiO₂ application on cannibalism and weight of S. frugiperda pupae. There was wear on the caterpillars' jaws in the third and fourth instar at the highest SiO₂ concentration. The application of SiO₂ promoted greater accumulation of silicon in soybean leaves. It is concluded that the foliar application of SiO₂ affects the biological performance of S. frugiperda through the induction of defence in the soybean crop and presents itself as a promising strategy in integrated pest management programmes.     

Lethal and sublethal effects of thiacloprid on survival,growth and reproduction of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is the most destructive pest of cotton, tomato and chickpea in Iran. In this study, the lethal and sublethal effects of thiacloprid were evaluated against cotton bollworm under laboratory condition at 26?±?1?°C, 70?±?5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D). Bioassay experiments were conducted on first larval instars by mixing the insecticide dilutions with artificial diet. The LC₅₀ value of thiacloprid was 329?mg a.i./l. Sublethal effects of LC₃₀ concentration of thiacloprid was studied on biological parameters. In the study of sublethal effects, thiacloprid at LC₃₀ concentration significantly increased larval and pupal developmental times and reduced adults longevity compared with control but showed no significant effects on fecundity of cotton bollworm. Sublethal effects of thiacloprid also significantly reduced pupal weight compared with control. In general, sublethal effects studies showed that thiacloprid had adverse effects on biological parameters of the pest. Thus, our data suggest that thiacloprid had moderate potential against cotton bollworm.     

Avian pest control in tea plantations of sub-Himalayan plains of Northeast India: Mixed-species foraging flock matters

This study reports on the biocontrol role birds play in caterpillar pest control of tea plantations of Northeast India. In this area large tracts of tea plantations have been extensively defoliated by the recent invasion of two forest-dwelling geometrid looper caterpillars, Hyposidra spp. and a lymantriid hairy caterpillar, Arctornis submarginata. This exacerbated tea herbivory by two resident pest caterpillars, Biston suppressaria and Eterusia magnifera. Currently there are no identified resident insect predators for any life stage of Hyposidra spp. and A. submarginata. Larvae of these pests drop from tea bushes using salivary thread, allowing caterpillars to escape from insect predators. The study identified 38 native insectivorous bird species in tea plantations, of which four species (Asian-pied starling, Chestnut-tailed starling, Jungle Myna, Red-vented Bulbul) could be potential control agents of looper and hairy caterpillar pests. These species had high population densities. Their cumulative abundances represented a major proportion of the total bird community during both the infested (86.44%) and non-infested phase (75.34%). They foraged in mixed-species flocks in both tea foliage and on the ground. This behavior is suited to capture foliage-living and dropped caterpillars that were flushed from tea bushes by foraging birds. Abundance and species richness of overall tea layer-foraging birds were higher in infested phase when compared to non-infested phase. The predation rate of four bird species of the foraging flock varied significantly. These results suggest that birds should be considered as important biological control agent of caterpillar pests of tea and considered in pest management plans.     

Evaluation of the Adenanthera pavonina seed proteinase inhibitor (ApTI) as a bioinsecticidal tool with potential for the control of Diatraea saccharalis

Diatraea saccharalis, is a major sugarcane pest, causing damage to the stalks of sugarcane plants. In this study, a trypsin inhibitor (ApTI) was purified from Adenanthera pavonina seeds and was tested for its insect growth regulatory effect. ApTI showed a dose-dependent effect on average larval weight and survival. 0.1% ApTI produced approximately 67% and 50% decreases in weight and survival larval, respectively. The results from dietary utilization experiments with D. saccharalis larvae showed a reduction in the efficiency of conversion of ingested food and digested food, and an increase in approximate digestibility and metabolic cost. The level of trypsin was significantly decreased (ca. 55%) in the midgut of larvae reared on a diet containing 0.05% ApTI and the trypsin activity in ApTI-fed larvae demonstrated sensitivity to ApTI. The action of ApTI on the development of D. saccharalis larvae shows that this protein may have great toxic potential.     

Aflatoxin B1: Toxicity,bioactivation and detoxification in the polyphagous caterpillar Trichoplusia ni

Trichoplusia ni caterpillars are polyphagous foliage‐feeders and rarely likely to encounter aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, in their host plants. To determine how T. ni copes with AFB1, we evaluated the toxicity of AFB1 to T. ni caterpillars at different developmental stages and found that AFB1 tolerance significantly increases with larval development. Diet incorporation of AFB1 at 1 μg/g completely inhibited larval growth and pupation of newly hatched larvae, but 3 μg/g AFB1 did not have apparent toxic effects on larval growth and pupation of caterpillars that first consume this compound 10 days after hatching. Piperonyl butoxide, a general inhibitor of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s), reduced the toxicity of AFB1, suggesting that AFB1 is bioactivated in T. ni and this bioactivation is mediated by P450s. Some plant allelochemicals, including flavonoids such as flavones, furanocoumarins such as xanthotoxin and imperatorin, and furanochromones such as visnagin, that induce P450s in other lepidopteran larvae ameliorated AFB1 toxicity, suggesting that P450s are also involved in AFB1 detoxification in T. ni.     

Insecticide toxicity and walking response of three pirate bug predators of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta

相似文献   

Prey consumption and development of the indigenous lacewing Chrysoperla externa feeding on two exotic Eucalyptus pests

ABSTRACT

The green lacewing Chrysoperla externa is a widespread species in the Neotropical region that occurs in different habitats. Its presence in Eucalyptus plantations infested with Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) and Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae) suggests that this lacewing might feed on one or both exotic pest species. In order to evaluate C. externa as a potential biocontrol agent of the eucalyptus pests, the prey consumption, development, survival and reproduction of the predator were evaluated under laboratory conditions. C. externa larvae consumed nymphs of both pest species. Developmental time and reproduction parameters of C. externa fed G. brimblecombei were similar to those obtained with the factitious prey Sitotroga cerealella. When fed on T. peregrinus, C. externa showed a delay in its developmental time and the emerged adults were malformed. The results of this study suggest that the green lacewing is a good candidate to be used in augmentative or conservative biological control programmes against G. brimblecombei. Further research is necessary to analyse the potential of this predator as a biocontrol agent under field conditions.     

The toxicity and biological effect of Pedalium murex L. extracts on the tobacco cutworm,Spodoptera litura (Fabr.) larvae

Petroleum ether, acetone, water and aqueous extract of Pedalium murex L. (Pedalaceae) leaves, root and fruit were tested against fourth instar larvae of the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabr.) under laboratory conditions using leaf dip method. Larval mortality; larval, pupal and adult periods; pupal weight, pupation and adult emergence; larval and pupal deformities of S. litura were recorded. All the tested solvent extracts of P. murex were effective against S. litura life stages by causing mortality in a dose dependent manner. However, the efficacy was more significant with respect to acetone (leaf and root) and petroleum ether (root) at higher concentrations (0.8%) which leads to 100% larval mortality. The water and aqueous extracts of root caused 86.6 and 88.0% larval mortality respectively at 4% concentration. Among the plant parts tested, root had more importance followed by leaf and fruit. Plant extracts extended the larval, pupal and adult periods; reduced the pupal weight, pupal and adult emergence and caused larval–pupal deformities. Total life time was highly prolonged in acetone extracts of P. murex root. Though all the extracts were found to have insecticide activity, acetone and petroleum ether extracts of P. murex root can be used as an effective alternative to modern synthetic insecticides. Bioactive principles from these extracts can be isolated, identified and integrated in S. litura management.