Quantitative studies on the pathogenicity of Nosema carpocapsae,a microsporidian pathogen of the codling moth,Cydia pomonella,in New Zealand

The pathogenicity of Nosema carpocapsae for codling moth was studied using dose-infectivity experiments. The IC₅₀ (median infective concentration) was similar for the five larval instars (range 4.0 × 10³ to 6.7 × 10⁴ spores/ml). Spore loads in moths ranged from 6.0 × 10⁶ to 7.1 × 10⁷ spores per moth and varied with dose and with larval age at infection. The infection does not cause mortality but does reduce the fecundity and fertility of infected moths. Nosema carpocapsae is transmitted transovarially as well as horizontally. Infected eggs were not produced by healthy females mated with infected males, although such pairs generally produced fewer eggs than healthy pairs.     

Age-Dependent Effects of Oral Infection with Dengue Virus on Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Feeding Behavior,Survival, Oviposition Success and Fecundity

Background

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of dengue, a disease that is increasing its geographical range as well as incidence rates. Despite its public health importance, the effect of dengue virus (DENV) on some mosquito traits remains unknown. Here, we investigated the impact of DENV-2 infection on the feeding behavior, survival, oviposition success and fecundity of Ae. aegypti females.

Methods/Principal Findings

After orally-challenging Ae. aegypti females with a DENV-2 strain using a membrane feeder, we monitored the feeding behavior, survival, oviposition success and fecundity throughout the mosquito lifespan. We observed an age-dependent cost of DENV infection on mosquito feeding behavior and fecundity. Infected individuals took more time to ingest blood from anesthetized mice in the 2^nd and 3^rd weeks post-infection, and also longer overall blood-feeding times in the 3^rd week post-infection, when females were around 20 days old. Often, infected Ae. aegypti females did not lay eggs and when they were laid, smaller number of eggs were laid compared to uninfected controls. A reduction in the number of eggs laid per female was evident starting on the 3^rd week post-infection. DENV-2 negatively affected mosquito lifespan, since overall the longevity of infected females was halved compared to that of the uninfected control group.

Conclusions

The DENV-2 strain tested significantly affected Ae. aegypti traits directly correlated with vectorial capacity or mosquito population density, such as feeding behavior, survival, fecundity and oviposition success. Infected mosquitoes spent more time ingesting blood, had reduced lifespan, laid eggs less frequently, and when they did lay eggs, the clutches were smaller than uninfected mosquitoes.     

The reproductive strategy of the gregarious parasitoid,Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Summary Pteromalus puparum is a gregarious parasitoid of many butterfly pupae. Adult size, mortality, and sex ratio of P. puparum, as a parasitoid of Papilio xuthus, were unit weight of the host. Effects of female size on fecundity, wing load, and longevity were also examined.The highest total weight of progeny from the host was attained when the number of eggs per gram of the host was approximately 150. Positive correlations were observed between the size of the females and their fecundity and wing load. The maximum longevity of the female kept with honey but without hosts was attained when the initial number of parasitoids per g of the host was 150.Considering the total fecundity of all female progeny, the reproductively most efficient number of eggs to be deposited per g of the host was estimated to be approximately 300. However, as shortage of food for the adult females strongly affects their fecundity, the reproductively most efficient number of eggs to be deposited per g of the host was about 70 when the adult female progeny was not provided with food.The optimal number of eggs to be deposited when the emale oviposits in the host under field conditions is discussed.     

Reduction in fitness of female Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) infected with Metarhizium anisopliae

Bioassays were conducted to document the effects of Metarhizium anisopliae infection on adult female Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) reproduction before death and subsequent survival of offspring. The effect of infection on fecundity was evaluated for females already laying eggs and for newly eclosed females using M. anisopliae isolates ARSEF 7234 and 7711, respectively. Decreased longevity and oviposition compared with controls were observed in females that were already laying eggs when exposed to M. anisopliae ARSEF 7234. Newly eclosed females exposed to M. anisopliae ARSEF 7711 displayed shortened longevity (10.0 ± 0.7 days vs 74.3 ± 6.8 days for controls) and decreased oviposition (1.3 ± 0.7 eggs per ARSEF 7711-exposed female vs 97.2 ± 13.7 eggs per female for controls) compared with controls. Percentages of eggs that did not hatch were greater for both groups of fungal-treated females compared with controls and 60.0% of unhatched eggs contained signs of fungal infection. The percentage of larvae dying within 9 weeks of oviposition was higher for sexually mature females exposed to ARSEF 7234 compared with controls and >40% of dead larvae displayed signs of fungal infection. Thus, for both stages of females and both fungal isolates, fewer surviving larvae were produced after female fungal infection compared with controls. M. anisopliae infection affects female fitness by decreasing female longevity, by decreasing female oviposition before death and through horizontal transmission of M. anisopliae to offspring.     

梨小食心虫蛹重对成虫繁殖力和寿命及下一代幼虫发育的影响

【目的】本文旨在明确营养状况不同造成的梨小食心虫Grapholitha molesta(Busck)雌、雄蛹重量差异对其羽化的成虫产卵量、产卵期、寿命及下一代(F1)幼虫发育的影响。【方法】室内条件下,通过不同的饲养方法,获得个体重量不同的梨小食心虫雌、雄蛹,待其羽化交配后,记录其产卵量、产卵时间和成虫寿命;卵孵化前后,分别测量卵和初孵幼虫大小,计算卵孵化率,统计幼虫发育历期。【结果】雌蛹重量对梨小食心虫的成虫产卵量影响显著,其重量与产卵量呈正相关(y=15.505x-59.292);同一条件下,雌蛹与雄蛹重量也呈正相关(y=0.823x-0.538)。同时,雌蛹重量对成虫产卵期影响也较大,蛹重大的个体羽化的雌虫比蛹重小的个体羽化的雌虫产卵高峰期提前1 d;较重、中等和较轻蛹羽化出的雌虫个体每天产卵量高于10粒/雌的时间分别为9~10,7和5~6 d;产卵量高于5粒/雌的时间分别为12~13,9和6~7 d。而雄蛹重量对产卵量、雄成虫寿命影响没有明显影响。较轻的蛹羽化的雌成虫寿命比较重蛹羽化的雌成虫短2~3 d;而雄蛹重量对其羽化的雄成虫寿命影响没有明显规律。雌、雄蛹重量对其羽化成虫的卵孵化率、卵和初孵幼虫的大小影响均不显著,对F_1幼虫发育历期影响也不显著。【结论】梨小食心虫雌蛹重对羽化成虫的产卵量和产卵期等影响显著,田间防治时应注意在不同条件下完成发育的个体,尤其是雌虫,由于营养差异引起的个体大小对随后种群增长的影响。     

Impact of a novel species of Nosema on the southwestern corn borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

A study was undertaken to elucidate the impact of an undescribed Nosema sp. on the southwestern corn borer (SWCB; Diatraea grandiosella Dyar). The Nosema sp. (isolate 506) included in the study was isolated from an overwintering SWCB larva in Mississippi. It was highly infectious per os, with a median infective dose of 2.0 x 10(3) spores per larva. Even at the highest dosage tested (10(7) spores per larva), minimal mortality (< or = 3%) was observed in infected larvae, pupae, and adults reared in the laboratory on an artificial diet. However, infected pupae (0- and 7-d-old) were smaller, and the time to adult eclosion from pupation was slightly increased. Furthermore, the number of eggs produced by infected SWCB female moths substantially decreased (32%), and this effect was most pronounced on day 2, when the greatest number of eggs were oviposited by infected and noninfected moths. For eggs produced by infected females mated with infected males, hatch was slightly decreased by 16 and 15% for eggs laid on days 2 and 3, respectively. In addition, egg hatch was reduced in eggs oviposited by noninfected females mated with infected males on day 3. A low prevalence of infection (< 6%) was observed in the F1 generation originating from infected females mating with noninfected males, from noninfected females mating with infected males, and from infected females mating with infected males. Nosema 506 spores were observed in the proximity of reproductive tissues of infected female and male moths. Spores also were detected on the chorion surface and within eggs laid by infected females. Furthermore, 1-11% of larvae hatching from surface-sterilized eggs were infected by Nosema 506 indicating a transovarial mechanism of transmission.     

Significance of transovarial infections of Amblyospora sp. (Microspora:Thelohaniidae) in relation to parasite maintenance in the mosquito Culex salinarius

Adult females of Culex salinarius, transovarially infected with the microsporidium Amblyospora sp., showed no significant differences in overall fecundity, physiological longevity, and preoviposition periods when compared to healthy adults under laboratory conditions. Development times and survival rates for congenitally infected young to reproductive age were also indistinguishable from those of healthy controls. A significant reduction of 52% in egg hatch was observed for infected eggs when compared to healthy eggs. Prevalence rates of infection for progeny produced by infected females declined with each successive gonotrophic cycle and averaged 90%. Transovarial transmission is not sufficient for the maintenance of the microsporidium in a population of mosquitoes. An alternate host is suggested as a mechanism whereby the microsporidium can reenter a healthy mosquito population.     

Temperature-dependent oviposition model of Scopula subpunctaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Scopula subpunctaria, is one of important defoliating insect pests of tea plants in China. However, the effect of temperature on its longevity and fecundity had not been reported, and the temperature-dependent oviposition model is lacking. The reproductive characteristics of S. subpunctaria were investigated under eight constant temperatures (13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 33℃), with a 14L: 10D photoperid and 65–85% RH. The results showed that temperature significantly influence oviposition period, longevity, and fecundity of S. subpunctaria. The mean longevity of female adults increased from 10.8 days (33℃) to 33.9 days (13℃). Male lived shorter than female did. The mean longevity of males was shortest at 33℃ (8.1 days) and longest at 23.8℃ (17.6 days). Total fecundity of S. subpunctaria females ranged from 15.4 eggs at 33℃ to 279.9 eggs at 22℃. The temperature-dependent oviposition model of S. subpunctaria was constructed based on four sub-models (developmental rate model, total fecundity model, oviposition rate model, and survival rate model). The results of this study would be helpful in forecasting and predicting population occurrence of S. subpunctaria in tea plantations.     

食物对棉铃虫生长发育及繁殖的影响

用棉花、花生、玉米及人工饲料作为食料,模拟幼虫田间取食习性,同时为雌蛾设立补充和无补充营养两个处理,研究了食物对棉铃虫 Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) 生长发育及繁殖的影响。4种食料组幼虫历期之间有显著差异;雌、雄蛹重花生组显著小于其余三组。雌蛾腹部干重及其脂肪百分含量与雌蛹体重的排列顺序一样,雌蛾腹部干重人工饲料组显著大于棉花组和花生组。雌蛾寿命和繁殖受幼虫食料和成虫食物的双重影响。喂10%蜂蜜时,雌蛾寿命、交配率和产卵量在四个幼虫食料组之间没有显著差异。但喂以清水时,花生组雌蛾均未交配,寿命和产卵量显著小于其余三组。从同种幼虫食料来看,除人工饲料组外,其余3组雌蛾喂清水时的产卵量和寿命均比喂10%蜂蜜溶液时的显著下降。基于这些结果,作者认为棉花、玉米比花生更适合于棉铃虫的生长发育和繁殖。在田间自然栽培状态下,不同食料植物的糖分含量对棉铃虫生长发育和繁殖影响较大,含氮量的变化影响小。     

The effect of adult feeding on the fecundity,weight loss and survival of the pine beauty moth,Panolis flammea (D&S)

Summary Adult females of the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea, fed on a saturated honey solution, laid significantly more eggs than those individuals given water only or not fed at all.At 20°, the longevity of both male and female moths was significantly increased when they were supplied with a food source. At 10° fed male months were not significantly longer lived than unfed moths. Fed female moths at 10° were however, significantly longer lived than unfed individuals. At 20°, fed male moths lived longer than fed females (8.17 days as compared with 5.95 days). At 10°, fed female moths lived longer than fed males (16.00 days compared with 11.41 days).At 20°, weight loss in unfed females over the reproductive period was proportional to the number of eggs laid and the survival time of the individual. In fed females, no significant weight loss occurred over the reproductive period, irrespective of the number of eggs laid or the longevity of the individual.Egg production, even in fed females, over the life span of an individual was only a fifth of the total eggs present in the reproductive tract at eclosion.It is concluded that adult females of P. flammea are likely to require an extra external food source to achieve their full reproductive potential.     

Effects of AeDNV infection on Aedes aegypti lifespan and reproduction

The effects of Aedes Densovirus (AeDNV) infections on survival, fertility, fecundity and vertical transmission in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) were measured in laboratories in Kiev, Ukraine and Colorado, USA and incorporated into a predictive model of the effects of AeDNV on vector capacity. Adult lifespan and daily survival were reduced in AeDNV infected mosquitoes. This effect was dependent on the dose of the virus. Infected females had decreased fecundity. The oviposition rate was less in infected females and the hatch rate declined in eggs laid by infected females. The amounts of AeDNV in infected females and the infection rate of their offspring were measured with real-time PCR. The average filial transmission rate was ∼70% and larval infection rates from infected females varied between 42 and 62%. Vertically infected larvae, and individual eggs contained ∼1 × 10⁵ AeDNV genome equivalents (geq). Modeling the effects of AeDNV infection on Ae. aegypti populations suggested a large decrease in the numbers of eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults arising from infected mothers and suggested that AeDNV treatment of larvae could cause up to a 76% reduction of infectious mosquito days.     

Effects of temperature on the fecundity and longevity of Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillet) (Diptera: Tephritidae) on artificial diet

The melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), is an important polyphagous pest that damages to various agricultural crops, whose distribution has become global as a result of human activity. In this study, we investigated the fecundity, pre-oviposition and oviposition periods, and the longevity of adult Z. cucurbitae at various constant temperatures ranging from 15 to 35.2°C. One newly emerged one virgin female and two males of Z. cucurbitae were used, and the longevity of both sexes and the fecundity of the females were examined daily. The longevity of female Z. cucurbitae ranged from 183.8 days at 15.0°C to 30.8 days at 35.2°C, and the maximum fecundity per female was 1204 eggs at 24.5°C. The lower development threshold (LDT) and thermal constant (K) of females were estimated as 14.8°C and 781.13 degree-days, respectively. Female reproduction was modeled using a two-phase oviposition model. Oviposition was estimated using females in the oviposition phase, which had a complete pre-oviposition phase. The oviposition model consisted of two reproductive components (total fecundity and age-specific cumulative oviposition rate during oviposition) and a survival component (age-specific survival rate). The daily egg production of Z. cucurbitae was estimated in relation to adult age and temperature.     

Age-dependent fecundity and life-fertility tables for Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Het., Pentatomidae)

Abstract: The reproductive potential and longevity of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) were determined under laboratory conditions at a constant temperature of 25°C. The data were used to calculate life-fertility tables and rates of increase. The fecundity plateau of P. nigrispinus lasted 18 days, and during this period mean fecundity was 8.89 eggs per female per day. It started at the eighth day of age and ended at the 18th day of age. The declining fecundity period started at 18 days of age and ended with the death of the females. The female of P. nigrispinus oviposited a mean of 188.54 eggs, and had a mean longevity of 31.21 days. The gross reproductive rate (GRR) was 104.374 females/female; the net reproductive rate ( R _o) was 31.945 females/female; the generation time was 47.390 days; the doubling time was 9.480 days; the intrinsic rate of increase ( r _m ) was 0.073, and the finite rate of increase ( λ ) was 1.076. The predator population increased by 16.61 adult progeny per female per generation in the laboratory.     

Effect of multiple mating on the reproductive performance of the rice leaffolder moth,Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

To clarify whether multiple mating of females and males affects the reproductive performance of the rice leaffolder moth, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée), we examined the effect of the number of matings (once, twice, or three times) for females (female treatment) and males (male treatment) on the incidence of moth mating, number of eggs laid, egg hatchability, and adult longevity. We also compared the effect of multiple mating imposed on males or females separately with the effect of that imposed on both sexes simultaneously (both sexes treatment). The incidence of mating of females and males that mated three times (3-mated females and males) was significantly lower than for females and males that mated twice or once (2-mated or 1-mated females and males). The incidence of mating of 1-mated moths (both sexes) was significantly higher than for 2-mated or 3-mated moths (both sexes). Two-mated or 3-mated females laid significantly more eggs with significantly higher hatchability than 1-mated females. Females that mated with 1-mated males (second male mating) or 2-mated males (third male mating) laid significantly fewer eggs than those that mated with virgin males (first male mating). Females laid significantly more eggs after the second and third matings for moths of both sexes than after the first mating for moths of both sexes. The mechanisms of improvement and decline of female reproductive performance when multiple mating was imposed on males or females are also discussed in relation to the reproductive biology of C. medinalis.     

Demographic study of the reproductive potential of pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyri

Longevity and fecundity of pear psylla adults, Cacopsylla pyri (L.) (Homoptera: Psyllidae), were studied in Greece under field conditions, during 1991/92 and 1992/93. Net fecundity (mean fecundity of cohort) of the overwintered females (winter form) was low (24.1 and 43.4 eggs per female for 1991/92 and 1992/93 respectively) because only a small fraction of the females survive reproductive diapause. Surviving females, however, are capable of producing a relatively high number of eggs (135.0 and 151 9 eggs per female for the two seasons respectively). Net fecundity of summer form females was very high in spring (343.2 and 406.8 eggs per female for 1992 and 1993 respectively), relatively high in early autumn (130.4 and 192.5 eggs per female) and very low in summer (21.9 and 46.5 eggs per female). Male longevity was in all cases shorter than that of female. Longevity of both sexes of the summer form was higher in spring and autumn (for females it ranged from 22.3 to 28.4 days) than it was in summer (for females it ranged from 14.3 to 17.4 days).     

Two different and sublethal isolates of Nosema lymantriae (Microsporidia) reduce the reproductive success of their host,Lymantria dispar

We examined the effects of two microsporidian isolates of Nosema lymantriae (Germany isolate; Schweinfurt isolate) on the reproductive success of Lymantria dispar L. All possible mating combinations were tested. Both isolates affected the fecundity of infected females and the hatch of neonates. The infection of female L. dispar with either isolate resulted in a higher proportion of non-viable eggs; the survival of neonates during egg stage was not affected. When L. dispar larvae were infected with N. lymantriae [Germany] the number of eggs per egg mass decreased between 24 and 61%. When both adults were infected, the hatch rate decreased to 26%. While the infection of the male or the female host with the Germany isolate affected the number of eggs per egg mass and the hatch of progeny, we did not find a significant effect when male hosts were infected with the Schweinfurt isolate; only infection of the female L. dispar resulted in a reduction of the number of eggs per egg mass between 26 and 37%.     

Female reproductive pattern of Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 (Brachyura: Portunidae) in Iskenderun Bay,Eastern Mediterranean

We studied the female reproductive pattern of Callinectes sapidus, which was introduced to the Mediterranean in the 20^th century. We assessed female size at first maturity, fecundity, and fecundity relationship to size in Iskenderun Bay, eastern Mediterranean, Turkey. Samples were collected between July 2014 and June 2015 using bottom trawling at depths ranging from 1 to 50 m. A total of 322 crabs were caught of which 308 (95.7%) were females including 116 ovigerous ones. The minimum carapace width of the mature females was 39.1 mm and the mean carapace width 123.8 mm. The carapace width of ovigerous females varied between 95.1 and 144.5 mm, with a mean of 120.3 mm. The highest number of ovigerous females was observed in July and August. Mean fecundity was 1.91 million (667,950–4,669,853) eggs per female. A weak positive linear relationship between fecundity and carapace width was noted, as well as a high correlation with total egg weight. In the eastern Mediterranean, maturity sizes of females were smaller than those in the native region of the species.     

Effects of delayed mating on reproductive output of female oriental beetle Anomala orientalis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

1 Although management of the oriental beetle Anomala orientalis (Waterhouse) by mating disruption shows promise across a range of agricultural systems, relatively little is known about aspects of the reproductive biology of this species relevant to its management. We studied the effects of delayed mating on several aspects of the oviposition behaviour and biology of the oriental beetle using females mated in the laboratory at 4–13 days posteclosion. 2 Females exhibited a gradual decline in fecundity with increased age at mating that was largely a function of a decline in duration of the oviposition period, as well as lower female fertility: females mated at 11 days were less likely to lay any fertile eggs. However, egg fertility did not vary with female age at mating. 3 Because mating delay did not affect longevity, females mated at older ages experienced decreased oviposition periods; however, females laid more eggs per day with increased age at mating, which partially offset shorter oviposition periods. 4 A mating delay of ≥ 6 days relative to females mated within the first day of reaching sexual maturity resulted in an approximately 35–50% lower mean fecundity. 5 These results suggest that, for mating disruption to be a successful management tool for the oriental beetle, mating must be prevented rather than delayed. We compare the findings of the present study with the published research on delayed mating in moths and discuss the importance of these results in relation to management of the oriental beetle using female sex pheromones.     

Effect of food concentration on the production and viability of resting eggs of the rotifer Brachionus: implications for the timing of sexual reproduction

1. Life‐table experiments with Brachionus calyciflorus test several hypotheses related to the idea that sexual reproduction in monogonont rotifers should occur when food resources are favourable. 2. The food concentration necessary for a fertilised mictic female to produce one phenotypically normal resting egg was higher than that for an amictic female to produce one daughter. At the lowest concentration of Cryptomonas erosa (1.25 × 10³ cells mL^?1), the lifetime fecundity of these two types of females was 0.9 and 1.4, respectively. 3. The lifetime fecundity of both fertilised mictic females and amictic females increased with food concentration to 3.4 resting eggs and 15.2 daughters female^?1, respectively. The approach to maximal fecundity with increasing food concentration was more rapid for fertilised mictic females, such that their lifetime fecundity relative to that of amictic females gradually decreased from 0.64 (at 1.25 × 10³ C. erosa mL^?1) to 0.22 (at 2.5 × 10⁴ C. erosa mL^?1). 4. The probability of a fertilised mictic female producing one or more abnormal resting eggs during her lifetime was high (approximately 75%). The mean proportion of abnormal eggs produced per female varied among the different food‐concentration treatments (26–38%) but was not higher at the low food concentrations. 5. The proportion of normal resting eggs that hatched was high (51–71%); those produced at low food concentrations were no less likely to hatch than those produced at high food concentrations. No abnormal resting eggs hatched. 6. The probability of a fertilised mictic female producing an abnormal resting egg increased rapidly with her age at all food concentrations. The probability of a normal resting egg hatching declined with maternal age at the low food concentration in one of two experiments. 7. The results support the idea that induction of mictic females should occur when food resources are good. Coincidence of sexual reproduction with low food availability risks low production of resting eggs for several reasons. Population size may be small, with a low probability of encounters between young mictic females and males, and fertilised mictic females may be unable to mature and produce resting eggs.     

Demographic parameters of Phyllocoptes adalius (Acari: Eriophyoidea) and influence of insemination on female fecundity and longevity

The biology of Phyllocoptes adalius Keifer (Acari: Eriophyoidea) and influence of insemination on female fecundity and longevity were studied. The experiment was conducted at a constant temperature of 25 ± 0.5 °C, 70–80 % RH and 16-h photoperiod. A modified method of mite rearing on detached leaves in closed cells was successfully applied and demonstrated to be efficient for biological studies of eriophyoids. Survival and development duration of the immature stages, as well as fecundity of female and longevity of adults, were calculated. The longest time of development was observed for eggs, which was almost twice as long as that for larvae and nymphs. Egg-to-adult development did not significantly differ between males and females. Survival rate for the immature stages was highest for nymphs (98.2 %), exceeding 86.2 % for overall pre-adult stages. Life table parameters of P. adalius were estimated as follows: mean generation time (T), 15.8 days; doubling time (Dt), 3.3 days; net reproductive rate (R ₀ ), 27.8 female eggs/female; the intrinsic rate of natural increase (r _m ), 0.21 female eggs/female/day; the finite rate of increase (λ), 1.23 female eggs/female/day; and sex ratio (proportion females), 0.82. Our studies indicate that P. adalius has the potential for rapid population increase, becoming one of the most important rose mite species.