The protective effect of melatonin against cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress damage in Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Antioxidant enzymes form the first-line defense against free radicals damage in organisms. Their regulation depends mainly on the oxidant and antioxidant status of the cell, given that oxidants are their principal modulators. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on synthetic pyrethroid insecticide-induced antioxidative enzymes activity in Spodoptera litura larvae. In addition, activities of enzymatic antioxidants viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), α, β-esterase, and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) were assessed. There was no significant change in GST levels in the melatonin-treated groups. Melatonin modulates cypermethrin-induced changes in the activities of esterase and AChE, whereas SOD, CAT, and GR activity was significantly increased in melatonin-treated samples when compared to control. In conclusion, the results of the current study revealed that SP toxicity activated oxidant systems in all antioxidant systems in some tissues of insects. Melatonin administration led to a marked increase in antioxidant activity and inhibited GST and AChE in most of the tissues studied.     

Biochemical mechanism of chlorantraniliprole resistance in Spodoptera litura (Fab) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Spodoptera litura, a polyphagus insect pest of economic importance, having the ability to develop resistance to various classes of insecticides was selected for the study. Leaf dip bioassay studies were done after ten generations of selection pressure reported the development of resistance up to 80 folds by S. litura against chlorantraniliprole compared to lab susceptible strain. Bioassay studies conducted using enzyme inhibitors such as triphenyl phosphate (TPP) followed by diethyl-maleate (DEM) and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) showed good amount of synergism with chlorantraniliprole and improved efficacy against resistant strain. Findings of bioassay studies were supported by in-vitro enzyme inhibition assays. Esterase activity in gut homogenate of resistant strain was significantly inhibited by TPP suggesting esterase mediated biochemical resistance development in S. litura against chlorantraniliprole.     

Cross-resistance and genetics of resistance to indoxacarb in Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Bioassays (at generation G1) with a newly collected field population of Spodoptera litura (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from Multan, Pakistan, showed resistance ratios of 15, 23, 37, and 16 for indoxacarb, spinosad, abamectin, and emamectin, respectively, compared with a laboratory susceptible population, Lab-PK. At G1, the field population was selected with indoxacarb by using single pair crosses. For Indoxa-SEL, bioassay at G4 found that selection increased resistance ratio to 95 for indoxacarb compared with Lab-PK. Selection with indoxacarb significantly increased resistance to spinosad and emamectin; however, resistance to abamectin was observed to drop. A significant reduction in the resistance to indoxacarb was observed in Indoxa-SEL at G9, indicating unstable resistance to indoxacarb; however, it was stable for fipronil. Synergism tests with microsomal oxidase and esterase-specific inhibitors suggested that the indoxacarb resistance was associated with microsomal oxidase. Reciprocal genetic crosses between Indoxa-SEL and Lab-PK populations indicated that resistance was autosomal and incompletely dominant. Tests of monogenic inheritance suggested that resistance to indoxacarb was controlled by more than one locus.     

不同温度下斜纹夜蛾的两性生命表

【目的】斜纹夜蛾Spodoptera litura(Fabricius)是一种鳞翅目夜蛾科食叶害虫,在不同的寄主、饲料等条件下表现出不同的生长发育特点。本实验旨在探究温度对斜纹夜蛾生长发育状况和种群参数的影响。【方法】在室内人工气候箱20±1℃,27±1℃和30±1℃(相对湿度和光周期分别为65%±10%和14L∶10D)条件下饲养斜纹夜蛾,观察和组建斜纹夜蛾在3种温度下的年龄-阶段两性生命表。【结果】斜纹夜蛾各个阶段的发育历期随温度升高变短,成虫产卵前期(adult preoviposition period,APOP)和总产卵前期(total preoviposition period,TPOP)同样表现为随温度升高而变短。此外,20±1℃处理的平均产卵量最高(1 810.36粒/雌),27±1℃处理次之(1 623.51粒/雌),30±1℃处理最低(1 084.60粒/雌)。斜纹夜蛾在不同温度条件下内禀增长率(r)、周限增长率(λ)和净增殖率(R0)有显著差异,20±1℃处理的r和λ显著低于27±1℃处理和30±1℃处理;27±1℃处理的R0显著大于20±1℃和30±1℃处理;20±1℃,27±1℃和30±1℃下平均世代周期(T)分别为52.51,30.63和26.87 d,依次减少且相互间差异显著(P0.05)。【结论】斜纹夜蛾在27±1℃和30±1℃温度条件下均表现出很强的增殖能力,该结果可为田间综合防治斜纹夜蛾提供理论依据。     

Bioefficacy of Aristolochia tagala Cham. against Spodoptera litura Fab. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Bioefficacy of leaf and root extracts of Aristolochia tagala Cham. at different concentrations was evaluated at room temperature against Spodoptera litura Fab. Effects on feeding, larvicidal and pupicidal activities and larval–pupal duration were studied. Higher antifeedant activity (56.06%), lethal concentration for feeding inhibition (3.69%), larvicidal (40.66%), pupicidal (28%), total mortality (68.66%) and prolonged larval–pupal duration (12.04–13.08 days) were observed in ethyl acetate leaf extract at 5.0% concentration. Dose dependant effect of test extracts was observed. This plant could be used to isolate active principles and to develop a new botanical formulation in pest management programmes.     

Sub-lethal effects of SpltMNPV infection on developmental stages of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Application of different doses of SpltMNPV on final instars of Spodoptera litura showed dose-related mortality. A significant increase in the time for pupation and progeny mortality as well as reduced fecundity was observed in surviving larvae. Impact of sublethal doses on subsequent generation needs attention in designing baculovirus-based pest management.     

Efficient incorporation of unsaturated fatty acids into volicitin-related compounds in Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

We introduced efficient incorporation of unsaturated fatty acids into volicitin [N-(17-hydroxylinolenoyl)-L-glutamine] and N-linolenoyl-L-glutamine, insect-derived elicitors of plant volatiles, in the common cutworms Spodoptera litura by the incubation of larval gut tissues with unsaturated (linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids) or saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic acids) sodium salt, and L-[alpha-(15)N]glutamine.     

Ventral exocrine gland of larva of Spodoptera (Prodenia) litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The morphological and histological structure of the ventral exocrine gland of the larva of the tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera (Prodenia) litura (Fab.) is shown. The proximal region of the gland is capable of protrusion through the prothoracic sternal slit as an elongate organ reaching upto the spinneret. The middle region of the gland shows characteristic giant cells in only one of the walls of the epithelium, while the distal region shows a thin flat epithelium with small round closely situated nuclei resting against the tunica propria. The gland probably secretes a gummy fluid for larval movements rather than a stinking odourous fluid for defense.     

Laboratory evaluation of flight activity of the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract  The flight activity of Spodoptera litura in tethered conditions is evaluated using a computer-mediated flight-mill in the laboratory. The 3–4-day-old moths fly longer and farther than those of other ages. Male and female moths exhibit similar flight activity. Mating status does not influence the flight duration and distance of 2-day-old females. However, these two flight parameters with a 6-day-old mated female is significantly lower than that of unmated ones. The optimum temperature for flight ranged from 16–24°C, whereas the optimum RH ranged from 60%–100%. During 72-h period, the total flight duration and distance of 1-day-old male and female moths were 19.6 h (± 5.8) and 83.3 km (± 28.4), and 24.0 h (± 7.0) and 105.4 km (± 37.4), respectively. These results indicate that S. litura has a great potential to undertake long-distance migratory flights.     

Evaluation of substituted oxime ethers for growth regulatory activity against Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Insect growth regulator (IGR) activity of 52 substituted oxime ethers was evaluated against an important polyphagous lepidopteran pest, Spodoptera litura (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Several compounds produced symptoms comparable to exogenously applied juvenile hormone. Maximum ICR activity was exhibited by 4'-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3'-buten-2'(E)-ketoxime-N-O-alkyl ether with an ED50 (morphological) of 40 microg g(-1) body weight, compared with 20 microg g(-1) of juvenile hormone (JH) III. Two more compounds, namely, 4'-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3'-buten-2'(Z)-ketoxime-N-O-methyl propyl ether (ED50 of 192 microg g(-1)) and 4'-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3'-buten-2'(E)-ketoxime-N-O-pentyl ether (ED50 of 380 microg g(-1)) showed considerable IGR activity, whereas 4'-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3'-buten-2'(E)-ketoxime-N-O-pentyl ether was found to be acutely toxic to larvae (ED50 of 268 microg g(-1)). Three compounds used in this study also were synergized by piperonyl butoxide. Synergistic ratios ranged from 1.330 to 4.605. No significant ovicidal activity was obtained.     

Circadian variation affects the biology and digestive profiles of a nocturnal insect Spodoptera litura (Insecta: Lepidoptera)

The present study was conducted to decipher the impact of circadian rhythm on digestive enzymes of Spodoptera litura under three photoperiods (12L:12D, 0L:24D, and 24L:0D). Longer life cycle, higher developmental traits and significant food utilizing capability were observed in dark conditions (DD), while there was no effect on survival. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), α and β-glucosidase depended on complete absence of light (DD) while LL had a significant effect on protease activity. The presence of polypeptides (35, 60 kDa) and lower protease inhibition by PMSF in 0L:24D, and 24L:0D indicated that serine proteases (trypsin) were the main proteases in larval midgut. Overall, zymography profiles suggested that circadian variation, particularly dark period influenced the S. litura development due to fluctuations in the midgut enzymes via food utilization. Although the effect of photoperiod on digestive processes of insects is still unclear, dark regime may underlie the midgut digestive enzymes in S. litura larvae.     

铅胁迫对斜纹夜蛾生长发育与生殖的影响

在植食性昆虫斜纹夜蛾幼虫标准人工饲料中添加不同浓度的重金属铅(Pb),研究Pb胁迫对其生长发育与生殖的影响.结果表明:斜纹夜蛾不同发育阶段(幼虫、蛹和成虫)的存活率和体质量随着饲料中Pb浓度的增加而下降,引起存活率显著下降的最低Pb胁迫浓度是100 mg·kg-1,引起体质量显著减少的最低Pb胁迫浓度是50 mg·kg-1.在取食Pb浓度为25～ 200 mg·kg-1的人工饲料后,斜纹夜蛾成虫的产卵天数显著减少;产卵力和生育力随着饲料中Pb浓度的增加而显著下降;1000粒卵的平均质量显著低于对照;卵孵化率显著下降.重金属Pb胁迫对斜纹夜蛾生长发育和生殖具有显著的抑制作用.     

Bioefficacy of Ceasalpinea bonduc (L.) Roxb. against Spodoptera litura Fab. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Bioefficacy of hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of the seeds of Ceasalpinea bonduc (L.) Roxb. was studied against third instar larvae of Spodoptera litura at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5 and 5.0% concentrations. Significant antifeedant, larvicidal and pupicidal activities and least LC₅₀ values were observed in chloroform extract. The chloroform extract was subjected to fractionation using silica gel column chromatography. Six fractions were obtained; among these, the third fraction showed high antifeedant, larvicidal and pupicidal activities at 1000 ppm concentration. Abnormalities in adults were also observed. All the activities were concentration dependent. C. bonduc could be useful in integrated pest management programme.     

Toxic Effect of Destruxin A on Abnormal Wing Disc-Like (SLAWD) in Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Background

Destruxin A (DA) is a microbial insecticide with potent bioactivity against Spodoptera litura larvae. A previous proteomic analysis of S. litura (SL-1) cells exposed to DA showed the abnormal expression of wing disc-like protein of S. litura (SLAWD). To further understand the effect of DA on SLAWD expression, a functional study was carried out.

Principal Findings

The SLAWD gene (SLAWD) was cloned and an open reading frame of 537 bp encoding a polypeptide of 178 amino acids was detected. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) suggested that SLAWD is expressed in all developmental stages of S. litura, but expression was highest during the pupal and adult stages. RNAi knockdown of SLAWD expression in 6th-stage larvae was achieved by the microinjection of a specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The results showed a significant decrease in SLAWD mRNA expression levels between the prepupal and adult stages. Interestingly, SLAWD expression was similarly down-regulated by treating 6th-stage larvae with DA. Growth- and development-related statistics confirmed the observed abnormalities in S. litura development after either RNAi or DA treatment.

Conclusions

SLAWD appears to have a biosynthetic function in the pupal and adult stages of S. litura. The toxic effect of DA on S. litura development is due the negative effect of DA on SLAWD gene expression.     

大豆胰蛋白酶抑制剂和防御信号物质对斜纹夜蛾解毒酶的影响

在昆虫与植物漫长的相互作用中,植物合成多种抗虫物质并采用防御信号转导系统抵御昆虫,昆虫也具有多种解毒酶系统保护其免受植物毒素的毒害.本文研究了人工添加大豆胰蛋白酶抑制剂和植物防御信号物质对斜纹夜蛾幼虫羧酸酯酶和谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶活性的影响.结果表明:持续6代自幼虫2龄或3龄开始喂养含有大豆胰蛋白酶抑制剂的人工饲料,其5龄幼虫中肠和脂肪体内羧酸酯酶、谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶活性显著升高,2、3龄处理的继代幼虫中肠和脂肪体内羧酸酯酶活性均在第二代达到最大值,分别为对照的2.06、2.40倍和1.96、2.70倍;其谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶活性则分别于第4、2代达到最大值,分别为对照的7.03、11.58倍和5.71、3.60倍,并呈现先升高再降低的趋势.预先接触外源信号物质茉莉酸甲酯、水杨酸甲酯48 h和添加大豆胰蛋白酶抑制剂均可使斜纹夜蛾幼虫中肠、脂肪体内羧酸酯酶和谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶的活性显著升高,且预先接触茉莉酸甲酯和水杨酸甲酯48 h可减缓大豆胰蛋白酶抑制剂对幼虫中肠和脂肪体内羧酸酯酶、谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶活性的作用效果.     

Herbivore- and Elicitor- Induced Resistance in Groundnut to Asian armyworm,Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Induced defense was studied in three groundnut genotypes ICGV 86699 (resistant), NCAc 343 (resistant) and TMV 2 (susceptible) in response to Spodoptera litura infestation and jasmonic acid (JA) application. The activity of the oxidative enzymes [peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)] and the amounts other host plant defense components [total phenols, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein content] were recorded at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h in JA pretreated (one day before) plants and infested with S. litura, and JA application and simultaneous infestation with S. litura to understand the defense response of groundnut genotypes against S. litura damage. Data on plant damage, larval survival and larval weights were also recorded. There was a rapid increase in the activities of POD and PPO and in the quantities of total phenols, H2O2, MDA and protein content in the JA pretreated + S. litura infested plants. All the three genotypes showed quick response to JA application and S. litura infestation by increasing the defensive compounds. Among all the genotypes, higher induction was recorded in ICGV 86699 in most of the parameters. Reduced plant damage, low larval survival and larval weights were observed in JA pretreated plants. It suggests that pretreatment with elicitors, such as JA could provide more opportunity for plant defense against herbivores.     

Population dynamics of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Bt cotton in the Yangtze River Valley of China

Genetically modified cotton that produces a crystalline protein from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Berliner) (Bt) has been widely deployed to manage lepidopteran insect pests in cotton growing areas worldwide. However, susceptibility of different insect species to Bt protein varies, which may affect lepidopteran pest populations in the field. Studies on effects of two transgenic cotton lines (BG1560 and GK19) carrying a Cry1A gene on common cutworm Spodoptera litura F. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were conducted during 2002-2005 in the cotton planting region of the Yangtze River valley of China. Results showed that common cutworm larvae had low susceptibility to Bt cotton. There was no significant difference in larval population densities in conventional and Bt cotton fields. However, the larval populations of the insect on conventional plants treated with chemical insecticides for control of target pest of Bt cotton were significantly lower than that in Bt cotton fields. These results indicated that the common cutworm was the potential to become a major and alarming pest in Bt cotton fields, and therefore efforts to develop an effective alternative management strategy are needed.