Effect of larval density and host species on preimaginal development of Bactrocera tau (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The fruit fly, Bactrocera tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an important pest of fruit and vegetable crops. In this study, host preference of B. tau females and the effects of host species and larval density on larval survival, pupal weight, adult emergence, and developmental duration were investigated on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrical L. (Roem)), bitter gourd [Momordica charantia (Cucurbitaceae) L.], guava [Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) L.], and tangerine [Citrus reticulata (Rutaceae) (Blanco)]. The results showed that females preferred to cucumber over other host species. Larval feeding experience affected subsequent host oviposition preference of adult females. Host species and initial larval density affected certain aspects of the biology of B. tau. Larval density negatively affected insect performance. Survival rates at low densities were significantly higher than that at high densities. Total developmental duration reduced at high larval densities. Cucumber was more suitable to larval growth. Larvae on cucumber grew faster and the puparia were heavier than that on other host species. Larval survival, pupation rate and adult emergence were higher on cucumber compared with those in other host species. Oviposition preference of adult females was correlated with performance of their offspring.     

Effects of intergenerational host plant alterations on developmental parameters of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith), is known as a destructive moth pest of agricultural crops such as corn, rice, and sorghum. Recently, its damage threatens crops in Asian temperate regions due to its high migration ability. Two genetic types of FAW, a corn strain mostly found on corn and a rice strain associated with rice, have been reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether migrated corn-collected population of FAW could maintain its population on various seasonal plants including non-preferred Poaceae plants, with special emphasis on Jeju, Korea. Development-related parameters were compared after switching host plants including corn (C), Sudan grass (S), proso millet (M), and rye (R) when rearing FAW. Most developmental parameters showed dynamic changes according to sequential alternation of host plants with the progress of generations. When all R₀ (net reproductive rate) values were scaled by the R₀ in C to C alteration, the scaled values of other alterations were less than “1.0”, indicating less fitness than C to C alteration (R₀ value: 0.57 for C to S, 0.49 for C to M in F3 generation; 0.82 for S to S, 0.65 for S to M, and 0.58 for S to C in F4 generation, 0.50 for M to M, 0.59 for M to R, and 0.83 for M to C in F5 generation). Although our results did not show that S. frugiperda adapted perfectively on new host plants, this pest was able to successfully reproduce up to five generations with non-preferred host plants. Results indicate that winter crops such as rye might be hosts for migrated corn-preferred populations of S. frugiperda during winter after breeding three to four cycles on other host plants before winter if weather condition is allowed for its survival.     

Plant damage to vegetable crops by zoophytophagous mirid predators

The use of plant-feeding predators for biological pest control has traditionally been neglected, mainly due to the risk of them feeding on crop plants and causing economically significant damage. Yet, these predators offer advantages for biological pest control. They are mostly generalist predators that have an impact on several crop pests. They may also be able to establish on crops early in the growing season, when pests colonize them, and can remain on the target crop when prey is scarce. Therefore, management programs must seek to minimize risks while maximizing benefits. In vegetable crops, most of the literature on zoophytophagous predators has focused on four species: Dicyphus tamaninii, Dicyphus hesperus, Macrolophus pygmaeus and Nesidiocoris tenuis (Heteroptera, Miridae). The capacity of these species to produce crop damage in tomatoes varies. This damage has been related to relative predator-to-prey abundance, with damage increasing at high predator abundances and low prey densities. In this review, we analyze the use of these species in biological control programs and the associated benefits and risks. The differences in the damage caused by the four predatory species examined could not be attributed to either stylet morphology or saliva composition. However, feeding on specific plant structures where they may find the resources required for their development is what probably determines feeding damage. Understanding when and why these predators increase their feeding on plants or on certain plant parts is of crucial importance for integrating them in biological control programs.     

Impact of introduction of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) and classical biological control releases of Fopius arisanus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on economically important fruit flies in French Polynesia

Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), was discovered on Tahiti Island in July 1996. Eradication programs were conducted from 1997 to 2001, but failed. From 1998 to 2006, B. dorsalis was recovered from 29 different host fruit from the five Society Islands: Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Huahine. Analysis of coinfestation patterns by B. dorsalis, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), and Bactrocera kirki (Froggatt) suggested B. dorsalis had displaced these two species and become the most abundant fruit fly in coastal areas. To suppress B. dorsalis populations, a classical biological control program was initiated to introduce the natural enemy Fopius arisanus (Sonan) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) into French Polynesia from Hawaii. Wasps were released and established on Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Huahine Islands. In guava, Psidium guajava L., collections for Tahiti, F. arisanus parasitism of fruit flies was 2.1, 31.8, 37.5, and 51.9% for fruit collected for 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Based on guava collections in 2002 (before releases) and 2006 (after releases), there was a subsequent decrease in numbers of B. dorsalis, B. tryoni, and B. kirki fruit flies emerging (per kilogram of fruit) by 75.6, 79.3, and 97.9%, respectively. These increases in F. arisanus parasitism and decreases in infestation were similar for other host fruit. Establishment of F. arisanus is the most successful example of classical biological control of fruit flies in the Pacific area outside of Hawaii and serves as a model for introduction into South America, Africa, and China where species of the B. dorsalis complex are established.     

A tentative evaluation for population establishment of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) by its population modeling: Considering the temporal distribution of host plants in a selected area in Jeju,Korea

The Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a destructive fruit pest in a wide range of cultivated fruit crops and wild plants. This species is a potentially highly invasive fruit fly to Jeju area of Korea. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of host plants distributed temporally on the population development of B. dorsalis. The temperature-dependent bionomic data for a synonymous group of B. dorsalis, including B. philippinensis, B. papayae, and B. invadens were collected from previous publications and combined to construct a population model of this pest and its thermal constant. We developed a stage-transition model of eggs, larvae and pupae, and an oviposition model for basic population modeling of the four common strains. We investigated the abundance of the host plants of B. dorsalis in a selected site in Jeju and parameterized them in terms of temporal availability to incorporate into the population model. The contribution of host plants for the population growth of B. dorsalis in the selected site was different according to the group of host plants. For example, B. dorsalis populations largely decreased by 93%, when host plants belong to Moraceae (mainly Ficus sp.) were removed in the simulation. Also, we found that the host plants of Prunus persica, Ficus carica, P. mume, Eriobotrya japonica in this order contributed greatly to population abundance of B. dorsalis in the selected area, which was important in terms of mid-season host plants connecting the early adult population of B. dorsalis to citrus plants in the late season. Finally, we discussed a seasonal management strategy against B. dorsalis while considering the availability of host plants and the biology of this fruit fly in an invaded area.     

不同寄主植物对桃小食心虫生长发育和繁殖的影响

为探索寄主植物对桃小食心虫Carposina sasakii生长发育和繁殖的影响, 在室内温度23±1℃, 相对湿度80%±7%, 光周期15L∶9D条件下, 测定了桃小食心虫在杏Armeniaca vulgaris、 李Prunus salicina、 桃Amygdalus persica、 枣Ziziphus jujuba、 苹果Malus pumila和梨Pyrus sorotina上各发育阶段的历期、 存活率和/或产卵量, 并组建了桃小食心虫在各寄主植物上的生命表。结果表明： 桃小食心虫的生长发育和繁殖在不同寄主植物间存在显著差异。幼虫的发育历期以李为最短（12.48 d）, 梨为最长（19.15 d）; 整个幼虫期的存活率以李为最高（50.54%）, 梨为最低（17.91%）; 单雌平均产卵量以枣（214.50粒/雌）和桃（197.94粒/雌）最高。生命表分析结果表明, 净生殖率R₀以枣（117.49）为最大, 平均世代周期T则以梨（41.31 d）和苹果（41.51 d）最长, 内禀增长率r_m以李（0.1294）为最高, 其次为枣（0.1201）和杏（0.1128）。这些结果有助于深入了解该虫在不同寄主植物上的种群动态。     

橘小实蝇的发生特点与综合防治技术

橘小实蝇(Bactrocera dorsalis)在福建省寄主范围很广,并严重为害寄主。它的主要为害期是每年的4-11月。生产实践中采用综合治理与农业防治技术有效地控制其为害。     

Evaluation of strawberry sap beetle (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) use of habitats surrounding strawberry plantings as food resources and overwintering sites

The matrix of strawberry and alternate host crops, wooded areas, and uncultivated sections that comprises a farm landscape provides not only food resources but also habitat in both a spatial and temporal context. Reports of the strawberry sap beetle as a pest in strawberry in the northeastern United States have increased along with a trend to produce a wider diversity of fruit crops on individual farms. The three objectives of this study focused on determining which, if any, habitats outside strawberry plantings are important to consider when developing control strategies for strawberry sap beetles. First, sampling of wooded areas and multiple crops showed that strawberry sap beetles overwinter not only in wooded areas but also in blueberry and raspberry. No overwintering beetles were found in strawberry. Second, up to a 70-fold increase in mean number of strawberry sap beetles in a no-choice food source experiment indicated that considerable reproduction can occur on blueberry, cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. Third, sampling summer-bearing raspberry, peach, blueberry, and cherry in 2004 and 2005 confirmed that beetles were present, often in high densities (0.1-108.5 strawberry sap beetles/m(2)), in commercial fields with fruit or vegetable material on the ground. In summary, the beetles are able to feed, complete development, and overwinter in habitats other than strawberry. An effective integrated pest management program to control strawberry sap beetles will need to consider the type of habitat surrounding strawberry fields.     

水稻条纹花叶病毒对介体电光叶蝉生长繁殖及取食行为的影响

【目的】由电光叶蝉Recilia dorsalis传播的水稻条纹花叶病毒(rice stripe mosaic virus,RSMV)目前在我国华南稻区大面积发生并对水稻生产造成严重危害。本研究旨在明确RSMV对介体电光叶蝉生长繁殖及取食行为的影响。【方法】通过生物学实验测定RSMV侵染后电光叶蝉的生长和生命表参数;利用刺吸电位(electrical penetration graph,EPG)技术比较携带和未携带RSMV的电光叶蝉成虫在健康水稻上的取食行为差异;采用Y型嗅觉仪测定电光叶蝉成虫对感染和未感染RSMV水稻的寄主选择倾向性。【结果】与无毒电光叶蝉相比,携带RSMV的电光叶蝉若虫发育历期延长,而若虫存活率、成虫羽化率、雌虫繁殖力和卵孵化率下降。无毒电光叶蝉成虫倾向于选择取食RSMV侵染的水稻,而带毒电光叶蝉成虫倾向于选择取食健康水稻。与无毒电光叶蝉相比,带毒电光叶蝉成虫取食健康水稻所产生的刺探波、障碍波和唾液分泌波次数和持续时间均显著增加,被动取食波和休息波次数减少但时间均延长。【结论】与无毒电光叶蝉相比,感染RSMV使带毒电光叶蝉若虫发育历期延长且不利于其种群的繁殖。RSMV通过调控介体电光叶蝉成虫的取食和寄主选择行为而有利于自身在寄主水稻间的传播。     

Toxicity of gallic acid to melon fruit fly,Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) is an important pest of cucurbits and other vegetable crops. It is not only a serious pest of cucurbit crops but sometimes also attacks non-host plants. In an endeavour to explore secondary metabolites as important and safe means of pest management, we investigated the effects of gallic acid, a phenolic compound, on the growth and development of melon fruit fly, B. cucurbitae. Larval survival and emergence were severely affected by gallic acid treatment. Both decreased in a concentration dependent manner with increase in concentration. Gallic acid-treated larvae took longer duration to pupate and reach the adult stage as compared to control larvae. Inhibitory effects of gallic acid were also observed on larval weight, pupal weight, mean relative growth rate and food assimilated which decreased with treatment. The ability of gallic acid to disrupt the development of B. cucurbitae suggests that the phenolic compound might have caused oxidative stress in the body of the insect.     

Phytophagous and predaceous mites associated with vegetable crops from Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

This study was conducted to investigate phytophagous and predatory mites associated with vegetable plants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Eight phytophagous and 10 predacious mites were collected from 14 species of vegetable crops covering five major production localities. Out of these 18 mite species, 13 species are new to the mite fauna of Saudi Arabia. In addition, the two species, Tenuipalpus punicae and Agistemus exsertus, are reported for the first time on vegetable crops in Saudi Arabia. For each mite species found, notes on host plant association and occurrence period are given. An illustrated key for the identification of the 18 mite species reported in this study is provided and this can be used to improve the IPM programs by applying the local natural predatory mites in controlling mite pests in Saudi Arabia.     

Influence of plant size and species on preference of Cyrtobagous salviniae adults from two populations

Adults from two populations (Brazil and Florida) of Cyrtobagous salviniae were bioassayed to determine if they exhibited a preference for either Salvinia minima or Salvinia molesta. Adults did not discriminate between host species in initial tests that evaluated the tertiary growth form. Further tests which compared two growth forms (primary and tertiary) as well as plant species, found that adults from the Brazil population consistently preferred larger (tertiary) plants without regard for host species. Weevils from the Florida population showed a similar, but less distinct, pattern of preference. Although adults from the Florida population survived equally well and experienced a similar pre-oviposition period on both plant species, they laid more eggs in S. molesta. Adults from the two populations differ in size: Brazil weevils were larger, which may explain their sensitivity to plant size as compared with the smaller Florida adults. Narrower rhizomes in S. minima may restrict usage of this species by the larger weevils, whereas smaller larvae may be better able to burrow in a wider range of plant sizes. Both weevil populations should be suitable biological control agents for use in programs targeting S. molesta.     

Odorant receptor co-receptor Orco is upregulated by methyl eugenol in male Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Bactrocera dorsalis is a destructive fruit-eating pest that causes severe economic damage to the fruit and vegetable industry. Methyl eugenol (ME) has been widely used as an effective sexual attractant for male fruit flies through olfactory perception. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the olfactory perception of ME remains unknown. Here, we report the characterization and functional analysis of a newly discovered cDNA that encodes a Drosophila melanogaster odorant receptor co-receptor Orco ortholog in B. dorsalis. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that it was abundantly expressed in the antenna of adult B. dorsalis. Notably, Orco was upregulated by ME in the antenna of male flies. Mature males of B. dorsalis showed significant taxis toward ME within 0.5h, and Orco was significantly upregulated in the attracted adults within the same period. Silencing Orco through the ingestion of dsRNA reduced the attractive effects of ME. These data suggest that Orco may play an essential role in ME attraction in the olfactory signal transduction pathway.     

Host finding and acceptance preference of the yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), on cruciferous crops

The yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma St?l (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is an introduced pest of cruciferous crops in the southern United States, and arguably the most damaging pest of organic crucifer vegetable production in the region. Studies were conducted in the greenhouse and laboratory to investigate host finding and acceptance preference of M. ochroloma on four commonly grown cruciferous crops: cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. variety capitata), collards (B. oleracea L. variety acephala), napa cabbage [B. pekinensis (Lour.)], and turnip (B. rapa L.) First, adult beetles were allowed to choose among the four plants in a multiple-choice greenhouse cage experiment and host preference was evaluated by using three parameters: number of beetles on each plant, number of larvae on each plant, and plant damage ratings. The results showed that M. ochroloma adults actively discriminated among the four host plants, with significantly higher numbers recorded on turnip and napa cabbage than on cabbage or collards. Significantly higher numbers of larvae also were recorded on turnip and napa cabbage starting on day 10. Similarly, higher damage ratings were recorded on turnip and napa cabbage than on the remaining two hosts. Results of four-choice olfactometer experiments, which compared attraction of M. ochroloma to headspace volatiles of the four host plants, demonstrated that host preference is mediated primarily by plant volatiles. Both sexes were significantly more attracted to napa cabbage than to the remaining treatments, with turnip being the second most attractive plant. These results confirm that turnip and napa cabbage are two preferred host plants of M. ochroloma, and may support the development of a trap crop system and attractant-based strategies for managing M. ochroloma in crucifer production.     

植物果实、颜色和形状对橘小实蝇产卵选择的影响

橘小实蝇Bactrocera dorsalis(Hendel)是近几年入侵江苏南部地区,严重危害当地水果、蔬菜的重要害虫。为深入了解其在该地区果树、蔬菜上的产卵特性,进行植物果实、颜色和形状对其产卵选择影响的研究。实验室中"纸杯法"的产卵选择试验结果表明,橘小实蝇对不同水果的产卵偏好性由高到低依次为:柑橘、香蕉、芒果、枣、石榴、苹果、桃子、梨、李、葡萄、柿;对不同蔬菜的产卵偏好性由高到低依次为:丝瓜、豇豆、苦瓜、黄瓜、茄子、南瓜、青椒、番茄。对不同寄主颜色和形状的产卵选择特点为,雌虫常选择桔黄色、绿色,以及圆球形的寄主产卵,而较少选择黑色、方形的寄主产卵。从试验结果可以看出,寄主果实散发出的气味,及其颜色和形状对橘小实蝇的产卵选择有影响。     

我国梨小食心虫综合防治研究进展

近年来,由于农业产业结构的调整,我国北方果树栽培种类日益增多、种植面积不断扩大。重要果树害虫梨小食心虫Grapholitha molesta(Busck)为害大幅回升、危害逐年增加。针对这一情况,在西北、东北和华北3个北方果树生产代表区域建立50余个监测示范点,开展了梨小食心虫的生物生态学规律及综合防治技术的研究、集成与示范。研究结果表明,气候变化和种植结构对梨小食心虫发生规律有显著影响。全球气候变暖条件下,梨小食心虫年发生世代呈增加趋势;在果树混栽区域,晚熟桃为梨小食心虫的主要越冬场所。防治技术方面,在对梨小食心虫常规农业防治、物理防治、生物防治、化学防治技术组装配套的基础上,重点开展了高效节水诱捕器、国产迷向产品研发及标准化应用技术、优势天敌饲养及释放技术、专用农药研发及农药减量化技术等研究工作。前瞻性地研发了植物源诱捕剂及迷向新剂型等贮备技术。最后针对当前梨小食心虫防治工作中存在的问题和不足,确定了下一步的研究方向:(1)全球气候变暖对梨小食心虫发生动态的影响;(2)梨小食心虫成虫不同寄主间的转移规律;(3)梨小食心虫的抗性监测技术和快速诊断试剂盒研制;(4)梨小食心虫的抗性分子机理与抗性治理技术。     

Wild host plants of four spider mite species (Acari: Tetranychidae) infesting fruit crops in Okinawa

To determine the wild host plants of four major spider mite species infesting fruit crops grown in the subtropical Asian region, we collected and identified mites from non-crop plants throughout the islands of Okinawa, southwestern Japan. Although the two mango pests, Oligonychus coffeae and O. biharensis, are polyphagous, they did not share any wild host species in the field, indicating that their source plants are completely separate in Okinawa. Several major wild hosts were determined for Eutetranychus africanus, a pest of papaya and citrus. Its host range partially overlapped with that of O. biharensis. The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri, was very rare on non-crop plants in Okinawa, suggesting that it maintains its population mainly on the citrus trees in the area. These results are of great significance when considering vegetation control as part of the integrated management of these pest mites. During our survey, two non-pest species, Panonychus caglei (new to Japan) and Oligonychus gotohi (new to Okinawa), were also found.     

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.     

桔小实蝇生物学特点及其防治研究概述

桔小实蝇Bactrocera(Bactrocera)dorsalis(Hendel)是危害热带、亚热带水果的重要检疫性害虫之一,本文综述了桔小实蝇主要生物学、生态学特点和防治措施的研究进展,包括桔小实蝇在国内的总体分布情况,对寄主的选择差异,各虫态的形态特征、发育历期和不同因子对其生长发育的影响,生活史以及农业防治、化学农药防治、诱杀防治、生物防治、物理防治等不同防治方法的研究和应用情况,并对今后的研究提出一些建议。     

外来害虫蔗扁蛾的寄主范围

综述了我国近年传入的害虫蔗扁蛾的寄主植物范围 :到目前为止 ,蔗扁蛾Opogonasacchari(Bo jer)的寄主植物已达 2 8科 87种 8变种 ;其中国外已报导的为 2 4科 4 6种 4变种 ,中国已查到 1 4科 5 5种 2变种 ,且不断发现新的寄主植物 ,有蔓延到多种行道绿化树木和园林花卉植物上的趋势 ,须引起充分关注。