Systemic inhibition of arbuscular mycorrhiza development by root exudates of cucumber plants colonized by<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Glomus mosseae</Emphasis>

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) non-host plants mustard, sugar beet, lupin and the AM host plant cucumber were used as test plants. Cucumber plants were grown either in the absence of the AM fungus (AMF) Glomus mosseae or in a split-root system, with one side mycorrhizal and one side non-mycorrhizal. Root exudates of the AM non-host plants, the non-mycorrhizal cucumber plants and the mycorrhizal and the non-mycorrhizal side of the split-root system of mycorrhizal cucumber plants were collected and applied to cucumber plants inoculated with the AMF. Root exudates of non-mycorrhizal cucumber plants showed a significant stimulatory effect on root colonization, whereas root exudates from the mycorrhizal and the non-mycorrhizal sides of a split-root system of a mycorrhizal cucumber plant did not show this stimulatory effect and were even slightly inhibitory. Root exudates of the two AM non-host plants mustard and sugar beet significantly reduced root colonization in cucumber plants, whereas no such effect was observed when root exudates of the AM non-host plant lupin were applied.     

Host plant phenology affects performance of an invasive weevil, Phyllobius oblongus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in a northern hardwood forest

We investigated how host plant phenology and plant species affected longevity, reproduction, and feeding behavior of an invasive weevil. Phyllobius oblongus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is common in northern hardwood forests of the Great Lakes Region. Adults emerge in spring, feed on foliage of woody understory plants, and oviposit in the soil. Preliminary data indicate that adults often feed on sugar maple, Acer saccharum Marshall, foliage early in the season, then feed on other species such as raspberry, Rubus spp. Whether this behavior reflects temporal changes in the quality of A. saccharum tissue or merely subsequent availability of later-season plants is unknown. We tested adult P. oblongus in laboratory assays using young (newly flushed) sugar maple foliage, old (2-3 wk postflush) sugar maple foliage, and raspberry foliage. Raspberry has indeterminate growth, thus always has young foliage available for herbivores. Survival, oviposition, and leaf consumption were recorded. In performance assays under no-choice conditions, mated pairs were provided one type of host foliage for the duration of their lives. In behavioral choice tests, all three host plants were provided simultaneously and leaf area consumption was compared. Adults survived longer on and consumed greater amounts of young maple and raspberry foliage than old maple foliage. P. oblongus preferred young maple foliage to old maple foliage early in the season, however, later in the growing season weevils showed less pronounced feeding preferences. These results suggest how leaf phenology, plant species composition, and feeding plasticity in host utilization may interact to affect P. oblongus population dynamics.     

Preliminary studies on the biology and host specificity of Aceria salsolae DeLillo and Sobhian (Acari, Eriophyidae) and Lixus salsolae Becker (Col., Curculionidae), two candidates for biological control of Salsola kali

Abstract: Preliminary studies on the biology and host specificity of the mite, Aceria salsolae DeLillo and Sobhian, and the weevil, Lixus salsolae Becker, were carried out in 1996 and 1997. The mite reproduced on Salsola kali L. from the USA and from Turkey (control), but not on the six species of closely related plants tested. Infected plants were stunted and did not produce flowers. The mite was found on plants in the fields in Turkey from May to October. Lixus salsolae adult feeding was heavy on most of the 10 plant species tested. The weevil reproduced only on S. kali from Turkey in 1996 and also on S. kali from California in 1997. The adults of the new generation emerged by mid-July and oviposition occurred on leaf petioles of Beta vulgaris (Swiss chard) but the emerging larvae died during very young stages. No oviposition and no infestation was observed on sugar beet plants in sugar beet fields in Turkey in 1996 and 1997, but infestations were found in a field in China in 1997.     

Plant–herbivorous beetle networks: molecular characterization of trophic ecology within a threatened steppic environment

DNA barcoding facilitates many evolutionary and ecological studies, including the examination of the dietary diversity of herbivores. In this study, we present a survey of ecological associations between herbivorous beetles and host plants from seriously threatened European steppic grasslands. We determined host plants for the majority (65%) of steppic leaf beetles (55 species) and weevils (59) known from central Europe using two barcodes (trnL and rbcL) and two sequencing strategies (Sanger for mono/oligophagous species and Illumina for polyphagous taxa). To better understand the ecological associations between steppic beetles and their host plants, we tested the hypothesis that leaf beetles and weevils differ in food selection as a result of their phylogenetic relations (within genera and between families) and interactions with host plants. We found 224 links between the beetles and the plants. Beetles belonging to seven genera feed on the same or related plants. Their preferences were probably inherited from common ancestors and/or resulted from the host plant's chemistry. Beetles from four genera feed on different plants, possibly reducing intrageneric competition and possibly due to an adaptation to different plant chemical defences. We found significant correlations between the numbers of leaf beetle and weevil species feeding on particular plants for polyphagous taxa, but not for nonpolyphagous beetles. Finally, we found that the previous identifications of host plants based on direct observations are generally concordant with host plant barcoding from insect gut. Our results expand basic knowledge about the trophic relations of steppic beetles and plants and are immediately useful for conservation purposes.     

Maintenance of narrow diet breadth in the monarch butterfly caterpillar: response to various plant species and chemicals

In order to better understand the maintenance of a fairly narrow diet breadth in monarch butterfly larvae, Danaus plexippus L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae), we measured feeding preference and survival on host and non-host plant species, and sensitivity to host and non-host plant chemicals. For the plant species tested, a hierarchy of feeding preferences was observed; only plants from the Asclepiadaceae were more or equally preferred to Asclepias curassavica, the common control. The feeding preferences among plant species within the Asclepiadaceae are similar to published mean cardenolide concentrations. However, since cardenolide data were not collected from individual plants tested, definitive conclusions regarding cardenolide concentrations and plant acceptability cannot be made. Although several non-Asclepiadaceae were eaten in small quantities, all were less preferred to A. curassavica. Additionally, these non-Asclepiadaceae do not support continued feeding, development, and survival of first and fifth-instar larvae. Preference for a host versus a non-host (A. curassavica versus Vinca rosea) increased for A. curassavica reared larvae as compared to diet-reared larvae suggesting plasticity in larval food preferences. Furthermore, host species were significantly preferred over non-host plant species in bioassays using a host plant or sucrose as a common control. Larval responses to pure chemicals were examined in order to determine if host and non-host chemicals stimulate or deter feeding in monarch larvae. We found that larvae were stimulated to feed by some ubiquitous plant chemicals, such as sucrose, inositol, and rutin. In contrast, several non-host plant chemicals deterred feeding: caffeine, apocynin, gossypol, tomatine, atropine, quercitrin, and sinigrin. Additionally the cardenolides digitoxin and ouabain, which are not in milkweed plants, were neutral in their influence on feeding. Another non-milkweed cardenolide, cymarin, significantly deterred feeding. Extracts of A. curassavica leaves were tested in bioassays to determine which components of the leaf stimulate feeding. Both an ethanol extract of whole leaves and a hexane leaf-surface extract are phagostimulatory, suggesting the involvement of both polar and non-polar plant compounds. These data suggest that the host range of D. plexippus larvae is maintained by both feeding stimulatory and deterrent chemicals in host and non-host plants.     

The influence of size and duration of aphid infestation on host plant quality, and its effect on sugar beet yellowing virus epidemiology

This paper studies the influence of previous infestation on the host quality of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) for aphids and the influence of previous infestation on sugar beet yellowing virus epidemiology. Sugar beet previously infested with Myzus persicae (Sulzer) or Aphis fabae Scopoli (Homoptera: Aphididae) had an improved host quality for subsequently infesting aphids of the same species. There was a significant negative relationship between the number of M. persicae infesting a plant and the proportion of those that died with a dark deposit in their stomachs, and a significant positive relationship between the number that settled on a plant and the number that infested it previously. Nymphs feeding on previously infested plants grew more rapidly than those on control plants. The beneficial effect of previous infestation persisted for at least 2 weeks and prolongation of the infestation beyond 2 weeks was of no further benefit to the aphids. Field grown sugar beet, previously colonised by M. persicae, was more susceptible to natural infestation by M. persicae up to 5 days after exposure. Previously infested plants were also more susceptible to infection with beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV) but not beet yellows virus (BYV), suggesting that the aphids on the previously infested sugar beet settled more readily and were more inclined to feed (and thus transmit BMYV) than aphids on the previously uninfested plants. The consequences for the control of sugar beet yellowing virus vectors are discussed.     

Characterization of digestive proteases in the weevil Aubeonymus mariaefranciscae and effects of proteinase inhibitors on larval development and survival

The major digestive proteinase activities of a new sugar beet pest, Aubeonymus mariaefranciscae Roudier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), were characterized. Both larvae and adults of A. mariaefranciscae were found to use a complex proteolytic system for protein digestion based on at least trypsin-, chymotrypsin-, elastase-, cathepsin D, leucine aminopeptidase-, carboxypeptidase A- and carboxypeptidase B-like activities. An azocaseinolytic activity at pH 5.0–7.0 was identified, that was not affected by specific inhibitors and activators, making its classification in any of the mechanistic classes established not possible. According to this proteolytic profile, several serine proteinase inhibitors were tested in vitro and in vivo to establish their potential as resistance factors against A. mariaefranciscae. Larvae fed from neonate to pupation on diets containing 0.2% (w/w) soybean Bowman-Birk trypsin-chymotrypsin inhibitor, soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor, turkey egg white trypsin inhibitor, or lima bean trypsin inhibitor endure lower survival rates and display significant delays in the developmental time to pupation and to adult emergence. Interestingly, the most significant levels of mortality (about 90%) occurred with larvae fed on diets containing a combination of two or three inhibitors, suggesting a synergistic toxicity.     

HOST FINDING BY APHIDS IN THE FIELD: APHIS FABAE SCOP. (GYNOPARAE) AND BREVICORYNE BRASSICAE L.; WITH A RE-APPRAISAL OF THE ROLE OF HOST-FINDING BEHAVIOUR IN VIRUS SPREAD

Aphis fabae gynoparae occurred in the same large proportion in simultaneous collections of all aphids alighting and probing on, and taking off from, a host plant (spindle) and a non-host (peach), and behaved similarly when approaching and leaving them in the same conditions. Most alighters took off again from leaves of both kinds within a few minutes, staying longer and probing more times on the host. In atmospheric conditions favouring local 'hovering' instead of dispersal, flying and alighting aphids became concentrated around host plants, not through any specific attraction to them, but apparently because more aphids had accumulated upon them and were now taking off.
Brevicoryne brassicae occurred in the same large proportion in simultaneous collections of aphids alighting on a host plant (cabbage) and a non-host (sugar beet). No satisfactory evidence was found of preferential alightment on cabbage and there were indications of preferential alightment on the non-host. A very small minority of the A. fabae and B. brassicae that alighted on their hosts stayed there long enough to larviposit. This minority was rather larger among alighters late in the day, but in the absolute sense, more colonization occurred during earlier periods when more aphids arrived.
The intensely dispersive type of host-finding behaviour in Myzus persicae, A. fabae and B. brassicae may be common among Aphididae. It seems ideal for the dissemination of non-persistent plant viruses, more particularly among the less-favoured host plants of each aphid. The tendency to commensal association between virus and vector provides an ecological framework which may govern the incidence of virus-vector specificity and symbiosis.     

Lifetime gains and patterns of accumulation and mobilization of nutrients in females of the synovigenic parasitoid, Diglyphus isaea Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), as a function of diet

In nature, adult parasitoids feed to obtain and use nutrients for supplementing and/or replenishing some of their existing array of nutrient reserves. When adults feed on host or non-host food, they can enhance fitness, typically by increasing egg production or longevity. In the present study, ovigeny index (OI) and impact of female fitness, as well as physiological state on the reproductive strategies, were investigated in the synovigenic parasitoid, Diglyphus isaea, fed on host food (2-3rd instars of Liriomyza sativae larvae), non-host foods (10% honey solution) and starved (distilled water, control). The results showed that D. isaea was a strongly synovigenic parasitoid, of which OI value was 0.002. Both types of food enhanced the fecundity and prolonged the longevity of the females. D. isaea females fed on non-host food showed higher levels of gut sugar, body sugar and glycogen than those fed on host food, but the levels of lipid were higher in the host-fed females. D. isaea females seemed to show lipogenesis, with low rates of lipid catabolism sufficient to satisfy the requirement of egg maturation. Females might absorb lipids directly from the haemolymph of paralyzed hosts.     

补充营养对枹栎象成虫寿命的影响

在饲养笼内分别饲喂枹栎(Quercus serrata Murray)幼果、枹栎嫩枝、清水和10%蔗糖水,以不饲喂任何食物为对照,研究营养补充对枹栎象Curculio haroldi Faust成虫寿命的影响。同时,还研究枹栎象的个体大小和性别对其寿命是否有潜在影响。结果表明:补充不同营养对枹栎象的寿命有显著影响,其中10%蔗糖水组的寿命最长,是其他营养组的3~4倍。另外,虫体大小(即体长)对枹栎象寿命也有显著影响,且雌虫寿命一般比雄性略长,但性别间无显著差异。研究结果说明,营养品质和虫体大小可显著影响枹栎象寿命,进而影响其繁殖以及对寄主植物的危害。     

Prior host feeding experience influences ovipositional but not feeding preference in a polyphagous insect herbivore

Black vine weevils, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), are globally‐distributed polyphagous pests of many horticultural crops. We investigated how adult weevils were affected by host switching and, in particular, how host plant species nutritional and defensive chemistry affected subsequent host plant species selection and oviposition. Adults were fed one of three host plant species, blackcurrant [Ribes nigrum L. (Grossulariaceae)], raspberry [Rubus idaeus L. (Rosaceae)], or strawberry [Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne (Rosaceae)], throughout their pre‐reproductive periods and then subjected to behavioral choice assays with these plants. Foliar chemistry differed significantly among the three host plant species. Compared to raspberry and strawberry foliage, blackcurrant foliage was 13% lower in nitrogen, 3% higher in carbon, and 28% higher in phenolic compounds. Initial host plant species had a significant effect on weevil mortality, with more weevils dying when previously fed blackcurrant (12%) than strawberry (3%) or raspberry (0%) regardless of subsequent host. Initial host plant species also affected oviposition, with weevils laying only ca. two eggs per week when previously fed blackcurrant, compared to those on raspberry or strawberry (ca. 11 and 15 eggs per week, respectively). When given a choice, weevils discriminated among host plant species and tended to oviposit on plants on which they had previously fed, even when the plant was nutritionally inferior for egg production and adult survival. In contrast, feeding behavior was only affected by the current host plant species. Feeding and oviposition were related to leaf chemistry only in blackcurrant, as leaf consumption was negatively correlated with foliar carbon and zinc concentrations, and positively correlated with foliar phosphorus and potassium concentrations.     

Feeding preferences of the weevils Sitona gressorius and Sitona griseus on different lupin genotypes and the role of alkaloids

The weevils Sitona gressorius and Sitona griseus are specialist herbivores on lupins in Europe. The adult weevils feed on the leaves, and the larvae on the root nodules of the plants. This causes severe damage to lupin crops. In the present study, the feeding preferences of lupin weevil adults on different lupin genotypes were examined with respect to a possible effect of lupin alkaloids on host selection. A total of 12 genotypes from the species Lupinus albus, L. angustifolius, L. luteus, and L. nanus were grown in a field experiment and the feeding damage on the leaves caused by naturally occurring lupin weevil adults was estimated. Additionally, a feeding choice test with S. gressorius adults was performed to examine feeding preferences under laboratory conditions. A gas chromatographic analysis provided information on the alkaloid content and profiles in the leaves of the tested lupin genotypes. In the field experiment, significant differences in the extent of the feeding damage within the 12 lupin genotypes were observed. The dual-choice feeding bioassay did not show discrimination of lupin species, but two L. angustifolius genotypes were significantly less affected than the standard L. luteus “Bornal”. The alkaloid analysis revealed large contrasts in alkaloid concentrations and profiles in the leaves of the tested genotypes. Correlation analysis with the results from the field and laboratory did not indicate a significant influence of the total foliar alkaloid content on the extent of weevil feeding.     

Host plant resistance in romaine lettuce affects feeding behavior and biology of Trichoplusia ni and Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Lettuce quality and yield can be reduced by feeding of several lepidopterous pests, particularly cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner), and beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Host plant resistance to these insects is an environmentally sound adjunct to conventional chemical control. In this study we compared the survival, development, and feeding behavior of cabbage looper and beet armyworm on two romaine lettuce cultivars, resistant 'Valmaine' and susceptible 'Tall Guzmaine'. Larval mortality of both species was significantly higher on resistant Valmaine than on susceptible Tall Guzmaine. The average weight per larva after feeding for 1 wk on Tall Guzmaine plants was 6 times (beet armyworm) and 2 times (cabbage looper) greater than that of larvae feeding on Valmaine plants. Significant reduction in larval growth on Valmaine compared with that on Tall Guzmaine resulted in a 5.9- (beet armyworm) and 2.6-d (cabbage looper) increase in larval duration and almost a 1-d increase in pupal duration. Average pupal and adult weights and successful pupation of cabbage looper and beet armyworm were reduced on Valmaine compared with Tall Guzmaine. The sex ratio of progeny did not deviate from 1:1 when larvae were reared on either Valmaine or Tall Guzmaine. The fecundity of cabbage looper and beet armyworm adults that developed from larvae reared on Valmaine was about one-third that of adults from Tall Guzmaine, but adult longevity did not significantly differ on the two lettuce cultivars. The two insect species showed different feeding preferences for leaves of different age groups on Valmaine and Tall Guzmaine. Cabbage loopers cut narrow trenches on the leaf before actual feeding to block the flow of latex to the intended site of feeding. In contrast, beet armyworms did not trench. The different feeding behavior of the two species on Valmaine may explain the superior performance of cabbage looper compared with beet armyworm.     

Adult feeding and host type modulate the life history traits of the capital breeder Zabrotes subfasciatus

Income breeding animals support reproduction by the intake of energy and molecular building blocks during adulthood. Capital breeders, in contrast, fuel reproduction by the intake of materials during the larval stage. There exists, however, some controversy as to whether adult feeding in capital breeders actually increases fitness. We tested whether individuals feed as adults in the weevil Zabrotes subfasciatus Boheman, whether they equally accept carbohydrate- or nitrogen-rich food (sugar or yeast), whether food ingestion varies with the available host type and whether feeding as adults alters life history traits. The hosts tested were three varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris, Carioca, Jalo, and Preto; Vigna unguiculata Frade; and Vicia faba. We also tested whether sugar ingestion affects life history traits differently in the presence of different host types. We found that Z. subfasciatus feed as adults and equally accept sugar and yeast, and food ingestion depends on host type. Sugar and yeast significantly promote oviposition of larger eggs on Carioca seeds and enhance adult emergence, and sugar ingestion increases longevity. Moreover, the insects avoid feeding when on V. faba seeds, on which they did not oviposit. Mean fitness values showed the following hierarchy: Carioca = Jalo > Frade > Preto > V. faba. These results show that the capital breeder Z. subfasciatus feed as adults, which increases life history traits and suggests the existence of a hierarchy of performance on different hosts, with the P. vulgaris varieties Carioca and Jalo offering the best conditions.     

The probing behaviour of nymphs of Vanduzeea arquata and Enchenopa binotata (Homoptera: Membracidae) on host and non-host plants

Abstract. 1. Nymphs of Vanduzeea arquata Say have been found to be more host-specific in nature and to show a higher degree of selectivity in host discrimination experiments than nymphs of Enchenopa binotata (Say), It was hypothesized that this differential selectivity would be reflected in the probing behaviour of individuals placed on twigs of host and non-host plants. Probing behaviour was examined by direct observation of nymphs and by sectioning and staining the probed plant tissues.
2. All nymphs probed readily and for extended periods on both host and non-host twigs. E.binotuta nymphs showed no consistent differences in probing behaviour on hosts versus non-hosts, but V.atquuta nymphs were more likely to withdraw their stylets within 60 s when on non-host twigs and produced honeydew only when on their host species. V.urquatu nymphs reached the phloem sieve elements only when on host twigs and broke many cells in peripheral plant tissue layers while probing. E.binotata nymphs broke few cells and often reached the phloem of non-host as well as host plants.
3. Nymphs of V.arquata always reject non-host plants, apparently in the course of probing and prior to encountering the phloem sap. Chemical compounds released from ruptured parenchyma cells may act as probing stimulants or inhibitors. E.binotura nymphs often feed on non-host plants in a non-choice situation; their preferential settling on host twigs in discrimination experiments may reflect a tendency to abandon non-host twigs more readily than host twigs.     

Molecular and morphological phylogenetics of weevils (coleoptera,curculionoidea): do niche shifts accompany diversification?

The main goals of this study were to provide a robust phylogeny for the families of the superfamily Curculionoidea, to discover relationships and major natural groups within the family Curculionidae, and to clarify the evolution of larval habits and host-plant associations in weevils to analyze their role in weevil diversification. Phylogenetic relationships among the weevils (Curculionoidea) were inferred from analysis of nucleotide sequences of 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA; approximately 2,000 bases) and 115 morphological characters of larval and adult stages. A worldwide sample of 100 species was compiled to maximize representation of weevil morphological and ecological diversity. All families and the main subfamilies of Curculionoidea were represented. The family Curculionidae sensu lato was represented by about 80 species in 30 "subfamilies" of traditional classifications. Phylogenetic reconstruction was accomplished by parsimony analysis of separate and combined molecular and morphological data matrices and Bayesian analysis of the molecular data; tree topology support was evaluated. Results of the combined analysis of 18S rDNA and morphological data indicate that monophyly of and relationships among each of the weevil families are well supported with the topology ((Nemonychidae, Anthribidae) (Belidae (Attelabidae (Caridae (Brentidae, Curculionidae))))). Within the clade Curculionidae sensu lato, the basal positions are occupied by mostly monocot-associated taxa with the primitive type of male genitalia followed by the Curculionidae sensu stricto, which is made up of groups with the derived type of male genitalia. High support values were found for the monophyly of some distinct curculionid groups such as Dryophthorinae (several tribes represented) and Platypodinae (Tesserocerini plus Platypodini), among others. However, the subfamilial relationships in Curculionidae are unresolved or weakly supported. The phylogeny estimate based on combined 18S rDNA and morphological data suggests that diversification in weevils was accompanied by niche shifts in host-plant associations and larval habits. Pronounced conservatism is evident in larval feeding habits, particularly in the host tissue consumed. Multiple shifts to use of angiosperms in Curculionoidea were identified, each time associated with increases in weevil diversity and subsequent shifts back to gymnosperms, particularly in the Curculionidae.     

Habitats as Complex Odour Environments: How Does Plant Diversity Affect Herbivore and Parasitoid Orientation?

Plant diversity is known to affect success of host location by pest insects, but its effect on olfactory orientation of non-pest insect species has hardly been addressed. First, we tested in laboratory experiments the hypothesis that non-host plants, which increase odour complexity in habitats, affect the host location ability of herbivores and parasitoids. Furthermore, we recorded field data of plant diversity in addition to herbivore and parasitoid abundance at 77 grassland sites in three different regions in Germany in order to elucidate whether our laboratory results reflect the field situation. As a model system we used the herb Plantago lanceolata, the herbivorous weevil Mecinus pascuorum, and its larval parasitoid Mesopolobus incultus. The laboratory bioassays revealed that both the herbivorous weevil and its larval parasitoid can locate their host plant and host via olfactory cues even in the presence of non-host odour. In a newly established two-circle olfactometer, the weeviĺs capability to detect host plant odour was not affected by odours from non-host plants. However, addition of non-host plant odours to host plant odour enhanced the weeviĺs foraging activity. The parasitoid was attracted by a combination of host plant and host volatiles in both the absence and presence of non-host plant volatiles in a Y-tube olfactometer. In dual choice tests the parasitoid preferred the blend of host plant and host volatiles over its combination with non-host plant volatiles. In the field, no indication was found that high plant diversity disturbs host (plant) location by the weevil and its parasitoid. In contrast, plant diversity was positively correlated with weevil abundance, whereas parasitoid abundance was independent of plant diversity. Therefore, we conclude that weevils and parasitoids showed the sensory capacity to successfully cope with complex vegetation odours when searching for hosts.     

寄主植物物理性状及营养物质对地红蝽寄主选择性的影响

【目的】地红蝽Pyrrhocoris tibialis是一种重要的农业植食性害虫,寄主范围广泛。本研究测定地红蝽对不同植物的取食偏好及分析寄主植物物理性状和营养物质在地红蝽成虫寄主选择行为中的作用,以期从寄主理化性状的角度来探讨地红蝽寄主选择行为机制,为指导作物抗虫育种提供依据。【方法】通过自由选择方法研究地红蝽成虫对5种寄主植物(谷子Setaria italica、高粱Sorghum bicolor、绿豆Vigna radiata、大豆Glycine max和玉米Zea mays)叶片的取食选择性;使用Y型嗅觉仪进一步检测地红蝽对5种植物叶片气味的趋性反应;测定分析5种植物叶片物理性状及主要营养物质含量与地红蝽取食选择性的相关性。【结果】地红蝽成虫对5种寄主植物叶片的取食选择率存在显著性差异,依次为谷子＞高粱＞绿豆＝大豆＞玉米,与对这5种寄主植物叶片气味的趋性反应百分率结果一致。相关性分析表明,地红蝽成虫的取食选择性与叶片长宽比、含水量和背面茸毛密度呈显著正相关,相关系数分别为0.881, 0.884和0.906,而与地红蝽成虫取食前后寄主植物叶片可溶性糖含量变化和总蛋白质含量变化呈显著负相关,相关系数分别为-0.915和-0.951。通径分析表明,寄主植物叶片背面茸毛密度和总蛋白质含量变化是地红蝽寄主选择性的重要决定因素。【结论】地红蝽成虫对不同寄主植物存在取食选择和趋向性差异,地红蝽成虫取食选择与寄主植物叶片长宽比、背面茸毛密度、含水量以及可溶性糖和总蛋白质含量变化有关。     

Molecular individuality and adaptation of the tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus in changed feeding environments

The tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae) naturally infests many host species. However, the mechanisms that enable it to feed on such a wide range of hosts are unclear. One possibility is that a tick population maintains molecular (genotypic and/or phenotypic) diversity among individuals such that individuals vary in their competency in taking bloodmeals under different feeding conditions. As a first step in testing this hypothesis, we showed that the polymorphism of salivary gland proteins, previously demonstrated in unfed ticks, was maintained during feeding on guinea-pigs. We then compared feeding performance under standard laboratory rearing conditions: one instar (adults or nymphs) feeding on guinea-pigs, with three changed conditions: (1) two instars (adults and nymphs) feeding together on guinea-pigs; (2) one instar (adults or nymphs) feeding on hamsters; and (3) two instars (adults and nymphs) feeding together on hamsters. The mean engorged weight of adult females was significantly reduced under all changed conditions, indicating that most of the adult individuals were significantly challenged by the changed conditions. However, some individuals achieved successful engorgement, indicating competence to the changed condition, and demonstrating variation in adaptive ability among individuals. Engorged females produced egg masses positively correlated to the engorged weights. More interestingly, the correlation coefficient (R) increased when feeding condition was changed. This may lead to more efficient selection for population adaptation under the changed conditions. As the feeding success of ixodid ticks depends on the efficiency of the cocktail of immunomodulatory saliva, the relevance of the polymorphism of salivary gland proteins and host adaptation is discussed.     

Consequences of habitat fragmentation for the prairie-endemic weevil Haplorhynchites aeneus

Widespread destruction of tallgrass prairies in the midwestern United States has fragmented plant communities with the result that populations of endemic animal species have become geographically isolated from one another. The goal of the research summarized here was to evaluate the potential for conserving endemic prairie species of herbivorous insects by managing their host plants. Our study species was the weevil Haplorhynchites aeneus (Boehman), adults of which feed on pollen of plants in the genus Silphium (Asteraceae: Heliantheae). The female weevils clip the peduncles of flower heads and oviposit into the heads, where the larvae feed on the ovules. The research was conducted in 12 prairie sites in eastern Illinois. An allozyme analysis revealed that most populations of H. aeneus at the various prairie sites were genetically differentiated from one another, but the degree of differentiation was not associated with geographic distance between sites. Adult H. aeneus fed and oviposited on the plant species Silphium laciniatum L., S. integrifolium Michx., and S. terebinthinaceum Jacq, which differ in bloom phenology. There was no evidence of genetic differentiation of weevil populations with respect to host plant species, and adult weevils strongly preferred S. terebinthinaceum. We conclude that the oligophagous nature of the weevil assures its survival in small prairie remnants even where some of the host plant species are absent. Although H. aeneus can have a significant impact on reproduction of host plants by clipping flower heads, the perennial nature of Silphium species prevents their local extinction.