Sulphate utilization in an aphid symbiosis

When two clones of Myzus persicae were maintained on a defined diet with inorganic sulphate as sole sulphur source, their growth and survival were inferior to that on diets containing the sulphur amino acid, methionine. This discrepancy is due, at least in part, to the phagostimulatory properties of methionine, which stimulated aphid feeding rate by 50–150%. Myzus persicae incorporated radioactivity from dietary [³⁵S]sulphate into protein and low molecular weight compounds, including cysteine and methionine. Two lines of evidence indicate that the mycetocyte-symbionts are responsible for the reductive assimilation of sulphate. (1) [³⁵S]sulphate incorporation is abolished by treatment of the aphids with the antibiotic chlortetracycline, which disrupts the symbionts; and (2) [³⁵S]sulphate is utilized by isolated embryos (which contain mycetocyte-symbionts but no gut flora) but not by isolated guts. Tracer studies suggest that 20% of dietary radiosulphur is translocated to the aphid tissues, and it is hypothesized that methionine may be the principal product released by the symbionts.     

Rôle of single amino acids in phagostimulation,growth, and survival of Acyrthosiphon pisum

Twelve amino acids and amides at 0·1 to 0·75 or 1·0% in 35% sucrose solution were individually tested for their rôle in phagostimulation, growth, and survival in Acyrthosiphon pisum. Leucine and phenylalanine were phagostimulatory at all concentrations tested, tryptophan and valine at 0·1, 0·2, and 0·5%, and threonine at 0·1% only. Methionine was reported earlier by us to be phagostimulatory at 0·05 to 0·5%. Histidine and isoleucine had no effect, whereas arginine and lysine HCl reduced uptake when compared to sucrose alone. The non-essential amino acids, canavanine sulphate and glutamine, reduced uptake at all concentrations, whereas homoserine was phagostimulatory at 0·1 and 0·75%.Arginine, canavanine sulphate, glutamine, histidine, homoserine, isoleucine, leucine, and valine increased weight and prolonged survival, whereas lysine HCl, phenylalanine, threonine, and tryptophan neither promoted growth nor increased survival. Radioactive leucine (¹⁴C(U)) was incorporated into the protein fraction of the larval body and exuviae indicating that it took part in protein synthesis. This seems to be the first report in insects where peptide or protein synthesis occurred from single amino acids in sucrose.     

恩施烟区无翅桃蚜在烤烟田空间动态的地统计学分析

恩施烟区是湖北省最大烟叶生产基地,桃蚜Myzuspercicae(Sulzer)是恩施烟叶最重要的害虫之一,桃蚜在田间的发生以及传播的病毒病害逐年加重,给烟业生产带来巨大损失。进一步了解桃蚜发生动态和空间分布规律,将提高对桃蚜的预测效果并为其综合防治提供理论依据。烟区和烟田之间的迁移以有翅蚜为主,田块内部的种群动态和发生规律,无翅桃蚜发挥着更加重要的作用。受寄主生理生化特性影响,不同烟叶生育期,桃蚜空间结构的差异需要进一步验证。经典的统计学方法以纯随机变量为基础,而昆虫种群的田间分布存在空间相关性,地学统计学承认空间相关性的存在,为区域化变量的空间分布分析提供新的理论和方法。在烟叶不同生育期进行无翅桃蚜的田间密度调查,运用地统计学的方法分析了其空间特征和发生动态,模拟了无翅桃蚜在烟叶不同生育期的田间分布图,并对无翅桃蚜在不同烟叶生育期田间分布格局的相关性进行了分析。结果表明:无翅桃蚜在烟叶苗期密度最小为(5.59±4.07)头/株,烟叶旺长期虫口密度最大为(14.5±9.6)头/株;种群密度变异系数均较大(0.6147-0.7281),表明其空间分布的不均匀性,并随密度的增大而减小,表明种群密度的增大一定程度上提高了种群结构的稳定性。烟叶苗期的种群分布曲线峰度最大,表现出更高的聚集性。无翅桃蚜在烟叶苗期的135°方向和团棵期的45。方向表现为随机分布。烟叶苗期的0°方向和45°方向可用线性有基台模型拟合,其他均可用球形+指数套合模型拟合,判断球形+指数套合模型是无翅桃蚜田间分布的主要模型,属于聚集型分布的范畴。块金值、基台值和变程均随田间虫口密度的增大而增大,苗期的随机程度(0.1905—0.7186)明显大于其他时期(0.0116—0.1620)。无翅桃蚜空间分布模拟图可以清晰地看出无翅桃蚜苗期迁移,旺长期后逐渐稳定的特性。无翅桃蚜的田间分布在烟叶苗期与团棵期无明显相关性,而团棵期与旺长期以及旺长期与成熟期显著相关,再次证明烟叶苗期到团棵期,无翅桃蚜的田间分布发生较大迁移,而团棵期以后基本定殖。烟叶苗期的无翅桃蚜高度聚集在少数烟株上,及早预防可以减少烟叶苗期虫口基数,有利于桃蚜种群数量的控制。首次将平面坐标系划分为4个方向,更加准确、全面地描述昆虫种群的空间分布特征。     

A convenient synthesis of phosphine-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligand precursors, structural characterization of their palladium complexes and catalytic application in Suzuki coupling reaction

A series of imidazolium chlorides as ligand precursors, L · HCl (L = (1-R)-(3-diphenylphosphanylethyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene; R = aryl, benzyl, naphthylmethyl), for the phosphine-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), L, were prepared by a convenient synthetic procedure of reacting 1,2-dichloroethane with appropriate N-substituted imidazoles to give (β-chloroethyl)imidazolium chlorides, which were subsequently reacted with HPPh₂ producing L · HCl in good yield. Palladium complexes of L, PdLCl₂ (4), were prepared by a one pot reaction of PdCl₂, sodium acetate, and L · HCl in DMSO. Complexes 4b (R = naphthylmethyl) and 4e (R = m-methoxybenzyl) were characterized by X-ray crystallography. Catalytic studies have shown that the palladium complexes are efficient in Suzuki coupling reactions of aryl bromides with phenylboronic acid.     

Insecticidal activity of recombinant avidin produced in yeast

An expression construct encoding chicken (Gallus gallus) avidin was assembled from amplified fragments of genomic DNA. Recombinant, functional avidin was produced in Pichia pastoris, with yields of up to 80 mg/l of culture supernatant. The recombinant avidin had similar insecticidal activity to egg white avidin when assayed against larvae of a lepidopteran crop pest, cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae), causing >90% reduction in growth and 100% mortality when fed in optimised diets at levels of 1.5 μM and 15 μM (100 ppm and 1000 ppm wet weight of recombinant protein). The recombinant protein was also highly toxic to a hemipteran pest, the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), when fed in liquid artificial diet, causing 100% mortality after 4 days when present at concentrations ≥3.8 μM (0.25 mg/ml, 250 ppm). Mortality was dose-dependent, with an estimated LC₅₀ of 2.1 μM. Toxicity to A. pisum was prevented by biotin supplementation of diet. In contrast, avidin had no significant effects on the survival of cereal aphid (Sitobion avenae) at concentrations up to 30 μM in liquid diet. Analysis of genomic DNA showed that symbionts from both aphid species lack the ability to synthesise biotin de novo. Cereal aphids appear to be less sensitive to recombinant avidin in the diet through proteolysis of the ingested protein, which would allow recovery of bound biotin.     

Platinum(IV) complexes with ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetate diester (R2edda) ligands: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro antitumoral activity

The novel N,N-type bidentate ligand precursors, diethyl, dipropyl esters of ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetic acid dihydrochloride (HOOCCH₂NHCH₂CH₂NHCH₂COOH · 2HCl, H₂edda · 2HCl), and the corresponding tetrachloroplatinum(IV) complexes, [PtCl₄(R₂edda)] · H₂O (ROOCCH₂NHCH₂CH₂NHCH₂COOR, R = Me, Et, n-Pr), were synthesized. The esters coordinated as bidentate ligands via both N donor atoms. The esters, as well as the complexes, have been characterized by infrared, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Solid state structures of both dimethyl and diethyl ester platinum(IV) complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Quantum chemical calculations were performed in order to investigate diastereoselectivity in the formation of the platinum(IV) complexes. The in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of the investigated complexes in human tumor cell lines 1411HP, H12.1 (both testicular germ cell tumors), DLD-1 (colon carcinoma), 518A2 (melanoma), A549 (lung carcinoma) and liposarcoma showed a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect in all cell lines. Remarkably, the highest cytotoxic activity was observed in the cisplatin-resistant cell line 1411HP. In addition, at higher concentrations the treatment with these complexes led to the induction of apoptosis in all cell lines except for DLD-1.     

Rice-Straw Mulch Reduces the Green Peach Aphid,Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Populations on Kale,Brassica oleracea var. acephala (Brassicaceae) Plants

Organic mulches, like peel and rice-straw, besides other materials affect the UV and temperature, which cause a reduction in the aphid arrival. The aim was to evaluate the effect of covering the soil with straw on the populations of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae on the kale, Brassica oleracea var. acephala plants. The first experiment evaluated the direct effect of the rice-straw mulch and the second its indirect effect on aphid immigration, testing the plant characteristics that could lead to the landing preference of this insect. The third experiment evaluated the direct effect of the mulch on the aphid population. In the second and third experiments, four plants, each in a 14 L polyethylene pot with holes at the bottom, were used in areas with and without soil mulching. These pots were changed between areas, after seven days, to evaluate the effects of this change on the arrival of the winged aphids to the plants. Each plant was covered with anti-aphid gauze and inoculated with one winged M. persicae. Winged and apterous adults of this insect were counted per plant after 15 days. The temperature increased in the mulched plots to a maximum of 21–36°C and to 18–32°C in the plots with or without soil covering, respectively. Plant growth reduced the numbers of the winged aphids landing before and after they were moved to the bare soil plots. The nutrient content was similar in plants in both the mulched and no mulched plots. The population growth of M. persicae was higher in the control than in the mulched plots. This was partially due to temperatures close to 30°C in these plots and changes in the plant physiology. The soil mulching with rice-straw decreased the M. persicae landing, increased the plot temperatures and improved the vegetative growth of the kale plants.     

Vertical and Temporal Distribution of Aphis gossypii Glover and Coccinellid Populations on Different Chilli (Capsicum annuum) Varieties

The vertical and temporal distribution of an aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, and the coccinellid populations on six chilli varieties were studied. The total number of apterous aphid per plant stratum was significantly different among plant strata of a particular variety (treatment) as well as among the treatments. Generally, the total number of aphids was significantly greater in the lower stratum than in the middle and upper strata. However, the varieties with erect and open plant architecture (Kulai and MC 11) had significantly less number of apterous aphids at all strata as compared to varieties with compact or prostrate plant architectures. There was a significant difference in the total number of coccinellids per plant strata among the treatments but not within a treatment. The distribution of apterous aphid populations varied significantly among sampling periods and treatments. The temporal distribution of coccinellids showed a similar trend as that of apterous aphids. The total number of alate aphids caught per week was significantly different among the sampling periods. However, its population was significantly greater during the early season and gradually declined as the season progressed except during June 18 to 24. The importance of recording the most observed coccinellids species, which limit the aphid populations at each particular plant stratum per variety, and the conditions that favor natural enemies are also discussed.     

Effects of early protein restriction on the growth performance and gut development of pigs fed diets with or without antibiotic

In the livestock husbandry compensatory growth may be explored as a means to improve nutrient utilization, to reduce gut health problems due to excess protein intake, to simplify feeding strategies and thus to improve production efficiencies. This study investigated the effects of early protein restriction (EPR) and early antibiotic intervention (EAI) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, colonic bacteria, metabolites and mucosal gene expressions during the restriction phase and re-alimentation phase. A total of 64 piglets (10.04 ± 0.73 kg) were randomly divided into four treatment groups according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two levels of proteins (14% v. 20%) and two levels of antibiotics (0 v. 50 mg/kg kitasamycin and 20 mg/kg colistin sulphate). After a 30-day restriction phase with four kinds of diets, all groups were fed the same diets for another 74 days. The results showed that EPR decreased BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake in the restriction phase (P < 0.01) and increased ADG on days 66 to 104 of the late re-alimentation phase. Early protein restriction could decrease the villus height in the jejunum (P < 0.05), while shifting to the same diets restored the villus height. Meanwhile, during the re-alimentation phase, pigs in the protein restriction groups had increased concentrations of total short chain fatty acids (P < 0.05), and modified the abundances of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the colon. Furthermore, the lower microbial diversity caused by EPR was improved, and gene expression analysis indicated a better barrier function in the colon. During the whole trial, EAI had no interaction with EPR and played a dispensable role in compensatory growth. Collectively, the retardation of growth caused by EPR can be compensated for in the later stages of pig raising, and accompanied by altered intestinal morphology, microbial composition.     

Glycine-betaine accumulation influences susceptibility of water-stressed barley to the aphid Schizaphis graminum

Water deficit increased susceptibility of barley to the aphid Schizaphis graminum. Proline and glycine-betaine accumulated in the stressed plants. These compounds were incorporated into artificial diets to test their effects on aphids. Survival of S. graminum was not affected by proline and glycine-betaine. In addition, glycine-betaine increased reproduction of the greenbug at concentrations similar to those found in stressed barley plants. When glycine-betaine was added to detached shoots of barley, population growth rate of S. graminum increased in that plant material kept in the betaine solutions. It is suggested that glycine-betaine accumulation may be responsible for the increased susceptibility of water-stressed barley to the greenbug.     

The mycetocyte symbiosis of aphids: Variation with age and morph in virginoparae of Megoura viciae and Acyrthosiphon pisum

Prokaryotic symbionts of aphids, which are important to the survival of the insect, are housed in specialized cells, mycetocytes. In a study of the aphids Acyrthosiphon pisum and Megoura viciae, the mycetocytes were found to exhibit a consistent pattern of variation in both size and number, both with developmental age of the insect and between alate and apterous morphs. The number of mycetocytes ranged between 70–90 and 60–70 in 1-day old larvae of Megoura viciae and Acyrthosiphon pisum, respectively, and tended to 0 in post-reproductive individuals of both species, with a decrease of 50% between birth and the time of the final moult (days 7–9) in alates and in the late-reproductive period (days 17–18) in apterae. The volume of mycetocytes of M. viciae increased with age from 1.17 × 10⁻⁵ mm³ in 1-day old larvae to 7.63 × 10⁻⁵ mm³ and 5.09 × 10⁻⁵ mm³ in apterous and alate teneral adults (day 8), respectively, and this difference between the morphs closely mirrors the difference between the relative growth rates of apterous and alatiform larvae. It is suggested that mycetocyte loss may represent an important means by which the symbiont population is regulated. The results can also be interpreted as evidence for substantial variation in the characteristics of nutritional interactions between the aphid and its symbionts with age and morph of the aphid.     

A Dietary Test of Putative Deleterious Sterols for the Aphid Myzus persicae

The aphid Myzus persicae displays high mortality on tobacco plants bearing a transgene which results in the accumulation of the ketosteroids cholestan-3-one and cholest-4-en-3-one in the phloem sap. To test whether the ketosteroids are the basis of the plant resistance to the aphids, M. persicae were reared on chemically-defined diets with different steroid contents at 0.1–10 µg ml⁻¹. Relative to sterol-free diet and dietary supplements of the two ketosteroids and two phytosterols, dietary cholesterol significantly extended aphid lifespan and increased fecundity at one or more dietary concentrations tested. Median lifespan was 50% lower on the diet supplemented with cholest-4-en-3-one than on the cholesterol-supplemented diet. Aphid feeding rate did not vary significantly across the treatments, indicative of no anti-feedant effect of any sterol/steroid. Aphids reared on diets containing equal amounts of cholesterol and cholest-4-en-3-one showed fecundity equivalent to aphids on diets containing only cholesterol. Aphids were reared on diets that reproduced the relative steroid abundance in the phloem sap of the control and modified tobacco plants, and their performance on the two diet formulations was broadly equivalent. We conclude that, at the concentrations tested, plant ketosteroids support weaker aphid performance than cholesterol, but do not cause acute toxicity to the aphids. In plants, the ketosteroids may act synergistically with plant factors absent from artificial diets but are unlikely to be solely responsible for resistance of modified tobacco plants.     

Microsilica as antigen carrier and adjuvant in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salarL.)

Bovine serum albumin and a glycine/HCl extract fromAeromonas salmonicidawere most effectively adsorbed to microsilica particles at pH 5·0 compared with pHs of 6·0, 7·0, 8·0 and 9·0. Atlantic salmon were immunised by intraperitoneal injection of the glycine/HCl extract fromA. salmonicidaadsorbed to microsilica. Antibody titres againstA. salmonicidaantigens demonstrated a prominent adjuvant effect of the microsilica 8 weeks after immunisation compared with soluble antigens. The duration of the antibody response suggests that microsilica may have some depot effect. The antibody response was, however, lower than the response obtained with Freund's complete adjuvant. Microsilica stimulated the respiratory burst activity in cultured Atlantic salmon head kidney macrophages. Some side effects of the microsilica were observed. Adhesions between abdominal organs and between the organs and the peritoneum were distinct. In addition, a dark greyish pigmentation at the sites of adhesion was evident. Cultured macrophages in the presence of high concentrations of microsilica resulted in toxic effects on the cells.     

Aqueous acid-base chemistry involving dioxovanadium(V) complexes of 2,6-pyridinedimethanol, and the X-ray structures of Na[VO2{2,6-(OCH2)2NC5H3}] · 4H2O and [1-H-2,6-(HOCH2)2NC5H3]Cl

Reaction of NH₄VO₃ with 2,6-pyridinedimethanol in water at 85 °C followed by the room temperature addition of HCl (aq) yields [HVO₂(pydim)]_x (pydim = 2,6-pyridinedimethanolato dianion), as a sparingly soluble off-white solid. This acid may be deprotonated by titration with NaOH (aq), yielding Na[VO₂(pydim)] · 4H₂O, which has been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Treating Na[VO₂(pydim)] · 4H₂O with HCl (aq) regenerates [HVO₂(pydim)]_x, but reaction with additional NaOH (aq) displaces the pyridinedimethanolato ligand from the vanadium center. Similarly, treating [HVO₂(pydim)]_x with excess HCl (aq) strips the pyridinedimethanolato ligand from the vanadium center and yields the adduct [H₃(pydim)]⁺Cl⁻ as one component in a mixture of products. This adduct has been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The optimum pH range for stable dioxovanadium(V) complexes stabilized by the 2,6-pyridinedimethanolato ligand is at least 1.5-9.4.     

Temperature-Dependent Fecundity and Life Table of the Fennel Aphid Hyadaphis foeniculi (Passerini) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Hyadaphis foeniculi (Passerini) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a cosmopolitan species and the main pest of fennel in northeastern Brazil. Understanding the relationship between temperature variations and the population growth rates of H. foeniculi is essential to predict the population dynamics of this aphid in the fennel crop. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of constant temperature on the adult prereproductive period and the life table fertility parameters (infinitesimal increase ratio (r_m), gross reproduction rate (GRR), net reproduction rate (R₀), finite increase ratio (λ), generation time (GT), the time required for the population to double in the number of individuals (DT), and the reproduction value (RV_x)) of the fennel pest H. foeniculi. The values of lx (survival of nymphs at age x) increased as the temperature rose from 15 to 28°C and fell at 30°C, whereas mx (number of nymphs produced by each nymph of age x) increased from 15 to 25°C and fell at 28 and 30°C. The net reproduction rates (R₀) of populations of H. foeniculi increased with temperature and ranged from 1.9 at 15°C to 12.23 at 28°C for each generation. The highest population increase occurred with the apterous aphids at 28°C. The rate of population increase per unit time (r_m) (day) ranged from 0.0033 (15°C) to 0.1995 (28°C). The highest values of r_m were recorded at temperatures of 28°C and 30°C. The r_m values were a good fit to the models tested, with R² > 0.91 and R² _adj > 0.88. The models tested (Davidson, Sharpe and DeMichele modified by Schoolfield et al., Logan et al., Lamb, and Briere et al.) were very good fits for the r_m values observed, with R² > 0.91 and R² _adj > 0.88. The only exception was the Davidson model. Of the parameters studied, the reproductive capacity was higher in the apterous aphids, with the unique exception of daily fecundity at 28°C, which was higher in the alate aphids of H. foeniculi. Parameters relating to the age-specific fertility table for H. foeniculi were heavily influenced by temperature, with the highest biotic potential and population growth capacity found at 34°C. Therefore, the results obtained in this study could be of practical significance for predicting outbreaks of fennel aphids and improving the management of this aphid in fennel crops.     

Effects of chlorogenic and caffeic acids on IAA oxidase preparations from sweet potato roots

IAA oxidase preparations from sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) roots oxidised IAA in the absence of added phenolics. Activity was optimal around pH 6·8 and a minor pH optimum occurred around pH 4·3. Both chlorogenic and caffeic acids inhibited IAA oxidase activity at high concentrations (0·6–5·7 nmol/ml) but stimulated enzyme activity at low concentrations (0·10-0·55 nmol/ml); these effects were dependent on IAA and enzyme concentration and on pH. The activities of both substances are compared with those of other phenolics known to stimulate and inhibit plant IAA oxidases.     

Do microbial protein elicitors PeaT1 obtained from Alternaria tenuissima and PeBL1 from Brevibacillus laterosporus enhance defense response against tomato aphid (Myzus persicae)?

Tomato aphid (Myzus persicae) is a destructive insect pest of tomato responsible for huge losses in the production as well in the vegetable industry. In the present in vitro study two protein elicitors, PeaT1 and PeBL1 were considered to study their efficacies to exhibit defense response against tomato aphid. Three different concentrations of both protein elicitors were applied on the tomato seedlings. After the application of PeaT1 and PeBL1, population growth rates of tomato aphid were decreased as compared to the control treatment. In host preference assay, the tomato aphid showed a preference to build a colony on the control as compared to the treated tomato plant, because tomato leaves provided hazardous surface for aphid after the formation of wax and trichome. The concentrations of protein showed significant (p < 0.05) results in life-history traits of the aphid. Jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA) and ethylene (ET) showed significant accumulation in tomato seedlings treated with PeaT1 and PeBL1. Elicitors treated plants produced resistance against M. persicae. Our finding suggests that PeaT1 and PeBL1 have shown high potentials against the damage of M. persicae, and both elicitors could be used as novel biological tools against tomato aphid.     

Sigma B对单核细胞增生李斯特菌耐受抗生素作用的影响

单核细胞增生李斯特菌是重要的革兰阳性食源性致病菌。近年来的报道显示出该菌耐受抗生素的能力有不断增强的趋势,为了探讨其耐药机制,对Sigma B（σB,李斯特菌中应对环境胁迫的主要调控因子）在抗生素耐受性中的作用进行了初步研究。检测和比较单核细胞增生李斯特菌标准菌株EGDe和其σB缺失突变菌株EGDeΔsigB对盘尼西林青霉素、氨苄西林青霉素、利福平、硫酸庆大霉素、四环素盐酸和红霉素6种抗生素的最小抑菌浓度（MIC）;在测定的MIC的基础上,利用MTT（噻唑蓝活体染色法）法比较EGDe和EGDeΔsigB在1×MIC、2×MIC和8×MIC的氨苄西林青霉素、红霉素和利福平3种抗生素中的生长活性。EGDe对盘尼西林青霉素（0.16μg/mL）、四环素盐酸（0.25μg/mL）和硫酸庆大霉素（0.5μg/mL）的MIC高于EGDeΔsigB（分别为0.08、0.125和0.125μg/mL）;而对氨苄西林青霉素、红霉素和利福平的MIC 2种菌株没有差别,分别为0.19、0.125和0.032μg/mL;与EGDe相比,EGDeΔsigB在氨苄西林青霉素、红霉素和利福平培养基中的生长活性较差,对抗生素的抑制更为敏感,而且随着这3种抗生素浓度的增加,其抑制程度也随之增强。Sigma B在单核细胞增生李斯特菌对抗生素的耐受中起到重要调节作用。     

Fatty acid profile of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, and the effect of diet and rearing conditions

The fatty acids, palmitic (16:0), palmitoleic (16:1), stearic (18:0), oleic (18:1), linoleic (18:2), and linolenic (18:3) were measured by GLC in Trichoplusia ni (Hübn.) from larvae reared on three different diets. The effect of rearing temperature and humidity on the levels of these fatty acids in pupae and pharate adults was determined. T. ni tended to accumulate 18:3 somewhat in proportion to its level in the diet. The respective levels (relative percentage) of this fatty acid in the diet and in the pupae were: bean leaves, 73·6 and 56·7; the diet based on lima beans, 10·2 and 3·5; and a meridic diet containing wheatgerm oil, 5·6 and 1·8. Pupae from larvae reared on a diet marginal in 18:3 content produced adults with deformed wings when reared at 30°C and normal wings when reared at 23 or 24°C, but there was no difference in their tissue level of 18:3. The phospholipids of last instar larvae, pharate pupae, pupae, pharate adults, and emerged adults are made up mostly of 18:0, 18:2, and 18:3 while the triglycerides of these stages contain relative large quantities of 16:0, 16:1, and 18:1. Pupal rearing temperature did not appear to influence the level of 18:3 in these two fractions enough to account for the degree of deficiency expressed as adult wing deformity. Both high (95%) and low (20%) relative humidity have an adverse effect on wing development but this effect can be overcome by 18:3 supplementation of the larval diet.     

桃蚜不同蚜型DNA多态性的RAPD研究

采用RAPD方法,对全周期桃蚜的有翅产雌性母蚜、无翅性母蚜、雄蚜、卵、干母、干雌、有翅迁移蚜等蚜型的DNA遗传多态性进行了分析。结果表明：卵的DNA多态性最大,性蚜次之,孤雌生殖蚜最小;卵与其它蚜型之间在遗传上具最大差异,其中与孤雌生蚜的差异大于与性蚜的;干母、干雌和迁移蚜之间的遗传关系最近。