Host-marking by female pepper weevils, Anthonomus eugenii

Pepper weevils, Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), feed and oviposit in flower buds and small fruits of plants in the genus Capsicum, as well as several species of Solanum (Solanaceae). Females chew a small hole into the fruit, deposit a single egg within the cavity, and seal the hole with a clear anal secretion that hardens into an ‘oviposition plug’. Female oviposition behavior was studied in a series of small‐arena bioassays to determine whether previous oviposition in Jalapeño pepper fruit deterred subsequent oviposition and to determine what specific cues from an infested fruit influence female behavior. In choice and no‐choice tests, females preferred clean fruit to fruit that had received four eggs 24 h previously (i.e., infested fruit), whether the fruit was infested with conspecific eggs or their own eggs. Further bioassays demonstrated that the presence of female frass, or oviposition plugs alone, in the absence of eggs or any fruit damage, was sufficient to deter oviposition. In addition, females given the choice between an infested fruit with the oviposition plug removed or an unaltered infested fruit preferred the fruit with no plugs, even when eggs, frass, and feeding damage were still present. To determine whether females would avoid infested peppers under more natural conditions, we quantified oviposition on infested and uninfested sentinel pepper fruit within individually caged plants and on clean and infested plants caged together. Females consistently laid more eggs on clean fruit than on infested fruits and moved within and among pepper plants to search for more acceptable oviposition sites. We conclude that oviposition plugs, along with contaminated female, but not male, frass contain a deterrent that, in the absence of any other cue, is enough to alert a female that a patch is occupied.     

Monitoring populations of the almond seed wasp, Eurytoma amygdali, with sex pheromone traps and other means, and optimal timing of chemical control

During the four years 1986–1989 we monitored an adult male population of the almond seed wasp, Eurytoma amygdali Enderlein, in the region of Thessaloniki, using sex pheromone traps, each containing 25 living virgin females. The emergence of adults from infested almonds of the previous year was also monitored in cages in the field, as well as the progress of fruit infestation and egg hatching in the almonds of the Retsou variety. Finally, two chemical control experiments were done against the newly hatched larvae to determine the optimal time for chemical control.During the 4-year study the start of adult captures occurred between April 13 and April 24, and the maximum between April 17 and May 11. In most cases, adult emergence from infested almonds in field cages began with a delay of 2 to 14 days in relation to the start of trap captures, and was affected by factors such as the date of cage installation. In all years most eggs hatched within 12–18 days of oviposition.A treatment with phosphamidon at a concentration of 0.06%, applied to tree branches of the Retsou variety with a hand-sprayer on May 23, 1987, when 54.1% of the eggs had hatched, was very effective (final infestation in July was 4.7% as compared to 89.1% of the untreated control). Three treatments with phosphamidon 0.06%, applied each on different tree branches, on May 14, 20, and 25, 1988, when the percentage of egg hatching was 7.8%, 65.3%, and 93.5%, respectively, were all very effective (final infestation in July was 1.6%, 3.6%, and 4.2% respectively, as compared to 93.6% of the untreated control). However, the presence of mines in the perisperm and outer endosperm, caused by the feeding larvae before they were killed, was more conspicuous in the almonds treated when the percentage of egg hatching was high.Our data suggest that the almond seed wasp can be effectively controlled with a single treatment of a systemic insecticide against the newly hatched larvae, preferably applied when the percentage of egg hatching is low to medium (between 10% and 50%). In the area of Thessaloniki, during 1986–89, 10% and 50% of egg hatching occurred about 21 and 27 days respectively after the beginning of male adult captures in pheromone traps.     

A novel approach to the assessment of fruit damage caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carposina sasakii</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera: Carposinidae) using pheromone trap catches in Korean orchards

This study reports a model that utilizes pheromone trap catches to assess the fruit damage caused by Carposina sasakii. The model consisted of four steps: (1) obtaining influx population density using pheromone traps, (2) estimating the actual female population within a defined area using an estimated conversion rate, (3) calculating the total number of eggs using the oviposition model of C. sasakii, and (4) estimating the proportion of fruits infested with eggs (potential damaged fruits) using the relationship between mean egg density per fruit and the proportion of fruits infested with eggs. The relationship between mean egg density ([`(x)] \bar{x} ) per fruit and variance (s ²) was well described by Taylor’s power law, and its parameters were successfully incorporated into the equation that estimates the relationship between mean egg density and the proportion of fruits infested with eggs. In peach orchards, the model accurately predicted the proportion of fruits infested with eggs at the beginning of C. sasakii emergence in early season, but overestimated it in the mid-season. The fitting ability of the model outputs largely increased when the factor of oviposition behavior of C. sasakii was incorporated into the simulation processes, applying the allocation module of total eggs between peaches and apples.     

Adult response of the almond seed wasp,Eurytoma amygdali, to chemicals from its host and certain nonhosts

Females of the almond seed wasp,Eurytoma amygdali Enderlein (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae), responded in an olfactometer positively to odours from almond flowers and unripe fruits, but not to almond leaf odours and odours from flowers and unripe fruits of certain other nonhostPrunus species. Males responded to none of these odours. Extracts of undamaged unripe almond fruits (using ethanol, methanol, acetone, hexane, dichloromethane, or petroleum ether) stimulated female aggregation on glass surfaces treated with these extracts; in addition, certain fruit extracts (ethanol, methanol, or acetone) stimulated oviposition. Extracts of undamaged almond leaves (ethanol, methanol, or acetone) and flowers (ethanol or methanol) also stimulated female aggregation and oviposition. Aggregation and oviposition in response to an ethanol extract of almond fruits was intense in females aged 5 to 14 days and from 12∶00 to 18∶00h (photophase between 06∶00 and 20∶00). Certain almond fruit (ethanol, methanol, acetone or hexane) and flower extracts (ethanol or methanol) also provoked female response in the olfactometer. The results strongly suggest that certain chemical stimuli emanating from parts of the almond tree play a major role in host selection and oviposition. Some of the extracts tested may be a good source for the isolation, identification and synthesis of compounds stimulating attraction, aggregation and oviposition in nature. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A3414024 00003     

Stimuli affecting selection of oviposition sites by female peach twig borer, Anarsia lineatella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

In laboratory and field experiments, stimuli were tested that might affect oviposition decisions by female peach twig borer moths, Anarsia lineatella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). When given a choice between immature green peach fruits, green mature peach fruits and soft-ripe peach fruits, the latter received the fewest eggs. Fuzzy halves of peach fruits received ten times more eggs then shaved hairless halves. Volatiles from both almond and peach shoots induced more oviposition by females than by control stimuli. Similarly, volatiles from immature green peach fruits, mature green or mature hard-ripe peach fruits induced more oviposition than their respective control stimuli. In a choice experiment, volatiles from immature peach fruit stimulated three times more oviposition than those from soft-ripe peach fruit. Discrimination against mature soft-ripe peach fruits as potential oviposition sites may lie in the phenology of A. lineatella and host peach fruits. Larval development to the pupal stage takes 15–27 days. Therefore, any eggs laid on a ripe fruit 14 days before it falls from the tree will not likely develop into adult insects because developing larvae will only reach third or fourth instar before the fruit is decomposed, and only first and second instar larvae can overwinter.     

Host discrimination and evidence for a host marking pheromone in the almond seed wasp, Eurytoma amygdali

Laboratory experiments and observations on the oviposition behaviour of the almond seed wasp Eurytoma amygdali Enderlein (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae) revealed that the females of this species deposit a host-marking pheromone, immediately after an oviposition, by dragging the tip of their abdomen on the fruit surface. This pheromone enables them to discriminate between the infested and uninfested fruit and to select for oviposition the latter. Its primary function is apparently the prevention of repeated ovipositions in already infested fruit, thus contributing to the optimal utilisation of the available resources for larval development. The responses of individual females to different treatments of almonds, in a series of two-choice tests, revealed that the pheromone can be perceived by the females on direct contact and, when at high concentrations, also olfactorily from a short distance. The pheromone was present inside the abdomen and thorax of females but not of males, and, although water soluble, could not be entirely removed from heavily infested almonds when rinsed with water. Direct observations revealed that after an average of 3.7 successive visits to pheromone-bearing almonds, females were induced to walk or, most often, fly away from the experimental set-up. This suggests that the pheromone may also contribute to the dispersion of the wasps.

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Résumé Des expériences de laboratoire et des observations concernant le comportement de ponte de Eurytoma amygdali Enderlein (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae) ont montré que, immédiatement après la ponte, les femelles déposent une phéromone de marquage de l'hôte en trainant le bout de leur abdomen sur la surface de l'amande. Cette phéromone les rends capable de distinguer les fruits infectés des non-infectés dt de sélectionner pour la ponte les derniers. Apparemment, la fonction principale de cette phéromone est la prévention de la répétition des ovipositions dans les fruits déjà infectés et la répartition uniforme des oeufs dans les amandes, contribuant ainsi à la meilleure utilisation des ressources disponsibles pour le développement des larves. Des expériences de deux choix entre des fruits de différents traitements ont montré que la phéromone pouvait être perçue par les femelles par le direct contact et, quand elle était à hautes concentrations, par olfaction d'une courte distance. La phéromone était présente dans l'abdomen et dans le thorax des femelles, et bien qu'elle soit soluble à l'eau, elle ne pouvait pas s'éloigner entièrement par lavage des amandes sérieusement infectées à l'eau. Les observations ont démontré qu'après un numéro de 3.7 visites successives sur des amandes portant de la phéromone les femelles s'éloignaient du lieu de ponte en marchant ou, le plus souvant, en s'envolant, ce qui suggère que la phéromone contribue à la dispersion des femelles.

     

Oviposition response and development of the egg-pupal parasitoid Fopius arisanus on Bactrocera oleae, a tephritid fruit fly pest of olive in the Mediterranean basin

To date, information is wanting with regard to the use of new exotic parasitoids against olive fruit fly, Bactrocera (=Dacus) oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae), a serious pest of olives Olea europaea L., in the Mediterranean basin. We investigated the oviposition response and developmental biology on B. oleae of Fopius (=Biosteres) arisanus (Sonan) (=Opius oophilus Fullaway) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), an egg-pupal parasitoid of tephritid fruit flies, never tested before as a potential parasitoid of this host. Our results showed that olive fruits infested with B. oleae eggs exerted a relevant attraction to gravid F. arisanus and represented a stimulus for oviposition. Nevertheless they were not as attractive to female parasitoids as the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae), eggs infested papaya fruits (Carica papaya L.). In our experimental conditions, F. arisanus completed development in B. oleae within 33 ± 1.7 days (males) and 35 ± 1.6 (females). Increases in host egg to female parasitoid ratios of 1:1, 5:1, 10:1 and 20:1 corresponded with decreases in the percentage of B. oleae parasitisation and host killing but corresponded also with increases in absolute parasitisation. Our findings are discussed in light of possibilities of utilising F. arisanus for biological control of olive fruit fly.     

Comparison of trapping for eggs, females, and males of the naval orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in almonds

The navel orangeworm is the primary insect pest of almonds in California, and egg traps are the primary means of monitoring this pest. A previous study found that the current use of 2-4 traps per 64 ha block usually is not sufficient to provide management information specifically for that block. In this study, we compare data from large grids of egg traps in varied commercial almond orchards with trapping data for females and males, with the objective of finding a more cost-effective monitoring program using currently available attractants. The proportion of egg traps with eggs was highly correlated with mean eggs per egg trap, and with females and males trapped simultaneously at the same location. Almond variety and the type of bait used had little impact on the relationship between the proportion of egg traps with eggs and the number of eggs per traps. Traps in orchards with more unharvested (mummy) almonds had more eggs, suggesting that navel orangeworm abundance affected traps more than competition from mummies. Laboratory experiments comparing age-specific oviposition in two-choice and no-choice situations found that younger, more fecund females laid a greater proportion of eggs on the preferred substrate in a two-choice situation, but that age-specific fecundity was not different between substrates in no-choice tests. These findings indicate that the proportion of egg traps with eggs provides a more stable indication of navel orangeworm phenology than mean eggs per trap. We suggest that similar information could be obtained in a more cost-effective manner with female trapping.     

The effect of egg load on superparasitism by the snowberry fly

In studies conducted with fruits of the host plant, Symphoricarpus albus (L.), we examine the influence of egg load on the oviposition behaviour of Rhagoletis zephyria Snow (Diptera:Tephritidae). By altering the availability of exogenous protein, three classes of females with progressively increasing egg loads were produced, while keeping confounding factors such as age, experience, and mating status constant. Flies from all three classes were randomly presented with either a pheromone marked fruit, or with an unmarked fruit. Results indicate that increased egg load led to a greater propensity to accept, or superparasitize, the pheromone marked fruit. Upon dissection it was revealed that females which superparasitized had a mean egg load of 19.5 eggs (n=22), while females which rejected marked fruit had a mean egg load of 13.5 eggs (n=26). These results are consistent with the theory of adaptive superparasitism.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fopius arisanus</Emphasis> oviposition in four <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anastrepha</Emphasis> fruit fly species of economic importance in Mexico

We studied the oviposition performance of Fopius arisanus (Sonan) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) attacking eggs of four fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha Schiner (Diptera: Tephritidae) under laboratory conditions. The complete process of oviposition on an individual egg of Anastrepha ludens (Loew) lasts in average 85.4 ± 2.9 s, including a tremor (25.8 ± 1.03 s) observed in the middle of this process related to the egg’s descent. The average parasitism of A. ludens egg was 60.9 ± 7.5%, with only 1.2% of superparasitized eggs. During individual acts of oviposition, we noted that F. arisanus possesses a highly flexible ovipositor that curves easily as it searches for additional suitable eggs, which may be of particular benefit when a female finds large clutches of eggs. The individual oviposition of F. arisanus in host fruits attacked by Anastrepha spp. varies with the egg clutch size of each fruit fly species: A. serpentina laid the biggest egg clutches (21.3 ± 1.4), followed by A. ludens (14.2 ± 0.9), and A. striata (1.0 ± 0.0) (=A. obliqua). The time spent by F. arisanus in individual ovipositions was parallel to these findings, reinforcing the idea that F. arisanus attacks several eggs in each individual insertion of its ovipositor. Neither formal oviposition acts, nor adult emergences of F. arisanus were registered in A. obliqua. We discuss the potential of F. arisanus as natural enemy of fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha, and explore the eventual developing of its mass rearing. Handling Editor: Torsten Meiners.     

桔小实蝇对石榴的产卵偏好性研究

明确石榴品种、成熟度以及果实的完整性对桔小实蝇产卵偏好的影响,可为石榴园桔小实蝇的行为调控提供重要理论依据。本研究以采自四川省会理市彰冠镇不同品种、不同成熟度石榴果实作为材料,通过选择性试验,统计果实上的产卵孔数和着卵量,分析桔小实蝇的产卵选择行为。研究结果显示,桔小实蝇对不同品种石榴的产卵偏好性为软籽石榴>硬籽石榴>野生硬籽石榴;对不同成熟度石榴的产卵偏好性为熟果>完熟果>生果;石榴裂果比正常果更吸引桔小实蝇产卵。相关性分析结果表明,在石榴正常果状态下,软籽石榴和野生硬籽石榴的可溶性固形物含量与产卵孔数、着卵量均呈显著正相关性,而硬籽石榴可溶性固形物含量与产卵孔数、着卵量均无显著相关性;在石榴裂果状态下,各石榴品种可溶性固形物含量和着卵量均无显著相关性。桔小实蝇更偏好于软籽石榴熟果、裂果以及可溶性固形物含量为14.00%～17.00%的果实上产卵,会理地区8-9月时石榴的生长处于熟果期且多裂果,因此该时期应为桔小实蝇发生为害的关键时期,要提前做好防控。     

Combination of edible vegetable oil and artificial fruit to reduce Bactrocera dorsalis oviposition in chilli fruits

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a major pest of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. This study aimed to evaluate the potency of combining edible vegetable oil application and artificial fruit provision to reduce the oviposition of B. dorsalis in chilli fruits. Experiments were conducted in laboratory using a 20‐L plastic container provided with chilli fruits and in semi field using a fruit‐bearing chilli plant caged with insect screen. The laboratory test revealed that the combination of coconut oil application and artificial fruit provision significantly reduced fruit fly visits, eggs laid and the number of infested chilli fruits no matter when the chilli fruits were without prepuncture or with prepuncture. Further study using a caged chilli plant also found that this combination had significant effects on fruit fly visits and infestation in chilli fruits. These results provide an indication that coconut oil and artificial fruit can work together to reduce fruit fly attacks on chilli fruits. Combining the use of coconut oil and artificial fruit is likely to create an integrated behavioural manipulation (push and pull) of female B. dorsalis that lead to a much lower fruit fly infestation in chilli fruits.     

Are citrus species favorable hosts for the Mediterranean fruit fly? A demographic perspective

We studied, under laboratory conditions, demographic parameters of adult Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) (medfly), obtained from three sweet orange varieties, lemon, and bitter oranges. These data were combined with immature developmental rates and survival on the same hosts to estimate host‐specific population parameters. Pairs of newly emerged adults from each citrus variety were held individually in transparent plastic cages, and females were allowed to oviposit in either red domes (artificial, pre‐punctured plastic oviposition devices), or intact, whole citrus fruits. We found strong effects of larval host (citrus fruits) on adult longevity and fecundity. In all five citrus varieties, females did not manage to deposit eggs into fruit pulp. The proportion of eggs laid in either the flavedo or albedo area of the fruit peel differed depending on the citrus variety. In all cases except bitter oranges, females oviposited fewer eggs in citrus fruits than in the artificial oviposition substrates, suggesting that most citrus fruits cause a significant reduction in the reproductive potential of medflies. Negative correlations were found between fecundity and (a) the density of oil glands, and (b) the amount of essential oils in the flavedo area of citrus fruits. There was no correlation between fecundity and other fruit physical characteristics, such as resistance of fruit peel to pressure and thickness of the flavedo. Apparently, resistance of citrus fruits to medfly infestation is directly related to citrus essential oils. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was higher in bitter oranges than in the three sweet orange varieties tested. A negative r was estimated for flies that developed and oviposited in lemons, indicating a tendency for population decrease in this host. The suitability of citrus fruits for medfly development and the practical implications of our findings for management of medflies in citrus orchards are discussed.     

Influence of protein hydrolysate baits on oviposition in the apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella

Ovipositional responses of apple maggot (AM), Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), females were studied in the laboratory on apples (var: Golden Delicious) treated with different rates of four protein hydrolysate baits in choice and no-choice tests. Protein hydrolysate baits at rates of 0.5 and 1% had no significant effect, but oviposition was greatly reduced at higher rates of 5 and 10%. Apple maggot females exposed to apples treated with protein hydrolysate baits at a rate of 10% made 41–71% fewer punctures and laid 41–73% fewer eggs than in untreated control. No oviposition activity was shown on apples treated with 25 and 100% Nulure®. In no-choice tests the AM females laid 75–96% fewer eggs in apples treated with 10 and 25% Nulure compared to controls and no oviposition occurred in apples treated with 100% Nulure. Apple maggot females arrived in similar numbers on apples treated with 10% Nulure and untreated apples, but only 5% of those arriving on Nulure-treated apples showed ovipositor boring with no egg deposition while 60% of females arriving on untreated apples showed ovipositor boring activity and laid an average of 2.5 eggs per apple. In another experiment, individual AM females displayed similar behavioral responses to 10% Nulure-treated apples; none of the 56 females tested on treated apples displayed ovipositor boring activity, but 59% of the females (N=56) tested on untreated apples displayed ovipositor boring within 5 min of their arrival. Ninetyeight percent of AM females stayed and fed on fruit surfaces for 5 min on Nulure-treated apples without ovipositor boring compared to only 2% on untreated apples. Of the females that arrived on untreated apples, 39% flew away within 5 min without ovipositor boring compared to only 2% of those that arrived on Nulure-treated apples. Results of these two behavioral experiments suggest that upon arrival on a protein bait-treated apple, an apparent change of behavior occurs in AM females and instead of attempting to oviposit, they attempt to feed on fruit surfaces resulting in reduced oviposition activity. These results indicate that the feeding and oviposition-related activities of AM females are probably mutually exclusive and that the feeding behavior preempts oviposition activities on host fruits treated with higher rates of protein hydrolysate baits.     

Host species and vegetable fruit suitability and preference by the parasitoid wasp Fopius arisanus

Parasitoids that oviposit in a concealed host inside a plant part need to be able to find both the plant and the host. Egg parasitoids of fruit‐infesting Tephritidae need to assess the oviposition site based both on the host egg and the infested fruit. Infestation by Tephritidae fruit flies threatens fruit and vegetable production. Management methods have been implemented including biological control, using Fopius arisanus Sonan (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). The parasitism by F. arisanus in three Tephritidae flies in vegetable fruits was investigated. Laboratory assays were conducted to assess the parasitoid's preference and survival. Zucchini, sweet pepper, and tomato were artificially infested with eggs of Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel, Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, and Ceratitis cosyra Walker (all Diptera: Tephritidae), then exposed to mated naïve F. arisanus females in a 20:1 egg:parasitoid ratio. Parasitoid behavioral activities (resting, antennating, probing, ovipositing) were observed on the infested fruits. Parasitism rate was determined by dissection of fruit fly eggs under a stereomicroscope. Behavioral activities of F. arisanus differed between all the fruits when infested with B. dorsalis or C. cosyra eggs but differed only between some of the fruits when infested with C. capitata. Fopius arisanus preferred B. dorsalis over C. capitata and C. cosyra, with a parasitism rate 2× higher on B. dorsalis compared to the Ceratitis species. Preference for fruits was dependent on the infesting fruit fly. The emergence of F. arisanus was higher with B. dorsalis than with Ceratitis spp. Although B. dorsalis completed its development earlier than Ceratitis spp., host fly species did not affect the developmental time of F. arisanus. We discuss the significance of F. arisanus preference in relation to naturally occurring Tephritidae infestations. We also discuss whether some fruits might constitute a refuge for Tephritidae flies and whether this will affect the current biological control efforts against B. dorsalis.     

Bactrocera dorsalis preference for and performance on two mango varieties at three stages of ripeness

Most tropical fruit flies only lay into mature fruit, but a small number can also oviposit into unripe fruit. Little is known about the link between adult oviposition preference and offspring performance in such situations. In this study, we examine the influence of different ripening stages of two mango, Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae), varieties on the preference and performance of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), a fly known to be able to develop in unripe fruit . A series of laboratory-based choice and no-choice oviposition experiments and larval growth trials were carried out. The results demonstrated a general preference by B. dorsalis for mango variety Oakrong over variety Namdorkmai, but in most cases the single largest dependent variable influencing results was fruit ripening stage. Ripe and fully-ripe mangoes were most preferred for oviposition by B. dorsalis . In contrast, unripe mango was infrequently used by ovipositing females, particularly in choice trials. Consistent with the results of oviposition preference, ripe and fully-ripe mangoes were also best for offspring survival, with a higher percentage of larval survival to pupation and shorter development times in comparison to unripe mango. Changes in total soluble solids and pericarp toughness correlated with changing host use across the ripening stages. Regardless of the mango variety or ripeness stage, B. dorsalis had difficulty penetrating the pericarp of all fruits offered in experiments. Larval survival was also often poor in all experiments. We discuss the possibility that there may be differences in the ability of laboratory and wild flies to penetrate fruit for oviposition, or that in the field flies more regularly utilize natural fruit wounds as oviposition sites.     

Oviposition preference in the oligophagous tomato fruit fly, Neoceratitis cyanescens

We assessed the role of visual and olfactory cues on oviposition preference in the oligophagous tomato fruit fly, Neoceratitis cyanescens (Bezzi) (Diptera: Tephritidae). In a field survey, we evaluated the stage of susceptibility of field‐grown tomatoes by monitoring N. cyanescens infestations from fruit‐setting up to harvest, in relation to post‐flowering time, size, and visual properties of fruit. In two‐choice laboratory experiments, we tested the degree to which females use visual and olfactory cues to select their host plant for oviposition. In addition, we investigated the ability of flies to avoid fruit already infested by conspecific eggs or larvae, and the influence of natal host fruit on oviposition preference. Neoceratitis cyanescens females preferentially lay their eggs in small yellow‐green unripe fruit (2–3.5 cm diameter, 10–21 days post‐flowering). Damage to fruit was significantly affected by brightness and size properties. In laboratory experiments, females chose to lay their eggs in bright orange rather than yellow domes. On the sole basis of olfactory stimuli, females showed a significant preference for unripe vs. ripe host fruit, for unripe fruit vs. flowers or leaves, and for host vs. non‐host fruit (or control). However, colour interacted with odour as females dispatched their eggs equally between the yellow dome and the bright orange dome when unripe fruit of tomato was placed under the yellow dome vs. ripe fruit under the bright orange dome. When offered real ripe and unripe tomatoes, females preferred unripe tomatoes. Females significantly chose to lay eggs in non‐infested fruit when they were given the choice between these or fruit infested with larvae. In contrast, recent stings containing eggs did not deter females from laying eggs. Rather, they could have an attractive effect when deposited within <1 h. Regardless of their natal host plant, tomato or bugweed, N. cyanescens females laid significantly more eggs in a dome containing bugweed fruit. However, 15% of females originating from tomato laid eggs exclusively in the dome with tomato, against 3% of females originating from bugweed.     

Effect of marking pheromone on clutch size in the Mediterranean fruit fly

Abstract Using acridine orange to selectively stain eggs, we showed that wild-collected female Mediterranean fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann) laid fewer eggs per clutch in fruit previously infested with eggs than in uninfested fruit. This effect is apparently attributable to marking pheromone deposited by females after oviposition: clutch size on fruit infested with eggs but free of marking pheromone was not statistically different from that on uninfested fruit. Clutch size on uninfested fruit on which marking pheromone was artificially transferred was significantly lower than that on uninfested and untreated fruit. Marking pheromone had a comparable though not statistically significant effect on the clutch size of females originating from a strain maintained in the laboratory for several hundred generations.     

Influence of fruit traits on the infestation of Dacus persicus in two fruit morphs of Calotropis procera

The larvae of Dacus (Leptoxyda) persicus (aak fruit fly) are key predispersal seed predators in Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae). Based on fruit characteristics, two morphs are distinguishable in C. procera viz., the soft-fruited morph (SF morph) and the hard-fruited morph (HF morph). The work reported here examined whether the fruit characteristics influenced the infestation by the aak fruit fly and, if so, what mechanism(s) were operative. Fruits in the SF morph were significantly more acceptable to the aak fruit fly than those of the HF morph irrespective of their size class and availability or fly population density. A general ranking of fruit acceptability for oviposition by the aak fruit fly within the fruit size class was: size class III ≥ size class II > size class I and IV. The negative relationship between fruit infestation and pericarp toughness, which is suggestive of trade-offs between the fly’s oviposition obligation and energy/time (predation risk) constraint, was found to correlate with the requirement of greater force to puncture the pericarp in the hard fruits. Lower penetrability of the pericarp in the hard fruits appeared to be primarily due to the thickness of pericarp and secondarily on account of the thickened walls of endocarpic–mesocarpic cells in the inner pericarpic layer. The present data point to the existence of two fruit morphs in C. procera differing in the acceptability of fruits for oviposition by the aak fruit fly primarily on account of toughness and internal structure of the pericarp.     

‘Males second’ strategy in the allocation of sexes by the parasitic wasp,Gryon japonicum

Summary Patterns of the sex ratio allocation of Gryon japonicum (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), a solitary egg parasitoid of Riptortus clavatus (Thunberg) (Heteroptera: Alydidae), were investigated in the laboratory, and the result was checked against the field data on the sex composition of the parasitoid. When five host eggs were presented simultaneously to each of the females of G. japonicum in a laboratory experiment, they had a strong tendency to lay a male egg in second host egg and female eggs in the others. However, when four host eggs were presented to each female more than 3 h after the completion of oviposition on a host egg, most of the females laid male eggs in the third oviposition, i.e. the second host eggs after the experimental interruption of oviposition. These results indicated that there was a mechanism for G. japonicum to produce a male egg in the second host egg in consecutive ovipositions, and that the mechanism was reset by more than 3 h intervals of oviposition. By this mechanism, G. japonicum is thought to produce the precise sex ratio in response to the size of a host egg batch. Field data on the size of a host egg batch and the sex composition of the parasitoid in a host egg batch supported this view.