Identification of feeding stimulants in corn roots for western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larvae

Using a bioassay-driven approach, we have isolated and identified a blend of compounds from the roots of germinating corn, Zea mays L., that serve as feeding stimulants for neonate western corn rootworm larvae, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The active blend is a combination of simple sugars (30:4:4 mg/ml glucose:fructose:sucrose in the corn root) plus at least one of the free fatty acids in germinating corn roots (2:5 mg/ml oleic acid:linoleic acid in the corn root). When an extract of germinating corn was partitioned into an ethyl acetate fraction and an aqueous fraction, full feeding occurred only when the two fractions were recombined, indicating that the phagostimulant was comprised of both polar and nonpolar components. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of root extracts from germinating corn seedlings revealed a blend of 20 compounds from a variety of chemical classes, including small sugars, diacids, amino acids, inorganic compounds, and free fatty acids. When the major components were tested in feeding bioassays, the sugars and lipids were shown to be essential for feeding by larvae, but the two classes of compounds were only effective when combined. The sugars alone elicited feeding by only 40% of larvae, but the percentage of larvae feeding was increased significantly with the addition of linoleic acid (91.7% larvae feeding) or oleic acid (85.8% larvae feeding). The amino acids alone were not essential elements for feeding by western corn rootworm larvae.     

Fatty acid composition of wild Odontesthes bonariensis (Valenciennes 1835) larvae: implications on lipid metabolism and trophic relationships

The fatty acid composition of the pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis larvae was studied to elucidate potential dietary relationships. Their principal fatty acids were characteristic for membrane lipids of aquatic organisms. The fatty acid composition varied little throughout seasons, with high proportions of 22 : 6(n‐3) (27% of total fatty acids), which is biosynthesized de novo from dietary precursor fatty acids and/or accumulated from the diet. Other major fatty acids were 16 : 0 and 18 : 0. The diatom‐typical 16 : 1(n‐7) and other dietary fatty acids (zooplankton and microplankton) are not reflected in the larvae, thus limiting the use of fatty acids as trophic markers for food web relationships of atherinopsids.     

Changes in fatty acid composition,cholesterol and fat‐soluble vitamins during development of eggs and larvae in shabbout (Barbus grypus,Heckel 1843)

Changes in fatty acid composition, cholesterol and fat‐soluble vitamins were studied during development (fertilized eggs, yolk‐sac larvae, and after yolk resorption of shabbout, Barbus grypus). Significant differences were found in the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), PUFA/saturated fatty acids (SFA), ∑n‐3 and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ratios between eggs and larvae (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also observed in the C14:0, C16:1n‐7, C18:1n‐9, C18:3n‐6, C20:0, C20:4n‐6, C24:0, C24:1, C22:6n‐3 fatty acids between eggs and larvae after yolk‐sac resorption (P < 0.05). Vitamin α‐ Tocopherol and retinol content increased during embryogenesis, but changes were insignificant in retinol acetate, δ‐Tocopherol, K1, K2 and cholesterol content between eggs and larvae after yolk resorption (P > 0.05).     

Antixenosis in maize reduces feeding by western corn rootworm larvae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

SUM2162 is the first known example of a naturally occurring maize, Zea mays L., genotype with antixenosis (nonpreference) resistance to western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), larval feeding. Behavioral responses of neonate western corn rootworm larvae were evaluated in laboratory bioassays with seven maize genotypes selected for native resistance to rootworm feeding damage. Two susceptible maize genotypes and one transgenic (Bacillus thuringiensis) maize genotype were included as controls. In soil bioassays with cut roots, no larvae entered the roots of the resistant variety SUM2162, but at least 75% of the larvae entered the roots of every other maize type. Larvae made significantly fewer feeding holes in the roots of SUM2162 than in all the other maize genotypes, except the isoline control. In feeding bioassays, larval feeding varied significantly among maize genotypes, but there was no significant difference between the resistant varieties and the susceptible controls. There were no significant differences among any of the genotypes in host recognition (search) behavior of larvae after exposure to the roots. Little variation in feeding stimulant blends was observed among maize genotypes, indicating minimal contribution to the observed antixenosis.     

Assessing larval rootworm behaviour after contacting maize roots: impact of germplasm,rootworm species and diapause status

Current methods of screening maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm for susceptibility or resistance to corn rootworms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) rely primarily on information from large‐scale field experiments. Due to labour and cost constraints associated with field trials, alternative evaluation methods are desirable. We used a previously developed behavioural bioassay to: (1) investigate the host search behaviour of rootworm larvae after contact with 14 maize genotypes, (2) compare the behaviour of non‐diapausing Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, diapausing D. v. virgifera, and diapausing D. barberi Smith & Lawrence and (3) determine if this technique can be used to separate susceptible vs. resistant maize genotypes. The majority of rootworm larvae engaged in intensive (local search) behaviour after exposure to maize roots, whereas larvae continued to exhibit extensive (ranging) behaviour after contact with negative controls. Even though a transgenic hybrid with resistance to D. v. virgifera was included in analyses, quantitative path measurements were similar among genotypes and only differed between specific maize lines and controls. Notably, there were differences in host search behaviour among rootworm groups, with non‐diapausing D. v. virgifera having more convoluted paths and engaging in intensive search more frequently than diapausing rootworms. Correlations between larval path measurements and historic root damage ratings were not significant, although there were weak positive correlations between historic adult emergence densities and measures of path linearity. However, due to the lack of significant behavioural differences among maize lines with a range of susceptibility levels, we concluded that this bioassay is not useful in screening maize germplasm for rootworm resistance.     

Changes in fatty acids composition,hydrogen peroxide generation and lipid peroxidation of salt-stressed corn (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Zea mays</Emphasis> L.) roots

Comparative study about the salt-induced oxidative stress and lipid composition has been realised in primary root tissues for two varieties of maize (Zea mays L.) in order to evaluate their responses to salt stress. The root growth, root water content (WC), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) generation, lipid peroxidation, membrane stability index and the changes in the profile of fatty acids composition were investigated. Salinity impacts in term of root growth, water content, H₂O₂ generation, lipid peroxidation and membrane destabilisation were more pronounced in primary roots of Aristo than in those of Arper indicating more sensitivity of the first variety. It was confirmed by gas chromatography that the composition of fatty acids in roots of both varieties was constituted mainly by 16:0 and 18:0 as major saturated fatty acids and 18:1ω9, 18:2ω6 and 18:3ω3 as major unsaturated fatty acids. Total lipid extracts from the roots of both varieties showed that the lipid saturation level increased under salt stress, notwithstanding the increased proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The changes in lipid saturation being predominantly due to decreases in oleic acid (18:1ω9) and increases in palmitic acid (16:0). However, Arper root extracts contained a lower proportion of saturated lipids than Aristo. The enhanced proportion of highly polyunsaturated fatty acids especially linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids was considered to be the characteristic of the relatively salt tolerance in Arper roots.     

Evaluating multiple approaches for managing western corn rootworm larvae with seed blends

Corn rootworm, Diabrotica spp., larvae represent a significant and widespread economic threat to corn, Zea mays (L.), production in the United States, where control costs and yield losses associated with these insect pests exceed $1 billion annually. Preventing root injury and associated yield loss caused by corn rootworm larvae may be accomplished by the independent use of planting time soil insecticides or transgenic Bt hybrids. However, recent reports of both confirmed and suspected Bt resistance in corn rootworm populations throughout the Corn Belt have led to significant interest in the use of these two management tactics simultaneously. Although this approach has been investigated to some extent previously, information is lacking on how the use of a soil insecticide in tandem with a Bt seed blend—Bt and refuge (non‐Bt) seed mixed into a single product—may affect root protection and yield. We describe an experiment including six trial sites conducted over a three‐year period where various seed blends and soil insecticide/seed blend combinations were evaluated. The predominant species contributing to root injury across all sites was the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte). A weighted technique is presented for evaluating root injury for seed blends that offers a reliable estimate of product performance. The addition of a soil insecticide to the seed blend treatments never resulted in significantly improved root protection and failed to provide a consistent yield benefit. Our results suggest that a soil insecticide/seed blend combination approach is not warranted. Additionally, a subanalysis performed on individual refuge and nearby Bt root systems for seed blend treatments provides insight into the spatial characteristics of root injury in seed blend scenarios.     

Estimation of efficacy functions for products used to manage corn rootworm larval injury

Maize, Zea mays L., is an economically important crop grown throughout the world. Corn rootworm, Diabrotica spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), larvae constitute a significant economic threat to maize production in the United States, where yield losses and management costs associated with corn rootworm species exceed $1 billion annually. Furthermore, the introduction of the western corn rootworm, D. virgifera virgifera LeConte, into maize‐producing regions of Europe has made managing corn rootworm larval injury an international concern. Larvae injure maize plants by feeding on root tissue and are the primary target of management activities. Products commonly used to protect root systems from injury include chemical insecticides (seed or soil applied) and genetically modified maize hybrids expressing toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt). The confirmation of field‐evolved resistance to various Bt toxins in populations of the western corn rootworm presents a significant management challenge. We performed a meta‐analysis to provide a broad understanding of the relative efficacy of the primary products currently being used to manage corn rootworm larval injury, including insecticidal seed treatments, soil insecticides and Bt hybrids (with and without the addition of soil insecticide). Our analysis is unique in the breadth of locations and years included – we analysed 135 individual trials conducted from 2003 through 2014 at multiple sites in both Illinois and Nebraska. Panel data were produced by pairing the mean node‐injury rating for each treatment of a given trial with the mean node‐injury rating for untreated maize. Linear regression models were developed to estimate the relationship between the potential for corn rootworm larval injury and product performance. For a given level of injury potential, the parameters estimated reveal differences in the degree of root protection offered by the various product categories analysed. Implications for developing long‐term, integrated, and sustainable practices for managing this important pest of maize are discussed.     

Preference of Bt‐resistant and susceptible Busseola fusca moths and larvae for Bt and non‐Bt maize

The sustainability of genetically engineered insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), is threatened by the evolution of resistance by target pest species. Several Lepidoptera species have evolved resistance to Cry proteins expressed by Bt maize over the last decade, including the African maize stem borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The insect resistance management (IRM) strategy (i.e., the high‐dose/refuge strategy) deployed to delay resistance evolution is grounded on certain assumptions about the biology and ecology of a pest species, for example, the interactions between the insect pest and crop plants. Should these assumptions be violated, the evolution of resistance within pest populations will be rapid. This study evaluated the assumption that B. fusca adults and larvae select and colonize maize plants at random, and do not show any preference for either Bt or non‐Bt maize. Gravid female B. fusca moths of a resistant and susceptible population were subjected to two‐choice oviposition preference tests using stems of Bt and non‐Bt maize plants. Both the number of egg batches as well as the total number of eggs laid on each stem were recorded. The feeding preference of Bt‐resistant and susceptible neonate B. fusca larvae were evaluated in choice test bioassays with whorl leaf samples of specific maize cultivars. Although no differential oviposition preference was observed for either resistant or susceptible female moths, leaf damage ratings indicated that neonate larvae were able to detect Bt toxins and that they displayed feeding avoidance behaviour on Bt maize leaf samples.     

The effect of fatty acids on the developmental direction of Strongyloides ratti first-stage larvae

The effect of fatty acids was studied on the developmental direction of Strongyloides ratti first-stage larvae (L1). The proportion of third-stage infective larvae increased markedly when L1 were cultured in faeces with added fatty acids such as palmitic (C16), stearic (C18), oleic (C18:1) and linoleic (C18:2) acids. Unsaturated fatty acids were more effective than saturated ones. Moreover, the proportion of infective larvae increased with quantity of linoleic acid but the triacylglycerols of any fatty acid had no effect. These results suggest that these free fatty acids cause physiological changes that determine the developmental course of L1 of S. ratti in nature.     

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.     

CHANGES OF FATTY ACIDS IN LARVAE OF THE WHEAT BLOSSOM MIDGE,SITODIPLOSIS MOSELLANA (GEHIN) (DIPTERA: CECIDOMYIIDAE)*

Abstract The changes of fatty acids in larvae of the wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin) at different periods were examined by gas choromatography. There were 10–16 kinds of fatty acids, of which the predominant ingredients were palmitic (C_16:0), oleic (C_18:1) and linoleic (C_18:2) acids which were more than 95% in total fatty acids, stearic acid (C_18:0) about 2%‐3.5% and any of the others was less than 1%. The fatty acid compositions increased from mid‐May, when larvae of the wheat blossom midge left the wheat‐ears and fallen on the ground, to April of next year before pupating and emerging. No arachidic acid (C_20.0) was discovered in over‐summering, over‐wintering as well as inactive over‐wintered larvae. The content of saturated fatty acids in over‐summering, overwintering as well as inactive over‐wintered larvae were less than those of in active over‐wintered larvae and wheat‐ear larvae. Therefore, changes of the arachidic acid and the proportions of saturated fatty acids/unsaturated fatty acids could be used as one of the biochemical criteria to determine the active state and the degree of diapause in larvae of the wheat blossom midge.     

许氏平鲉发育早期的氨基酸与脂肪酸组成及变化

为了研究许氏平鲉(Sebastes schlegelii)雌鱼体内受精后仔鱼开口前和仔鱼开口后两个阶段氨基酸和脂肪酸的组成变化规律, 采用生化常规方法定量测定并分析了许氏平鲉发育早期的受精卵(FE)、胚胎期(ES)、初产仔鱼(PL₁)、前仔鱼期(PL₂)、后仔鱼期(PL₃)和稚鱼期(J)6个阶段的氨基酸和脂肪酸组成特点及含量变动。结果表明: 总氨基酸含量从FE至PL₁显著下降, 至PL₃显著上升, 至J又显著下降(P<0.05); 游离氨基酸含量以FE最低(12.77 mg/g), 从FE到PL₁显著上升(P<0.05), 并在PL₁含量达到最高值(92.19 mg/g), PL₁发育到J呈现先下降后上升再下降的变化趋势(P<0.05), 游离氨基酸与总氨基酸的比值范围在2.37%—19.66%。在各发育阶段干样中检出碳链长度在C₁₄-C₂₄的29种脂肪酸, 分别为9种饱和脂肪酸(SFA)、9种单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)和11种多不饱和脂肪酸为(PUFA), 受精卵中主要脂肪酸依次为C_22:6n-3(DHA)、C_18:ln-9c、C_16:0和C_20:5n-3(EPA)。胚胎期(FE-ES)的脂肪酸利用率顺序为SFA、MUFA、n-6PUFA、n-3PUFA, 主要以C_18:3n-3、C_18:0、C_16:1n-7及C_20:5n-3(EPA)作为胚胎期的能量来源, C_22:6n-3(DHA)的实际利用率最低(9.71%), 被优先保存下来, C_16:0的实际利用量最高(10.94mg/g); 仔鱼内源营养阶段(ES-PL₁)脂肪酸利用率顺序为MUFA、n-6PUFA、SFA、n-3PUFA, 主要以C_16:1n-7、C_18:0、C_20:4n-6(ARA)及C_18:1n-9c作为开口前仔鱼的主要能量来源, 其中仔鱼对DHA实际利用量最高(18.23 mg/g)。PL₁-PL₃阶段DHA相对于EPA和ARA被选择性利用; PL₃至J阶段ARA相对于EPA和DHA被选择性利用。研究表明: 许氏平鲉仔鱼开口前阶段总氨基酸含量与游离氨基酸含量的变化趋势截然相反, 胚胎期与仔鱼内源营养阶段脂肪酸利用率和利用量均有所不同, 仔鱼期DHA优先被利用, 过渡至稚鱼期ARA优先被利用。建议在仔鱼开口后添加富含DHA生物性饵料, 仔鱼过渡到稚鱼期在配合饵料中添加ARA营养物质, 防止苗种营养不足, 保证成活率。     

Comparison of growth and lipid composition in the green abalone, Haliotis fulgens, provided specific macroalgal diets

Lipid composition of abalone was examined over a one-year interval. A feeding trial was designed to cover a full reproductive cycle in young adult green abalone, Haliotis fulgens, consisting of five diet treatments: the macrophytic algal phaeophyte Egregia menziesii, rhodophyte Chondracanthus canaliculatus, chlorophyte Ulva lobata, a composite of the three algae and a starvation control. The lipid class, fatty acid, sterol and 1-O-alkyl glyceryl ether profiles were determined for foot, hepatopancreas/gonad tissues and larvae. The major fatty acids were 16:0, 18:0, 18:1(n-7)c, 18:1(n-9)c, 20:4(n-6), 20:5(n-3) and 22:5(n-3), as well as 14:0 for abalone fed brown and red algae. 4,8,12-Trimethyltridecanoic acid, derived from algae, was detected for the first time in H. fulgens (hepatopancreas complex, 1.2–13.9%; larvae, 0.5% of total fatty acids). Diacylglyceryl ethers were present in larvae (0.6% of total lipid). The major 1-O-alkyl glycerols were 16:0, 16:1 and 18:0. Additionally, 18:1(n-9) was a major component in hepatopancreas/gonad and larvae. The major sterol was cholesterol (96–100% of total sterols). Highest growth rates were linked to temperature and occurred in abalone fed the phaeophyte E. menziesii (43 μm·day^–1, 56 mg·day^–1 yearly mean), an alga containing the highest levels of C₂₀ polyunsaturated fatty acids and the highest ratio of 20:4(n-6) to 20:5(n-3). This study provides evidence of the influence of diet and temperature on seasonal changes in abalone lipid profiles, where diet is most strongly related to body mass and temperature to shell length. The allocation of lipids to specific tissues in green abalone clarifies their lipid metabolism. These results provide a basis for improving nutrition of abalone in mariculture through formulation of artificial feeds.     

Palmitate and oleate modify membrane fluidity and kinase activities of INS-1E β-cells alongside altered metabolism-secretion coupling

Chronic exposure to elevated levels of glucose and free fatty acids impairs beta-cell function, leading to insulin secretion defects and eventually beta-cell failure. Using a semi-high throughput approach applied to INS-1E beta-cells, we tested multiple conditions of chronic exposure to basal, intermediate and high glucose, combined with saturated versus mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids in order to assess cell integrity, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, glucose-stimulated calcium rise and secretory kinetics. INS-1E beta-cells were cultured for 3 days at different glucose concentrations (5.5, 11.1, 25 mM) without or with BSA-complexed 0.4 mM saturated (C16:0 palmitate), monounsaturated (C18:1 oleate) or polyunsaturated (C18:2 linoleate, C18:3 linolenate) fatty acids, resulting in 0.1–0.5 μM unbound fatty acids. Accumulation of triglycerides in cells exposed to fatty acids was glucose-dependent, oleate inducing the strongest lipid storage and protecting against glucose-induced cytotoxicity. The combined chronic exposure to both high glucose and either palmitate or oleate altered mitochondrial function as well as glucose-induced calcium rise. This pattern did not directly translate at the secretory level since palmitate and oleate exhibited distinct effects on the first and the second phases of glucose-stimulated exocytosis. Both fatty acids changed the activity of kinases, such as the MODY-associated BLK. Additionally, chronic exposure to fatty acids modified membrane physicochemical properties by increasing membrane fluidity, oleate exhibiting larger effects compared to palmitate. Chronic fatty acids differentially and specifically exacerbated some of the glucotoxic effects, without promoting cytotoxicity on their own. Each of the tested fatty acids functionally modified INS-1E beta-cell, oleate inducing the strongest effects.     

Differential expression patterns of two delta‐9‐acyl‐CoA desaturases in Thitarodes pui (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae) during different seasons and cold exposure

Thitarodes pui larvae have a limited distribution in the Tibetan Plateau and are the host of a parasitic fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Low temperature is a main environmental stress. However, understanding of T. pui cold adaptation mechanisms is insufficient. Delta‐9‐acyl‐CoA desaturase (D9D) is closely correlated with cold adaptation for many organisms. To further understand the cold adaptation processes in T. pui larvae, two D9Ds, TpdesatA and TpdesatB were sequenced, and expression patterns were investigated during different seasons and cold exposure (under 0°C) in the laboratory. The full lengths of two cDNAs are 1,290 bp and 1,603 bp, and the ORFs encode a polypeptide of 348 and 359 amino acids, respectively. Four transmembrane domains, three conserved histidine residues and five hydrophobic regions exist in these two sequences. The expression level of TpdesatA is up‐regulated in the long‐term cold exposure and negatively correlated with temperature in seasonal patterns. TpdesatB responds to cold temperature in short‐term cold exposure and positively corresponds temporarily in seasonal expression. Two D9Ds may have different substrate specificities, TpdesatA tends to use C16:0 and C18:0 as substrate while TpdesatB prefers C18:0. In conclusion, TpdesatA may play a very important role in T. pui cold tolerance and TpdesatB regulates function in short‐term cold exposure and content change of fatty acids in the body.     

Effect of MIR604 transgenic maize at different stages of development on western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in a central Missouri field environment

The establishment and survival of western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, was evaluated on transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner maize, Zea mays L., expressing the mCry3A protein (MIR604) and non-Bt maize with the same genetic background (isoline maize) at different stages of development in 2007 and 2008. Overall, western corn rootworm larval recovery, root damage, and adult emergence were significantly higher on isoline maize compared with MIR604. The number of larvae and adults collected from MIR604 did not significantly differ among egg hatch dates from each maize developmental stage evaluated in either year. In 2007, damage to isoline maize roots was lower than expected and never exceeded 0.24 nodes of damage. In 2008, over 0.60 nodes of damage occurred on isoline maize roots. The mean weight and head capsule width of larvae and adults recovered from MIR604 and isoline maize were generally not significantly different. Results are discussed in relation to insect resistance management of western corn rootworm.     

The importance of leaf surface wax as short-range attractant and oviposition stimulant in a generalist Lepidoptera

Green gram, Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek, is an important pulse crop of Asia. Severe attack by the larvae of Spilosoma obliqua Walker (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) causes defoliation of green gram and reduces seed yield. Females lay eggs on the leaf surface, and therefore, surface wax plays an important role as short-range attractant and oviposition stimulant. So, we have attempted to find out whether leaf surface wax compounds (alkanes and free fatty acids) from three green gram cultivars (PDM 54, PUSA BAISAKHI and SAMRAT) could act as short-range attractant and oviposition stimulant in females. The TLC, GC-MS and GC-FID analyses of n-hexane extracts revealed 20 n-alkanes from n-C₁₅ to n-C₃₆ and 13 free fatty acids from C12:0 to C21:0, whilst linoleic acid was unique in SAMRAT. Pentacosane was the predominant amongst n-alkanes in the leaf surface waxes of three cultivars. Heneicosanoic acid and palmitoleic acid were the predominant free fatty acids in the leaf surface waxes of PDM 54, and PUSA BAISAKHI and SAMRAT, respectively. Females were attracted towards one leaf equivalent surface wax of three green gram cultivars against solvent controls (n-hexane) in Y-tube olfactometer bioassays. A synthetic blend of pentacosane, heptacosane, nonacosane, hexatriacontane, palmitoleic acid, linolenic acid and stearic acid, a synthetic blend of pentacosane, hexatriacontane and stearic acid, and a synthetic blend of hexatriacontane, linolenic acid and stearic acid resembling in amounts present in one leaf equivalent surface wax of PDM 54, PUSA BAISAKHI and SAMRAT, respectively, served as short-range attractant and oviposition stimulant in females. Females showed equal preference for egg laying towards the above three synthetic blends when these blends were tested against each other, and hence, these blends could be employed in development of baited traps in pest management strategies.     

Fatty acid and alcohol composition of the small polar copepods,Oithona and Oncaea: indication on feeding modes

The fatty acid and alcohol compositions of the Antarctic copepods Oithona similis, Oncaea curvata, Oncaea antarctica and the Arctic Oncaea borealis were determined to provide the first data on their lipid biochemistry and to expand the present knowledge on their feeding modes and life-cycle strategies. All these tiny species contained high amounts of wax esters (on average 51.4–86.3% of total lipid), except females of Oithona similis (15.2%). The fatty-acid composition was clearly dominated by 18:1(n-9), especially in the wax-ester-rich Oncaea curvata (79.7% of total fatty acids). In all species, 16:0 and the polyunsaturated fatty acids 20:5(n-3) and 22:6(n-3), which are structural components of all membranes, occurred in significant proportions. The dominant fatty alcohols were 14:0 and 16:0. In Oncaea antarctica and Oncaea borealis, the 20:1(n-9) and 22:1(n-11) alcohols and, to a lesser extent, the corresponding fatty acids were also found in high proportions. This indicates carnivorous feeding, although de novo biosynthesis cannot be excluded. The variable composition might be due to a wider range of food items and parasitic feeding. Typical trophic marker fatty acids for phytoplankton ingestion occurred only in small amounts, which suggests that the species were feeding on particles such as detritus or aggregates and not on living phytoplankton. From the compositional data of fatty acids and alcohols, it can be concluded that feeding behaviour of all species is omnivorous and/or carnivorous.     

Stearic acid methyl ester: A new extracellular metabolite of the obligate methylotrophic bacterium Methylophilus quaylei

Methyl esters of fatty acids, free fatty acids, and hydrocarbons were found in the culture liquid and in the cellular lipids of the obligate methylotrophic bacterium Methylophilus quaylei under optimal growth conditions and osmotic stress. The main extracellular hydrophobic metabolite was methyl stearate. Exogenous free fatty acids C₁₆–C₁₈ and their methyl esters stimulated the M. quaylei growth and survivability, as well as production of exopolysaccharide under osmotic and oxidative stress, playing the role of growth factors and adaptogens. The order of hydrophobic supplements according to the ability to stimulate bacterial growth is C_{18: 1} > C_{18: 0} > C_{16: 0} > methyl oleate > methyl stearate > no supplements > C_{14: 0} > C_{12: 0}. The mechanism underlying the protective action of fatty acids and their methyl esters is discussed.