Sublethal effects of pyriproxyfen,a juvenile hormone analogue,on Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae): life table study

The sublethal effects of pyriproxyfen (PYR, a juvenile hormone analogue) were investigated for two consecutive generations on life-history parameters, such as developmental time, pupal weight, fecundity, fertility and longevity of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). After topical application bioassay of third instar larvae, the LC₂₅ and LC₅₀ values (as sublethal doses) were determined to be 1.49 and 2.01 μg/μl, respectively. The results showed that the egg incubation period, larval and pupal duration times and oviposition period were increased in treated groups compared with the control (treated with distilled water). Pupal weight, adult longevity, fecundity and fertility were significantly reduced in the treatment groups compared with the control. Using the age-stage, two-sex life table analysis, we found that the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), gross reproduction rate (GRR) and net reproductive rate (R ₀) significantly decreased while the mean generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) increased in two treatment groups compared with the control. In addition, administration of PYR induced morphogenetic abnormalities including untanned pupae, larval–pupal intermediates and various defective adults. The LC₅₀ value was more effective on all of the above biological characteristics than the LC₂₅ for both generations, although parents were more affected than the offspring. In general, our results revealed that PYR was highly effective against P. xylostella in the laboratory both directly (causing mortality) and indirectly (disruption of normal growth and development). We conclude that PYR is an excellent candidate for suppressing populations of P. xylostella through its sublethal effects.     

Life expectancy (ex ) and stable age distribution (Cx ) of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep.: Yponomeutidae), exposed to sublethal doses of hexaflumuron

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) is a major pest of crucifers in Iran. In this study, the influence of two sublethal concentrations (LC₁₀ and LC₂₅) of an insect growth regulator, hexaflumuron on life expectancy (e _x ), stable age distribution (C _x ), age-specific fertility (m _x ) and number of fertile eggs per day was investigated. Results showed that the sublethal doses of hexaflumuron decreased life expectancy (e _x ), age-specific fertility (m _x ) and number of fertile eggs per day of P. xylostella. Also stable age distribution (C _x ) of population in next generation was changed and rate of adults in sublethals was increased compared to control. According obtained results, hexaflumuron is a good choice for IPM strategy in controlling the diamondback moth.     

Sublethal effects of indoxacarb on the diamondback moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plutella xylostella</Emphasis> (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae)

The effects of sublethal concentrations of indoxacarb on Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) were examined. In comparison with the control, sublethal concentrations led to a significant decrease in adult emergence, the percentage of pupation and pupal weight of the parent generation, fecundity, and adult longevity. They also significantly decreased the net reproductive rate (R ₀), intrinsic rate of increase (r _m), finite rate of increase (λ), and gross reproduction rate (GRR), and had significantly increased egg developmental time and doubling time (Dt) of P. xylostella. However, sublethal concentrations of indoxacarb had no significant affect on adult emergence, percentage of pupation, larva, prepupa and pupa developmental periods, hatchability, and sex ratio of offspring. The results of this study indicated that sublethal concentrations can decrease the biological parameters of P. xylostella.     

八种杀虫剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊发育和繁殖的亚致死效应

用胃毒触杀法确定8种常用杀虫剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊Bradysiaodoriphaga 3龄幼虫的LC₂₀和LC₅₀剂量后,以其LC₂₀分别处理3龄幼虫,将存活幼虫正常饲养,测定该剂量药剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊化蛹率、蛹重、羽化率,成虫存活率、雌雄比、单雌产卵量及卵孵化率等指标的影响。结果表明:毒死蜱等4种药剂的影响较显著,其影响程度由高到低依次为毒死蜱＞辛硫磷＞阿维菌素溴虫腈;而另4种药剂丙硫克百威、灭多威、丁硫克百威和吡虫啉则影响不显著。此外也测定了用后4种药剂LC₅₀剂量处理的存活试虫的上述生物学指标,结果表明：除化蛹率和羽化率较对照降低且差异显著外,其他生物学指标与对照处理无明显变化。     

亚致死浓度氯虫苯甲酰胺可降低亚洲玉米螟的种群增长

为了探讨氯虫苯甲酰胺对亚洲玉米螟Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)的抗性风险评估, 为科学使用氯虫苯甲酰胺防治亚洲玉米螟提供理论基础, 本研究在实验室条件下采用饲料混毒法测定了新型杀虫剂氯虫苯甲酰胺对亚洲玉米螟的毒力, 利用生命表技术研究了氯虫苯甲酰胺对亚洲玉米螟 3龄幼虫的亚致死效应。结果表明： 氯虫苯甲酰胺对亚洲玉米螟3龄幼虫的LC₁₀, LC₄₀ 和LC₅₀分别为0.038, 0.098 和0.123 mg a. i. /L。以氯虫苯甲酰胺LC₁₀和LC₄₀剂量分别处理亚州玉米螟3龄幼虫后, 幼虫和蛹的发育历期明显延长, 成虫寿命缩短, 产卵量也显著降低, 但对蛹重（雌： P=0.337, 雄： P=0.121）、卵孵化率（P=0.087）和性比（P=0.379）无显著影响。处理种群的净增值率（R₀）、内禀增长率（r_m）和周限增长率（λ）显著低于对照种群（P<0.0001）。结果提示, 氯虫苯甲酰胺的亚致死浓度可降低亚洲玉米螟的种群增长。     

Comparative bioassay of different isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki on the third larval instars of diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep.: Plutellidae)

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is one of the most important pests of cruciferous plants throughout the world. In recent years, this insect has been a serious pest for cabbage fields in Tehran province. Resistance of P. xylostella to all main groups of insecticides has been recorded and it is ranked in the 20 most resistant pest species reported up to now. According to many researchers, to eliminate the problem of pest resistance to chemical pesticides, an integrated pest management programme should be used. In line with this, the uses of microbial control agents (MCAs) are discussed. The bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is one of microbial control agents of pests. It is characterised by its ability to produce proteic crystalline inclusions during sporulation. Cry1 protein has insecticidal activity and is highly specific to certain insects and not toxic to unrelated insects, plants or vertebrates. In this work, the pathogenicity of some Bt isolates, including Dipel, 20, 29, 79 and 87, was tested against P. xylostella and the lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of their crystal proteins to P. xylostella third larval instar was determined. The experiment was designed in factorial in randomised complete design with 5 treatments (different concentrations including 10⁴, 10⁵, 10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸ CFU/ml and 5 replications and with 10 third larval instars. Spore–crystal complex was applied to the surface of natural diets (cabbage leaves) and the mortality of P. xylostella larvae was assessed 120?h after exposure of Bt toxin in each treatment. Results showed that percentage of survival was significantly higher for control treatment. Results also showed that after 5?days, LC₅₀ for isolates of Dipel, 20, 29, 79 and 87 were equal to 1?×?10⁶, 1?×?10⁵, 5?×?10⁵, 4?×?10⁵ and 1?×?10⁴ CFU/ml, respectively. LT₅₀ were equal to 93.71, 48.04, 71, 40.49 and 75.28?h. Of and most the percentage larval mortality relate to attendance 87 and also at least percentage mortality is related to the groom Dipel.     

Sublethal effects of beta-cypermethrin on the bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Rhopalosiphum padi is a sap-sucking aphid and an important pest of wheat that causes considerable yield loss. Beta-cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide, has a broad insecticide spectrum and is considered effective for aphid control, while its residual concentrations may have sublethal effects on R. padi. Here, the sublethal effects of beta-cypermethrin on R. padi were conducted under laboratory conditions. The acute toxicity test showed that LC₁₀, LC₂₀, and LC₂₅ of beta-cypermethrin to R. padi adults were 0.003, 0.031 and 0.079 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The pre-adult survival rate was significantly reduced by all three concentrations. LC₂₀ significantly extended the development duration of 1st instar nymphs, pre-oviposition period, and oviposition period of R. padi. The adult longevity was also reduced by LC₂₅. However, the fecundity did not differ between the beta-cypermethrin treatment and control. For life table parameters, both the finite rate (λ) and intrinsic rate of increase (r) decreased at LC₁₀ and LC₂₀, as well as the net reproductive rate (R₀) reduced at LC₁₀ and LC₂₅, while mean generation time (T) increased at LC₂₀. Thus, at the concentrations of beta-cypermethrin tested here, there were negative impacts on R. padi fitness by decreased pre-adult survival rate, λ, r, and R₀, and delayed the development of some stages and increased T.     

Sublethal effects of chronic exposure to chlorpyrifos or imidacloprid insecticides or their binary mixtures on Culex pipiens mosquitoes

Mosquitoes represent one of the most significant threats to human and veterinary health throughout the world. Consequently, improving strategies for the control of mosquitoes is essential. In the present study, juvenile Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), the common house mosquito, are chronically exposed to sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos (20% of LC₅₀) and imidacloprid (5% of LC₅₀), both separately and as a mixture. Developmental time, the emergence rate of adults and the expression of five selected genes involved in detoxification and resistance to pesticides are assessed. To assess the effects on oviposition choice, gravid females are forced to oviposit into cups containing water with added chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid or a mixture of both. The time required for the development of second‐ and third‐instar larvae is observed to differ significantly between treatments. Adults of C. pipiens fail to emerge from larvae hatched in both imidacloprid and the binary mixture. The expression of the four quantified detoxification genes differs significantly in third‐larval instars exposed to chlorpyrifos and/or imidacloprid compared with controls. Gravid females also fail to lay eggs on water to which either of the insecticides or the binary mixture is added, although they do lay eggs in cups containing water only. Chronic exposure to sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos or imidacloprid has significant adverse effects on development and thus the reproductive fitness of C. pipiens and, accordingly, could be used in the population control of these mosquitoes.     

Effect of fenitrothion on Spodoptera exigua larval development and ultrastructure of follicle cells

The effect of four sublethal concentrations (from 0.01165 to 0.3025 μg per insect, responding to LC₁₀/10, LC₁₀, LC₃₀ and LC₅₀) of the organophosphorus insecticide, fenitrothion, on Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) larval development and ultrastructure of follicular cells of adult female moths was tested. The most prominent malformations were: breaks in the cuticle, increased mortality during larval/pupal molting, alterations of nuclear envelope, changed heterochromatin pattern and abnormalities in mitochondrial ultrastructure. Some of the alterations are dose-dependent, but the other ones, like organization of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), show non-linear response: cells exposed to lower concentrations (LC₁₀/10 and LC₁₀) of the insecticide possessed clusters of accumulated RER, which were absent within the cells exposed to higher ones (LC₃₀ and LC₅₀). Formation of the eggshell was also markedly postponed within the groups exposed to lower doses. These findings prove that even minute amounts of xenobiotics may cause significant changes within exposed populations.     

爵床的甲醇提取物对小菜蛾的生物活性作用

为探明爵床(Justicia procumbens)甲醇提取物对小菜蛾的生物活性,采用室内生测法测定了爵床甲醇提取物对小菜蛾的触杀、拒食、胃毒、生长发育抑制和产卵忌避作用。结果表明,爵床甲醇提取物对小菜蛾幼虫具有较强的触杀、拒食、胃毒和生长发育抑制活性,对小菜蛾成虫具有较强的产卵忌避活性。在触杀试验中,药后1、2 d和3 d爵床甲醇提取物对小菜蛾3龄幼虫的致死中浓度(LC50)分别为5.17、4.05和3.06 mg/m L;在拒食试验中,药后1 d和2 d提取物对3龄幼虫的选择性拒食中浓度(AFC50)分别为2.64和3.13 mg/m L,药后1 d和2 d提取物对3龄幼虫的非选择性拒食中浓度(AFC50)分别为3.70、4.54 mg/m L;在胃毒试验中,药后4、5、6 d和7 d提取物对3龄幼虫的致死中浓度(LC50)分别为8.13、3.65、2.88、2.23 mg/m L;在生长发育抑制试验中,药后1 d和2 d提取物对3龄幼虫的抑制中浓度(IC50)分别为2.02、1.40 mg/m L;在产卵忌避试验中,药后1、2 d和3 d提取物对小菜蛾成虫的选择性产卵忌避中浓度(AOC50)分别为2.61、3.66、4.58 mg/m L,药后1、2和3 d提取物对小菜蛾成虫的非选择性产卵忌避中浓度(AOC50)分别为3.19、4.52、5.65 mg/m L。由此证实,爵床提取物对小菜蛾具有显著的毒杀活性,具有开发为新型高效、低毒植物源农药的潜在价值。     

Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode,Steinernema carpocapsae against the diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella (L.) in laboratory condition

In vitro studies were carried out on the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella larvae using an insect entomopathogenic nematode isolate, Steinernema carpocapsae obtained from the Koppert company, the Netherlands. Larvae of P. xylostella were collected from cabbage farms around Mashhad city of Iran. During the study, the responses of larvae at 25?°C for three periods of 24, 48 and 72?h with different concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 third instar larvae of nematode (infective stage?=?IJs) per insect into 10?cm Petri dishes containing filter paper soaked with 1?ml of nematodes suspension were compared. Maximum mortality caused by S. carpocapsae nematode was 88% at 24?h, and it was 100% at 48 and 72 h. With increasing nematode population level and exposure time (ET in hour), mortality of P. xylostella larvae was increased. Based on probit analysis, LC₅₀ values of S. carpocapsae nematode in three test periods were 45.61, 12.02 and 40.80 IJs per insect, respectively. Initial ANOVA was performed for S. carpocapsae nematode. The effect of both nematode population levels (IJ) and ET on third instar larvae of the diamondback moth, P. xylostella and interaction between IJ and ET were significant. In general, it is recommended to apply this nematode in suitable condition for controlling diamondback moth.     

Lethal,sublethal and transgenerational effects of the novel chiral neonicotinoid pesticide cycloxaprid on demographic and behavioral traits of Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a key pest in cotton crops, notably owing to its increasing resistance to commonly used pesticides. Such resistance prompts for the development of integrated pest management (IPM) programs that include novel pesticides being effective against the aphid. In the present study, we assessed lethal and sublethal effects of cycloxaprid, a novel chiral neonicotinoid pesticide developed in China, on A. gossypii. The lethal concentration at 50% (LC₅₀) value of cycloxaprid on A. gossypii was estimated, using the dipping method, at 7.73 mg/L. The impact of a sublethal concentration (LC₁₀) and a lethal concentration (LC₄₀) of cycloxaprid on A. gossypii population growth and feeding behavior (using electrical penetration graph technique [EPG]), and its transgenerational effect were further assessed. Adult longevity and fecundity significantly decreased after exposure to LC₄₀ or LC₁₀ of cycloxaprid. Cycloxaprid with sublethal concentrations (especially LC₄₀) had negative effects on phloem ingestion by A. gossypii. Additionally, the offspring of the adults exposed to LC₄₀ of cycloxaprid had shorter nymphal development duration and adult longevity than the control, and those from LC₁₀ and LC₄₀ treatments had lower adult fecundity and net productive rate. We demonstrated that cycloxaprid is a pesticide showing both lethal and sublethal activities, and transgenerational effects on A. gossypii; it may be useful for implementation in IPM programs against this aphid pest.     

Effects of the IGRs compounds,lufenuron and fenoxycarb on Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Col.: Chrysomelidae)

In this research work, the susceptibility of egg and four larval instars of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Col.: Chrysomelidae) to Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) compounds (lufenuron 25% EC and fenoxycarb 25% WP) was determined. Different larval instar groups were separated by measuring the head capsule width and were used in all bioassays. The data were analysed with log-probit transformation using the SPSS software. The LC₅₀ for egg was determined by dipping egg masses in different concentration of either compound for 10 s, and LC₅₀ values for each group of larvae was estimated by using treated potato plants. The LC₅₀ values of lufenuron on egg, first, second and third instars of larvae were 682.65, 40.58, 47.83 and 261.38 ppm, respectively, and for fenoxycarb, these were estimated as 897.50, 35.60, 57.91 and 355.23 ppm, respectively. The LD₅₀ values of lufenuron and fenoxycarb on second instar larvae were 139.56 and 228.42 ppm, respectively.     

溴氰菊酯亚致死浓度对烟草粉螟生物学特性的影响

为探讨溴氰菊酯对烟草粉螟的亚致死效应,本文采用烟叶浸渍法以溴氰菊酯亚致死浓度(LC 10和LC 25)胁迫烟草粉螟3龄幼虫,并通过年龄-龄期两性生命表的方法探究溴氰菊酯胁迫对烟草粉螟发育和繁殖的影响。结果显示:与对照相比,溴氰菊酯LC 10、LC 25处理F 0代的平均单雌产卵量显著下降;LC 25处理F 0代的产卵前期及总产卵前期明显长于对照;LC 25处理与LC 10处理和对照间,F 0代雌、雄虫寿命均差异显著;LC 10处理和LC 25处理F 1代与对照存活率明显下降,F 1代各处理间的卵、1龄幼虫、3龄幼虫、5龄幼虫、7龄幼虫和蛹的发育历期无显著差异;但LC 25处理组2龄、4龄、6龄幼虫历期比对照延长了且差异显著;LC 25处理组的成虫前期比对照组延长了且差异显著。同时LC 25处理的雌、雄虫寿命最短,但3个处理间差异不显著。研究表明,亚致死浓度的溴氰菊酯能够抑制烟草粉螟的生长发育和繁殖,以上研究结果可为田间用药控制烟草粉螟提供理论参考。     

Toxicity of spinosad and Beauveria bassiana to the black cutworm,and the additivity of subletal doses

The main objective of this study was to assess the susceptibility of the black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) to the biopesticide spinosad and to a commercial formulation (GHA strain) of the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana. Secondly, we quantified the effects of sublethal doses of spinosad on a number of A. ipsilon fitness parameters, and interactions resulting from simultaneous applications of sub-lethal doses of spinosad and B. bassiana. Under laboratory conditions, A. ipsilon third instar larvae were highly susceptible to spinosad, with an estimated LC₅₀ of 50 ppm. The entomopathogenic fungus, B. bassiana had a lower efficacy with an estimated LC₅₀ of 7×107 spores mL^?1. Topical applications of 5, 7.5 and 10 ppm of spinosad on third instar larvae reduced larval size and increased time to pupation and to emergence. However, pupal and adult weights were not significantly different between treated and control individuals. Additivity was observed from most spinosad–B. bassiana combinations tested, thus indicating compatibility between products. We concluded that spinosad is a promising tool for controlling black cutworm larvae alone or in combination with other products.     

Acute toxicity and sub-lethal effects of a pyrethroid (cypermethrin) on survival,development and fitness of Helicoverpa armigera

The chickpea pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is one of the most destructive pests of India and most of the countries. In this experiment, sub-lethal effects of cypermethrin were evaluated against sixth instar larvae of this pest that had ingested insecticide-treated chickpea pods. The LC₅₀, LC₃₀ and LC₁₀ values of cypermethrin were 80.38, 26.65 and 5.41?mg a.i.?L^?1, respectively, against sixth instar. The sub-lethal effects on fitness, eggs, larvae, pupae, adult longevity and reproduction were observed in H. armigera population that survived exposure to the sub-lethal doses of LC₅₀, LC₃₀ and LC₁₀ of cypermethrin. Survivorship was reduced to 36?days if H. armigera exposed to the sub-lethal dose of LC_50, whereas it was 42?days in unexposed groups. Larvae treated with LC₅₀ dose exhibit lowest intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) (0.0413 females/female/day) and highest (0.0517) with the unexposed group. Time taken by H. armigera to complete one generation (T_c) was 40.09?days, while this time significantly lowered to 32.85?days when exposed to the sub-lethal dose of LC₃₀. Hatching eggs were greatly reduced in the larvae exposed to cypermethrin at all the sub-lethal doses. About 430 eggs/female/generation were recorded after treatment with 80.38?mg/L as compared with untreated females (1390). Larvae that were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of cypermethrin exhibited lower pupal weight and prolonged pupal developmental times compared control larvae. The overall fitness performance was better in the unexposed population as compared to the population exposed to sub-lethal doses.     

Sublethal effects of essential oil of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume on life expectancy (ex) and age-specific fertility (mx) of two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is one of the most important pests of agricultural products that have a global distribution. Now, the control is dependent on the use of chemical pesticides. The effects of the sublethal concentrations (LC₁₀ and LC₂₅) of the essential oil of Cinnamomum zeylanicum were evaluated on some parameters of the life table of the pest, at the constant temperature of 30?°C, relative humidity of 40?±?5% and photoperiod of 16L: 8D. Our results showed that the essential oil of cinnamon is effective on female adult stage. Lethal concentration at which 50% mortality (LC₅₀) for the essential oils is from C. zeylanicum on female adult mite was 23.39?μl/L air. Sublethal concentrations of the essential oil of C. zeylanicum also impair the natural biology of the mite. Concentrations of sublethal of essential oil decreased age-specific fertility (m_x) of T. urticae compared with the control. Sublethal concentrations (LC₁₀ and LC₂₅) have reduced the life expectancy (e_x) in egg stage. Sublethal effects of the essential oil of C. zeylanicum and its impact on T. urticae management are discussed.     

Fitness costs of sublethal exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis in Helicoverpa armigera: a carryover study on offspring

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an efficient entomopathogen used for pest control. While Bt pathogenesis has been thoroughly studied, less is known about the biological effects of sublethal Bt exposure. To address this knowledge gap, we document sublethal effects of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) on the biology and development of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) under laboratory conditions. The results obtained revealed that duration of the different life stages in treated neonates of H. armigera was significantly affected by sublethal treatments. Furthermore, fecundity was also negatively affected in female moths developed from Btk‐treated neonates, with the rate of egg hatchability reaching zero in the LC₂₅. We also present data supporting that the effect of sublethal Btk concentrations could carry over to the next generation. Sublethal Btk concentrations reduced the net reproduction rate (R₀), and there were also significant differences among the values of this parameter at all treatments tested when compared with controls. The intrinsic and finite rates of increase (r_m and λ, respectively) were significantly lower in insects treated with sublethal Btk concentrations compared with control insects. Consequent with the reduce rate of development observed for H. armigera treated with Btk, the mean generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) were significantly higher in insects exposed to any Btk concentration tested compared with control. Our data demonstrate significant fitness costs resulting from sublethal Btk exposure in H. armigera. These observations underline the importance of considering the role of sublethal effects when attempting to evaluate the impact of Bt treatment on an insect pest population and its progeny.     

Assessment of Sublethal Effects of Clofentezine on Life-table Parameters in Hawthorn Spider Mite (Tetranychus viennensis)

A leaf disc bioassay was employed in the laboratory to assess the population responses of Tetranychus viennensis Zacher to clofentezine at three concentrations (LC₁₀, LC₂₅ and LC₅₀) in three successive generations. Life-table parameters were calculated in each acaricide exposure regime and compared by jackknife procedures. Clofentezine treatments in the juvenile stages significantly delayed development of the mites, and this delay increased with increasing dose but decreased as the mites developed. Exposure to clofentezine reduced the net reproduction rate (R₀) in a concentration-dependent manner. The LC₅₀ treatment had strong effects on the hatchability of eggs produced by surviving females. Hatch rate dropped from 0.83 in the untreated control to 0.51 in the third generation. When exposed to constant concentrations of clofentezine in three successive generations, the intrinsic rate of increase and R₀ of the mites decreased significantly, but they increased significantly when exposed to decreasing concentrations. Unexposed offspring of the exposed mother also displayed increases in R₀ and the jackknife procedures indicated no significant differences in R₀ between LC₁₀ and LC₂₅ offspring and their mothers vs. the control, while R₀ in unexposed LC₅₀ offspring was significantly higher than their mother’s, but lower than that in the control. These changing patterns of r_m reveal that acaricide effects at the population level strongly depend on the life-history characteristics of T. viennensis and the chemical mode of action.     

Fitness comparison of Plutella xylostella on original and marginal hosts using age‐stage,two‐sex life tables

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is an important agricultural pest that severely damages cruciferous vegetables. Although previously considered a threat only to Brassica species, P. xylostella has been observed to feed on noncruciferous vegetables. Here, we established a population of P. xylostella on the pea Pisum sativum (PxP population). We compared this PxP population''s performance on the pea host plant to a population (PxR) reared on the original host plant radish (Raphanus sativus) for several generations using an age‐stage, two‐sex life table and analyzed the correlations between different fitness parameters. In the 1st generation of the PxP population, survival rate of immature stage was 17%, while the survival rate of PxR was 68%; the duration of the 4th larval instar (5.30 d) and mortality (25%) of this generation were significantly longer (2.8 d) and higher (1%) than that of PxR, respectively (both p < .001). Upon long‐term acclimation, the PxP fitness improved significantly, especially that the survival rate of immature stages increased to approximately 60% in the 15th, 30th, and 45th generations. However, PxP feeding on pea exhibited poorer fitness with longer larval developmental time, shorter total life span, lighter pupa, and lower fecundity in different generations compared with PxP feeding on radish. PxP feeding on pea also showed a significantly lower intrinsic rate of increase (r), net reproduction rate (R ₀), finite increase rate (λ), and longer mean generation time (T) than PxP feeding on radish in all generations tested. Significant positive correlations were observed between pupal weight and female fecundity in pea‐fed populations, and between female longevity and female fecundity in pea‐fed and radish‐fed populations. Our findings suggest that P. xylostella adaptation to pea does not improve overall fitness compared with the original host radish, making pea a marginal host for P. xylostella.