Biology and host specificity of Mecinus Janthinus Germar (col.: Curculionidae), a candidate for the biological control of yellow and dalmatian toadflax,Linaria Vulgaris (l.) mill,and Linaria Dalmatica (l.) mill. (scrophulariaceae) in North America

The biology and host specificity of Mecinus janthinus Germar, an oligophagous, univoltine stem‐borer of Linaria spp. are discussed. The results of feeding and oviposition tests with 38 species in 13 families and of larval transfer tests with four plant species are presented. They show that M. janthinus is restricted to the genus Linaria and does not develop on snapdragon Antirrhinum majus, an important ornamental in North America. The weevil is widely distributed in Europe. It accepts and develops normally on plants from the target North American toadflax populations. Therefore, it should be relatively easy to establish M. janthinus where the control of L. dalmatica and L. vulgaris is required. The release of M. janthinus in Canada and the USA is recommended.     

The effect of plant phenology on the induction of alatae and the development of populations of Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker), the rose-grain aphid, on winter wheat

In field experiments apterous Metopolophium dirhodum produced significantly more alatae when reared on mature plants (milky ripe stage) than on young plants. Nymphal and adult survival and relative growth rate were little affected by the developmental stage of the host plant. Relative growth rate and fecundity were strongly related to temperature. Laboratory experiments confirmed that the developmental stage of wheat had no significant effect on survival or relative growth rate of the aphids. However, laboratory grown plants did not produce the levels of alate production seen in field crops and in the field experiments. It is suggested that in investigations into the effects of the host plant on cereal aphids field grown plants should be used whenever possible. Alate production is proposed as the major plant induced factor affecting the development of M. dirhodum populations on wheat in the field. Alatae developed on mature plants even when the number of aphids was very low.     

The effect of different host plants on the reproduction and longevity of Nysius natalensis

Nysius natalensis Evans (Hemiptera: Orsillidae) is a pest of sunflower in South Africa. Adults invade sunflower fields from their weedy hosts which occur inside crop fields and on surrounding headlands. The host plant suitability for survival and reproduction as well as the effect of within‐generation host switching was studied on different wild host plants and sunflower. Life history parameters used to assess host plant suitability were F₁ adult survival, pre‐oviposition period, fecundity, and longevity. Nymphs and adults were provided with stems and seeds of five host plants, viz., Amaranthus hybridus L. (Amaranthaceae), Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae), Chenopodium album L. (Chenopodiaceae), Conyza albida Spreng. (Asteraceae), and sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. (Asteraceae). Nymphs were reared on crushed seed of the five plant species. After completion of the nymphal stage, emerging adults of each host plant group were provided with seed of a different host plant species for food. Adults did not survive long on stems only and very few eggs were laid. Seeds of the host plant species were shown to be an essential source of nutrients for N. natalensis reproduction, whereas the vegetative plant parts were unsuitable. Nymphal food and host‐plant switching between the nymphal and adult stages significantly affected the pre‐oviposition period. Nymphal and adult food source also affected female longevity. The number of eggs laid was not influenced by nymphal food, but was influenced by adult food and the switch between nymphal and adult food. The comparative attractiveness of sunflower and wild host plants for oviposition was also investigated and showed that females preferred to lay eggs on wild host plants, compared with sunflower. These results may explain why N. natalensis will lay their eggs on sunflower after weeds in the vicinity are controlled, or senesce toward the end of the growing season.     

Oviposition and larval development of a stem borer,Eoreuma loftini,on rice and non‐crop grass hosts

A greenhouse study compared oviposition preference and larval development duration of a stem borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), on rice, Oryza sativa L. cv Cocodrie (Poaceae), and four primary non‐crop hosts of Texas Gulf Coast rice agroecosystems. Rice and two perennials, johnsongrass, Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers., and vaseygrass, Paspalum urvillei Steud. (both Poaceae), were assessed at three phenological stages. Two spring annuals, brome, Bromus spec., and ryegrass, Lolium spec. (both Poaceae), were assessed at two phenological stages. Phenological stages represented the diversity of plant development stages E. loftini may encounter. Plant fresh biomass, dry biomass, and sum of tiller heights were used as measures of plant availability. Accounting for plant availability, rice was preferred over non‐crop hosts, and intermediate and older plants were preferred over young plants. Johnsongrass and vaseygrass were 32–60% as preferred as rice when considering the most preferred phenological stages of each host. Brome and ryegrass received few or no eggs, respectively. Eoreuma loftini larval development (in degree days above developmental threshold temperatures) was fastest on rice and slowest on johnsongrass and vaseygrass. Development duration was only retarded by plant stage on young rice plants. Foliar and stem free amino acid concentrations were determined to help provide insights on the mechanisms of E. loftini oviposition preference and developmental performance.     

Shifts in developmental diet breadth of Lymantria xylina (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

The moth Lymantria xylina Swinhoe (1903) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) is a major defoliator of hardwood and fruit trees in Taiwan. Although the plants identified as host plants of L. xylina usually refer to plants used as food or as shelter, most of the host plant identifications have not considered the role of these hosts on larval development. This study investigated various instars feeding on different plants to assess the developmental diet breath of L. xylina. Forty-seven plant species, belonging to 25 families were used in feeding trials. Various bioassays, including first instar survival and long-term feeding trials, indicated the most suitable host plants for the different developmental stages. Results of the first instar survival trial indicated that first instars could survive only on 13 of the tested plant species. In addition, first instars could only successfully grow to pupa on seven of these 13 test plants species. To assess the developmental diet breath shifts of this moth, 38 plant species (excluding those nine plant species that the first instars did not feed upon) were fed to third and fifth instars in long-term feeding trials. Survival to pupa was noted on 12 and 13 test plant species for the third and fifth instars, respectively. In short, we found that the larvae performed differently when fed on various host plants and that the host plant range increased with the larval stage. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the host plant range of this moth and to consider host plant breadth together with the developmental stages of caterpillars.     

Effects of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) isolates, host plants, and temperature on survival, size, and development time of Frankliniella fusca

The effects of different isolates of the tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV), host plants, and temperatures on Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), the most important vector of TSWV in North Carolina, were measured in the laboratory. Thrips were reared at either 18.3, 23.9, or 29.4 °C until adult eclosion on excised leaves of Datura stramonium L. or Emilia sonchifolia (L.). Plants were either infected with the TSWV isolates CFL or RG2, or left uninfected (control). The results revealed a positive relationship between larval survival and temperature, regardless of host plant or TSWV isolate. Both survival to adult and percentage transmission of TSWV by F. fusca were significantly affected by the interaction between host plant and TSWV isolate. The consequence of this interaction was that the cohort‐based percentage transmission from infected E. sonchifolia plants for CFL was 1.3‐fold greater than that of RG2, whereas the percentage transmission from infected D. stramonium plants for RG2 was twice that of CFL. Both host plant and TSWV isolates showed significant effects on thrips development time to adult and head capsule width of adult thrips, as well as on the incidence of thrips infection with TSWV. The infection status of these thrips was determined by ELISA for the NSs viral protein. Infected thrips reared on infected host foliage took longer to develop to adult and were smaller than non‐infected thrips which had also been reared on infected host foliage, demonstrating a direct effect of the TSWV on thrips. However, non‐infected thrips reared on non‐infected leaves took longer to develop than non‐infected thrips reared on infected leaves, suggesting an effect of the plant tissue on thrips. In addition, adult thrips reared on TSWV‐infected D. stramonium at 29.4 °C developed smaller head capsules than thrips developing on infected foliage at lower temperatures and on non‐infected leaves of D. stramonium or E. sonchifolia. Both TSWV isolates and host plants differentially affected females more than males. In conclusion, both the infection of thrips by TSWV and TSWV‐mediated changes in host plant quality were found to have significant biological effects on F. fusca.     

Effects of insect attack to stems on plant survival,growth, reproduction and photosynthesis

Studies of insect herbivory have mostly focused on leaf‐feeding even though most woody plant biomass is stem tissue. Attack to stems has the potential to be more detrimental to plant performance than attack to leaves. Here we asked how severe is the impact of insect stem herbivory on plant performance. We quantify the effect of insect stem herbivory via a meta‐analysis of 119 papers in 100 studies (papers by the same authors were treated as the same study). These studies involved 92 plant species and 70 species of insect herbivore (including simulated herbivory). Attack to plant stems reduced plant performance by an average of approximately 22%. Stem herbivory had greatest impacts on plant and branch survival, which was reduced by 63%. Measures of plant reproduction and vegetative biomass were reduced by 33% and 16% respectively, while measurements of photosynthetic rate were not significantly different between plants with and without stem herbivore attack. Stem herbivory led to a decline in leader performance but an increase in performance of laterals, highlighting the importance of plant compensation. Juvenile plants were more severely affected by stem herbivory than adult plants, and studies conducted in greenhouses found more severe effects than studies conducted in the field. Stem herbivory did not have a significant effects on any of the non‐performance responses measured (defence compounds, SLA, root:shoot, phenology and plant carbon and nitrogen). We compare our results with results from various meta‐analyses considering herbivory on other plant parts. The impact of insect herbivory to stems on plant performance appears at least as severe as insect herbivory to roots and leaves, if not more.     

Field biology of Edessa rufomarginata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): phenology, behavior, and patterns of host plant use

Pentatomids may cause direct and indirect damage to important crop plants. Biological and ecological features of phytophagous stink bugs in natural environments, however, remain poorly documented. Here, we provide an ecological account of Edessa rufomarginata De Geer on Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) in the Brazilian savanna. The phenology of E. rufomarginata matched that of its host plant, with immatures developing in the wet season simultaneously with the production of vegetative and reproductive plant tissue. Females do not exhibit parental care and lay eggs more frequently on larger plants. Oviposition frequency, however, does not differ between plants with and without flowers/fruits. Nymphs and adults usually feed on stem parts and more rarely on flower buds and fruits. First- and second-instar nymphs remain aggregated, but disperse as third-instar nymphs. Adults and nymphs were more abundant on mature stems of C. brasiliense compared with other plant locations. Ants visiting the plant to search for extrafloral nectar occasionally tap the abdomen of E. rufomarginata nymphs with their antennae to obtain honeydew. This is the first record of trophobiotic interactions between Edessa stinkbugs and ants, and one of the few for heteropterans. The interaction of the stink bug with other natural enemies, such as predaceous Heniartes (Reduviidae), was also observed. Given the pest status of Edessa species for crop plants, additional field studies on host plants, interaction with ants, and natural enemies in native habitats are needed for an effective management of these stink bugs in tropical agricultural systems.     

豚草卷蛾和苍耳螟对豚草的联合控制作用

豚草卷蛾Epiblema strenuana是我国引进用于控制豚草Ambrosia artemisiifolia的重要天敌昆虫,苍耳螟Ostrinia orientalis是取食苍耳和豚草的本地种。为了全面评价释放的豚草卷蛾与苍耳螟共存系统中的竞争与控制作用, 作者采用三因子二次正交旋转组合设计的方法,选用豚草的生育期（以主茎近基部直径表示）、豚草卷蛾和苍耳螟虫量为参试因子,分别以豚草的地上部生物量（鲜重）、种子量和株高作为观测目标,分析了豚草卷蛾和苍耳螟对豚草的综合控制效应。结果表明,两种天敌对寄主的生物量、种子量和株高均有明显的抑制作用。各处理组合中,具有最大控制效果的处理组合及其防效分别为：当主茎直径为1.0 cm,单株分别接入豚草卷蛾和苍耳螟63头和8头时,对生物量的控制效果达到94.3%;当主茎直径为1.0 cm,分别接入豚草卷蛾和苍耳螟17头和8头时,对株高的防效为31.7%;当接虫主茎直径为0.7 cm时,单株分别接入豚草卷蛾和苍耳螟40头和5头时,对种子量的防效达到99.3%。而当主茎直径达到2.1cm时,分别接入豚草卷蛾和苍耳螟40头和5头,两种天敌对寄主生物量、种子量和株高的防效仅分别为2.0%、6.1%和-2.4%,抑制效果最低。两种天敌的控制效果随寄主生长和补偿能力的增强而减弱。当寄主处于生长前期（主茎直径小于0.7 cm）时,两种虫量的作用效应大于植株的补偿作用;而长成的寄主植物其补偿效应则大于两种天敌的虫量作用。3种因子间的作用方式相互独立,两种天敌之间不存在明显的竞争干扰现象,属于可利用的有效天敌。综合平均效应表明,寄主的生育期（补偿能力）要大于两种虫量的影响,豚草卷蛾对寄主种子量的影响大于苍耳螟,而苍耳螟对寄主的生物量和植株高度的影响要大于豚草卷蛾。在两种天敌的应用中,为了提高防治效果建议及早在豚草的生长前期释放或扩增天敌种群数量。     

Linkage of AFLP markers to lhd 1, a recessive heterochronic gene in Italian ryegrass.

A mutant, leafy head I (lhd 1), was discovered in Japan from the progeny of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) 'Nioudachi' and local line 'Aichikei #3'. Compared with normal plants, the mutant plant is a dwarf with a larger number of intenodes per stem, shorter internodes, and smaller leaves. The plants also head later in the season. Aerial roots are usually produced from the stem nodes during rainy seasons. In characterizing lhd 1, it was found to have many branches with small leaves and many small panicles on the upper part of the plant. Panicle development was severely disturbed in lhd 1 mutants, and the number of leaves produced in the vegetative phase was nearly twice that produced in the wild-type counterpart. The lhd 1 mutant appears to be a heterochronic mutation that is able to extend the vegetative period during development. The frequency of mutants in segregating populations indicated that lhd 1 is a recessive allele. To determine the linkage relationship between the lhd 1 gene and AFLP markers,768 primer combinations were screened for polymorphisms using bulked segregant analyses in two populations with 316 and 30 plants, respectively. Five AFLP markers were linked to the lhd 1 locus. E3/M41-1 and E16/M14-2 cosegregated with lhd 1. E16/M14-1 and E30/M10-1 flanked the gene at a distance of 0.3 cM and E30/M14-2 was linked to lhd 1 at a distance of 0.6 cM.     

Alfalfa physiological response to potato leafhopper injury depends on leafhopper and alfalfa developmental stage

We examined the effects of potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) developmental stage and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) developmental stage on the physiological response of the plant to injury. We used radioactive carbon dioxide to label the photoassimilate stream and evaluate the phloem health of alfalfa. In one experiment, six first instar, four fourth instar, and three adult leafhoppers were caged by stage on single alfalfa stems for approximately one day. Only fourth instar nymphs significantly reduced the amount of label transported to injured tissues above the source of the labeled assimilate. First instar nymphs had no effect and adults reduced assimilate transport to stem tips, but this trend was not significant possibly because of confounding variables. However, injury by both first instar nymphs and adults resulted in greater concentration of labeled assimilate in portions of the stem below the feeding site. In another experiment, the developmental stage of alfalfa stems was central to the physiological response of alfalfa to leafhopper injury. A 20 h exposure to three adult leafhoppers significantly reduced the amount of label translocated to the tip and crown tissues of early vegetative plants, and to the crown tissue only of late vegetative plants. In reproductive plants, assimilate translocation was not affected by leafhopper injury. In a final experiment, we found no evidence of an effect on the photosynthesis of leaves of similar age and position to those used as source leaves in our translocation studies. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the physiological response of plants to injury by sap-feeding insects, and suggest the need for greater refinement of economic injury levels based on leafhopper and plant developmental stage.     

Response of two prairie forbs to repeated vole herbivory

Vertebrate herbivores as diverse as ungulates, geese, and rabbits preferentially feed on plants that have previously experienced herbivory. Here, we ask whether smaller grassland “cryptic consumers” such as voles (Microtus ochrogaster and M. pennsylvanicus) preferentially clip (cut stems for access to leaves or seeds) or avoid previously clipped individuals of two tallgrass prairie species (Desmanthus illinoensis and Echinacea purpurea) within a growing season. Further, we ask how these plants respond to repeated clipping within a growing season, and whether the effects of this herbivory last into the subsequent growing season. Voles preferentially clipped stems of D. illinoensis and E. purpurea plants that had been previously clipped. The exception was indiscriminant clipping of stems of E. purpurea late in the growing season when its achenes, a favorite vole food, ripened. For D. illinoensis, repeated clipping resulted in a 59% reduction in biomass, 42% lower ratio of reproductive to vegetative biomass, and 57% fewer seeds produced per plant compared with unclipped plants. These effects lasted into the following growing season in which plants were protected from voles. In contrast, the only effect of repeated clipping for E. purpurea was that the number of achenes per plant was substantially reduced by three episodes of clipping. This effect did not carry over to the next growing season. Such differences in D. illinoensis and E. purpurea response to repeated stem clipping by voles offer insights into how these small rodents can effect major changes in composition and dominance in grassland communities.     

The effect of brassinosteroids on the morphology,development and yield of field-grown maize

The response of two field-grown inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) and their F1 hybrid to the application of 10⁻⁸–10⁻¹⁴ M solutions of 24-epibrassinolide or synthetic androstane analogue of castasterone in V3/4 and V6/7 developmental stages was followed during the vegetative and early reproductive phases of plant development. Brassinosteroids (BRs) significantly affected (either positively or negatively, depending on the genotype and the developmental stage they were applied) the height of plants during the early weeks after their application, but not the final plant height nor the number of leaves. Spraying of plants with BRs in V3/4 developmental stage usually also increased the length of the 7th to 10th leaf, whereas the application in V6/7 developmental stage had the opposite effect. The beginning of the reproductive phase of plant development and the course of flowering was strongly influenced by the application of BRs. Treatment of plants in V3/4 stage delayed and treatment of plants in V6/7 stage advanced the dates of anthesis and silking, regardless of the type of BR used, its concentration or plant genotype. The influence of BRs on the development of the secondary ear was the least pronounced in the F1 hybrid; in both inbred lines it strongly depended on the concentrations of BRs used. Various yield parameters were also affected by treatment of plants with BRs, but this effect depended on the developmental stage during which the application of BRs occured, the plant genotype, the type of BR and its concentration.     

光照强度对筛豆龟蝽生长发育及繁殖的影响

【目的】为明确光照强度对筛豆龟蝽 Megacopta cribraria 种群生长发育及生殖力的影响,进一步探索筛豆龟蝽对光环境的适应规律。【方法】在温度24±1℃,相对湿度60%±10%,光周期 16L ∶8D 条件下,通过测定寄主植物大豆上筛豆龟蝽在不同光照强度(500, 2 500, 4 500, 6 500, 8 500 和10 500 lx)下的生长发育及繁殖指标,包括各虫态发育历期、成虫寿命、存活率、若虫期营养积累效率等;利用生命表方法进一步分析光照强度对种群趋势变化的影响。【结果】光照强度对筛豆龟蝽各虫态发育历期、存活率以及成虫生殖力等均产生显著影响。各阶段的发育历期有随光照强度增加而缩短的趋势,其发育速率和若虫期营养积累效率均与光照强度呈显著正相关。各阶段发育速率与光照强度的关系模型分别为:卵期 V 1= 0.129968exp(0.011310 L I)(R^2=0.610, P <0.0001),若虫期 V 2=0.000767LI^0.014182 ( R^2 =0.980, P <0.0001),雌虫产卵前期 V 3=0.019000 L 0.418000 I ( R^2 =0.837, P <0.0001);若虫期营养积累效率与光照强度之间符合三次函数模型 y =0.0004 x^3-0.0064 x^2+0.0361 x +0.0660 ( R^2 =0.983, P <0.0001);筛豆龟蝽种群趋势指数 I 随光照强度增加而显著增大,光照强度低于2 500 lx时,其种群不能完成生殖过程。【结论】光照强度可显著影响筛豆龟蝽种群生长发育及生殖力。较高的光照强度(10 500 lx)更有利于其种群数量增长,而较低的光照强度(≤2 500 lx)将导致种群逐渐消亡。     

Host-plant acceptance and performance of Tetranychus urticae (Acari, Tetranychidae)

Abstract: Tetranychus urticae is a serious pest of several crops worldwide. It performs differentially on diverse host‐plant species. Because dispersion is mainly passive, the process of host‐plant selection should be viewed in terms of host‐plant acceptance and not in terms of host finding. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (1) the acceptance of strawberry (S) in comparison with onion (O), leek (L) and parsley (P) by T. urticae; and (2) the suitability of these host plants for the performance of T. urticae, in terms of fecundity and survival. Host‐plant acceptance was measured through females that settled on a test plant or females that left for another host plant. In another experiment, for a duration of 5 days, individual newly mated females were assigned to discs of each host plant and the fecundity, the maximum number of offspring obtained from one female that settled on the disc, the survival and the percentage of females that oviposited at least one egg were analysed. A choice test to measure the preference of females for different host plants was performed. Movements took place towards (S) from the three plants: (O), (L) and (P). Mites significantly moved to other places in the Petri dishes from leek‐origin discs. Dispersal of T. urticae from (S) to other host‐plant discs was similar for all plants. Mean fecundity was higher on (S) than on the other plants. The maximum number of offspring per female was highest on (S), lowest on (L) and (O), and intermediate on (P). Survival of females and percentage of females that laid at least one egg were independent of the host plant. The choice test showed that oviposition was higher on (S) and (P) and very poor on (L) and (O) and that more females settled on (S) and (P). Although mites migrated from parsley to strawberry, the first host plant has a higher acceptance of T. urticae in terms of maximum number of offspring per female than onion and leek, and a lower performance in terms of fecundity than strawberry. Parsley could be a good candidate for an associate plant in a strawberry crop; however, it needs more research under field conditions.     

From over to undercompensation: Variable responses to herbivory during ontogeny of a Neotropical monocarpic plant

Empirical and theoretical work has suggested that plants can change their compensatory responses to herbivory as they develop. However, such a relationship is likely to be more complex than previously thought since the amount and type of damage a plant receives can also change as the plant develops. Here, we determined the survival, growth, and reproductive output of plants (Actinocephalus polyanthus) from different ontogenetic stages that received variable levels of natural or simulated herbivore damage. Juvenile plants and non‐reproductive adults in which leaves were damaged showed full vegetative compensation, whereas pre‐reproductive plants were not able to replace the lost leaves. However, these same pre‐reproductive plants produced more inflorescences and thus more seeds and seedlings than control plants. In contrast, damage to vegetative and/or reproductive structures during the reproductive phase resulted in a negative effect on seed and seedling production. Herbivory effects on plant survival, growth, and reproduction during the vegetative and pre‐reproductive phases were independent of the amount of damage. However, during reproduction, the magnitude of these effects was strongly influenced by the amount of damage and the reproductive stage of the plant at the time of the damage. In short, our results demonstrate that the survival, growth, and reproductive responses to herbivory of A. polyanthus can be dependent on the timing and/or intensity of damage. The reproductive response of A. polyanthus to our simulated herbivory treatments during the pre‐reproductive phase represents an example of overcompensation. Furthermore, it indicates that vegetative regrowth is not necessarily a driving factor for tolerance.     

ONE HOST SHIFT LEADS TO ANOTHER? EVIDENCE OF HOST‐RACE FORMATION IN A PREDACEOUS GALL‐BORING BEETLE

Abstract.— We show that a predator, the tumbling flower beetle Mordellistena convicta (Coleoptera: Mordellidae), has formed host races in response to a host-plant shift and subsequent host-race formation by its prey, the gall-inducing fly Eurosta solidaginis (Diptera: Tephritidae). This fly has formed two host races, one that induces stem galls on the ancestral host plant, Solidago altissima (Compositae), and another that induces stem galls on the closely related S. gigantea . We found that subpopulations of M. convicta that attack E. solidaginis galls on the different host plants have significantly different emergence times and, although slight, these allochronic differences are consistent across a range of temperatures. More importantly, we found that beetles assortatively mate according to their natal host plants, and female M. convicta preferentially attack and/or their offspring have higher survival in galls on natal host plants. Our data suggest that subpopulations of M. convicta that attack E. solidaginis galls on S. altissima and S. gigantea have formed host races. This is one of the first studies to demonstrate that a host shift and subsequent host-race formation by an herbivorous insect may have resulted in subsequent diversification by one of its natural enemies.     

The parasitoid fly Exorista japonica uses visual and olfactory cues to locate herbivore‐infested plants

Some parasitoid flies exploit odors derived from plants as olfactory cues for locating the food plants of host insects, but the role of visual cues associated with plants remains largely unknown. The generalist tachinid Exorista japonica Townsend (Diptera: Tachinidae) is attracted to odors derived from maize plants [Zea mays L. (Poaceae)] infested by the larvae of Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In this study, we examined the effects of visual parameters on the olfactory attraction of female flies to host‐infested plants. A paper plant model of one of four colors (blue, green, yellow, or red) was placed in front of a host‐infested plant, which was hidden behind a mesh screen in a wind tunnel. The landing rate of females was significantly higher on the green plant model than on the other three models. When an achromatic plant model of one of four gray scales (white, light gray, dark gray, or black) was tested, the response rate of females was significantly higher towards the white model and decreased as the brightness of models decreased. Few female flies responded to the green plant model without odors of the host‐infested plants. When the four color plant models were placed together in a cage filled with odors of host‐infested plants, females remained significantly longer on the green model than on the other three models. These results showed that E. japonica females preferred the color green when odors of the host‐infested plants were present and suggest that E. japonica uses visual as well as olfactory cues to locate the host habitat.     

The older plant gets the sun: Age‐related changes in Miscanthus × giganteus phenology

Age‐related changes are usually overlooked in perennial grass research; when they are considered it is usually as a change in plant size (e.g., biomass). Whether other physiological or developmental aspects change as stands age, and how those aspects may impact long‐term stand dynamics, remains unclear. Conventional experimental designs study a single stand over multiple growing seasons and thereby confound age‐related changes with growing season conditions. Here we used a staggered‐start experimental design with three repeated planting years over two growing seasons to isolate growing season effects. We studied changes in Miscanthus × giganteus phenology during its yield‐building stage (first 3 years) and estimated age, growing season and nitrogen (N) effects on development using nonlinear regression parameters. Stand age clearly changed plant growth; faster developmental rates were usually seen in 1‐year‐old stands (young), but because 2‐ and 3‐year‐old stands (mature) emerged 3 months earlier than newly planted stands they produced 30% more stems with 30%–60% more leaves. Nitrogen fertilization modulated some age‐related phenological changes. Fertilized 2‐year‐old stands reached similar stem densities as unfertilized 3‐year‐old stands and had fewer number of senesced leaves like 1‐year‐old stands. In addition, N fertilization had no effect on young M. × giganteus, but extended mature stands’ growing season more than 2 weeks by hastening emergence and delaying senescence. It also delayed flowering regardless of stand age. Our results suggest that, along with changes in size, M. × giganteus stands showed shifts in developmental strategies: young stands emerged later and developed faster, while mature stands grew for longer but more slowly. In temperate regions, where hard frost events are likely to interrupt development in late autumn, rapid early development is critical to plant survival. Nonlinear regression parameter differences proved effective in identifying phenological shifts.     

Effect of bacterial inoculation,plant genotype and developmental stage on root-associated and endophytic bacterial communities in potato (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum tuberosum</Emphasis>)

Beneficial bacteria interact with plants by colonizing the rhizosphere and roots followed by further spread through the inner tissues, resulting in endophytic colonization. The major factors contributing to these interactions are not always well understood for most bacterial and plant species. It is believed that specific bacterial functions are required for plant colonization, but also from the plant side specific features are needed, such as plant genotype (cultivar) and developmental stage. Via multivariate analysis we present a quantification of the roles of these components on the composition of root-associated and endophytic bacterial communities in potato plants, by weighing the effects of bacterial inoculation, plant genotype and developmental stage. Spontaneous rifampicin resistant mutants of two bacterial endophytes, Paenibacillus sp. strain E119 and Methylobacterium mesophilicum strain SR1.6/6, were introduced into potato plants of three different cultivars (Eersteling, Robijn and Karnico). Densities of both strains in, or attached to potato plants were measured by selective plating, while the effects of bacterial inoculation, plant genotype and developmental stage on the composition of bacterial, Alphaproteobacterial and Paenibacillus species were determined by PCR-denaturing gradient gel-electrophoresis (DGGE). Multivariate analyses revealed that the composition of bacterial communities was mainly driven by cultivar type and plant developmental stage, while Alphaproteobacterial and Paenibacillus communities were mainly influenced by bacterial inoculation. These results are important for better understanding the effects of bacterial inoculations to plants and their possible effects on the indigenous bacterial communities in relation with other plant factors such as genotype and growth stage.