牛角花齿蓟马为害对紫花苜蓿AsA、GSH含量及相关代谢酶活性的影响

为了明确非酶抗氧化物质抗坏血酸(AsA)、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)及相关代谢酶抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)、谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)在紫花苜蓿(Medicago sativa L.)对牛角花齿蓟马Odontothrips loti Haliday为害的抗性中的作用,测定了不同牛角花齿蓟马虫口密度下抗、感蓟马苜蓿无性系R-1、I-1的AsA、GSH含量及APX、GR活性的变化。结果表明:受牛角花齿蓟马为害后,R-1无性系在低虫口密度(1、3头/枝条)下,AsA、GSH含量和GR活性均上升,在高虫口密度(5、7头/枝条)下,AsA含量和GR活性先升高后下降,GSH含量上升后保持稳定;I-1无性系的AsA、GSH含量先升高后下降,GR活性在为害后期呈上升趋势;R-1、I-1无性系的APX活性均先上升后下降,但R-1无性系APX活性的上升速率及下降速率小于I-1无性系。说明AsA、GSH含量及APX、GR活性的升高可能是紫花苜蓿对牛角花齿蓟马诱导抗性的一种表现,但I-1无性系对蓟马为害的应激反应滞后于R-1无性系。在牛角花齿蓟马为害后期,R-1无性系体内的AsA、GSH含量及APX、GR活性仍处于较高水平,也说明了R-1无性系对牛角花齿蓟马为害的抗性较I-1无性系强。     

牛角花齿蓟马为害对苜蓿无性系根茎叶及同化产物分配的影响

为探索同化产物分配利用与苜蓿耐蓟马的关系,本试验以扦插的抗蓟马苜蓿无性系R-1和感蓟马苜蓿无性系 I-1为材料,研究不同虫口牛角花齿蓟马为害对苜蓿的抗性、根、茎和叶生长特性及可溶性糖含量的影响.结果表明: 随着虫口压力的增大,R-1和I-1苜蓿的受害指数升高;在相同虫口压力下,R-1苜蓿的受害指数显著低于I-1.受蓟马为害后,R-1和I-1苜蓿株高降低、叶面积减少、茎秆变细、节间长变短、节间数增加,根颈和主根直径加粗、侧根增多.在低虫口密度下,随虫口压力增大,R-1和I-1苜蓿地上部生物量增加,根冠比下降,分配到茎的生物量比例升高;在高虫口密度下,地上部生物量随虫口压力增大而减少,根冠比增加,分配到根系的生物量比例升高;R-1根冠比和茎生物量比例随虫口压力变化曲线的拐点均为每枝条5头,I-1根冠比和茎生物量比例随虫口压力变化曲线的拐点均为每枝条3头.在低虫口压力下,R-1苜蓿茎和叶中的可溶性糖含量随虫口压力增加而升高;在高虫口压力下,茎和叶中的可溶性糖含量随虫口压力增加而下降;根中可溶性糖含量随虫口压力增加持续下降.I-1根、茎和叶中的可溶性糖含量均随虫口压力增加持续下降.牛角花齿蓟马为害后,R-1根、茎和叶的农艺性状及抗性比I-1好,对同化产物的分配利用率高.     

牛角花齿蓟马为害后苜蓿叶酚类物质和木质素含量的变化

为明确苜蓿中被蓟马为害后诱导的次生代谢物质含量的变化,以抗蓟马苜蓿R-1和感蓟马苜蓿I-1为材料,以每枝条0 头为对照,研究牛角花齿蓟马不同虫口密度(每枝条1、3、5、7 头)下苜蓿叶片中酚类物质和木质素含量的变化.结果表明: 蓟马为害7 d时,R-1和I-1叶中总酚、单宁和缩合单宁含量随虫口密度增大均升高,简单酚含量无显著差异;木质素含量显著高于对照.为害14 d时,R-1和I-1叶中总酚、单宁和缩合单宁含量随虫口密度增大均升高,简单酚含量无显著差异;木质素含量升高,且每枝条7 头密度下显著高于对照.为害21 d时,R-1和I-1叶中总酚、单宁和木质素含量随虫口密度增大均升高,在每枝条7 头密度下达到最高;R-1简单酚含量变化不显著,I-1简单酚含量显著升高.R-1和I-1叶中缩合单宁含量与对照无显著差异.抗感苜蓿中酚类物质与木质素含量在蓟马为害后均升高,R-1总酚、单宁和木质素含量的增加率均高于I-1.表明蓟马为害对苜蓿植株的总酚、单宁及木质素含量具有诱导效应,可以作为苜蓿抗蓟马的评价指标.     

抗、 感蓟马苜蓿无性系对蓟马危害的补偿光合生理反应比较

为了揭示苜蓿的补偿生长相关的光合生理补偿机制, 以大田单株筛选、 扦插扩繁的抗蓟马苜蓿无性系R-1和感蓟马苜蓿无性系I-1为材料, 以相邻老苜蓿田自然发生的蓟马作为虫源, 任其持续危害, 于现蕾期和初花期通过模拟有效光辐射和固定CO₂浓度, 测定R-1和I-1的光合特性和水分利用特性。结果表明： (1) 在现蕾期, R-1受害后叶片叶绿素含量显著增加, 净光合速率 (net photosynthetic rate, Pn) 显著增大, 光补偿点 (light compensation point, Lcp) 和暗呼吸速率 (dark respiration rate, Rd) 均显著降低 (P<0.05) ; 而I-1叶片叶绿素含量显著降低 (P<0.05) , 植株净光合速率 (Pn) 与对照差异不显著 (P＞0.05) , 且在低于正常光照强度时, 受害I-1植株Pn相对健株下降, 同时, 其光补偿点 (Lcp) 和暗呼吸速率 (Rd) 均显著升高 (P<0.05) ; R 1和I 1受害后植株胞间CO2浓度 (intercellular CO2 concentration, Ci) 、 蒸腾速率 (transpiration rate, Tr) 和气孔导度 (stomatal conductance, Gs) 均显著升高 (P<0.05) , 水分利用效率 (water use efficiency, WUE) 均显著降低。 (2) 在初花期, 在较强的光照条件下, 受害I-1植株Pn显著增大 (P<0.05) ; 在弱光下受害R-1植株Pn增大, 而受害I-1植株Pn显著降低 (P<0.05) , 其他指标变化同现蕾期。结果说明, 抗蓟马无性系R-1对蓟马的危害具有显著的补偿光合作用; 而感蓟马无性系的补偿光合作用滞后于初花期发生, 且需要较高的光强条件, 这种滞后发生的补偿光合作用对于苜蓿产量的补偿贡献意义不大。     

芳樟不同无性系叶片光合色素含量及叶绿素荧光参数分析

对18个芳樟[Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl]无性系叶片光合色素含量和叶绿素荧光参数进行了测定,并对各参数的相关性进行了分析;基于上述测定结果对供试的18个芳樟无性系进行了聚类分析.结果表明:芳樟不同无性系叶片叶绿素a、叶绿素b及类胡萝卜素含量分别为0.60～2.26、0.24～1.15和0.14～0.50mg· g-1,差异较大,部分无性系间叶绿素a和b以及类胡萝卜素含量差异达显著水平;其中,无性系BT2叶片的叶绿素a含量在18个无性系中最高,叶绿素b及类胡萝卜素的含量也较高.各无性系间叶片的初始荧光(Fo)、PSⅡ最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、PSⅡ潜在活性(Fv/Fo)、PSⅡ电子传递情况(Fm/Fo)、光化学淬灭系数(Qp)、非光化学淬灭系数(NPQ)和PSⅡ实际光化学效率(Qy)差异明显,且部分无性系间的差异达显著水平;各无性系间的最大荧光(Fm)、可变荧光(Fv)和荧光下降比值(Rfd)差异不显著.在各叶绿素荧光参数中,Fo与Fm显著正相关;Fm与Fv、Fv/Fm、Fv/ Fo、Fm/Fo以及Fv/Fm与Fv、Fv/Fo、Fm/Fo、Qy间均存在极显著正相关,其中Fv/Fm与Fv/ Fo、Fm/Fo的相关系数均达0.98;Qp与NPQ、Rfd呈极显著正相关,与其他参数则总体上呈负相关;Qy与Fm、Fv、Fv/Fm、Fv/Fo、Fm/Fo以及Rfd与NPQ、Qp、Qy均存在显著或极显著正相关.采用欧氏距离法,可将18个无性系划分为2类:第1类包含16个无性系;第2类仅包含无性系PC5和WP1.第1类又可进一步划分为2个亚类:第1亚类仅包含无性系BY2;第2亚类共包含15个无性系,其中的BT1与BT2距离最短,光合生理特征最接近.根据研究结果,初步推断芳樟各无性系叶片的潜在光化学活性和电子传递情况共同影响PSⅡ光能转换效率;无性系116、187、BT1和MD1对光能的利用率较高;无性系BT2则具有良好的光合生理性能.     

施钾对苜蓿上牛角花齿蓟马产卵选择、生长发育、 成虫寿命和繁殖力的影响

【目的】为了探讨施钾对苜蓿上牛角花齿蓟马Odontothrips loti的产卵选择、生长发育、成虫寿命和繁殖力的影响,明确施钾苜蓿叶片营养物含量与牛角花齿蓟马生命参数的关系。【方法】在不同钾量(40, 60, 80和100 mg/kg)处理下(以不施钾作为对照),观察记录牛角花齿蓟马在紫花苜蓿品种甘农3号Medicago sativa cv. Gannong No. 3叶片上的产卵量,幼期各龄期发育历期和存活率以及二代成虫的寿命和繁殖力,同时测定不同施钾量下苜蓿叶片的可溶性糖、游离氨基酸及钾含量。【结果】随着施钾量的增加,牛角花齿蓟马在苜蓿叶片上的产卵量(粒/复叶)先降低后升高,在60 mg/kg钾处理降幅最大,较对照降低了45.58%;卵孵化率和1-2龄若虫的存活率变化不显著,但3-4龄若虫的存活率和幼期总存活率显著下降,分别在100 mg/kg 和80 mg/kg钾处理下降幅最大,较对照分别下降了54.36%和48.48%。不同施钾量下苜蓿叶片上牛角花齿蓟马卵和1-2龄若虫发育历期无显著变化,3-4龄若虫及幼期总发育历期均延长;牛角花齿蓟马二代成虫的繁殖力均显著下降,成虫寿命显著缩短(40 mg/kg钾处理除外)。施钾后,苜蓿叶片可溶性糖含量、钾含量和糖氮比增大,游离氨基酸含量减少。相关关系分析表明,苜蓿叶片钾含量与牛角花齿蓟马幼期总存活率和成虫繁殖力无显著相关性,而苜蓿叶片可溶性糖含量和糖氮比均与3-4龄若虫存活率和繁殖力极显著负相关,与幼期总存活率呈显著负相关。【结论】施钾苜蓿对牛角花齿蓟马成虫产卵产生显著的排趋性;施钾提高了苜蓿叶片的可溶性糖含量及糖氮比,不利于若虫的生长发育,并使成虫寿命缩短、繁殖力下降,对牛角花齿蓟马产生了显著的抗生作用。     

紫花苜蓿(Medicago sativa)对干旱胁迫的光合生理响应

紫花苜蓿是重要的豆科牧草,具有较强的抗旱性,然而干旱仍是制约紫花苜蓿生产的主要逆境因子。通过盆栽试验,以抗旱性强弱不同的两种紫花苜蓿为试验材料,对干旱胁迫下紫花苜蓿的光合生理进行较为系统的研究,结果表明：（1）干旱胁迫下两种紫花苜蓿叶片净光合速率（Pn）、蒸腾速率(E)、气孔导度(Gs)、叶绿素含量(Chl)都有不同幅度的下降;叶绿体超微结构遭到破坏。相对于抗旱性弱的苜蓿,抗旱性强的苜蓿随干旱胁迫程度的加深,净光合速率下降较慢,叶绿体的外形及基粒结构受到的影响较小。（2）轻度干旱胁迫下气孔限制是两种紫花苜蓿Pn降低的主要因素,中度和重度干旱胁迫下非气孔限制是Pn降低的主要因素。（3）对叶绿素荧光参数的研究表明：干旱胁迫下两种紫花苜蓿PSⅡ反应中心光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、PSⅡ潜在活性(Fv/Fo)降低。总体上抗旱性强的紫花苜蓿Fv/Fm和Fv/Fo下降幅度小,PSⅡ利用光能的能力及PSⅡ的潜在活性均较强。PSⅡ光化学淬灭系数（qP）、非光化学淬灭系数（qN）的变化表现为干旱胁迫下两种紫花苜蓿qP值降低、qN值升高,总体上抗旱性强的紫花苜蓿qP降低的幅度低且qN升高幅度大,表明抗旱性强的紫花苜蓿PSⅡ反应中心电子传递活性受到的影响小,光合机构的损伤程度低。     

南城淮山脱毒苗移栽驯化期的光合生理

为了解南城淮山脱毒苗移栽驯化期的光合生理,本研究对其移栽驯化期的叶绿素含量以及其光合特性和叶绿素荧光参数进行测定和统计分析。结果表明,南城淮山脱毒苗在移栽驯化初期具有较高的叶绿素含量;随着移栽驯化时间延长,脱毒苗的叶绿素含量也显著提高;当移栽驯化时间达到10 d时,脱毒苗的叶绿素含量达到最高值;但当移栽驯化时间超过10 d时,脱毒苗的叶绿素含量则显著下降。脱毒苗在移栽驯化期间的叶绿素含量显著高于其带毒苗。脱毒苗移栽驯化期内的净光合速率(Pn)、气孔限制值(Ls)、水分利用效率(WUE)、瞬时羧化速率(CUE)、初始荧光(Fo)、暗适应下最大荧光(Fm)、暗适应下PSⅡ最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、PSⅡ潜在光化学效率(Fv/Fo)、光适应下PSⅡ实际光化学效率(ФPSⅡ)、光适应下PSⅡ最大光化学效率(Fv'/Fm')、光化学荧光猝灭系数(q P)先增后降;蒸腾速率(Tr)和气孔导度(Gs)显著下降;胞间CO2浓度(Ci)和非光化学猝灭系数(q N)先降后升。脱毒苗的Pn、Tr、Gs、Ls、WUE、CUE、Fo、Fm、Fv/Fm、Fv/Fo、ФPSⅡ、Fv'/Fm'、q P均显著高于带毒苗,而其Ci和q N显著低于带毒苗。因此,南城淮山脱毒苗老叶在移栽驯化期第10天具有较强的光合效率,随后其光合效率随着移栽驯化时间的延长而显著下降,并逐渐由新生叶的光合作用所代替。南城淮山脱毒苗的光合效率显著高于带毒苗,有利于积累更多的光合产物,从而实现增产。本实验结果为南城淮山脱毒苗的移栽驯化及其大田种植提供了理论基础。     

外源亚精胺对盐胁迫下黄瓜幼苗光合作用的影响

采用营养液栽培,研究了外源亚精胺对50mmol·L-1NaCl胁迫下黄瓜幼苗植株生长、叶片叶绿素含量、光合气体交换参数和叶绿素荧光参数(PSⅡ光化学效率)的影响。结果表明:NaCl胁迫显著降低了黄瓜植株生长量、净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、胞间CO2浓度(Ci)(P<0.05),但对PSⅡ实际光化学效率(ФPSⅡ)、光化学淬灭(qP)、有效光化学效率(Fv′/Fm′)、非光化学淬灭(qN)和PSⅡ最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)无显著影响(P>0.05);外源亚精胺显著提高了盐胁迫下黄瓜植株生长量、叶绿素含量、净光合速率、气孔导度、胞间CO2浓度,增加了ФPSⅡ、qP、Fv′/Fm′,降低了qN(P<0.05);外源亚精胺对Fv/Fm影响不显著(P>0.05)。外源施加亚精胺可增强盐胁迫下黄瓜植株的光合能力,主要是由于减弱了盐胁迫对植株的气孔限制,但对PSⅡ实际光化学效率影响较小,且叶面喷施比根施处理对改善盐胁迫下植株的生长和光合作用更有效。     

紫花苜蓿(Medicago sativa)对干旱胁迫的光合生理响应

紫花苜蓿是重要的豆科牧草,具有较强的抗旱性,然而干旱仍是制约紫花苜蓿生产的主要逆境因子。通过盆栽试验,以抗旱性强弱不同的两种紫花苜蓿为试验材料,对干旱胁迫下紫花苜蓿的光合生理进行较为系统的研究,结果表明：（1）干旱胁迫下两种紫花苜蓿叶片净光合速率（Pn）、蒸腾速率（E）、气孔导度（Gs）、叶绿素含量（Chl）都有不同幅度的下降;叶绿体超微结构遭到破坏。相对于抗旱性弱的苜蓿,抗旱性强的苜蓿随干旱胁迫程度的加深,净光合速率下降较慢,叶绿体的外形及基粒结构受到的影响较小。（2）轻度干旱胁迫下气孔限制是两种紫花苜蓿P。降低的主要因素,中度和重度干旱胁迫下非气孔限制是Pn降低的主要因素。（3）对叶绿素荧光参数的研究表明：干旱胁迫下两种紫花苜蓿PSⅡ反应中心光化学效率（F／F=）、PSⅡ潜在活性（Fv／Fo）降低。总体上抗旱性强的紫花苜蓿Fv／Fm和Fv／Fo下降幅度小,PSⅡ利用光能的能力及PSⅡ的潜在活性均较强。PsⅡ光化学淬灭系数（qP）、非光化学淬灭系数（qN）的变化表现为干旱胁迫下两种紫花苜蓿qP值降低、qN值升高,总体上抗旱性强的紫花苜蓿qP降低的幅度低且qN升高幅度大,表明抗旱性强的紫花苜蓿PSⅡ反应中心电子传递活性受到的影响小,光合机构的损伤程度低。     

转cry1Ab/cry2Aj和G10evo-epsps基因玉米中Bt蛋白的时空表达及抗性评价

【目的】探讨转cry1Ab/cry2Aj和G10evo-epsps基因玉米双抗505-12-5中外源Bt蛋白时空表达规律,对3种主要鳞翅目害虫亚洲玉米螟、黏虫和棉铃虫的抗性进行鉴定,为转基因玉米双抗505-12-5的商业化推广提供科学的数据支撑。【方法】Bt蛋白时空表达规律采用酶联免疫法(ELISA),田间抗虫性和室内抗虫性鉴定分别采用田间人工接虫和离体组织生测方法。【结果】在玉米6~8叶期,Bt含量表现为根心叶茎,分别为517.3、453.8和312.8 ng·g~(-1);大喇叭口期,Bt含量表现为心叶根茎,分别为353.3、281.3和232.9 ng·g~(-1);吐丝期,Bt含量表现为心叶根茎,分别为188.9、114.1和53.6 ng·g~(-1);乳熟期,根、茎和心叶含量相当,分别为178.0、160.3和185.4 ng·g~(-1);繁殖器官中Bt蛋白含量表现为籽粒花丝花粉雄穗,分别为181.3、100.1、95.0和79.8 ng·g~(-1)。室内抗虫性鉴定表明,转基因玉米双抗505-12-5心叶饲喂黏虫24 h,幼虫死亡率低,但48 h后达98.21%;双抗505-12-5心叶、花丝和籽粒饲喂玉米螟,24 h幼虫死亡率分别为87.37%、100%、100%;双抗505-12-5花丝饲喂棉铃虫,24 h幼虫死亡率达80.18%,48 h死亡率为92.45%。田间鉴定结果显示,转基因玉米双抗505-12-5在心叶期和雌穗期对玉米螟、心叶期对黏虫、雌穗期对棉铃虫的抗性均达高抗水平。【结论】转基因玉米双抗505-12-5各器官在不同生育期中均能表达Bt蛋白,尤其在鳞翅目害虫为害的主要时期6~8叶期和吐丝期及乳熟期,易受害器官中Bt蛋白表达量较高。转基因玉米双抗505-12-5田间及室内对3种鳞翅目害虫均表现了显著的抗性效果,具有推广应用的潜力。     

Investigations on cellular defense reactions with Galleria mellonella against Bacillus thuringiensis

In contrast to a great number of foreign particles (bacteria and inorganic materials), cells of some strains of Bacillus thuringiensis are not phagocytosed in the first hours after injection into the hemocoel of Galleria mellonella. This phenomenon is not caused by the production of β-exotoxin or exoenzymes, because heat-killed cells are not phagocytosed and the phagocytosis of latex particles is not prevented by the presence of living B. thuringiensis. The phagocytosis of heat-killed B. thuringiensis subtoxicus can be encouraged by treatment of the cells and by simultaneous injection of latex particles. A factor stimulating the phagocytosis is discussed. It is induced by the injection of phagocytosable latex particles into the hemocoel but not by injection of living or killed B. thuringiensis subtoxicus.     

Parasitism of the mosquito Culex pipiens by the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora

Various concentrations of the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora were added to dishes containing second, third, and fourth larval instars of the mosquito, Culex pipiens, respectively. The infective stage nematodes were ingested by the mosquito larvae, they then penetrated through the alimentary tract in the neck region and entered the hemocoel. A melanization reaction killed many invading nematodes, but heavier concentrations overwhelmed the hosts' defense reaction and 100% mortality of third- and fourth-instar larvae was achieved using between 170 and 200 nematodes per host. Death was either due to the nematode releasing cells of the symbiotic bacterium, Xenorhabdus luminescens, into the hemocoel or to foreign bacteria (mostly Pseudomonas aeruginosa), which were introduced by the penetrating nematodes. The potential use of this nematode as a biological control agent of larval culicine mosquito is discussed.     

2-O-(p-Coumaroyl)-l-Malate, 2-O-Caffeoyl-l-Malate and 2-O-Feruloyl-l-Malate in Raphanus sativus

The cotyledons, leaves and inflorescences of the radish, Raphanus sativus, have been examined for their content of hydroxylated cinnamic acid malate esters. 2-O-(p-coumaroyl)-l-malate, 2-O-caffeoyl-l-malate and 2-O-feruloyl-l-malate were found to be quantitatively predominating compounds in the fraction of carboxylic acids isolated from radish leaves and inflorescences. Identifications were based on PC, TLC, HVE, GC, HPLC, UV and NMR spectroscopy. The l- or (2S)-configuration of malic acid released by hydrolysis from the esters was determined by using l-malate dehydrogenase. A combined column chromatography technique applied prior to HVE, HPLC and GC was useful for separating the malate esters from most other low MW plant constituents. The significance of the present investigation is briefly discussed in relation to the metabolism of phenolic constituents of glucosinolate-containing plants, and the effects of these compounds in relation to insect feeding behaviour.     

Variation in Species and Trophic Composition of Insect Communities in Puerto Rico1

Insects are important participants in many ecosystem processes, but the effects of anthropogenic and natural disturbances on insect communities have been poorly studied. To describe how disturbances affect insect communities, we addressed two questions: Do insect communities return to a pre‐hurricane composition? And how do insect communities change during succession? To answer these questions, we studied insect communities in a chronosequence of two abandoned pastures (5 yr and 32 yr) and a mature forest (>80 yr) that were recently disturbed by two hurricanes (Hurricane Hugo, 1989) Hurricane Georges, 1998). Although insect abundance and richness fluctuated during the study, all sites returned to pre‐hurricane (Hurricane Georges) abundance and richness in less than one year. All trophic categories present before Hurricane Georges were present after the hurricane, but richness within categories fluctuated greatly. Insect richness did not increase during succession; the 5 yr site had the highest richness, the >80 yr site had an intermediate richness, and die 32 yr site the lowest. Nevertheless, the species composition of the two forested sites was different in comparison to the 5 yr site. These results suggest that trophic structure varies little in time and space, but the species composition within each trophic category is highly variable.     

Feeding behavior: selection of both wet and dry food for increased growth in Schistocerca gregaria nymphs

An apparent fluctuating preference in acridids for food of different water contents is confirmed for Schistocerca gregaria nymphs. Short- and long-term preference tests reveal that previous diet, through its effect on locust water balance and overall food intake, can influence feeding behavior on high-water content (wet) and low-water content (dry) food. Locusts given only wet or dry food for 3 days prior to testing initially chose the food not received in pretreatment when given a choice of the two. They had decreased latencies to feed, increased meal length and decreased switching between food types as compared with locusts given the option to regulate water intake before testing. It is suggested that the behavior of the single-diet locusts has several related causes, among them, deterrence of the food, disturbed water balance in the locust, and chronic hunger. Long-term preference tests reveal that fifth-instar locusts given a continuous choice between wet and dry food take significantly more of their total dry matter from dry food each day until the last feeding day of the instar (day 9), when they take 97% of their total dry matter from wet food. This behavioral regulation of water and dry matter intake is adaptive: locusts with access to a mixed diet of wet and dry food have increased growth as compared with ones given only wet food. The growth increase is due largely to increased dry matter consumption, with some contribution from increased digestive efficiency and reduction in respiratory rate.

---

Résumé L'étude de larves de dernier stade de Schistocerca gregaria confirme les observations sur les acridiens d'une préférence apparemment labile pour les aliments à différentes teneurs en eau. Des observations sur les choix à court et à long termes rélèvent que le régime alimentaire antérieur, par son action sur le régime hydrique du criquet et sur sa prise totale de nourriture, peut influer sur le comportement alimentaire face à des aliments à forte teneur en eau (humides ou frais) ou à faible teneur (secs). Des criquets, approvisionnés uniquement en aliments secs ou frais pendant les 3 jours précédant l'expérience, choisissent de préférence la catégorie d'aliments non fournie pendant ce prétraitement. Par comparaison avec des criquets ayant eu la possibilité d'ajuster leur apport en eau avant l'expérience, ils présentaient une diminution du temps de latence avant de s'alimenter, une prolongation de la durée des repas et une diminution du nombre de changements de type d'aliments. II est suggéré que le comportement des criquets, à régime alimentaire composé d'un seul type, a plusieurs causes associées, en particulier la répulsion pour le végétal, la perturbation de l'état hydrique du criquet, et la faim chronique. Des tests sur les préférences à long terme montrent que des larves de 5ème stade ayant eu un choix continu entre aliments frais et secs prirent significativement plus de leur matière totale d'aliments secs jusqu'à ce qu'elles parviennent au dernier jour d'alimentation du stade (jour 9), alors elle prélevèrent 97% de leur matière sèche totale d'aliments frais. Cette régulation comportementale de l'absorption d'eau et de matière sèche est adaptative: des criquets ayant accès à une alimentation mixte (nourriture sèche et fraîche) ont unt croissance supérieure à ceux nourris exclusivement d'aliments frais. La croissance supérieure est due pour beaucoup à une consommation accrue de matière sèche, avec une légère contribution de l'amélioration de l'efficacité digestive et de la réduction du taux de respiration.

     

Bacteria-induced haemolymph proteins of Manduca sexta pupae and larvae

The haemolymph of Manduca sexta larvae and pupae has been analyzed for proteins potentially associated with the bacterial defence response of the insect. Five proteins, M13, M18, M20, M23, and M24 in pupae, and M4, M11, M13, M18 and M23 in larvae, are induced by the injection of bacteria into the haemolymph. Proteins M4 and M11 are always present at high levels in uninjected pupae. Proteins M20 and M24 could not be induced in larvae. These proteins, as well as those not showing a response to bacterial challenge or injury, were also analyzed for presence of disulphide bonds and carbohydrate moieties, and their apparent molecular weights determined.     

Granulosis virus in the intestinal lumen of Neoaplectana carpocapsae: Retention of infectivity after treatment with formaldehyde or high pH

High pH values (>11.0) cause the dissolution of occlusion bodies of the granulosis virus (GV) of Pseudaletia unipuncta and subsequent inactivation of the virus within 24 hr. The GV is also inactivated within 48 hr by 0.04% formaldehyde. The GV is found in the intestinal lumen of infective third stage nematodes (dauer juveniles) of Neoaplectana carpocapsae when development occurs in GV-infected hosts. The GV in these dauer juveniles retains its infectivity even when the nematodes are placed into an alkaline solution with pH values of 11.1 or 12.1 or in 0.04% formaldehyde up to 336 hr. However, significant loss of infectivity of GV occurs when the nematodes are in formaldehyde but not at high pH values. The dauer juveniles are ensheathed by the second stage cuticle. This cuticle probably protects the GV in the intestinal lumen of the nematode from the high pH and formaldehyde.     

Endocrine biology of the Painted Lady butterfly Vanessa cardui

Experiments dealing with the role of juvenile hormone, adipokinetic hormone and diuretic hormone in the Painted Lady butterfly Vanessa cardui are reported. The results demonstrate an important role of JH in the regulation of ovarian and colleterial gland development in females, and in the regulation of accessory gland, tubular gland and ejaculatory duct development in males. In addition, the presence of an adult reproductive diapause, characterized by decreased effective juvenile hormone haemolymph titres, is suggested. Evidence for the existence of both adipokinetic and diuretic hormones in the Painted Lady is also presented, as is data indicating that both hormones may be similar or identical to those previously described in Monarch butterflies. Owing to the above results, and the existence of an artificial diet suitable for mass rearing in the laboratory, the Painted Lady appears to be an excellent species for studies on adult lepidopteran neuroendocrinology.