转Bt基因抗虫玉米对亚洲玉米螟幼虫取食行为的影响

室内研究了转cry1Ab杀虫蛋白基因的Bt抗虫玉米MON81 0和Bt1 1对亚洲玉米螟Ostriniafurnacalis初孵幼虫和3龄幼虫的取食行为、取食选择性和存活率的影响。在48h的非选择性试验中玉米螟初孵幼虫在MON81 0和Bt1 1玉米心叶组织上的幼虫取食率随时间的增加而下降,在对照玉米上的幼虫取食率随时间的增加而上升,两者间差异极显著。初孵幼虫接虫到MON81 0和Bt1 1玉米叶片48h的累计死亡率分别为67 .5 %和47 .5 % ,而在对照玉米上死亡率均为0. 3龄幼虫在Bt和非Bt玉米穗轴组织上的幼虫取食率随时间的增加呈上升趋势,第48h时在Bt和非Bt玉米上的幼虫取食率分别达到77 5 %和1 0 0 % ,差异极显著。选择性试验中,第4～48h内,初孵幼虫在Bt玉米上的幼虫取食率呈下降趋势,第48h时MON81 0和Bt1 1与各自非Bt对照的组合中初孵幼虫的累计死亡率分别为2 5 .0 %和1 7. 5 % ,二者差异不显著。3龄幼虫在Bt玉米和非Bt玉米上的幼虫取食率均随时间的延长而增加,但在非Bt玉米的幼虫取食率增加速度快,与Bt玉米差异极显著。Bt玉米对玉米螟幼虫取食有抑制和忌避作用。     

Response of Danaus plexippus to pollen of two new Bt corn events via laboratory bioassay

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the response of first instar larvae of the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus L. (Lepidoptera: Danaidae), a non‐target species, to pollen from corn, Zea mays L. (Commelinales: Poaceae), from two new corn hybrids genetically modified to express different types of insecticidal proteins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) (Bt). One hybrid expresses both Cry1Ab and Cry2Ab2 proteins (MON 810 × MON 84006), active against lepidopteran pests, and the other expresses Cry3Bb1 protein (MON 863), targeted against coleopteran pests. First instar larvae were placed on milkweed leaves (Asclepias syriaca L.) (Gentianales: Asclepiadaceae) dusted with doses of either Bt pollen or its nonexpressing (isoline) pollen counterpart ranging from 50 to 3200 grains cm^?2 of milkweed leaves, or no pollen at all. Larvae were exposed to pollen for 4 days, then moved to pollen‐free leaves and observed for another 6 days. Survival was observed after 2, 4, and 10 days. Weight gain was estimated after 4 and 10 days, leaf consumption after 2 and 4 days, and larval development after 10 days. Exposure to pollen of the Cry1Ab/Cry2Ab2‐Bt expressing hybrid reduced larval survival approximately 7.5–23.5% at the dose ranges tested relative to a no pollen control. Larval weight gain and consumption were reduced for larvae exposed to pollen of this hybrid and a small minority of larvae (3.1%) never developed past the third instar after 10 days of observation. Exposure to pollen of the Cry3Bb1‐Bt expressing hybrid had no negative effects on larval mortality, weight gain, consumption, or development relative to the consumption of Bt‐free corn pollen. The relevance of these findings to the risk that these Bt corn hybrids pose to monarch populations is discussed.     

Elevated temperature and periodic water stress alter growth and quality of common milkweed (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Asclepias syriaca</Emphasis>) and monarch (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Danaus plexippus</Emphasis>) larval performance

In this study, we examined the independent and interactive effects of temperature and water availability on the growth and foliar traits of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and performance of a specialist herbivore, larvae of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). Milkweed from multiple population sources collected across a latitudinal gradient in Wisconsin, USA, were grown under all combinations of ambient or elevated temperature and the presence or absence of periodic water stress. Elevated temperature marginally increased, while water stress decreased plant growth. Milkweed from more northerly latitudes experienced larger growth responses to elevated temperature and were more resistant to water stress, especially under higher temperatures. Elevated temperature and water stress also altered milkweed composite foliar trait profiles. Elevated temperature generally increased leaf nitrogen and structural compounds, and decreased leaf mass per area. Water stress also elevated foliar nitrogen, but reduced defensive traits. Monarch larvae performed well on milkweed under elevated temperature and water stress, but gained the most mass on plants exposed to both treatments in combination. Our findings suggest that milkweed populations from more northerly latitudes in the upper Midwest may benefit more from rising temperatures than those in southerly locations, but that these beneficial effects depend on water availability. Monarch larvae grew larger on plants from all experimental treatments relative to ambient condition controls, indicating that future changes in milkweed presence on the landscape will likely influence monarch populations more than the effects of future changes in plant quality on larval performance.     

Feeding, oviposition and survival of Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on Bt and non-Bt cottons

The effects of Bt transgenic cottons (Bt-I expressing cry1Ac and Bt-II expressing cry1Ab and cry2Ab or cry1Ab and cry1Fa) and non-Bt cottons on feeding, oviposition and longevity of adults, and development and survival of Liriomyza trifolii larvae were studied under laboratory conditions; and infestation on four Bt and two non-Bt cotton traits were investigated under field conditions. Laboratory choice and no-choice tests showed that L. trifolii adults were capable of distinguishing between Bt cottons and non-Bt cottons. In a choice test on younger plants (4-5 leaves), the adults were found more often and made more feeding punctures (FP) on non-Bt cottons than on Bt cottons. On older plants (8-9 leaves), adults made the most FP on non-Bt cotton followed by those on Bt-II cottons and the least on Bt-I cotton. The females oviposited more eggs (6.7 eggs per leaf) on non-Bt cotton than on Bt-I (1.7 eggs per leaf) and Bt-II (0.8 eggs per leaf) cottons on younger plants and oviposited similar numbers of eggs (0.7-1.3 eggs per leaf) on non-Bt and Bt cottons on older plants. In a no-choice test, the females also fed more FP on non-Bt cottons than on Bt cottons on both younger and older plants. The females oviposited more eggs (15.6 eggs per leaf) on non-Bt cotton than on Bt-I (8.2 eggs per leaf) and Bt-II (6.5 eggs per leaf) cottons on younger plants and similar numbers of eggs (2.5-3.3 eggs per leaf) on non-Bt and Bt cottons on older plants. Larval and puparial survivals were not different among Bt and non-Bt cottons. The occurrence and damage of leafminers on cottons in the field showed that L. trifolii infested more plants and leaves and had more mines on non-Bt cotton than on Bt cottons.     

粘虫高龄幼虫对转Bt基因玉米的消化和利用

在室内用重量法研究了粘虫Mythimna separata (Walker)高龄幼虫对转Bt基因玉米MON810和Bt11叶片的消化和利用,以明确Bt玉米对暴食期幼虫取食的影响。结果表明,在连续测定的5天中,取食MON810和Bt11两种Bt玉米叶片时,幼虫存活率和取食量均显著低于各自的对照组幼虫,取食Bt玉米叶片的幼虫体重呈下降趋势,第3 天时分别比第2 天减少12.2 mg 和7.4 mg,而取食对照玉米叶片时的幼虫日增重显著的高于处理组的幼虫,第3 天的日增重分别为100.4 mg 和119.9 mg。取食Bt玉米叶片的幼虫对食物的转化率(ECI和ECD)均为负值,在最初4 天的ECI和ECD都显著低于对照组幼虫,但取食两种非Bt玉米叶片的幼虫的近似消化率(AD) 随取食时间的延长而逐渐下降,取食第5 天分别为20.6 %和15.1 %;而取食MON810和Bt11叶片时幼虫的AD均显著地高于对照组幼虫。     

转Bt基因玉米的生态安全性研究进展

随着转基因作物的应用和推广 ,转 Bt基因作物释放后对生态环境及其它方面产生的潜在影响越来越受到重视。分别从生物活性杀虫晶体蛋白在土壤中的残留特性、杀虫晶体蛋白对土壤中非目标生物的影响、转 Bt基因玉米植株体成分的变化、转Bt基因玉米花粉中杀虫晶体蛋白的表达特性及其在田间和马力筋叶片上的散积状况、花粉中表达的杀虫晶体蛋白对君主斑蝶的毒性、君主斑蝶幼虫暴露在 Bt花粉中的概率及综合风险评价估算等方面对转 Bt基因玉米产生的杀虫晶体蛋白与土壤生态环境的相互作用、花粉对非目标生物影响的研究现状进行了综述。通过对转 Bt基因作物生态安全性的科学评价和广泛宣传 ,以确保生物技术的健康发展。     

Orientation Behavior,Development and Survival of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichoplusia ni</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae on Cotton Expressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab and Conventional Cotton

This study was conducted to determine the effects of Bt cotton leaves (Bollgard II), non-Bt cotton leaves, and a mixture of Bt+non-Bt cotton leaves on larval orientation behavior, survival and development of Trichoplusia ni in the laboratory. Results indicate that in a no-choice test, more first and fifth instars remained on Bt leaves than the third instars. All larvae that remained on the leaves gradually moved to leaf edge. In the choice between a Bt and a non-Bt leaf, more first instars moved to non-Bt leaves, whereas the third and fifth instars did not show significant difference in the first 8 h, but eventually more moved to non-Bt leaves. More first instars fed non-Bt leaves than third instars and fifth instars. When larvae fed Bt leaves, 100% of first instars, 92.7% of third instars and 51.1% of fifth instars died in 108 h. Once larvae pupated, >90% developed to adults. First and third instars that fed Bt leaves developed slower but their pupae developed faster than those on Bt+non-Bt leaves, whereas fifth instars developed similar on the three types of leaves. First and third instars that fed Bt+non-Bt leaves resulted in less heavy pupae than those fed non-Bt leaves; whereas the fifth instars that survived on Bt leaves produced lighter pupae.     

Feeding behavior of neonate Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on Cry1Ab Bt corn: implications for resistance management

The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is an economically important insect pest of corn, Zea mays L., in the United States and Canada. The development of genetically modified corn expressing genes derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that encodes insecticidal crystalline (Cry) proteins has proven to be effective in controlling this insect. To assess the feeding behavior of neonate O. nubilalis on Bt corn, we examined differences in feeding behavior, based on presence of plant material in the gut, between Cry1Ab Bt corn and non-Bt near isoline corn for four intervals over a 48-h period. Feeding experiments revealed that there was significantly less feeding on Bt corn compared with non-Bt near isoline corn. The behavior of neonates on the plant corresponded with the differences in feeding on the two corn lines. The findings also showed that > 50% of the larvae initially left the plant before there was evidence in the gut of feeding regardless of whether the source was Bt or non-Bt corn. A higher quantity of plant material was found in the gut of larvae recovered from leaves of non-Bt compared with Bt corn. At the end of 48 h among the larvae that had left the plant, a greater proportion from Bt corn had plant material in the gut than did those from non-Bt corn.     

Evaluation of transgenic Bt corn for resistance to the Asian corn borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), is the most important insect pest on corn in China. Bt transgenic corn provides a new tool for Asian corn borer control. Monsanto's YieldGard Bt transgenic corn expressing Cry1Ab protein, and a non-Bt control, were evaluated in Beijing. Laboratory bioassays were carried out by exposing neonates to an agar-free diet containing Bt corn whorl leaves, tassels, and anthers, or by exposing neonates directly to fresh silk and pollen. These are the tissues initially attacked by neonates in the field. All of these tissues, with the exception of pollen, contained sufficient insecticidal protein to kill > or = 95% of larvae within 7 d. Surviving larvae had also not grown beyond first instar and weighed < or = 0.1 mg. Although larvae feeding on Bt corn pollen were significantly smaller than those on non-Bt corn pollen, there was no significant difference in mortality. Field trials were also conducted with artificial infestations of Asian corn borer at mid whorl, late whorl, and silking stages. Damage ratings and number of larvae surviving per plant indicated that Bt corn was highly resistant to Asian corn borer. Therefore, YieldGard offers the potential for season-long protection against first- and second-generation Asian corn borer.     

Detrimental effects of latex and cardiac glycosides on survival and growth of first-instar monarch butterfly larvae Danaus plexippus feeding on the sandhill milkweed Asclepias humistrata

1. A novel experimental method was developed to study negative physical and chemical effects of latex and cardiac glycosides on first‐instar monarch butterfly larvae in their natural environment in north central Florida. Forceps were used to nibble through the petioles of leaves of the sandhill milkweed Asclepias humistrata, mimicking the behaviour of mature monarch larvae. This notching cut off the supply of latex to the leaves without significantly reducing either their cardiac glycoside concentration or water content. 2. The mean cardiac glycoside concentration in larvae that fed on intact leaves was nearly two and a half times greater than in larvae that fed on notched leaves. This was probably because more latex is present in the gut of the larvae that fed on the intact leaves. Supporting this is the fact that the mean concentration of cardiac glycosides in the latex was 34–47 times that in the leaves. 3. Wet weights, dry weights, and growth rates of first‐instar larvae that fed on intact leaves over a 72‐h period were less than half those of larvae that fed on notched leaves. 4. Mortality due to miring in the latex was 27% on the intact leaves compared with 2% on the notched leaves. 5. Latex, cardiac glycosides, and other as yet undetermined plant factors all have a negative effect on first‐instar larval survival. 6. Video‐analyses indicated that ingestion of latex caused the larvae to become cataleptic and increased their chances of being mired on the leaf by the setting latex glue. Dysfunction resulting from latex ingestion may lead to the larvae falling off the plant and being killed by invertebrate predators. 7. The difficulty of neonate monarch larvae surviving on A. humistrata – one of the principal milkweed species fed on each spring as monarchs remigrate from Mexico into the southern U.S.A. – is evidence that a co‐evolutionary arms race is operating in this plant–herbivore system.     

A comparison of the host preference of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) for milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) over dog-strangler vine (Vincetoxicum rossicum)

Observations in the field indicate that monarch butterflies will oviposit on dog‐strangler vine, an invasive introduced species in the same family as milkweed (Asclepias spp.), the principal larval host of monarchs. The potential impact of this behaviour depends on the strength of the preference of monarch adults to oviposit on these two hosts and the relative ability of larvae to survive on each. We determined the preference for milkweed vs. dog‐strangler vine of ovipositing adults and first instar larvae in choice and no‐choice tests. We also compared the ability of larvae to consume, develop, and survive on either host. In the presence of both hosts, adults exhibited a strong preference to oviposit on milkweed over dog‐strangler vine (mean 80.7 eggs compared to 0.4 eggs over 48 h, respectively). In the absence of milkweed, adults ceased oviposition (mean 0.9 eggs in 48 h), but resumed oviposition when the dog‐strangler vine was replaced with milkweed (mean 99.1 eggs in 48 h). Given a choice between hosts over 24 h, 92% of larvae moved to milkweed leaves and consumed 3.94 cm² of milkweed leaves compared to 2% of larvae that moved to dog‐strangler vine and consumed negligible amounts of leaf material (0.01 cm²). Without a choice, larvae on dog‐strangler vine never consumed more than mean 0.02 cm² larva^?1 in a 24‐h period, did not develop beyond the first instar, and died within 96 h. We obtained no data in support of an effect of the presence of dog‐strangler vine on monarch butterfly populations.     

Field deposition of Bt transgenic corn pollen: lethal effects on the monarch butterfly

We present the first evidence that transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn pollen naturally deposited on Asclepias syriaca; common milkweed, in a corn field causes significant mortality of Danaus plexippus L. (Lepidoptera: Danaidae) larvae. Larvae feeding for 48 h on A. syriaca plants naturally dusted with pollen from Bt corn plants suffered significantly higher rates of mortality at 48 h (20Dž%) compared to larvae feeding on leaves with no pollen (3Dž%), or feeding on leaves with non-Bt pollen (0%). Mortality at 120 h of D. plexippus larvae exposed to 135 pollen grains/cm² of transgenic pollen for 48 h ranged from 37 to 70%. We found no sub-lethal effects on D. plexippus adults reared from larvae that survived a 48-h exposure to three concentrations of Bt pollen. Based on our quantification of the wind dispersal of this pollen beyond the edges of agricultural fields, we predict that the effects of transgenic pollen on D. plexippus may be observed at least 10 m from transgenic field borders. However, the highest larval mortality will likely occur on A. syriaca plants in corn fields or within 3 m of the edge of a transgenic corn field. We conclude that the ecological effects of transgenic insecticidal crops need to be evaluated more fully before they are planted over extensive areas.     

Management of feeding damage and survival of southwestern corn borer and sugarcane borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) with Bacillus thuringiensis transgenic field corn

The efficacy of transgenic corn hybrids expressing an insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) delta-endotoxin from different transformation events was evaluated in field corn, Zea mays L., against the southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar, and sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.). Susceptibilities of neonates and third instars were determined on Bt and non-Bt corn plants (V6 and R1 stages) in field plots and corn leaf tissue feeding exposure in laboratory bioassays. Bt corn hybrids associated with MON810 and CBH351 transformation events sustained significantly less injury by southwestern corn borer and sugarcane borer during mid-whorl stage infestations compared with their respective non-Bt hybrid equivalents. Southwestern corn borer and sugarcane borer feeding injury to ear leaf-sheath and husk tissues during the silking stage of corn was significantly reduced in MON810 and CBH351 Bt corn compared with their respective non-Bt hybrids. However, resistance levels to feeding injury in Bt hybrids associated with the MON810 event were significantly higher than that in the hybrid associated with the CBH351 event. Southwestern corn borer and sugarcane borer caused more feeding injury to husk tissue than to ear leaf-sheath tissue in both Bt and non-Bt hybrids infested during the silking stage. Laboratory performance of the MON810 event against southwestern corn borer and sugarcane borer varied among hybrids associated with the same event. Third instars of southwestern corn borer were highly susceptible to MON810 Bt corn hybrids in leaf tissue experiments. However, sugarcane borer larvae were susceptible to the MON810 event only in one of the Bt hybrids evaluated. Sugarcane borer mortality was significantly lower after 96 h of feeding exposure on CBH351 Bt corn leaf tissue than on MON810 Bt corn leaf tissue. Plant resistance to southwestern corn borer and sugarcane borer increased as plants matured, independent of the presence of a Bt construct. These results are essential to estimate the importance of Bt transgenic corn in areas of southern United States and other areas where mixed populations of southwestern corn borer and sugarcane borer are predominant and cause severe damage to corn production.     

Feeding and Dispersal Behavior of the Cotton Leafworm,Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on Bt and Non-Bt Cotton: Implications for Evolution and Resistance Management

The host acceptance of neonate Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae to Bt cotton plants exerts a strong influence on the potential risk that this pest will develop resistance to Bt cotton. This will also determine the efficiency of management strategies to prevent its resistance such as the “refuge-in-the-bag” strategy. In this study, we assessed the acceptance of neonate A. argillacea larvae to Bt and non-Bt cotton plants at different temperatures during the first 24 h after hatching. Two cotton cultivars were used in the study, one a Bt DP 404 BG (Bollgard) cultivar, and the other, an untransformed isoline, DP 4049 cultivar. There was a greater acceptance by live neonate A. argillacea larvae for the non-Bt cotton plants compared with the Bt cotton plants, especially in the time interval between 18 and 24 h. The percentages of neonate A. argillacea larvae found on Bt or non-Bt plants were lower when exposed to temperatures of 31 and 34°C. The low acceptance of A. argillacea larvae for Bt cotton plants at high temperatures stimulated the dispersion of A. argillacea larvae. Our results support the hypothesis that the dispersion and/or feeding behavior of neonate A. argillacea larvae is different between Bt and non-Bt cotton. The presence of the Cry1Ac toxin in Bt cotton plants, and its probable detection by the A. argillacea larvae tasting or eating it, increases the probability of dispersion from the plant where the larvae began. These findings may help to understand how the A. argillacea larvae detect the Cry1Ac toxin in Bt cotton and how the toxin affects the dispersion behavior of the larvae over time. Therefore, our results are extremely important for the management of resistance in populations of A. argillacea on Bt cotton.     

新疆棉区转Bt基因棉对棉铃虫生物学的影响

棉铃虫Helicoverpaarmigera高龄幼虫取食转Bt基因棉花组织后 ,化蛹率、羽化率、蛹重、体长均有显著下降 ,在转Bt基因棉花上棉铃虫的取食行为也受到较大的影响 ,表现为取食次数明显减少、吐丝下垂次数明显增加 ;无论是转Bt基因棉花还是常规棉花 ,棉铃虫 3龄幼虫主要分布于繁殖器官上 ,在转Bt基因棉花各繁殖器官上的分布概率为 :花 >棉铃 >棉蕾 ,常规棉花上分布概率为 :棉蕾 >棉铃 >花 ;棉铃虫高龄幼虫取食转Bt基因棉花各组织 ,成虫羽化后产卵量、卵孵化率均有明显下降 ;在较低的棉铃虫虫口密度下 ,转Bt基因棉花对棉铃虫有一定的产卵排趋性。     

Feeding behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera larvae on insect-resistant transgenic cotton and non-transgenic cotton

Abstract: Feeding behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lep.; Noctuidae) larvae on non‐transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), Zhong 30, and transgenic cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI)‐Bt cotton, SGK 321, and non‐transgenic cotton, Shiyuan 321, was investigated in both choice tests and no‐choice tests. The results of choice tests suggested that neonates have the ability to detect and avoid transgenic cotton. In the choice tests of neonates with both transgenic and non‐transgenic cotton leaves, a significantly greater proportion of larvae and higher consumption were observed on non‐transgenic cotton than on the transgenic Bt or CpTI‐Bt cotton. In the choice tests with leaves of two transgenic cotton lines, the proportion of neonates on leaf discs of the two lines was not significantly different, but there was significantly higher consumption on CpTI‐Bt transgenic cotton than that on Bt transgenic cotton. In addition, significantly more neonates were found away from the leaf discs, lower consumption and higher mortality were achieved in the choice test with two transgenic cotton leaves than in the choice tests containing non‐transgenic cotton leaves. Leaves and buds were examined in choice tests of fourth instars. It appeared that fourth instars were found in equal numbers on transgenic and non‐transgenic cotton, except when larvae were exposed to leaves for 3 h. However, the total consumption on transgenic cotton was lower than that of the non‐transgenic cotton, so fourth instars may still have the capacity to detect transgenic cotton and reduce feeding on it, although they showed no preference on either transgenic or non‐transgenic cotton. More larvae were found off diet in the treatments with leaves than that of buds, and the number of injured leaf discs by per fourth instar was significantly higher than that of buds in choice tests, suggesting that leaf is a less preferred organ for H. armigera larvae, elicited more larval movements. Similarly, in no‐choice tests of fifth instars, significantly fewer feeding time and more moving time occurred on leaf than that of bud, boll and petal. When cotton line was considered, compared with non‐transgenic cotton, significantly lower feeding time and higher resting time occurred on the two transgenic cottons. Overall, H. armigera larvae have the ability to detect the transgenic Bt and CpTI‐Bt cottons or the less preferred organs and selectively feed more on the non‐transgenic cotton or the preferred organs, especially the neonates, which have a high capacity for avoiding transgenic cotton.     

Larval feeding on Bt hybrid and non-Bt corn seedlings by Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Zoophytophagy is an omnivorous activity that occurs when a primarily carnivorous species feeds on plant material. Plant feeding by beneficial predators may have negative consequences if the plant material has been chemically treated, contains toxins, or was transgenically altered. Although common in predaceous Hemiptera, zoophytophagy has been rarely studied in aphidophagous coccinellids. This study examined the likelihood of feeding on Bt and non-Bt corn seedlings by third- and fourth-instar coccinellid larvae, the regularity of feeding events by fourth instars, and the effect of leaf feeding on development time and adult size. Both third- and fourth-instar Harmonia axyridis Pallas and Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer consume leaf tissue, with fourth instars being significantly more likely to feed on corn seedlings. C. maculata larvae ingested leaf tissue more frequently than H. axyridis. Furthermore, when given access to corn seedlings daily, development time of fourth-instar C. maculata increased after Bt hybrid corn treatments compared with non-Bt corn treatments. Zoophytophagous feeding behavior is thought to sustain predators during times of low prey availability, and leaf tissue feeding by coccinellids has typically been attributed to their need for water. However, in this study, tissue feeding regularly occurred even though coccinellid larvae had constant access to water and a daily ad libitum supply of aphids. We suggest that, in addition to environmental conditions, the physiological state of the zoophytophagous species will influence the probability of plant feeding.     

The effects of pollen consumption of transgenic Bt maize on the common swallowtail, Papilio machaon L. (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae)

Effects of exposure to maize pollen of event Bt176 (cultivar “Navares”) on the larvae of the European common swallowtail (Papilio machaon L.) were studied in the laboratory. First instar larvae were exposed to different pollen densities applied to leaf disks of Pastinaca sativa L. for 48 h. Pollen densities applied in this study were in the range recorded from the field. Larvae which were exposed to higher Bt maize pollen densities consumed more pollen and had a lower survival rate. The LD₅₀ with regard to larvae surviving to adulthood was 13.72 pollen grains consumed by first-instar larva. Uptake of Bt maize pollen led to a reduced plant consumption, to a lower body weight, and to a longer development time of larvae. Effects on pupal weight and duration of the pupal period were present but less pronounced and smaller than effects on larvae. Larvae having consumed Bt-maize pollen as first instars had a lower body weight as adult females and smaller forewings as adult males. We conclude that possible effects of Bt maize on European butterflies and moths must be evaluated more rigorously before Bt maize should be cultivated over large areas.     

Plant abandonment behavior and fitness of monarch larvae (Danaus plexippus) is not influenced by an intraspecific competitor

Integrating aspects of larval lepidopteran behavior that enhance survival into conservation plans could increase the overall impact of the efforts. We previously recommended that where possible, maintaining 2–4 ramets of closely-spaced common milkweed would support the development of at least one monarch through pupation, based on a seemingly innate behavior in which monarch larvae (Danaus plexippus) abandon their natal milkweed ramet (Asclepias sp.). Here, we explored the impact of intraspecific competition on larval ramet abandonment behavior and fitness of monarch larvae in small artificial milkweed patches.

We observed larvae reared under direct and indirect intraspecific competition, and larvae reared alone.

We found no influence of intraspecific competition; however, our study provides further support that milkweed ramet abandonment is a seemingly innate behavior. This behavior occurs before all of the available leaf biomass on a ramet is consumed and prior to the pre-pupal wandering stage.

Implications for insect conservation: Results from our study suggest that in the absence of predation, parasitism, and interspecific competition, and when sufficient plant biomass is present to support larval development, the presence of an intraspecific competitor does not influence larval behavior or fitness. Based on milkweed ramet abandonment behavior, we continue to suggest maintaining small patches of 2–4 milkweed ramets when possible.

     

Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Exhibits No Preference between Bt and Non-Bt Maize Fed Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

A recent shift in managing insect resistance to genetically engineered (GE) maize consists of mixing non-GE seed with GE seed known as “refuge in a bag”, which increases the likelihood of predators encountering both prey fed Bt and prey fed non-Bt maize. We therefore conducted laboratory choice-test feeding studies to determine if a predator, Harmonia axyridis, shows any preference between prey fed Bt and non-Bt maize leaves. The prey species was Spodoptera frugiperda, which were fed Bt maize (MON-810), expressing the single Cry1Ab protein, or non-Bt maize. The predators were third instar larvae and female adults of H. axyridis. Individual predators were offered Bt and non-Bt fed prey larvae that had fed for 24, 48 or 72 h. Ten and 15 larvae of each prey type were offered to third instar and adult predators, respectively. Observations of arenas were conducted at 1, 2, 3, 6, 15 and 24 h after the start of the experiment to determine the number and type of prey eaten by each individual predator. Prey larvae that fed on non-Bt leaves were significantly larger than larvae fed Bt leaves. Both predator stages had eaten nearly all the prey by the end of the experiment. However, in all combinations of predator stage and prey age, the number of each prey type consumed did not differ significantly. ELISA measurements confirmed the presence of Cry1Ab in leaf tissue (23–33 µg/g dry weight) and S. frugiperda (2.1–2.2 µg/g), while mean concentrations in H. axyridis were very low (0.01–0.2 µg/g). These results confirm the predatory status of H. axyridis on S. frugiperda and that both H. axyridis adults and larvae show no preference between prey types. The lack of preference between Bt-fed and non-Bt-fed prey should act in favor of insect resistance management strategies using mixtures of GE and non-GE maize seed.