Alkaloid level in narrow-leafed lupin, Lupinus angustifolius, influences green peach aphid reproductive performance

Two viviparous parthenogenetic clones of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), one collected from Rydalmere, New South Wales (NSW), and the other from South Perth (SP), Western Australia, were reared on radish, Raphanus sativus L. cv. Scarlet Globe, under controlled conditions. The NSW clone was fed on simple artificial diets containing alkaloid extracted from narrow-leafed lupin, Lupinus angustifolius L. cv. Fest., and its reproductive performance monitored over 112 h. Forty (40) h into the experiment and thereafter, aphids on the control diet (sucrose solution) produced significantly more offspring (P<0.05) than those on diets containing alkaloid. In a separate experiment, apterae of each clone were caged on three lines (cv. Yorrel, cv. Danja and 84L:441) of narrow-leafed lupin, and allowed to reproduce. The first three offspring were retained, and all developed to 3rd or 4th instar stage. Two nymphs were removed, and the remaining nymph reared through. All three lines produced adults. The number of young produced were counted over 11 days. Fecundity of the SP clone was lower on line 84L:441, but there was no difference in the fecundity of the NSW clone. Phloem exudate and green tissue was concomitantly collected from all lines, and analysed by GC-MS for the alkaloids lupanine and 13-hydroxylupanine. Line 84L:441 contained the highest level of total alkaloids in both phloem and tissue. All experiments indicate that alkaloid level may suppress fecundity of green peach aphids.     

Effects of plant chemical extracts and physical characteristics of Apium graveolens and Chenopodium murale on host choice by Spodoptera exigua larvae

Choice tests with whole plants and leaf discs indicated that fourth instar Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Noctuidae: Amphypyrini) were found more frequently and ate significantly more of the weed Chenopodium murale than the associated crop plant Apium graveolens. In order to explain the preference, plant extracts, plant volatiles, soluble protein concentrations, water contents, and leaf toughness of the two plants were investigated. Bioassays of aqueous methanol (90%) and hexane extracts of leaves on cellulose discs indicated that neither attractants in C. murale nor repellents in A. graveolens could account for the observed preference. No significant difference could be found between the effects of plant volatiles from C. murale, A. graveolens and a control on larval dispersal by S. exigua. Selective feeding for higher levels of proteins also was not a factor, because A. graveolens had nearly twice the soluble protein of C. murale. Water content was approximately 6% higher (by weight) in C. murale than A. graveolens but most polyphagous larvae do not typically show compensatory feeding for water alone. However, the potentially related characteristic of leaf toughness was significantly different, with A. graveolens exhibiting 1.53 times the toughness of C. murale. Studies comparing five types of larval behavior on both plant species showed that the time spent in swallowing behavior was significantly greater on the tougher A. graveolens leaves relative to C. murale. To test the hypothesis that leaf toughness was affecting larval host choice, both plants were finely ground and incorporated into agar blocks. No differences in feeding behavior were detected. The implications of leaf toughness for larval diet and host choice are discussed.     

An assessment of macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups as water quality indicators in the Buffalo River, eastern Cape Province, South Africa

The aim of this paper was to investigate the potential for using functional feeding groups (FFGs) as indicators of water quality conditions in rivers, using the Buffalo River, South Africa, as a specific example. Multivariate classification and ordination techniques were used to investigate species and FFG distributions in relation to a number of physico-chemical variables at 16 sites from the headwaters to the estuary of the Buffalo River.Two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) of species composition ranked most of the sites sequentially down the river, irrespective of water quality conditions. Ordination of FFGs from a set of riffle samples collected in mid-late summer showed only weak relationships between FFG distribution and water quality changes, except where variables changed sequentially down the river (e.g. pH and temperature). Individual species responses to water quality gradients were examined for nine riffle-dwelling species representing diverse FFGs. Following correspondence analysis of a matrix of environmental variables and species frequencies, some species showed strong associations with defined ranges of some variables. In particular, Adenophlebia auriculata (Leptophlebiidae, Ephemeroptera) from the headwater sampling site, was associated with low pH and low temperature. Simulium damnosum occurred under conditions of high turbidity, while Afronurus harrisoni was found under high concentrations of potassium, ammonium and nitrite ions.We conclude that although there was a distinct headwaters fauna in the Buffalo River, and sequential downstream changes in species composition, most FFGs (apart from shredders) were represented down the whole length of the river. FFG classifications are therefore unlikely to provide useful indications of water quality conditions in the Buffalo River.Using a categorical approach to classifying water quality variables, and by applying correspondence analysis to the resulting matrix, we recognised nine species that could be used to define water quality. These indicator species can be used to define tolerance ranges of the fauna for water quality conditions in different parts of the Buffalo river.     

Ectoparasitic Acugutturid Nematodes of Adult Lepidoptera

Noctuidonema guyaneme is an interesting ectoparasite of adult Lepidoptera that feeds on hosts from at least five families with its long stylet. Noctuidonema guyanense spends its entire life on the adult moth and is sustained as it is passed from moth to moth during host mating. Overlapping host generations are essential for parasite survival. This nematode occurs throughout tropical and subtropical America and is transported by at least one of its hosts, Spodoptera frugiperda, during migration to northern sites in the United States each spring. Noctuidonema guyanense debilitates its hosts. Research conducted to help determine the biological control importance of this nematode is reviewed. Two additional species, N. daptria and N. dibolia, are now known for Noctuidonema.     

A re-examination of host relations in the Aphelinidae (Hymenoptera: Ghalcidoidea)

Host relations among the Aphelinidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) are highly intriguing from an evolutionary view. Females are usually primary endoparasitoids of whiteflies or scale insects, whereas the development of the male is different and has been used for classification. In heteronomous hyperparasitoids (adelphoparasitoids or autoparasitoids) the male develops as a hyperparasitoid of conspecific females or other endoparasitoid species. We review the consequences of this mode of development which is unique because decisions concerning host selection are inextricably linked with progeny sex ratio. Autoparasitoid field sex ratios can fluctuate dramatically concurrent with changes in the relative availability of male and female hosts. A recent adaptive explanation for these sex ratios involves understanding the reproductive constraints acting on heteronomous parasitoids. Host relations in these parasitoids can show a degree of plasticity. We argue that in many instances autoparasitism may be facultative in nature and should not be used for classification. Heterotrophic parasitism, wherein the male develops as a primary parasitoid of lepidopterous eggs, has been poorly understood in the past due to uncertainties in reports of the biology and taxonomy of heterotrophic parasitoids. The host relations of this group are clarified.     

Temporal changes in host adaptation in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum

Abstract.

• 1 Temporal changes in host adaptation were followed in a local population of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. Aphid clones were collected in one alfalfa and one clover field at three different times. In the spring, first-generation females were collected. Later, in the autumn, females belonging to the last parthenogenetic generation were collected. Lastly, sexual females were collected after mating in autumn and allowed to produce eggs which were hatched. The performance was evaluated on alfalfa and clover. The spring-collected individuals were also assessed on peas.
• 2 On the overwintering hosts clover and alfalfa, the clones performed best on the plant of origin, i.e. negative correlations in performance. Correlations between performance on the temporary summer host, pea, and that on clover/alfalfa were weak or nonsignificant.
• 3 Significant variation in host performance was found within both host fields at spring, which is a prerequisite for changes in clone composition due to selection/migration.
• 4 The clones from alfalfa showed an increase in mean performance on alfalfa between spring and autumn, whereas no changes among the clones from the clover field were observed. This difference in seasonal response between the two fields could have been the result of larger variation in performance among the alfalfa clones and/or a differential tendency to migrate among clones in both fields.
• 5 After sexual recombination in the autumn, mean performance in the alfalfa field returned to the spring level, probably as a result of emergence of new genetic combinations. In the clover field, mean performance did not change significantly over time.

     

Potential for host range expansion in Ceratitis capitata flies: impact of proximity of adult food to egg-laying sites

Abstract.

• 1 In field cage and field tests, female Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), in trees alighted in significantly greater numbers upon sticky-coated (non-odour-emitting) kumquats, Fortunella japonica, that were in the vicinity of odorous natural proteinaceous food (bird faeces) or synthetic food odour than on similar kumquats distant from bird faeces or synthetic food odour.
• 2 In field cage tests, oviposition in non-sticky kumquats nearby bird faeces was significantly greater than in non-sticky kumquats distant from bird faeces.
• 3 In field tests, medflies laid significantly more eggs in host kumquat and non-host hawthorn, Crataegus mollis, fruit adjacent to bird faeces and synthetic food odour than in fruit of these types distant from food-type stimuli.
• 4 These findings suggest that odour of natural food of medflies could lure flies to plants whose fruit emit little or no attractive odour and are not permanent hosts but which are nonetheless susceptible to egg-laying and larval development, resulting in temporary expansion of host range.

     

Variation in pea aphid population development in three different habitats

Abstract.

• 1 Seasonal population growth rates for the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris, were determined in three different host plant habitats; alfalfa, Medicago sativa (L.), clover, Trifolium pratense (L.), and peas, Pisum sativum (L.); over four years and eight places. It was possible to estimate a common intrinsic rate of increase for each host plant habitat.
• 2 An analysis of the relative influence of temporal, spatial and host plant habitat variation showed that the host plant habitat was most important in determining the growth rates of the populations, both in rate of build-up and decline.
• 3 Patterns of alate production in the three different habitats differed substantially between the annual peas and the two perennial legumes. During the summer, alate production was large and rapid in peas and remained low and constant in clover and alfalfa
• 4 Parasitism was highest in peas. The species composition of parasitoids differed between crops.
• 5 Aphids in annual peas had a higher intrinsic rate of increase and a faster rate of decline than in the two perennial legumes. This explains the presence of both migratory and sedentary forms among pea aphids.

     

寄主植物对瓜蚜酯酶活性及其耐药性的影响

寄主植物对瓜蚜无翅胎生雌蚜体重、体色、体内酯酶活性均有明显影响。取食笋瓜、南瓜、瓠子、黄瓜和冬瓜的瓜蚜,体重依次增加,体色渐深,而体内羧酸酯酶活性依次渐低。取食不同奇主植物的瓜蚜对杀虫剂的耐药性与其体内酯酶活性呈正相关。瓜蚜体内羧酸酯酶活性（X）与乐果对瓜蚜的LC50（Y）附会Y=8．3827X－67．8530（r=0．952）,与功夫菊酯对瓜蚜的LC50（Y）附合Y=1．040X－28．89（r=0．985）的线性关系。     

Sex ratio regulation in the waspEupelmus vuilleti (crwf.), an ectoparasitoid on bean weevil larvae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

In Africa, the seeds and/or pods ofVigna unguiculata andVigna radiata (Papilionacea) are attacked in fields and storage structures by bruchid beetlesCallosobruchus maculatus andBruchidius atrolineatus, on which parasitoid communities can develop. One of these parasitoids is the solitary ectoparasitoidEupelmus vuilleti (Eupelmidae). The storage conditions ofV. unguiculata andV. radiata favor the overlapping of all host stages during several months. These conditions suggest that female parasitoids would vary the sex ratio of their offspring according to the different sizes or developmental stages of hosts. The sex ratio ofE. vuilleti was strongly related to the developmental stage of the hostC. maculatus. Under our experimental conditions, where superparasitism is rare, the proportion of daughters varied between 5 and 25% on the third larval stage but reached 70 to 90% on the pupae. The increase in the proportion of daughters was also observed in the absence of superparasitism. In this case, there was an absolute coincidence between the sex ratio of eggs laid and that of emerged adults. Manipulation of the sex of the egg by the females seems to take place at the time of the egg's fertilization. The relation between host weight and egg sex showed that the male eggs are preferentially laid on lighter host larvae and the female eggs on heavier ones.