Die Auswirkungen der Carnitinblockade durch γ-Butyrobetain bei den Larven von Tribolium destructor Uyttenb. (Col., Tenebrionidae) und einigen anderen Vorratsschädlingen

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of γ-Butyrobetaine on the development of Tribolium destructor Uyttenb., T. confusum Duval, Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. and Gibbium psylloides Czemp. are described. The test diets contained either 2·5 mg or 50 mg γ-Butyrobetaine/g diet and were eaten by larvae of T. destructor in greater amounts during the whole experiment than were the control diets. In spite of this steady and increased consumption of food, the development of the test animals was retarded. Moulting to the 2nd stage larva began 1–2 days later than usual. Only a few animals completed ecdyses, most dying before or during casting of the exuviae. As seen in carnitine deficient animals, there were disturbances in the casting of the skin and also bulges in the midgut; similar observations were made in T. confusum and O. surinamensis. G. psylloides, in contrast, showed no response to feeding on γ-Butyrobetaine. These results are discussed in detail.