Alternative Food Plant Research Articles

New food plants for insects Vilbasteana oculata (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and Otiorhynchus smreczynskii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Baltic region

Vilbasteana oculata (hemipteran) and Otiorhynchus smreczynskii (beetle) are alien species in countries around the Baltic Sea, and they are continuing to spread. Sometimes when entering new areas where other plant species are found, herbivores tend to add to their range of food plants. Knowledge of the feeding trends of particular insect species can be useful in predicting possible changes in insect-plant trophic relationships in other regions where they expanding in range. This study looks at the feeding trends of two insect species – V. oculata and O. smreczynskii. The study was carried out mainly in Latvia, as well as in other expeditions in Estonia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden. In this study, four Fraxinus and four Ligustrum species were confirmed as the new food plants for V. oculata. The main food plants for adults of O. smreczynskii probably originally belonged to the genera Ligustrum and Syringa. In this study, a number of alternative food plants have been recorded for the first time, generally woody and some herbaceous plants. Most of the newly registered food plants for O. smreczynskii belong to the families Oleaceae and Rosaceae. Other food plants belong to the families Adoxaceae, Celastraceae, Elaeagnaceae, Ericaceae, Grossulariaceae, and Rhamnaceae. V. oculata was confirmed in Poland (2017) and Sweden (2019) for the first time.

Diversity of alternative food plants traded in the Kranggan Mas Traditional Market, Bekasi District, West Java Province, Indonesia

The market is the main place for buying and selling alternative food plants and its rich in local wisdom. This study aims to explain the diversity of alternative food plant that are traded in the traditional market of Kranggan Mas, Bekasi District and their potential as healthy food ingredients. The research was conducted with an ethnobotanical approach with surveys, interviews and participations observation. The respondents were all traders who traded alternative food plants. The data was qualitative analysis includes grouping plants based on benefits, families, and parts used. A total of 12 species belonging10 genera and 8 families of plants as alternative food are traded in the Kranggan Mas traditional market. A total of 7 species of food are available every day and 4 species are available seasonally. The part of used are tuber (82%) and fruits (18%). Dioscorea alata and Artocarpus altilis are foodstuff ingredients that are still very potential to be developed and cultivated because both species are easy to find in the surrounding environment and its uses as shade and living fence. The Dioscorea alata has compounds dioscorine which has activity to reduce hypertension, so that its recommended for postmenopausal women.

Diversity of alternative food plants traded in the Kranggan Mas Traditional Market, Bekasi District, West Java Province, Indonesia

Diversity of alternative food plants traded in the Kranggan Mas Traditional Market, Bekasi District, West Java Province, Indonesia

Collection method and stomata observation on arrowroot plant using nail polish

Indrayani S, Perdani AY. 2018. Collection method and stomata observation on arrowroot plant using nail polish. Pros SemNas Masy Biodiv Indon 4: 158-162. Arrowroot plant (Maranta arundinacea L.) is an alternative carbohydrate food plant that has notbeen widely used and studied. The research aspect is still around the pattern of genetic diversity and its agronomy. While thephysiological aspects, especially cytology has not been done, such as stomata observation. The basic principle of stomata observation isto take a leaf epidermis and observe it under a microscope. Although it seems simple, there are a number of obstacles encounteredduring stomata observation. The obstacles at stomata observation on arrowroot plants are the character of the leaves that easily roll up,the bottom surface of thin leaves, and there are layers of wax and trichome. This study aims to find the method of removal stomata ofarrowroot plants are easy, cheap, and efficiency to be observed. The material used is the nail polish with some modifications. Thepolishing technique is done in three ways: thin, medium, thick combined with long drying. The removal of the wax layers and trichomeon the lower surface of the leaf is done in two ways: direct scratching and adhesive attachment. The results showed that smearing nailpolish thinly with drying more than 1 hour gave the best result. The removal of the wax layers and trichome is more effective withadhesive apparatus. The best results show a very clear stomata diversity observed in number and size.

Production parameters and yarn realization in eri silkworm Samia ricini as influenced by alternative host plants

Nagaland is a traditional state for ericulture, mostly practiced on the primary food plant Ricinus communis L., the castor for rearing of Samia ricini Donavans. However, this host is not sufficiently available during the dry season, for continuous rearing. Hence, the eri farmers use certain alternative food plants namely Heteropanax fragrans Seem (kesseru), Manihot utilissima Phol (tapioca) and Evodia fraxinifolia Hook (payam), of which the latter two plants are abundant in Nagaland. The present study evaluated during spring, summer and rainy seasons, and assessed the suitability of alternative food plants particularly tapioca and payam along with primary food plant for cocoon production and silk yield.

KANDUNGAN KLOROFIL DALUGHA (Cyrtosperma merkusii (Hassk.) Scott) PADA HUTAN RAWA PASANG SURUT DI DESA LAINE, PULAU SANGIHE

ABSTRACT This article is to present the adaptation capacity of Dalugha (giant taro, Cyrtosperma merkusii) indicated by chlorophyll contents at a number of places in Laine Village, Sangihe Island. The study is related to the development of Dalugha as an alternative food plant and its adaptation to the inundated brackish water as a result of raising sea water surface on climate change. The aim of the study is to analyze the differences in chlorophyll contents of inundated and non inundated brackish water conditions in a tree shaded and non shaded conditions. The method is observational where plant responses are observed at the variation created by natural caused. The result showed cthat Dalugha chlorophyll content was influenced by tree shading but it is not influenced by inundation of brackish water. Keywords: dalugha, chlorophyll, tidal swamp forest

Integrating pesticides and predatory mites in soft fruit crops

Incorporation of predatory mites (Phytoseiidae) as biological control agents in soft fruit integrated pest management (IPM) programmes requires understanding of the interactions between environment, other organisms and crop management practices. This knowledge is dispersed among commercial online databases and peer reviewed papers and can be contradictory or difficult to access and interpret. The review brings together findings from databases and peer reviewed laboratory, field and semi-field studies of pesticide toxicity and persistence to soft fruit phytoseiid mites and also considers resistance, spray programmes and how these interact with species sensitivity, alternative food availability and plant structure. Predictably, acaricides and insecticides are the most toxic pesticides to phytoseiid mites, but their toxicity varies. Few fungicides are harmful, but data for many is lacking; it is very scarce for herbicides. There is virtually no data on tank mixes of pesticides applied to many soft fruit crops. Persistence of pesticides varies so release times for predatory mites after application range from a few days to several weeks and some of the most toxic active ingredients are not always the most persistent. Phytoseiid species vary in susceptibility to pesticides and in some populations resistance has occurred. Interactions with the environment are more difficult to define, but fungicides, for example, may reduce alternative food items whilst plant architecture may offer phytoseiid mites protection from spray residues. This review provides a timely synopsis to inform future research needs and provides practical guidance to enable better management of predatory mites in soft fruit crops.

Structural Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Phenolic Compounds from Astragalus taipaishanensis and Their Structure-Activity Relationship.

Eight phenolic compounds were isolated using bio-guided isolation and purified from the roots of Astragalus taipaishanensis Y. C. Ho et S. B. Ho (A. taipaishanensis) for the first time. Their structures were elucidated by ESI-MS, HR-ESI-MS, 1D-NMR and 2D-NMR as 7,2′-dihydroxy-3′,4′-dimethoxy isoflavan (1), formononetin (2), isoliquiritigenin (3), quercetin (4), kaempferol (5), ononin (6), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (7) and vanillic acid (8). Six flavonoids (compounds 1-6) exhibited stronger antioxidant activities (determined by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays) than those of BHA and TBHQ and also demonstrated noticeable protective effects (particularly quercetin and kaempferol) on Escherichia coli under oxidative stress. Additionally, the chemical constituents compared with those of Astragalus membranaceus and the structure-activity relationship of the isolated compounds were both analyzed. The results clearly demonstrated that A. taipaishanensis has the potential to be selected as an alternative medicinal and food plant that can be utilized in health food products, functional tea and pharmaceutical products.

English

This study assessed the market conduct and performance of wild and semi-wild food plants (WSWFPs) traded in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Uganda. A rapid market survey (RMS) was conducted in 17 local markets in Kibanda County. Market prices and weekly volumes of traded WSWFPs were compared with some of the selected conventional food plants traded in the same locality. Weekly volumes of traded WSWFPs based on the usual units of the measurement (including bundles and heaps) within the markets were estimated per species sold. The profit margin was computed per traded species. Transport expenses were excluded in the cost computation because only 4% of the traders incurred transport expenses in form of hired bicycles. Out of 62 WSWFPs belonging to 31 botanical families documented as edible in the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, about 47% belonging to 12 botanical families were traded in formal and informal markets. Market information system was largely rudimentary and undeveloped, and traders rely mainly on information from fellow traders as well as their customers to make market decisions. Traded products were primarily delivered to markets on foot and using bicycles. Currently, there are no definite or formal mechanisms of setting prices of traded WSWFPs; most traders relied on the daily market demand, time and risks involved in gathering process, information of the price of substitute food and prices from other areas, knowledge of the past seasons’ prices, and on the costs incurred from the suppliers. With exception of few species such as Physalis peruviana and Basella alba, weekly volumes of traded WSWFPs were low as compared to most conventional food crops. On the other hand, prices of most traded WSWFPs were generally similar to those of alternative conventional food plants marketed in the area. Some WSWFPs like Hibiscus acetosella, B. alba and Hyptis spicigera (seeds), had higher market prices per unit measurement as compared to the related conventional food plants. Average weekly profits yielded from the trade of various WSWFPs were moderate and ranged from UGX 764.5 to 6754.2 (USD 0.38 to 3.36). The highest return came from species such as H. spicigera, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Aframomum angustifolium, Borassus aethiopum, B. alba, Solanum nigrum, Aframomum alboviolaceum and Canarium schweinfurthii. Key words: Market conduct, market performance, wild edibles, wild foods, Uganda.

Age in Relation to Copulation, Egg Development, and Multiple Mating Behavior in the Coconut Palm Pest Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract To clarify the reproductive properties of the coconut palm pest, Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), we investigated in the laboratory the diel periodicity in copulation, effect of adult age after emergence on copulation and ovarian development, reproductive development in relation to female age, and the possibility of multiple mating. The beetles used in this study were reared in the laboratory and were fed an alternative food plant, narrowleaf cattail, Typha domingensis Pers. (Typhaceae). Copulation occurred throughout the 24-h cycle but mostly occurred in the photophase with two peaks, one at the onset of lights-on and the other 8–12 h after lights-on, indicating that most copulation activity in B. longissima in the field occurs in the early morning and the afternoon. Females could copulate immediately after emergence, whereas males began copulating 3 wk after emergence. Ovaries of females started to develop in the absence of mating and were correlated with adult age. Mature males could copulate with females regardless of ovarian developmental stage, and females with undeveloped ovaries accepted copulation attempts. Our study showed that the timing of copulation during the preoviposition period would not affect numbers of eggs laid, length of preoviposition period, or viability of eggs. B. longissima adults engaged in multiple mating.

Suitability of Potential Host Plants in Japan for Immature Development of the Coconut Hispine Beetle, Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The coconut hispine beetle, Brontispa longissima is a foliage feeder of the coconut palm, Cocos nuci- fera and other palm plants. Because B. longissima, supposedly native to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, is now distributed in Ishigaki, Okinawa and Ogasawara, mainland Japan faces the potential risk of invasion by this pest. Suitability of palms other than C. nucifera for development and repro- duction of B. longissima has been neglected, and the possibility of the other palms as alternative food plants for mass-rearing of this insect has not been evaluated. To evaluate the potential risk to palms in Japan and the possibility of the palms as alternative food plants, we examined host plant suitability for immature development of B. longissima, using the following exotic and native plants in Japan, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Collinia elegans, Livistona chinensis, Phoenix canariensis, Rhapis excel- sa, Rhapis humilis, Washingtonia filifera, and Typha latifolia. When given each of those plant leaves, the percentage survival from first instar to adult emergence was 70% on C. lutescens, 55% on L. chin- ensis, 45% on P. canariensis, 80% on W. filifera, and 45% on T. latifolia. The adults given one of these suitable plants during larval and adult stages oviposited. Although larvae fed on C. elegans, R. excelsa or R. humilis, they never developed to pupae. When given a choice among the suitable plant species, B. longissima adults preferred W. filifera over the other plants. Considering suitability for immature development and reproduction of B. longissima, the ornamental palms such as C. lutescens, L. chinensis, P. canariensis, and W. filifera can be potential hosts in mainland Japan.

Evaluation of Nutritional and Phytochemical Aspects of Some Indigenous Alternative Food Plants to Improve the Health Status of Tribal Children in Southern Madhya Pradesh of Central India

Evaluation of Nutritional and Phytochemical Aspects of Some Indigenous Alternative Food Plants to Improve the Health Status of Tribal Children in Southern Madhya Pradesh of Central India

Survey of the Color Forms of the Southern Twostriped Walkingstick (Phasmatodea: Areolatae: Pseudophasmatidae: Pseudophasmatinae: Anisomorphini), With Notes on Its Range, Habitats, and Behaviors

AbstractNumerous color morphs of the southern twostriped walkingstick (or “devil rider”), Anisomorpha buprestoides (Stoll, 1813) (Phasmatodea: Areolatae: Pseudophasmatidae: Pseudophasmatinae: Anisomorphini), predominantly from Florida, are described and illustrated. Three main color forms of A. buprestoides are recognized: white, orange and brown. Type specimens of A. buprestoides have been lost, but colored illustrations by its original describer are compared with the most similar color form described here. This is intended to support future selection of a neotype, which will become necessary for conducting any confirmed taxonomic studies. The common brown form is highly variable in size and coloration and exhibits a wide distribution, mainly throughout the more northern portions of the dispersal of A. buprestoides. The white and orange forms are restricted to rather small localities in central Florida and show affiliation with dryer habitats. The distribution of A. buprestoides, based on collecting records from various museum collections, extends as far south as Key West, FL, but the northern boundary of its range is unclear. The day-hiding, defensive, and oviposition behaviors are described and illustrated for the three recognized color forms and are shown to differ considerably with dependence on the respective habitat. A list of known host plants and alternative food plants used in captive breeding of A. buprestoides is provided, which proves this species to be rather polyphagous. Captive breeding on alternative food plants for three generations has shown the coloration to remain constant independent of food plant used. Our observations lead us to the conclusion that A. buprestoides is in every aspect capable of adaptation to ecological pressure.

Adult movements of newly introduced alien Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from non-host habitats

Mark-release-recapture experiments were undertaken in order to investigate the movement of adult Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte from accidental introduction points towards suitable habitats, such as its host plant, Zea mays L. In Hungary in 2003 and 2004, nine mark-release-recapture experiments were carried out in a grass steppe area and lucerne field, in which two small maize fields (10x10 m) had been planted 300 m distant from the central release point. After each release of 5500 to 6000 marked D. v. virgifera, beetle recaptures were recorded three times using non-baited yellow sticky traps placed on 30, 105, 205 and 305 m radii around the release point. In seven out of 15 recapture periods (47%), beetle populations showed no directional movements, and their movements towards any particular habitat cannot be predicted. During five recapture periods (33%), beetle populations showed a uni-directional movement, and in three cases (20%) a bi-directional movement was observed. In 10 out of 15 recapture periods (67%), the released populations moved in a direction that was comparable with the mean wind direction during these periods; thus, beetle movements were slightly correlated with wind direction. On average over sites and years, beetles were not preferentially moving towards the two small maize fields (located 300 m from the release point) compared to other directions. However, beetles moved significantly more frequently in the direction of naturally-occurring maize fields within a radius of 1500 m than towards other habitats. Beetles stayed more frequently within flowering lucerne fields out to a radius of 300 and 600 m than in non-flowering lucerne or other habitats. On average, 2.8% (SD 3.2) of all recaptured beetles arrived in one of the two small maize fields located 300 m from their release point indicating that there is a high risk of a founder population establishing. Habitat management cannot be suggested as a means of preventing the beetle's initial dispersal because movement was usually non-directional, and alternative food plants were used prior to reaching maize.

The impact of elephants on the marula tree Sclerocarya birrea

AbstractThis study determined the abundance, density and population structure of the marula tree, Sclerocarya birrea, in three game reserves in South Africa, and assessed patterns and amounts of new and cumulative impact of elephants. Elephant feeding was very patchy so several attributes of individual trees, sampled transects and communities that might influence elephant herbivory were investigated. The incidence and type of elephant impact (bark, branch or stem breakage) were significantly related to tree diameter, but not to fruiting nor proximity to roads. At the transect level, elephant impact was influenced by density of marula trees, but was not influenced by proximity to roads, nor proportion of marula trees bearing fruits in the vicinity. At the community level, elephant impact was higher on reserves with higher total marula densities. Fourfold differences in elephant densities (0.08–0.30 elephants km−2) did not explain marula consumption: the percentage of trees with branch damage was similar across reserves and bark damage was inversely proportional to elephant density. Variation across reserves may reflect local and landscape‐level marula tree abundance, differences in alternative food plants and individual feeding habits. The recorded levels of impact appeared to be sustainable because mortality rates were low, affected trees often recovered, and small trees were not preferentially preyed upon.

Use of Alternative Food Plants Exclusively by Adult Male Froghoppers (Homoptera: Cercopidae)1

ABSTRACTMale‐specific associations of adult froghoppers (Homoptera: Cercopidae) with alternative food plant hosts is reported. Four accounts from the field and one from the literature are presented: Iphirhina quota on Bourreria costaricensis (Boraginaceae), Huaina inca on Solanaceae sp., Prosapia simulans and Prosapia sp. (near P. bicincta) on Ilex haberi (Aquifoliaceae), and Prosapia bicincta on Ilex cornuta and Ilex opaca. In three cases host use is limited to adults while in two cases use is limited to only adult males. In four cases adults feed on plants that differ taxonomically, structurally and ecologically from hosts normally utilized by all life stages. These associations are not considered aggregations per se because froghoppers are not clustered and because these associations cannot be explained by the usual criteria supporting the adaptiveness of insect aggregations. Indirect evidence suggests that these unusual hosts may be unavailable to nymphs and not sought by females. This passive lack of opportunity by nymphs and females, in tandem with an active selection/attraction by males, is a plausible explanation for the existence of male‐specific hosts.

The classification, evolution and biology of the Costa Rican species of Cryptophion (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

The six known Costa Rican species of the campoplegine ichneumonid genus Cryptophion Viereck are described and keyed. The distribution of species throughout Costa Rica is detailed based on data gathered by an intensive Malaise trap survey of the ichneumonids of the country. Five new species are recognized: C. espinozai, C. guillermoi, C. manueli, C. moragai and C. tickelli , and a sixth, C. inaequalipes (Cresson) redescribed. The monophyly of the genus is demonstrated and the phylogeny of the Costa Rican species reconstructed. Host relationships have been established for all species in Costa Rica; they develop as koinobiont endoparasitoids of first to third instar larvae of Sphingidae or Saturniidae. Analysis of the host relationships from a phylogenetic perspective suggested that the genus first evolved using macroglossine sphingid larvae feeding on rubiaccous understorey plants as hosts, and subsequently diversified to utilize sphingine sphingids and ceratocampine saturniids feeding on a variety of food-plants. Most species appear to be monophagous and oligophagy is apparently a derived feature of one sister-species pair, C. espinozai and C. manueli. In Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica, only a small proportion of the species of Saturniidae and Sphingidae present are used as hosts by Cryptophion species. No one host species is parasitized by more than one Cryptophion species. No species of Cryptophion is known to parasitize more than one host species feeding on any one plant species. The monophagous species C. inaequalipes is only known to develop in its sphingid host when that host is feeding on one of its two alternative food-plants.

The classification, evolution and biology of the Costa Rican species of Cryptophion (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Abstract The six known Costa Rican species of the campoplegine ichneumonid genus Cryptophion Viereck are described and keyed. The distribution of species throughout Costa Rica is detailed based on data gathered by an intensive Malaise trap survey of the ichneumonids of the country. Five new species are recognized: C. espinozai, C. guillermoi, C. manueli, C. moragai and C. tickelli , and a sixth, C. inaequalipes (Cresson) redescribed. The monophyly of the genus is demonstrated and the phylogeny of the Costa Rican species reconstructed. Host relationships have been established for all species in Costa Rica; they develop as koinobiont endoparasitoids of first to third instar larvae of Sphingidae or Saturniidae. Analysis of the host relationships from a phylogenetic perspective suggested that the genus first evolved using macroglossine sphingid larvae feeding on rubiaccous understorey plants as hosts, and subsequently diversified to utilize sphingine sphingids and ceratocampine saturniids feeding on a variety of food-plants. Most species appear to be monophagous and oligophagy is apparently a derived feature of one sister-species pair, C. espinozai and C. manueli . In Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica, only a small proportion of the species of Saturniidae and Sphingidae present are used as hosts by Cryptophion species. No one host species is parasitized by more than one Cryptophion species. No species of Cryptophion is known to parasitize more than one host species feeding on any one plant species. The monophagous species C. inaequalipes is only known to develop in its sphingid host when that host is feeding on one of its two alternative food-plants.

Factors Facilitating the Continued Presence of Colotis evagore (Klug, 1829) in Southern Spain

Colotis evagore (Klug) is a multivoltine pierid butterfly that has repeatedly invaded the Iberian Peninsula from Africa over the last four decades. In 1983 it invaded Spain, reproducing successfully there on its foodplant, Capparis spinosa L. During the cold season this plant is not available in most areas of Spain, and the butterfly must find alternative foodplants to maintain its populations in this newly colonized territory. Our data show that C. evagore is unable to survive on alternative cruciferous hosts, and incapable of entering diapause to avoid inhospitable times of the year and the absence of host plants. The relative growth rate of larvae depends on temperature; the threshold temperature for development is 12?C, and the estimated physiological time for larval development is 162.5?d. Our observations show that C. evagore has survived continually in certain coastal sites in southern Spain since 1983. Microenvironmental conditions in these sites are particularly favourable for the foodplant. Hence, the plant is available throughout the year, allowing the caterpillars to complete successfully their life-cycle.

The Effect of Grazing by a Chrysomelid Beetle, Gastrophysa Viridula, on Growth and Survival of Rumex Crispus on a Shingle Bank

(1) Previous work had suggested that the absence of Rumex crispus on a shingle bank may be a result of grazing by a chrysomelid beetle, Gastrophysa viridula. (2) Sixty R. crispus plants were grown from seed in the glasshouse and planted in a regular grid on the shingle, interspersed with Rumex obtusifolius, an alternative food plant for G. viridula. (3) Thirty R. crispus were kept free of G. viridula grazing by removal of the beetle by hand. Dispersal of G. viridula from the R. obtusifolius was permitted on the other thirty R. crispus plants. (4) Gastrophysa viridula may have up to three generations in a year on the shingle. The experimental plants of R. crispus were harvested at the end of each G. viridula generation and shoot and root dry weights were measured. (5) In 1978 there was a significant reduction in both shoot and root dry weights of R. crispus when grazed by G. viridula compared with ungrazed controls. In 1980, shoot and root dry weights were significantly reduced at the end of the first generation of the beetle but reductions in the weight of grazed plants after the second generation were not significant. (6) None of the R. crispus plants was killed by grazing. (7) During the winter and spring following grazing by G. viridula, the experimental R. crispus plants were flooded. Survival of previously grazed plants was found to be approximately one-third that of plants previously protected from grazing. The reduction in rooting volume due to grazing appeared to be the main cause. (8) The virtual absence of R. crispus on the shingle bank is attributed to the combined effects of grazing by G. viridula and flooding. Neither factor would by itself eliminate R. crispus. The presence of the beetle in sufficient numbers depends on the availability of R. obtusifolius as an alternative food.