Average Number Of Eggs Research Articles

Evaluación de un bi-epítopo de gliceraldehídmo 3-fosfato deshidrogenasa y de Desorganización Muscular en la protección de ovinos contra Haemonchus contortus

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la capacidad de protección en ovinos contra Haemonchus contortus de un péptido que mimifica epítopos de gliceraldehído 3-fosfato deshidrogenasa (GAPDH) y Desorganización Muscular (DIM-1) de H. contortus. Se hizo una búsqueda en una biblioteca de fagos (7 aa-GGG) con el empleo de un anticuerpo policlonal (IgG) anti-H. contortus. Después de tres rondas de selección se secuenciaron 120 clones y se hizo el análisis de secuencia de cada clon. Se seleccionaron clones cuya secuencia de péptidos fue similar a la proteína de DIM-1 y a la GAPDH, y se sintetizó un péptido con estos dos epítopos. Los animales se inmunizaron los días 0, 7, 14 y 28. Una semana después de la última vacunación todos los animales se desafiaron con 1250 L3 de H. contortus. La media de huevos por gramo de heces (hpg) y la carga parasitaria en el abomaso del grupo vacunado a los 70 días de la infestación se redujeron en 57.9 y 52.7%, respectivamente. Los niveles de IgG en suero fueron significativamente más altos en el grupo vacunado; además aumentó el número de eosinófilos y subió el valor de la hemoglobina.

A preliminary study of growth and development of Cheyletus malaccensis (Oudemans) under different humidity conditions

Cheyletus malaccensis (Oudemans) is a species of predatory mite, which is widely distributed in grain storage, and is a potential natural enemy of stored-product pests. Based on the typical temperatures and humidities that occur in granaries, the growth and development of C. malaccensis was studied at 24°C with different relative humidities (RH 65±2%, 75±2%, 85±2% and 95±2%). During this study, C. malaccensis was fed on Acarus siro (Linnaeus), a very important stored grain pest to investigate its potential to control this pest and production of this natural enemy in the laboratory. The results showed that C. malaccensis has five developmental stages, egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph and adult. The deutonymph stage is absent in males. For females, the developmental time from egg to adult was shortest at 85±2 % RH and averaged 16.3 days; developmental time was longest at 65±2 % RH and averaged 18.6 days. The male mites in the 95±2% RH trials had the shortest developmental time which averaged 12.6 days; it was longest at 65±2% RH where it averaged 14.7 days. At 95±2% RH, the male adult lived 83.5 d and its longevity from egg to adult was 95.8 d. Humidity had a significant effect on how long the adults lived and the duration of all developmental stages. At 85±2 % RH, the maximum average number of eggs per female, oviposition period and daily fecundity were 493.0, 46.2 d, and 10.3, respectively. This study provides basic biological parameters for C. malaccensis, a potential biological control agent for mite pests infesting stored grain.

COMPARED TO SOME OF PRODUCTIVE CHARACTERS AND PHENOTYPIC CORRELATION For TWO STRAINS OF JAPANESE QUAIL BIRD (BLACK, BROWN)

This study was conducted at domestic birds field belonging to College of Agriculture - University of Tikrit from 1/3/2011 to 15/6/2011;In this study, two breeds of Japanese quail black and brown birds were use by 60 females per breed. The results revealed that black breedwas significantly superior in egg production traits, age at sexual maturity(day), average weight of first egg (g),average eggs weight (g) average number ofeggs produced during the firsthundred days from laying the first egg (egg / bird) and the average of egg mass (g) were ​​(43.20, 7.36, 12.93, 81.13 and 1049.01) and (44.00, 6.42, 11.42, 76.36 and 872.30) for the black and brown breed, respectively.The phenotypic correlation coefficient between age at sexual maturity and all of the prescription weight first egg and egg weight were positive and high significant correlation, while age at sexual maturity and number of eggs and egg mass is negative and highly significant. The phenotypic correlation werepositive and highly significant between the rate of weight status with the first egg recipe average egg weight and negative with the character of the average number of eggs. Also there was a positive correlation between the average number of eggs and egg mass in both breeds.

BIOLOGICALAND ECOLOGICAL STUDYOF POPLAR BUG (Monosteira buccata HORV.TINGIDAE : HETEROPTERA)

The life cycle of Monosteira buccata Horv. which attack some poplar species was studied in Iraq in 2009.The eggs was laid singly with the majority on the lower surface of the leaf in comparison with the upper one. The average number of eggs laid per female. incubation period. eggs viability (150.9.8.33.85%) respectively. The sex ratio of male to female was 1:1.M.buccata was observed to have five nymph instars. The newly hatched nymph is oval in shape and transparent white in color. In the case of the fifth instars. the mesotergum become prominent. forming solid pentagonal sclerotic extending backward to cover the third thorax and the first abdominal segments. Ecological study has shown that the area and percentage of damage started with the primary appearance of the poplar bag species adults at the beginning of may. The increasing of insects number caused an increase in the area and percentage of damage which reached their maximum means (10.39, 23.62, 6.99) cm and (30.19, 33.36, 26.72)% respectively for Populus nigra. P.deltoides and P.euphratica respectively. this happened when the insect number means reached the maximum (16.63, 19.84, 9.86) insect / leaves for the above mentioned poplar species. The statistical analysis showed that there is a significant correlation between the mean insect number and mean of area and percentage of damage in the 3 poplar species.

Effectiveness of Cratylia argentea as an animal feed supplement in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep

Gastrointestinal nematodes are considered one of the most important sanitary problems affecting ruminants globally; whether parasitizing alone or acting with other pathogens, they are responsible for severe economic losses related to animal husbandry. Endoparasites in small ruminants are usually controlled with anti-helminthic drugs. However, certain strains of endoparasites are resistant to such drugs. Supplementation of the diet with protein-rich foods is one strategy for reducing the negative impact of gastrointestinal parasites. Cratylia argentea has anthelmintic properties and other characteristics that favor its use as an animal feed supplement. In the present study, we subdivided crossbred lambs into homogeneous groups and fed them C. argentea (G1), C. argentea plus Brachiaria spp. (G2), or Brachiaria spp. (G3) only. The animals in group G1 had a lower average number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) at Day 42 (p < 0.05), and the average count was ten times lower than that in the control at the last evaluated time-point (Day 56). The animals exhibited linear weight gain, and those in group G1 gained the most weight. The combined use of drugs and plants containing bioactive compounds can minimize the evolution of multidrug resistance, prolonging the efficacy of the drugs. The FAMACHA® score showed little variation during the experiment (p > 0.05), indicating the absence of anemia and normal globular volume. This reinforces the importance of the measurement of EPG; this is a quantitative method and does not depend on the subjective interpretation of the results.

Effect of Tomato Varieties on the Tomato Borer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) as a Main Insect Pest Attacking Tomato Plants in Damietta Governorate.

The current studies were conducted on the field at kafr El-battikh reigon, Damietta Governorate. K-186, G.S and MARRWA tomato varieties to determine the effect of different tomato varieties on the population abundance of the tomato borer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in February plantation during the two successive seasons 2016 and 2017. K-186 tomato variety attracted the highest average number of eggs and larvae of T. absoluta during the first season and represented by 265.1±45.4 eggs and 171.7±41.8 larvae, respectively. While G.S variety ranked the second category and represented by 238.9±40.9 eggs and 169±41.1 larvae, respectively. On the other hand, MARRWA variety came in the last category and represented by 183.6±45.4 eggs and 106.9±28.6 larvae, respectively. While during the second season G.S variety attracted the highest average number of eggs of T. absoluta followed by K-186 and MARRWA and representedby 281±50.7, 213.5±55.7 and 189.6±52.6 eggs, respectively. Meanwhile, G.S variety attracted the highest average number of larvae of T. absoluta followed by MARRWA variety and K -186 variety came in the last category and represented by 165±46.6, 111.4±27.8 and 98±21.4 larvae, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that a significantly differences between the tomato varieties and T. absoluta eggs and larvae during the two successive seasons.

Monarch butterflies do not place all of their eggs in one basket: oviposition on nine Midwestern milkweed species

AbstractOver the past two decades, the population of monarch butterflies east of the Rocky Mountains has experienced a significant decline in overwintering numbers. Habitat restoration that includes planting milkweeds is essential to boost monarch numbers within the breeding range. Milkweeds are the only host plants for larval monarch butterflies, but female oviposition preference for different milkweed species, especially those with overlapping ranges, is not well documented. We examined the relative inclination to lay eggs on nine milkweed species native to Iowa (no choice), and oviposition preference (choice) among the four most commonly occurring Iowa species (Asclepias incarnata, Asclepias syriaca, Asclepias tuberosa, and Asclepias verticillata). In both experiments, eggs were counted daily for four days. The milkweeds tested were Asclepias exaltata (poke milkweed), Asclepias hirtella (tall green milkweed), A. incarnata (swamp milkweed), Asclepias speciosa (showy milkweed), Asclepias sullivantii (prairie milkweed), A. syriaca (common milkweed), A. tuberosa (butterfly milkweed), A. verticillata (whorled milkweed), and Cynanchum laeve (honeyvine milkweed). When females were given only a single species on which to lay eggs, there were significant differences among milkweed species in the average number of eggs laid; A. incarnata had the highest average egg count. When females were given a choice among A. incarnata, A. syriaca, A. tuberosa, and A. verticillata, there were also differences among milkweed species in the number of eggs laid; again, A. incarnata had the highest average number of eggs laid. Additionally, females laid more total eggs when four plants of different milkweed species were available than when there were four plants of a single milkweed species. Our results show that monarch butterflies will lay eggs on all nine milkweeds, but that there are clear preferences for some milkweed species over others.

Assessment of Maturity, Reproduction and Reproductive Potentials of Torpedo Scad, Megalaspis cordyla (Linnaeus, 1758) from Northern Arabian Sea Coast of Pakistan

Port landing specimens of torpedo scad, Megalaspis cordyla were collected at monthly intervals from August 2013 to June 2014 from the northern Arabian Sea coast of Pakistan. The life history characteristics revealed that torpedo scad has a prolonged breeding season which occurred with two peaks: from May to June and from November to February. The spawning seasonality was also validated with microscopic gonad examination.The highest GSI value was noted in May and January whereas the lowest in November was recorded for both sexes. The age at which individuals of both sexes become 50% mature (t50) was estimated as 2.44 year. Life span (tmax) calculated as 3.96 years for male and females. The size of 270 and 265 mm at which 50% individuals attained sexual maturity (L50) was determined for males and females respectively. The reproductive potential (fecundity)was made from ten ripe females ranged from 29–43.8 cm TL and weighing 220–540 g of IV–V developmental stage was enumerated as 32306–236677 eggs (CV = 2.135) with an average number of eggs 86544 counted per ripe female/season. This study contains fundamental data of an important fish species in the northern Arabian Sea coast of Pakistan. It provides vital information to the fisheries managers for implementation on sustainable use of the resource during spawning season.

Study of Some Biological Parameters of <i>Cirina butyrospermi</i> Vuillet (Lepidoptera, Attacidae), an Edible Insect and Shea Caterpillar (<i>Butyrospermum paradoxum</i> Gaertn. F.) in a Context of Climate Change in Burkina Faso

Cirina butyrospermi is the main lepidoptera whose larvae constitute one of the main sources of edible insect protein in human food and are consumed by many ethnic groups in Burkina Faso and elsewhere in Africa. The preservation and mass production of this useful insect call for increased knowledge of its biological parameters. This study was carried out at the Farako-Ba experimental, environmental and agricultural research station of the Burkina Faso Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research. The approach has been to feed the larvae individually in the petri dishes wish the leaves of shea and then to measure the different biological parameters. Laboratory results—under temperature conditions varying between 24.5°C - 31°C and relative humidity varying between 58.40% - 84.80% with a 12:12 photoperiod—show that the incubation time of eggs is 30 days on average. The development cycle, which includes five larval stages, all feeding on shea leaves, lasts 33.3 ± 3.5 days. Adults (imago) live on average 2.28 ± 0.63 days for males and 2.47 ± 0.56 days for females. Finally, the average number of eggs laid per female is 283.19 ± 96, with an average fertility rate of 84.26% ± 2.16%. Thus, some biological parameters of this insect in our study conditions are now known. These results could contribute to knowledge of the bio-ecology of this insect, improving prospects for diversification and increased nutritional quality for humans.

Bio-ecology of Slender Black Rice Bug, Paraeucosmetus pallicornis in South Sulawesi

A study on the bio-ecology of slender black rice bug, Paraeucosmetus pallicornis, was conducted in the research farm of Lolit Tungro, Lanrang, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This pest is considered as new rice pest, attacking rice plant especially during generative stage. This pest inserts its stylet and then sucks the sap of the developing rice grain. Light trap was used to catch this pest. Yellow sticky trap and pitfall trap were used to determine the insect population and to find out when the pest infests the plant. Fifteen yellow sticky traps were set diagonally on rice field, and 10 pitfall traps were placed on the ground. The traps were placed on three plots as replication. On the first week of the study, it was found that the number of captured insects from the light trap during harvesting was 193. On the 2nd to 4th weeks, during fallow stubble, the captured insects were 135 -740. In the early of May, the field started to be ploughed as preparation for the next planting season. As the result, the number of insects captured decreased to 53 – 152 insects. The 2013 planting season was started in June. During this period, the bugs captured were only 1 – 3. This indicates that the bugs have already moved or migrated out of the rice field. The average number of eggs laid were 53.3 (1 pair), 124.8 (2 pairs), 142.5 (3 pairs), 202.3 (4 pairs), and 284 (5 pairs) and the average of hatch rate was 29.9%. The damaged rice grain was 38% grains/panicle (ranged 24.2-57.4%). This level of damage indicates that the P. pallicornis contributes to the reduction of rice yield. Keywords: Paraeucosmetus pallicornis, rice pest

Prey preference and reproduction of predatory mites, Amblybromalus limonicus and Neoseiulus cucumeris, on eggs and 1st instar nymphs of the tomato/potato psyllid

ABSTRACTThe tomato/potato psyllid (TPP), Bactericera cockerelli, a serious pest that causes significant damage to important economical and ornamental plants and crops in North America, has been an invasive species in New Zealand since 2006. This study is one of a series of experiments in the laboratory and greenhouses to compare and evaluate the efficiency of two commercially available species of predatory mites (Amblydromalus limonicus and Neoseiulus cucumeris) as potential biocontrol agents of TPP. The objectives of this laboratory study are to determine (1) the predation and reproductive rates of each predatory mite species feeding on eggs and 1st instar nymphs of TPP under choice and no-choice conditions and (2) if there is a difference in predator preference for eggs or 1st instar nymphs of TPP between the two predatory mite species. Under no-choice conditions, A. limonicus young females consumed on average 6.17 ± 0.44 eggs and 6.77 ± 0.32 1st instar nymphs of TPP whereas N. cucumeris young females consumed 3.47 ± 0.36 eggs and 3.20 ± 0.29 1st instar nymphs of TPP per day. On an egg-only diet, A. limonicus had a much higher reproductive rate (0.93 ± 0.19 eggs laid per day) compared with N. cucumeris (0.17 ± 0.07 eggs laid per day). On a 1st instar nymph-only diet, the average number of eggs laid was reduced for both species: A. limonicus laid 0.47 ± 0.10 eggs per day compared with N. cucumeris, who laid 0.13 ± 0.06 eggs per day. Both A. limonicus (preference index 0.68 ± 0.04) and N. cucumeris (preference index 0.74 ± 0.06) showed a preference for eggs of TPP when given a choice of 10 eggs and 10 1st instar nymphs of TPP. In addition, A. limonicus had a much higher reproductive rate (1.23 ± 0.20 eggs laid) compared with N. cucumeris (0.30 ± 0.08 eggs laid) under choice conditions. The results from this study confirmed that N. cucumeris and A. limonicus could feed and reproduce on eggs and 1st instar nymphs of TPP. While A. limonicus has shown previously that it could feed and reproduce on TPP, this is the first report on the predation and reproduction of N. cucumeris on eggs and 1st instar nymphs of TPP. This is significant, given that A. limonicus is not commercially produced in USA and New Zealand where TPP is a major pest, whereas N. cucumeris is commercially produced and much cheaper in both countries.

Responses of neonicotinoid resistant and susceptible Frankliniella fusca life stages to multiple insecticide groups in cotton.

Detection of neonicotinoid resistance in populations of tobacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca Hinds, throughout the southeastern USA has motivated an examination of alternative insecticides to control problematic infestations on seedling cotton. The objective of this study was to refine understanding of stage-specific mortality and reduced oviposition of several common insecticides (acephate, abamectin, cyantraniliprole, spinetoram, imidacloprid, imidacloprid+thiodicarb, thiamethoxam) on neonicotinoid resistant and susceptible F. fusca populations under laboratory and field conditions. Laboratory studies revealed that the average number of eggs per female and larval or adult survivorship responses differed by insecticide and were dependent on the resistance status of the population. In the presence of neonicotinoids, the resistant F. fusca populations exhibited lower mortality and higher egg counts than the susceptible population. In the field study, similar patterns of oviposition suppression were observed, indicating that some insecticides may impact reproductive rate. This study shows that insecticides have different effects on F. fusca oviposition events, larval and adult mortality that are dependent on neonicotinoid resistance status. Because insecticides tested in this study have varied activity on specific F. fusca life stages (e.g. oviposition suppression, larvicidal activity, adulticidal activity), knowledge of stage-specific activity can be used to improve control and enhance long-term product stewardship. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Basic Study on Production Performance of Local Cows under a Typical Village Condition of Mymensingh District

The present piece of research work was conducted to find out the present condition of native cattle rearing, milk production and reproductive parameters and to give important suggestion for production constraints. The experiment was conducted at a nearby village named Boira adjacent to Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh having eighty three local cows and seventeen heifers were taken under this study from 72 farmers selected with direct interview. Data was compiled statistically only for tabular, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Body weight and condition score of the observed value were 173.23 ± 32.03 kg and 2.55 ±0.34, respectively. Average daily intake of feed was 12.5 kg (fresh basis) and 7.72 kg (DM basis). From the results of experiment, it was found that average daily milk yield of the indigenous cows for whole lactation period was 1.43 ± 0.58 kg. The mean value of hemoglobin, packed cell volume and fat percentage was 7.8±1.00 (g 100 ml-1), 52± 52.10 (%) and 57.6±9.1g/kg, respectively. Age at first calving for local cows found 52.8 ± 13.32 months and calving interval was 417.6±109.5 days. Birth weight of the local calves found 14.43±2.56 kg. Average number of eggs of parasite was 53 per gram of feces. From the study it can be concluded that morphometrics, production and reproduction traits of indigenous cows was favorable and profitable practice in selected areas.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 9(2): 115-120 2016

Inheritance of southern root-knot nematode resistance in air-cured tobacco

The southern root-knot nematode (SRKN; Meloidogyne incognita) is one of the main pathogens for tobacco. The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic parameters and heritability of SRKN resistance in air-cured tobacco. For this purpose three resistant parents (Urmia3, KY9, K17) and two susceptible parents (Ergo, Burley TMV4) were crossed based on half diallel and analyzed by Hayman’s method for reaction to Meloidogyne incognita. Fifteen genotypes (parents and hybrids) were planted in the greenhouse in a completely randomized design with five replications and inoculated with 2500 J2 M. incognita race 2 one week after transplanting. Investigation of gall index (GI), number of egg masses (NEM) and average number of eggs per mass (AEM) showed significant differences among genotypes. Non-additive effects in AEM and additive effects in GI and NEM played an important role. Narrow-sense heritability was estimated as 0.75, 0.56 and 0.28 for GI, NEM and AEM, respectively, which revealed that AEM is not a suitable trait for nematode resistance identification. Regression analysis indicated that KY9 is an appropriate donor parent for SRKN resistance. Resistance to M. incognita race 2 is conditioned by a single partially dominant gene.

Population structure and fecundity of two species of grapsid crabs (Brachyura, Grapsidae) that inhabit the oyster reefs of western Taiwan

This study on carcinological aspects of oyster farming was carried out at the coast of Yunlin County, Taiwan, for a period of 25 months from July 2012 to July 2014. The space formed by the clustering of the oyster shells provides a habitat for at least eight species of crabs. Nanosesarma minutum was the dominant species (73.7% or ) with an average of 59.5 ± 30.6 individuals/string/month, while the average monthly rate of ovigerous females was 12.6 ± 13.0%, and the average number of eggs per berried female was 1510.8 ± 1018.7 eggs/individual. Hemigrapsus penicillatus was the second dominant species (23.9% or ) with an average of 17.4 ± 17.1 individuals/string/month; here, the average monthly rate of ovigerous female crabs was 4.6 ± 9.0, and the average number of eggs of a berried female was 3073.4 ± 2167.5 eggs/individual.

Characteristics of Geese Production and Management in the Valley of Kashmir

The study was conducted in geese-rearing districts of Kashmir valley, India with the aim of studying various characteristics of geese production and management. Geese-rearing was recorded to be the primary occupation of 6.56% of farmers. Out of the total, 23.73% rearers were landless and kept geese as a subsidiary source of income. Three diverse production-systems viz. backyard (56.45%), semi-intensive (33.87%) and extensive-system (9.68%), were being practiced. Different types of houses included separate-sheds (50.00%), separate pen/cage (26.67%) and pen underneath the farmers’ house/veranda (23.33%) with only 76.47% farmers using litter-material. Feed was offered in a large bowl, on floor and on a polythene-sheet by 8.62%, 29.31% and 62.07% farmers respectively. Types of incubation nests included grass-nest placed on floor (57.41%), basket-nest (27.78% farmers) and colony-nests (57.41%). Average number of eggs set for incubation was 9.531±0.282 and age of eggs kept for incubation averaged to 24.167±1.923 days. 88.24% farmers practiced custom of placing an iron-sickle underneath the straw-bedding of the nest. Goslings were allowed to go into the water after 10.878±1.497 days of hatching.. Eggs were mostly kept for incubation while geese were sold as well as consumed by the family. In villages geese were being marketed at the farmer's door-step and in city, middlemen played a role in the marketing. It was concluded that geese-farming promises a good future in an area where water-bodies are available in plenty and rearing is carried out on a large scale adopting an extensive-rearing and free foraging feeding system.

Life tables of Bracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and its Host; Palpita unionalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The reproductive performance of the ecto-larval parasitoid Bracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as well as its host; the olive leaf moth Palpita unionalis Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) was studied in the laboratory at 27 ± 2 oC. The P. unionalis is an important pest on olives, and also feeds on other host plants from the family Oleaceae. The estimated life table parameter was the net reproductive rate (Ro), the mean generation time (T), the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) and the finite rate of increase (λ). This parameter was represented by 68.28, 20.01, 0.15, 1.17 for B. hebetor and 68.54, 32.09, 0.13 and 1.14 for P. unionalis, respectively. Females of the parasitoid lived for 21.8 ±1.97 days. The average number of eggs oviposited by females was 365.6 ±44.94. Immature survival from egg to adult was 41%. Sex ratio of wasp progeny (females/total) was 0.46. P. unionalis females lived on average for 9.10 ±0.35 days and deposited 179.98 ± 22.64 eggs/female. Survival rate for immature was 68%. Sex ratio of progeny was 0.55. The results concluded of this study can be used to improve mass rearing programs and support in oculative release applications of B. hebetor against the olive leaf moth.

Egg production performance, egg yolk antioxidant profile and excreta concentration of corticosterone in golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus) fed diets containing different levels of green vegetables.

In order to study the effect of feeding graded levels of green vegetables on egg production performance and egg yolk antioxidant status, 27 female golden pheasants (GP) were randomly distributed into three groups of nine each in an experiment based on completely randomized design. The diets of the birds in groups T1 , T2 and T3 contained 1.4%, 2.7% and 5.0% of green vegetables respectively. Feeding of experimental diets started on 12th February (day 1) and was continued till 30 June 2012. Average number of eggs laid and egg mass produced by the hens in group T3 was higher (p<0.004) than those of T1 and T2 . Hen day egg production was lowest (p<0.001) in group T1 . Roche yolk colour score was highest (p<0.01) in T3 followed by T2 and was lowest in T1 . Other external and internal egg quality parameters were similar among the groups. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of egg yolk was higher (p<0.04) in group T3 as compared to other two groups. Egg yolk concentration of total carotenoids, β-carotene, total sulfhydryl, protein-bound sulfhydryl and non-protein-bound sulfhydryl was higher (p<0.05), whereas concentration of malondialdehyde was lower (p<0.024) in group T3 as compared to other two groups. Excreta concentration of corticosterone washighest (p<0.012) in T1 , followed by T2 , and was lowest in T3 . Egg yolk concentration of TAC and TSH was positively and that of malondialdehyde was negatively correlated with carotenoids intake. Excreta concentration of corticosterone was negatively correlated with carotenoids intake. It was concluded that incorporation of green vegetables in the diet at 5% on dry matter basis would improve egg production, egg yolk antioxidant status and the ability of the captive GP to combat stress.

Bactrocera dorsalis male sterilization by targeted RNA interference of spermatogenesis: empowering sterile insect technique programs.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a genetic technique which has novel application for sustainable pest control. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) uses releases of mass-produced, sterile male insects to out-compete wild males for mates to reduce pest populations. RNAi sterilization of SIT males would have several advantages over radiation sterilization, but to achieve this appropriate target genes must first be identified and then targeted with interference technology. With this goal, eight spermatogenesis related candidate genes were cloned and tested for potential activity in Bactrocera dorsalis. The knockdown of candidate genes by oral delivery of dsRNAs did not influence the mating of male flies, but significantly affected the daily average number of eggs laid by females, and reduced egg hatching rate by 16–60%. RNAi negatively affected spermatozoa quantitatively and qualitatively. Following the mating of lola-/topi-/rac-/rho-/upd-/magu-silenced males, we recorded a significant decrease in number and length of spermatozoa in female spermatheca compared to gfp-silenced control group. In a greenhouse trial, the number of damaged oranges and B. dorsalis larvae were significantly reduced in a dsrho-treated group compared with the dsgfp group. This study provides strong evidence for the use RNAi in pest management, especially for the improvement of SIT against B. dorsalis and other species.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD ON DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES, FECUNDITY AND LIFE TABLE PARAMETERS OF THE ACARID MITE RHIZOGLYPHUS ECHINOPUS (FUMOUZE&amp;ROBIN, 1868)

Dry yeast granules, cheese and crushed wheat were tested as a nourishment of Rhizoglyphus echinopus (Fumouze & Robin, 1868) under laboratory conditions of 25±1oC and 70% R.H. Statistical analysis of the obtained results showed that developmental stages, fecundity and life table parameters of the acarid mite , R. echinopus were significantly different among the three types of food, whereas, the total immature stages were (13.08 & 11.9), (13.5 & 12.4) and (16.0 & 15.8 days) for female and male when fed on dry yeast, cheese and crushed wheat, respectively. Female oviposition period lasted (15.7, 20.3 and 23.00 days) and deposited average numbers of eggs & a daily rate (245.4 & 15.86), (190.8 & 9.4) and (101.5 & 4.4) eggs, respectively. Obtained data from the biochemical analysis of food composition showed that the dry yeast granules which have the highest protein content (30.63 %) seem to be an attractive and effective diet for rearing the acarid mite, R. echinopus in the laboratory.