Eocanthecona Furcellata Research Articles

PREDATION EFFICIENCY AND LIFE CYCLE OF PENTATOMID BUG,EOCANTHECONA FURCELLATA (WOLFF.) ON THE BRINJAL PEST, HENOSEPILACHNA VIGINTIOCTOPUNCTATA.

ABSTRACT Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is one of the most serious pests of brinjal crop. A predatory stink bug, Eocanthecona furcellata were identified in the field and evaluated against different immature stages of the pest population under laboratory condition. The predatory potential of thenymphs was tested which revealed that among all the life stages, the E. furcellatanymphs prefer the larval stage followed by pupal and egg stages. In addition, the life cycle duration of the nymphs reared on four different larval stages ofH.vigintioctopunctata showed that, predation rate occurs based on the prey size. The nymphs that were fed with third and fourth instars had lowest predation rate but showed similar developmental duration as in control than first and second instars. A significant difference has also been observed between all the treatments (p≤0.05). Moreover, a nymph can feed on an average of 127.33 first instars during its nymphal period. From this study, we conclude that E. furcellata had high predatory potential against the pest, H. vigintioctopunctata to be mass reared and utilized as a bio control agent.

Biology and feeding potential of Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) on its lesser known prey, Spilosoma obliqua (Walker)

Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an important polyphagous predator of several agricultural, horticultural and forest insect pests. The biology and feeding potential of E. furcellata were investigated on Bihar hairy caterpillar, Spilosoma obliqua (Walker), a lesser known prey under laboratory conditions. Gravid female laid on an average 203.6±12.56 eggs during its life time. Nymphs passed through five instars in 22.25 to 27.25 days and developed into adults. First instar nymphs had the shortest duration (2.5 to 3.25 days) while fourth instar took maximum days (5.5 to 6.5) to complete, while second, third and fifth instars completed in 5.07 ± 0.26, 5.20 ± 0.71 and 5.24 ± 0.39 days, respectively. Female bugs were bigger in size and lived up to 28 days, while males survived up to 18 days when fed on second instar larvae of S. obliqua . Neonate nymphs devoured 1.6 larvae of S. obliqua while second, third, fourth and fifth instar nymphs consumed 7.73, 11.93, 12.13, 18.67 larvae of S. obliqua , respectively. Individual male and female in their adult stage consumed average 84.25 and 125.5 larvae, respectively, and total consumptions were 136.31 and 177.56 larvae during their life-cycle. From the study, it is evident that S. obliqua could be used as an alternative host to mass rear E. furcellata under laboratory conditions when the main host is scarce or not available.

Utilisation of sericultural biowaste of Bombyx mori (Bombycidae) for mass production of the predatory stink bug, Eocanthecona furcellata

ABSTRACTThis study aims to utilise sericulture biowaste, i.e. waste silkworm pupae, for mass production of the predatory stink bug Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff). To achieve this, waste silkworm pupae were frozen and their suitability as a feed to E. furcellata was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The survival, development and biological fitness of the E. furcellata on silkworm pupae were determined and compared with other frozen larvae i.e. Galleria mellonella and Corcyra cephalonica as a feed to the predator. The results indicated that the predator can be successfully mass produced on frozen waste silkworm pupa without any effect on its developmental biology, reproduction and fitness. The optimal production rates and the predation of E. furcellata on silkworm pupae were similar to that on a natural host. It is concluded that the waste silkworm pupae from sericulture industry can be used as a feed/prey for the mass production of the predatory pentatomids.

Biology of Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Predator Nettle Caterpillar Setora nitens Walker Origin from Riau

The growing prospect of crude palm oil (CPO) has led to rapid development of oil palm plantations in Riau. Oil palm cultivation is somehow inseparable from the attack of Netter Caterpillar. In practice, the control measures taken are usually by using synthetic insecticides. In order to reduce the effects of synthetic insecticides, it requires alternatives in the technique of controlling this caterpillar pest such as the use of Eocanthecona furcellata predators. This research aims to obtain biochemical data on Eocanthecona furcellata from Riau as predator of Netter Caterpillar pest on palm oil plants with alternative prey of Oecophylla smaragdina (Kroto) larvae. This research uses observation method where the growth and development of 100 larvae of Eocanthecona furcellata with prey of Oecophylla smaragdina (Kroto) broods were observed in the laboratory. The results showed that Eocanthecona furcellata fecundity is 134.88 eggs/female imago, hatch percentage of 82.93%. The life cycle of Eocanthecona furcellata passes through 5 instars with first nymphal instar period of 4.08 days, second-instar of 3.42 days, third-instar of 2.97 days, fourth-instar of 3.06 and fifth-instar of 5.25 days. The life cycle of female imago is longer than the life cycle of male imago, which is 37.41 days and 35.22 days. Oecophylla smaragdina (Kroto) larvae can be used for alternative prey in Eocanthecona furcellata predator multiplication.

Uji Kemampuan Pemangsaan Predator Eocanthecona furcellata Asal Riau pada Mangsa Ulat Api Setora nitens di Laboratorium

Oil palm is a major agricultural product and a mainstay sector as a source of income for people in Riau Province. Oil palm cultivation is inseparable from the pest attack Setora nitens. Control measures generally use synthetic insecticides. There needs to be an alternative in the control caterpillar pests fire Setora niten such as using the predator Eocanthecona furcellata. The objectives of this research were to obtain the predation rate and predation power of the predator Eocanthecona furcellata from Riau in control caterpillar pests fire Setora nitens at oil palm cultivation. The research was conducted in the laboratory of Plant Pest, Faculty of Agriculture, Riau University. This study consisted of 5 treatments with 5 replications so obtained 25 experimental units were placed in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments were A: 1 male, B: 1 female, C: 1 pair, D: 2 pairs, and E: 3 pairs of predator Eocanthecona furcellata. The results showed that the duration of prey handling of one caterpillar larva fire Setora nitens by predator Eocanthecona furcellata occurred for 3.18-6.24 hours. The treatment of three pairs of imago predators Eocanthecona furcellata is the best treatment, with a faster rate of predation and can prey on 66.00% of caterpillar fire.

Bahasa indonesia

Application of various synthetic insecticides to control fire caterpillar (Setora nitens) on palm oil plantation has negative impact on predator Eocanthecona furcellata, the natural enemy of fire caterpillar. Profenofos, deltamethrin and cypermethrin insecticides have negative effect because they can reduce population of E. furcellata. The research was conducted using contact method with concentration of 2 ml.l-1 and water as a control with 7 days in observation time. Generallly, the result of the research showed that synthetic insecticides have toxicity on E. furcellata. The profenofos had an effect on the total mortality of E. furcellata up to 63.33%, cypermethrin up to 59.99% and deltamethrin up to 53.33%. The female significantly was more tolerant than male. It is necessary to choose suitable insecticide that are not only effective in controlling S. nitens but also safe for natural enemies.

Natural occurrence of predatory bugs, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) and Andrallus spinidens (Fabr.) on Spodoptera frugiperd (Smith) (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae) in maize and their potential in management of fall army worm

Two species of predacious bugs, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) and Andrallus spinidens (Fabr.) (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae) were found effectively preying on Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in organically grown maize from 28 to 56 days at GKVK, Bangalore. Population of E. furcellata in one square metre was more than A. spinidens during the 38 th and 39 th standard meteorological weeks. Adults and nymphs of both the species preyed on different stages of S. frugiperda larvae. These two species being initial colonizers has a potential in integrated management of fall army worm.

Exposure of Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) nymphs and adults to high temperatures induces an aestivo-hibernal egg diapause: a strategy for surviving hot summers

The predatory stink bug Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), which is widely distributed in the subtropics and tropics, is a potential biological control agent for lepidopteran, coleopteran, and hemipteran pests. We investigated development of eggs oviposited by E. furcellata females subjected to various photoperiods (i.e., 8L:16D, 12L:12D, and 16L:8D) and temperature regimes (i.e., 26:26, 30:28, 32:30, 34:32, 35:33, and 36:34 °C; temperatures at light and dark phases, respectively) at different developmental stages. Exposure of E. furcellata nymphs and adults to different photoperiods and temperature regimes affected the development of eggs they subsequently oviposited. Temperatures greater than 30 °C induced diapause in a portion of the eggs, as evidenced by the delayed appearance of the black circle and the red spot, characteristics of early and late stage of embryonic development, respectively. The proportion of diapausing eggs generally increased with increasing temperature exposure, whereas it decreased with advancing developmental stage/age at which E. furcellata was subjected to the temperature regime. Although viability of diapausing eggs was lower than that of non-diapausing eggs, diapausing eggs survived longer under high temperatures. The trade-off between survivability and viability may be a strategy to survive unpredictability of summer temperatures.

Seasonal abundance of predatory bugs, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff.) and Rhynocoris fuscipes (F.) and its olfactory responses towards plant andpest mediated semiochemical cues in Pigeonpea ecosystem

Studies on seasonal abundance of the predatory bugs, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff.) and Rhynocoris fuscipes (F.) on short duration pigeonpea variety Manak during 2012-14 revealed that the incidence of both the heteropteran bugs commenced from the 36th meteorological standard week and persisted up to 47th meteorological standard week of both the years. These bugs were found predating on larvae of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Geyer), one of the major insect pests of pigeonpea. Correlation studies with different weather variables indicated that the populations build up of these bugs exhibited a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature, minimum relative humidity and rainfall. In order to identify the semiochemical cues mediating the host seeking behavior of these predatory bugs towards M. vitrata, a laboratory experiment was conducted using four-arm olfactometer. The predatory bugs displayed a much higher preference for volatiles produced by M. vitrata infested pigeonpea flowers and early instar larvae of M. vitrata.

Antennal sensilla of phytophagous and predatory pentatomids (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): a comparative study of four genera

Antennal sensilla of four genera of Pentatomidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) belonging to two subfamilies viz., Pentatominae and Asopinae were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The representatives selected from the subfamily Pentatominae (phytophagous)—Dolycoris indicus (Stål) and Plautia crossota (Dallas), and from the subfamily Asopinae (predatory)—Perillus bioculatus (Fabricius) and Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff). They were studied in order to morphologically differentiate the sensilla present on the antennae. This study indicated the presence of six types of sensilla, most of which were found on the flagellar segments rather than on the scape or pedicel. Sensilla campaniformia were recorded on the flagellar segments as well as the scape and pedicel. Phytophagous species (D. indicus and P. crossota) showed a higher number of sensilla trichodea, basiconica and chaetica whereas sensilla coeloconica were restricted to the predatory species studied (E. furcellata and P. bioculatus). These differences may be related to their evolutionary history. The presence of multiporous chemo-sensilla as basiconic sensilla type and sensilla placoidea reflect the ability of the antennae to perceive chemical stimuli. A relatively higher abundance of mechanoreceptors could be considered as potential detectors for various mechanical functions and these appeared to be correlated with the genus and type of feeding but not with the sex of the studied species.

Morphological diversity of the labial sensilla of phytophagous and predatory Pentatomidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera), with reference to their possible functions.

Sensory structure on the labial surface of five genera of Pentatomidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) belonging to two subfamilies i.e. Asopinae and Pentatominae have been studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Three representatives of the subfamily Pentatominae (phytophagous)-Dolycoris indicus (Stal), Plautia crossota (Dallas) and Piezodorus hybneri (Gmelin) and two of Asopinae (predatory)-Perillus bioculatus (Fabricius) and Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) were studied to morphologically characterize and compare the sensory structures present on the labium. Six types of labial sensilla were found on their labial tip and surface. The labial sensilla identified were sensilla peg (SP), basiconica (SB), campaniformia (SCa), chaetica (SCh), styloconica (SStc) and trichodea (ST). Their possible functions were discussed relating to morphology and location. A new form of sensilla basiconica was also observed in D. indicus. Sensilla styloconica were restricted only to the predatory pentatomid bugs. Cuticular projections (Cpr) on the sensorial region of the studied pentatomids were also observed along with labial cuticular pores.

English

The major insect-pests observed attacking soybean variety JS 335 were girdle beetle, Obereopsis brevis; tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura; green semilooper, Chrysodeixis acuta; whitefly, Bemisia tabaci and jassids, Empoasca kerri. The peak activity of girdle beetle (1.0 damaged plant per meter row) was observed during first week of October. Whereas the peak activity of caterpillar pests that is, S. litura (2.5 larvae per meter row) and C. acuta (0.7 larvae per meter row) was recorded during second fortnight of August and that of sucking pests that is, B. tabaci (3.2 whiteflies per plant) and E. kerri (3.4 jassids per plant) was recorded during last week of August and Second week of August, respectively. The biocontrol agent’s three species of lady bird beetle, Menochilus sexmaculata, Coccinella septumpunctata and Coccinella transversalis and orb weaver spider, Neoscona sp. were found predating mainly upon whiteflies and jassids. Whereas, lynx spider, Oxyopes sp. and a predatory pentatomid bug, Eocanthecona furcellata was noticed sucking the body sap of lepidopterous larvae. The peak activity of lady bird beetle in second week of August and September with 0.4 grub and adult per plant, whereas the predatory pentatomid bug and spider is both last week of August with 1.1 and 1.2 bugs and spider per plant respectively. Key words: Girdle beetle, caterpillar, sucking pests and soybean.

Biology of a predatory bug Eocanthecona furcellata Wolff (Hemiptera : Pentatomidae) on Vapourer tussock moth larvae: a major pest of tasar silkworm food plants

Tropical Tasar culture is forest and agro-based activity that covers agricultural and industrial activity. Tasar silk is produced by the silkworm, Antheraea mylitta which is polyphagous in nature. A large number of pests are reported to attack both the host plant as well as silkworm. As the rearing is conducted outdoor silkworms are exposed to attack of various pests during their life cycle. Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is the major predator of tasar silkworm during young age rearing. Both nymphs and adults of the stink bug suck the heamolymph of silkworm leading to death. The present work was undertaken to study the life cycle of E. furcellata on larvae of vapourer tussock moth which is a major pest of tasar host plants. The incubation period, nymphal duration and total developmental period from egg to adult was <TEX>$8.0{\pm}0.45d$</TEX>, <TEX>$16.0{\pm}3.24$</TEX> and <TEX>$22.0{\pm}4.20d$</TEX>, respectively. Pre-oviposition, oviposition and longevity of male and female stink bug was <TEX>$3.20{\pm}0.38$</TEX>, <TEX>$17.60{\pm}1.86$</TEX>, <TEX>$42.40{\pm}1.94$</TEX>, <TEX>$37.00{\pm}3.18d$</TEX>, respectively. Analysis of the data revealed no significant difference in life cycle of the predator when provided silkworm and vapourer tussock moth larvae as hosts. Which clearly indicates that E. furcellata can multiply on vapourer tussock moth larvae during non rearing periods. Adoption of recommended pest control measures for defoliators of tasar host plants during non-rearing periods will help in reducing the incidence of host plant pests and also in reducing the incidence of stink bug during rearing season. During the study it was also observed that larvae semilooper, boll headed caterpillar and nymphs of leaf hopper serve as alternate/secondary hosts to E. furcellata during non rearing seasons.

Influence of abiotic factors on seasonal incidence of pests of tasar Silkworm Antheraea mylitta D.

Rearing of tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Drury is mainly conducted in outdoor on Terminalia tomentosa W. & A. a nature grown primary host plant available in forest and also on raised primary host plant Terminalia arjuna Bedd. Temperature, relative humidity and rainfall are the main environmental factors for occurrence of pests (parasites and predators) of tasar silkworm during I, II and III crop rearing in the tropical tasar producing zones. The present study was aimed to study the influence of abiotic factors on prevalence of tasar silkworm pests. The study was conducted at different agro-climatic regions viz., Central Tasar Research &Training Institute, Ranchi, Jharkhand, Regional Extension Centre, Katghora, Chattisgarh and Regional Extension Centre, Hatgamaria during 2010-13 covering 3 seed crop and 6 commercial crops. Data on incidence of tropical tasar silkworm endo-parasitoids like Uzi Fly, Blepharipa zebina Walker and Ichneumon fly (Yellow Fly), Xathopimpla pedator, Fabricius and Predators such as Stink bug (Eocanthecona furcellata Wolf), Reduviid bug (Sycanus collaris Fabricius) and Wasp (Vespa orientalis Linnaeus) was recorded Weekly. The meteorological data was collected daily. Data was collected from 4 different agro-climatic zones of tasar growing areas. Analysis of the data revealed a significant negative correlation between abiotic factors and incidence of ichneumon fly and uzi fly. Based on the 3 years data on prevalence of pests region-wise pest calendars and prediction models were developed.

A Comparison of Infectivity between Polyhedra of theSpodoptera lituraMultiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus Before and After Passage Through the Gut of the Stink Bug,Eocanthecona furcellata

A Comparison of Infectivity between Polyhedra of the<i>Spodoptera litura</i>Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus Before and After Passage Through the Gut of the Stink Bug,<i>Eocanthecona furcellata</i>

Studies on Natural Enemies of Insect Pests of Drumstick

Study conducted at the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka brought to light six species of insects, a spider and couple of birds as natural enemies in drumstick ecosystem during the year 2012-13. Out of the natural enemies recorded, six were predators and one was parasitoid on pests in drumstick. The lady bird beetle, Cheilomenes sexmaculata Fabricius, pentatomid bug, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolf), green lace wing, Chrysoperla zastrowii sillemi (Esben-Peterson), gitonid, Cacoxenus sp., preying mantid, Anaxarcha limbata Goglio-Toss, an undetermined species of spider and a parasitoid, Agathis sp. were recorded.

Prey infected with nucleopolyhedrovirus is preferred by the predatory stink bug Eocanthecona furcellata without altering its field fitness

Preference tests using the hemipteran predator Eocanthecona furcellata Wolff showed that nymphs and adults showed a constant preference towards virus-infected Spodoptera litura larvae. Adults feeding on healthy larvae throughout their life handled and consumed their prey quickly as compared to those feeding on infected prey, the differences being significant. Developmental time, survival rate, pre-mating period, sex-ratio and incubation period of E. furcellata that were reared on experimental plants infested with healthy larvae of S. litura as lifetime prey for all stages (control), healthy larvae during nymphal stage and infected larvae for adult stage, infected larvae for nymphal and healthy larvae for adult stage and infected larvae as lifetime meal for all stages of E. furcellata did not vary significantly. However, a significant reduction in body weight, fecundity, longevity and percent egg hatchability was observed when E. furcellata were fed on infected larvae as lifetime meal. The results revealed that the virus-infected larvae, relative to healthy larvae, had significant effect on prey preference of predators, but feeding on virus-infected prey had no adverse effect on its field fitness except on lifetime meal, which may not hold true under field conditions.

Development of the predator Eocanthecona furcellata on different proportions of nucleopolyhedrovirus infected Spodoptera litura larvae and potential for predator dissemination of virus in the field

The present work aimed to determine the impact of nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) on the development of Eocanthecona furcellata Wolff and to measure the infectivity of NPV discharged through its faeces. Developmental time, survival rate, sex ratio and incubation period of the predator reared on different proportions of healthy and NPV infected S. litura larvae as lifetime meal did not vary significantly. However, when the proportion of infected prey in the predator’s lifetime meal exceeded 50 % significant reductions in body weight, fecundity, longevity and percent egg hatchability were noticed. The virus did not show detrimental effect on the developmental biology of the predator in the subsequent generations when offspring emerging from nymphs fed only on virus infected prey throughout their life were reared on 50 % of infected prey. Therefore, adverse effects on E. furcellata are unlikely in the field as the predator is not expected to consume more than 50 % of infected prey even if the virus application is done at recommended dose. Under field conditions, it was found that increased proportions of infected prey enhanced the dissemination of viral inoculum through the faeces of the predators and the subsequent infection in S. litura larvae ranged from 22 to 52 %.

Seasonal Incidence of Insect Pests and Their Biocontrol Agents on Soybean

Seasonal incidence of insect pests of soybean will be recorded from field during kharif 2010.Soybean variety JS-93-05 will be sown on 3 July 2010. In this experiment numbers of plants infested by girdle beetle and the number of caterpillar pests and natural enemies will be counted from ten randomly selected places (in one meter row-length ). to record the observations on sucking pests, insect population will be recorded from randomly selected twenty plants on which five leaves taken three from upper and two from bottom in each at ten days interval. During the course of study, five insects species, viz., Girdle beetle, Obereopsis brevis tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura, green semilooper, Chryrodecxis acuta, Jassids, Empoasca kerri and white flies, Bemisia tabaci were recorded as the major pests on soybean, variety JS 93-05 causing damage at various stages of the crop. All these insects made their first appearance on the crop to a greater or lesser extent in the last week of July. The activity of girdle beetle increased gradually with peak density of the cerambycid in the last week of August recoding 3.2 damaged plants per meter row with seasonal mean of 1.73 damaged plants. The density of lepidopterous caterpillars increased gradually with peak population of 5.0 larvae per meter row during the last week of August and seasonal mean of 3.22 larvae per meter row among the sucking pests, whitefly was observed in higher numbers than jassids. The peak density of sucking pests was observed during third week of September with 4.4 sucking pests/plant and seasonal mean of 3.62 white flies and jassids per plant. Preying upon the sucking Insects, were two species of lady bird beetle, Coccinella septumpunctata and Menochilus sexmaculata and two species of spiders, lynx spider and an unidentified golden preying spider. The latter was also a recorded preying on lepidopterous larvae. A predatory pentatomid bug, Eocanthecona furcellata was observed sucking the body sap of lepidopterous larvae, there existed a positive but nonsignificant correlation between lepidopterous larvae and predators and between sucking pests and predatory fauna with „r‟ values 0.545 and 0.798, respectively. (

Sensillary morphology on the rostral apex and their possible role in prey location behaviour of the carnivorous stinkbug, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff), the carnivorous heteropteran, demonstrates interesting feeding mechanisms that suggest the involvement of the antennal and labial tip sensilla. This study was conducted to identify the morphology of various sensilla present on the labial tip of this insect using scanning electron microscopy. Four morphologically different types of trichoid sensilla comprise the largest and most numerous sensilla and occur throughout the surface of the labial tip. Three new and unique types of sensilla were discovered. Long hairs with profusely branched shafts are present at the entrance of the rostral groove. An oval‐shaped peg surrounded by sensory hairs with branched shafts and a short, stout peg encircled by a group of long hair‐like sensilla was found among the sensilla population of two lobes. The morphology of the new sensilla is given and possible functions of individual receptors are suggested on morphological grounds.