Buckwheat Flowers Research Articles

The impact of buckwheat and paulownia (Paulownia elongata × P. fortunei) intercropping on beekeeping value and buckwheat yield

Increasing crop diversity is a way for agriculture to transition towards a more sustainable and biodiversity-friendly system. Growing buckwheat intercropped with paulownia can contribute not only to mitigating climate change but can also enrich the environment with species of agricultural importance, without causing a decline in pollinators, since buckwheat is pollinated mainly by the honeybee. In a field experiment comparing growing buckwheat with paulownia against a monoculture crop, we investigated differences in flower visitation and beekeeping value, as well as the associated impact on crop yields. We analysed the effect of intercropping on the beekeeping value of buckwheat in terms of bee population size and the sugar mass in buckwheat flowers, nectar mass in buckwheat flowers, the quality of the delivered raw sugar and biometric characteristics. We found significant differences in the number of branches on the main shoot and the total number of branches. Significantly higher parameters were obtained in sites with buckwheat monoculture. The cultivation method variant did not cause differentiation in either the structure elements or the yield itself. Yields ranged from 0.39 (2021) to 1.59 (2023) t·ha−1. The average yield in intercropping was slightly lower (0.02 t·ha−1) than in the monoculture system of buckwheat (0.93 t·ha−1). More flowers per plant per day of observation and more flowers in millions of flowers per hectare per day of observation were observed in the intercropping of buckwheat with paulownia. Based on our experiment, we concluded that growing buckwheat in monoculture significantly increased the number of flowers, resulting in an increase in pollinator density and an increased number of pollinators per unit area.

Enhancing Biological Control Efficacy: Insights into the Feeding Behavior and Fitness of the Omnivorous Pest Lygus lineolaris.

Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae), a true omnivorous insect, poses a significant threat to agriculture in the Neartic region. Understanding the feeding behavior of L. lineolaris is crucial for developing integrated pest management strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different diets on the fitness of L. lineolaris, with a focus on the diet source, feeding regime (phytophagy, zoophagy, and phytozoophagy), and number of diet items. The experimental design in the laboratory investigated the impacts of strawberry, canola and buckwheat flowers, as well as spider mites and aphids to explore relationships found in a conventional strawberry field. Results reveal that diet source, feeding regime, and the number of diet items influence L. lineolaris performance (i.e., survivorship rate, developmental time, and adult weight and length). Improvements in fitness are indicated by higher nymphal survival, shorter developmental time, and larger adults. Immature stages of L. lineolaris show improved fitness when provided with diets rich in canola compared to strawberry flowers and spider mites. Furthermore, the inclusion of multiple diet items in phytozoophagous regimes enhances insect performance. The findings emphasize the significance of understanding L. lineolaris' nutritional requirements and the biodiversity of target ecosystems for modeling energy flows and designing effective IPM strategies against this pest. This research contributes to the knowledge base for biological control programs targeting L. lineolaris in agricultural systems.

Fagopyrins from Buckwheat Flowers: Structural and Stereochemical Characterization Through Combined NMR/CD Spectroscopy and Theoretical Calculations.

Fagopyrins are phenantroperylenequinones present in the flowers of Fagopyrum esculentum (buckwheat) endowed with photodynamic activity. It has been reported that fagopyrin extracts actually contain a complex mixture of closely related compounds, differing only on the nature of the perylenequinone substituents. We report our systematic and detailed study on the chemical composition of fagopyrin extracts by a combination of preparative and analytical techniques. The combined use of 1H-NMR and CD spectroscopy was found to be particularly suited to fully characterize all stereochemical aspects of the extracted fagopyrins. For the first time nine isomers have been structurally characterized and their stereochemistry fully elucidated. The presence of two different heterocyclic ring substituents, two stereogenic centers and the inherent axial chirality of the aromatic system provides a complex stereochemical relationships among isomers, thus giving account of the high level of molecular multiplicity found in the extract.

From Patriarchal Motherhood to Feminist Mothering? The Depiction of the Single Mother Tongbaek in the K-drama When the Camellia Blooms (2019)

Abstract: The South Korean television series When the Camellia Blooms ( Tongbaekkot p'il muryŏp , 2019) was one of the highest-rated and most-discussed miniseries dramas of 2019. It is notable that the K-drama has succeeded in attracting viewers from all demographics. This popularity seems to be related to the issues that are highlighted in the drama, such as the #MeToo movement, misogynist murders, and new concepts of family. This article focuses on the portrayal of the single mother Tongbaek in the drama and argues that When the Camellia Blooms used intertextual references to other single mothers from Korean literature and film as a contrast to portray its own message as progressive. The title alone suggests understanding When the Camellia Blooms in relation to both the title of the short story When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom ( Memilkkot p'il muryŏp ) from 1936 and the film title Ms. Camellia ( Tongbaek agassi ) from 1964. Both the short story and the film depict the single mother as a self-victimizing character reduced to her role as mother. In contrast, the K-drama chooses the other extreme and celebrates the single mother as a self-sufficient heroine. While the drama's idealization of motherhood seems to be at odds with the feminism it promotes, the emphasis on solidarity and alternative parenting/caring communities toward the end of the series suggests a more open-minded narrative. I argue that by providing diverse messages on mothers, mothering, and motherhood, the drama stimulates the discussion on how to overcome patriarchal motherhood and move toward feminist mothering.

Phenol-Based Protein Extraction Method for Plant Proteomic Studies.

The protein extraction method based on the phenol solution and combined with protein precipitation with ammonium acetate in methanol and purification in the same solution, and additionally in acetone and ethanol, is recommended for proteomic studies of plant tissues. The obtained protein samples do not require additional nucleic acid digestion and removal of interfering contaminations. The presented protocol was used to analyze the proteome of common buckwheat flowers and leaves.

Study on the Growth Dynamics of Tartary Buckwheat Flowers and Grains, as Well as Material Basis and Physiological Changes of Their Seed-Setting Differences

Tartary buckwheat is a cereal crop that has both medicinal and food origins. However, the underlying factors that contribute to Tartary buckwheat’s flowering and seed-setting characteristics, effective grain formation, and physiological changes are still not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the flowering and seed-setting characteristics of different parts of Tartary buckwheat, as well as the grain-filling characteristics after flowering. To achieve this, Tartary buckwheat cultivars with high (QK3) and low (XQ2) seed-setting rates were selected for pot and field experiments. The study found that Tartary buckwheat undergoes flowering and seed setting simultaneously. Many wilted flowers and grains were observed 45 and 51 d after flowering. Compared to XQ2, QK3 exhibited a higher grain formation rate and seed-setting rate by 7.42% and 26.16%, respectively. Additionally, QK3 had a significantly lower grain abortion rate by 12.03%. The 1000-grain weight and average grain-filling rate of QK3 were 11.10% and 14.81% higher than those of XQ2, respectively. QK3 exhibited a faster maximum grain-filling rate (Rmax), reaching 18.38% faster than XQ2. Additionally, the dry matter average distribution rate in the main stem and branched grains of QK3 was 13.26% and 23.07% higher than that of XQ2, respectively. The sucrose concentration, SS, and SSS enzyme activities of QK3 were all higher than those of XQ2, by 0.29–25.99%, 5.22–11.62%, and 6.64–12.47%, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between sucrose, soluble sugar, and starch concentration during the grain formation process and SS and SSS activities. This suggests that the levels of SS, SSS, soluble sugar, and sucrose in the grain play a crucial role in grain filling.

Analysis of Changes in the Phytochemical Content of Tartary Buckwheat Flowers and Seeds during the Post-flowering Growth

Analysis of Changes in the Phytochemical Content of Tartary Buckwheat Flowers and Seeds during the Post-flowering Growth

단편소설 서사기법으로서의 3S 플롯

This paper proposes the 3S plot as a valid methodology for short-story narrative techniques. The 3S plot is an application of three elements represented by English words starting with s, namely situation, space, and stage, which are combined in a short story. To explain the principle, I analyzed Hwang Soon-won’s “Hak Crane” and Oh Henry’s “20 Years Later,” followed by novels that represent each regiment, such as Lucky Day (Hyun Jin-gun, 1924), When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom (Lee Hyo-seok, 1936), Two Generations Who Suffered (Ha Geun-chan, 1959), Mujin Travel (Kim Seung-ok, 1964), Way to Sampo (Hwang Seok-young, 1973), and Father’s Land (Im Chul-woo, 1981).
 In the 3S plot, situation refers to an intensive present time with past events based on the characteristics of a narrative in which short stories are aggregated. Space is built by adding specificity and a sense of reality as a site where events take place. Stage refers to the dramatic scene in which the case is resolved—especially at the end—and its effect. Short stories can have a significant effect with 3S plots that provide specificity and reality, while the character is highlighted based on situations that strengthen concentration by aggregating past events in the current situation.
 In such a 3S plot, it is not reasonable to only state past events without considering the time condition of the present or to present situations in which the intervention of past events is weak. In addition, the 3S plot is explained more flexibly when the space reveals aspects such as space movement or distribution of places and when the stage effect seems to be insignificant due to an open ending that does not show a clear solution to the case.

Insect Diversity and Pollination Effect on Buckwheat (Fagopyrum Esculentum) Yield

The experiment consisted of two different strategies of pollination treatment on buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) flowers, viz. T1=without netting and T2= netting. Pair plot technique was adopted to layout the present experiment with 12 replications. The most abundant species were identified as Apis cerana F. (9.28±2.62) from Hymenoptera and Menocheilus sexmaculatus (8.36±1.05) from Coleoptera foraging the field at 11 A. M., while Syrphus sp. (2.53±1.1) found as dominant species from Diptera order visited the field early in the morning (7 A. M.). Apis cerena and Apis mellifera were found to stay more time on buckwheat flowers. The highest 1000-seed weight (18.39 g) of buckwheat was recorded from the plot without netting (T1), whereas the lowest 1000-seed weight (9.17 g) was recorded from the plot with netting (T2). The highest seed yield per plant of buckwheat was recorded 22.68 g when the plot was without netting (T1) and the lowest was recorded 12.35 g when the plot was netted (T2). The highest yield per plot was recorded (0.8258 kg) when the field was opened for pollinators (T1) and the lowest yield per plot was recorded (0.399 kg) when the field was netted (T2). J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2023, 9(1): 109-118

Buckwheat Flower Volatiles Attract Peristenus spretus and Enhance Its Field-Level Parasitism of Apolygus lucorum.

Volatile compounds play indispensable roles in the interactions among host plants, herbivores and natural enemies. Previous studies showed that the addition of buckwheat strips in cotton fields could attract Peristenus spretus, the dominant parasitoid of Apolygus lucorum, and enhance its parasitic activity. Through the combined analysis of Y-tube olfactometer, solid-phase microextraction (SPME), gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and electroantennography (EAG), we found that male and female P. spretus responded to compounds present in buckwheat flowers. The five major components of buckwheat flowers, cis-3-hexenyl acetate (Z3HA), 4-methylanisole, 4-oxoisophorone, p-methylphenol and 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, all had a significant attraction to P. spretus adults and led to positive electroantennogram responses, especially for 10 mg/mL 4-oxoisophorone, indicating the components played a key role in the selection behavior of P. spretus to buckwheat flowers. Additionally, field trials showed that the five volatiles could significantly increase the parasitism by P. spretus. Our study screened the key active components of buckwheat flower volatiles that have an attractive effect on P. spretus, revealing its behavioral selection mechanism and emphasizing the important role of plant volatiles on host selection and parasitism of parasitic wasps, providing a theoretical basis for the development of attractants for P. spretus and the reduction of pesticides in the field to promote conservation biological control (CBC) of A. lucorum.

Floral Scents in Bee-Pollinated Buckwheat and Oilseed Rape under a Global Warming Scenario.

Many wild plants and crops are pollinated by insects, which often use floral scents to locate their host plants. The production and emission of floral scents are temperature-dependent; however, little is known about how global warming affects scent emissions and the attraction of pollinators. We used a combination of chemical analytical and electrophysiological approaches to quantify the influence of a global warming scenario (+5 °C in this century) on the floral scent emissions of two important crop species, i.e., buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and oilseed rape (Brassica napus), and to test whether compounds that are potentially different between the treatments can be detected by their bee pollinators (Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris). We found that only buckwheat was affected by increased temperatures. Independent of temperature, the scent of oilseed rape was dominated by p-anisaldehyde and linalool, with no differences in relative scent composition and the total amount of scent. Buckwheat emitted 2.4 ng of scent per flower and hour at optimal temperatures, dominated by 2- and 3-methylbutanoic acid (46%) and linalool (10%), and at warmer temperatures threefold less scent (0.7 ng/flower/hour), with increased contributions of 2- and 3-methylbutanoic acid (73%) to the total scent and linalool and other compounds being absent. The antennae of the pollinators responded to various buckwheat floral scent compounds, among them compounds that disappeared at increased temperatures or were affected in their (relative) amounts. Our results highlight that increased temperatures differentially affect floral scent emissions of crop plants and that, in buckwheat, the temperature-induced changes in floral scent emissions affect the olfactory perception of the flowers by bees. Future studies should test whether these differences in olfactory perception translate into different attractiveness of buckwheat flowers to bees.

Diverse flower-visiting responses among pollinators to multiple weather variables in buckwheat pollination

Response diversity to environmental change among species is important for the maintenance of ecosystem services, but response diversity to changes in multiple environmental parameters is largely unexplored. Here, we examined how insect visitations to buckwheat flowers differ among species groups in response to changes in multiple weather variables and landscape structures. We found differences in responses to changes in weather conditions among insect taxonomic groups visiting buckwheat flowers. Beetles, butterflies, and wasps were more active in sunny and/or high-temperature conditions, whereas ants and non-syrphid flies showed the opposite pattern. When looking closely, the different response pattern among insect groups was itself shown to be different from one weather variable to another. For instance, large insects were responsive to temperatures more than small insects while smaller insects were responsive to sunshine duration more than large insects. Furthermore, responses to weather conditions differed between large and small insects, which agreed with the expectation that optimal temperature for insect activity depends on body size. Responses to spatial variables also differed; large insects were more abundant in fields with surrounding forests and mosaic habitats, whereas small insects were not. We suggest that response diversity at multiple spatial and temporal niche dimensions should be a focus of future studies of the biodiversity–ecosystem service relationships.

Molecular Shield for Protection of Buckwheat Plants from UV-B Radiation.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.) and common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) are adapted to growing in harsh conditions of high altitudes. Ultraviolet radiation at high altitudes strongly impacts plant growth and development. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, protecting substances are synthesized in plants. The synthesis of UV-B defense metabolites is genetically conditioned, and their quantity depends on the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation to which the plants and plant parts are exposed. These substances include flavonoids, and especially rutin. Other substances with aromatic rings of six carbon atoms have a similar function, including fagopyrin, the metabolite specific for buckwheat. Defensive substances are formed in the leaves and flowers of common and Tartary buckwheat, up to about the same concentration in both species. In comparison, the concentration of rutin in the grain of Tartary buckwheat is much higher than in common buckwheat. Flavonoids also have other functions in plants so that they can protect them from pests and diseases. After crushing the grains, rutin is exposed to contact with the molecules of rutin-degrading enzymes. In an environment with the necessary humidity, rutin is turned into bitter quercetin under the action of rutin-degrading enzymes. This bitterness has a deterrent effect against pests. Moreover, flavonoids have important functions in human nutrition to prevent several chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, gallstone formation, and hypertension.

Composition of Buckwheat Honey

Buckwheat has been grown in Virginia since late 1700s; however, today the crop is almost non-existent in Virginia. Since buckwheat flowers profusely in a few weeks after planting, it has potential to support honeybees but there is a lack of information about quality of buckwheat honey produced in Virginia. Our objective was to characterize composition of honey produced by honeybees foraging on buckwheat (Buckwheat honey), compared to that produced by honeybees foraging on wild plants (Wild plant honey). Buckwheat honey differed in composition, antioxidant concentrations, and microbial activities from wild plant honey. Concentrations of fructose, glucose, and melezitos in buckwheat honey were quantitatively lower than that in wild plant honey whereas concentrations of sucrose and maltose exhibited an opposite trend—concentration of maltose being statistical significant. Fructose was the dominant sugar (42 and 52 percent in buckwheat honey and wild plant honey, respectively). Buckwheat honey had significant higher concentrations of K and Cu in comparison to wild plant honey (0.17 and 0.04 percent, and 5.0 and 3.33 ppm, respectively). Concentrations of Trolox and TPC were significantly higher in buckwheat honey than wild plant honey (1.01 and 0.32, and 0.39 and 0.17, respectively). Both types of honeys exhibited anti-microbial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The buckwheat honey was darker in color than the honey from wild plants. We concluded that production of buckwheat as a grain or cover crop can also support honeybees and buckwheat honey might be superior to wild plant honey.

Provision of carbohydrate resources to support Apanteles polychrosidis, to increase parasitism of Caloptilia fraxinella in horticultural ash trees

The provision of nutritional resources for beneficial insects that support pest control, such as parasitoid wasps, is one tactic in conservation biological control. This tactic could be an important element for the development of a biological control program to help control the ash leaf-cone roller, Caloptilia fraxinella Ely (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), an introduced pest of horticultural ash trees (Fraxinus) in Canadian Prairie cities, including Edmonton, AB, Canada. In the current study, we test the efficacy of carbohydrate food provision to support parasitism of C. fraxinella by its primary parasitoid, Apanteles polychrosidis Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Laboratory experiments compared the longevity, parasitism rate and offspring fitness of wasps fed sucrose solutions at one of two concentrations (10 and 25% v/v) or flowers of buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum (Polygonaceae). Fed wasps lived longer than wasps with access to water only. Mated, but not unmated, males and females lived longer when fed 25% than 10% sucrose. Female A. polychrosidis had similar longevity when fed 25% sucrose or buckwheat flowers. Egg load did not change with sucrose provision. Adult longevity of fed unmated female A. polychrosidis was negatively correlated with egg load. Female A. polychrosidis fed 25% sucrose produced offspring with a slightly female-biased sex ratio and higher fecundity than offspring from female A. polychrosidis fed the 10% sucrose solution.

Flowering plants serve nutritional needs of Ascogaster quadridentata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a key parasitoid of codling moth

The codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is the major pome fruit pest worldwide, causing direct fruit damage and significant yield losses. The egg-larval koinobiont parasitoid Ascogaster quadridentata (Wesmael, 1835) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) contributes to the natural regulation of codling moth populations. Similar to many other parasitoid Hymenoptera, adult A. quadridentata could also benefit from high plant diversity in orchards if it fed on flowers. However, its particular nutritional requirements are rather unknown. For the first time, possible effects of sugar or flower resources on the performance of this parasitoid were studied in laboratory experiments. Wasps fed with highly concentrated sucrose or glucose solutions lived three to five times longer than starving individuals. Trehalose also supported survival, whereas mannose was not suitable. Parasitoids were able to exploit sugar solutions of low (10%) to high (64%) concentrations. Survival was more than twice as long when flowers of buckwheat, coriander, wild carrot, and parsnip were offered. Parasitism capacity was strongly linked to female longevity and thus to adequate nutrition of adults. Under the prevailing experimental conditions, performance of wasps was three times higher on flower diet compared to that of starved wasps. Suitable plants flowering during the activity period of A. quadridentata might therefore improve the ecosystem service provided by this important codling moth parasitoid and help increasing functional biodiversity in orchards.

Гречишные травяные чайные напитки: сырье, способы получения и оценка биологической активности

Introduction. Buckwheat grain has long been used in food technology. However, its aboveground part remains understudied even though it is richer in biologically active substances than grain. The research objective was to evaluate the potential of buckwheat grass as a raw material for functional tea beverages.
 Study objects and methods. The research featured the lower and upper parts of the stem, leaves, and flowers of common buckwheat, as well as buckwheat tea beverages. The content of polyphenol compounds was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while the amount of rutin was measured by HPLC analysis. Sensory properties were analyzed by standard methods and quality score, and antioxidant activity – by DPPH radical scavenging method.
 Results and discussion. The sensory analyses proved that the best tea beverages were made from the upper part of the plant: the samples had a strong smell of meadow grass and honey. The taste of the samples was pleasant, sweetish, with a honey and light floral aftertaste. As the total score (maximum score – 20) increased, the tea samples were arranged in the following order: lower stem (14.3) > upper stem (16.8) > leaves, (18.5) > blend – mix of leaves, flowers, and upper stem (18.6) > flowers (19.3). Polyphenol compounds were found in all parts of the plant: flowers – 6.67%, leaves – 5.71%, blend – 5.45%, upper and lower stem – 1.92 and 1.32%, respectively. Only 30–40% of buckwheat grass polyphenol compounds were found in tea beverages. Most of them were in the samples prepared from leaves and flowers – 1.78 %. Rutin made up most of the polyphenol compounds found in the leaves (5.05%), but its content was lower in other parts of the plant: 3.43% in the blend, 3.03% in the flowers, 1.08 and 0.76% in the upper and lower stem. Except for the lower stem samples, the tea contained from 15 to 75% of the daily rutin intake. All the tea samples showed antioxidant activity: flowers – 66.7%, leaves – 62.3%, and blend – 52.5%. In terms of ascorbic acid, it was 69, 64, and 52 μmol/g dry matter, respectfully. The same samples demonstrated antiradical activity.
 Conclusion. Common buckwheat grass can serve as a raw material for tea beverages. Buckwheat tea is a natural functional food product with zero caffeine. They have a pleasant taste and aroma. They owe their high biological activity to the high content of rutin and other polyphenol compounds.

The effects of floral nectar, extrafloral nectar and hemipteran honeydew on the fitness of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a parasitoid of Diaphorina citri

Tamarixia radiata parasitizes nymphs of Diaphorina citri, a global citrus pest that vectors a bacterium that causes a lethal citrus disease, huanglongbing. The effects of four species of potted flowering native California plants, potted flowering buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and Euphorbia marginata (both non-native), honeydew from D. citri and Coccus hesperidum, cut flowers from lemon and orange trees, 50% honey-water, and water only on the longevity, survivorship and reproduction of T. radiata was investigated in the laboratory. Fecundity was measured by counting egg load of parasitoid cohorts ~15 h of age at time of set up and those that were removed for dissection from test arenas at 1, 6, and 18 days after introduction, or at time of death. Maximum survival of female T. radiata was 34 days on honey-water. Survival on honey-water, buckwheat and C. hesperidum honeydew was statistically equivalent, and these three food treatments significantly enhanced parasitoid survival when compared with all remaining food treatments. Female T. radiata fed on D. citri honeydew survived an average of 5 days, which was 3 days longer, on average, than those provided with water only. Parasitoid egg load significantly decreased with increasing days alive, thereby demonstrating the synovigenic nature of T. radiata. Parasitoids that fed on buckwheat flowers and died from natural causes had, on average, 5 more mature eggs in their ovaries at time of death when compared to parasitoids that died when provided access to other experimental sugar sources that were tested. These results suggest that buckwheat may be a useful insectary plant in citrus orchards that could enhance the efficacy of T. radiata against D. citri.

Fructose and glucose in buckwheat nectar enhance Peristenus spretus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) survival and parasitism of the mirid Apolygus lucorum

Supplementary nutrients such as floral nectar or sugars are important food sources for the fitness and reproduction of parasitic Hymenoptera. Peristenus spretus is the dominant parasitoid of the mirid bug Apolygus lucorum and can exert considerable control of this pest. Previous studies found that the addition of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) strips in cotton fields improved P. spretus parasitism of A. lucorum nymphs. In this study, we showed that buckwheat flowers prolonged parasitoid lifespan by 1.7- to 3-fold, depending on wasp sex, and increased the daily parasitism rate by 10.3% compared with the control treatment without flowers. Soluble sugars, primarily fructose, glucose, maltose, mannose, raffinose, and sucrose, accounted for 6.3% of nectar weight. Supplementation of the four most common sugars (fructose, glucose, mannose, and sucrose) all had positive effects on P. spretus lifespan and reproduction. Fructose was the most dominant sugar in buckwheat nectar and had the most significant impact on these variables, suggesting it is the most suitable sugar for P. spretus adults. Glucose was the second most abundant sugar in the nectar, and its supplements significantly extended female longevity and the number of progeny produced per female compared to controls. This study identifies the sugars in buckwheat nectar that enhance the survival and parasitic activity of P. spretus, providing insights to potentially enhance biological control of this mirid pest of cotton.

More Power with Flower for the Pupal Parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae: A Candidate for Biological Control of the Spotted Wing Drosophila

Simple SummaryParasitic wasps are important natural enemies of the spotted wing drosophila, an invasive fruit pest. Releases of mass reared wasps require the presence of all resources necessary to ensure their effectiveness in the crop system. We investigated the utility of floral resources to feed Trichopria drosophilae, one of the candidate species, in a laboratory study. Survival of males and females increased by three to four times when they had access to flowers of buckwheat or of two cultivars of sweet alyssum. The number of offspring produced was also much higher for flower-fed wasps. Given that almost a threefold increase in overall fitness of the wasps was observed, it is advisable to introduce flowering plants into the crop system to enhance their activity for biological control of the spotted wing drosophila. However, any unwanted advantages on the pest itself need to be carefully avoided.Parasitoids are currently considered for biological control of the spotted wing drosophila (SWD) in berry crops. Releases of mass-reared parasitoids require the presence of all resources necessary to ensure their effectiveness in the crop system. The use of floral resources to feed Trichopria drosophilae, one of the candidate species, was investigated in a laboratory study. The life expectancy of males and females increased by three to four times when they had access to flowers of buckwheat or of two cultivars of sweet alyssum. Female realized lifetime fecundity increased from 27 offspring/female exposed to water only to 69 offspring/female exposed to buckwheat flowers. According to this almost threefold increase in parasitoid fitness, it is advisable to introduce flowering plants into the crop system, when parasitoid releases are carried out. Sweet alyssum offers the advantage of not growing too tall in combination with an extended blooming. However, adult SWD were also able to feed on flowers of both plants and survived for at least 27 days, much longer than starving flies. The introduction of flowering plants to promote natural enemies therefore requires further consideration of the risk–benefit balance under field conditions to prevent unintended reinforcement of this pest.