Fruit Fly Larvae Research Articles

Local and landscape constraints of adult population of Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae) in mango orchards

Introduction: The West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart), is one of the most economically important pests of mangoes in Mexico and the Neotropics. Objective: To analyze adult population patterns of A. obliqua and their relation to local and landscape factors. Methods: We selected 11 “Manila” mango orchards along the middle part of La Antigua River, which were characterized to determine their biophysical structure and landscape configuration considering their distance to six different land uses/land covers. Anastrepha obliqua population was estimated by collecting adult flies in colorless polyethylene plastic bottle traps baited with a protein for three weeks in June 2022. Results: A total of 1 869 adults of A. obliqua were trapped, of which 75 % were females and 25 % were males. Abundance varied from 68 to 490 adult flies per orchard, while capture frequency from 0.36 to 1.8 flies/trap/day. Abundance increased in highly shaded orchards, and capture frequency decreased in orchards with highly soil compaction. Abundance and the frequency of capture increased in orchards near isolated trees of Spondias spp. and decreased in orchards near sugarcane plantations. Shade management in mango orchards may be used as an effective strategy to promote biotic interactions to naturally regulate A. obliqua populations, meanwhile, soil compaction represents a limiting ecological condition, which might severely impact fruit fly larvae survival. Conclusions: Adult population of A. obliqua depends on several local and landscape factors because they indicate resource availability and ecological conditions. These findings could be considered for control strategies in the integrated management of this pest to promote protection and improve the fruit quality of mango crop.

Syntheses and Applications of Coumarin-Derived Fluorescent Probes for Real-Time Monitoring of NAD(P)H Dynamics in Living Cells across Diverse Chemical Environments.

Fluorescent probes play a crucial role in elucidating cellular processes, with NAD(P)H sensing being pivotal in understanding cellular metabolism and redox biology. Here, the development and characterization of three fluorescent probes, A, B, and C, based on the coumarin platform for monitoring of NAD(P)H levels in living cells are described. Probes A and B incorporate a coumarin-cyanine hybrid structure with vinyl and thiophene connection bridges to 3-quinolinium acceptors, respectively, while probe C introduces a dicyano moiety for replacement of the lactone carbonyl group of probe A which increases the reaction rate of the probe with NAD(P)H. Initially, all probes exhibit subdued fluorescence due to intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) quenching. However, upon hydride transfer by NAD(P)H, fluorescence activation is triggered through enhanced ICT. Theoretical calculations confirm that the electronic absorption changes upon the addition of hydride to originate from the quinoline moiety instead of the coumarin section and end up in the middle section, illustrating how the addition of hydride affects the nature of this absorption. Control and dose-response experiments provide conclusive evidence of probe C's specificity and reliability in identifying intracellular NAD(P)H levels within HeLa cells. Furthermore, colocalization studies indicate probe C's selective targeting of mitochondria. Investigation into metabolic substrates reveals the influence of glucose, maltose, pyruvate, lactate, acesulfame potassium, and aspartame on NAD(P)H levels, shedding light on cellular responses to nutrient availability and artificial sweeteners. Additionally, we explore the consequence of oxaliplatin on cellular NAD(P)H levels, revealing complex interplays between DNA damage repair, metabolic reprogramming, and enzyme activities. In vivo studies utilizing starved fruit fly larvae underscore probe C's efficacy in monitoring NAD(P)H dynamics in response to external compounds. These findings highlight probe C's utility as a versatile tool for investigating NAD(P)H signaling pathways in biomedical research contexts, offering insights into cellular metabolism, stress responses, and disease mechanisms.

Assaying Nociception Behaviors in Drosophila Larvae During Parasitoid Wasp Attacks.

Nociception in fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) larvae is characterized by a stereotyped escape behavior. When a larva encounters a noxious (potentially harmful) stimulus, it responds by curving its body into a c-shape and rolling in a corkscrew-like manner around its long-body axis. This rolling behavior may serve to quickly remove the larva from the source of the noxious stimulus, and is particularly adaptive to escape from a common natural predator of fruit fly larvae: parasitoid wasps (Leptopilina boulardi). L. boulardi completes its life cycle by using fruit fly larvae as hosts for its offspring. Female wasps sting fly larvae with an ovipositor and lay an egg within the larva. The wasp offspring hatches inside the fly larva, consumes the fly tissues during pupation, and eventually emerges from the pupal case as an adult wasp. Fruit fly larvae respond to oviposition attacks by rolling, which causes the long flexible ovipositor to be wound around the larval body like a spool. This dislodges the wasp and allows the larva to attempt to escape by crawling. Rolling behavior is triggered by the activation of sensory neurons (nociceptors) whose function can inform our understanding of the mechanisms of nociception. In this protocol, we describe a simple behavioral assay to test and measure nociceptive responses in Drosophila larvae during oviposition attacks by female parasitoid wasps. First, we discuss parasitoid wasp husbandry and culturing methods in the laboratory. We then describe how to perform the wasp nociception assay on third-instar fruit fly larvae.

Strength of enemy release from parasitoids is context-dependent in the invasive African Fig Fly, Zaprionus indianus.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the success of biological invasions is essential to employ effective prediction and management strategies. The escape from natural enemies in invaded regions (enemy release hypothesis) and increased competitive ability are hallmarks of invasive species; however, these two processes are rarely studied within the same context. Here, we examined the effect of enemy release on the competition outcomes of a successful invasive insect pest in North America, the African fig fly (Zaprionus indianus). Parasitoid wasps such as Leptopilina heterotoma that parasitize drosophilid larvae may seek out established species with known host suitability over a novel species, so we hypothesized Z. indianus may have low susceptibility to parasitoids, giving them a competitive advantage over co-occurring drosophilids. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the adult emergence rates from Z. indianus larvae reared alone or in competition with Drosophila hydei or D. simulans larvae in the presence and absence of parasitoid wasps. These interactions might be influenced by larval density, so we tested competitive interactions under low and high larval densities. At low larval densities, Z. indianus emerged at equal rates to D. hydei but outcompeted D. simulans, and these outcomes were not affected by parasitoids. However, at high densities, the addition of parasitoids shifted competition outcomes in favor of Z. indianus, suggesting enemy release provides a competitive advantage under some circumstances. These results indicate that the strength of enemy release in Z. indianus is widely dependent on contextual factors such as density and competitor species. Further investigation of how these results apply to field environments could offer insight into how Z. indianus alters ecosystems and how productive biological control may limit the spread of Z. indianus.

Development of a multi-entry identification key for economically important fruit fly larvae (Diptera, Tephritidae, Dacinae).

Identification of fruit fly larvae is difficult due to the limited morphological characteristics present. However, this is the stage at which fruit flies are intercepted at ports of entry through horticultural imports. Molecular tools are useful but are time-consuming and expensive compared to morphological identifications. This project aims to use available information from the literature and our own research to build a multi-entry identification key for thirteen tephritid species and species groups that are of economic concern for the European Union. Third-instar larvae were obtained from different regions and hosts. Thirteen species or representatives of species groups were obtained, including Ceratitis, Dacus, Bactrocera and Zeugodacus spp. The cephalopharyngeal skeletons were dissected out, cleared in a 10% NaOH solution, dehydrated and mounted in Euparal on glass slides. Images of at least 20 larvae/species were captured using a compound microscope fitted with a camera. Measurements were taken of the mounted mandibles and the number of tubules and their position in the anterior spiracles in relation to the cephalic skeleton were noted. Differences between morphometric parameters were tested via ANOVA and verified using discriminant function analysis. A matrix was compiled including nine characters for which significant inter-specific differentiation was preliminarily detected. The key was converted into a mobile application by LucID.

Larval competition between three endemic fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) of differing phylogenetic relatedness

AbstractWithin a fruit, fruit fly larvae can be subject to scramble competition, in which density‐dependent effects can influence the fitness of subsequent adults. While there is significant research on tephritid interspecific larval competition, it has been conducted in invasive situations where the species are evolutionarily novel to each other. There has been no published research investigating larval competitive interactions between naturally coexisting, endemic species. We ran laboratory‐based, intraspecific and interspecific larval competition trials involving three co‐occurring Bactrocera species of differing genetic relatedness and also measured aspects of juvenile development rate to test possible mechanisms of competitive difference. Larval density had an influence on intraspecific competition in Bactrocera tryoni, Bactrocera neohumeralis and Bactrocera jarvisi, with a decreasing percentage of pupation with increasing larval density. Interspecific competition between B. tryoni and B. neohumeralis, and between B. tryoni and B. jarvisi was influenced by the interaction between species and density. The intensity of competition between B. tryoni and B. neohumeralis was minimal but high between B. tryoni and B. jarvisi. B. jarvisi produced larger eggs and had faster initial larval growth rates than the other two species, but it took the longest time for pupation to occur. Our results conflict with theory, as the greatest competition was observed between the two more distantly related species (B. tryoni and B. jarvisi) rather than between the two most closely related species (B. tryoni and B. neohumeralis). Further, and contrary to other studies, egg size, hatch rate and larval growth rate did not provide B. jarvisi with a competitive advantage; thus, larval size does not appear to be a mechanism of larval competition between B. tryoni and B. jarvisi.

Susceptibility of Mangifera indica (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) cultivars to fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in 2 agroecological zones of Cameroon.

The Sudano-Sahelian and the high Guinea savannahs agroecological zones of Cameroon are suitable for the full development of tree crops, including mango. Unfortunately, fresh fruits exported to local and international markets are frequently rejected due to the presence of fruit fly larvae (Diptera: Tephritidae), resulting in drastic income losses and overuse of chemical control products. To promote sustainable management strategies, a 2-yr study (2020-2021) was conducted in 4 and 3 mixed orchards, respectively. Attacked mangoes showing signs of fruit fly damage were collected and taken to the laboratory to rear and identify fruit flies. Repeated grafting and agroclimatic differences were responsible for dissimilarities between the 2 zones, with 18 and 16 cultivars, respectively. From 2,857 attacked mangoes, 26,707 fruit flies belonging to 4 species were identified: Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis cosyra, Ceratitis fasciventris, and Ceratitis anonae. Climate change was the factor determining the distribution of the 2 most important mango fruit flies: B. dorsalis was a wetland species (dominance/occurrence > 70%), while C. cosyra was a dry-land species (dominance/occurrence > 75%). Both species were responsible for high levels of infestations. Bactrocera dorsalis preferred 3 mango cultivars, namely Palmer and Smith in Zone 1, and Ifack 1 in Zone 2 (infestation > 20 individuals/100g of mango). The host-plant spectrum of C. cosyra was modified by alternative host plants. Both C. fasciventris and C. anonae were rare. Findings from this study could guide researchers in the development of monitoring tools for fruit fly populations and, subsequently, in reducing the damage they cause to mangoes.

Virulence and biochemical activities of Heterorhabditis indica (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae) against Bactrocera zonata and Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

This study examines the impact of Heterorhabditis indica entomopathogenic nematodes on mature larvae of the peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders), and the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), both of which are highly detrimental species in the Tephritidae family. The investigation is conducted in a laboratory setting using two types of soil: sandy loam and sand. The research focuses on the virulence and biochemical effects of the nematodes. The results indicate that H. indica is more effective in sandy loam soil than sandy soil. This is supported by the LC50 values (the lethal concentration that kills 50% of the tested organisms) of 566.656 Infective Juveniles/ml for B. zonata and 250.53 Infective Juveniles/ml for C. capitata in sandy loam soil, whereas the corresponding values in sandy soil were 1149.051 and 701.839 Infective Juveniles/ml, respectively. Consequently, C. capitata larvae are more susceptible to entomopathogenic nematodes than B. zonata larvae. The infection by the nematodes also leads to changes in specific enzymatic activities of the larvae. This includes significant reductions in amylase, trehalase, and acetylcholine esterase, alongside an increase in invertase activity. Moreover, varying decreases are observed in chitinase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase activities. In conclusion, the nematodes effectively reduce the emergence of adult flies by targeting the final stages of insect development. Furthermore, they offer an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

Simple and Rapid PCR-RFLP based species identification in Drosophila suzukii and Drosophila immigrans larvae

Wild fruit fly larvae can be distinguished at the family level such as Drosophilidae and Tephritidae larvae are based on size or spiracles arrangement, but such visual distinction is more intricate between Drosophilid species. In the present study, to identify the Drosophila immigrans and Drosophila suzukii species at the larval stage, we employed a simple, rapid PCR-RFLP experiment. Wild suspected larvae from Drosophila immigrans and Drosophila suzukii species were collected from 3 different geographical regions. DNA was isolated and a PCR-RFLP profile was developed using the XmnI restriction enzyme. Sequencing of the mitochondrial COI gene from larvae was performed to evaluate the species. PCR-RFLP analysis from Drosophila suzukii wild larvae generated three distinct bands with 120bp, 210bp and 250bp. Similarly, Drosophila immigrans generated 2 distinct bands with 270bp and 310bp. Restriction digestion products from both the larvae and adult flies were the same, hence the accuracy of the PCR-RFLP profile developed from both suspected wild larvae and adult flies was 100%. Sequencing analysis confirms that wild field collected larvae belong to Drosophila suzukii and Drosophila immigrans. Present study clearly shows that PCR‐RFLP is a fast, simple, inexpensive and accurate molecular method and it can be successfully used for species identification at the early stages of the life cycle of Drosophila species.

Programming Motion into Materials Using Electricity-Driven Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators.

As thermally driven smart materials capable of large reversible deformations, liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have great potential for applications in bionic soft robots, artificial muscles, controllable actuators, and flexible sensors due to their ability to program controllable motion into materials. In this article, we introduce conductive LCE actuators using a liquid metal electrothermal layer and a polyethylene terephthalate substrate. Our LCE actuators can be stimulated at low currents from 2 to 4 A and produce a maximum work density of 9.4 . We illustrate the potential applications of this system by designing a palm-activated artificial muscle gripper, which can be used to grasp soft objects ranging from 5 to 55 mm in size, and even ring-shaped workpieces with precise external or internal support. Furthermore, inspired by the movement of fruit fly larvae, we designed a new soft robot capable of bioinspired crawling and turning by inducing anisotropic friction with an asymmetric design. Finally, we illustrate advanced motional control by designing an autonomously rotating wheel based on the asymmetric contraction of its spokes. To assist in the production of autonomously moving robots, we provide a thorough characterization of its motion dynamics.

Efficiency of some inhibitors on alpha amylase of the peach fruit fly larvae Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Alpha amylase inhibitor (α-AI) extracted from wheat grains (Triticum sp.) as possible new agent in pest control, and some other organic inhibitors are evaluated against α-amylase of the fourth larval instar of the peach fruit fly (PFF) larvae; Bactrocera zonata (Saund.). 4.2 mg protein ml−1 of the inhibitor extracted by 70 % ammonium sulphate inhibited, in vitro, 97.9 % of amylolytic activity of the larvae. Percent inhibition efficiency (Ei%) of the crude inhibitor was directly proportional with its concentration in the range from 4.2 to 0.21 mg protein ml-1. The calculated IC50 was 1 mg protein ml-1. Increasing of the surrounding temperature from 10 to 35 °C not enhanced inhibitor efficiency, and the inhibitor could inhibit the enzyme efficiently at a relatively low temperature (10 °C). On the other hand, wheat extract showed quick binding affinity to α-amylase of PFF larvae. Incubation of the inhibitor with the enzyme for 10 min was sufficient for wheat α- AI to exert its maximum inhibition. Screening of other possible organic compounds act as α-AI such as citric, gallic and acetic acids showed that gallic acid was the most potent inhibitor, and it was able to inhibit α-amylase of the larvae, at a relatively, low concentration (10−4M). It could be concluded that there are natural potent inhibitors of PFF α-amylase which act as a key enzyme for carbohydrates digestion. This might be useful as an alternative method for controlling B. zonata population. Additional experiments are necessary to make these alternative compounds applicable in the field.

Keeping a close eye on the searching behaviour of the mass-reared parasitoid Dichasmimorpha longicaudata: addressing a standardised test

ABSTRACT Tephritid fruit flies are responsible for many losses in the fruit market due to direct damage to fruits and their quarantine restrictions. Augmentative parasitoid releases are an effective method of biological control that is complementary to the sterile insect technique (SIT) currently used for the management of many tephritid species. However, mass-produced parasitoids must exhibit high-quality attributes that are crucial for the reduction of pest populations. Females must be able to disperse and locate host larvae following kairomones. Nevertheless, there is currently no standardised, fast-processing method to assess the quality of searching parasitoids. Since parasitoid effectiveness is linked to flight ability, we developed a test with a larval-odour device that aimed to measure the quality of female parasitoids via their ability to locate host larvae by their odour. As an odour source, we applied a used or clean artificial host diet on a 3 × 2 cm piece of filter paper. We diluted the diets in ethanol at 1/1, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 (% mass/vol) to obtain an odour gradient. Female wasps landed and attempted to oviposit more frequently on devices treated with used diet than on those treated with clean diet. We suggest that this test can be implemented as a simple and fast method to evaluate the searching behaviour of mass-reared parasitoids of fruit fly larvae.

Insecticide activity from mangrove endophytic fungus isolate against larvae of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster)

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) is one of the important pests for fruit and vegetable plants. However, pest control efforts are highly dependent on synthetic insecticides. This study aimed to determine the potential of mangrove endophytic fungi as bioinsecticides for D. melanogaster and to determine the insecticidal activity of secondary metabolites of mangrove endophytic fungi against D. melanogaster larvae. The study was conducted on five types of fungi extract isolated from R. mucronata, namely E. nidulans (BPPTCC 6035), E. nidulans (BPPTCC 6038), A. tamarii (BPPTCC 6037), A. versicolor (BPPTCC 6039), and A. oryzae (BPPTCC 6036) in 500 and 1000 ppm. The results showed that the A. versicolor (BPPTCC 6039) extract was the most toxic. Tukey’s HSD test showed that the A. versicolor (BPPTCC 6039) extract was most effectively used as a bioinsecticide for D. melanogaster larvae. All extracts do not have antifeedant compounds and showed activity to inhibit larvae growth. Therefore, in this study, the A. versicolor (BPPTCC 6039) extract had the most significant potential as a bioinsecticide for D. melanogaster larvae.

Near-infrared absorption and emission probes with optimal connection bridges for live monitoring of NAD(P)H dynamics in living systems

Two NAD(P)H-biosensing probes consisting of 1,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indolium and 3-quinolinium acceptors, linked by thiophene, A, and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene, B, bridges are detailed. We synthesized probes C and D, replacing the thiophene connection in probe A with phenyl and 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole units, respectively. Probe E was prepared by substituting probe A's 3-quinolinium unit with a 1-methylquinoxalin-1-ium unit. Probe solutions are non-fluorescent but in the presence of NADH, exhibit near-infrared fluorescence at 742.1 nm and 727.2 nm for probes A and B, respectively, and generate absorbance signals at 690.6 nm and 685.9 nm. In contrast, probes C and D displayed pronounced interference from NADH fluorescence at 450 nm, whereas probe E exhibited minimal fluorescence alterations in response to NAD(P)H. Pre-treatment of A549 cells with glucose in the presence of probe A led to a significant increase in fluorescence intensity. Additionally, subjecting probe A to lactate and pyruvate molecules resulted in opposite changes in NAD(P)H levels, with lactate causing a substantial increase in fluorescence intensity, conversely, pyruvate resulted in a sharp decrease. Treatment of A549 cells with varying concentrations of the drugs cisplatin, gemcitabine, and camptothecin (5, 10, and 20 µM) led to a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular fluorescence intensity, signifying a rise in NAD(P)H levels. Finally, fruit fly larvae were treated with different concentrations of NADH and cisplatin illustrating applicability to live organisms. The results demonstrated a direct correlation between fluorescence intensity and the concentration of NADH and cisplatin, respectively, further confirming the efficacy of probe A in sensing changes in NAD(P)H levels within a whole organism.

Automatic classification of parasitized fruit fly pupae from X-ray images by convolutional neural networks

The parasitoid wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has been used for the biological control of fruit fly larvae in many countries. Due to the large scale of production, quality control systems must be utilized to assess insect quality to optimize prerelease activities. However, the parasitism rate, and the unparasitized puparia, which become waste pupae, can only be known after waiting for the emergence of the adults from sampled pupae (ca. 16 days at 25 °C). This waiting time can result in resources being wasted. A way to speed up the quality control of pupal batches and increase the accuracy of the production process would be to combine digital radiography of the parasitized pupae and deep learning methods for the automatic classification of images. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to discriminate parasitized from waste pupae through X-ray images and to test the suitability of 7 Convolutional Neural Networks to classify the pupal images. Radiographic images from 11-day-old pupae allowed the in vivo identification of immature stages of the parasitoid, preserving the viability of the wasp. A positive correlation was found between the number of emerged parasitoids and the ones identified in the X-ray images. In terms of performance metrics, the accuracies achieved by all CNN-based neural architectures were higher than 97%, indicating a high predictive classification power. At least three of the CNNs tested showed great potential as classifiers of X-ray images of parasitized pupae and can be indicated for practical applications in quality control programs.

Pelatihan Budidaya Larva Lalat Buah Sebagai Pakan Alternatif Produksi Tambak Ikan di Kabupaten Pangkep

This service activity aims to increase the knowledge and skills of fish farming residents regarding cultivating fruit fly larvae (BSF maggots) as an alternative feed for fish pond production in Pangkep Regency. Implementing this service used training and assistance in making alternative feed products. The evaluation instrument for this activity was an interview guide and practice, then analyzed descriptively. This activity showed that training activities on cultivating fruit larvae as alternative feed provided benefits and positive impacts for fish farmers, where farmers could make an alternative feed from fruit fly larvae that was cheaper and had high nutritional value.

Preliminary Studies on the Predation of the Mite Blattisocius mali (Acari: Blattisociidae) on Various Life Stages of Spider Mite, Thrips and Fruit Fly.

Research in recent years has shown that some species of predatory mites, considered to be typically associated with soil and litter, can also be found on plants. Such species include Blattisocius mali, which is an effective predator of acarid mites, nematodes and the eggs of moths and which can disperse by means of drosophilid fruit flies. Apart from soil and litter or storage, it has also been recorded on the bark of apple trees and the leaves of strawberries, thus suggesting its possible predation of/feeding on herbivorous mites and insects. Our goal was to examine whether B. mali could consume different development stages of two polyphagous herbivores, the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, and the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, as well as the drosophilid fruit fly Drosophila hydei. In 24 h cage tests, single, starved B. mali females consumed all types of prey offered, i.e., the eggs, males and females of spider mites; the first-instar larvae and prepupae of thrips; and the eggs and first-instar larvae of fruit flies. The potential for B. mali to prey upon these insects and mites was confirmed. However, to estimate whether it can also effectively reduce their population, additional tests on the predator's survival, fecundity and prey preference are needed.

Kinematic Behavior of an Untethered, Small-Scale Hydrogel-Based Soft Robot in Response to Magneto-Thermal Stimuli.

Fruit fly larvae, which exist widely in nature, achieve peristaltic motion via the contraction and elongation of their bodies and the asymmetric friction generated by the front and rear parts of their bodies when they are in contact with the ground. Herein, we report the development of an untethered, magnetic, temperature-sensitive hydrogel-based soft robot that mimics the asymmetric micro-patterns of fruit-fly-larvae gastropods and utilizes cyclic deformation to achieve directional peristaltic locomotion. Due to Néel relaxation losses of nanomagnetic Fe3O4 particles, the hydrogel-based soft robot is capable of converting changes in external alternating magnetic stimuli into contracting and expanding deformation responses which can be remotely controlled via a high-frequency alternating magnetic field (AMF) to realize periodic actuation. Furthermore, the Fe3O4 particles included in the hydrogel-based soft robot cause it to follow a gradient magnetic field in confined liquid environments and can be coupled with AMFs for the targeted release of water-soluble drugs or targeted magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT). We believe that such a controlled motion can enable highly targeted drug delivery, as well as vascular disease detection and thrombus removal tasks, without the use of invasive procedures.

Insecticidal Cyclodepsitetrapeptides from Mortierella alpina.

Early diverging fungi, such as Mortierella alpina, are an emerging source of bioactive peptides. By screening 22 fungal isolates together with precursor-directed biosynthesis, a family of threonine-linked cyclotetradepsipeptides, the cycloacetamides A-F (1-6), was identified. The structure elucidation was conducted using NMR and HR-ESI-MS/MS analyses, and the absolute configuration was determined by Marfey's analysis and total synthesis. Cycloacetamides are not cytotoxic to human cells, while being highly selectively insecticidal against fruit fly larvae.

Short Communication: Dacini tribe's fruit fly species in Depok (Indonesia) with special reference to the abundance of orchard fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, for fruit pest controlling

Abstract. Herrahmawati Q, Yuniati R, Yasman. 2023. Short Communication: Dacini tribe's fruit fly species in Depok (Indonesia) with special reference to the abundance of orchard fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, for fruit pest controlling. Biodiversitas 24: 2447-2457. Knowledge of diversity and regularly monitoring pest insects in fields is crucial in crop protection and is key to effective pest control management. Our research group aims to map the species diversity of the Dacini tribe's fruit flies in Depok (Indonesia) using lure fruit fly traps and rearing fruit fly larvae from infected fruits. This preliminary study result is important for our next study to control fruit flies using tropical fruit extract as a natural lure. Four fruit flies were obtained from infected fruit purchased from a traditional fruit seller: Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel 1912) and Bactrocera albistrigata (Meijere 1911) from Syzygium aqueum (Burm.fil.) Alston fruit and Bactrocera fuscitibia (Drew & Hancock 1994) and Bactrocera carambolae (Drew & Hancock 1994) from arum manis (Mangifera indica L.) fruit. Meanwhile, three fruit fly species were caught in lure traps using methyl eugenol: B. dorsalis, Bactrocera umbrosa (Fabricius 1805), and Bactrocera musae (Tryon 1927). Detailed morphological descriptions were provided for each species obtained. The B. dorsalis was the most abundant, while B. musae were the least abundant. This study's total number of individuals was 6,329 for B. dorsalis, 485 for B. umbrosa, and 34 for B. musae. The B. dorsalis is widely distributed in many tropical areas of Asia-Pacific and is considered an invasive species in Africa. Moreover, it is well known as one of the most important pest species within the Tephritidae family. While the remaining obtained fruit fly species have also been reported as pests, it is interesting to note that B. fuscitibia was reported as a non-pest species but was obtained from an infected mango fruit in this preliminary study. The B. musae was also reported for the first time in Depok, West Java Province, Indonesia.