Highest Number Of Eggs Research Articles

Evaluation of humpback grouper, Cromileptes altivelis reproduction because of mating between males from the wild and females from cultivation

There has been a tendency to decrease the genetic quality of aquaculture commodities, which is a significant problem to be addressed immediately. The study aimed to evaluate the reproduction of humpback grouper broodstock resulting from crossbreeding male broodstock from the wild with female broodstock from captivity. This research used 2 (two) concrete tanks 75 m3 in volume. Each tank was filled with 25 females comprising 15 cultured and 10 broodstock from the wild and conducted from March to November. The broodstock feed consists of fresh fish and squid. The treatment given is the difference in vitamins given. The Tank A was fed an additional vitamin mix, while in Tank B was fed extra vitamins C and E. Recorded parameters such as egg production, egg hatching rate, egg size, spawning frequency, and oil droplet size. The results of humpback grouper reproduction showed that providing fresh trash fish, squid, vitamin C, and vitamin E in the feed yields better results. The spawning frequency was higher in tank B, with 22 times occurrences, compared to tank A, with 17. The highest number of eggs was observed in October, with up to 1,395,000 eggs in Tank B and 1,150,000 in Tank A.

Population Dynamics of Lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea in Cotton Fields in the Central Region of Syria

Hawis, B., Z. Chikh Khamis and M. Al-Nabhan. 2023. Population Dynamics of Lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea in Cotton Fields in the Central Region of Syria. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 41(4): 375-383. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP41.4.375383 Dynamics of Chrysoperla carnea population dynamics were studied for two growing seasons (2017 and 2018) in cotton fields in Hama at central Syria. Adults of C. carnea were prevalent in the field from July until the end of the season. The highest numbers of the predator adults caught by the sweeping net were in the middle of September (4 and 8 adults per 50 sweeping net beats in 2017 and 2018, respectively). The correlation between predator adults and maximum, minimum, and average temperatures were negative with low significance, and positive with weak significance between C. carnea adult population and relative humidity in 2017, but no correlation between these variables in 2018 were recorded. The correlation between adults and sunshine duration was negative in both seasons. C. carnea eggs were recorded in cotton fields in July of both seasons and continued to be present all during the season until 14 October in 2017 (22.96 eggs/100 leaves), and in 2018 predator eggs were reduced at the end of September to 7.41eggs/100 leaves. The highest number of eggs were noticed at the third week of 382 مجلة وقاية النبات العربية، مجلد ،41 عدد 4 ) 2023( august (38.52 and 49.63 eggs in 2017 and 2018, respectively). There was intermediate positive significance between eggs and minimum and average temperature in 2018. Positive correlations were recorded between the predator eggs and whitefly and aphid’s nymphs in both seasons. The low and middle levels of the cotton plant leaves were the preferred sites for females to put their eggs, and the proportion of eggs placed on these parts of plant in both seasons was 76.34%. Keywords: Chrysoperla carnea, population dynamics, weather parameters, Bemisia tabaci, Aphis gossypii, oviposition preference

The Effect of Sex Ratio and Population Density on Adult and Female Egg-Laying Behavior and Female Longevity of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

This study was conducted to determine the effects of sex ratio and population density on Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) adult and female egg laying behavior. This study was conducted to determine the effects of sex ratio and population density on Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) adult and female egg laying behavior. The studies were carried out in the laboratory of the Department of Plant Protection of the Faculty of Agriculture of Selçuk University and in the climate room at 28±1ºC, 70±5% relative humidity and dark environment. Experiments were carried out in 1 Liter jars with 4 replications. Seven for the sex ratio in the trials (1/1.2/1.3/1.4/1.5/1.6/1.7/1 Male/Female), five for the population density (2/1.4/2) .6/3.8/4.10/5 Male/Female) (in a fixed sex ratio of 2 male/female) different parameters were used. According to the results obtained, an increase was observed in the number of eggs laid by a female from the early stages to the intermediate levels in the sex ratio and population density. When we look at the effect of the sex ratio, the number of eggs laid by the female in the ratio of 5 males / 1 females reached the highest level with 312 eggs. In the population density, the female left the largest number of eggs (360 eggs) at a density of 9 adults. In mass production of P. interpunctella, the highest number of eggs will be obtained from females if the adult population density is 9, the sex ratio is 5 males / 1 female and adult food is provided.

Genetically Modified Silkworm Breeds (Bombyx mori L.) with Sexual Dimorphism at the Initial Stage of Ontogenesis

The purpose of the work was to evaluate the breeds of the world silkworm collection of the Scientific Research Institute of Sericulture (SRIS) labelled by sex at the stage of eggs of silkworm by biological characteristics for their use in hybridization. The eggs of silkworm of these genetically modified breeds can be easily separated by color (by sex) before reaching the imago stage.
 The work was carried out in the laboratory of genetics and breeding of the silkworm of the SRIS on the materials of the living collection of the silkworm in 2020-2022.
 The search and selection of breeds for hybridization was carried out by the ranking method. The ranking method consists in the ability to establish a relationship between the features, which are expressed by the order of the place occupied by each member in the aggregate, i.e. the place of rank in the variation series.
 Hybrids from breeds labeled by sex at the stage of silkworm eggs with 100% purity of preparation, with the maximum manifestation of heterosis in reproductive and biological indicators, differ in: a high number of normal eggs in a clutch of C-12×C-10 - 614pcs, C–5×C-13 - 598pcs, C-12×C-14 – 598 pieces; caterpillar viability – C-12×C-10 – 96,5%, C-5×C-13 – 96,0%, C-12×C-14 – 96,2%; content of raw silk, – C-12×C-10 – 22,2%, C-5×C-13 – 22,0%, C-12×C-14 – 20,3%.
 By the methods of traditional breeding selection at all stages of development, improved lines of silkworm breeds C-5, C-10, C-12, C-13, C-14 were bred in terms of reproductive indicators, hatching of silkworm eggs, the viability of caterpillars, weight and content of raw silk of cocoons.

The Influences of Illumination Regime on Egg-laying Rhythms of Honey Bee Queens.

Honey bee queens show extreme fecundity, commonly laying more than a thousand eggs in a single day. It has proven challenging to study the temporal organization of egg-laying behavior because queens are typically active around the clock in the dark cavity of a densely populated nest. To contend with this challenge, we developed two novel methods allowing detailed monitoring of queen activity and egg laying. We first adapted a high-resolution, continuous, tracking system allowing to track the position of barcode-tagged queens in observation hives with colonies foraging outside. We found that the queen is active ~96% of the day with typically no diurnal rhythm. Next, we developed a new laboratory procedure to monitor egg laying at single egg resolution under different light regimes. We found that under constant darkness (DD) and temperature conditions, queens laid eggs with no circadian rhythms. Queen fecundity was severely reduced under constant light (LL). Under a 12:12 illumination regime, queen fecundity was comparable to under constant darkness, with a higher number of eggs during the light phase. These daily rhythms in egg laying continued when these queens were released to DD conditions, suggesting that egg-laying rhythms are influenced by endogenous circadian clocks. These results suggest that honey bee queens are active and lay eggs around the clock with no diurnal rhythms. Light has complex influences on these behaviors, but more studies are needed to determine whether these effects reflect the influence of light directly on the queen or indirectly by affecting workers that interact with the queen.

Laying Eggs of Pomacea canaliculata L. on Oryza sativa L. in Various Ways of Plant Cultivation in Village Tulus Ayu, Sub District Belitang

Rice is a widely cultivated crop in Indonesia that the crop becomes a food crop with many pests and diseases. As happen in Belitang, the area many rice cultivation infested by golden snails because Belitang is a center of rice production with the biggest irrigation structure in the region. The golden snails prefer to live in submerged areas. Furthermore, the snail produces a high number of eggs in one ovulation which may produce a high number of golden snails and cause serious damage on rice to mage harvest failure. The research of this know the number of eggs packets of golden snails laid in two rice cultivations with different ages and varieties. The method applied in the study was a survey method for which samples were taken purposively, by following certain intervals in every row of rice plants. The observation was made to calculate the number of snail egg packets. The result showed that in the two different rice cultivation there were different numbers of snail egg packets. The difference might be caused by different environmental factors between both locations where a lower water surface caused a higher number of snail eggs.

Volatiles released by Beauveria bassiana induce oviposition behavior in the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Microbial volatile organic compounds may act as semiochemicals, inciting different behavioral responses in insects. Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus, and physiological and environmental factors are positively related to fungal virulence. In this study, we examined the volatile profiles produced by eight B. bassiana strains, isolated from soil plots and mycosed insect cadavers, with different speeds of kill and determined if these compounds induce oviposition behavior in Spodoptera frugiperda. Fungal volatilome analysis revealed differences between the isolates. Isolates from mycosed insects showed higher virulence, larger egg mass area and length, and a higher number of eggs by mass, than those obtained from soil. Furthermore, a dilution of the fungal odoriferous compounds increased the insect response, suggesting that S. frugiperda is highly susceptible to the fungal compound's fingerprint. Otherwise, the insect response to the natural blend of volatiles released by the fungus was different from that obtained with 3-methylbutanol, which was the most abundant compound in all isolates. The ability of an entomopathogen to produce volatiles that can induce olfactory stimulation of egg-laying behavior could represent an ecological adaptive advantage in which the entomopathogen stimulates the insect population growth.

Spawning activity of Oryzias woworae Parenti & Hadiaty 2010 with the Suplementation Spirulina Meal in the Diet

Spirulina platensis is a feed additive that can improve the reproductive performance of fish. It has never been given to the endemic fish Oryzias woworae which can lay eggs every day. Therefore, a study was conducted that aims to examine spawning activities related to egg-laying behavior, number of eggs, and egg diameter of O. woworae. The study used a sex ratio of 1♂:1♀ in spawning. The test feeds were commercial feed (Feng Li 1) or 0% without spirulina (treatment A), the addition of spirulina 5% (treatment B), 10% (treatment C), and 20% (treatment D). Observations were made every hour for 6 days. The spawning temperature was controlled at a value of 26.6±0.2°C. The results showed differences in the behavior of O. woworae in releasing eggs on spawning days. Giving spirulina causes the behavior of releasing eggs to occur at intervals of 1-3 hours, while without spirulina, it only occurs 1 hour on spawning days. The highest number of eggs was produced by giving spirulina 20% with a diameter range of 1.35-1.37 mm. The presence of a small egg diameter in the 20% spirulina treatment indicated that an increase in the number of eggs affected the ovaries capacity, so the diameter decreased. However, the average diameter of 20% of spirulina eggs was still the same as without spirulina administration. The stable temperature at 26.6±0.2°C caused the spawning activity of O. woworae to only occur in the morning between 07:00-09:00.

The association of prolactin gene polymorphism with egg production traits in Alabio and Mojosari ducks

Prolactin (PRL) affects egg production in duck as it induces broodiness and promotes follicles development. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between polymorphism of PRL gene and egg production traits in Alabio and Mojosari Ducks. Genomic DNA were isolated from 111 blood samples (51 Alabio and 60 Mojosari). PCR and sequencing were performed to identify poly-morphisms and genotype of the animals. Data recording of the ducks including body weight at 16 weeks of age and at first egg, average weight of three first eggs laid and egg number laid up to 3, 6 and 12 months production were collected. Data were analyzed using independent sample t-Test. As a result, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were detected in intron 4. Both SNP C-5796A and SNP T-5817C were found to have association with egg number laid up to three months (P<0,005). The CA/TC genotype had higher egg number than CC/TT. These suggested that SNP C-5796A and SNP T-5817C could be potential markers for marker assisted selection to increase egg number in duck.

Optimizing diet thickness and egg density for economic mass rearing of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, 1879 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): A laboratory host for biological control agents

BackgroundMediterranean flour moth [Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, 1879 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)] (MFM hereafter) is a significant pest of stored products, particularly flour and causes significant economic damages. However, its eggs are important laboratory host for mass rearing of biological control agents of important agricultural pests. However, diet thickness and eggs’ density to be used in a specific area for economic mass rearing are not fully understood. MethodsThis study optimized the diet thickness and eggs’ density to be used in a specified area for harvesting higher number of MFM eggs with low cost. The MFM was reared under dark environment, i.e., 25 ± 1 °C temperature and 60–70% relative humidity in 32×26×6 cm plastic tubs. The diet consisted of wheat flour and wheat bran in 2:1 ratio by weight, respectively. Three diet thicknesses [i.e., 0.5 cm (thin), 1.5 cm (medium) and 2.5 cm (thick)] and three egg densities [i.e., 25 mg (low), 50 mg (medium) and 75 mg (high)] were tested to determine the most economic and productive combination. ResultsLife history traits, i.e., moths’ production, moths’ ratio and egg production were significantly altered by individual an interactive effect of diet thickness and egg density. The highest number of moths was obtained for medium diet thickness and high egg density. Medium diet thickness with low egg density resulted in the lowest number of moths. The highest number of eggs were produced by thin and medium diets and high egg density combinations, and these combinations proved the most economic for mass production of 100 g eggs. ConclusionThe results of the current study indicated that combination of medium and thin diet thicknesses with high egg density are the most economic for mass production of MFM. Interestingly, the study revealed that terminating moths’ collection at 2nd week after first moth emergence and egg collection at 4 days after the moths are placed in egg laying containers is the most suitable time for the economic mass rearing of MFM. However, egg densities >75 mg need further testing on thin and medium diet thicknesses to explore whether they are more economic than recommended densities in this study.

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Aedes albopictus Populations in Rural and Agricultural Areas in Chania, Greece, After Its Invasion

Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is an aggressive invasive mosquito species that transmits parasites that cause several major human diseases such as dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika. Its recent establishment in many European countries and the reported autochthonous cases of Aedes-transmitted arboviral diseases highlight the importance of effective surveillance programs to plan and implement efficient mosquito-control interventions. Aedes albopictus invaded the Greek island of Crete in 2014 and rapidly spread throughout; however, there are no comprehensive population-related data yet available. Our study focused on spatial and temporal dynamics of Ae. albopictus populations in rural and agricultural areas in Chania (western part of the Crete Island). An oviposition surveillance network, consisting of 51 ovitraps, was established in 2017 and systematically inspected for 2 years. Thirty ovitraps were established in rural areas and 21 in the surrounding agricultural areas. Eggs were collected weekly and transferred to the laboratory for counting and assessment of hatching rates. The spatial and temporal egg distribution was assessed by using geographical information systems and spatial statistical analysis tools. Kernel density and hot spot analysis were employed to identify clusters of high populations of eggs. Oviposition activity (eggs in traps) was recorded during April–May and December (of both years), while the maximum egg-laying rates were observed during September–October. The proportion of traps with eggs was similar between rural and agricultural areas, while the higher number of eggs was recorded in rural compared to agricultural areas during 2017. Egg hatch rates were high (>90%) until the end of September. The proportion of diapausing non-hatched eggs rapidly increased at the end of November. All hatched larvae were identified as Ae. Albopictus, indicating a negative effect of the invasion on the population of the local species Ae. cretinus. This was a systematic attempt to monitor the seasonal and spatial patterns of the Asian tiger mosquito in the island of Crete, the southernmost area of Europe, and a study in Europe that assessed temporal and spatial dynamics of Ae. albopictus soon after its invasion and establishment in an area.

Rhyzopertha dominica Fabricius (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae): Growth and Developement on Six Different Varieties of Maize (Zea mays L.)

The research aimed to evaluate the Rhyzoperta dominica growth and development on six maize varieties. The No-choice method was adopted to evaluate the R. dominica life cylce from February to September 2018. Based on the result, the R. dominica growth and development were appropriate to be examined by the number of eggs, larvae, pupae, and F1 progenies and the percentage of weight loss rather than using the development time, the stage of development time, the median development time, the growth index of larvae, the potential of biotic, and susceptibility index. The development and the median development time were positively correlated with number of eggs, larvae, pupae, and F1 progenies. The R. dominica growth and development were faster on maize ‘ROK’ variety than other maize varieties. The highest number of eggs, larvae, pupae, and F1 progenies and the percentage of weight loss were detected on ‘ROK’ variety. On the other hand, the lowest growth and the longest development were observed on ‘Anoman’ variety. The variation of the R. dominica growth and development was due to the variation of the physical and biochemical characteristics of maize varieties.

Conceptual preferences can be transmitted via selective social information use between competing wild bird species.

Concept learning is considered a high-level adaptive ability. Thus far, it has been studied in laboratory via asocial trial and error learning. Yet, social information use is common among animals but it remains unknown whether concept learning by observing others occurs. We tested whether pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) form conceptual relationships from the apparent choices of nest-site characteristics (geometric symbol attached to the nest-box) of great tits (Parus major). Each wild flycatcher female (n = 124) observed one tit pair that exhibited an apparent preference for either a large or a small symbol and was then allowed to choose between two nest-boxes with a large and a small symbol, but the symbol shape was different to that on the tit nest. Older flycatcher females were more likely to copy the symbol size preference of tits than yearling flycatcher females when there was a high number of visible eggs or a few partially visible eggs in the tit nest. However, this depended on the phenotype, copying switched to rejection as a function of increasing body size. Possibly the quality of and overlap in resource use with the tits affected flycatchers' decisions. Hence, our results suggest that conceptual preferences can be horizontally transmitted across coexisting animals, which may increase the performance of individuals that use concept learning abilities in their decision-making.

Reproduction of the shore crab Pachygrapsus transversus (Gibbes, 1850) (Decapoda: Grapsidae) in the Brazilian temperate zone

ABSTRACT Pachygrapsus transversus is an abundant crab in the intertidal ecosystems in the tropical and temperate coasts of the Atlantic Ocean. This study aims to investigate the egg production (number and volume) in P. transversus in a temperate region (Torres, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil), comparing between three stages of egg development and four seasons. Ovigerous females were sampled in 2019 at Praia Prainha once per season. In the laboratory, females were identified, measured, and their eggs were classified by stage of development, counted and measured. The main results were: ovigerous females were collected in all seasons, but showed a sharp decrease in winter; fecundity (stage I) was positively correlated with female body size and the highest number of eggs was found in spring and summer; the egg volume was higher in autumn than all other seasons; there was an increase in egg volume during development, while egg loss was only detected in spring. The reproduction of P. transversus presented seasonal and latitudinal differences, which are attributed to environmental conditions.

Reconstructing the history of helminth prevalence in the UK.

Intestinal helminth parasites (worms) have afflicted humans throughout history and their eggs are readily detected in archaeological deposits including at locations where intestinal parasites are no longer considered endemic (e.g. the UK). Parasites provide valuable archaeological insights into historical health, sanitation, hygiene, dietary and culinary practices, as well as other factors. Differences in the prevalence of helminths over time may help us understand factors that affected the rate of infection of these parasites in past populations. While communal deposits often contain relatively high numbers of parasite eggs, these cannot be used to calculate prevalence rates, which are a key epidemiological measure of infection. The prevalence of intestinal helminths was investigated through time in England, based on analysis of 464 human burials from 17 sites, dating from the Prehistoric to Industrial periods. Eggs from two faecal-oral transmitted nematodes (Ascaris sp. and Trichuris sp.) and the food-derived cestodes (Taenia spp. and Diphyllobothrium latum syn Dibothriocephalus latus) were identified, although only Ascaris was detected at a high frequency. The changing prevalence of nematode infections can be attributed to changes in effective sanitation or other factors that affect these faecal-oral transmitted parasites and the presence of cestode infections reflect dietary and culinary preferences. These results indicate that the impact of helminth infections on past populations varied over time, and that some locations witnessed a dramatic reduction in parasite prevalence during the industrial era (18th-19th century), whereas other locations continued to experience high prevalence levels. The factors underlying these reductions and the variation in prevalence provide a key historical context for modern anthelmintic programs.

Effect of chickpea genotypes on <em>Liriomyza cicerina</em> oviposition preference and insect performance

Chickpea Leaf miner, Liriomyza cicerina Rond., behavior was investigated regarding the oviposition preference and insect performance. In choice situation, the insect was able to discriminate among the presented cultivars of chickpea and showed an oviposition preference. The resistant and the susceptible plants had the lowest and highest number of eggs per plant, respectively. In the no-choice test, the insect laid fewer eggs on the improved lines and oviposition was significantly correlated to the insect performance in terms of larval survival and adult emergence. In both the choice and no-choice tests, oviposition was also correlated with the leaf surface area. The female incentive to produce eggs was affected by the presented plants as they laid more eggs in the presence of susceptible plants. High attraction for oviposition could be used in attract-and-kill pest management designs.

Toxocara canis

Toxocara canis is considered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as one of five neglected parasitic infections in the USA and is targeted as a priority for public health action. Toxocariasis not only affects those in the USA but is widely distributed throughout the world, with an estimated seroprevalence of 19% in a recent meta-analysis study. The life cycle involves a canid definitive host which passes eggs into the environment that embryonate over a period of 2–6 weeks. Humans can be infected with T. canis either through ingestion of embryonated eggs in the environment or through ingestion of L3 larvae in undercooked meat of paratenic hosts. Most infected people do not develop disease; however, in rare cases, particularly with repeated exposure, or infection with high egg or larval numbers, the larvae can migrate throughout the body, causing visceral, ocular, and neural larval migrans, resulting in debilitating conditions and rare fatal outcomes.

Effect of host plants on the oviposition preference of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Abstract Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders, 1843)) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is an important pest of cotton. We aimed to study the effect of different host plants on the oviposition preference of pink bollworm under laboratory conditions. Cotton (Bt and non-Bt), okra and hibiscus plants were used, which vary in morphological characteristics. Significant differences were observed in the density of trichomes and it is positively correlated with oviposition behaviour of pink bollworm. In a no-choice test, we recorded a higher number of eggs on Bt and non-Bt cotton plants. In two-, three- and four-choice experiments, pink bollworm preferred to deposit the maximum number of eggs on non-Bt cotton among other host plants. A substantially higher number of eggs were laid on Bt cotton in combinations with okra and hibiscus and a considerably lower number on non-Bt cotton. We recorded fewer numbers of eggs on hibiscus in all combinations. Overall, pink bollworm moths showed greater affinity towards non-Bt cotton plants and deposited the maximum number of eggs there. From the practical point of view, the development of cotton genotypes which are devoid or have a lesser density of trichomes may be a possible solution to reduce the pink bollworm egg load on cotton.

POLIMORPHIC CHARACTERIZATION OF ESR1 AND FOXL2 GENES AND THE ASSOCIATION OF THEIR INTERACTION WITH PRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF BROWN LOCAL IRAQI CHICKENS

The estrogen receptor 1(ESR1) and fork-head box L2 (FOX L2) genes play a pivotal role in regulation of egg formation in poultry. this study aimed to investigate interaction between ESR1 and FOXL2 in the productive performance of brown local Iraqi chickens (BLIC). A total of 104 BLIC represented from the F4th generation of local chicken selected for high egg productions were used. Two novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), one of them in ESR1 (T57198C) intron 3, and another of FOX L2 (C919T) gene within encoding region were identified through PCR-DNA sequencing. Six haplotypes (H1=TTCC, H2=TTCT, H3=TCCC, H4=TCCT, H5=CCCC, H6=CCCT) were obtained due to interaction between these two SNPs. Chi-square analysis showed no significant in genotypic and allelic frequencies for each SNP which revealed that both genes were agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Association analysis of haplotypes with production traits revealed that individuals have H4 genotype achieved higher body weight at sexual maturity, at 60 weeks of age and egg weight at 45 and 60 weeks of age, whereas, the higher number of eggs were exhibited in individual with H6 from onset egg till 60 weeks of age. The two haplotypes; H4(TCCT) and H6(CCCT) showed better combination than others with respect to production performance. In conclusion, our findings provided new evidence that the two genes (ESR1 and FOXLl2) with special interaction may have potential effects on productive traits of chickens and beneficial effects in laying breeding programs.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Human blood type influences the host-seeking behavior and fecundity of the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi

The nutritional requirements of mosquitoes include both sugar (generally derived from the nectar of flowers) and blood (humans or animals). Mosquitoes express different degrees of preferences towards hosts depending on behavioral, ecological, and physiological factors. These preferences have implications for mosquito-borne disease risk. The present study is directed to reveal the effect of the human blood groups on the fecundity and fertility of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. In laboratory tests, mosquitoes were fed on ABO blood groups via artificial membrane feeders, and the level of attraction against different blood groups was tested by the electroantennogram and wind tunnel bioassay under control conditions. Results indicate that the female mosquitoes had a strong preference towards the blood group B, while in the case of females fed on O blood group had the highest digestibility rate. Overall, the human blood type had a significant impact on the fecundity and fertility of female An. stephensi. The highest numbers of eggs are laid, in the case of blood group B, (mean (± SD)) 216.3 (8.81) followed by the AB, 104.06 (7.67), and O, 98.01 (7.04). In the case of blood group B, females attain the highest fertility of about 92.1 (9.98). This study provides novel insight into the ABO blood type host choice of the mosquitoes that are still partially unknown and suggests encouraging personal protection for relevant individuals within communities at risk, which is a useful tool for preventing malaria where the An. stephensi is present as a dominant vector.