Larvae Of Mediterranean Fruit Fly Research Articles

Rearrangements in the musculature correlate with jumping behaviour in legless Mediterranean fruit fly larvae Ceratitis capitata (Tephritidae)

Larvae of holometabolic insects evolved different crawling strategies depending on the presence or absence of larval legs or life style. A rather unusual mode of locomotion has independently evolved in legless larvae of several dipteran species. Maggots of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata developed an effective jumping mechanism to increase locomotion speed or to deter predators during the search for suitable pupation sites. Here, we use high-speed videography to visualize even the fastest movements during jump preparation and take-off. Quantification of kinetic and biometric parameters reveal that maggots jump up to 15-fold of their body length from a standing position and gain speed with 27 times the acceleration of gravity. Videos at high spatial resolution show the mechanism of latch formation and release in unprecedented detail. Mouth hooks insert in the caudal segment and raise a cuticular fold that serves as a handle to pressurize the body prior to launch. Since locomotion behaviour should be intrinsically linked to neuromuscular systems, we dissected third instar larvae and determined the precise pattern of abdominal muscles fibres. Compared to non-jumping dipteran larvae, such as Drosophila melanogaster, the overall arrangement is highly similar, but a few muscle fibres show characteristic re-arrangements in orientation and strength that are consistent with a role in bending and jumping. These results suggest that body wall muscles show adaptations to jumping behaviour in Ceratitis larvae, and possibly also in other species with different jumping techniques.

Identification of protein related to dietary vitamin B3 deficiency in Mediterranean fruit fly larvae.

Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is among the most destructive agricultural pest. The sterile insect technique (SIT) can effectively control medfly populations. To rear healthy medflies for the purpose of SIT, it is essential to supplement B vitamins in the diet. However, the function of the dietary B vitamins in C. capitata larvae is not known. With the microscopic analysis, several organs in the head were examined and the spiracle formation and sensory organs were normally formed between the niacin-supplied and niacin-absent groups. However, formation of the ocular depression was differently developed between the two groups, although the hypostomal sclerite was formed properly. These results signify that niacin deficiency maybe interrupt development of medfly larvae ocular depression. Proteomic analyses using LC MS/MS detected a total of 1845 proteins in two flies. A total of 607 of the 1845 proteins were overexpressed and one third (598 proteins) were downexpressed in the niacin-deficient larvae, while about one third were similarly expressed. Overexpressed proteins in the niacin-deficient larvae included ryanodine receptor 44 F, intergrin-PS, spalt-major homeotic protein, and chiffon protein. One of important overexpressed proteins was optomotor-blind protein in relation to wing development in the niacin-deficient medfly larvae.

Radiation on Medfly Larvae of tsl Vienna-8 Genetic Sexing Strain Displays Reduced Parasitoid Encapsulation in Mass-Reared Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

Improvements in the mass rearing of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) on larvae of the Vienna-8 temperature-sensitive lethal genetic sexing strain of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) (= GSS Vienna-8) at the San Juan biofactory, Argentina, are currently under way. Lowering cost production is a key factor regarding parasitoid rearing. Thus, the variation in mass-reared parasitoid encapsulation levels and the incidence of superparasitism were determined; also, the gamma radiation dose-effect relation on host larvae and the influence of Mediterranean fruit fly strain were considered. Naked Mediterranean fruit fly larvae of both GSS Vienna-8 and a wild bisexual strain (= WBS) aged 6-d-old were irradiated at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 Gy, and exposed to parasitoid females. Melanization level was tested for encapsulated parasitoid larval first-instars (= L1). Non-irradiated and irradiated WBS larvae at 20-40 Gy displayed a significantly higher incidence of encapsulation when compared with GSS Vienna-8 larvae. The low melanized level in encapsulated parasitoid L1 was the most common melanization process at 72 h puparium dissection. A high melanized level was only found in non-irradiated WBS larvae. Irradiated GSS Vienna-8 larvae can neutralize the host immunological reactions over irradiated WBS larvae much more quickly. Superparasitism intensity in both Mediterranean fruit fly strains was not affected by radiation doses. High levels of superparasitism seemingly helped to overcome the host's immune reaction by the surviving parasitoid larva. Parasitoid emergence increased from 60 Gy onwards in both Mediterranean fruit fly strains. Radiation in GSS Vienna-8 larvae may favor host's antagonistic reactions decrease in relation with D. longicaudata development.

Comparison of diets for rearing the larvae of Mediterranean fruit fly: nutritional and economic aspects

The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the main pest of fruit crops worldwide due to its broad distribution, direct damages, and adaptation to different hosts. Developing diets for the rearing fruit flies is essential for integrated management of this pest. Mass rearing of parasitoids, selection of preferred hosts, and mass rearing of genetically modified C. capitata strains subsidize methods of biological control, cultural control, and the sterile insect technique (SIT), respectively, depending directly on the mass rearing of the Mediterranean fruit fly. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of artificial diets for rearing C. capitata larvae considering the cost of those most appropriate diets. Nine diets containing different combinations of protein and energy sources (brewer’s yeast, yeast extract, pollen, soybean extract, oatmeal, corn meal, and wheat germ) were formulated. The parameters immature development time (hatching), pupal viability (emerged adults), size and weight of pupae, and adult size (wing length) were assessed. The experiments were conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions of temperature (26 ± 1 °C) and relative humidity (70% ± 10%). Statistical analysis was performed by using ANOVA with the Tukey’s test for comparison of means. Diets based on oatmeal and soybean extract, both added with brewer’s yeast, yeast extract, or pollen satisfactorily meet the nutritional requirements of C. capitata. Moreover, diets enriched with brewer’s yeast or yeast extract presented the lowest costs; therefore, they could be used in a continuous mass-scale rearing of C. capitata. Diets based on corn meal and soybean extract, both associated with brewer’s yeast, yeast extract, or pollen are more economical, but they should not be used for rearing C. capitata because they decrease the percentage of hatching and extend life cycle. Diets based on wheat germ and oatmeal, both added with brewer’s yeast, yeast extract, or pollen are not adequate for rearing C. capitata.

Detection of Mediterranean Fruit Fly Larvae Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Different Types of Fruit by HS-SPME GC-MS Method

Timely detection of Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) is very important so that eradication action can be taken on time. The larvae stage of this insect is the most dangerous stage as it is within the pulp of the fruit, making it hard to detect by visual inspection. In most countries at ports of entry the inspector check a small sample of fruit by visual inspection or by cutting the produce and searching for fungus and pests. This paper will investigate a quick, reliable and sensitive method to determine the presence of fruit flies. Our research focuses on developing the technology for detecting hidden infestations by using the Head Space-Soild Phase Micro Extraction (HS-SPME) method coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrocopy (GC-MS) technique. Five different types of fruit were infested with an early stage of Medfly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephidae). We investigated to detect the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) between infested and non- infested fruits by using HS-SPME with (GC-MS). The results indicated that for few chemicals no significant differences between infested and non-infested fruit can be seen, especially in the fruits with first instar. However, in case of third instar larvae infested fruits significant differences in the chemicals can be seen as compare to non infested fruits and other instar infestations. These chemicals include ethyl (Z)-2 butenoate, 2-heptanone, anisole, β-cis-ocimene, 1,3,7-nonatriene,4,8-dimethy-,ethyl octyate, isoamyl caproate and 1β,4βh,10βh- guaia-5,11-diene, in apple. Ethyl (Z)-2-butenoate, (+)-2-bornanone, (-)-trans- isopiperitenol, methyl caprate, caryophyllene and farnesene in orange. Butanoic acid, 3-methyl-,2-methylbutul acetate, sabinene, β-myrcene, octanoic acid, methyl ester, dihydrocarvone, (-)-trans-isopiperitenol and ethyl laurate in mandarin. Butyl 2-methylbutanoate, terpinen-4-ol, P-menth-8-en-2-one, E-,(3E,7E)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene and dodecanoic acid, ethyl ester in lemon. Decane, 3-methyl-, p-menth-1,4(8)-diene, 1-undecene and α-cubebene in avocado. Thus, the VOC’s method could provide a possible tool for detecting tephritid larvae and this method could be adopted by industries importing and exporting fruit.

Evaluation of thiacloprid and clothianidin (neonicotinoids) as alternative to fenthion (organophosphate) for control of Mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in deciduous fruit orchards

Fenthion (organophosphate) was used in Australia to target adults, eggs and larvae of Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata Wiedmann (Diptera: Tephritidae) in deciduous fruits. With its removal from use in 2015, clothianidin and thiacloprid (neonicotinoids) were evaluated for any adulticide, ovicide or larvicide (eggs, larvae) activity against Medfly in a series of laboratory and field-cage experiments in peach and nectarine. We included fenthion in all experiments as a positive control. As an adulticide, fenthion had the greatest residual toxicity on fruit, with 7 d old residues killing 44% of adults within 48 h compared to thiacloprid (17%) and clothianidin (30%). When applied as a larvicide to naturally infested peaches, none of the insecticides was 100% effective, though fewest pupae (1.18 ± 0.19 pupae/fruit) (indirect measurement of larval survival) were produced when treated with fenthion, followed by clothianidin (3.40 ± 0.33 pupae/fruit) and thiacloprid (6.88 ± 0.34 pupae/fruit); with 11.35 ± 0.30 pupae/fruit in control (water). In peaches treated 48 h post-infestation, fenthion was most effective in reducing numbers of pupae and adult emergence and with higher percentage of deformed adults, with thiacloprid=clothianidin. In nectarines treated 48 h post-infestation, fenthion was most effective in reducing numbers of pupae and adult emergence as well as with higher percentage of deformed adults, followed by clothianidin. Insecticides were least effective when applied as a preventative 24 h or 7 d prior to infestation, with fenthion more effective than clothianidin. Whilst our study shows that neither clothianidin nor thiacloprid are equivalent to fenthion, they are acceptable substitutes to growers for use for Medfly in deciduous fruits given that fenthion is no longer available to growers in Australia. We recommend that growers incorporate other controls to target the adult stage rather than rely only on new insecticides.

Field performance and fitness of an olive fruit fly parasitoid, Psyttalia humilis ( Hymenoptera: Braconidae), mass reared on irradiated Medfly

Adult Psyttalia humilis (Silvestri) were produced from irradiated larvae of Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), at the USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Moscamed biological control laboratory, San Miguel Petapa, Guatemala, and shipped to the USDA-ARS, SJVASC, Parlier, from September 2008 to January 2009 for biological control of olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), in California. In total, 230,908 individuals were shipped to California and 202,328 were released in the field, a 12.4% mortality rate from shipment to release. Thirteen sample sites were located in nine counties; 11 sites received parasitoids from September 2008 to January 2009 (range: 3114–55,826 per site). Olive fruit fly population density, as measured by adult traps, varied greatly among sites and sample dates – ranging from <1 fly per day (sites in San Joaquin Valley and Sacramento Valley) to 29 individuals per day in (San Jose, CA). Adult emergence of olive fruit fly and P. humilis from >10,000 fruit collected, across all sites and sample dates, showed parasitism ranging from 0–17%. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the fitness of P. humilis reared on irradiated and fertile C. capitata. Results showed no difference in parental size, progeny produced during a 48 h period, or the number female: male offspring produced; there were significantly fewer eggs in the dissected ovaries of irradiated than fertile female P. humilis. Continuous flight in different air temperatures and air speeds for female and male parasitoids showed no difference in female or male P. humilis reared on irradiated C. capitata or female P. humilis reared on fertile olive fruit fly. Results are discussed with respect to the establishment and effective use of P. humilis for control of olive fruit fly in California’s varying climatic regions where olives are grown.

Discrimination of Caribbean and Mediterranean Fruit Fly Larvae (Diptera: Tephritidae) by Cuticular Hydrocarbon Analysis

Larvae of the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) can be differentiated from those of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) with nearly 100% accuracy by analysis of cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) patterns. A discriminant model is presented based on samples of feral and laboratory Caribbean and Mediterranean fruit flies. The difference in the ratio of two components is sufficient to discriminate third instars of the species. Accuracy in discrimination, utilization of specimens that are damaged, dried or otherwise unusable for morphometric, isozyme or DNA analysis, low cost per sample and automation of the process, all make CHC analysis a particularly effective solution for identification of these two species.

Effects of low temperature and elevated CO 2 treatments and of heat treatments for insect disinfestation on some native Australian cut flowers

For bioassay insects, 14 days storage at 1°C was required for 100% kill of adult flour beetles ( Tribolium confusum Koch.), and 10 days at 1°C killed 100% of Mediterranean fruit fly larvae ( Ceratitis capitata Wied.). A CO 2 enriched atmosphere of between 45% and 60% (11% and 8% O 2, respectively) reduced the time required to achieve 100% mortality of these bioassay insects to 7 days at 1°C. Increasing the CO 2 content of the atmosphere to 80% (4% O 2) did not further reduce the time to achieve 100% mortality. Vase life of red kangaroo paw ( Anigozanthos rufus) was reduced below that of the unstored control after just 3.5 days at 1°C. Geraldton wax ( Chamelaucium uncinatum) cultivar ‘Newmarracarra’ was similarly affected after 14 days, and acorn banksia ( Banksia prionotes) after 28 days. Vase lives of Geraldton was cultivar ‘Newmarracarra’ and of red kangaroo paw were not reduced following 7 days storage at 1°C in 15% CO 2, compared with controls stored in air. However, Geraldton wax and red kangaroo paw vase lives were shortened and flower colour was altered after storage for 7 days in 30% CO 2 (15% O 2). Geraldton wax and red kangaroo paw had no vase lives following storage in 80% CO 2 (4% O 2) at 1°C for 3.5 days. Heat treatments of hot water dips (46°C for 30 min or 56°C for 10 min) and vapour heat (66°C for 10 min) killed 100% of adult flour beetles and Mediterranean fruit fly larvae, but damaged and shortened the vase lives of Geraldton wax and banksia.

Disinfestation of Western Australian Granny Smith apples by cold treatment against the egg and larval stages of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata (Wied.))

In a series of tests during 1974 export grade Granny Smith apples artificially infested with eggs, young and old larvae of Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata (Wied.)) were cold stored at 0.5�C � 0.5�C for 14 days and at 1.5�C � 0.5�C for 16 days in simulated commercial conditions. No survivors were recorded from tests in which an estimated total of 340,200 eggs and larvae were treated. No injury to the fruit was caused by the treatments. Apples are held in cool stores after harvest at these temperatures as normal commercial practice. The experimental programme demonstrated that such commercial treatments can be applied to meet export requirements to obtain entry to quarantine areas.