Lower Number Of Eggs Research Articles

Evaluation of the host preference and life history of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Cowpea weevil) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on stored pulses

Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) is a major store grain pest of economically important pulses in tropical and sub-tropical countries of the World. Successful survival of different geographical strains of cowpea weevil may variable on different host pulses. In present investigation, life stages of Hyderabad strain of Callosobruchus maculatus were observed on four types of stored pulses namely green gram, cowpea, chickpea and black gram at different laboratory conditions for the assessment of host preference and better management of storage. The result indicated that the Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) prefers cowpea for its oviposition, because the highest number of eggs was found on cowpea followed by green gram & chickpea and the lowest number of eggs was observed on black gram. The highest population was recorded on cowpea followed by green gram, black gram & chickpea. The short developmental period of cowpea weevil was observed on cowpea, green gram & chickpea while longest was on the black gram. The longevity of C. maculatus was longer on black gram while shortest longevity was observed on cowpea and green gram. From this study it was concluded that the cowpea and green gram was most preferable host pulses for C. maculatus, they were also susceptible and vulnerable among all four studied stored seeds while chickpea and black gram were less preferable host and have moderate susceptibility to the Hyderabad strain of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). Keywords: Adaptation; Biological parameters; Damage; Infestation; Pulse beetle; Stored products protection http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90231

Molecular data reveal unexpected species diversity of tapeworms of Australasian reptiles: revision of Kapsulotaenia (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae).

Species diversity and interrelationships of tapeworms of the genus Kapsulotaenia Freze, 1963 (Proteocephalidae: Acanthotaeniinae), parasites of lizards, especially monitors (Varanus spp.) in the Australasian region, were re-assessed using an interdisciplinary approach. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of newly characterized lsrDNA and cox1 sequences confirmed monophyly of the genus, which is typified by the presence of eggs in capsules, and also indicated a strict (oioxenous) level of host specificity of its species thus revealing unexpected species diversity. Diagnoses of insufficiently described species were amended based on a study of the types and freshly collected specimens and, in addition, three new species were described. A list of ten species of the genus recognized as valid is provided, including illustrations of taxonomically important structures of poorly known taxa. Kapsulotaenia beveridgei n. sp. from V. rosenbergi in Australia differs from all other species of Kapsulotaenia but K. frezei and K. saccifera by having a lower number of testes and an absence of banana-shaped clusters of eggs. Kapsulotaenia cannoni n. sp. from V. gouldii can be distinguished from all species but K. chisholmae by a smaller scolex diameter and from all remaining species by its bigger cirrus-sac ratio and a bigger Mehlis' gland/proglottid width ratio. Kapsulotaenia cannoni n. sp. differs from K. chisholmae, by the presence of an armed cirrus and a lower number of eggs in cluster (3-7 versus 8-13). Kapsulotaenia nybelini n. sp., which also occurs in V. gouldii, differs from K. tidswelli, K. frezei and K. beveridgei by having a greater number of testes, and it differs from K. varia by having a smaller relative size of the ovary. It differs from K. saccifera by the absence of banana-shaped cluster, and from K. pythonis by the number of eggs in clusters. Identification keys for all species of Kapsulotaenia and genera of the Acanthotaeniinae are also provided, together with SEM micrographs of three species, including two newly described species.

Identification of differentially expressed genes and signalling pathways in the ovary of higher and lower laying ducks

ABSTRACT 1. Ovarian transcriptomic profiling between birds showing high egg number (HEN) and birds of low egg number (LEN) in Longyan Shan-ma ducks at 71 weeks of age was carried out using Illumina Hiseq 2500 technology. 2. A total of 343 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 269 upregulated and 74 downregulated) were identified between HEN and LEN ovaries. These DEGs were enriched in 30 Gene Ontology terms. Pathway functional analysis found that the DEGs were enriched in 10 metabolic pathways (P < 0.05), one of which was regulation of the actin cytoskeleton pathway (Q < 0.05). 3. Three integrin family genes, ITGB2, ITGB5 and ITGA8 were differentially expressed in the RNA-seq and qPCR experiments. 4. The DEGs and signalling pathways identified in ovarian tissue in this study provide new insights into high egg production in Longyan Shan-ma duck.

Evaluation of Groundnut Varietal Resistance against Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate resistance of 10 groundnut varieties (Tsosabana, Peolwane, Nakwana, Sellie, GO74, GO15, GO73, BMM188, GO64-B and BMM268) against Plodia interpunctella using life table parameters of the insect and level of seed damage. Fecundity and survival, longevity, intrinsic rate increase (rm), net reproduction rate (R0), generation time (T), doubling time (Td) as well as finite rate of increase (λ) were used. The hypothesis of this study was that negative effects of groundnut varieties on life table parameters of P. interpunctella will indicate levels of resistance. Fecundity, survival and R0 varied significantly among varieties while the rest of parameters showed no significant differences. The lowest number of eggs laid and hatchability per female were significantly lower on variety BMM268. Gravid females stopped laying eggs by day 8 on Sellie and BMM268. The survival rates of P. interpunctella were lower on BMM268 and Sellie and the larvae were all dead by day 8. Plodia interpunctella had short life expectancy of 8 days when reared on varieties Sellie and BMM268 compared to other varieties. Variety BMM268 had significantly lower R0 than other varieties. Based on means, there was also a slightly prolonged larval developmental period on variety BMM268 than other varieties though not significant. Considering damage, varieties Sellie and BMM268 also had the lowest number of tunnels than others except G064-B. Susceptibility index ranged from 3.12–6.91 amongst varieties and the lowest was recorded on BMM268 followed by Sellie. This study shows that Sellie and BMM 268 are relatively unsuitable as hosts, indicating some level of resistance to P. interpunctella. The two groundnut varieties can be used in integrated pest management programmes to reduce damage caused by P. interpunctella during storage.

Biological Control of Pectinophora Gossypiella (Saunders) Using Spores and Supernatants of some Entomopathogenic Fungi

The spores and supernatants of some fungal isolates; Paecilomyces violacea, Trichoderma harzianum andBeauveria bassiana;were evaluated to control the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella biologically at Plant Protection Research Institute, Sharkia branch, (ARC).All fungi were isolated from soil and dead pink bollworm larvae. B. bassiana was the most active isolate caused the greatest larval and pupal mortality, also the highest deformed adult, also, the lowest numbers of eggs and hatchability percentage. Protease and chitinase produced from B. bassiana. strain had high effects on percent of larval mortality, comparing with control. Identification ofBeauvaria sp. was assured by using 18s rRNA with accession number MT644472.1.

Evaluation of Hyptis spicigera leaf extracts against cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) in stored Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.)

Laboratory study was conducted at the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana in 2016 to evaluate the potency of different concentrations of aqueous leaf extracts (ALE) from Hyptis spicigera (Lam.) against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) infestation in Bambara groundnut seeds. Two aqueous extracts concentrations were prepared at three temperatures. The treatments were; control (sterilized untreated seed), 10% ALE [w\v] applied at 25 °C, 10% ALE applied at 50 °C, 10% ALE applied at 100 °C, 20% ALE applied at 25 °C, 20% ALE applied at 50 °C and 20% ALE applied at 100 °C. The results showed that, application of 20% ALE at 100 °C recorded a significant (p < 0.05) lower number of eggs (26.3), adults emerge (6.5), seed damage (1.6%), seed weight loss (1.1%), susceptibility index (0.4%) and a higher inhibition rate (2.3%) compared to the control. Seed viability test was also highest (89.3%) in the 20% ALE at 50 °C. The formulation of 20% ALE at 100 °C was the most potent against C. maculatus infestation. Seeds destined for human consumption can be treated at this concentration and temperature. We also recommend 20% ALE at 50 °C for protecting seeds stored for propagation.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LIGHT SPECTRA ON FECUNDITY OF EPHESTIA KUEHNIELLA ZELLER (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE)

This paper examines the effects of different light spectra on the number of eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) as a general host of biological control agents. Six distinct spectra of light, ranging from 395 nm to 625 nm, were examined in laboratory conditions. Green and red spectra with ranges of 520-525 nm and 620-625 nm caused the highest and the lowest numbers of eggs, respectively. Additionally, the effects of time on the mean egg load of E. kuehniella were also found to be significant at five days. The implications of the current results are discussed below and suggest that the application of a green spectrum in insectariums could help in increasing egg production.

Influence of spinosad on the reproductive potential of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) infesting wheat

Spinodad of different concentrations were screened against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) reared on four local wheat varieties to observed the effects on reproductive potentials for two successive generations.The lowest number of eggs laid was 119 (23.80±0.97) observed in Shatabdi- 21 (S-21) in 45 d in F1 and 15 (3.00±0.71) in 15 d in F2 generation when treated at 0.12ìl/g of spinosad. Spinosad at all concentration totally inhibited egg laying oroviposition rate on day 45 in all wheat varieties except P-24 variety in F1 generation.The lowest fertility was found in Shatabdi-21 variety as 12.61percent in F1 and 6.67 percent in F2 generation at 0.12ìl/g.The latent effect of spinosad on number of eggs, larva, pupa and adult obtained in Shatabdi-21 as 2.00±0.32,0.80±0.37, 0.40±0.40 and 0.20±0.20 at 0.12ìl/g of spinosad in F2 generation.There was no significant difference between the number of males and females in F2 generation wheat varieties. Spinosad ultimately reduced the fecundity, fertility and decreased the egg to adult survivability in four wheat varieties compared to control and F1 and F2 generations. Results of the research revealed that comparatively higher concentrations of spinosad that used in this study would potentially control development and reproductive potentiality of T. castaneum in wheat varieties.

A Subantarctic rare gastropod reveals a new type of spawn among heterobranchs

Abstract Spawn and specimens of Toledonia biplicata comb. nov. were collected from Burdwood Bank during March 2013. Species-level identification was derived from radular, shell and spawn characters. A low number of eggs laid per spawn (one to three), absence of an external gelatinous mass and a considerably thickened capsule wall (~50 µm) constitute a unique combination of spawn characters among heterobranchs. Egg capsules are ovoid in shape and measure 600–763 × 450–656 µm. They are filled with albuminous liquid, allowing complete intracapsular development of a single embryo. The developmental stages recognized are uncleaved eggs (153 µm in average diameter), veliger stages (279–378 µm in maximal length) and prehatchling juveniles (442–609 µm). Toledonia biplicata increases its volume 40-fold during its intracapsular development, whereas other comparable cephalaspids increase ≤ 4-fold. The role of the capsule wall as protection and an additional source of food is discussed. The adaptive value of these characters in relationship to the environmental conditions of the Magellanic region is discussed. A comparison with the spawn of other cephalaspids, nudibranchs and pleurobranchids is conducted, and the taxonomic implications are discussed. This is the first description of the spawn and developmental stages of a representative of the genus Toledonia.

Strawberry genotypes with resistance to Tetranychus urticae mediated by leaf trichomes

ABSTRACT The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is the main pest encountered in strawberry cultivation in protected environments, causing damage and increasing the cost of production associated with chemical control. Breeding programs are essential for obtaining new cultivars that are more tolerant to two-spotted spider mites. The objective was to evaluate whether the leaf trichomes mediatethe resistance of intraspecific strawberry hybrids to two-spotted spider mites. Preselected hybrids were subjected to infestation by two-spotted spider mites and evaluated via the no-choice assay and the travel test. Resistance was correlated with the density of trichomes, both glandular and non-glandular, present on the surface of the leaflets of strawberry genotypes. The results indicated that there is an influence of hybrids and cultivars on the behavior of the pest, allowing the verification of the existence of resistant genotypes (RVDA#16, RVCS#44 and Camino Real). These treatments resulted in low numbers of eggs deposited and hatched compared with the other treatments and shorter distances traveled by two-spotted spider mites on the surface of leaflets. It was also verified that the glandular trichomes presented a significant negative correlation with the average distance traveled by two-spotted spider mites on the surface of the leaf discs, indicating that these structures alter the behavior of these arthropods. Genotype resistance was associated with the presence of glandular trichomes. In addition to the superiority of the agronomic and postharvest attributes of the preselected hybrids (RVDA#16 and RVCS#44) identified in the previous selection efforts, they proved to be promising materials for achieving resistance to the spider mite, revealing important genotypes for use as cultivars and particularly as parents in breeding programs.

Cascading effects of polyphenol-rich purple corn pericarp extract on pupal, adult, and offspring of tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta L.)

ABSTRACT A major bottleneck in the commercialization of plant-based pest management compounds is that the extraction methods are complex, time-consuming, and even highly expensive. Using a recently developed inexpensive extraction and quantification methodology to isolate polyphenols (including anthocyanins and condensed tannins) from purple corn pericarp, we examined their effects on Manduca sexta, a common insect herbivore. Following up on our previous work which demonstrated the negative impacts of polyphenol-rich extract on larval stages, we further examined whether there are any cascading effects on subsequent life stages (pupal and adult) including any possible transgenerational effects. Our results show that polyphenol-rich purple corn extract-fed caterpillars had significantly lower pupal mass and survival. Moreover, adult moths also had lower mass when eclosed from caterpillars reared on the extract diet. To test whether there were any transgenerational effects, we allowed male and female adults fed on purple corn extract diet and control diet to mate and lay eggs in a full factorial experiment. We found that purple corn extract-fed adult pair laid a lower number of eggs compared to other treatments. In addition, we also found that second instar M. sexta caterpillars hatched from eggs laid by any mating combination with at least one parent reared on purple corn extract gained significantly lower mass compared to caterpillars with both parents reared on the control diet. Taken together, our results show that there are cascading negative effects for feeding purple corn pericarp extract on pupal, adult, and second generation of M. sexta, reaffirming its potential application as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly pest deterrent.

Reproductive characteristics of coral-reef fishes, Pomacentridae, Monodactylidae and Chaetodontidae, in the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia

In order to understand the reproductive ecology of coral-reef fishes, fecundity which is the physiological maximum potential reproductive output, was examined in eleven families of coral-reef fishes in the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. Three families, Pomacentridae, Monodactylidae and Chaetodontidae, with five species, Amphiprion ocellaris, Amphiprion perideraion, Abudefduf bengalensis, Monodactylus argenteus and Chaetodon octofasciatus, could collect female specimens, while all specimens were male in eight out of eleven families with sixteen species. Mean fecundities ranged from 693 to 122,247 with the lowest fecundity was found in Pomacentridae, and Chaetodontidae had the highest fecundity. Amphiprion ocellaris and A. perideraion practice parental care with demersal spawners, and such unique reproductive ecology might produce lower number of eggs to be able to increase their reproductive success compared to other coral reef fishes spawned pelagic eggs. This study provides an insight of baseline knowledge of the reproductive biology of coral-reef fishes for future studies of important fish species in coral ecosystem.

Inhibitory Effects of Spiracle-Blocking Insecticides on Courtship and Orientation in Sweetpotato Whitefly, &lt;i&gt;Bemisia tabaci&lt;/i&gt;（Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae）

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci（Gennadius）（Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae）, is a notorious agricultural pest worldwide. In this study, the inhibitory activities of several spiracle-blocking insecticides on its orientation and courtship were investigated to identify an effective control agent against this pest. The numbers of orientated adults, courting pairs, and eggs were found to decrease on tomato plants that had been sprayed with decanoyloctanoylglycerol, safflower and cotton oil, or rape seed oil. Furthermore, when virgin female and male adults were released on tomato plants, the progeny sex ratio was higher（i.e., a higher percentage of males）on the plants that had been sprayed with decanoyloctanoylglycerol or safflower and cotton oil than on the corresponding control plants. Under greenhouse conditions, a cohort of tomato plants that had been sprayed with 500-fold diluted decanoyloctanoylglycerol four times every 10 days had fewer whitefly adults, lower numbers of eggs and larvae, and a higher sex ratio than the control plants. These results indicate that spiracle-blocking insecticides containing liquid oil, decanoyloctanoylglycerol, safflower and cotton oil, and rape seed oil can inhibit orientation and courtship in B. tabaci and allow this pest species to be maintained at a low density.

Effects of plant extracts and essential oils on the behavior of Acrobasis advenella (Zinck.) caterpillars and females

At present, Acrobasis advenella (Zinck.) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) is the most dangerous pest of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa [Michx.] Elliot). Damaged flower buds may decrease yield, while pest feeding inside fruits causes deterioration in their quality. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the effect of water and acetone plants extracts and essential oils using free choice tests of feeding site of larvae and oviposition of females. The following species were examined: Achillea millefolium, Cymbopogon citratus, Nepeta cataria, Origanum vulgare, Satureja hortensis, Tagetes patula nana, Tanacetum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris. The results showed that plant species had a significant influence on the choice of oviposition and feeding site of A. advenella. Moreover, the type of formulation affected the number of laid eggs. Females did not lay eggs on infructescences treated with acetone extracts. Among the test preparations, the highest percentage larvae and adults of A. advenella was recorded for plants soaked in C. citratus, and therefore it can be a potential attractant for this pest species. The lowest number of eggs and larvae was observed for T. vulgare.

Oviposition deterrent and ovicidal activity of three edible oils (black seed, sesame and soybean oils) against puls beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (Lin.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) on green gram, Vigna radiata

The effectiveness of three different edible oils - black seed (Nigella sativa), sesame (Sesamum indicum) and soybean (Glycene max) was evaluated for the control of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis on green mung pulse, Vigna radiata. The oviposition deterrent and ovicidal activity of these three oils were compared between fresh mung pulses and pulses treated at different doses (1, 3 and 6 μl). The results indicated that the rate of oviposition and the mean number of emerged adults of C. chinensis on mung pulses treated with black seed, sesame and soybean oil were lower than their respective control pulses. The lowest number of eggs were recorded in soybean oil treated seeds (13.8 ± 1.07, 12.6 ± 1.36, 10.0 ± 1.82) followed by sesame (51.8 ± 4.63, 25.8 ± 8.52, 14.2 ± 4.50) and black seed oil (67.2 ± 9.71, 27.4 ± 5.52, 21.0 ± 5.54) at dose 1 μl, 3 μl and 6 μl, respectively in order. Soybean oil at the rate of 6μl/50 seeds was significantly effective (10.0 ± 1.82) to inhibit egg deposition. In case of ovicidal activity, minimum number of adults were emerged from black seed oil treated pulses (25.2 ± 2.73, 24.2 ± 0.58, 22.4 ± 1.17 at dose 1, 3 and 6 μl, respectively). Black seed oil at the rate of 6μl/ 50 seeds was the most effective (22.4 ± 1.17) than other edible oils.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Zool. 47(1): 59-65, 2019

Chemical profiling of camptothecin and methoxy camptothecin in Nothapodytes nimmoniana Grah. (Mabb.) during seed development, seed germination and their effects on seed-borne pathogens

Camptothecin, a pyrroloquinoline alkaloid, is one of the most promising anti-cancer drugs. Although this compound has been reported to exist in several species, the highest concentration (about 0.30%) has been reported from Nothapodytes nimmoniana. In this study, we described the dynamics of camptothecin and methoxy camptothecin accumulation during fruit development, seed germination and their role on seed pathogens and seed pests. HPLC analysis revealed camptothecin and methoxy camptothecin content high (0.28%) in stage-3 and decreased in the later stages. Whereas, in the different parts of the fruit, the maximum accumulation in the endosperm (0.46%) of stage-3 followed by the embryo, seed coat, and fruit coat. The pattern of accumulation of both the metabolites were decreasing at the time of seed hydration, early seed germination (0.12%–0.08%) and thereafter it is increasing up to 8-week seedlings (0.08%–0.39%). The growth inhibition of five seed-borne fungal pathogens and fecundity of pulse beetles on chickpea seeds were tested for different concentrations of camptothecin ranging from 0.01 to 10 μg ml−1 for the sensitivity. At 10 μg ml−1 concentration the fungal isolates were severely inhibited. The lowest number of eggs (106) laid was observed on 10 μg ml−1 concentration compared to the control (169). The results showed that camptothecin is found in plants have a role in defense against insect herbivores and pathogens involved in deterrence/antifeedant activity or toxic.

Evaluation of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Life Table Attributes Upon Chikungunya Virus Replication Reveals Impact on Egg-Laying Pathways.

Arthropod-borne virus disease cycles constitute interactions among three primary players-the host, the vector, and the virus-in which the virus needs to interact with the host and the vector to establish its survival. While in the host, some arboviruses replicate aggressively, resulting in host pathogenicity, and manifest as a disease condition. These viruses more often utilize the vectors as reservoirs before they are transmitted to the host and therefore do not amplify to as large titers as they do in the hosts. In spite of this, the vector undergoes stress and activates several of its defense systems, resulting in alterations in its physiology. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the physiological changes that the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) undergoes during the replication of an arbovirus, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). After the mosquitoes were infected with CHIKV, dissemination of the virus into various tissues and physiological parameters such as fecundity, vector mortality, egg laying, survival rate, overall fitness were monitored throughout the lifespan of the mosquitoes. Our study reveals that there is a fitness cost to the mosquitoes due to the infection of CHIKV. This fitness cost is manifested as higher mortality and low survival rate of the CHIKV-infected mosquitoes. Further evaluation revealed that the egg-laying pathway was affected, resulting in lower number of eggs. Expression analysis of six transcripts in the egg-laying pathway revealed that these transcripts were downregulated during the gonotrophic cycles in CHIKV-infected mosquitoes as compared to normal blood-fed mosquitoes.

Development and Reproduction of Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) Under Simulated Natural Temperature.

Although laboratory observations provide basic knowledge of the development and reproduction of predacious and phytophagous mites, little is known of their behavior under natural conditions. Using a closed system designed to simulate natural climate patterns, we investigated the development and reproduction of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and the pest mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) at air temperatures typical of June to October at three latitudes (Aomori, Tottori, and Naha) in Japan. The peaks of development in both species showed similar trends at each location. The shortest developmental times for both species were observed during August in Aomori, from July to September in Tottori and during August and September in Naha. Development of T. urticae was not completed during October in Aomori due to the decreased air temperature. High reproduction (number of eggs produced during 5 d from the first oviposition) of N. californicus was attained at the conditions that shortened the developmental times (i.e., high-temperature months). T. urticae showed a reproduction trend similar to that of N. californicus except for the low number of eggs produced during August in Naha due to the high mortality of adult females and during October in Tottori due to diapause incidence. This information is in agreement with field observations and together might be useful for planning biological control programs for phytophagous mites and for successful establishment of predacious mites in new habitats.

Atividade ovicida e repelente de pó de citronela sobre o caruncho do feijão-caupi

O caruncho Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.) é considerado a principal praga de grãos e sementes armazenados de feijão-caupi, por causar danos diretos e indiretos, que podem levar às perdas quantitativas e qualitativas, inviabilizando a comercialização ou o consumo. Para o controle dessa praga, tem-se utilizado os inseticidas sintéticos, que ao longo dos anos, tem causado muitos problemas à saúde humana e ao meio ambiente. Os inseticidas botânicos têm se tornado uma alternativa promissora no controle de pragas de grãos armazenados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade ovicida e repelente do pó vegetal de citronela, Cymbopogon nardus, sobre C. maculatus. No experimento de confinamento, os insetos ficaram por 24h em recipiente contendo 10g de grãos de feijão caupi cv. BRS Guariba com as concentrações 1,0g; 0,1g; 0,01g; 0,001g do pó da referida espécie e testemunha(grãos sem pó), e no experimento de repelência, utilizou-se uma arena de seis vias, onde os insetos tiveram a possibilidade de escolha entre os grãos com as concentrações testadas ou testemunha.O delineamento utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com cinco repetições e cinco tratamentos para os dois experimentos. A concentração de 1,0g apresentou atividade ovicida e repelente ao C. maculatus, permitindo, em média, menor número de ovos posto e inexpressiva emergência de insetos quando comparada às demais concentrações e testemunha.

Study of diagnostic accuracy of Helmintex, Kato-Katz, and POC-CCA methods for diagnosing intestinal schistosomiasis in Candeal, a low intensity transmission area in northeastern Brazil.

Control initiatives have successfully reduced the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis transmission in several localities around the world. However, individuals that release low numbers of eggs in their feces may not be detected by classical methods that are limited by low sensitivity. Given that accurate estimates of prevalence are key to implementing planning control actions for the elimination of schistosomiasis, new diagnostic tools are needed to effectively monitor infections and confirm transmission interruption. The World Health Organization recommends the Kato-Katz (KK) thick smear as a parasitological test for epidemiological surveys, even though this method has been demonstrated to underestimate prevalence when egg burdens are low. The point-of-care immunodiagnostic for detecting schistosome cathodic circulating antigen (POC-CCA) method has been proposed as a more sensitive substitute for KK in prevalence estimations. An alternative diagnostic, the Helmintex (HTX) method, isolates eggs from fecal samples with the use of paramagnetic particles in a magnetic field. Here, a population-based study involving 461 individuals from Candeal, Sergipe State, Brazil, was conducted to evaluate these three methods comparatively by latent class analysis (LCA). The prevalence of schistosomiasis mansoni was determined to be 71% with POC-CCA, 40.% with HTX and 11% with KK. Most of the egg burdens of the individuals tested (70%) were < 1 epg, thereby revealing a dissociation between prevalence and intensity in this locality. Therefore, the present results confirm that the HTX method is a highly sensitive egg detection procedure and support its use as a reference method for diagnosing intestinal schistosomiasis and for comparative evaluation of other tests.