Female Oviposition Behavior Research Articles

Oviposition Deterrents from Extracts of Eryngium foetidum Against Potato Tuber Moth Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

The potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella is a serious boring pest of potato. An integrated ecological approach to sustainable pest management is necessary for the control of this species. This study investigated the effects of minced leaves and plant extracts of Eryngium foetidum on the oviposition behavior of PTM females. The behavioral regulatory components of PTM females in response to the extracts were determined using chemical analyses and electrophysiological tests. Individual electroantennographic detection (EAD)-active compounds and mixtures were evaluated using oviposition choice bioassays. The results indicate that minced leaves had a deterrent effect on oviposition. The extracts at low dosages had an attraction effect, while high dosages had a repellent effect on the oviposition of PTM adult females. The dominant compounds of the extracts were trans-2-dodecenal and trans-2-tridecenal and showed EAD activity. trans-2-dodecenal, trans-2-tridecenal and their mixtures showed significant oviposition-repellent effects toward the PTM. The oviposition stimulation indices (OSIs) of trans-2-dodecenal and trans-2-tridecenal were −100% and −94.03% at 10 mg/mL, respectively. The OSIs of mixtures at natural ratios of 10 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL were −95.11% and −90.96%, respectively. The results can be used for the further development of ecological control strategies for this pest species.

Chemical composition of four essential oils and their adulticidal, repellence, and field oviposition deterrence activities against Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

Effective mosquito repellents can limit the transmission of vector-borne diseases to humans. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop mosquito control strategies that prioritize eco-friendly and cost-effective repellents. Essential oils (EOs) have enormous potential for mosquito repellency. Here, cinnamon, basil, eucalyptus, and peppermint EOs were investigated for adulticide and repellency properties against Culex pipiens as well on the oviposition behavior of gravid females from laboratory (lab test) and field (field test) populations. Cinnamon oil was an effective oviposition deterrent regardless of the population and had high adulticidal activity with toxicity index of 75.00% at 24 h of exposure, relative to deltamethrin. In addition, it exhibited effective repellency at 98.01% and 71.22% at 6.67 and 1.71 µl/cm2, respectively. Peppermint oil had the least adulticidal activity with toxicity index of 6.2% at 24 h, and it resulted in low repellency at 70.90% and 50.64% at 6.67 and 1.71 µl/cm2, respectively. On average, basil and eucalyptus oils showed some adulticidal efficiency, repellency, and oviposition deterrent activity. For all treatments, the oviposition deterrent index values of gravid females from natural populations (field test) were lower than those from lab-reared (lab test) females. Different ratios of monoterpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and fatty acids in the EOs tested likely account for the activity variations observed. Our results suggest cinnamon, basil, eucalyptus, and peppermint EOs, which are widely available, economical, and eco-friendly, with good potential for mosquito control strategies.

A female-specific odorant receptor mediates oviposition deterrence in the moth Helicoverpa armigera

Finding ideal oviposition sites is a task of vital importance for all female insects. To ensure optimal conditions for their progeny, females of herbivorous insects detect not only the odors of a relevant host plant but also chemicals released by eggs, named oviposition-deterring pheromones (ODPs). It is reported that such chemicals play critical roles in suppressing female oviposition behavior; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the detection of egg-derived ODPs remains elusive. Here, we have identified three specific fatty acid methyl esters from the surface of eggs of Helicoverpa armigera serving as ODPs-methyl oleate (C18:1ME), methyl palmitate (C16:0ME), and methyl stearate (C18:0ME). We demonstrated that these ODPs are detected by the receptor, HarmOR56, exclusively expressed in sensilla trichodea on female antennae. To assess the significance of this receptor, we disrupted HarmOR56 in H.armigera using CRISPR-Cas9 and found that mutant females did not respond to the ODPs, neither in behavioral nor in electrophysiological tests. We therefore conclude that HarmOR56 is indispensable for identifying the ODPs. This study explores, for the first time, how a female-specific odorant receptor detects chemicals from conspecific eggs. Our data elucidate the intriguing biological phenomenon of repulsion to conspecific eggs during oviposition and contribute new insight into a female-specific olfactory pathway linked to reproduction.

Biology and Ecology of Delia planipalpis (Stein) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), an Emerging Pest of Broccoli in Mexico.

Delia planipalpis (Stein) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) is a pest of crucifers, such as broccoli, radish, cauliflower, turnip and cabbage. It has been recently described in Mexico as a significant emerging pest of broccoli. Due the lack of knowledge of this pest, the present study aimed to determine its life cycle, female sexual maturation, copulation, oviposition behavior and adult longevity. The identity of the fly in Mexico was confirmed genetically by sequencing the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI). The mean development time of D. planipalpis was 32-33 days on radish at 24 °C under laboratory conditions. Females became sexually mature 1-2 days after emergence, and the highest incidence of matings was recorded on the second day (60%). Under choice conditions, D. planipalpis females preferred to oviposit on radish plants, rather than broccoli plants, possibly due to the use of radish for rearing the laboratory colony. Oviposition and the mean number of eggs laid varied among the broccoli varieties, with the highest oviposition observed on the Tlaloc variety. Repeated attempts to rear the laboratory colony on broccoli plants failed. Radish-reared insects of both sexes lived longer when individualized in the adult stage (14.5-22.5 days) than when adult flies were maintained in groups (10-11 days). This study contributes to the understanding of D. planipalpis biology and provides information that can be used to establish future control strategies against this pest.

Chikungunya Virus Infection and Gonotrophic Cycle Shape Aedes aegypti Oviposition Behavior and Preferences.

Targeting gravid females through chemical lures is a promising strategy in vector control; however, it requires the understanding of the factors susceptible to alter female oviposition behavior. Here, we evaluated the effect of infection with chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and the number of gonotrophic cycles (GCs) on oviposition activity in A. aegypti. Dual choice oviposition assays were performed, where dodecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, n-heneicosane and a Sargasssum fluitans (Børgesen) Børgesen extract were tested in uninfected females and females infected with CHIKV, at the 1st and 2nd GC. Infected females displayed a lower percentage of oviposition and a higher number of eggs laid at the 1st GC. Then, the combined effects of GC and CHIKV were observed on oviposition preferences, with a chemical-dependent effect. For instance, the deterrent effect of n-heneicosane and pentadecanoic acid increased at the 2nd GC in infected females. These results allow for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in oviposition site selection and highlight the need for taking into account physiological stage changes to increase the control programs' efficacy.

Surveillance of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) as a Method for Prevention of Arbovirus Transmission in Urban and Seaport Areas of the Southern Coast of Brazil.

Entomological surveillance is a traditional method to measure presence, distribution, and seasonal variation of vectors in urban areas, and is essential to targeted control activities to prevent arbovirus transmission. Ovitraps as one of the main components of surveillance programs, enable determination of female oviposition behavior, as well as identification of seasonal variations of the vector. The goals of this study were 1) to detect the mosquitos (Aedes aegypti Linnaeus) and (Aedes albopictus Skuse) (Diptera:Culicidae), in Paranaguá city, 2) to assess ovitrap positive index (OPI), egg density index (EDI), and their relationship with meteorological variables, and 3) to evaluate the vertical transmission of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The study was carried out in urban areas of Paranaguá city, an important port region of Brazil, from June 2017 to November 2018. The city was divided into 16 area-clusters. Three-hundred and thirty-one ovitraps were installed monthly, remaining for four days in selected places. Kernel density maps were done to compare the spatiotemporal distribution of collected eggs. Areas which maintained constant oviposition associated with vector activity were identified and were found to overlap the area-clusters with the highest EDI. As viral RNA was not detected, vertical transmission was likely not a maintenance mechanism of arbovirus circulation in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus vectors. This study reiterates the importance, efficiency, and feasibility of ovitraps to monitor the presence and dynamics of Aedes spp. populations.

Is the Natural Instinct to Oviposit in Mated Female Oriental Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis More of a Brain-Independent Act?

What physiological and neuro-molecular changes control the female oviposition behavior post-mating in insects? The molecular changes that occur in a gravid female insect are difficult to dissect out considering the distinct behavioral patterns displayed by different insect groups. To understand the role of the brain center in Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis oviposition, egg-laying behavior was analyzed in γ-octalactone exposed, decapitated mated B. dorsalis females. Interestingly, the females displayed a possible urge to oviposit, which suggests a natural instinct to pass on the gene pool. Expression analysis of certain genes involved in oviposition behavior was also carried out in these insects to explore the molecular aspects of such behavior. This study tries to assess the involvement of brain center in egg-laying and also explore the role of certain neurotransmitter-related receptors in decapitated B. dorsalis oviposition behavior. Our results indicate that B. dorsalis oviposition behavior could potentially have a bypass route of neuronal control devoid of the brain. The study reported here establishes that decapitation in gravid females fails to abolish their ability to sense ovipositional cues and also to oviposit.

Evidence of Wing Shape Sexual Dimorphism in Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus in Mallorca, Spain

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) is a highly invasive species widely distributed on the Spanish Mediterranean coast and the Balearic archipelago. Most studies involving this species in Spain have been focused on surveillance and control methods. However, micro-evolutionary studies for Ae. albopictus in Spain have been traditionally neglected. Morphological diversity could be the result of long-term evolutionary diversification in responses to selective pressures such as temperature, precipitation, food availability, predation, or competition that may influence flight activity, host-seeking, and blood-feeding behavior. Wing geometric morphometric have been used not only to study micro- and macro-evolution in mosquitoes but also in studies of population structuring and sexual dimorphism. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to investigate the wing shape patterns of Ae. albopictus populations to unveil sexual dimorphism that could provide information about their ecology and behavior. Mosquito eggs were collected using oviposition traps at the main campus of the University of the Balearic Islands (Palma de Mallorca, Spain) and reared under laboratory conditions. In order to study wing shape variation patterns in Ae. albopictus males and females, the left wing of each adult mosquito was removed and analyzed based on 18 landmarks. Our results indicated strong levels of sexual dimorphism between Ae. albopictus males and females. Furthermore, according to the cross-validated reclassification test, males were correctly distinguished from females with an accuracy of 84% and females from males 75%. We observed a significant sexual dimorphism in the wing shape patterns of Ae. albopictus when considering different seasonal patterns (spring vs. autumn). Our results suggested that selective pressures may affect males differently to females. Host-seeking, blood-feeding, and oviposition behavior of females may act as a major driver for wing shape sexual dimorphism. These results should be considered for the development of more effective and targeted mosquito control strategies.

Biological activity of plant extracts on the small tomato borer Neoleucinodes elegantalis, an important pest in the Neotropical region

The small tomato borer Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is the most harmful tomato pest in the Neotropical region. Control of this insect is a complex task that relies heavily on the use of chemical products and the correct timing to target the initial developmental stages (eggs and larvae) before they penetrate the tomato fruits. Given the potential of plant-derived compounds for controlling pests, the first step of this study was to assess the insecticide activity of the aqueous extracts of Capsicum annuum L. (bell pepper), Allium sativum L. (garlic), Nicotiana tabacum L. (commercial rope tobacco), and the crude oil of Ricinus communis L. (castor bean) against N. elegantalis larvae . Here, it was reported that the commercial rope tobacco extract was promising against N. elegantalis larvae (up to 100% control), and the extracts of C. annuum , A. sativum, and R. communis presented very low insecticide activity (< 50% mortality). The rope tobacco extract was then selected to assess its effectiveness not only on eggs and the prepupal stage, but also on female oviposition behavior. Finally, the components of rope tobacco were assessed through phytochemical analysis. Our toxicological bioassays revealed ovicidal (LC 50 = 2.69 g/L) and larvicidal (LC 50 = 1.64 g/L) activity of tobacco extract. Furthermore, exposure to low tobacco extract concentrations (0.2 g/L) caused significantly decreased survival abilities of the prepupal stage, similar to indoxacarb insecticide (positive control). Tomato fruits previously treated with low concentrations (0.2 and 3.1 g/L) reduced the egg-laying performance of N. elegantalis in short-and long-term exposure. Chemical analysis of the tobacco rope extract revealed not only nicotine as the major component, but also the presence of phenolics, terpenoids, steroids, and other alkaloids. Collectively, our findings indicate that aqueous extract of rope tobacco shows biological activities in different developmental stages, including deterrent effects on N. elegantalis oviposition, which may position it as a promising tool to prevent pest attacks on tomato fruits. • Neoleucinodes elegantalis is a serious pest in the Central and South America. • Aqueous plant extracts present differential toxicity on N. elegantalis larval stage. • Survival of N. elegantalis reduces following tobacco extract exposure. • N. elegantalis lays fewer eggs on tobacco extract-treated tomato fruits. • Rope tobacco extract represents a potential strategy for N. elegantalis control.

Does the Presence of Other Egg Rafts and Conspecific Larvae Encourage Oviposition by the Mosquito, Culex sitiens (Diptera: Culicidae)?

Mosquitoes include many major disease vectors and are often controlled in their aquatic larval stage, since they are living in defined habitats. However, non-chemical methods of control are influenced by the female oviposition behavior, and this is affected by many factors. Many mosquito species choose to oviposit on water containing egg raft pheromones (which have thus been used in control), showing another female has selected that pool as being best. However, Culex sitiens did not respond chemically to water previously containing egg rafts, but unlike most species, did strongly respond visually to artificial black egg rafts floating on the surface. Oviposition increased as the number of artificial egg rafts increased up to six, but more rafts gave no further increase. However, even nine egg rafts had no repellent effect, despite the high probability of larval overcrowding and thus starvation. Altering the pattern with which five rafts were interconnected and also altering the size of individual rafts seemed to show that the mosquitoes were responding more to total raft area rather than number. The presence of either 2nd instar or 4th (final) instar conspecific larvae in the water can be detected chemically but did not influence oviposition, either positively or negatively. Conspecific larvae show the water is suitable for oviposition, but they are competitors for the available food and so many studies have shown especially older larvae to be repellent to oviposition. Culex sitiens was thus not responding chemically to either eggs or larvae but unusually had a visual response.

Evaluation of large volume yeast interfering RNA lure-and-kill ovitraps for attraction and control of Aedes mosquitoes.

Aedes mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), principle vectors of several arboviruses, typically lay eggs in man-made water-filled containers located near human dwellings. Given the widespread emergence of insecticide resistance, stable and biofriendly alternatives for mosquito larviciding are needed. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that inactivated yeast interfering RNA tablets targeting key larval developmental genes can be used to facilitate effective larvicidal activity while also promoting selective gravid female oviposition behaviour. Here we examined the efficacy of transferring this technology toward development of lure-and-kill ovitraps targeting Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) female mosquitoes. Insectary, simulated field and semi-field experiments demonstrated that two mosquito-specific yeast interfering RNA pesticides induce high levels of mortality among larvae of both species in treated large volume containers. Small-scale field trials conducted in Trinidad, West Indies demonstrated that large volume ovitrap containers baited with inactivated yeast tablets lure significantly more gravid females than traps containing only water and were highly attractive to both A. aegypti and A. albopictus females. These studies indicate that development of biorational yeast interfering RNA-baited ovitraps may represent a new tool for control of Aedes mosquitoes, including deployment in existing lure-and-kill ovitrap technologies or traditional container larviciding programs.

Oviposition behavior of Helicoverpa armigera in soybean

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the oviposition behavior of Helicoverpa armigera confined in different adult pair density and growth stages of soybean plants, and the resistance of soybean genotypes to H. armigera in the category nonpreference for oviposition. The oviposition behavior of H. armigera was assessed using one, two, and four adult pairs per soybean plant of the cultivar BR-16 at the growth stages: vegetative V8 (eighth unrolled trifoliate leaf), reproductive R2 (full bloom) and reproductive R5.2 (beginning seed). The nonpreference for oviposition was evaluated using eight soybean genotypes and an oviposition preference index was calculated. The number of trichomes in leaflets was quantified for being correlated to H. armigera oviposition. One adult pair and soybean plants stage at pod-set affected and showed the best results oviposition preference on soybean plants. The genotypes M8230-RR and W711-RR presented resistance characteristics, and PI-227687 was preferred for oviposition. The trichome density positively affects the female oviposition behavior.

Urban Landscape Features Influence the Movement and Distribution of the Australian Container-Inhabiting Mosquito Vectors Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes notoscriptus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Urban landscape features play an important role in the distribution and population spread of mosquito vectors. Furthermore, current insecticide and novel rear-and-release strategies for urban mosquito management rarely consider the spatial structure of the landscape when applying control practices. Here, we undertake a mark-recapture experiment to examine how urban features influence the movement and distribution of Australian container-inhabiting Aedes vectors. We pay attention to the role of semipermanent water storage containers, called rainwater tanks, and the influence of movement barriers, such as roads, on the spread and distribution of vector populations. Results suggest that Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Culicidae) were more likely to be captured around rainwater tanks, and that released males travel throughout residential blocks but do not cross roads. Conversely, female Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) movement was uninhibited by roads and rainwater tanks did not influence female distribution or oviposition behavior. Using an isotropic Gaussian kernel framework, we show that vector movement is likely to be greater when applying a temporal effect, than when estimated by traditional methods. We conclude that a greater understanding on the role of urban features on vector movement will be important in the new age of rear-and-release mosquito control strategies, particularly those where estimations of movement are important for ensuring efficacy of application.

Quantitative and Discrete Evolutionary Changes in the Egg-Laying Behavior of Single Drosophila Females.

How a nervous system assembles and coordinates a suite of elementary behavioral steps into a complex behavior is not well understood. While often presented as a stereotyped sequence of events, even extensively studied behaviors such as fly courtship are rarely a strict repetition of the same steps in a predetermined sequence in time. We are focusing on oviposition, the act of laying an egg, in flies of the genus Drosophila to describe the elementary behavioral steps or microbehaviors that a single female fly undertakes prior to and during egg laying. We have analyzed the hierarchy and relationships in time of these microbehaviors in three closely related Drosophila species with divergent egg-laying preferences and uncovered cryptic differences in their behavioral patterns. Using high-speed imaging, we quantified in depth the oviposition behavior of single females of Drosophila suzukii, Drosophila biarmipes and Drosophila melanogaster in a novel behavioral assay. By computing transitions between microbehaviors, we identified a common ethogram structure underlying oviposition of all three species. Quantifying parameters such as relative time spent on a microbehavior and its average duration, however, revealed clear differences between species. In addition, we examined the temporal dynamics and probability of transitions to different microbehaviors relative to a central event of oviposition, ovipositor contact. Although the quantitative analysis highlights behavioral variability across flies, it reveals some interesting trends for each species in the mode of substrate sampling, as well as possible evolutionary differences. Larger datasets derived from automated video annotation will overcome this paucity of data in the future, and use the same framework to reappraise these observed differences. Our study reveals a common architecture to the oviposition ethogram of three Drosophila species, indicating its ancestral state. It also indicates that Drosophila suzukii’s behavior departs quantitatively and qualitatively from that of the outgroup species, in line with its known divergent ethology. Together, our results illustrate how a global shift in ethology breaks down in the quantitative reorganization of the elementary steps underlying a complex behavior.

INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF ANACARDIUM HUMILE (ANACARDIACEAE) NUT SHELL LIQUID AGAINST AEDES AEGYPTI (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

This work investigated the insecticidal activity of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) extracted from the species Anacardium humile, a native plant in the Cerrado biome, against Aedes aegypti. A. humile fruits were collected and kept in a forced ventilation kiln at 40oC for seven days for CNSL extraction. Mortality tests were performed on third stage larvae, pupae and adults. In addition, female oviposition behavior, egg viability, and the residual effect of the solution on 3rd stage larvae were observed. The CNSL was diluted in decreasing gradient concentrations to obtain the Lethal Concentration (LC). In oviposition LC99 was used for larvae. Residual effect and oviposition tests were performed with LC99, LC 50 and LC90 were respectively obtained, 6.63 and 11.23 ppm for larvae. No mortality was observed in adults. The residual effect of the CNSL was five days in LC99. A repellent effect of CNSL on the females was noted, with a significant reduction of egg numbers and a change in egg stratification patterns in the oviposition substrate. The larval hatching rate of the eggs exposed to the substrate moistened with CNSL was significantly lower when compared to the control. The results evidenced the insecticidal activity of A. humile CNSL, suggesting it as a promising product in the quest for new botanical insecticides.

Vitality loss of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and infestation by the European beech splendour beetle (Agrilus viridis L., Buprestidae, Coleoptera)

Abstract Despite its dominance in Central Europe, beech cultivation is not without risks, because drought periods and direct solar radiation of the stem are suspected of causing branch dieback, sunburn and predisposition to attack by the European beech splendour beetle Agrilus viridis. Outbreaks of this beetle occurred in Germany in the early 1950s and in Hungary between 2003 and 2006 following severe precipitation deficiencies and extraordinary high temperatures. Leaf loss and an unusual accumulation of dead branches at the top of the crown of beech trees prompted us to initiate in 2010 a three-year study to investigate whether and to what extent A. viridis infestations are involved in this damage pattern. In eight differently damaged beech stands in Bavaria (south-eastern Germany) we measured the prevalence of A. viridis with flight interception traps in relation to the vitality status of beech, checked the oviposition behaviour of females on trap trees, and investigated the infestation frequency of beech trees depending on stand structure. The prevalence of A. viridis was significantly enhanced in sample plots with more heavily damaged beech trees. At lying trap trees, females preferred parts of the bark for oviposition which had been exposed to south or west when the trees had been standing. Particularly, trees in open stands, distant to neighbours in the south and west as well as damaged by sunburn are predisposed to attack by A. viridis. It was proved that survival of A. viridis occurred in branches at the top of live beech trees from where outbreak situations may be initiated due to climatic conditions like drought and/or extreme temperatures. Prevention of A. viridis infestation consists of avoiding sudden exposure to intense solar radiation of the beech trunk by silvicultural measures.

Bt rice plants may protect neighbouring non-Bt rice plants against the striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis.

The area planted with insect-resistant genetically engineered crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes has greatly increased in many areas of the world. Given the nearby presence of non-Bt crops (including those planted as refuges) and non-crop habitats, pests targeted by the Bt trait have a choice between Bt and non-Bt crops or weeds, and their host preference may greatly affect insect management and management of pest resistance to Bt proteins. In this study, we examined the oviposition preference of the target pest of Bt rice, Chilo suppressalis, for Bt versus non-Bt rice plants as influenced by previous damage caused by C. suppressalis larvae. The results showed that C. suppressalis females had no oviposition preference for undamaged Bt or non-Bt plants but were repelled by conspecific-damaged plants whether Bt or non-Bt. Consequently, C. suppressalis egg masses were more numerous on Bt plants than on neighbouring non-Bt plants both in greenhouse and in field experiments due to the significantly greater caterpillar damage on non-Bt plants. We also found evidence of poorer performance of C. suppressalis larvae on conspecific-damaged rice plants when compared with undamaged plants. GC-MS analyses showed that larval damage induced the release of volatiles that repelled mated C. suppressalis females in wind tunnel experiments. These findings suggest that Bt rice could act as a dead-end trap crop for C. suppressalis and thereby protect adjacent non-Bt rice plants. The results also indicate that the oviposition behaviour of target pest females should be considered in the development of Bt resistance management strategies.

Effect of emergence time on the reproductive parameters of mass-reared Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) flies

Abstract In the mass rearing of fruit flies, the adult emergence time is gradual, due to factors such as variation in food consumption in the larval phase, the female oviposition behavior and environmental conditions, among others. Here, we investigate the effect of emergence time on sex ratio, fecundity, fertility, body size and mating performance in mass-reared Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) flies. The results of the study indicated that the emergence of the flies is gradual and lasts approximately 96 h, but the highest proportion of emerged flies was observed at 48 h. The flies emerging at 24 and 48 h showed higher fecundity than those emerging at 72 and 96 h, but there were no significant differences in the sex ratio, fertility and male mating performance. Body size was significant, the flies that emerged at 24, 48 and 72 h were bigger than those emerged at 96 h. The discussion focuses on the effect of emergence time on the rearing processes and release of the Mexican fruit fly.

Seed inoculation with beneficial rhizobacteria affects European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) oviposition on maize plants

AbstractLarvae of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) cause significant damage to maize ears and reduce market value of fresh sweet corn. Females rely on volatile cues to locate and oviposit preferentially on maize plants. In addition, oviposition behavior of females is influenced by soil management practices as they usually lay more eggs on maize plants grown on conventional soil than on organic soils that harbor rich microbial diversity. Since some plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to mediate plant health via suppression of soil pathogens and enhanced uptake of nutrients; we hypothesized that inoculation of maize seeds with PGPR will alter emission of maize volatile and reduce the attractiveness of plants to ovipositing O. nubilalis. Plants treated with the single PGPR strain Bacillus pumilus INR‐7, two PGPR mixtures (Blend‐8 or Blend‐9) or untreated plants were presented to O. nubilalis females in oviposition choice bioassays. Headspace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the plants were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Ostrinia nubilalis laid significantly fewer eggs on PGPR‐treated plants compared to untreated plants. In two‐choice oviposition experiments, significantly higher numbers of eggs were laid on untreated plants compared to PGPR‐treated plants. PGPR‐treated plants emitted fewer VOCs than untreated plants which, in part, explains the relatively fewer eggs on PGPR‐treated plants. These results indicate that selected PGPR treatments can alter maize plant volatiles with important ramifications for plant‐insect interactions. The implication of this finding is discussed in the context of integrated management of soil health to improve crop resistance to biotic stressors.

Insecticide toxicity to the borer Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): developmental and egg-laying effects.

Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is one of the major pests of solanaceous plants in South America. It is considered a great threat by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization due to the serious economic damage that it causes on tomato farms; therefore, controlling this pest is a challenging task in South America. Controlling N. elegantalis at the egg stage is the best way to prevent it from damaging crops; however, thorough studies about the effectiveness of chemicals on the different life stages of this insect pest are lacking. In this study, the effects of different chemical classes were evaluated on N. elegantalis adults, female oviposition behavior, larvae, eggs, and embryonic development. None of the tested insecticides demonstrated toxicity to the adults; however, the results showed that cartap hydrochloride affects oviposition behavior. Moreover, methomyl and cartap hydrochloride exhibited high toxicity against the eggs and larvae, with higher than 80% of mortality. These insecticides interrupted larval hatching and caused alterations in the chorion layer. Flubendiamide and deltamethrin demonstrated toxicity on N. elegantalis larvae; however, lufenuron, indoxacarb, methoxyfenozide, and chlorantraniliprole demonstrated low toxicity on both eggs and larvae, with lower than 70% of mortality. Fruit treated with cartap hydrochloride had a deterrent effect. The ovicidal activity revealed by methomyl and cartap hydrochloride might provide new approaches regarding insecticide effects on eggs. Methomyl, cartap hydrochloride, flubendiamide, and deltamethrin demonstrated toxicity on larvae. The evaluation of the chorion of the eggshell in this study has clarified the toxic effect of methomyl and cartap hydrochloride on eggs.