Pareuchaetes Pseudoinsulata Research Articles

Light environments affect herbivory patterns but not reproductive performance of a multivoltine specialist moth, Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata

Unravelling the responses of insect herbivores to light-environment-mediated variation in the traits of their host plants is central to our understanding of the nutritional ecology of, and factors driving the population dynamics in, these species. This study examined the effect of light environment (shaded vs full-sun habitat) on leaf toughness and leaf nutritional quality in Chromolaena odorata (an invasive species in West Africa) and related these attributes to the abundance, herbivory patterns and reproductive performance of a multivoltine specialist moth, Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata (a biological control agent). In this system, plants growing in shaded areas in the field experienced more herbivory and had higher herbivore abundance than those growing in full-sun. In the laboratory, P. pseudoinsulata larvae consumed significantly greater amounts of shaded foliage relative to full-sun foliage. However, reproductive performance metrics such as mating success, pre-oviposition period, number of eggs laid, duration of egg laying, egg hatchability, and adult longevity in P. pseudoinsulata did not differ according to foliage types. Reduced leaf toughness, increased water and nitrogen contents in shaded leaves coincided with increased leaf consumption by the larvae of P. pseudoinsulata. In summary, this study showed for the first time that light environments affect herbivory patterns but not reproductive performance of P. pseudoinsulata and hypothesized that high foliar nitrogen and water contents in shaded leaves resulted in feedback and necessity consumption patterns.

With or without you: stem-galling of a tephritid fly reduces the vegetative and reproductive performance of the invasive plant Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) both alone and in combination with another agent

With or without another biological control agent, the specialist folivore Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata, the stem-galling fly Cecidochares connexa reduced the performance of the invasive alien plant, Chromolaena odorata in Ghana. There was a strong significant negative relationship between gall densities of the gall fly and stem height, and the number of stems and flower heads of C. odorata. Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata had very little impact on any C. odorata parameters. However, at sites where both C. connexa and P. pseudoinsulata occurred simultaneously, the performance of C. odorata was significantly reduced when compared with control plants. Increasing densities of both agents had a strong significant negative correlative effect on C. odorata plant parameters. Cecidochares connexa was recorded in all five regions of the country sampled, while P. pseudoinsulata was recorded in four regions. Densities of both agents declined in the dry season, but galls were persistent throughout the study period. This is the first report of the impact of C. connexa on C. odorata in the West African sub-region since its introduction to Cote d’Ivoire in 2003 and it is clear that the agent has a significant impact on C. odorata in Ghana. Further surveys are required to determine the impact of both biological control agents in other parts of the sub-region where they have established.

Reoccurrence of <i>Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata</i> Rego Barros (Arctiidae: Lepidoptera) population in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India: A biological control agent of the weed, </i>Chromolaena odorata</i> (Asteraceae)

Authors report the reoccurrence of <em>Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata</em> Rego Barros larvae at Technopark campus, Thiruvananthapuram. The larvae of<em> P. pseudoinsulata</em> were found feeding voraciously on terminal and axillary buds and leaves of <em>Chromolena odorata</em>. The recent report helps to identify the elite and resistant population for further field release to control <em>C. odorata</em>.

The nocturnal larvae of a specialist folivore prefer Chromolaena odorata (L.) foliage from a sunny environment, but does it matter?

Increasing evidence suggests that the responses of insect herbivores to environment-mediated changes in the phenotypic and phytochemical traits of their host plants are more complex than previously thought. Here, we examined the effects of habitat conditions (shaded versus full-sun habitats) on plant traits and leaf characteristics of the invasive alien plant, Chromolaena odorata (L.) (Asteraceae). We also determined neonate larval preference of the specialist herbivore, Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) (a biological control agent) for shaded versus full-sun leaves. The study further evaluated the performance of the moth on C. odorata leaves obtained from both shaded and full-sun habitats. Leaves of C. odorata plants growing in the shaded habitat had higher water and nitrogen contents compared with full-sun leaves. Plants growing in shade had longer leaves but full-sun plants were taller and had greater aboveground biomass compared with shaded plants. Although neonate larvae of P. pseudoinsulata preferred to feed on full-sun foliage, development was faster when reared on shaded foliage. However, survival, pupal mass, growth rate, and Maw’s host suitability index of the moth did not significantly differ between full-sun and shaded foliage. Our inability to demonstrate significant differences in key insect performance metrics in P. pseudoinsulata between shaded and full-sun foliage, despite neonate larval preference for one of the foliage types, suggests that neither of the foliage types can be considered a superior host, and reiterate the fact that relationships between host plant quality (modulated by light intensity) and phytophagous insect performance are not simple.

Intrusion of devil weed Chromolaena odorata, an exotic invasive, into Kinnerasani and Eturnagaram wildlife sanctuaries, Telangana, India

The spread of devil weed is alarming in areas of <em>podu</em> cultivation, on the bunds of agricultural lands, wastelands, along roadsides, tracks, forest gaps, protected areas and plantations in the two said wildlife sanctuaries. It is found invading new territories easily along the river banks and steadily destroying the riparian elements. The manual removal of this weed (mechanical method) before flowering is the effective means to mitigate the spread of the species in comparison to the biological (<em>Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata, P. insulata, Actinote thalia-pyrrha</em>) and chemical (Glyphosate, Triclopyrester) methods attempted. It is not trouble in its native habitat but is weedy in India for want of natural enemies to keep it under control. It is a mandate to prevent the loss of native biodiversity due to biological invasions. Conversely, there is an urgent need to devise action plans by managers of the respective wildlife sanctuaries to control and eradicate it. The local people are to be educated of its potential dangers to their farming on one hand and NTFP extraction from the local forests on the other. The Government of India has to develop a national level policy towards the control of invasive alien weeds in general and implement it at the earliest before we loose our indigenous biodiversity once for all.

Laboratory Host Range Assessment of a Predatory Pentatomid,Podisus maculiventris(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) for Field Release on Guam

ABSTRACT Predation by Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) was evaluated with Erionota thrax (L.) (Lepidoptera: Hesperidae), Pericyma cruegeri (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), Papilio polytes (L.) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) and Eudocima phalonia (L.) comb. nov. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Both free-choice and no-choice experiments indicated that the P. maculiventris attacked and consumed all the larvae of the 5 species included in the tests. Although the larvae died at different intervals, most of them were dead within 24–120 h of the introduction of the predatory species. Since the P. maculiventris is polyphagous in nature and the present findings indicate that these predators will feed on the introduced biocontrol moth, P. pseudoinsulata, it is recommended not to take the predators out of the quarantine laboratory for the field release on Guam. Additionally, P. maculiventris will feed on some native species as they becom...

Discovery of, and studies on, Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) in southern Nigeria

The moth Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros, whose host plant is the invasive alien plant Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson, was recently discovered in Uson (6° 14′ 30.77″ N, 6° 04′ 41.37″ E), Evbuabogun (6° 15′ 39.33″ N, 5° 38′ 58.29″ E) and Ekae (6° 15′ 34.90″ N, 5° 37′ 19.75″ E) villages in southern Nigeria after its first release as a biological control agent in that country in 1972. The moth seemed to become more abundant as the rainy season progressed. Studies on some aspects of its biology and behaviour were conducted both in the laboratory and in the field. Females laid eggs on the undersides of C. odorata leaves and on the walls of rearing cages. Female pupae were significantly (P < 0.001) larger than the male ones. Also, adult female wingspan was significantly (P < 0.001) longer compared with that of the males. Adults lived for an average of 4.8 ± 0.01 days and they were active at night, when there was good light intensity Observations on the behaviour and some aspects of the biology and behaviour are discussed.

The Impact of Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), on the Growth Rate of Chromolaena odorata (L.) in Southern Ghana

The abundance and effectiveness of Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros (Lepidoptera:Arctiidae) in controlling the Siam weed, Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson in southern Ghana wasassessed in C. odorata infested fields through monthly sampling and monitoring surveys carried out between October 2007 and March 2008. Insect data was collected using line transects of 100 metres long and 100 metres apart and the removal, sweep net and direct count methods were used and data on the impact of feeding damage on the weed was collected by measuring several plant characteristics. The populations of P. pseudoinsulata were generally low in allsites investigated, throughout the study period. However, higher numbers of the bio-agent were recorded at site #1 (Akotokyire, Central Region) compared to the other sites and this was significantly (P

Induced-defense responses in the leaves of Chromolaena odorata consequent to infestation by Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

An aster, Chromolaena odorata (Linn.) R.M. King et H.E. Robinson (Siam weed), a native of the neotropics, has presently spread on to vast tracts of land in humid tropics of Africa, Asia and some of the Pacific islands. Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros — a host-specific arctiid moth — feeds on the leaves of C. odorata. In less than three weeks of feeding by the larvae of P. pseudoinsulata, the leaves of C. odorata turn intensely chlorotic. Chloroplasts in the chlorotic leaves show degenerated thylakoid membranes, either as decreased numbers or as vesiculated stacks of grana, smaller starch grains, and vacant locations of plastoglobuli. Cell vacuoles include small to large, few to several electron-dense lipidic inclusions. Changes in chloroplasts during chlorosis have a specific effect on the metabolism of lipophilic materials stored in the plastoglobuli. Concurrently with the accumulation of lipidic materials from both chloroplasts and plastoglobuli into the vacuoles, chloro-plast membranes get modified. These lipidic materials act as the precursors of ‘novel’ compounds that defend the leaf cells of C. odorata from the impact of the feeding moth. Changes in the leaf colour and chloroplasts, however, are temporary; with the physical removal of P. pseudoinsulata larvae, chlorot-ic leaves of C. odorata revert to green and the mesophyll cells regain their normal structure; most importantly, the mesophyll cells cease to accumulate lipidic materials in their vacuoles. Reversal of chlorotic cells to normal cells occurs only through the metabolic activation in primordial cells; mature cells killed by the physical action of mouthparts and chemical secretions from the saliva of the moth never reverse.

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF CHROMOLAENA ODORATA EMPHASIZING THE CLASSICAL BIOLOGICAL CONTROL

Chromolaena odorata, Siam weed, a very important weed of Java Island (Indonesia) is native to Central and South America. In the laboratory it showed rapid growth (1.15 g/g/week) in the first 8 weeks of its growth. The biomass was mainly as leaves (LAR : 317.50 cm'/g total weight). It slowed down in the following month as the biomass was utilized for stem and branch formation. This behavior supported the growth of C. odorata into a very dense stand. It flowered, fruited during the dry season, and senesced following maturation of seeds from inflorescence branches. These branches dried out, but soon the stem resumed aggressive growth following the wet season. Leaf biomass was affected by the size of the stem in its early phase of regrowth, but later on it was more affected by the number of branches. The introduction of Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata to Indonesia, was successful only in North Sumatera. In Java it has not been reported to establish succesfully. The introduction of another biological control agent, Procecidochares conneca to Indonesia was shown to be specific and upon release in West Java it established immediately. It spread exponentially in the first 6 months of its release. Field monitoring continues to evaluate the impact of the agents. Other biocontrol agents (Actmole anteas and Conotrachelus) wilt be introduced to Indonesia in 1997 through ACIAR Project on the Biological Control of Chromolaena odorata in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Keywords: Indonesia / North Sumatra / West Java / Biological control / Chromolaena odorata i Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata I Procecidochares conneca.

The biology and host specificity of Pareuchaetes aurata aurata (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), a ‘new association’ biological control agent for Chromolaena odorata (Compositae)

AbstractPareuchaetes aurata aurata (Butler) from Chromolaena jujuensis in northern Argentina was tested as a biological control candidate for the composite weed C. odorata. The larvae feed voraciously and complete their development on C. odorata. The host-plant feeding range of P. a. aurata is limited to the genus Chromolaena. It is suggested that the egg-laying behaviour of P. a. aurata, which scatters its eggs around the base of the host-plant, will help to overcome the problem of ant predation which prevented the establishment of Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros, which lays its eggs in batches, in South Africa. Any possible benefits of the new association between P. a. aurata and C. odorata may also contribute to the success of this biological control programme.

Pheromones and glandular structures of both sexes of the weed‐defoliator moth Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros (Lep., Arctiidae)

AbstractTropical bushes (Chromolaena [Eupatorium] odoriferum) from America became a pest in old world cultures. Biological control of this plant was attempted by introducing the arctiid moth Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata from its natural home area as a potential defoliator. We studied the female and male systems of putative pheromone glands of this moth. The females possess inner tubular glands with openings close to their genital porus. These glands contain hydrocarbons known as pheromones in related species. Only male antennae respond electrophysiologically to the odor of these glands. Male moths have a ventral, eversible hairbrush at the 7/8th abdominal intersegmental membrane. This brush contains small amounts of hydroxydanaidal, known as a male sex‐ and/or assembly‐pheromone in other Lepidoptera. Antennae of both sexes respond strongly to this substance. Although no behavior experiments could be performed, our results allow the interpretation that these gland products are in fact pheromones.ZusammenfassungMännchen‐ und Weibchenpheromone und deren Drüsen bei dem als Unkrautvernichter eingesetzten Falter Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata (Lep., Arctiidae)Mit seiner zirkumtropischen Ausbreitung wurde der mittelamerikanische Busch Chromolaena (Eupatorium) odorata (Asteraceae) zu einem der wichtigsten Schadfaktoren in verschiedenen Kulturen. Eine biologische Kontrolle dieses Busches wurde unter anderem durch den gleichfalls aus Mittelamerika stammenden Bärenspinner Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata versucht. Da der gewünschte Umfang des Befalls der Büsche durch das Insekt schwierig zu bestimmen ist, haben wir dessen vermutete Pheromone isoliert, um eine Überwachung (Monitoring) im Feld zu erleichtern. Die Weibchen besitzen die bei dieser Falterfamilie üblichen inneren, röhrenförmigen Drüsenschläuche, welche mehrere geradkettige Kohlenwasserstoffe enthalten, die von verwandten Arten als Pheromone bekannt sind. Die Männchen haben eine ventrale Büscheldrüse, die aus der 7/8‐Abdominalfalte aufgefächert werden kann. Aus den ca. 400 Duftschuppen des Organs isolierten wir etwa 10 μg des Dihydropyrrolizins Hydroxydanaidal. Diese Verbindung ist als Männchenpheromon anderer Arctii‐den und Danainen (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) bekannt und wird in allen genauer untersuchten Fällen aus pflanzlichen Vorstufen (Pyrrolizidin‐Alkaloiden) aufgebaut. Da auch Chromolaena als Raupenfutter von Pareuchaetes diese Alkaloide enthält, stammt der männliche Duftstoff vermutlich aus dieser Quelle. Der Beweis für die Pheromon‐Natur der Drüsenprodukte beider Faltergeschlechter durch Verhaltensversuche steht noch aus, doch sprechen neben deren chemischer Natur der Duft‐stoffe unsere elektrophysiologischen Experimente (Elektroantennogramm‐Messungen) dafür, daß es sich um Pheromone handelt.

Biological control of triffid weed, Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae), in South Africa

Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson, an asteraceous shrub from the neotropical region, has become a major weed of crops, plantations and pastures in many parts of the world. Since its introduction into Southern Africa, in the 1940s, C. odorata has spread extremely rapidly along the eastern coast to become the most problematic of the alien invader plants threatining nature conservation areas in Natal. An arctiid moth, Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros, was released on C. odorata in Natal at the beginning of 1989, but there have been no signs of establishment, probably because of heavy egg predation by ants. Prospects for the biological control of C. odorata are nevertheless considered to be good because there are still many other insect herbivores and fungal pathogens that can be tried.

Interactions between Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) and Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

SummaryFeeding of Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata caterpillars caused the leaves of Chromolaena odorata to turn yellow. Leaf yellowing could not be induced either by artificial removal of leaves or by drenching the plant with a solution of excreta from P. pseudoinsulata caterpillars. Yellow leaves appeared tougher but had the same energy level as that of green leaves. The amount of nitrate‐nitrogen was significantly higher in yellow leaves than green leaves. P. pseudoinsulata caterpillars prefer to feed on green leaves. When forced to feed on yellow leaves, they exhibit slow growth and high mortality. Defensive factors in plants attacked by insects seemed to prevent further infestation of plants. In the field, caterpillars on the yellow plants were found during both day and night whereas on green plants they appeared to feed at night and hide in the ground at daytime.

A Method to Store Larvae of Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), a Potential Biocontrol Agent of Chromolaena odorata (Compositae), Under Low Temperature

The perennial compositae plant Chromolaena odorala (L.) R.M. King and H. Robinson, native to West Indies and South America, is a serious weed of plantation crops in southern Asia including India and Western Africa, (Holm et al., 1977; Bennett and Rao, 1968). Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), detennined initially as Ammalo insulala (Walker). Is one of the natural enemies recommended for introduction into India and other countries (Bennet and Crutwell, 1973). Introduction of this insect from Sri Lanka in 1985 has resulted in successful establishment in Kerala (Joy el al., 1985).

Introduction and Establishment of Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros (Arctiidae) against Chromolaena odorata in the Western Caroline Islands

Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H. Robinson is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the family Asteraceae (Compositae). It occurs naturally over a wide area of the tropical and subtropical Americas. from Southern Florida to the northern border of Argentina, and has become a serious problem in the humid tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Mariana Islands (Muniappan et al .,1988).

Possibilities for biological control ofChromolaena odorata

Abstract Details are given of neotropical insects and mites with potential as biological control agents against Chromolaena odorata (L.) K. & R., an introduced plantation weed of the Old World. Previous introductions of Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros (an arctiid defoliator) and Apion brunneonigrum B.B. (a seed‐feeding weevil) are summarised, and the potential of these and other untried agents, including Acalitus adoratus Keifer (a gall forming mite) and Mescinia parvula Zell. (a stem boring pyralid) are discussed.

Impact of Herbicides on Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata and their Compatability for Integrated Control of Chromolaena odorata

Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson, a plant of Neotropical origin is Considered as a serious weed of plantation crops,forests and grazing lands of South Asian and African countries, including India (Holms et al ., 1977). Field releases of the exotic host-specific biological control agent Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros (Lepidoptera : Arctiidae) in different parts of South India, resulted in only localised defoliation (Jayanth and Ganga Visalakshy, 1993), necessitating manual and chemical methods even in areas where the insects were released. A study on the effect of herbicides on the insect was made under laboratory conditions, to see if both can be integrated.

The history of, and prospects for, the biological control of Chromolaena odorata (Compositae) by Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros and allies (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

AbstractChromolaena odorata is a tropical American species of the Compositae that has become a serious problem in plantations in the tropics of Asia and Africa. The history of attempts to control it using the arctiid moth Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros (misidentified in previous literature as Ammalo insulata (Wlk.)) is summarised. The taxonomy and distributions of the five species in Pareuchaetes are presented, together with keys based on genitalic characters, three new synonyms and one new combination. Information on the biogeography and ecology of the Pareuchaetes species is used to assess their potential as biological control agents.