The value of blue-green algae (Spirulina platensis) as a nutritive supplement and toxicant against almond moth [Cadra cautella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)].

Blue-green algae, Spirulina platensis is a well-known algal formulation known for its beneficial effects on the growth and development in several types of organisms. Although it is used as a food supplement, it possesses significant toxic effects on growth and development of organisms. This study assessed the positive/negative impacts of S. platensis on almond moth, Cadra cautella (almond moth) that is a serious pest of date fruits and other grains under laboratory conditions. The S. platensis powder were mixed with diet and newly hatched C. cautella larvae were fed. The larvae were observed on alternate days to record the data. The diet was changed once a week. The S. platensis proved very good nutrition supplement at lower dose. Whereas, moderate and high mortality was noted for 5 and 10% formulations, respectively. Moreover, larval span was significantly altered by different formulations and lower formulation (1%) resulted in shorter larval period compared to the rest of the formulations. Although 33% mortality was recorded under 5% S. platensis formulation, however, the larvae which reached to adult stage, copulated, and females laid more eggs. Furthermore, the highest mortality (90%) was observed under 10% S. platensis formulation and a few larvae reached adult stage; thus, no data on pupal period and reproductive traits was recorded for this formulation. These findings proved that S. platensis can be used as nutritional supplement as well as a toxic substance to manage C. cautella in date storage. However, future studies on this are needed to reach concrete conclusions.

The plant-derived triterpenoid, cucurbitacin B, but not cucurbitacin E, inhibits the developmental transition associated with ecdysone biosynthesis in Drosophila melanogaster.

In insects, some sterols are essential not only for cell membrane homeostasis, but for biosynthesis of the steroid hormone ecdysone. Dietary sterols are required for insect development because insects cannot synthesize sterols de novo. Therefore, sterol-like compounds that can compete with essential sterols are good candidates for insect growth regulators. In this study, we investigated the effects of the plant-derived triterpenoids, cucurbitacin B and E (CucB and CucE) on the development of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. To reduce the effects of supply with an excess of sterols contained in food, we reared D. melanogaster larvae on low sterol food (LSF) with or without cucurbitacins. Most larvae raised on LSF without supplementation or with CucE died at the second or third larval instar (L2 or L3) stages, whereas CucB-administered larvae mostly died without molting. The developmental arrest caused by CucB was partially rescued by ecdysone supplementation. Furthermore, we examined the effects of CucB on larval-prepupal transition by transferring larvae from LSF supplemented with cholesterol to that with CucB just after the L2/L3 molt. L3 larvae raised on LSF with CucB failed to pupariate, with a remarkable developmental delay. Ecdysone supplementation rescued the developmental delay but did not rescue the pupariation defect. Furthermore, we cultured the steroidogenic organ, the prothoracic gland (PG) of the silkworm Bombyx mori, with or without cucurbitacin. Ecdysone production in the PG was reduced by incubation with CucB, but not with CucE. These results suggest that CucB acts not only as an antagonist of the ecdysone receptor as previously reported, but also acts as an inhibitor of ecdysone biosynthesis.

Disruption of the cytochrome P450 CYP6BQ7 gene reduces tolerance to plant toxicants in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.

In insects, the cytochrome P450 CYP6B family plays key roles in the detoxification of toxic plant substances. However, the function of CYP6 family genes in degrading plant toxicants in Tribolium castaneum, an extremely destructive global storage pest, have yet to be elucidated. In this study, a T. castaneum CYP gene, TcCYP6BQ7, was characterized. TcCYP6BQ7 expression was significantly induced after exposure to essential oil of the plant Artemisia vulgaris (EOAV). Spatiotemporal expression profiling revealed that TcCYP6BQ7 expression was higher in larval and adult stages of T. castaneum than in other developmental stages, and that TcCYP6BQ7 was predominantly expressed in the brain and hemolymph from the late larval stage. TcCYP6BQ7 silencing by RNA interference increased larvae mortality in response to EOAV from 49.67% to 71.67%, suggesting that this gene is associated with plant toxicant detoxification. Combined results from this study indicate that the CYP6 family gene TcCYP6BQ7 likely plays a pivotal role in influencing the susceptibility of T. castaneum to plant toxicants. These findings may have implications for the development of novel therapeutics to control this agriculturally important pest.

Combating silver nanoparticle-mediated toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster with curcumin.

Nanoscale materials display unique physical and chemical properties that enable their assimilation into a variety of industrial and consumer products. Amongst the widely used nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained tremendous recognition for various applications, owing to their extraordinary plasmonic and bactericidal properties. Despite of the extensive usage of AgNPs in various sectors, its impact on human health remains ambiguous. Several studies have established that higher doses of AgNPs are detrimental to organismal health. In order to attain the best from these versatile nanoparticles, a recent advent of green nanotechnology, that is, employment of metal nanoparticles synthesized using plant extracts, has emerged. Here, using Drosophila as a model system, we tested if adding curcumin, a biologically active polyphenolic compound present in turmeric, having multitudes of therapeutic properties, could mitigate AgNP-mediated biotoxicity. We found that co-administration of AgNPs with curcumin in the fly food could alleviate several harmful effects evoked by AgNPs ingestion in Drosophila model. Addition of curcumin superseded reduction in feeding, pupation, eclosion, pigmentation, and fertility caused by AgNPs ingestion. Interestingly, impairment in ovary development observed in flies reared on AgNPs-supplemented food was also partially restored by co-administration of AgNPs with curcumin. Furthermore, substantial alleviation of reactive oxygen species level and cell death was observed in larval tissues upon co-supplementation of AgNPs with curcumin. We therefore propose that curcumin, when administered with AgNPs, can abrogate the toxic manifestations of AgNPs ingestion and hence can be incorporated in various consumer products encompassing it.

Artificial Diet Influences Population Growth of the Root Maggot Bradysia impatiens (Diptera: Sciaridae).

In order to investigate the effects of artificial diets on the population growth of root maggot Bradysia impatiens, its population growth parameters were assayed on eight artificial diets (Diet 1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, and D8). Results showed that developmental duration from egg to pupa was successfully completed on all eight artificial diets. However, the egg to pupal duration was shortest, while the survival rate of four insect stages was lowest when B. impatiens was reared on D1. When B. impatiens was reared on D7 and D8, the survival rate, female longevity, and female oviposition were higher than those reared on other diets. When B. impatiens was reared on D7, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm = 0.19/d), net reproductive rate (R0 = 39.88 offspring per individual), and finite rate of increase (λ = 1.21/d) were higher for its population growth with shorter generation time (T = 19.49 d) and doubling time (Dt = 3.67 d). The findings indicate that the D7 artificial diet is more appropriate for the biological parameters of B. impatiens and can be used an indoor breeding food for population expansion as well as further research. We propose that vitamin C supplement added to the D7 is critical for the improvement of the B. impatiens growth.

Effects of fatty acids and vitamin E in larval diets on development and performance of Queensland fruit fly.

Tephritid fruit flies are commonly reared on artificial larval diets for laboratory studies and for sterile insect technique pest management programs. While significant effort has been invested in developing artificial larval diets, surprisingly little is known about the specific nutritional requirements of tephritid flies. Recently developed gel larval diets have provided new opportunities for nutritional studies in Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni ('Q-fly'). Wheat germ oil (WGO) is the main source of fatty acids and vitamin E in this diet, and is key for production of high-quality adults. To identify the importance of nutritional components of WGO for Q-fly productivity and quality, linoleic, linolenic, oleic and palmitic fatty acids as well as α-tocopherol (vitamin E) were included in the diet individually and in combination. Diets that included all of the tested fatty acids or just unsaturated fatty acids performed as well as diets containing WGO in most quality control parameters except fecundity, and addition of vitamin E reduced the pupal productivity. Considering individual fatty acids, larval diets containing only linolenic acid produced adults with higher percentage of fliers than did larval diets containing only palmitic acid or oleic acid. Compared with diets containing WGO, nutritional requirements for egg production in Q-fly were not entirely met by either grouped fatty acids or individual polyunsaturated, monounsaturated or saturated fatty acids, however, diets containing linoleic acid alone produced more eggs than any other fatty acid. The present study is a significant advance in understanding of the role of fatty acids as a component of WGO in larval diet in meeting the needs of developing Q-fly for somatic performance, but highlight also that other, untested, components of WGO appear to be important for reproduction.

Evaluation of Chilean Boldo Essential Oil as a Natural Insecticide Against Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) is a vector of enteric bacteria, protozoa, helminths, and viruses. These Diptera can also be responsible for secondary myiasis in several animal species. Therefore, it is easy to understand the relevance of studies focusing on C. megacephala dissemination control. The employment of essential oils as natural insecticides must be considered as a promising alternative for the replacement of synthetic insecticides. In this context, the essential oil obtained from Chilean boldo leaves should be highlighted. The aim of the present work was to assess the insecticidal activity of Chilean boldo essential oil against C. megacephala blowflies in different life stages (larva, pupa, and adult). The essential oils were extracted from commercial samples of Chilean boldo leaves by hydrodistillation and were mixed to produce a pool that was employed in the study. Gas chromatographic techniques were used to enable the identification and quantification of the pool's components. Larvae, pupae, and adult insects of C. megacephala were exposed (topical application) to different concentrations of this essential oil pool. After that, the larvicidal, pupicidal, and insecticidal actions of the oil were tested. Its toxicity might be associated with compounds such as eucalyptol, linalool, α-pinene, limonene, and ascaridole, either acting alone or by synergic effects. Interestingly, the pupae appeared to be stronger than the larvae and adult insects, needing higher doses of essential oil to be killed. The oil's toxic effects could be useful to control C. megacephala dissemination in all of its development phases.

Ovicidal and Latent Effects of Pulicaria jaubertii (Asteraceae) Leaf Extracts on Aedes aegypti.

The control of Aedes aegypti with synthetic pesticides may result in adverse effects on wildlife and the environment. Bioactive plant extracts have been proposed as one of the alternatives to chemical pesticides used against mosquitoes. Here, we report on the ovicidal and latent effects of ethanolic, petroleum ether, and chloroform leaf extracts of Pulicaria jaubertii at 25 to 150 ppm each against the life stages of laboratory stain of Ae. aegypti. At 150 ppm, the ethanolic leaf extract resulted in 100% ovicidal activity, followed by petroleum ether extract (74%), and chloroform extract about 7% mortality. The ethanolic extract produced 100% larval and pupal mortality at both 75 and 50 ppm, while the petroleum ether extract produced 76.5 and 58.3%, respectively. The ethanolic extract recorded the highest percentage of adult mortality (72.7%) at the lowest concentration (25 ppm). At 25 and 50 ppm, the ethanolic extract resulted in 62.2 and 85.2% sterility index of Ae. aegypti females, respectively, as compared with the 0.1 and 3.5% sterility index caused by the chloroform extract at the same concentrations. In conclusion, P. jaubertii appears to have potential to be further evaluated as a mosquito control agent. Additional studies are needed on its mode of action, synergism with other products, and efficacy under actual field conditions.

Exposure of mosquito (Aedes aegypti) larvae to the water extract and lectin-rich fraction of Moringa oleifera seeds impairs their development and future fecundity.

Aedes aegypti control is a key component of the prophylaxis of dengue fever and other diseases. Moringa oleifera seeds contain a water-soluble lectin (WSMoL) with larvicidal and ovicidal activities against this insect. In this study, A. aegypti individuals were exposed at the third larval instar for 24 h to the water extract (0.1-1.0 mg/mL of protein) or lectin-rich fraction (0.05-0.6 mg/mL of protein) containing WSMoL, and then their survival and development were followed for 9 days post-exposure. The feeding capacity of adult females that developed from the treated larvae and the hatching success of eggs laid by them were also evaluated. Further, any alterations to the midgut histology of treated larvae, pupae, and adults were investigated. The extract and fraction induced the death of A. aegypti larvae along the post-exposure period. Both preparations also delayed the developmental cycle. The midguts of treated larvae and pupae showed disorganization and epithelial vacuolization, while in treated adults, the epithelium was underdeveloped compared to control. Unlike in control mosquitos, proliferating cells were not detected in treated larvae, and appeared in lower numbers in treated pupae than in control pupae. Adult females that developed from larvae treated with the fraction gained less weight after a blood meal compared with control. The amount of eggs laid by females that developed from larvae treated with both the extract and fraction was significantly lower than in control. In addition, the eggs showed lower hatching rates. In conclusion, females that developed from larvae treated with both the water extract and lectin-rich fraction showed reduced engorgement after a blood meal, with the consequent impairment of their fertility and fecundity. These results were probably due to the damage to midgut organization and impairment of the remodeling process during metamorphosis.

Bruceine D Isolated from Brucea Javanica (L.) Merr. as a Systemic Feeding Deterrent for Three Major Lepidopteran Pests.

Systemicity is a desirable property for insecticides. Many phytochemicals show good systemic properties and thus are natural sources of novel systemic insecticidal ingredients. Bruceine D, a quassinoid, was identified in Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. and displayed outstanding systemic properties and excellent antifeedant activity against the diamondback moth (DBM, Plutella xylostella L.), beet armyworm ( Spodoptera exigua Hübner), and cotton leafworm ( Spodoptera litura Fabricius). Its antifeedant effect on third instar larvae of DBM was approximately 6.2-fold stronger than that of azadirachtin. When bruceine D was applied to roots at a concentration of 100 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h, its concentration in flowering Chinese cabbage ( Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utiliz Tsen et Lee) leaves was 38.69 µg/g (fresh weight, FW) and 108.45 µg/g (FW), respectively. These concentrations could achieve 93.80% and 96.83% antifeedant effects, which were significantly greater than those of azadirachtin. Similar to azadirachtin, bruceine D also posed a potent growth inhibition effect on insect larvae. After feeding with 20 µg/g bruceine D, no pupae were observed. The results demonstrated that bruceine D is an effective botanical insect antifeedant with outstanding systemic properties, causing potent pest growth inhibitory activity.

Crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae): Molecular characterization, distribution and its potential roles in larva-pupa ecdysis.

Insects must undergo ecdysis for successful development and growth, and the crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) is one of the most important hormone in this process. Here we reported a cDNA encoding for the CCAP precursor cloned from the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, a most destructive insect pest of agriculture. The CCAP mature peptide (PFCNAFTGC-NH2) of B. dorsalis was generated by post-translational processing and found to be highly comparable with other insects. RT-qPCR showed that mRNA of CCAP in B. dorsalis (BdCCAP) was predominantly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and midgut of 3rd-instar larvae. By using immunohistochemical analysis, we also localized the endocrine cells that produce CCAP in the CNS, ring gland and midgut of 3rd-instar larvae of B. dorsalis. The synthetic CCAP mature peptide could induce the expression of mRNA of adipokinetic hormone (AKH), the metabolic neuropeptides in insects. The expression of BdCCAP mRNA in the CNS, but not in the midgut, could be upregulated in the response to the challenge of insect molting hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone.

Dyeing but not dying: Colourful dyes as a non-lethal method of food labelling for in vitro-reared honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae.

Several environmental factors (e.g. food source, pesticides, toxins, parasites and pathogens) influence development and maturation of honey bees (Apis mellifera). Therefore, controlled experimental conditions are mandatory when studying the impact of environmental factors: particularly food quality and nutrient consumption. In vitro larval rearing is a standard approach for monitoring food intake of larvae and the labelling of food is necessary to quantify intake in controlled feeding experiments. Here, we tested the suitability of two food dyes, Allura Red and Brilliant Blue, in an experimental set up using in vitro reared honey bee larvae and freshly hatched adult workers. Absorbance of both dyes was measured, in food and dye-fed larvae, to determine the optimal dye concentrations for accurate detection and quantification. By quantifying relative dye concentrations in dye mixtures, relative concentrations of mixed dyes can be estimated independent of the total food consumed by the larvae. Survival assays were conducted to test the impact of both dyes on larval and worker bee survival. Worker bees showed no increase in adult mortality, when fed with dyed honey. Larval survival was not significantly different until the late pupal stage. The physiological impact of dye feeding was tested by measuring larval immune response. No changes in innate immune gene expression were detectable for larvae fed with dyed and non-dyed food. In conclusion, we established a non-invasive food labelling protocol for food intake quantification in in vitro reared honey bee larvae, using non-toxic, inexpensive, and easy to apply food dyes.

Choice and No-Choice Bioassays to Study the Pupation Preference and Emergence Success of Ectropis grisescens.

Many insects live above the ground as larvae and adults and as pupate below the ground. Compared to the above-ground stages of their life cycles, less attention has been paid on how environmental factors affect these insects when they pupate within the soil. The tea looper, Ectropis grisescens Warren (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), is a severe pest of tea plants and has caused huge economic losses in South China. The protocols described here aim to investigate, through multiple-choice bioassays, whether mature last-instar E. grisescens larvae can discriminate soil variables such as the substrate type and moisture content, and determine, through no-choice bioassays, the impact of the substrate type and moisture content on pupation behaviors and the emergence success of E. grisescens. The results would enhance the understanding of the pupation ecology of E. grisescens and may bring insights into soil-management tactics for suppressing E. grisescens populations. In addition, these bioassays can be modified to study the influences of various factors on the pupation behaviors and survivorship of soil-pupating pests.

Tyrosine hydroxylase coordinates larval-pupal tanning and immunity in oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis).

BACKGROUND: The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a notorious world pest infesting fruits and vegetables, has evolved a high level of resistance to many commonly used insecticides. In this study, we investigate whether tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) that is required for cuticle tanning (sclerotization and pigmentation) in many insects, could be a potential target in controlling B. dorsalis. RESULTS: We cloned TH cDNA (BdTH) of B. dorsalis. The complete open reading frame of BdTH (KY911196) was 1737 bp in length, encoding a protein of 578 amino acids. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed that BdTH was highly expressed in the epidermis of 3rd instar larvae, and its expression increased prior to pupation, suggesting a role in larval-pupal cuticle tanning. When we injected dsBdTH or 3-iodo-tyrosine (3-IT) as a TH inhibitor or fed insect diet supplemented with 3-IT, there was significant impairment of larval-pupal cuticle tanning and a severe obstacle to eclosion in adults followed by death in most. Furthermore, injection of Escherichia coli into larvae fed 3-IT resulted in 92% mortality and the expressions of four antimicrobial peptide genes were significantly downregulated. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that BdTH might play a critical role in larval-pupal tanning and immunity of B. dorsalis, and could be used as a potential novel target for pest control. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Toxic effects of two essential oils and their constituents on the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor.

The study identified insecticidal effects from the cinnamon and clove essential oils in Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90), lethal time, and repellent effect on larvae, pupae, and adults of T. molitor after exposure to six concentrations of each essential oil and toxic compounds were evaluated. The chemical composition of the cinnamon oil was also determined and primary compounds were eugenol (10.19%), trans-3-caren-2-ol (9.92%), benzyl benzoate (9.68%), caryophyllene (9.05%), eugenyl acetate (7.47%), α-phellandrene (7.18%), and α-pinene (6.92%). In clove essential oil, the primary compounds were eugenol (26.64%), caryophyllene (23.73%), caryophyllene oxide (17.74%), 2-propenoic acid (11.84%), α-humulene (10.48%), γ-cadinene (4.85%), and humulene oxide (4.69%). Cinnamon and clove essential oils were toxic to T. molitor. In toxic chemical compounds, eugenol have stronger contact toxicity in larvae, pupae, and adult than caryophyllene oxide, followed by α-pinene, α-phellandrene, and α-humulene. In general, the two essential oils were toxic and repellent to adult T. molitor. Cinnamon and clove essential oils and their compounds caused higher mortality and repellency on T. molitor and, therefore, have the potential for integrated management programs of this insect.

Effect of pollen extract supplementation on the varroatosis tolerance of honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae reared in vitro.

As the main source of lipids and proteins in honey bees, pollen is a major nutrient provider involved in development and health and has been studied for tolerance stimulation against pathogens and parasites. In the case of Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Acari, Mesostigmata: Varroidae) parasitization, the lack of a complete laboratory system to rear both the bee larva and the acarian parasite limited the studies concerning larval nutrition effects on the bee tolerance and resistance against varroatosis. Due to the development of this complete rearing protocol, we managed to feed young honey bee larvae with pollen supplemented solutions and to study the effect on their later development under parasitism conditions. In our experimental conditions, pollen influences neither the deformity rate, nor the survival of bees both parasitized and unparasitized. However, pollen extract supplementation seems to significantly impact the weight of the spinning bee larvae without having an effect on the physiological weight loss during pupation, so the differences found at the larval stage remain the same as at emergence. Varroa has a deleterious effect on bee pupae and led to a steady increase of the physiological weight loss experienced during metamorphosis. Interestingly, this ponderal loss associated with Varroa parasitization seems to be reduced in the polyfloral pollen supplementation condition. Altogether, this work is to our knowledge the first to study in laboratory conditions the impact of larval nutrition on the tolerance to parasitism. A diverse pollen diet may be beneficial to the bees' tolerance against V. destructor parasitism.

Linking Demography and Consumption of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Fed on Solanum photeinocarpum (Solanales: Solanaceae): With a New Method to Project the Uncertainty of Population Growth and Consumption.

Because life tables are capable of providing the most comprehensive description on the survival, stage differentiation, and the reproduction of animal populations, they can be considered as the bases of population ecology and pest management. Researchers concerned with studies involving life tables inevitably face the problem of describing the variabilities that occur in the survival, stage differentiation, and fecundity data. Finding a means to include these variabilities in population projections concerning pest management may be problematic. Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a pest of many plant species in Asia, including cultivated crops, ornamentals, and wild plants. The raw life history data (survival, stage differentiation, and fecundity) and consumption rate of both sexes of H. vigintioctopunctata reared on Solanum photeinocarpum Nakamura et Odashima (Solanales: Solanaceae) were collected in the laboratory and analyzed based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R0), mean generation time (T), and net consumption rate (C0) of H. vigintioctopunctata were 0.1312 d-1, 1.1402 d-1, 603.5 offspring, 48.8 d, and 77.8 cm2, respectively. By using the bootstrap technique with 100,000 samples, we demonstrated that the life tables constructed based on the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of R0 and λ can be used to describe the variabilities found in the survival and fecundity curves and to project the uncertainty of population growth.

Biological control of Echinothrips americanus by phytoseiid predatory mites and the effect of pollen as supplemental food.

The poinsettia thrips, Echinothrips americanus Morgan, is an upcoming pest in greenhouse crops, causing serious damage in various vegetable and ornamental crops through extensive foliage feeding. We assessed which stages of E. americanus are attacked and killed by the phytoseiid predatory mites Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot), Amblydromalus limonicus (Garman and McGregor), Euseius gallicus Kreiter and Tixier and Euseius ovalis (Evans). Both the predation and oviposition rates were assessed in the laboratory to evaluate which mite species is potentially the most effective predator of E. americanus. In two greenhouse trials with non-flowering sweet pepper plants, we compared the efficacy of the predators E. gallicus and E. ovalis with A. swirskii and we assessed how this was affected by the application of cattail pollen. All stages of E. americanus, except adults, were consumed by all species of predatory mites. The highest predation and oviposition rates were recorded for A. limonicus followed by A. swirskii and E. ovalis when first and second larval stages were provided as prey, but E. ovalis appeared to be the best predator of thrips pupae. Euseius gallicus displayed very low predation and oviposition rates compared to the other species of predatory mites. Cattail pollen did not support the population growth of poinsettia thrips, but it strongly increased the predatory mite population densities, particularly those of E. ovalis. Both A. swirskii and E. ovalis significantly reduced thrips densities on plants. The application of pollen significantly enhanced the control of E. americanus by A. swirskii; this was not the case for E. ovalis. Euseius gallicus did not reduce densities of E. americanus on sweet pepper plants, not even at high densities in the presence of pollen.

Bacterial Inoculant Treatment of Bermudagrass Alters Ovipositional Behavior, Larval and Pupal Weights of the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Nonpathogenic soil bacteria can colonize the rhizosphere and induce unique plant phenotypes that may influence plant-insect interactions. However, few studies have considered the influences of bacteria-plant interactions on insect feeding and oviposition. The objective of this study was to determine how rhizobacterial inoculation of bermudagrass affects larval development and ovipositional behaviors of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith). Eight blends of rhizobacteria known to induce root or shoot growth in grasses were applied weekly to hybrid bermudagrass for 5 wk. Oviposition was evaluated in two no-choice trials with bacteria-treated, fertilized, or nontreated grass. Grass blades from these treatments were extracted in polar and nonpolar solvents and assayed for oviposition responses. Another experiment compared the development of fall armyworm larvae on bermudagrass treated with each of the eight rhizobacterial blends for 5 wk to larvae fed nontreated bermudagrass. Females deposited more eggs on nontreated and fertilized grass and ≤34% of eggs on grass treated with rhizobacterial blends. Moths exposed to polar and nonpolar extracts were unable to reproduce these results. Larval and pupal weights at days 10 and 12 and the number of adults to eclose were lower for larvae fed some, but not all, bacteria-treated bermudagrass relative to controls. This is one of the few studies to investigate plant-microbe-insect interactions in an economically important system. Although the effects noted with fall armyworm are limited, induced changes in roots also reported for these bacteria may have greater utility than foliar changes for mediating interactions with biotic or abiotic stresses.

Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) and Its Importance in Sericulture, Food Consumption, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Sericulture was developed in China in ancient times. Antheraea pernyi Guérin-Méneville was domesticated at least 2,000 yr ago, and Chinese farmers developed artificial rearing of A. pernyi before the 17th century. Today, >60,000 tons of cocoons are produced in China each year, which accounts for 90% of the world production. Despite the widespread utilization of A. pernyi in China and a long history of domestic research, the knowledge of A. pernyi outside China is limited. Therefore, we have in this paper summarized the production, usage, and breeding of A. pernyi. The foremost usage of A. pernyi is as silk producers; however, about 55-70% is used for other purposes. In this paper, we give examples of how the different developmental stages are used as a food source for human consumption and in traditional Chinese medicine, both directly in different preparations and also as a nutrient source for rearing medicinal fungi.