Predatory capacity and intraguild interaction between aphidophagous predators in the control of rose bush aphids

ABSTRACT Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) and Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Meneville) are voracious generalist predators, and important aphid control agents. In an environment containing a complex of species, the occurrence of intraguild interactions can interfere in the predator behavior and consumption. The aim of this work was to know the number of nymphs of Rhodobium porosum (Sanderson) and Macrosiphum rosae (Linnaeus) consumed by larvae of C. externa and H. convergens, and the interaction between these predators when confined together. First, second and third instar nymphs of R. porosum and M. rosae were provided in Petri dishes containing rose leaflets and second instar larvae of the predators. Intraguild interaction was studied in Petri dishes containing first instar nymphs of both aphid species and a second instar larva of C. externa plus one of H. convergens. A third treatment consisted of dishes containing a second instar larva of both predators maintained in the absence of prey. The evaluations took place throughout the entire instar of the predators. C. externa consumed a greater number of R. porosum nymphs and H. convergens a greater number of M. rosae nymphs. For both species of prey, the highest consumption was verified on the last day of evaluation. There was a positive interaction when the predator's larvae were confined in the presence of aphid nymphs, with no mortality observed for any of them. In the absence of prey, there was 70% mortality of H. convergens larvae due to intraguild predation.

Is a diet of Planococcus citri nymphs and adults suitable for Chrysoperla externa for use in biological control?

ABSTRACT Several studies have shown that the survival and reproduction of lacewings varies depending on the type of prey they consumed, especially during the first instar. In this study, we evaluated the effect of a diet consisting of Ephestia kuehniella (EK) and/or Planococcus-citri (PC) eggs offered to first instar Chrysoperla externa on subsequent development and survival. Larvae supplied only with P. citri (PC) nymphs had extended immature development, low survival, adults with lower weight and longevity, low fecundity and egg viability, and lower net reproduction rate (R0). Larvae submitted to the treatment EK+PC responded positively to the diet, showing results similar to those obtained in the control-EK treatment. Therefore, this mealybug supports suitable development and reproduction of C. externa when it is provided to second instar larvae after they fed on E. kuehniella eggs as first instars. As far as we know, this is the first report that demonstrates the effect of natural prey and alternatives on different larval stages of lacewings. This information is valuable in developing protocols for use of C. externaas a pest control agent.

Trophic relationship between Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Planococcus citri (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) associated with rose bushes

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the consumption of Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) nymphs and the predator:prey ratio required for high predatory efficacy and survival of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) larvae under different densities of prey, reared in rose bushes. Consumption by first-, second-, and third-instar larvae of C. externa was assessed. The predatory efficiency and survival of the predator were calculated for larvae in the second instar under densities of 20, 40, 80, 120, and 160 nymphs of P. citri and predator:prey ratios of 1:5, 1:10, and 1:20. The assessments were performed after 24 and 48 hours of exposure between species. There was increasing consumption throughout the larval development of C. externa. The predator:prey ratios 1:5 and 1:10 were the most efficient for P. citri population reduction, but the 1:5 ratio led to lower survival of larvae than the 1:10 and 1:20 ratios. There was a positive correlation between C. externa larval density and cannibalism (ρ = 0.45) and a negative correlation between predator density and P. citri population density (ρ = -0.81). Third-instar larvae consume more P. citri nymphs than second-instar larvae. Second-instar larvae of this lacewing released at a 1:20 ratio caused total mortality of mealybug nymphs within 48 hours, regardless the density of P. citri, with high larvae survival of C. externa.

Compatibility between the predators Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in the control of Planococcus citri (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) associated with rose crop

ABSTRACT Rose crops are attacked by many pests, including mealybugs. Although Planoccocus citri is not registered as a main pest of roses in Brazil, it is an increasing problem on roses inside greenhouses. Chrysoperla externa and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri are options against P. citri and other pests on roses, however using two predators in biological control programs may face problems like intraguild predation. This work aimed to assess the consumption of 1st instar nymphs and adult females of P. citri by adults of C. montrouzieri and 3rd instar larvae of C. externa, as well as the interaction between these predators when confined together. The following treatments were performed with ten replications in a completely randomized design: 1 - C. externa + 200 nymphs of P. citri; 2 - C. externa + 10 adults of P. citri; 3 - C. montrouzieri + 500 nymphs of P. citri; 4 - C. montrouzieri + 15 adults of P. citri. Each replication was set on rose leaflets inside a Petri dish (9cm Ø). Intraguild interaction was assessed by releasing both predators inside dishes containing 700 nymphs of P. citri. Before the releases, predators stayed 24 hours without food. We evaluated the prey consumption and intraguild predation for three hours. C. externa consumed significantly less (85,4±2,99) nymphs than did C. montrouzieri (387,0±3,02). There was no difference in adult mealybugs consumed, with an average of 1,85±0,19. No intraguild predation was observed, and an increase of 11,8% in consumption was observed when predators were released together compared to the scenario of no competition.

Inter - and intraspecific relationships between Macrosiphum rosae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

ABSTRACT The predator Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is a polyphagous species that has, among its wide range of acceptable prey, the aphid Macrosiphum rosae (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), an important pest of rose plants. We assessed the consumption of nymphs and adults of M. rosae by C. externa larvae, the predatory efficiency, and larval survival under different predator:prey ratios, densities of aphids, and ages of aphids. The bioassays were performed at 25 ± 1°C and 70 ± 10% RH under a 12-hour photoperiod, with aphids taken from roses of the cultivar Avalanche. Consumption was assessed by making young aphids (2nd and 3rd instars) and more developed aphids (4th instar and adult) available throughout the larval stage of the predator. The predatory efficiency and survival were studied for second-instar larvae offered M. rosae nymphs at densities of 20, 40, 80, 120, and 160 using predator:prey ratios of 1:5, 1:10, and 1:20. The assessments were performed 24, 48, and 72 hours after putting the species together. All of the C. externa instars consumed younger than older aphids. Larvae in the third instar consumed 80% of the young aphids and 77% of the older aphids. The higher the predator:prey ratio and larval density, the higher the predatory efficiency and the lower the larval survival. The ratios 1:5 and 1:10 led to the elimination of younger and older aphid populations 72 hours into the interaction between species.

Methyl Salicylate Increases Attraction and Function of Beneficial Arthropods in Cranberries.

Methyl salicylate (MeSA) is an herbivore-induced plant volatile (HIPV) known to attract the natural enemies of herbivores in agro-ecosystems; however, whether this attraction leads to an increase in natural enemy functioning, i.e., predation, remains largely unknown. Here, we monitored for 2 years (2011-2012) the response of herbivores and natural enemies to MeSA lures (PredaLure) by using sticky and pitfall traps in cranberry bogs. In addition, European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, egg masses were used to determine whether natural enemy attraction to MeSA leads to higher predation. In both years, MeSA increased adult hoverfly captures on sticky traps and augmented predation of O. nubilalis eggs. However, MeSA also attracted more phytophagous thrips and, in 2012, more plant bugs (Miridae) to sticky traps. Furthermore, we used surveillance cameras to record the identity of natural enemies attracted to MeSA and measure their predation rate. Video recordings showed that MeSA lures increase visitation by adult lady beetles, adult hoverflies, and predatory mites to sentinel eggs, and predation of these eggs doubled compared to no-lure controls. Our data indicate that MeSA lures increase predator attraction, resulting in increased predation; thus, we provide evidence that attraction to HIPVs can increase natural enemy functioning in an agro-ecosystem.

Cascading effects of combining synthetic herbivore-induced plant volatiles with companion plants to manipulate natural enemies in an agro-ecosystem.

BACKGROUND: Whether tactics to manipulate natural enemies in agro-ecosystems enhance their ecosystem function and services remains debatable. We conducted field experiments in 2015-2016 to test the hypothesis that attraction of natural enemies to herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), alone or in combination with companion plants, increases crop productivity. Our treatments consisted of bean plants alone or baited with methyl salicylate (MeSA; an HIPV), or combined with coriander (a companion plant), or with both MeSA and coriander. Numbers of arthropods were visually sampled in each treatment. Sentinel aphids were used to measure ecosystem function (i.e. predation). Plant damage and biomass, and the number and weight of pods and seeds, were measured as a proxy for ecosystem services. RESULTS: MeSA and coriander, when alone or combined, increased the abundance of insect predators from six families, reduced herbivore (e.g. spider mite and thrips) populations, and increased aphid predation. MeSA and coriander also reduced damage by spider mites. MeSA with or without coriander did not, however, increase crop biomass or any yield parameters. CONCLUSIONS: MeSA alone or combined with coriander attracted different predator communities, altered pest communities, and reduced damage; however, these results did not cascade down to improve crop productivity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Oxidação de fármacos por cloro e formação de subprodutos em amostras aquosas em escala de bancada / Pharmaceuticals oxidation by chlorine and byproducts formation in aqueous matrices in bench scale

RESUMO Fármacos e desreguladores endócrinos são encontrados em águas naturais brasileiras, incluindo alguns mananciais de abastecimento, também em função da baixa cobertura de coleta e tratamento de esgotos no Brasil. Nesse cenário, o presente trabalho intentou avaliar a remoção de três fármacos - sulfametoxazol (SMX), diclofenaco (DCF) e 17β-estradiol (E2) - em água destilada por meio da oxidação com cloro (hipoclorito de sódio), variando-se a dose de cloro e o tempo de contato em ensaios de batelada. As soluções cloradas foram analisadas, ainda, por cromatografia acoplada à espectrometria de massas para identificação de eventuais subprodutos de oxidação. Para tempo de contato de 10 min e dose de cloro de 1,5 mg.L-1, foi observada remoção média de 61% para DCF, 36% para E2 e 33% para SMX. Apenas para o DCF verificou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa (α=0,05) para dose de cloro de 3,0 mg.L-1. A oxidação seguiu modelo cinético de pseudossegunda ordem, com valores de k2 de 0,0168 L.µg.min-1 para SMX (para ambas doses testadas), de 0,0133 e 0,0798 L.µg.min-1 para DCF, e de 0,0326 e 0,0289 L.µg.min-1 para E2, para doses de cloro de 1,5 e 3,0 mg.L-1, respectivamente. Por fim, verificou-se que o aumento do tempo de contato favoreceu a oxidação dos fármacos, ainda que com a perspectiva de formação de subprodutos para SMX e E2.

ABSTRACT Pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds are found in Brazilian natural waters, including some water sources for public supply, also due to the low coverage of sewage collection and treatment in Brazil. This study investigated the removal of three pharmaceutical compounds - sulfamethoxazole (SMX), diclofenac (DCF) and 17β-estradiol (E2) - from aqueous solutions by means of chlorine oxidation (sodium hypochlorite) by varying the dose of chlorine and contact time in batch tests. The chlorine solutions were examined by chromatography attached to the mass spectrometry in order to identify the oxidation by-products. For 10 min contact time, mean removal values of 61% were observed for DCF; 36% for E2; and 33% for SMX, when the chlorine dose was 1.5 mg L-1. Just for DCF there was a statistically significant difference (α=0.05) in the removal efficiency when increasing the chlorine dose to 3.0 mg.L-1. The oxidation followed the kinetic model of pseudo-second order, with k2 values of 0.0168 L.µg.min-1 for SMX (at both chlorine doses tested); 0.0133 and 0.0798 L.µg.min-1 to DCF; and 0.0326 and 0.0289 L.µg.min-1 to the E2 at chlorine doses of 1.5 and 3.0 mg L-1, respectively. Finally, it was verified that an increase of the contact time favored the oxidation of all pharmaceuticals tested, although with the perspective of by-products formation for SMX and E2.

Isolated and Community Contexts Produce Distinct Responses by Host Plants to the Presence of Ant-Aphid Interaction: Plant Productivity and Seed Viability.

Ant-aphid interactions may affect host plants in several ways, however, most studies measure only the amount of fruit and seed produced, and do not test seed viability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of the presence of ant-aphid interactions upon host plant productivity and seed viability in two different contexts: isolated and within an arthropod community. For this purpose we tested the hypothesis that in both isolated and community contexts, the presence of an ant-aphid interaction will have a positive effect on fruit and seed production, seed biomass and rate of seed germination, and a negative effect on abnormal seedling rates, in comparison to plants without ants. We performed a field mesocosm experiment containing five treatments: Ant-aphid, Aphid, Community, Ant-free community and Control. We counted fruits and seeds produced by each treatment, and conducted experiments for seed biomass and germinability. We found that in the community context the presence of an ant-aphid interaction negatively affected fruit and seed production. We think this may be because aphid attendance by tending-ants promotes aphid damage to the host plant, but without an affect on seed weight and viability. On the other hand, when isolated, the presence of an ant-aphid interaction positively affected fruit and seed production. These positive effects are related to the cleaning services offered to aphids by tending-ants, which prevent the development of saprophytic fungi on the surface of leaves, which would cause a decrease in photosynthetic rates. Our study is important because we evaluated some parameters of plant fitness that have not been addressed very well by other studies involving the effects of ant-aphid interactions mainly on plants with short life cycles. Lastly, our context dependent approach sheds new light on how ecological interactions can vary among different methods of crop management.

Primeiro registro de ocorrência de Hemerobius gaitoi Monserrat, 1996 e Hemerobius hernandezi Monserrat, 1996 (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) para o estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / First report of the occurrence of Hemerobius gaitoi Monserrat, 1996 and Hemerobius hernandezi Monserrat, 1996 (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) for the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

O presente estudo relata, pela primeira vez, a ocorrência de Hemerobius gaitoi Monserrat, 1996 e Hemerobius hernandezi Monserrat, 1996 (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) para o estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil.(AU)

The present study reports for the first time the occurrence of Hemerobius gaitoi Monserrat, 1996 and Hemerobius hernandezi Monserrat, 1996 (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.(AU)

Influência de diferentes cultivos e fatores climáticos na ocorrência de crisopídeos em sistema agroecológico / Influence of different crops and climate factors on the occurrence of green lacewings in agroecological system

Os insetos predadores da família Chrysopidae têm sido relatados tanto em ecossistemas naturais como nos agroecossistemas, sejam eles cultivos consorciados ou monocultivos. Porém, são escassas as informações sobre o comportamento das populações desses insetos nos agroecossistemas diversificados, como aqueles de base agroecológica. O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de determinar a riqueza de espécies de crisopídeos e avaliar a influência de diferentes cultivos agrícolas, assim como de fatores climáticos na abundância desses insetos em sistema de produção orgânica diversificada. O estudo foi conduzido de setembro de 2008 a agosto de 2009, por meio de amostragens semanais de adultos de Chrysopidae em áreas do Sistema Integrado de Produção Agroecológica, em Seropédica (RJ), cada qual com um tipo de sistema de cultivo (rotação milho-mucuna/olerícolas, cafeeiros sombreados e rotação cana-de-açúcar/pastagem de braquiária). Um total de 424 espécimes de crisopídeos foi coletado, sendo distribuídos em três espécies: Chrysoperla externa (98,1%), Ceraeochrysa cubana (1,7%) e Ceraeochrysa paraguaria (0,2%). Não houve diferença no número de adultos coletados em função dos diferentes cultivos, embora a análise de correlação evidencie que as rotações com poáceas favoreçam o aumento da sua abundância. A abundância dos crisopídeos foi influenciada pelo clima apenas no sistema de cafeeiros sombreados, sendo correlacionada negativamente com a temperatura média do ar e a com a precipitação pluvial acumulada.(AU)

The green lacewings (Chrysopidae) have been reported in natural ecosystems as well in agroecosystems, intercropping or monocropping. However, the knowledge on their behavior on different agroecosystems is scarce. The present work aimed to determine the diversity of green lacewing species and to evaluate the influence of different agricultural crops, as well as climate factors, on the abundance of these insects in an agroecologically-based organic production system. The study was conducted from September 2008 to August 2009, by performing weekly sampling of Chrysopidae adults in areas of the Integrated Production Agroecological System (SIPA) in Seropédica (RJ), each with one type of cropping system (corn-mucuna rotation/vegetable crops; shaded coffees and sugar cane/brachiaria pasture rotation). A total of 424 adult specimens were collected, belonging to three species: Chrysoperla externa (98.1%), Ceraeochrysa cubana (1.7%) and Ceraeochrysa paraguaria (0.2%). There were no differences on the number of green lacewing adults collected in the crops, although the correlation analysis showed that the crop rotations with grasses favor their abundance. The abundance of green lacewings was also influenced by the climate conditions only in the system of shaded coffees, being negatively correlated with mean air temperature and accumulated rainfall.(AU)

[Spatio-temporal dynamic of green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) taxocenosis on natural ecosystems]. / Dinâmica espaço-temporal de taxocenoses de crisopídeos (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) em ecossistemas naturais.

In order to study the interactions of green lacewings toxocenosis on natural ecossystems, samplings were carried out in the Parque Ecológico Quedas do Rio Bonito, located in Lavras, Alto Rio Grande region, South of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The species inventory was accomplished in two vegetation types: semi-evergreen forest and open field formations, including areas of montane grassland, rocky montane grassland and "cerrado". Insects were captured with a butterfly net during 2h, walking through each vegetation formation. Sampling resulted in 1,948 specimens belonging to 30 species, of which 14 were Chrysopini and 16 Leucochrysini. Representatives of these tribes were observed both in forest and in open field formations. Species of the genera Ceraeochrysa, Chrysoperla, Chrysopodes, Plesiochrysa and Leucochrysa were found in forests and in open field formations, except for Plesiochrysa. The highest richness and diversity of species were observed in the forest. The similarity index among the communities of green lacewings in the studied areas was 27%.

Dinâmica espaço-temporal de taxocenoses de crisopídeos (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) em ecossistemas naturais / Spatio-temporal dynamic of green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) taxocenosis on natural ecossystems

In order to study the interactions of green lacewings toxocenosis on natural ecossystems, samplings were carried out in the Parque Ecológico Quedas do Rio Bonito, located in Lavras, Alto Rio Grande region, South of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The species inventory was accomplished in two vegetation types: semi-evergreen forest and open field formations, including areas of montane grassland, rocky montane grassland and "cerrado". Insects were captured with a butterfly net during 2h, walking through each vegetation formation. Sampling resulted in 1,948 specimens belonging to 30 species, of which 14 were Chrysopini and 16 Leucochrysini. Representatives of these tribes were observed both in forest and in open field formations. Species of the genera Ceraeochrysa, Chrysoperla, Chrysopodes, Plesiochrysa and Leucochrysa were found in forests and in open field formations, except for Plesiochrysa. The highest richness and diversity of species were observed in the forest. The similarity index among the communities of green lacewings in the studied areas was 27 percent.

Can larval lacewings Chrysoperla externa (Hagen): (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae) be reared on pollen? / Larvas de Chrysoperla externa (Hagen): (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae) podem ser criadas com pólen?

The aim of this study was to verify the viability of exclusive use of elephant grass pollen, Pennisetum purpureum (Schum), to feed larvae of the lacewing Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861). The insects were kept at 24ºC and the duration and survival rate of each instar and the larval and pupal phases were recorded. The diet provided complete development of the larvae. The average duration of the first and second instars was the same (6.9 days), while the third instar lasted an average of 10.0 days and the pupal phase 13.2 days. The average survival of the larvae was above 80 percent for the first, second and third instars, and 70.0 percent and 33.3 percent for the larval and pupal phase, respectively. These results indicate that the exclusive use of elephant grass pollen can provide complete development of the immature stages of this predator.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a viabilidade do uso exclusivo de pólen de capim-elefante Pennisetum purpureum (Schum) como dieta para larvas de Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861). Os insetos foram mantidos a 24ºC, avaliando-se a duração e a sobrevivência em cada instar e em todo o estágio larval e pupal. Verificou-se que a dieta proporcionou o desenvolvimento completo das larvas do crisopídeo, que apresentaram a mesma duração média para o primeiro e segundo ínstares (6,9 dias) e permaneceram 10,0 e 13,2 dias no terceiro instar e no estágio pupal, respectivamente. A sobrevivência média das larvas de C. externa foi superior a 80 por cento para o primeiro, segundo e terceiro ínstares, e de 70,0 por cento e 33,3 por cento para o estágio larval e pupal, respectivamente. Verificou-se que o uso exclusivo de pólen de capim-elefante como alimento para larvas de C. externa proporcionou o completo desenvolvimento dos estágios imaturos do predador.

Tabela de esperança de vida e de fertilidade de Sipha flava (Forbes) (Hemiptera, Aphididae) alimentado com capim-elefante em diferentes temperaturas / Life expectancy and fertility tables of Sipha flava (Forbes) (Hemiptera, Aphididae) fed elephant grass at different temperatures

Objetivou-se estimar as tabelas de esperança de vida e de fertilidade para Sipha flava (Forbes, 1884) alimentados com capim-elefante, em diferentes temperaturas. Foram utilizadas câmaras climatizadas a 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 e 32ºC, UR 70 ± 10 por cento e fotofase de 12 horas, contendo 150 insetos em cada condição térmica. Foi constatada mortalidade gradual em todas as temperaturas. A maior longevidade e maior esperança de vida dos afídeos foi a 12ºC. As taxas líquidas de reprodução (Ro) e o tempo necessário para a população duplicar em número (TD) também foram maiores a 12ºC. A sobrevivência (l x) começou a diminuir a partir de 3,5 dias a 24ºC e a partir do primeiro dia nas demais temperaturas, seguindo uma redução gradativa com o desenvolvimento do inseto. O intervalo de tempo entre cada geração (T) diminuiu com o aumento da temperatura, até 28ºC. A maior fertilidade específica (m x) e a maior fecundidade total média ocorreram a 24ºC. A capacidade inata de aumentar em número (r m) foi menor a 12ºC. A razão finita de aumento (λ) foi maior a 20 e 24ºC. A temperatura de 24ºC mostrou-se mais adequada para o desenvolvimento de S. flava em capim-elefante por proporcionar maiores valores para os parâmetros reprodutivos.

The objective of this study was to estimate the life expectancy and fertility tables of Sipha flava (Forbes, 1884) fed with elephant grass at different temperatures. The investigations were conducted in climate controlled chambers at 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32ºC, UR 70 ± 10 percent and 12-hour photophase, with 150 insects at each temperature. There was gradual mortality at all temperatures studied. The longest life expectancy and longevity values for the aphids were at 12ºC. The highest net reproduction rates (Ro) and longest population doubling time (DT) were also found at 12ºC. The survival (l x) started to diminish after 3.5 days at 24ºC and after the first day at the other temperatures, gradually declining with the development of the insect. The time interval between each generation (T) decreased as the temperature increased up to 28ºC. The highest specific fertility (m x) and total fecundity were recorded at 24ºC. The smallest value for innate capacity to increase in number (r m) were at 12ºC. The finite increase ratio (λ) were highest at 20 e 24ºC. The temperature of 24ºC is most suitable for the population density of S. flava to increase on elephant grass because it provides the highest values for the reproductive parameters.

[Development and reproduction of Sipha flava (Forbes) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) at different temperatures]. / Desenvolvimento e reprodução de Sipha flava (Forbes) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) em diferentes temperaturas.

The aphid Sipha flava (Forbes) is a pest on elephant grass, but little is known about its biology. The objective of this work was to evaluate the temperature effects on the development, survival and reproduction of S. flava fed on Pennisetum purpureum. Twelve-hour-old nymphs were individualized on sections of elephant grass blades and maintained at 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32 degrees C+/-1 degrees C, UR 70+/-10% and 12 h photophase. A total of 150 nymphs were used per treatment divided in 30 replicates, using a totally random design. The lower threshold temperatures (LTT) for first, second, third and fourth instars were 0.83, 1.05, 3.01 and 4.98 degrees C, respectively, indicating a change in thermal requirements as the development progress. The LTT for the whole nymphal stage was 2.08 degrees C, pointing to the tolerance of this species to low temperatures. A significant reduction in survival was observed at high temperatures (28 and 32 degrees C). Although the reproductive periods were longer and insects lived longer at 12 degrees C as compared with those at higher temperatures, the total fecundity was substantially reduced. The overall life cycle duration was almost twice as long at 12 degrees C than at 24 degrees C. The greatest daily production of nymphs and greatest number of nymphs produced overall occurred at 24 degrees C. The temperatures of 20 degrees C and 24 degrees C were more suitable to S. flava development and reproduction.

Desenvolvimento e reprodução de Sipha flava (Forbes) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) em diferentes temperaturas / Development and reproduction of Sipha flava (Forbes) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) at different temperatures

O afídeo Sipha flava (Forbes) ocasiona injúrias em capim-elefante e sua biologia é pouco conhecida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da temperatura no desenvolvimento, sobrevivência e reprodução de S. flava alimentada com Pennisetum purpureum. Ninfas com até 12h de idade foram individualizadas sobre seções foliares de capim-elefante e mantidas em condições controladas (12, 16, 20, 24, 28 e 32ºC ± 1ºC, UR 70 ± 10 por cento e fotofase de 12h). O total de 150 ninfas foi usado por tratamento, divididas em 30 repetições, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. A temperatura base (Tb) foi de 0,83, 1,05, 3,01 e 4,98 para ninfas de primeiro, segundo, terceiro e quarto ínstares, respectivamente, indicando exigências térmicas distintas para os diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento. A Tb foi de 2,08 para a fase ninfal, verificando-se a tolerância a baixas temperaturas. Em temperaturas elevadas (28 e 32ºC), constatou-se redução significativa na sobrevivência. Embora tenha sido constatado maior período reprodutivo e longevidade a 12ºC, quando comparado às temperaturas mais altas, a fecundidade total foi substancialmente reduzida. A duração do ciclo de vida foi cerca de duas vezes maior a 12ºC em relação a 24ºC. A maior produção diária e total de ninfas foi a 24ºC. As temperaturas de 20ºC e 24ºC foram as mais favoráveis para o desenvolvimento e reprodução de S. flava.

The aphid Sipha flava (Forbes) is a pest on elephant grass, but little is known about its biology. The objective of this work was to evaluate the temperature effects on the development, survival and reproduction of S. flava fed on Pennisetum purpureum. Twelve-hour-old nymphs were individualized on sections of elephant grass blades and maintained at 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32ºC ± 1ºC, UR 70 ± 10 percent and 12h photophase. A total of 150 nymphs were used per treatment divided in 30 replicates, using a totally random design. The lower threshold temperatures (LTT) for first, second, third and fourth instars were 0.83, 1.05, 3.01 and 4.98ºC, respectively, indicating a change in thermal requirements as the development progress. The LTT for the whole nymphal stage was 2.08ºC, pointing to the tolerance of this species to low temperatures. A significant reduction in survival was observed at high temperatures (28 and 32ºC). Although the reproductive periods were longer and insects lived longer at 12ºC as compared with those at higher temperatures, the total fecundity was substantially reduced. The overall life cycle duration was almost twice as long at 12ºC than at 24ºC. The greatest daily production of nymphs and greatest number of nymphs produced overall occurred at 24ºC. The temperatures of 20ºC and 24ºC were more suitable to S. flava development and reproduction.

Aspectos biológicos de Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861)(Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) alimentada com Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813)(Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) e Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy, 1907) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) / Bipogical aspects of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) fed with Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy, 1907) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

O ecossistema citrícola abriga muitas espécies de inimigos naturais, entre eles Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) que apresenta um grande potencial como agente de controle biológico de pragas. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avapar o efeito das presas Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) e Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy, 1907) sobre o desenvolvimento das fases de larva e pupa de C. externa. O ensaio foi conduzido em sala cpmatizada a uma temperatura de 25±1ºC, 70±10 por cento UR e fotofase de 12 horas, sendo os tratamentos constituídos pelo fornecimento contínuo e alternado dessas duas presas em cada ínstar do predador, além de ovos de Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller, 1879), utilizados para fins de comparação. Foram avaliados o tempo de vida e a viabilidade das fases de larva, pupa e do período larva-adulto de C. externa. Constatou-se que T. citricida fornecido isoladamente ao longo do desenvolvimento larval ou em dois ínstares consecutivos do predador, não foi uma presa adequada, constatando-se 100 por cento de mortalidade no período larva-adulto. Quando as larvas alimentaram-se de P. citri fornecida em dois ínstares do predador, a viabilidade no período larva-adulto foi semelhante à dieta constituída por apenas ovos de A. kuehniella, exceto quando se alimentaram de T. citricida no primeiro ínstar.

The citrus-growing ecosystem houses a great deal of species of natural enemies, among them Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861), which presents a great potential for use in the bipogical contrp of pests. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of the preys Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) and Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy, 1907) on the development of larva and pupa of C. externa. The trial was carried out in an accpmatized room at 25±1ºC, 70±10 percent RH and 12-hour photophase, the treatments consisting of the continuous and alternate supply of those two preys in each instar of the predator, in apition to eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) utilized for comparison purposes. Both the white mealybug and the aphids were given in sufficient amounts to the C. externa larvae to be able to feed ad libitum. The pfetime and the survival rate of the phases of larva, pupa and the larval-adult period of C. externa were evaluated. It was found that T. citricida given either singly along the larval development or in two consecutive instars of the predator was not an adequate prey, 100 percent of mortapty over the larval-adult period being found. When the larvae fed on P. citri, given in two instars of the predator, the survival rate in the larval-adult period was similar to the diet constituted of only A. kuehniella eggs, except when fed with T. citricida in the first instar.

Biologia de Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) em abobrinha cultivar caserta (Cucurbita pepo L. ) em diferentes temperaturas / Biology of Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on squash cultivar caserta (Cucurbita pepo L. ) in different temperatures

As cucurbitáceas apresentam grande demanda no mercado mundial e uma das principais pragas que atacam essas culturas é o pulgão Aphis gossypii. Assim, objetivou-se estudar aspectos da biologia desse afídeo em função da temperatura na cultivar de abobrinha Caserta (Cucurbita pepo L.). Utilizaram-se discos foliares (2,5cm de ∅) acondicionados, com a face abaxial para cima, em placas de Petri (5cm de ∅) contendo uma lâmina de ágar-água. Em cada placa foi deixada uma ninfa recém-nascida, acompanhandose o seu desenvolvimento ao longo de todo o ciclo de vida, em diferentes temperaturas (18, 21, 24, 27 e 30±1ºC), 70±10 por cento UR e fotofase de 12 horas. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, com 60 repetições. Verificou-se que as temperaturas afetaram o desenvolvimento de A. gossypii. Menor duração do período ninfal e maior produção diária de ninfas foram observadas a 24 e 27ºC. A temperatura de 30ºC provocou efeito deletério, causando 68 por cento de mortalidade na fase ninfal.

The cucurbitaceous plants are always on demand in world market and one of the main pests on these crop is the aphid Aphis gossypii. This work aimed to study the biological aspects of A. gossypii on the Caserta (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivar in different temperatures. To determine the biological aspects of A. gossypii, nymphs were kept on leaf disks (2.5 cm ∅) with the abaxial side up in Petri dishes (5 cm ∅) containing a thin layer of agar-water. Each dish contained one nymph of the first instar of the aphid. The development and the other biological parameters were evaluated in different temperatures (18, 21, 24, 27 e 30±1ºC), 70±10 percent RH and 12h photophase. The experiments were complete randomized design with 60 replicates. The results showed that the temperature influenced the development of A. gossypii. The shorter nymphal period and higher daily nymph s production were observed at 24 and 27 ºC. The temperature of 30 ºC was deleterius inducing to 68 percent of mortality at the nymphal stage of A. gossypii.

Aspectos biológicos e capacidade predatória de Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) alimentada com Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) em diferentes temperaturas / Biological aspects and predatory capacity of Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) fed on Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under different temperatures

Avaliou-se alguns aspectos biológicos e a capacidade predatória em três temperaturas de larvas de Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen) alimentadas com ninfas de terceiro e quarto ínstares de Aphis gossypii Glover. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em câmaras climáticas a 22; 25 e 28±1ºC, 70±10 por cento de UR e fotofase de 12 horas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (temperaturas), com 40 repetições. Verificou-se redução no tempo de vida das larvas nos três ínstares, das fases de pré-pupa e pupa em função do aumento da temperatura. As maiores viabilidades foram obtidas a 22ºC. Para larvas de primeiro ínstar não houve diferença significativa no consumo médio diário nas três temperaturas. Para larvas de segundo e terceiro ínstares houve maior consumo diário de pulgões na maior temperatura. O número médio total de afídeos consumido por larvas de primeiro e segundo ínstares não diferiu em função do aumento da temperatura. Para larvas de terceiro ínstar o maior consumo total foi observado a 22ºC, e o menor a 25ºC. Na menor temperatura observou-se maior consumo médio total na fase larval.

Some biological aspects and the predatory capacity at three temperatures of larvae of Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen) fed third and fourth instar nymphs of Aphis gossypii Glover were evaluated. The experiments were conducted in climatic chambers at 22; 25 and 28±1ºC, 70±10 percent of RH and 12-hour photophase. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments (temperatures) and 40 replicates. A reduction in the median life time of the larvae in the three instars of the stages of pre-pupa and pupa was found as related with the increase of temperature. The highest survivals were obtained at 22ºC. For larvae of first instar, there were no significant differences in the daily average consumption of aphids at the three temperatures. For second and third instar larvae, there was higher consumption of aphids at the highest temperature. The total average number of aphids consumed by first and second instar larvae did not differ as related with the increase of temperature. For third instar larvae, the greatest total consumption was observed at 22ºC, and the lowest consumption at 25ºC. The lowest temperature enabled the highest total average consumption of the larval stage.