Morphology and composition of the midgut bacterial community of Scaptocoris castanea Perty, 1830 (Hemiptera: Cydnidae).

The burrower bug Scaptocoris castanea is an important soybean and pasture pest in Brazil, with an underground habit feeding directly on the sap of the roots. Underground habit hinders control and knowledge of the biology and physiology of this pest. This study describes the anatomy, histology, ultrastructure and symbionts of the midgut of S. castanea. The midgut of S. castanea is anatomically divided into five regions (ventricles). Ventricles 1-3 are similar between males and females, with cells specialized in digestion and absorption of nutrients, water transport and homeostasis. Ventricle 4 has squamous epithelium forming crypts and harboring bacteria in the lumen. Ventricle 5 of males is small with cells containing apical microvilli and broad basal folds with many openings for hemocoel, while in females, this region of the midgut is well developed and colonized by intracellular bacteria, characterizing bacteriocytes. The main bacteria are Gammaproteobacteria. The results show sexual dimorphism in ventricle 5 of the midgut of S. castanea, with formation of bacteriocytes in the females, while the other regions are involved in digestive processes in both sexes.

Anatomy, Histology, and Ultrastructure of Salivary Glands of the Burrower Bug, Scaptocoris castanea (Hemiptera: Cydnidae).

The burrower bug Scaptocoris castanea Perty, 1830 (Hemiptera: Cydnidae) is an agricultural pest feeding on roots of several crops. The histology and ultrastructure of the salivary glands of S. castanea were described. The salivary system has a pair of principal salivary glands and a pair of accessory salivary glands. The principal salivary gland is bilobed with anterior and posterior lobes joined by a hilus where an excretory duct occurs. The accessory salivary gland is tubular with a narrow lumen that opens into the hilus near the excretory duct, suggesting that its secretion is stored in the lumen of the principal gland. The cytoplasm of the secretory cells is rich in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, secretory vesicles with different electron densities and mitochondria. At the base of the accessory gland epithelium, there were scattered cells that do not reach the gland lumen, with the cytoplasm rich in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, indicating a role in protein production. Data show that principal and accessory salivary glands of S. castanea produce proteinaceous saliva. This is the first morphological description of the S. castanea salivary system that is similar to other Hemiptera Pentatomomorpha, but with occurrence of basal cells in the accessory salivary gland.

First report of Elaphria agrotina and Elaphria deltoides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Elaphriini) feeding on maize.

This is the first report of Elaphria agrotina (Guenée, 1852) and Elaphria deltoides (Möschler, 1880) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) feeding on maize (Zea mays L.). The specimens were collected in maize fields during the crop season of 2012 and 2013 in three municipalities in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Larvae were collected while feeding at the ear base, which often resulted in ears dropping to the ground. Larvae also were observed feeding on kernels in fallen ears. Ear injury often leads to reduced grain quality, and when the ears fall to the ground, reduced yield. A previous report of Striacosta albicosta (Smith, 1888) feeding on maize in Brazil was probably a misidentification of an E. agrotina male, which has wing pattern and coloration similarities with S. albicosta.

Biocide activity of Annona coriacea seeds extract on Rhodnius neglectus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).

The use of synthetic insecticides for insect control may lead to different kind of problems, such as vector resistance to insecticides. To avoid these problems, a new research area to study botanical products as possible disease vectors controls, has become a feasible alternative. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the biocide activity of the ethanol extract of seeds of Annona coriacea on Rhodnius neglectus (Chagas disease vector) nymphs and adults. For this, different concentrations extracts were evaluated: 25, 50, 100 and 200mg/ mL, and water in DMSO (20%) was used as control. The experimental design was completely randomized and we conducted the bioassay with nymphs and adults, with 10 nymphs and 10 adults (five males and five females) per treatment. Extract action was evaluated in both bioassays, in order to identify possible effects of mortality and life cycle interruption of nymphs and adults during a 28-day-period. The results obtained showed that the extract of A. coriacea was able to disrupt the development of nymphs and adults of R. neglectus, with a mortality rate of more than 90%, 36% and 100%, at the highest concentrations, respectively. There was also molting inhibition in nymphs, lower reproductive capacity in females, feeding deterrence and morphological changes in nymphs and adults. We concluded that the extract of A. coriacea has insecticide action on nymphs and adults of R. neglectus.

Evaluation of Leaf Consumption and Determination of Economic Injury Level Caused by Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in Brassica oleracea var. acephala (Brassicales: Brassicaceae).

Plutella xylostella (L.) is a microlepidopteran found in all brassica-producing regions of the world. However, no economic injury level (EIL) has been established for this pest in collard greens. Therefore, studies evaluating the EIL of P. xylostella in this crop based on the number of caterpillars per plant can assist pest monitoring and the most effective time for pest control, ensuring profits and the use of pesticides only when required. The present study assessed leaf consumption of caterpillars at different levels of infestation and determinined the EIL for P. xylostella in collard greens. Based on the yield reduction index of collard greens for P. xylostella, EIL was estimated for different scenarios of pest control costs, setting the market value of the bunch of collard greens, and, alternatively, with prices varying and the control cost fixed. In simulated scenarios for 7 d after infestation, the number of caterpillars per plant was always below 1.38, whereas for 10 d, the maximum number was 1.25 caterpillars per plant. When simulating scenarios with different market values for the bunch of collard greens the lower the price of the collard greens bunch, the higher the mean number of caterpillars per plant to compensate the application cost. The mean number of caterpillars per plant ranged from 4.59 to 0.38 in the evaluation for 7 d, and from 4.17 to 0.35 caterpillars per plant for 10 d according to the price of the bunch of collard greens.

Beetle pollination and flowering rhythm of Annona coriacea Mart. (Annonaceae) in Brazilian cerrado: Behavioral features of its principal pollinators.

The conservation and sustainable management of Annona coriacea requires knowledge of its floral and reproductive biology, and of its main pollinators and their life cycles. In this work, we analyzed these aspects in detail. Floral biology was assessed by observing flowers from the beginning of anthesis to senescence. The visiting hours and behavior of floral visitors in the floral chamber were recorded, as were the sites of oviposition. Excavations were undertaken around specimens of A. coriacea to determine the location of immature pollinators. Anthesis was nocturnal, starting at sunset, and lasted for 52-56 h. The flowers were bisexual, protogynous and emitted a strong scent similar to the plant´s own ripe fruit. There was pronounced synchrony among all floral events (the period and duration of stigmatic receptivity, release of odor, pollen release and drooping flowers) in different individuals, but no synchrony in the same individuals. All of the flowers monitored were visited by beetle species of the genera Cyclocephala and Arriguttia. Beetles arrived at the flowers with their bodies covered in pollen and these pollen grains were transferred to the stigmata while foraging on nutritious tissues at the base of the petals. With dehiscence of the stamens and retention within the floral chamber, the bodies of the floral visitors were again covered with pollen which they carried to newly opened flowers, thus promoting the cycle of pollination. After leaving the flowers, female beetles often excavated holes in the soil to lay eggs. Larvae were found between the leaf litter and the first layer of soil under specimens of A. coriacea. Cyclocephala beetles were the main pollinators of A. coriacea, but Arriguttia brevissima was also considered a pollinator and is the first species of this genus to be observed in Annonaceae flowers. Annona coriacea was found to be self-compatible with a low reproductive efficiency in the area studied. The results of this investigation provide ecological data that should contribute to the conservation and economic exploitation of A. coriacea.

Potential phytoinsecticide of Annona mucosa (Jacq) (Annonaceae) in the control of brown stink bug / Potencial fitoinseticida de Annona mucosa (Jacq) (Annonaceae) no controle do percevejo-marrom

Plant extract have been recognized as important natural source of insecticide. Herein, we assessed the toxicity of leaves-extract and seeds-extract of Annona mucosa (Annonaceae) against brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a soybean pest in Neotropical America. For this, bioassays with nymphs and adults were conducted using the concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg.mL-1 of leaves and seeds extract of A. mucosa and DMSO (10%), as control. Ten replicates were conducted by treatment, with five nymphs (3rd instar) by replicate (bioassay with nymphs) and one couple of adults (< 24h of old) by replicate (bioassay with adults). The number of nymphs death (mortality) and survival of adults were assessed. For adults the fecundity (number of eggs) and fertility (number of nymphs hatched) of females also were assessed. The nymphs bioassay has promising results in seeds extract, when compared to leaves extract. The mortality of nymphs treated with seeds extract was dependent-concentration, with increased in mortality in concentrations > 5.0mg.mL-1, while nymphs treated with leaves extract do not exhibit difference between treatments. In adults the survival was reduced, when were treated with seed extract of A. mucosa at concentrations higher than 20mg.mL-1, with reduction up to 92 days in contrast to control. A drastic reduction in the fecundity and fertility was observed, which highlight deleterious action of seed extract against reproductive potential of E. heros. This is the first report about toxicity A. mucosa (leaves and seed) on E. heros, and our results suggest that seeds extract of A. mucosa is promising for control of nymphs and adults of brown stink bug.

Extratos de plantas tem sido reconhecidos como um importante recurso natural de inseticidas. Nesta pesquisa avaliou-se a toxicidade do extrato de folhas e de sementes de Annona mucosa (Annonaceae) sobre o percevejo marrom, Euschistus heros (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), uma praga-chave na cultura da soja na America Neotropical. Para tanto, bioensaios com ninfas e adultos foram conduzidos usando as concentrações de 5, 10, 20, 40 e 80 mg.mL-1 do extrato de folhas e sementes de A. mucosa e DMSO (10%), como controle. Dez repetições foram conduzidas por tratamento, com cinco ninfas (3º instar) por repetição (bioensaio com ninfas) e um casal de adultos (< 24h de idade) por repetição (bioensaio com adultos). Foram avaliados o número de ninfas mortas (mortalidade) e a sobrevivência dos adultos. Para fêmeas também foi avaliada a fecundidade (número de ovos) e fertilidade (número de ninfas eclodidas). O extrato de semente de A. mucosa apresentou resultados promissores na mortalidade de ninfas de E. heros, quando comparado ao extrato de folhas. A mortalidade de ninfas tratadas com extrato de semente foi dependente da concentração, com aumento da mortalidade em concentrações > 5,0mg.mL-1, enquanto as ninfas tratadas com extrato de folhas não apresentaram diferença entre os tratamentos. A sobrevivência dos adultos foi reduzida, quando estes foram tratados com extrato de semente de A. mucosa em concentrações maiores que 20mg.mL-1, com redução de até 92 dias, em contraste ao controle. Foi observada uma drástica redução na fecundidade e fertilidade, o que destaca a ação deletéria do extrato de sementes sobre o potencial reprodutivo de E. heros. Este é o primeiro registro sobre a toxicidade de A. mucosa (folhas e sementes) sobre E. heros e os resultados sugerem que o extrato de semente de A. mucosa é promissor para o controle de ninfas e adultos do percevejo marrom.

Natural insecticide based-leaves extract of Piper aduncum (Piperaceae) in the control of stink bug brown soybean / Inseticida natural a base de extrato de folha de Piper aduncum (Piperaceae) no controle do percevejo marrom da soja

This research aimed to evaluate the insecticide potential of the leaves extract of Piper aduncum (L.) (Piperaceae) on development of brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.), major pest in soybean crop in Mato Grosso State. For this a bioassay was conducted with eggs, nymphs and adults of this stink bug, using the concentrations 0.5; 1.0; 2.0; 4.0 and 8.0%, of the extract acetonic of P. aduncum and acetone for control. It was evaluated the numbers of unviable eggs, nymphs death and longevity, fecundity and fertility of the adults. In the immersing eggs bioassay, all concentrations greater than 1% unviable more than 70% of the eggs, while in the contact bioassay only 19% of the eggs were unviable in 8% concentration, differing of control. In nymphs bioassay the concentrations of 8% and 4% caused death of 72% and 52%, respectively. In adults bioassay all concentrations tested reduced significantly the survival and reproduction of the insects. Thus is evidence that P. aduncum is a potential plant for stink bug control, because it had deleterious action in all development phases on E. heros. .

Esta pesquisa avaliou o potencial inseticida do extrato de folhas de Piper aduncum (L.) (Piperaceae) sobre o desenvolvimento do percevejo marrom, Euschistus heros (F.), a principal praga da soja no Mato Grosso. Para este estudo, foram realizados bioensaios com ovos, ninfas e adultos do percevejo, utilizando as concentrações de 0,5; 1,0; 2,0; 4,0 e 8,0%, do extrato acetônico de P. aduncum e como controle acetona P.A. Foram avaliados o número de ovos inviáveis, a mortalidade de ninfas e a longevidade, fecundidade e fertilidade dos adultos. No bioensaio de imersão dos ovos, todas as concentrações maiores que 1% tornou inviável mais de 70% dos ovos, enquanto, no bioensaio de contato, apenas 19% dos ovos foram inviabilizados na concentração 8%, diferindo do controle. No bioensaio com ninfas, as concentrações de 8% e 4% ocasionaram morte de 72% e 52%, respectivamente. No bioensaio com adultos, todas as concentrações testadas reduziram significativamente a sobrevivência dos insetos e a reprodução dos insetos. Assim, ficou evidente que P. aduncum é uma planta com potencial para o controle do percevejo marrom, pois teve ação deletéria em todas as fases de desenvolvimento de E. heros. .

Dispersão e predação de sementes de araticum no Cerrado de Mato Grosso, Brasil / Dispersal and predation of araticum seeds in the Cerrado of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Este estudo objetivou caracterizar plantas e frutos de araticum (Annona crassiflora), avaliar a frequência de consumo, predação e dispersão de suas sementes por animais e seus efeitos na germinação, em área de Cerrado, entre fevereiro de 2007 a junho de 2008. Baseado em armadilhas de pegadas, registrou-se a frequência de visitação (FV) e o consumo de frutos por animais, além da ação de insetos em frutos caídos no solo, sob as plantas. Estrumes de antas, Tapirus terrestris, foram amostrados para verificar a frequência de ocorrência (FO) e os danos causados por elas e por insetos. Para analisar a dispersão por antas, foram inseridas miçangas coloridas em frutos maduros caídos sob plantas-mãe. Posteriormente, foi medida a distância entre o local das fezes com miçanga até a planta-mãe da cor específica da miçanga. Realizou-se teste de germinação com sementes de amostras fecais e de frutos intactos. Dentre os animais que se alimentaram dos frutos, antas contribuíram com maior frequência de visitação e consumo de frutos de araticum, o qual representou 54 por cento de frequência de ocorrência nas amostras fecais e as sementes não foram significativamente danificadas. Besouros (Scarabaeidae) se alimentaram da polpa de frutos e enterraram sementes de araticum próximo da planta-mãe. Insetos curculionídeos e euritomídeos predaram as sementes de araticum nos frutos. Os danos causados nas sementes por esses insetos foram significativamente maiores que aqueles provocados pelas antas. Foram encontradas duas fezes com miçangas distantes 1,7km e 1,8km das plantas-mãe, respectivamente. A germinação das sementes foi baixa neste período de estudo, no entanto, as antas podem proteger as sementes de insetos predadores, defecando-as intactas para longas distâncias. Assim, T. terrestris é um possível dispersor, enquanto que curculionídeos e euritomídeos são possíveis predadores de sementes de araticum. Essas relações provavelmente contribuem para o controle da população de araticum no Cerrado brasileiro.

This study aimed to characterize araticum (Annona crassiflora) plants and fruits, and evaluate the frequency of consumption, predation and dispersal of the seeds by animals and its effect on germination, in Cerrado vegetation area, between February 2007 and June 2008. Using track traps installed on araticum plants, the frequency of visitation (FV) and the fruit consumption by the animals was assessed, as well as, the action of insects in fallen fruits under the trees was registered. Sample of tapirs excrement Tapirus terrestris were analyzed to verify the occurrence frequency (FO) and the damage caused on the seeds by tapirs and insects. To analyze the dispersal by tapirs, colored beads were inserted in fallen mature fruits under the parent trees. Then, the distance between the location of the excrements with beads to the parent tree in the specific color of the bead was measured. Germination test was performed with excrement samples and unbroken fruit seeds. Among the animals that fed on fruits, tapirs contributed with the largest frequency of visitation and consumption of araticum fruits, representing 54 percent of the frequency occurrence in excrement samples, and the seeds were not damaged significantly. Dung beetles (Scarabaeidae) fed the pulp of the fruit and buried araticum seeds next to the parent tree. Curculionid and eurytomid insects predated the araticum seeds on the fruits. The damage caused by these insects in the seeds was significantly higher than those caused by tapirs. Two excrements with beads were found at 1,7 and 1,8km distant from the parent trees, respectively. The seeds had low germinability in this period of study, however the tapirs can protect the seeds of predator insects, defecating the intact seeds for long distances. Thus, T. terrestris is a possible disperser of seeds, whereas curculionids and eurytomids can be considered predators of araticum seeds. These relations probably contribute with the control of araticum population in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Exigências térmicas e estimativa do número de gerações da broca-do-fruto Annona (Cerconota anonella) / Thermal requirements and estimate of the Annona fruit borer (Cerconota anonella) generations number

Cerconota anonella é a principal praga das Annonaceae em toda região Neotropical. Os prejuízos causados pela lagarta, podem reduzir de 60 a 100 por cento da produção de frutos. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estudar a biologia da broca-do-fruto Cerconota anonella em diferentes temperaturas, determinar suas exigências térmicas e estimar o número de gerações para os municípios produtores do estado de São Paulo. Para determinar a duração, viabilidade e exigências térmicas criaram-se insetos em frutos de pinha, em diferentes temperaturas (18, 21, 25, 28, 30 e 32°C), umidade relativa 90,0±5,0 por cento e fotoperíodo de 14 horas. A duração das fases de desenvolvimento e do ciclo biológico (ovo-adulto) foi afetada pela temperatura, tendo sido maior nas temperaturas mais baixas; a viabilidade foi maior na faixa térmica de 21 a 30°C. O limiar térmico inferior de desenvolvimento (Tb) e a constante térmica (K) para as fases de ovo, lagarta, pupa e ciclo de vida foram de 10,20°C e 83,33GD; 11,72°C e de 249,71GD; 8,69°C e 161,33GD; 11,05°C e 478,14GD, respectivamente. Com base nas normais climáticas, o número de gerações anuais de C. anonella variou de 9 a 10 e de 7 a 8 se considerar apenas a época de frutificação. Esses resultados demonstram o alto potencial de infestação desta praga no campo.

Cerconota anonella is the most important pest of the Annonaceae in the Neotropical region. Larval damage can result in 60 to 100 percent losses in fruit production. The objectives of this research were to study the biology of the Annona fruit borer C. anonella in different temperatures, to determine their thermal requirements and estimate the number of generations to the cities producers of Sao Paulo state. To determine the duration, viability and thermal requirements insects were reared in sugar apple, at different temperatures (18, 21, 25, 28, 30 and 32°C), relative humidity and 90.0±5.0 photoperiod of 14 hours. The duration of the stages development and the biological cycle (egg-adult) were affected by temperature and were higher in lower temperatures; the viability was higher in the temperature range from 21 to 30°C. The lowest temperature threshold development (Tb) and thermal constant (K) for the egg, caterpillar, pupal and life cycle were 10.20°C and 83.33 GD; 11.72°C and 249.71 GD, 8,69°C and 161.33 GD; 11.05°C e 478.14 GD, respectively. Based on normal climatic l, the number of annual generations of C. anonella ranged from 9 to 10 and from 7 to 8 if it was considered the only fruiting time . These results demonstrate the high potential of this pest in the field.