Showing papers on "Aphid published in 1998"
TL;DR: It is argued that strong parallels may exist between the nutritional interactions (including the underlying mechanisms) in the aphid-Buchnera association and other insect symbioses with intracellular microorganisms.
Abstract: Most aphids possess intracellular bacteria of the genus Buchnera. The bacteria are transmitted vertically via the aphid ovary, and the association is obligate for both partners: Bacteria-free aphids grow poorly and produce few or no offspring, and Buchnera are both unknown apart from aphids and apparently unculturable. The symbiosis has a nutritional basis. Specifically, bacterial provisioning of essential amino acids has been demonstrated. Nitrogen recycling, however, is not quantitatively important to the nutrition of aphid species studied, and there is strong evidence against bacterial involvement in the lipid and sterol nutrition of aphids. Buchnera have been implicated in various non-nutritional functions. Of these, just one has strong experimental support: promotion of aphid transmission of circulative viruses. It is argued that strong parallels may exist between the nutritional interactions (including the underlying mechanisms) in the aphid-Buchnera association and other insect symbioses with intracellular microorganisms.
1,235 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that Mi is expressed in leaves, that aphid resistance is isolate-specific, and that susceptible tomato transformed with Mi is resistant to the same aphid isolates as the original resistant lines.
Abstract: Resistance against the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae previously was observed in tomato and attributed to a novel gene, designated Meu-1, tightly linked to the nematode resistance gene, Mi. Recent cloning of Mi allowed us to determine whether Meu-1 and Mi are the same gene. We show that Mi is expressed in leaves, that aphid resistance is isolate-specific, and that susceptible tomato transformed with Mi is resistant to the same aphid isolates as the original resistant lines. We conclude that Mi and Meu-1 are the same gene and that Mi mediates resistance against both aphids and nematodes, organisms belonging to different phyla. Mi is the first example of a plant resistance gene active against two such distantly related organisms. Furthermore, it is the first isolate-specific insect resistance gene to be cloned and belongs to the nucleotide-binding, leucine-rich repeat family of resistance genes.
759 citations
TL;DR: Volatiles obtained by air entrainment of aphid infested plants were more attractive to A. ervi than those from uninfested plants, in both behavioral bioassays and activity of pure compounds, which significantly increased parasitoid responses to these compounds.
Abstract: Herbivore induced release of plant volatiles mediating the foraging behavior of the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi was investigated using the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, feeding on broad bean, Vicia faba. Behavioral responses were studied using an olfactometer and a wind tunnel. Volatiles obtained by air entrainment of aphid infested plants were more attractive to A. ervi than those from uninfested plants, in both behavioral bioassays. GC-EAG of both extracts showed a number of peaks associated with responses by A. ervi, but with some differences between extracts. Compounds giving these peaks were tentatively identified by GC-MS and confirmed by comparison with authentic samples on GC, using two columns of different polarity. The activity of pure compounds was further investigated by EAG and wind tunnel assays. Results showed that, of the compounds tested, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one was the most attractive for A. ervi females, with linalool, (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate, (E)-β-ocimene, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, and (E)-β-farnesene all eliciting significantly more oriented flight behavior than a solvent control. Foraging experience significantly increased parasitoid responses to these compounds, with the exception of (E)-β-farnesene. Time-course GC analysis showed that feeding of A. pisum on V. faba induced or increased the release of several compounds. Release of two of these compounds (6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and geranic acid) was not induced by the nonhost black bean aphid, Aphis fabae. During the analysis period, production of (E)-β-ocimene remained constant, but 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, linalool, geranic acid, and (E)-β-farnesene appeared during the first day after A. pisum infestation and increased in concentration with increasing time of aphid feeding.
446 citations
TL;DR: This study shows that IGP is influenced by factors inherent to the predators and external factors such as extraguild prey density, which is discussed further in the context of aphid biological control.
Abstract: Intraguild predation (IGP), a common interaction in invertebrates and vertebrates, affects the abundance and distribution of many species. Several parameters influence the magnitude and direction of IGP: feeding specificity, size, mobility, and aggressiveness of the protagonists, as well as extraguild prey density. Under laboratory conditions, we studied IGP among three species of aphid predators, Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), Chrysoperla rufilabris (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), and Coleomegilla maculata lengi (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), which commonly attack the potato aphid (extraguild prey) Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Homoptera: Aphididae). We characterized the levels and symmetry of IGP among the various stages of the predators in the absence of extraguild prey. The aphid specialist A. aphidimyza was more vulnerable to IGP than C. rufilabris and C. maculata, two generalist predators. The C. maculata/C. rufilabris interaction was symmetric (mutual IGP), whereas the C. maculata/A. aphidimyza and C. rufilabris/A. aphidimyza interactions were asymmetric, in favor of the coccinellid and the lacewing, respectively. Sessile and low mobility stages of all species were extremely vulnerable to IGP. Generally, the larger sized individual won confrontations. For similar sizes, lacewing larvae were superior to coccinellid larvae.
We also tested whether IGP decreases when extraguild prey are introduced into the system. Data from five predator combinations revealed three types of responses: (1) an exponential decrease in IGP (lacewing instar I vs. coccinellid instar I); (2) a constant IGP (lacewing instar III vs. coccinellid instar I); (3) a constant IGP at low densities decreasing at high densities (lacewing instar III vs. gall midge old larva). Four theoretical scenarios are derived from these responses. Each is discussed according to the ecological attributes of the protagonists. This study shows that IGP is influenced by factors inherent to the predators and external factors such as extraguild prey density. The results are discussed further in the context of aphid biological control.
324 citations
TL;DR: When maize plants are mechanically damaged and the damaged sites are treated with caterpillar regurgitant, the plants will release a specific blend of volatiles that constitute part of the induced plant defence and herbivores will be affected by the odours as well.
Abstract: When maize plants, Zea mays L., are mechanically damaged and the damaged sites are treated with caterpillar regurgitant, the plants will release a specific blend of volatiles. It is known that these volatiles can be attractive to natural enemies of herbivores. We hypothesise that the plant volatiles constitute part of the induced plant defence and that herbivores will be affected by the odours as well. In laboratory and semi-field studies this hypothesis was tested for the aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (Rhynchota, Sternorrhyncha, Aphididae).
In a Y-tube olfactometer significantly more aphids chose the odour of healthy, undamaged maize seedlings when tested against clean air or plants treated with regurgitant. Clean air was chosen more often when tested next to the odour of treated plants. This apparently repellent effect of the odour of treated plants was significant for winged aphids, but not for the wingless aphids.
In field experiments aphids were released in the centre of circles of eight potted maize plants. Four plants in each circle were damaged and treated with caterpillar regurgitant while the other plants were left unharmed. At different intervals after aphid release, the number of aphids was counted on each plant. Significantly fewer winged and wingless aphids were found back on treated plants than on healthy plants.
We suggest that herbivores may be repelled by the odours because they could indicate that: 1) the plant has initiated the production of toxic compounds; 2) potential competitors are present on the plant; 3) the plant is attractive to parasitoids and predators. Aphids may be particularly sensitive to induced maize volatiles because one of the major compounds emitted by the plant is (E)-β-farnesene, which is a common alarm pheromone for aphids. Collections and analyses of the odours emitted by crushed R. maidis confirmed that it too emits (E)-β-farnesene when stressed. The results are discussed in context of plant defence strategies and their possible exploitation for the control of pest insects.
268 citations
TL;DR: These findings suggest that induction of volatiles is the result of cell tissue damage, particularly to the leaves of the plant, which should have consequences also for the search strategies employed by the natural enemies of the respective herbivores.
265 citations
TL;DR: This learning ability provides the parasitoid with behavioral plasticity to adapt its responses to suit prevailing foraging opportunities, and attempts are being made to manipulate field populations using host pheromone lures.
226 citations
TL;DR: The effects of predator species, aphid density, Aphid age, diel period, and habitat complexity on the dropping behaviour of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum were assessed in a series of laboratory and field‐cage experiments.
Abstract: 1. The effects of predator species, aphid density, aphid age, diel period, and habitat complexity on the dropping behaviour of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum were assessed in a series of laboratory and field-cage experiments. 2. The presence of foliar-foraging predators significantly increased the proportion of aphids that dropped from alfalfa plants. In the absence of predators, less than 7% of the aphids dropped. Dropping more than doubled (14%) when one of three hemipteran predators, N. americoferus, G. punctipes or O. insidiosus, was present. Nearly 60% of the aphids dropped when the ladybird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata, was present. 3. Adult aphids showed a significantly higher propensity to drop than immature aphids, regardless of the presence or absence of predators. Aphid density had no effect on dropping behaviour. 4. Neither diel period nor habitat complexity had an effect on aphid dropping behaviour. Aphids were significantly more likely to drop in the presence of predators during either the day or night and from either early or late regrowth alfalfa. 5. A review of the factors affecting dropping behaviour, including those elucidated in this study, indicates that the propensity to drop from a plant is influenced by three factors: the risk of predation on the plant, the quality of the resource to be abandoned, and the risk of mortality in the new microhabitat.
217 citations
TL;DR: It seems possible that, after seed treatment or soil application, a few of the biologically active metabolites arising are acting in concert with remaining levels of the parent compound imidacloprid, thus providing good control and long-lasting residual activity against plant-sucking pests in certain crops.
Abstract: The metabolism of the chloronicotinyl insecticide imidacloprid is strongly influenced by the method of application. Whilst in foliar application most of the residues on the leaf surface display unchanged parent compound, most of the imidacloprid administered to plants by soil application or seed treatment is metabolized more or less completely, depending on plant species and time. The present study revealed that certain metabolites of imidacloprid which have been described in crop plants are highly active against aphid pests in different types of bioassays. Some of these metabolites showed a high oral activity against the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), and the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii). The aphicidal potency of the metabolites investigated was weaker in aphid dip tests than in oral ingestion bioassays using artificial double membranes. The most active plant metabolite was the imidazoline derivative of imidacloprid. The LC50 values of this metabolite for M. persicae and A. gossypii in oral ingestion bioassays were in the lower ppb-range, i.e. 0·0044 and 0·0068 mg litre-1, respectively. Most of the other reported metabolites showed much weaker activity. Compared to imidacloprid, the imidazoline derivative showed superior affinity to housefly (Musca domestica) head nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, while all other metabolites were less specific than imidacloprid. It seems possible that, after seed treatment or soil application, a few of the biologically active metabolites arising are acting in concert with remaining levels of the parent compound imidacloprid, thus providing good control and long-lasting residual activity against plant-sucking pests in certain crops. © 1998 SCI.
213 citations
TL;DR: The peachpotato aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) can resist a wide range of insecticides, but until recently the only mechanism identified was the increased production of carboxylesterases.
Abstract: The peachpotato aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) can resist a wide range of insecticides, but until recently (1990) the only mechanism identified was the increased production of carboxylesterases (E4 ...
203 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that M. persicae, an important pest of many crops, might increase its abundance under conditions of climate change.
Abstract: Model terrestrial ecosystems were set-up in the Ecotron controlled environment facility. The effects of elevated CO2 (ambient + 200 mol/mol) and temperature (ambient + 2.0°C) on plant chemistry, the abundance of the peach potato aphid Myzus persicae, and on the performance of one of its parasitoids Aphidius matricariae, were studied. Total above-ground plant biomass at the end of the experiment was not affected by elevated atmospheric CO2, nor were foliar nitrogen and carbon concentrations. Elevated temperature decreased final plant biomass while leaf nitrogen concentrations increased. Aphid abundance was enhanced by both the␣CO2 and temperature treatment. Parasitism rates remained unchanged in elevated CO2, but showed an increasing trend in conditions of elevated temperature. Our results suggest that M. persicae, an important pest of many crops, might increase its abundance under conditions of climate change.
TL;DR: No interspecific interactions (measured as effects on larval survival, preimaginal developmental time, and adult weight) were observed between larvae of these two species at a high prey density (>20 aphids per predator per day).
Abstract: Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a Palearctic coccinellid, has established and rapidly spread throughout the United States. This quantitative examination of larval interactions between C. septempunctata and Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a Nearctic coccinellid, was conducted under controlled prey densities. Larvae of both coccinellid species are affected by a limited diet [one pea aphid per day Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Homoptera: Aphididae)] compared with an excess diet (>20 aphids per day). Larval survival decreased from 86 to 63% in C. maculata and from 84 to 33% in C. septempunctata; mean preimaginal developmental time increased from 20.6 to 26.7 days in C. maculata, and from 18.1 to 32.0 days in C. septempunctata. Additionally, on one aphid per day, mean adult weight was reduced from 12.39 to 9.79 mg in C. maculata, and from 39.57 to 14.44 mg in C. septempunctata. Interspecific interactions, favoring C. septempunctata over C. maculata at a␣low prey density (one aphid per day), take the form of␣reduced survival of C. maculata compared with C.␣septempunctata (14 versus 66%). Reduced survival of␣C. maculata may be the result of competition for aphids or intraguild predation by C. septempunctata on C.␣maculata. No interspecific interactions (measured as effects on larval survival, preimaginal developmental time, and adult weight) were observed between larvae of these two species at a high prey density (>20 aphids per predator per day).
TL;DR: Comparisons of aphid life history traits and population development between host plant genotypes showed that the effects of resistance act throughout aphid development and are highly effective at slowing down population increase.
Abstract: The feeding behaviour, excretion rate, and life history traits of the cotton-melon aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Homoptera, Aphididae), were measured on a resistant melon, Cucumis melo L., breeding line, AR 5. The site of resistance detection by the aphids was determined using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique. EPG recordings showed that resistance is expressed within the host plant, rather than on its surface, because the time to first stylet penetration was not significantly different between AR 5 and the closely related susceptible breeding line, PMR 5. EPG patterns associated with stylet pathway activities of the aphids were not significantly different between the resistant and susceptible lines. Significant behavioural differences were observed only after stylets contacted phloem sieve elements. On AR 5, the duration of salivation after sieve element puncture (waveform E1) was significantly longer, and the number of aphids showing phloem sap ingestion (waveform E2) was significantly reduced. We conclude that the resistance mechanism producing the effects seen in this study acts within the phloem sieve elements. Monitoring of excretion rates on the two genotypes showed that aphid feeding was delayed and greatly reduced on the resistant genotype. Comparisons of aphid life history traits and population development between host plant genotypes showed that the effects of resistance act throughout aphid development and are highly effective at slowing down population increase.
TL;DR: By modifying the shapes and parameters of functional responses, plant traits can influence the stability of predator-prey dynamics and the success of biological control.
Abstract: The response of the lady beetle Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (L.) to the density of the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), was measured in petri dish arenas as well as on plants with divergent leaf architectures. Logistic regression was used to distinguish the shape of the functional response (type II or III), and nonlinear least-squares regression was used to estimate attack coefficients ( a ) and handling times ( Th ). In dishes, the behavior of both beetle larvae and adults closely conformed to a type II response. Estimates of a and Th on whole plants were considerably different from those obtained from dishes, and they also depended on plant species. Beetle adults consumed more aphids on the slender-leaved Indian ricegrass, Oryzopsis hymenoides (Roemer & Schultes) Ricker, than on the broad-leaved crested wheatgrass, Agropyron desertorum (Fisher ex Link) Schultes, at each aphid density. Moreover, logistic regression suggested a type II response on Indian ricegrass versus a type III (sigmoidal) response on crested wheatgrass. The complex response on crested wheatgrass may have been caused by density-dependent changes in the proportion of aphids in refuges (such as rolled leaves). By modifying the shapes and parameters of functional responses, plant traits can influence the stability of predator-prey dynamics and the success of biological control.
TL;DR: The results represent the first evidence for genetic structuring within the species A. gossypii, according to host‐plant type, and some RAPD bands appeared to be population specific.
Abstract: Samples of the aphid Aphis gossypii (Glover) were collected from different host plants at 18 locations in southern France, La Reunion, Portugal and Laos. RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) patterns of the 480 aphids were obtained using three random primers. A large number of RAPD bands were shared by all aphids of the 18 populations, but some RAPD bands appeared to be population specific. Over all aphids, a total of 37 polymorphic bands were identified and defined 142 RAPD phenotypes. A cluster analysis based on genetic distance revealed that the 18 aphid populations were divided into two groups, depending on whether they were collected on a cucurbit host plant. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was also performed and confirmed the differentiation into two groups. Several RAPD bands that were obtained using random primer A11 could be considered as diagnostic loci as they were fixed in populations collected on cucurbits and were always absent in those collected on noncucurbit host plants. These results represent the first evidence for genetic structuring within the species A. gossypii, according to host-plant type.
TL;DR: Electrical penetration graphs revealed that the secretion of these enzymes into the gels, by an individual aphid, was associated with its probing activity observed during penetration of the epidermal and mesophyll tissues.
Abstract: Sucrose-agarose gels and sucrose liquid diets were used to study the phenol oxidising enzymes in the salivary secretions of the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius). Activity indicating the presence of two oxidoreductases, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (Px), was found. Both enzymes were present in the aphid's stylet sheath (gelling saliva) but only polyphenol oxidase activity was found in the halos around sheaths and thus in watery saliva. Electrical penetration graphs (EPG) revealed that the secretion of these enzymes into the gels, by an individual aphid, was associated with its probing activity observed during penetration of the epidermal and mesophyll tissues. The grain aphid's PPO, secreted in its saliva reacted with a range of phenolic compounds. As most of these phenolics occur naturally in cereals, the grain aphid could modify its host-plant's phenolic composition. The importance of the grain aphid's polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase in detoxifying cereal phenolics is discussed.
TL;DR: This study demonstrates the importance of prey defensive behavior in determining the susceptibility of a prey species to a multiple-predator complex.
Abstract: A series of laboratory experiments was conducted to determine the effect of interspecific differences on prey defensive behavior on the susceptibility of two aphid species (Acyrthosiphon pisum and A. kondoi) to a ground-foraging predator, Harpalus pennsylvanicus, and a foliar-foraging predator, Coccinella septempunctata. These organisms are representative of a biologically and economically important predator/prey system in alfalfa. The primary defensive behavior of both aphid species toward C. septempunctata was to “drop” from the plant. Both aphid species were significantly more likely to drop from the plant in the presence of C. septempunctata. However, when C. septempunctata was present, a significantly lower proportion of A. kondoi individuals dropped (0.42 ± 0.07) compared to A. pisum (0.73 ± 0.08). As a result of their lower propensity to drop from the plant A. kondoi individuals are significantly more likely to be consumed by C. septempunctata. Conversely, the higher propensity of A. pisum individuals to drop increased their susceptibility to ground-foraging predators. When A. pisum was the prey species, ground-foraging predators made a significant contribution to overall aphid suppression and there was a significant synergistic interaction between ground and foliar-foraging predators. When A. kondoi was the prey there was no interaction between the predator species. As either a cause or consequence of its higher propensity to drop, A. pisum seems to be more adapted for survival and dispersal off the plant. In comparison to A. kondoi individuals, A. pisum individuals relocate plants more quickly (63 ± 41 s vs. 164 ± 39 s), disperse farther (18 ± 1.7 cm vs. 13 ± 0.66 cm), and survive longer (37 ± 2.0 h vs. 25 ± 2.0) off the plant. This study demonstrates the importance of prey defensive behavior in determining the susceptibility of a prey species to a multiple-predator complex.
TL;DR: Although no sporulating infected aphids were completely consumed, both adult and larval ladybirds can still be considered as intraguild predators and the presence of a foraging adult ladybird resulted in a significant increase in transmission of the fungus to healthy aphids.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined patterns of induction of antipathogenic peroxidase enzymes and phenolics after infection by the cucurbit scab fungus, Cladosporium cucumerinum, and then determined if induction mediated ecological effects on Colletotrichum orbiculare, another fungal pathogen, and two insect herbivores, spotted cucumber beetles, and melon aphids.
Abstract: Diverse organisms simultaneously exploit plants in nature, but most studies do not examine multiple types of exploiters like phytophagous insects and fungal, bacterial, and viral plant pathogens. This study examined patterns of induction of antipathogenic peroxidase enzymes and phenolics after infection by the cucurbit scab fungus, Cladosporium cucumerinum, and then determined if induction mediated ecological effects on Colletotrichum orbiculare, another fungal pathogen, and two insect herbivores, spotted cucumber beetles, and melon aphids. Peroxidase induction occurred in inoculated, `local,' symptom-bearing leaves 3 days after inoculation, and in `systemic,' symptom-free leaves on the same plants 1 day later. Phenolics were elevated in systemic but not in local leaves 3 days after inoculation. Detached systemic leaves from plants inoculated with C. cucumerinum developed significantly fewer and smaller lesions after challenge with C. orbiculare. Spotted cucumber beetles did not show consistently significant preferences for infected versus control leaf disks in comparisons using local or systemic leaves, but trends differed significantly between leaf positions. In no-choice tests, beetles removed more leaf area from local but not from systemic infected leaves compared to control leaves, and melon aphid reproduction was enhanced on local infected leaves. In the field, cucumber beetle and melon aphid densities did not differ between infected and control plants. Antipathogenic plant chemical responses did not predict reduced herbivory by insects. Other changes in metabolism may explain the positive direction and spatially dependent nature of plant-mediated interactions between pathogens and insects in this system.
TL;DR: Variation in the use of visual cues demonstrates how different species of predators can exhibit different foraging behaviors when searching for the same prey.
Abstract: The role of vision and color in close-proximity foraging behavior was investigated for four species of lady beetles: Coccinella septempunctata, Hippodamia convergens, Harmonia axyridis, and Coleomegilla maculata. The effect of light level and color cues on consumption rates varied among the four predator species. The consumption rates of these predators on the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) was measured under light and dark conditions. C. septempunctata,H. convergens, and Ha. axyridis consumed significantly more aphids in the light than in the dark, while the consumption rate of Col. maculata was not affected by light level. Foraging ability was also measured on red and green color morphs of the pea aphid on red, green, and white backgrounds. C. septempunctata consumed significantly more of the aphid morph that contrasted with the background color, and showed no difference between morphs on the white background. H. axyridis consumed significantly more red morph aphids regardless of background. The remaining two species showed no difference in consumption rates on the two color morphs. The variation in the use of visual cues demonstrates how different species of predators can exhibit different foraging behaviors when searching for the same prey.
TL;DR: Exposure to the pesticide in micrososms significantly reduced or completely eliminated oviposition in adult C. septempunctata, and all of the larval lady beetles exposed to 100 or 600 ppm died within 10 d of treatment, calling into question the value of toxicity tests where only 1 route of pesticide exposure is considered.
Abstract: Microcosms were used to illuminate community-level interactions among the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Homoptera: Aphididae), and the sevenspotted lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata L., after a spray exposure to a commercial neem pesticide. The instantaneous rate of increase (r1) of pea aphid populations was used as a response variable in a 2 × 3 factorial experiment. Microcosms were treated with 100 ppm (mg/liter) or 600 ppm azadirachtin, the active ingredient in the commercial neem insecticide, or with water in the presence or absence of adult or 4th instar lady beetles. We compared our results with those of a previous study where C. septempunctata was exposed to only 1 route of exposure, direct application. Results from the previous study indicated that 100 ppm of the neem insecticide was sublethal ( 0.05) interaction between the predator and the pesticide was detected indicating that the chemical and biological control agents are not working synergistically. Furthermore, exposure to the pesticide in micrososms significantly reduced or completely eliminated oviposition in adult C. septempunctata, and all of the larval lady beetles exposed to 100 or 600 ppm died within 10 d of treatment. Based on these results, we question the value of toxicity tests where only 1 route of pesticide exposure is considered.
TL;DR: The lacewing Chrysopa cognata, one of the principal predators of aphids in Korea, was tested for responses to the aphid sex pheromone components and no attraction was observed to (E)-β-farnesene.
Abstract: The lacewing Chrysopa cognata, one of the principal predators of aphids in Korea, was tested for responses to the aphid sex pheromone components (4aS,7S,7aR)-nepetalactone and (1R,4aS,7S,7aR)-nepetalactol and the aphid alarm pheromone (E)-β-farnesene. Electroantennogram responses were obtained to the sex pheromone components but not to (E)-β-farnesene. The sex pheromone components were attractive in a Y-tube olfactometer assay and in field trials with water traps, but no attraction was observed to (E)-β-farnesene.
TL;DR: Population parameters of the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, were compared for insects grown on six cultivars of chrysanthemum, Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev and in general,Melon aphids performed best on ‘White Diamond’ and poorest on ’Pink Lady’.
Abstract: Population parameters of the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, were compared for insects grown on six cultivars of chrysanthemum, Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev ('Fontana', 'Iridon', Pink Lady', 'Splendor', 'White Diamond', and 'White View Time') fertilized with 3 different levels of nitrogen (80, 160 and 240 mg N/l) and 2 levels of irrigation (high 300 ml and low 210 ml every other day). Fecundity, longevity, and survivorship of aphids were significantly affected by the cultivar treatment, but were not affected by irrigation or fertilizer treatments or by any combination of interactions among cultivar, fertilizer and irrigation. Significantly fewer aphids survived on the cultivar 'Pink Lady' (populations reduced by 20.8%) than any other cultivar examined. Intrinsic rates of increase (r m ), finite rates of increase (R 0 ), and population doubling times (DT) for aphids were different among fertilizer levels and cultivars, but were not different among irrigation levels. There were no significant fertilizer by irrigation interaction effects upon r m , R 0 , or DT. The highest rate of fertilizer applied (240 mg N/liter) adversely affected the intrinsic rate of increase of melon aphids; however, aphid intrinsic rate of increase was weakly correlated with foliar soluble protein levels (r = 0.989, P= 0.0954). Foliar soluble protein levels were not associated with fertilization treatment. Melon aphids perform consistently better on the cultivars 'White Diamond', 'Fontana', and 'Splendor', relative to those aphids growing on 'Iridon', 'Pink Lady', or 'White View Time'. In general, melon aphids performed best on 'White Diamond' and poorest on 'Pink Lady'.
TL;DR: An important implication of this study is that aposymbiotic insects exhibit substantial metabolic adjustments to loss of the symbiosis; they are not simply aphids from which the symbiotic bacteria have been removed.
Abstract: Antibiotics are routinely used to eliminate intracellular prokaryotic microorganisms from a wide range of insect species, but concerns about deleterious effects of antibiotic therapy on the insect host are seldom addressed. Here, the impact of antibiotic therapy in the symbiosis between the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum and bacteria of the genus Buchnera is reviewed. Antibiotic-treatment produces aposymbiotic (i.e. symbiont-free) aphids, but does not depress the mitochondrial complement, the assimilation of dietary amino acids or the incorporation of amino acids into protein in these insects and does not impair osmoregulation, feeding rate and the capacity to penetrate plant tissues. It is concluded that the general malaise associated with aposymbiotic aphids is not attributable to a direct effect of the antibiotic. However, an important implication of this study is that aposymbiotic insects exhibit substantial metabolic adjustments to loss of the symbiosis; they are not simply aphids from which the symbiotic bacteria have been removed.
TL;DR: Sinapis alba is less susceptible to damage by insect pests than Brassica napus, and sinalbin declined as a proportion of total glucosinolate content in later growth stages, especially in the “low” breeding lines.
Abstract: Sinapis alba is less susceptible to damage by insect pests than Brassica napus. We investigated the composition and distribution of glucosinolates in different plant parts in three populations of S. alba; two populations selected for low-seed-glucosinolate content and one commercial cultivar. We have assessed the susceptibility of low-seed-glucosinolate content populations of S. alba to four insect pests, a flea beetle, a pollen beetle, and two species of aphids. Over 90% of the total glucosinolates in the cotyledons of the three populations of S. alba consisted of sinalbin. There was no difference in feeding damage by flea beetles on different S. alba populations at the cotyledon stage, nor was there a difference in sinalbin concentration of cotyledons. Total glucosinolate levels were highest in younger plant tissues. Sinalbin declined as a proportion of total glucosinolate content in later growth stages, especially in the “low” breeding lines. Reproduction by aphids was the same on all three populations despite differences in sinalbin content of the S. alba leaves at the growth stage tested. The specialist aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae, was found mainly on young tissues, while the generalist aphid, Myzus persicae, was found predominantly on older plant parts. There was no difference in oviposition by pollen beetles between the S. alba populations, despite the fact that on one population total glucosinolate concentration and the proportion of sinalbin found in the buds were much lower than on the other two populations.
TL;DR: Investigation of the combined effects of atmospheric [CO2] and herbivory on synthesised plant communities growing on soils of different fertility found no significant impact on the combined biomass of fast-growing or slow-growing plants, herbivore feeding preferences, or Herbivore fitness.
Abstract: Surprisingly little research has been published on the responses to elevated [CO2] at the community level, where herbivores can select their preferred food. We investigated the combined effects of atmospheric [CO2] and herbivory on synthesised plant communities growing on soils of different fertility. Factorial combinations of two [CO2] (350 or 700 [Formula: see text]l l-1), two fertility (fertilised or non-fertilised), and two herbivory (herbivores present or absent) treatments were applied to a standard mixture of seven fast- and eight slow-growing plants in outdoor microcosms. The herbivores used were the grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) and the garden snail (Helix aspersa). We measured plant biomass, foliar nitrogen and soluble tannin concentration, aphid fecundity, and snail growth, fecundity, and feeding preferences over one growing season. Elevated [CO2] did not have a significant impact on (1) the combined biomass of fast-growing or slow-growing plants, (2) herbivore feeding preferences, or (3) herbivore fitness. There was, however, a significant biomass increase of Carex flacca (which represented in all cases less than 5% of total live biomass), and some chemical changes in unpalatable plants under elevated [CO2]. The herbivory treatment significantly increased the biomass of slow-growing plants over fast-growing plants, whereas fertilisation significantly increased the abundance of fast-growing plants over slow-growing plants. Predictions on the effects of elevated [CO2] based on published single-species experiments were not supported by the results of this microcosm study.
TL;DR: The influence of a wood ant on the defoliation of the white birch and its invertebrate community was studied in ant‐exclusion experiments during two outbreaks, the decline phase of the autumnal moth, Epirrita autumnata, and the peak year of the birch aphid, Euceraphis punctipennis, not tended by ants.
Abstract: 1. The influence of a wood ant, Formica aquilonia, on the defoliation of the white birch, Betula pubescens, and on its invertebrate community was studied in ant-exclusion experiments during two outbreaks, the decline phase of the autumnal moth, Epirrita autumnata, and the peak year of the birch aphid, Euceraphis punctipennis, not tended by ants.
2. The numbers of the wood ant and Symydobius oblongus, a tended aphid, in birch foliage showed a strong positive correlation, and the former decreased rapidly when the distance from the ant mound increased, confirming that there was a distance-related gradient in arboreal ant predation. There may have been a parallel reduction in soil amelioration by ants through nest construction and food gathering.
3. The application of a glue ring around the trunk excluded ants totally from the canopy, inhibiting predation but not fertilization.
4. Ant-exclusion resulted in a 90–95% reduction in the growth of tended aphid colonies by mid-season.
5. Outbreak populations of the autumnal moth and the birch aphid were reduced by 45–67% and 77%, respectively, in control trees and correlated negatively with ant numbers.
6. The total percentage of leaf area damaged by moth larvae was 34% lower in ant-foraged than in unforaged trees.
7. Neither the distance from the ant mound nor its interaction with the glue treatment had any effect on the herbivores or folivory, indicating that the possible soil-ameliorating effect was weaker than predation, which reduced herbivore numbers at every distance studied (4–20 m).
8. Predation by ants also affected the abundance of syrphid larvae, predatory on both aphids, the percentage parasitism by a wasp, Aleiodes testaceus, on the autumnal moth, and thereby (or directly) its age (size) distribution. The presence of ants had no influence on spider abundance.
9. It is concluded that predation rather than soil amelioration is likely to be the reason why the degree of folivory and, during serious outbreaks, the mortality of trees are lower in the vicinity of wood-ant mounds.
TL;DR: The results indicate that Z. anhuiensis could be a promising aphid pathogen for microbial control competitive with other Zoophthora species and the model is recommended for use in the analysis of time-dose-mortality data for fungus-insect associations.
TL;DR: The prey‐location behaviour of larvae of Episyrphus balteatus DeG.
Abstract: The prey-location behaviour of larvae of Episyrphus balteatus DeG. (Dipt.: Syrphidae) was investiatged in two different experimental set-ups. First instar larvae exhibited directed search over short distances, guided by olfactory cues from aphids, but not from honeydew. However, second and third instars did not respond to aphid-plant-complex odours in a 4-arm-olfactometer. Aphid extracts, honeydew and sucrose were found to be feeding stimulants for the larvae. The oviposition behaviour of female syrphids was investigated in a series of two-choice experiments: females were able to evaluate aphid numbers and adjust oviposition rates accordingly, with higher prey numbers eliciting increased oviposition, even when the aphids were removed at the start of the experiment. The presence of conspecific syrphid larvae did not inhibit oviposition when the females were deprived of suitable oviposition sides before the experiments were conducted.
TL;DR: The incidence of both mechanisms of carboxylesterase-based resistance to insecticides in Myzus persicae Sulzer is described and the implications for future recommendations for aphid control in the UK are discussed.
Abstract: The well-established carboxylesterase-based resistance to insecticides in Myzus persicae Sulzer has recently been accentuated by the appearance of aphids with a modified acetylcholinesterase (MACE) insensitive to pirimicarb and the novel aphicide, triazamate. This target site resistance mechanism was found in M. persicae from crops in the UK for the first time in 1996, together with especially large proportions of aphids with R2 and R3 levels of carboxylesterases, a combination that was associated with serious insecticide failures. This paper describes the incidence of both mechanisms and discusses the implications for future recommendations for aphid control in the UK.