Ovipositional behaviour of Macrolophus caliginosus (Heteroptera: Miridae) on tobacco leaves

1996 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ferran ◽  
A. Rortais ◽  
J.C. Malausa ◽  
J. Gambier ◽  
M. Lambin

AbstractThe ovipositional behaviour of the mirid predator Macrolophus caliginosus Wagner, a potential biological control agent of glasshouse pests, was studied in detail using a modified video camera technique. In the laboratory, females laid their eggs in the leaves of tobacco plants. They remained generally motionless on the main veins of the leaves, raised their body, folded the rostrum towards the thorax and extended their ovipositor when selecting a site in which to oviposit. The ovipositor was inserted into the plant tissue by a downward and forward thrust of the body and contractions of the abdominal muscles. After a period of immobility, the ovipositor was retracted and the insect's body and organs returned to their initial positions. This behaviour was preceded and followed by extensive rostral exploration of the oviposition site. In most females the same area was explored before and after egg-laying and the ovipositor was inserted approximately in the middle of the selected area. The sequence and pattern of ovipositional behaviour varied between females.

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Soujita Pramanik ◽  
Sampa Banerjee ◽  
Soumyajit Banerjee ◽  
Goutam K. Saha ◽  
Gautam Aditya

Among the natural predators, larval stages of the mosquito <em>Lutzia fuscana (</em>Wiedemann, 1820) (Diptera: Culicidae) bear potential as a biological control agent of mosquitoes. An estimation of the predatory potential of the larva of <em>L. fuscana</em> against the larva of the dengue vector <em>Aedes aegypti</em> (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae) was made to highlight its use in vector management. Laboratory experiments revealed that the larva of<em> L</em>. <em>fuscana</em> consumes 19 to 24 <em>A. aegypti</em> larvae per day, during its tenure as IV instar larva. The consumption of <em>A. aegypti</em> larvae was proportionate to the body length (BL) and body weight (BW) of the predatory larva<em> L. fuscana</em> as depicted through the logistic regressions: y = 1 / (1 + exp(-(-2.09 + 0.35*BL))) and y = 1 / (1 + exp(-(0.4+ 0.06*BW))). While the prey consumption remained comparable among the days, the net weight gained by the <em>L</em>. <em>fuscana</em> larva showed a decreasing trend with the age. On the basis of the results, it is apparent that the larva of the mosquito <em>L. fuscana</em> can be used in the regulation of the mosquito <em>A. aegypti</em> through augmentative release, particularly, in the smaller mosquito larval habitats.


2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
W. Setiawati ◽  
N. Gunaeni ◽  
T. S. Uhan ◽  
A. Hasyim

Bemisia tabaci (Gen.) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the most serious pests on tomato. It is mainly controlled by chemi-cal means, requiring some 25 sprays during the average growing season. The extensive and repeated use of insecticides has dis-rupted the natural balance between this pest and its natural enemies. In this study, Menochilus sexmaculatus F. was evalu-ated as a possible biological control agent of B. tabaci and its effect on Gemini virus infestation. The study was conducted at the experimental station of the Indonesian Vegetables Research Institute (IVeGRI) in Lembang, West Java (1,250 m above sea level) from August to December 2008. The experimental plots consisted of 0.35 ha of tomato (± 100 m2 per plot) and spatially separated with four rows of maize (a minimum of 1 m) inter-plot distance to prevent cross-contamination among plots. The experiment was arranged in completely randomized block design with eight treatments and four replications. M. sexmaculatus were released at 24 days after planting. The treatments were designed according dosages and schedules at three released populations (i.e. 10 predators per plot, 20 predators per plot, and 10 predators per plot at vegetative stage followed by 20 predators per plot at generative stage); two places of release (center and edge of the plot); and two schedules of release (weekly and biweekly). Efficacy of the predator was measured in terms of the density of B. tabaci, both before and after release of the predator and its effect on Gemini virus infestation. The result indicated the potential use of M. sexmaculatus to control B. tabaci and its effect on Gemini virus infestation on tomato. Reductions in B. tabaci populations and subsequent tomato yields were significant. B. tabaci population in plots receiving 10 predators showed 73.62% and 75.75% reductions by the end of experiment. The incidence and intensity of Gemini virus were consistently and significantly lowest and tomato yield gain was observed when 10 predators were released at weekly intervals. It is suggested that release of M. sexmaculatus against B. tabaci on tomato may be offered as an alternative solution to increase implementation of biologically-based B. tabaci management. <br /><br />


Author(s):  
Marklana Da Frota Diniz ◽  
Thiago Brasileiro De Vasconcelos ◽  
Juliana Lerche Vieira Rocha Pires ◽  
Marineide Meireles Nogueira ◽  
Giselle Notini Arcanjo

Introduction: The Pilates Method is a program of physical and mental training that works the body as a whole, aiming to gain muscle strength, mainly at the central region formed by the abdominal muscles, spine and pelvic floor, and to promote stretching and flexibility. Objective: To investigate the effects of this technique in the pelvic floor muscle activity, noting the type of fiber was more work during the practice of this activities in soil (Mat Pilates). Method: It was a character study of interventional, observational, descriptive, conducted during the months from March to May 2011, in which six women aged between 35 and 65 years, who underwent Mat Pilates classes twice a week, was rated the strength of pelvic floor, by Perina®perineometer pressure before and after the eight classes. Results: It was observed that all the volunteers had gained in strength in both types of muscle fibers, and 84% (p < 0.05) had greater gain in type 2 fibers. Conclusion: The Mat Pilates to increase the influence of the pelvic floor muscle strength it and can be used to prevent dysfunctions dysfunction of these muscles.


1993 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. P. Jayanth ◽  
Geetha Bali

AbstractZygogramma bicolorata Pallister was introduced for biological control trials against the weed Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae) in India. The insect entered diapause over an extended period of time between July and December in Bangalore. Diapausing adults burrowed into the soil, and emerged in May–June with the commencement of monsoon rains. Percentage diapause increased over time, peaking at 72% during November. Non-diapausing adults were capable of breeding, under laboratory conditions, during the winter. Some adults bred both before and after diapause, during two consecutive years. Soil moisture played an important role in providing the conditions for burrowing or emerging from the diapause chambers. The studies also showed that diapausing adults had to be exposed to the high summer temperatures, for termination of the diapause. It was possible to break diapause by continuous exposure to 30°C, 35°C and 40°C for 22 days, nine days and 10 hours, respectively, during February–March, about three months after its inception. This method can be used to initiate mass multiplication for carrying out releases early in the season.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isnainy dinul Mursyalatiyus ◽  
Abdul Munif ◽  
Abdjad Asih Nawangsih

Endophytic Bacteria from Tobacco Plant as Biocontrol Agent of  Meloidogyne spp.Soilborne disease on tobacco plants caused by fungal and bacterial infection in association with root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) may cause significant yield loss.  Endophytic bacteria have been recognized as biological control agent for Meloidogyne spp. as well as  plant promoting growth agent. Research was conducted to evaluate endophytic bacteria isolated from tobacco plants as biological control agent for Meloidogyne spp. infecting tobacco. A total of 215 isolates of endophytic bacteria were isolated from root of two tobacco varieties, Kemloko and Prancak 95.  Biosafety screening showed that 80 isolates (37%) and 7 isolates (8%) gave negative reaction on hypersensitivity test and hemolysis test, respectively.  Seven isolates i.e. TPT3.10, TPT2.1, TK3n8, TK2t21, TK2n8, TK3n1 and TK2t11 were able to promote plant growth and increase the mortality of juvenile Meloidogyne spp. Physiological characterization of endophytic bacteria showed that most of the isolates were able to produce protease enzyme, phosphate, nitrogen and HCN. The same isolates were also able to suppress the number of galls from 80.09% up to 93.82%. Two isolates, TPT3.10 and TK2n8, are considered having the best suppression on root gall formation.


1987 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
O.N. Morris

AbstractWater suspensions of the entomogenous nematode, Steinernema feltiae Filipjev (“All” strain), were applied to the soil of caged microplot stands of canola, Brassica napus L. cv. Tower, colonized by overwintering adults of the crucifer flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze), at the rate of about 1 × 106 infective juveniles per 0.8 m2 soil surface. Single treatments, which were applied before and after the colonization, did not affect the flea beetle adults or their progeny as evidenced by the number of new generation adults that subsequently emerged from the soil. Bioassays with wax moth larvae, Galleria melonella (Linn.), showed that the infectivity of nematodes in the soil declined sharply within 6 days of treatment. High concentrations of the herbicide Treflan®, with which the soil was treated, did not affect the infectivity of the nematodes. Under the conditions of the test, S. feltiae appeared to have no potential as a biological control agent for the crucifer flea beetle.


1993 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.L. Kluge ◽  
P.M. Caldwell

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


Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 326
Author(s):  
Liu Zhang ◽  
Zifang Qin ◽  
Pingping Liu ◽  
Yue Yin ◽  
Gary W. Felton ◽  
...  

Natural enemies play an important role in managing insect pests. Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), a predator of many soft-body insects, is an important biological control agent in Asia. Understanding this predator’s egg-laying preferences and a habitat needs is important for its success in pest control. We investigated the plant acceptability and ovipositional preference of O. sauteri for coriander (Coriadrum sativum L., Apiales: Apiaceae), marigold (Tagetes erecta L., Asterales: Asteraceae), sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima L., Brassicales: Brassicaceae), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L., Fabales: Fabaceae), and focused on the effects of plant physical and anatomical characteristics on the ovipositional preference of O. sauteri. The results showed that O. sauteri can lay eggs on uninfested plants in the vegetative stage and their eggs hatched normally. Orius sauteri females prefer plants with high stomatal density, a large stomatal area, and fewer trichomes as oviposition hosts, and the depth of egg placement was determined by leaf thickness. Our studies suggested that O. sauteri females can select oviposition hosts and specific oviposition sites by assessing the structural qualities of plant surface. Coriander and marigold are potentially suitable host plants for O.sauteri. The results aid the selection of cover crops to enhance natural enemies in the fields.


Insects ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 65
Author(s):  
Emily C. Kraus ◽  
Rosemary Murray ◽  
Cassandra Kelm ◽  
Ryan Poffenberger ◽  
Eric Rohrig ◽  
...  

The air potato beetle, Lilioceris cheni Gressitt and Kimoto (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae), is a successful biological control agent of the air potato vine, Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreales: Dioscoreaceae), in the southern United States. Lilioceris cheni is currently being mass-reared by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry (FDACS-DPI) for biological control releases and research. The facility rears and releases over 50,000 adult beetles annually at approximately 1000 different locations. In addition to data on beetle production and distribution, studies on alternative larval and adult diets are described. Adults fed bulbils as the sole food source had reduced life spans compared with beetles given fresh air potato leaves. Adults survived without air potato leaves or bulbils for several days to two weeks depending on availability of leaves at emergence. Larvae did not survive on a modified artificial Colorado potato beetle diet containing fresh air potato vine leaves. Adults survived while consuming artificial diet but ceased oviposition. They, however, resumed egg laying less than one week after being returned to a diet of fresh air potato vine leaves.


HortScience ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 905-910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L. Raudenbush ◽  
Raymond A. Cloyd ◽  
Erik R. Echegaray

This study was conducted to assess the direct and indirect effects of Growstones™ aggregates, which are made from recycled glass, on fungus gnat, Bradysia sp. nr. coprophila (Diptera: Sciaridae), adult emergence, female egg-laying capacity, and egg survival. A series of experiments were performed under laboratory conditions to evaluate the effect of different sizes (2.0 to 10.0 mm) of Growstones™ aggregates, layer thicknesses (0.63 to 3.18 cm), and the use of the biological control agent, the rove beetle, Dalotia coriaria, along with different thicknesses (1.27 and 3.18 cm) of small Growstones™ aggregates on fungus gnat adult emergence. For each experiment, Growstones™ aggregates were applied to the surface of the growing medium in 473-mL polypropylene deli containers. This study demonstrated that the thickest (3.18 cm) layer of small (2.0 mm) Growstones™ aggregates significantly reduced or delayed the emergence of fungus gnat adults. In addition, the thickest layer of small Growstones™ aggregates may have indirectly affected egg survival. However, the use of Growstones™ along with rove beetle adults did not significantly reduce fungus gnat adult emergence.


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