Silicon fertilisation affects morphological and immune defences of an insect pest and enhances plant compensatory growth

Herbivorous insects have evolved various anti-predator defences, including morphological, behavioural, and immune defences, which can make biocontrol of herbivorous pests challenging. Silicon (Si) accumulation in plants is a potent physical defence against mandibulate insects. However, it remains uncertain how Si affects the anti-predator defences of insect herbivores and plant defences following herbivory. We grew the model grass, Brachypodium distachyon, hydroponically with (+Si) or without (–Si) Si and investigated the plant-mediated effects of Si on the anti-predator defences of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, integrating morphological (i.e. integument resistance and thickness), behavioural, and immune defences. We also examined the effects of Si on plant compensatory growth and leaf trichome production. Larval growth, leaf consumption, and integument resistance were lower when feeding on +Si plants compared to when feeding on –Si plants. Larval integument thickness, defensive behaviours, haemocyte density, and lysozyme-like activity in the haemolymph were unaffected by Si. Larvae fed on +Si plants had higher haemolymph phenoloxidase (PO) and total-PO activities than larvae fed on –Si plants, although this did not enhance the melanisation response of larvae. Furthermore, Si supplies increased plant compensation for herbivory and constitutive trichome production, whereas herbivory induced trichome production only on –Si plants. We provide the first evidence for plant-mediated effects of Si on anti-predator defences of an insect herbivore. We suggest that the lower integument resistance of larvae when feeding on Si-supplemented plants could contribute to their vulnerability to natural enemies and that high PO activity may impose fitness costs (e.g. delayed development).

Clinically Significant Bradycardia and Hypotension Following Consumption of Betel Leaf in a Patient Treated for Chronic Atrial Fibrillation

Purpose A case of new onset bradycardia and hypotension following betel leaf consumption in combination with verapamil and metoprolol in an atrial fibrillation (AF) patient. Summary A 66-year-old Nigerian woman presented to the emergency department for evaluation of multiple near syncope episodes with underlying AF and slow ventricular response. After initial evaluation, the patient disclosed she had ingested several betel leaves that morning. She was admitted for observation of severe, progressive hypotension and symptomatic bradycardia. Her past medical history included AF, type 2 diabetes, asthma, obesity, hypertension and hypothyroidism. Her home medications consisted of spironolactone, metoprolol succinate, and verapamil ER. Upon admission, her home medications were held. She received IV fluids and atropine .4 mg IV as needed for symptomatic bradycardia. Approximately 18 h following admission, her vital signs stabilized and her labs returned to baseline. She remained stable and was discharged with a recommendation to continue her home medications at prescribed doses with reduced doses of verapamil and metoprolol and to follow-up with her primary care provider. Conclusion A patient with a history of AF developed significant hypotension and symptomatic bradycardia after betel leaf consumption resulting in an overnight critical care unit admission. The use of betel leaf is not common in the United States; however, practitioners should be cognizant of the use of complementary and alternative medications like betel leaf and incorporate this knowledge in patient evaluation. Patients consuming betel leaf or betel nut should be evaluated for cardiovascular effects as well as laboratory evaluation for organ damage.

Silicon Fertilisation Affects Morphological and Immune Defences of an Insect Pest and Enhances Plant Compensatory Growth

Insect herbivores employ various defences, including morphological, behavioural, and immune responses against their natural enemies (e.g., predators, parasitoids) which can make biocontrol of herbivorous pests challenging. Silicon (Si) accumulation in plants is a potent physical defence against herbivores. However, it remains uncertain how Si affects pest defences to their enemies and plant defences following herbivore attack. We grew the model grass, Brachypodium distachyon, hydroponically with (+Si) or without (–Si) Si and investigated the impacts of Si on morphological (integument resistance and thickness), behavioural (flee, headrear, thrash, and regurgitation), and immune defences of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. We further examined the effects of Si on plant compensatory growth and leaf trichome production. Larval growth, leaf consumption, and integument resistance were lower when feeding on +Si plants compared to when feeding on –Si plants. Larval integument thickness, defensive behaviours, hemocyte density and lysozyme-like activity in the hemolymph were unaffected by Si. Larvae fed on +Si plants had higher hemolymph phenoloxidase (PO) and total-PO activities than larvae fed on –Si plants, although this did not enhance larval melanisation response. Furthermore, Si supply increased plant compensatory growth and constitutive trichome production whereas herbivory induced trichome production only on –Si plants. We provide the first evidence that Si fertilisation affects insect defences in addition to reducing their growth and feeding. Lower integument resistance might enhance larval vulnerability to parasitoids and pathogens and higher PO activities could impose fitness costs (e.g., delayed development), potentially increasing overall insect susceptibility to enemies.

Adult cold tolerance and potential North American distribution of Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Cold tolerance and potential distribution of Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus Marshall, a polyphagous pest in the United States, were investigated. Adult survivorship after 2 days at 0 °C and − 5 °C averaged 60% and 18%, respectively. Four days of exposure resulted in survivorship of 11% at 0 °C and 4% at − 5 °C, respectively. Summer-collected weevils at − 5 °C through repeated cold exposure of 2 h survived 3 times longer than those subjected to sustained cold period of 10 h. Leaf consumption did not differ among summer-collected weevils at constant 20 °C and repeated cold exposure treatments; weevils under sustained cold exposure consumed less than weevils in repeated cold exposure treatments. Leaf area consumed after cold exposure was 2–4 times greater in winter-collected weevils compared to summer-collected weevils. Leaf consumption by winter-collected weevils decreased as the number of repeated cold exposure periods increased. Locality data from collections in Florida during 2000–2012 were used to produce a correlative model complemented by a mechanistic model from the cold tolerance data to project the potential distribution of M. undecimpustulatus undatus in North America. The models support the hypothesis that M. undecimpustulatus undatus could spread to areas of the southeastern and western United States. The predicted northern distribution followed an isothermal line about 33° North. The niche model defined an area along the western Gulf Coast as unsuitable for the weevil, possibly because the area receives greater annual rainfall than other areas of the southeastern United States and has aquic or udic soil unlike the well-drained sandy soil of peninsular Florida.

Dryas iulia (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) larval preference and performance on four sympatric Passiflora hosts

Host plant quality is determinant for herbivorous insects performance and survival. While on larval stages, insects select their host plants based on factors such as leaf nitrogen and water content, digestibility, and defences. Of great interest is the coevolutionary relationship between the Heliconiini insects and the Passiflora plants. In this study we experimentally evaluated Dryas iulia (Nymphalidae) larval preference to four sympatric Passiflora (Passifloraceae) and subsequently, the larval performance on the two most consumed species. We tested the hypothesis that D. iulia larvae prefer the Passiflora species with higher nutritional quality and lower defence, which supports the greatest larval performance. Dryas iulia larvae preferred P. misera (60.5% leaf consumption) over P. pohlii (28.9%), P. suberosa (15.5%), and P. edulis (not consumed). Passiflora misera presented the highest N concentration, third in water content, second in tector trichomes, and no glandular trichomes (only P. suberosa did). Nitrogen best explained D. iulia larvae leaf consumption; which further explains the greatest larval performance in P. misera than in P. suberosa: i.e. higher survival (23.1%), conversion efficiency of ingested food (32.8%), relative growth rate (14.8%), heavier pupae (15.2%), and lower relative consumption rate (13.8%). This study creates the opportunity to further investigate the Heliconiini-Passiflora system and showed that D. iulia larvae can assess and choose the host plant (even among sympatric species) that supports the greatest performance.

Endophytic colonization of tomato plants by Beauveria bassiana Vuillemin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) and leaf damage in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae

Background The endophytic capacity of Beauveria bassiana Vuillemin isolates in 2 tomato varieties and their effects on damage and survival of the tomato fruit worm Helicoverpa armigera Hubner larvae were studied. The bioassays consisted of sowing seeds of 2 tomato cultivars soaked for 24 h in B. bassiana conidial suspension at the concentration of 1 × 107 and 1 × 109 conidia/ml for the isolates Bb 115 and Bb 11, respectively. Ten leaf, stem, and root segments were cut and incubated for assessing the endophytic growth of the fungus. Percentage of leaf consumption and pathogenicity of B. bassiana on H. armigera larvae were estimated. Main body The fungus B. bassiana developed endophytically in the 2 tomato varieties and was detected in tomato leaf, stem, and root. However, higher colonization rates were observed in roots than in leaves and stems. The B. bassiana isolate Bb 115 had a greater negative effect on the mean survival times (MSTs) of H. armigera larvae and on leaf consumption for local and improved tomato varieties. In fact, the lowest MSTs were recorded at the concentration of 1 × 109conidia/ml for Bb 115 in 1.5 ± 0.2 days, i.e., 7 days less than the surviving larvae of the control group, which MSTs were 8.4 ± 0.9 days. Consumed leaf areas by larvae averaged (89.17 ± 10.33 mm2) at a fungal concentration of 1 × 109conidia/ml for Bb115. It was the best compared to that of untreated control (820.3 ± 92.77 mm2). The colonization rate of the different plant parts increased with conidia concentration in both tomatoes varieties. Conclusion This study reported the effect of endophytic colonization of tomato by B. bassiana on the survival of H. armigera larvae and showed that the isolates Bb 115 and Bb 11 could be considered as useful microorganisms for the integrated control of H. armigera.

Carica papaya L. Leaf: A Systematic Scoping Review on Biological Safety and Herb-Drug Interactions

Introduction. The Carica papaya L. leaf is gaining interest as a potential therapeutic agent for alleviating dengue- and non-dengue-associated thrombocytopaenia. In that regard, safety considerations are as important as efficacy potential. The safety evaluation of botanical products for human use is complicated by variable formulations, complex phytochemical composition, and extrinsic toxicants. This review aimed to systematically collate related safety clinical and preclinical data, as well as reports on herb-drug interactions of C. papaya leaf consumption. Methods. A systematic search using predetermined keywords on electronic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library Central, LILACS, and Web of Science) and grey literature was conducted. Relevant clinical and preclinical studies were identified, screened, and analysed to present an overall safety profile of C. papaya leaf consumption. Results. A total of 41 articles were included (23 clinical, 5 ongoing trials, and 13 preclinical) for descriptive analysis on study characteristics, adverse reactions, toxicity findings, and herb-drug interactions, from which 13 randomised controlled and quasiexperimental trials were further assessed for risk of bias and reporting quality. Overall, C. papaya leaf consumption (in the form of juice and standardised aqueous extract) was well tolerated by adult humans for short durations (<five days) while one randomised controlled trial reported safe consumption of C. papaya leaf standardised aqueous extract in children (aged 1–12 years). Minor gastrointestinal side effects were most commonly reported. There are concerns about hepatotoxicity and reproductive toxicity in long-term use, supported by animal studies. Unfavourable herb-drug interactions with metformin, glimepiride, digoxin, ciprofloxacin, and artemisinin were accounted. Conclusion. C. papaya leaf consumption in adults is generally safe for short-term use though cautioned in pregnancy and people with liver impairment. It has potential herb-drug interactions with oral hypoglycaemic agents, p-glycoprotein substrates, and antibiotics with cation chelating properties.

PENGARUH KONSUMSI DAUN KELOR (Moringa oleifera) TERHADAP VO2MAX DAN LACTATE THRESHOLD

This research aims to determine how the effect of combination of Moringa Leaf consumption with aerobic exercise against VO2Max and Lactate Threshold as ergogenic aids. 16 Taekwondo athletes are participated in this research. Participants are divided into 2 groups: the experimental group, which has been given the treatment of Moringa leaves and aerobic exercise, and the control group, which has been given an aerobic treatment only. The method used is experimental method with randomized pretest-posttest comparison group design. This research took 6 weeks length with aerobic exercise 4 days a week. Moringa leaves consumed at a dose of 2000mg during treatment. The data collection used a Balke Test to measure the VO2max and modified Conconi Test to measure the lactate threshold. The results of this research showed a significant increase in mean before and after treatment in both variables from each group (p <0.05). However, the value of the increase in both variables between the two groups did not show significant difference (p> 0.05). These results, it can be concluded that there is a significant increase of VO2Max and Lactate Threshold between pre test and post test in each group, but there is no significant difference from deviation of increase of between control and experiment group although the experimental group increase is higher than the control group.

Formulation of Snack Bar from Torbangun Leaf as Food Source for Iron and Calcium

Indonesia has local unutilized food and it contains mineral, it is torbangun leaf. Consumption of torbangun leaf can increase level of several mineral such as iron, calcium, zink, and magnesium in breast milk. Torbangun leaf powder contains 70.77 mg iron; 1258.29 mg calcium; dan 97.42 mg Phosphor. Torbangun leaf also contains lactogogum which can stimulate breast milk gland on mother by proliferating secretion cell of mamari. Therefore the quality and quantity of breast milk could increase. Torbangun leaves can be developed into emergency food items such as snack bars. The aim of this study was to develop snack bar with substitution torbangun leaves. From trial error, torbangun leaf was substitution until 10 g, 15 g, and 20 g. The best formula was substituted 10 g torbangun leaf which 9.6% protein; 10.43% fat; 66.3% carbohydrate; 1006.54 mg calcium; and 44.76 mg iron, with total an energy was 397.47 kcal/100 g.