Selectivity of diacylhydrazine insecticides to the predatory bug Orius laevigatus: in vivo and modelling/docking experiments

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of pesticide selectivity to natural enemies is necessary for a successful implementation of biological and chemical control methods in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. Diacylhydrazine (DAH)‐based ecdysone agonists, also known as moulting‐accelerating compounds (MACs), are considered to be a selective group of insecticides, and their compatibility with predatory Heteroptera, which are used as biological control agents, is known. However, their molecular mode of action has not been explored in beneficial insects such as Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). RESULTS: In this project, in vivo toxicity assays demonstrated that the DAH‐based RH‐5849, tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide have no toxic effect against O. laevigatus. The ligand‐binding domain (LBD) of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) of O. laevigatus was sequenced, and a homology protein model was constructed that confirmed a cavity structure with 12 α‐helices, harbouring the natural insect moulting hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone. However, docking studies showed that a steric clash occurred for the DAH‐based insecticides owing to a restricted extent of the ligand‐binding cavity of the EcR of O. laevigatus. CONCLUSIONS: The insect toxicity assays demonstrated that MACs are selective for O. laevigatus. The modelling/docking experiments are indications that these pesticides do not bind with the LBD‐EcR of O. laevigatus and support the supposition that they show no biological effects in the predatory bug. These data help in explaining the compatible use of MACs together with predatory bugs in IPM programmes. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Insect growth regulators as potential insecticides to control olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae Rossi): insect toxicity bioassays and molecular docking approach

BACKGROUND: Olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), is a key pest in olive orchards, causing serious economic damage. To date, the pest has already developed resistance to the insecticides commonly applied to control it. Thus, in searching for new products for an accurate resistance management programme, targeting the ecdysone receptor (EcR) might provide alternative compounds for use in such programmes. RESULTS: Residual contact and oral exposure in the laboratory of B. oleae adults to the dibenzoylhydrazine‐based compounds methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide and RH‐5849 showed different results. Methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide did not provoke any negative effects on the adults, but RH‐5849 killed 98‐100% of the treated insects 15 days after treatment. The ligand‐binding domain (LBD) of the EcR of B. oleae (BoEcR‐LBD) was sequenced, and a homology protein model was constructed. Owing to a restricted extent of the ligand‐binding cavity of the BoEcR‐LBD, docking experiments with the three tested insecticides showed a severe steric clash in the case of methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide, while this was not the case with RH‐5849. CONCLUSION: IGR molecules similar to the RH‐5849 molecule, and different from methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide, might have potential in controlling this pest. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparison of the activity of non‐steroidal ecdysone agonists between dipteran and lepidopteran insects,using cell‐based EcR reporter assays

BACKGROUND: Diacylhydrazine (DAH) analogues have been developed successfully as a new group of insect growth regulators, called ecdysone agonists or moulting accelerating compounds. These DAHs have been shown to manifest their toxicity via interaction with the ecdysone receptor (EcR) in susceptible insects, as does the natural insect moulting hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E). A notable feature is their high activity and specificity, particularly against lepidopteran insects, raising the question as to whether non‐lepidopteran‐specific analogues can be isolated. However, for the discovery of ecdysone agonists that target other important insect groups such as Diptera, efficient screening systems that are based on the activation of the EcR are needed. RESULTS: In this study, a dipteran‐specific reporter‐based screening system with transfected S2 cells of Drosophila melanogaster Meig. was developed in order to discover and evaluate compounds that have ecdysone agonistic or antagonistic activity. A library of non‐steroidal ecdysone agonists containing different mother structures with DAH and other related analogues such as acylaminoketone (AAK) and tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) was tested. None of the compounds tested was as active as 20E. This is in contrast to the very high activity of several DAH and AAK congeners in lepidopteran cells (Bombyx mori L.‐derived Bm5 cells). The latter agrees with a successful docking of a DAH, tebufenozide, in the binding pocket of the lepidopteran EcR (B. mori), while this was not the case with the dipteran EcR (D. melanogaster). Of note was the identification of two THQ compounds with activity in S2 but not in Bm5 cells. Although marked differences in activity exist with respect to the activation of EcR between dipterans and lepidopterans, there exists a positive correlation (R = 0.724) between the pLC₅₀ values in S2 and Bm5 cells. In addition, it was found through protein modelling that a second lobe was present in the ligand‐binding pocket of lepidopteran BmEcR but was lacking in the dipteran DmEcR protein, suggesting that this difference in structure of the binding pocket is a major factor for preferential activation of the lepidopteran over the dipteran receptors by DAH ligands. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed the marked specificity of DAH and AAK analogues towards EcRs from lepidopteran insects. THQ compounds did not show this specificity, indicating that dipteran‐specific ecdysone‐agonist‐based insecticides based on the THQ mother structure can be developed. The differences in activity of ecdysone agonists in dipteran and lepidopteran ecdysone‐reporter‐based screening systems are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biochemical mechanisms of methoxyfenozide resistance in the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis

BACKGROUND: Methoxyfenozide is a lepidopteran‐specific insecticide that belongs to a new group of insecticides, the non‐steroidal ecdysteroid agonists, also called moulting accelerating compounds (MACs). To investigate the risk of resistance and possible mechanisms conferring resistance to methoxyfenozide, the authors selected in the laboratory for a resistant strain of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), which is a representative lepidopteran model and an important pest in cotton and vegetables worldwide, with a high risk for resistance development. RESULTS: After selection with methoxyfenozide during 13 generations, toxicity data showed that the selected strain developed fivefold resistance to methoxyfenozide in comparison with the susceptible strain. Measurement of the detoxification enzymes demonstrated that the monooxygenase (MO) activity was 2.1 times higher in the selected strain, whereas there was no change for esterases and glutathione‐S‐transferases. When the inhibitors piperonyl butoxide (PBO), S,S,S‐tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) and diethyl maleate were tested as synergists, the respective synergistic ratios were 0.97, 0.96 and 1.0 for the susceptible strain, and 2.2, 0.96 and 1.1 for the resistant strain. The significant synergistic effect by PBO concurs with the increased MO activity in the selected strain. CONCLUSION: Taken overall, the present study supports the importance of MO‐mediated metabolism in resistance to methoxyfenozide, directing tactics to fight against resistance development for this novel group of insecticides. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Isoforms of the heteropteran Nezara viridula ecdysone receptor: protein characterisation, RH5992 insecticide binding and homology modelling

BACKGROUND: Certain bisacylhydrazine compounds such as tebufenozide (RH5992) have been shown to act as order‐specific insecticides. Their compatibility with predatory Heteroptera, which are used as biological control agents, has also been demonstrated. However, the molecular mode of action of these ecdysone agonists has not been explored in a heteropteran, much less one that is a significant agricultural pest, such as Nezara viridula. RESULTS: Alternatively spliced ligand‐binding regions of the N. viridula ecdysone receptor were expressed, purified and characterised by 2D gel analysis, mass spectrometry, homology modelling and competitive binding of a bisacylhydrazine insecticidal compound (RH5992) and various ecdysteroids. Ligand binding by the two splice isoforms was indistinguishable, and relative affinities were found to occur in the order muristerone A > ponasterone A > 20‐hydroxyecdysone > inokosterone > RH5992 > α‐ecdysone. CONCLUSION: The predicted difference in amino acid sequence between the ligand‐binding domains of the N. viridula ecdysone receptor splice variants was verified by mass spectrometry. Both splice variant isoforms exhibit a greater affinity for the bisacylhydrazine insecticide RH5992 than do the other hemipteran ecdysone receptors characterised to date. Their affinities for a range of ecdysteroids also distinguish them from the ecdysone receptors of other Hemiptera characterised thus far. Homology models of both N. viridula receptor isoforms provide further insight into the bisacylhydrazine‐ and ecdysteroid‐binding properties of these receptors, including their similar affinity for 20‐hydroxyecdysone and the postulated pentatomomorphan moulting hormone makisterone A. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Mode of action of methoprene in affecting female reproduction in the African malaria mosquito,Anopheles gambiae

BACKGROUND: One of the most studied actions of juvenile hormone (JH) is its ability to modulate ecdysteroid signaling during insect development and metamorphosis. Previous studies in mosquitoes showed that 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) regulates vitellogenin synthesis. However, the action of JH and its mimics, e.g. methoprene, on female reproduction of mosquitoes remains unknown. RESULTS: Here, a major malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae Giles, was used as a model insect to study the action of methoprene on female reproduction. Ecdysteroid titers and expression profiles of ecdysone‐regulated genes were determined before and after a blood meal. An ecdysteroid peak was detected at 12 h post blood meal (PBM). The maximum expression of ecdysone‐regulated genes, such as ecdysone receptor (EcR), hormone receptor 3 (HR3) and vitellogenin (Vg) gene, coincided with the ecdysteroid peak. Interestingly, topical application of methoprene at 6 h PBM delayed ovarian development and egg maturation by suppressing the expression of ecdysone‐regulated genes in female mosquitoes. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that ecdysteroid titers are correlated with Vg synthesis, and methoprene affects vitellogenesis by modulating ecdysteroid action in A. gambiae. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

稻田常用农药对四地区二化螟盘绒茧蜂雌成蜂的触杀毒性

为明确稻田常用农药对二化螟幼虫期优势寄生性天敌二化螟盘绒茧蜂Cotesia chilonis(Mat-sumura)的毒性,采用药膜法在室内测定了7种杀虫剂原药以及18种常用农药制剂对扬州、安吉、金华和乐清4个地区二化螟盘绒茧蜂雌成蜂的触杀毒性。结果表明,7种杀虫剂原药中氟虫腈、毒死蜱和三唑磷对该蜂毒性较高,杀虫单、吡虫啉和阿维菌素次之,氯虫苯甲酰胺则最低。12种杀虫剂制剂中20%氯虫苯甲酰胺悬浮剂和3种阿维菌素相关制剂对该蜂毒性相对较低,其余均具高毒性;4种杀菌剂中的异稻.三环唑对该蜂高毒,苯甲.丙环唑次之,井岗.蜡芽菌(井冈霉素)和盐酸吗啉胍.三氮唑核苷则毒性最低;2种除草剂中苄嘧.丙草胺毒性高于苄.二氯。此外,同一种药剂对不同地区雌蜂的毒性也有所不同。     

Lethal and sublethal effects of commercial insecticides on Philodromus buxi,a potential predator of defoliating Lepidoptera in dehesa woodland in southern Spain

Chemical and other selective insecticides are annually used as foliar treatments against defoliating Lepidoptera in the southern Spanish open woodland (known as dehesa), one of the largest forest ecosystems in the Mediterranean basin. In order to analyse the negative impact of these treatments on beneficial arthropods, the toxic effect of the three authorised insecticides on Philodromus buxi Simon (Araneae: Philodromidae), the most abundant tree canopy spider in southern Spain, was tested under laboratory conditions. Cypermethrin was the most harmful insecticide 96 hours after application, causing around 90% corrected mortality, while flufenoxuron (an insect growth-regulator) prompted around 45% mortality, and Bacillus thuringiensis caused no mortality at all. In addition, flufenoxuron produced a clear alteration in the predatory capacity of P. buxi, increasing the reaction times of treated specimens, and additional mortality associated with the moulting process. Bacillus thuringiensis caused no effects in reaction times, growth or moulting. The results obtained clearly indicate that B. thuringiensis is the most suitable of the authorised insecticides for conserving populations of P. buxi in dehesa woodland in southern Spain.     

Effects of organic‐farming‐compatible insecticides on four aphid natural enemy species

BACKGROUND: The toxicities of pyrethrins + rapeseed oil, pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (PBO), potassium salts of fatty acids and linseed oil were assessed in the laboratory on the parasitic wasp Aphidius rhopalosiphi (Destefani‐Perez), the ladybird Adalia bipunctata (L.), the rove beetle Aleochara bilineata (Gyll.) and the carabid beetle Bembidion lampros (Herbst.). The methods selected were residual contact toxicity tests on inert and natural substrates. RESULTS: Both the pyrethrin products led to 100% mortality in the adult parasitic wasps and ladybird larvae on glass plates and plants. The pyrethrins + PBO formulation was toxic for B. lampros on sand and natural soil, but the pyrethrins + rapeseed oil formulation was harmless for this species. Insecticidal soaps were harmless for all these beneficial species. None of the tested products significantly affected the parasitism of the onion fly pupae by A. bilineata. CONCLUSION: The results indicated the potentially high toxicity of natural pyrethrins for beneficial arthropods. Although this toxicity needs to be confirmed in field conditions, the toxicity levels obtained in the laboratory were similar to or higher than those of several synthetic insecticides known to be toxic in the field. Insecticidal soaps could be considered as an alternative for aphid control in organic farming in terms of selectivity. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

橡胶盔蚧寄生蜂的种群结构与空间分布研究

通过普查与定点调查的方法,研究了橡胶盔蚧寄生蜂的种群结构和橡胶盔蚧及其寄生蜂的空间分布。结果表明,橡胶盔蚧天敌寄生蜂达10种,其中优势种2种,常见种4种,稀有种4种。优势种优雅岐脉跳小蜂和蜡蚧褐腰啮小蜂分别占整个种群数量的64.32%和11.76%。橡胶盔蚧寄生蜂在橡胶树不同方位上的分布不同。在层次上,寄生蜂在上层的平均寄生率要比下层高;在方位上,寄生蜂在南面的平均寄生率最高,而在北面的平均寄生率最低。通过Taylor幂法和Iwao的回归分析对橡胶盔蚧及其寄生蜂的空间分布型进行研究,得出结果一致,即橡胶盔蚧及其寄生蜂种群在橡胶树上的空间分布型均为聚集分布,且种群密度越高分布越聚集。     

Attraction and antennal response of the common wasp,Vespula vulgaris (L.), to selected synthetic chemicals in New Zealand beech forests

BACKGROUND: The common wasp, Vespula vulgaris (L.), and the German wasp, Vespula germanica (F.), are significant problems in New Zealand beech forests (Nothofagus spp.), adversely affecting native birds and invertebrate biodiversity. This work was undertaken to develop synthetic attractants for these species to enable more efficient monitoring and management. RESULTS: Seven known wasp attractants (acetic acid, butyl butyrate, isobutanol, heptyl butyrate, octyl butyrate and 2,4‐hexadienyl butyrate) were field tested, and only heptyl butyrate and octyl butyrate attracted significantly higher numbers of wasps than a non‐baited trap. Accordingly, a series of straight‐chain esters from methyl to decyl butyrate were prepared and field tested for attraction of social wasps. Peak biological activity occurred with hexyl butyrate, heptyl butyrate, octyl butyrate and nonyl butyrate. Polyethylene bags emitting approximately 18.4–22.6 mg day^?1 of heptyl butyrate were more attractive than polyethylene bags emitting approximately 14.7–16.8 mg day^?1 of heptyl butyrate in the field. Electroantennogram (EAG) studies indicated that queens and workers of V. vulgaris had olfactory receptor neurons responding to various aliphatic butyrates. CONCLUSION: These results are the first to be reported on the EAG response and the attraction of social wasps to synthetic chemicals in New Zealand beech forests and will enable monitoring of social wasp activity in beech forests. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Saponins show high entomotoxicity by cell membrane permeation in Lepidoptera

BACKGROUND: In this study, the effects of three saponins and one sapogenin with a triterpenoid or steroid structure in two lepidopteran insect cell lines, ovarian Bm5 and midgut CF‐203 cells, were analysed with regard to cell viability, cell membrane permeation, EcR responsiveness and DNA fragmentation. In addition, the entomotoxic action of Q. saponaria saponin with primary midgut cell cultures and larval stages of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis was tested. RESULTS: Both lepidopteran cell lines show a high sensitivity to all four sapo(ge)nins, with a concentration‐dependent viability loss and EC₅₀ values of 25–100 µM in MTT bioassays. A trypan blue assay with Q. saponaria saponin confirmed rapid cell membrane permeation to be a cause of cytotoxicity. Saponins caused no EcR activation in Bm5 cells, but a loss of ecdysteroid signalling was observed with IC₅₀ values of 5–10 µM . Lower saponin concentrations induced DNA fragmentation, confirming their potential to induce apoptosis. Finally, Q. saponaria saponin caused cytotoxicity in primary midgut cell cultures of S. littoralis (EC₅₀ = 4.7 µM ) and killed 70–84% of S. littoralis larvae at pupation at 30‐70 mg g^?1, while lower concentrations retarded larval weight gain and development. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained provide evidence that saponins exert a strong activity on lepidopteran cells, presumably based on a cytotoxic action due to permeation of the cell membrane. Primary midgut cell cultures and larvae of S. littoralis showed high sensitivity to Q. saponaria saponin, indicating the insect midgut as a primary target for entomotoxicity and the potential use of saponins in the control of pest Lepidoptera. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Potential manageable exploitation of social wasps,Vespula spp. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), as generalist predators of insect pests

A manageable, generalist, predatory insect has to date been considered to be unavailable anywhere for pest insect control. Polistes spp. wasps showed promise, but are limited by small numbers of wasps per nest and short nest life. Social Vespula spp. wasps appear to possess the necessary attributes which will allow their development as manageable, generalist predators of a wide range of pest insects. They have a large number of foragers per nest, a high demand for invertebrate protein, a very wide range of prey, an ability to tolerate low temperatures, a tolerance of nest manipulation, and a colony life cycle that can span at least two summers. High numbers per nest and high nest densities can lead to the consumption of many kilograms of prey per hectare per year. Successful development of characteristics desired of a manageable predator, such as the ability to increase colony numbers by dividing and re-queening, and enhancement of multi-year colony existence, could result in management procedures for Vespula spp. wasps that are similar to those used for honey bees. Farmers could have wasp nests available when and where required and in the numbers desired. Wasps would be especially valuable for growers of some ‘organic’ crops in which conventional pesticides are not permitted.     

稻田寄生蜂和鳞翅目昆虫的多样性及变化动态

稻田中的寄生蜂是水稻害虫重要的自然天敌,在生物防治中起重要作用,但是寄生蜂作用的发挥受到许多因素的影响。本文使用马氏诱集器调查了水稻各生育期稻田中寄生蜂和鳞翅目昆虫的种类及数量,分析了水稻生育期对寄生蜂及其主要寄主鳞翅目昆虫数量的影响。结果发现,在水稻各生育期捕获的寄生蜂数量均显著多于鳞翅目昆虫数量。其中姬蜂科、茧蜂科、赤眼蜂科、缨小蜂科及缘腹细蜂科等属于寄生蜂的优势类群,分别占物种总数的11.80%、11.71%、9.18%、15.51%和11.83%。鳞翅目中,螟蛾科、夜蛾科、卷蛾科和蛱蝶科等为优势类群,分别占物种总数的22.32%、20.87%、26.28%和12.75%。随着水稻生育期的变化,寄生蜂数量先上升后下降,在水稻乳熟期达到最大值,显著高于其他7个生育期的结果。寄生蜂科的Shannon多样性指数,辛普森指数无明显的变化,均匀度指数到乳熟期时有所降低(0.790),随后逐渐上升直到收获。鳞翅目昆虫也呈现先上升后下降趋势,水稻扬花期数量最多,与其他生育期间存在显著差异;鳞翅目科的Shannon多样性指数和辛普森指数在分蘖期到抽穗期虽有波动,但各生育期间差异不显著。在水稻抽穗期到蜡熟期,稻田中鳞翅目科的均匀度指数波动较大,多个生育期间存在显著差异。结果表明,水稻生育期对寄生蜂与鳞翅目昆虫发生数量存在一定的影响,在特定生育期间对昆虫丰富度和多样性存在显著的影响。     

Selectivity of chlorantraniliprole to parasitoid wasps

BACKGROUND: Chlorantraniliprole is a novel anthranilic diamide insecticide registered for use in vegetables, fruits, grains and turf against a variety of insect pests. The objective of this article is to summarize results of acute toxicity testing of chlorantraniliprole on seven species of parasitic wasps with wide geographic distribution and relevance to different crops and integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. RESULTS: Tier‐1, worst‐case laboratory studies evaluated wasp survival and reproduction following different exposure concentrations and scenarios to chlorantraniliprole (i.e. fresh‐dried spray deposits on glass plates, direct contact, ingestion, egg card, dipped leaf residue bioassays, sprayed mummies). No statistically significant effects on adult survival, percentage parasitism or emergence were observed following exposures to chlorantraniliprole compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Chlorantraniliprole was harmless to the parasitoid wasp species tested according to IOBC classification criteria (<30% effects) and may be a useful tool in IPM programmes. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

4种寄主植物的繁蚜－繁蜂能力和子代烟蚜茧蜂的寄生潜力比较

为比较不同寄主植物繁蚜,继而繁育烟蚜茧蜂Aphidius gifuensis的潜力,促进烟蚜茧蜂扩繁,从烟田采集供试烟蚜与烟蚜茧蜂,比较了烟草、萝卜、油菜和小白菜共4种常用寄主植物的繁蚜-繁蜂能力和繁育的子代烟蚜茧蜂的寄生潜力。结果显示:(1)烟草和萝卜的单株繁蚜速率较快、繁蚜量大,表明两者的繁蚜能力强于小白菜和油菜;(2)4种寄主植物上的僵蚜羽化率没有显著差异,烟蚜茧蜂对烟草和萝卜繁育烟蚜的寄生率显著高于小白菜和油菜,表明在烟草和萝卜上繁蜂能力强于油菜和小白菜;(3)烟草上繁育的子代蜂寿命及其后足胫节长度均显著大于在其他3种寄主植物上繁育的寄生蜂的相应参数,表明烟草上繁育的子代烟蚜茧蜂的营养状态优于在其他3种寄主植物上得到的烟蚜茧蜂。总体而言,烟草的繁蚜-繁蜂能力和子代烟蚜茧蜂的寄生潜力均强于其他3种寄主植物,更适用于烟蚜茧蜂扩繁;萝卜上繁育的子代烟蚜茧蜂的寄生潜力不及烟草,但明显优于小白菜和油菜,可作为一种烟蚜茧蜂繁育的替代寄主植物,用于提纯、复壮烟蚜和烟蚜茧蜂。     

Feldstudie zum Nachweis und zur Regulation von Weizenschädlingen und natürlichen Antagonisten

Wheat insect pests and the beneficial arthropod populations were assessed using sweep net across a large scale winter wheat field in Bad Lausick (Free State of Saxony, Germany) before and after insecticide applications. The insecticides used were Karate (pyrethroid), Biscaya (neonicotinoid) and NeemAzal T/S (botanical insecticide). The tested compounds were sprayed twice during the early season growth stage (Elongation- GS 32) and at the heading stage (GS 55), and their effects were evaluated on wheat insect pests. The side effects of these insecticides on associated natural enemies were also studied. Monitoring was conducted for 4 weeks after each treatment. Cereal aphids, thrips, leafhoppers, cereal leaf beetles, cereal bugs and also many natural enemies such as predators (lady beetles, lacewings, syrphids, dance flies and spiders) and parasitoids (parasitic wasps) were surveyed. The dose of these insecticides resulted in reductions of wheat insect and natural enemy populations and this reduction was corrected based on Abbott equation. The results showed that Karate is correlated with the highest percentage reduction (79.5 %) to wheat insect pests. Karate use also resulted in a percentage reduction to natural enemies (30–60 %). Biscaya and NeemAzal T/S is correlated with an equivalent mortality percents (50–65 %) to wheat insect pests and resulted in a smaller percentage reduction of natural enemies (10–40 %) compared to Karate. Thrips and cereal bugs were more affected than leafhoppers. Lacewings and dance flies were more susceptible; while spider, syrphids and parasitoid wasps were more tolerant. Compatibility between natural insecticides and natural enemies is highly required to keep the environment clean.     

日本食蚧蚜小蜂与蓝色长盾金小蜂对橡副珠蜡蚧的联合控害影响因子

日本食蚧蚜小蜂Coccophagus japonicus Compere与蓝色长盾金小蜂Scutellista caerulea Fonscolombe分别是橡副珠蜡蚧Parasaissetia nigra Nietner的内寄生与外寄生天敌,为了明确寄主龄期、寄生蜂比例、温度对两种蜂联合防治橡副珠蜡蚧效果的影响,作者在室内进行了3因子5水平的正交试验。结果表明：寄主龄期、寄生蜂比例、温度对日本食蚧蚜小蜂和蓝色长盾金小蜂联合控害效果均有显著影响;各因子影响两蜂对蚧虫总寄生率的主次水平为寄生蜂比例>温度>寄主龄期;最优处理组合为橡副珠蜡蚧若蚧：成蚧=1：1,温度27 ℃,单独接蚜小蜂。本研究旨在为两蜂的室外联合释放提供理论依据。     

寄生蜂的滞育研究进展

寄生蜂在农林害虫生物防治中至为重要,调控其发育对提高产品贮存期、延长控害时间、适时防治等具有积极意义。本文列举并分析了127种寄生蜂的滞育特点,总结了近年来的相关研究进展,归纳出：（1）温度与光周期是影响滞育状态的关键因子,寄主及营养状态会影响滞育;（2）滞育敏感虫态多为滞育虫态的前一个发育时段;（3）部分种类存在母代效应,其子代抗逆性与适应力更强;（4）通过滞育延长寄生蜂产品的货架期是可行的,滞育贮存期最长可达16个月;（5）滞育后生物学研究表明,滞育解除后当代及子代的生防性能提升,但也付出种群死亡率增高的代价。在此基础上对寄生蜂滞育研究进行了展望。     

囊泡病毒和类囊泡病毒及其与寄生蜂之间的关系

囊泡病毒(ascoviruses)和类囊泡病毒(ascovirus-like viruses)通过寄生蜂para-sitoid wasp的产卵行为而散布于鳞翅目Lepidoptera幼虫体内,它与寄生蜂的关系多种多样。大部分的囊泡病毒和类囊泡病毒都是致病性的,由雌蜂携带传播。一些囊泡病毒和类囊泡病毒则是互利共生生物,其基因稳定地存在于寄生蜂的细胞核中,世代间垂直传播,通过抑制鳞翅目幼虫的防御机制来促进幼蜂的成功发育。囊泡病毒DpAV4则根据所处的寄生体系可以是致病性病毒、互利型或共生非致病性病毒。各种生物学特性显示囊泡病毒与寄生蜂之间的关系取决于寄生蜂控制病毒复制的调节因子,囊泡病毒与寄生蜂的关系类型依赖于它们之间关系得以进化的种类系统。