Geographic variation in pheromone component ratio and antennal responses,but not in attraction,to sex pheromones among fall armyworm populations infesting corn in Mexico

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most important pests of corn in Latin America. This insect presents two strains with behavioural and genetic differences. In Mexico, both strains are present, and at least two different FAW populations have been reported within the corn-strain. The objective of this study was to gather evidence of whether pheromonal communication varies among different S. frugiperda populations infesting corn in Mexico. First, we investigated any qualitative or quantitative difference in the composition of sex pheromones among populations; second, we studied whether male antennal responses to pheromone components vary among populations; and, finally, we investigated whether males from a region can discriminate between a synthetic pheromone blend characteristic of their region and blends formulated with the ratio of pheromone compounds emitted by females from other populations. Sex pheromone components were sampled by solid-phase microextraction and identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Females from all populations consistently released three compounds: (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:OAc), (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:OAc) and (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z7-12:OAc). Our results showed that Z9-14:OAc and Z7-12:OAc evoked the highest and most variable antennal responses among the populations studied compared to Z11-16:OAc. However, males did not discriminate between local pheromone blends and those formulated from other populations in a field test. These results show that although there is geographic variation in the ratio of pheromone components and in the peripheral reception of them, males were not differentially attracted to different pheromone blends in the field.     

Individual leaf area estimations of a dioecious tropical tree species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carpotroche brasiliensis</Emphasis> (Raddi) A. Gray,Achariaceae

Carpotroche brasiliensis is a dioecious tree species native of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. Due to medical and industrial use of the oil extracted from its seeds, C. brasiliensis has a great potential for cultivation as non-timber forest product in agroforestry systems. This study was conducted with the objective to analyze the leaf dimensions of male and female adult trees and seedlings of C. brasiliensis. Two hypotheses were tested: (a) leaf dimensions do not differ between male and female adult genotypes; and (b) it is possible to develop single regression models for predicting leaf area (LA) from dimensional variables encompassing male and female adult genotypes and seedlings. LA, leaf length (L) and maximum leaf width (W) were measured in leaves collected from seven male and seven female adult genotypes and three seedling lots. The feasibility of using a single model for leaves of males and females, and seedlings and adults, was tested by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The prediction errors (PE) for each of the regression models were calculated from the cross-validation method. The average values of L, W and LA were, respectively, 136, 142 and 457 % higher in adults than in seedlings, and the average values of leaf shapes (L:W) of seedlings were intermediate between the average values of L:W of adult males and females. The average values of L did not differ between adult males and females, but significant differences were observed between males and females for W, LA and L:W (both p < 0.01, nested ANOVA). The mean L:W values of adult males and females, and seedlings, indicate that leaf shape should be used as a criterion for sex differentiation in this species. It was not possible to develop single models encompassing adult males and females, and seedlings; but high accurate predictive models of LA from L × W measurements were developed for adult males (R² = 0.98, PE = 0.69, n = 350), adult females (R² = 0.98, PE = 0.01, n = 350), and seedlings (R² = 0.99, PE = 6.80, n = 150).     

Inhibitory components from the buds of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) on melanin formation in B16 melanoma cells

In the course to find a new whitening agent, we evaluated the methanol extract from bud of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) on melanin formation in B16 melanoma cells. Eugenol and eugenol acetate were isolated as the active compounds and showed melanin inhibition of 60% and 40% in B16 melanoma cell with less cytotoxicity at the concentration of 100 and 200 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, an essential oil prepared from the bud of clove, which contain eugenol and eugenol acetate as dominant components, showed melanin inhibition of 50% and 80% in B16 melanoma cells at the concentration of 100 and 200 μg/mL, respectively.     

Effect of resin content and pressure on the performance properties of rubberwood-kenaf composite Board Panel

The possibility of manufacturing rubberwood and kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) stem medium density fibreboard (MDF) panels at different pressure and resin content were investigated. The effect of mechanisms of interacted independent variables (resin content and pressure) on MDF properties was analyzed. The board performance was evaluated by measuring internal bond (IB) strength, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), water absorption (WA) and thickness swell (TS). The test results were statistically analyzed by using response surface method (RSM) to determine the significant independent variables that influenced MDF properties. A mathematical simulation or response surface models were developed to predict the MDF properties (MOR, MOE, IB, WA and TS). The obtained results showed that MDF density and all interactions between the experimental variables were significant factors that influenced the mechanical properties of MDF. At 8 bar and 14 % resin content, the MDF recorded WA of 83.12 % and TS of 20.2 %. It can be inferred that two parameters (resin content and pressure) had positive effect on physical and mechanical properties of MDF. We concluded that resin content show more significant effects on MDF manufacturing as compared to pressure parameters.     

Radial variation of wood cell features under different stocking densities management of two new clones of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis)

Wood characteristics vary from pith to bark and this can influence the final use. These variations can be related to the effects of plantation management. The radial variation in fiber cells, vessel elements, and ray cells was investigated for a commercial and fast-grown species, the rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis), at varying stocking densities. Nine-year-old trees of two new clones (RRIM 2020 and RRIM 2025) were categorized into four stocking densities of 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 trees ha^?1. The sample blocks were anatomically analyzed to determine the changes in wood cells from pith to bark. The results generally showed a centrifugal increase in fiber features, vessel diameter, ray height, and ray area. Vessel density and ray density showed a decreasing trend. Vessel areas revealed a radial irregular variation. The ray area showed a striking relationship with ray density and ray height. Ray cell pattern indicated enough variation for visual approval to ensure within and between stocking density changes. Most radial variation was explained by the effect of cambial age. Owing to different stem width and growth rates, the mean cell features were not at the same radial distances from the pith.     

Properties of oriented strand board made from Betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper (Schultes.f) Backer ex Heyne)

Bamboo has gained increasing attention as an alternative raw material for use in the manufacture of composite boards. Three-layer OSBs were made using Betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper (Schultes.f) Backer ex Heyne) strands to evaluate the effects of strand length and pre-treatment techniques on the physical, mechanical, and durability properties. Three different strand lengths, namely 50, 60, and 70?mm, were prepared. Prior to the manufacture into OSB, the strands were immersed in cold water for 24?h and in 6% acetic anhydrides solution for 48?h. The OSBs were fabricated using 5% MDI resin based on the strand dry weight. The results indicated that MOR and MOE values in perpendicular to the grain direction were much influenced by strand length. The dimensional stability of OSB was slightly improved by immersing the strands in acetic anhydride solution. Immersing strands in cold water and acetic anhydride solution improved the resistance of OSB against subterranean termite (Macrotermes gylvus) attack under the adopted experimental condition. All OSB parameters manufactured in this experiment were better than the minimum requirement of CSA 0437.0 (Grade O–2) standard.     

Prevalence and effects of the cymothoid isopod (Ceratothoa oestroides,Risso 1816) on cultured meagre (Argyrosomus regius,Asso 1801) in the Eastern Adriatic Sea

Meagre (Argirosomus regius) is a relatively new farmed fish species in Croatian mariculture. This study is the first attempt to determine the prevalence of cymothoid isopod parasite Ceratothoa oestroides and its effects on cultured meagre in the Mediterranean area. When analysing growth of meagre at two sites in the central part of the Eastern Adriatic Sea, the greatest difference in total fish length was recorded in March 2016, when fish with parasites were 33% smaller than fish without parasites (24.47 ± 3.29 vs. 16.28 ± 1.01 cm; p < .001). The largest difference in mass was also recorded during sampling in March, when parasitized fish was 74% lighter than the unparasitized fish (171.75 ± 72.96 vs. 44.77 ± 6.57 g; p < .001). The presence of the cymothoid isopod in the buccal cavity was observed, and caused fish deformation throughout the entire duration of the study. Also, female parasites with pulli II in marsupium were found. Based on the determined prevalence and effects on production and health status, monitoring of the interaction between C. oestroides and meagre should be considered in future management plans for cultivation of this promising species for Mediterranean aquaculture.