Migration of diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella,across the Bohai Sea in northern China

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), is one of the most destructive pest species of cruciferous vegetables worldwide. Previous studies on the migration of P. xylostella in China were mostly carried out in its ‘year-round breeding region’ (YBR) or ‘winter diapause region’ (WDR). However, the pattern of monthly movements in its ‘summer breeding region’ (SBR) (i.e. northern China, where they cannot overwinter) remains unknown. Here we present data from an 11-year study of P. xylostella made by searchlight trapping on Beihuang (BH) Island in the center of the Bohai Strait, which provides direct evidence that P. xylostella moths must have been migrants, and undertook regular long-distance migration across the sea. There was considerable annual and monthly variation in the number of P. xylostella trapped on BH, with the vast majority was trapped in the summer. The mean time from the earliest trapping to the latest trapping within a year was 117 ± 19 d in the five mass-migration years, with the shortest time span of 51 d in 2005 and the longest of 157 d in 2010. Some females trapped in May and June showed a relatively higher proportion of having mated and a degree of ovarian development suggesting that the migration of this species is not completely bound by the ‘oogenesis-flight syndrome’. These findings provide a good starting point of research on P. xylostella migration between its WDR (or YBR) and SBR, which will help us develop more effective regional management strategies against this pest.     

Determinants of parasitoid assemblages of the diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella,in cabbage farmer fields in Senegal

Conservation biological control, which fosters the optimal use of indigenous natural enemies, is a promising way for reducing pesticide reliance in horticultural systems. A two-year field survey was conducted in the main cabbage-producing area in Senegal (Niayes) to assess the potential of indigenous parasitoids to control populations of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera, Plutellidae). Results showed an overall low level of parasitism (11.7%) which was independent of host abundance, but was highly variable among fields (0–50%). Parasitism was predominant in the late part of dry season. Insecticide use, mostly relying on broad-spectrum insecticides, had a negative effect on the overall parasitism rate. Observations conducted throughout the cabbage crop cycle showed that parasitism unexpectedly decreased with crop aging (from 41 to 60 days post transplanting), likely due to repeated insecticide applications. Four main parasitoid species including Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov) (Eulophidae) (48.8%), Apanteles litae Nixon (Braconidae) (32.5%), Brachymeria sp. (Chalcididae) (11.3%), and Cotesia vestalis Haliday (Braconidae) (7.3%) were identified. Parasitism due to O. sokolowskii was greater during the first part of the dry season whereas parasitism due to A. litae was greater during the second part of the dry season. Parasitism due to Brachymeria sp. was not affected by time of season but was greater in the Centre and North than in the South of Niayes. Parasitism due to C. vestalis was equal in the three zones but was higher in the late part of the dry season. The diversity of parasitoids was constant across zones but was greater during the second part of dry season. A positive relationship between diversity (Shannon diversity index H′) and parasitism rate was observed, suggesting a positive effect of parasitoid diversity on natural pest control. Parasitoids have a promising role to play as biocontrol agents of P. xylostella populations in Senegal, provided significant changes to current insecticide use are made. Better knowledge of their resource requirements including crop and non-crop habitats, and provision of these in and around crops is also needed.     

The potential for pheromone-based monitoring to predict larval populations of diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella (L.), in canola (Brassica napus L.)

Numbers of adult diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), captured in pheromone-baited traps may predict the density of damaging larval stages in canola, Brassica napus L. Two years of season-long experiments in Alberta, Canada compared captures of male moths in traps baited with commercial pheromone to larval densities. Significant relationships between moth catch and larval density were infrequent and generally curvilinear indicating that moth numbers were not directly related to larval density. Stronger relationships occurred late season and may indicate that population establishment is necessary before moth capture can predict larval populations. Relationships between moth capture and immature stages sampled at the same time were similar to those sampled two weeks later. A statistically similar number of moths was captured throughout the season in traps baited with lures changed at 6- versus 3-week intervals. During years of moderate and low populations of diamondback moth in canola, moth counts from one pheromone-baited trap per field are sensitive enough to detect densities of immature stages and are more accurate than sweep net sampling. Experiments have contributed to the development of a monitoring system to forecast P. xylostella densities in canola, but research of additional variables may help to develop a consistent relationship between moth catch and larval and pupal densities.     

Laboratory selection for resistance with phenthoate and fenvalerate in the diamond-back moth,Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae)

Diamond-back moth was tested for resistance to phenthoate and fenvalerate. The Okinawa (OKR) strain had decreased in insecticide resistance to all insecticides tested, except methomyl, and this species and the Osaka susceptible (OSS) strain of the diamond-back moth were selected for resistance to phenthoate utilizing the spraying method. High levels of resistance to phenthoate could be obtained after eight selections during nine generations. At LD₅₀ and LD₉₅ levels, the OKR-selected (OKR-R) strain exhibited 172- and 287-fold resistance to phenthoate, while the OSS-selected (OSS-R) strain exhibited 194- and 289-fold resistance, respectively. No significant difference in the rate of development of phenthoate resistance between the OKR-R and OSS-R strains was observed. On the other hand, selection for resistance with fenvalerate in the OKR strain was limited: only slight resistance could be obtained after 16 selection treatments for 23 generations.     

杀虫剂对小菜蛾幼虫的毒力研究

采用浸叶法测定10种杀虫剂对海南省海口、三亚、儋州小菜蛾田间种群的毒力。结果表明：10种药剂对海口地区小菜蛾3龄幼虫的毒力LC50大小顺序为：Bt＞氟啶脲＞多杀菌素＞茚虫威＞虫螨腈＞阿维菌素＞丁醚脲＞虫酰肼＞杀螟丹＞高效氯氰菊酯;三亚地区小菜蛾3龄幼虫的毒力LC50大小顺序为：Bt＞多杀菌素＞氟啶脲＞茚虫威＞虫螨腈＞阿维菌素＞虫酰肼＞丁醚脲＞杀螟丹＞高效氯氰菊酯;儋州地区小菜蛾3龄幼虫的毒力LC50大小顺序为：Bt＞多杀菌素＞茚虫威＞氟啶脲＞虫螨腈＞阿维菌素＞丁醚脲＞虫酰肼＞杀螟丹＞高效氯氰菊酯。3个地区     

Evaluation of effect of PxGV-Taiwanii on cabbage moth Plutella xylostella (Lep.: Plutellidae) in laboratory conditions

The effect of one entomopathogenic virus (PxGV) was studied on cabbage moth Plutella xylostella with hope to find management strategies of this insect, based on biological control. Bioassay showed that, this virus has high virulence and can be considered as the important agents on the control of this insect. The LC50 value of PxGV for second instar larvae of cabbage moth was calculated 448.58 g mm(-2). The LT50 values for the same larvae with 749.89 and 1883.65 g mm(-2) doses of PxGV were 6.04 and 6.85 days, respectively.     

Effect of neemarin on life table indices of Plutella xylostella (L.)

The effects of neemarin at 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg l⁻¹ on the life table indices of Plutella xylostella (L.) were studied on cauliflower in the laboratory. Survivorship was increased with increasing concentrations. A total of 69% eggs hatched at 20 mg l⁻¹ compared 85% in the control. Mortality (d_x) of 1st instars was higher than the other instars in both exposed and unexposed individuals. Life expectancy (e_x) was high in the untreated control and reduced at 20 mg l⁻¹. Development times of immatures were prolonged to 32 days at 20 mg l⁻¹ as compared to 18.6 days in the untreated control. Neemarin significantly reduced the emergence of adults. Potential fecundity (P_f) was 34 females/female/generation at 20 mg l⁻¹ and 92 in the control. The net reproductive rate (R₀) was significantly reduced with the increase in concentration. The intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) and finite rate of increase (λ) were significantly decreased at 20 mg l⁻¹ as compared to other concentrations tested and in the control. Mean generation time (T_c) and corrected generation time (τ) were prolonged at 20 mg l⁻¹ and significantly differed to those of the untreated control. Doubling time (DT) was significantly extended to 28.4 days at 20 mg l⁻¹ as compared to 6.1 days in the control.     

Sublethal effects of spinosad and emamectin benzoate on larval development and reproductive activities of the cabbage moth,Mamestra brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Lepidopteran insect pest management has relied heavily on synthetic chemical pesticides, but their efficiency is declining as a result of emerging insecticide resistance. Recently biopesticides have become the most promising products employed in pest management strategies. We investigated the sublethal effects of two bioinsecticides, spinosad and emamectin benzoate, on larval and pupal development, and reproductive activity including calling behaviour, pheromone production, fecundity and fertility of the cabbage moth, Mamestra brassicae. To assess sublethal effects, second instar larvae were fed with 0.005, 0.05, or 0.5 μg a.i. spinosad/g diet or 0.00005, 0.0005, or 0.005 μg a.i. emamectin benzoate/g diet. Both bioinsecticides significantly increased larval and pupal development time and negatively affected reproductive activity of M. brassicae. The calling activity of females decreased very significantly in the highest sublethal concentration of spinosad and in all treatments by emamectin benzoate. The results suggest that, both spinosad and emamectin benzoate are promising alternatives to conventional insecticides for the control of M. brassicae if successfully introduced into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.     

Effect of the insect growth regulator novaluron on diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), and its indigenous parasitoids

Research to evaluate effective and selective insecticides through periodic screening is needed to strengthen diamondback moth (DBM) (Plutella xylostella L.) management. The efficacy of the insect growth regulator novaluron on DBM and effects on the parasitoids Diadegma sp. (Hym.: Ichneumonidae), Apanteles sp. (Hym.: Braconidae) and Oomyzus sokolowskii Kurdjumov (Hym.: Eulophidae) were evaluated. Novaluron was compared with the microbial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) var. aizawai, the pyrethroid insecticide λ- cyhalothrin and the organophosphate insecticide profenofos. Two replicated experiments were conducted on head cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. capitata, planted in March and May 2007 at Wonji in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Infestation by DBM was less with novaluron and Bt compared with other treatments for both planting dates. Infestation with λ-cyhalothrin and profenofos was comparable with the untreated control. Yields were greatest with novaluron and were 80 and 32.5% (12.4 and 7.4 t ha⁻¹) greater than the untreated treatment for the first and second plantings, respectively. Diadegma sp. accounted for 91% of the parasitoid complex observed. Parasitism of DBM by Diadegma sp. ranged between 10 and 43% among treatments. Parasitism was less with λ-cyhalothrin and profenofos compared with other treatments. Owing to its efficacy against DBM and relative safety to its parasitoid, Diadegma sp., novaluron can be used in integrated DBM management for low elevation brassica production in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia.     

甘蓝型油菜萌发期低温耐性相关性状的配合力、遗传效应及杂种优势分析

为了利用杂种优势改良油菜的低温耐性,本研究以10个低温耐性不同的甘蓝型油菜品系为亲本,按照NCⅡ配制5×5杂交组合,对低温胁迫下各萌发性状(发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数以及平均发芽时间)的配合力、遗传参数和杂种优势进行分析.结果表明:不同杂交组合在9℃下各萌发性状存在显著差异,而在22℃差异不显著;P2(宁油18)、P7(...     

Relative toxicity of insecticides to the crucifer pests Plutella xylostella and Myzus persicae and their natural enemies

The widespread and intensive use of conventional pesticides, particularly insecticides, presents a major risk to natural enemies of target pests, as well as to the environment in general. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential intrinsic toxicity of insecticides to two key pests of crucifers, Plutella xylostella and Myzus persicae and their respective hymenopteran parasitoids, Cotesia vestalis and Aphidius colemani. Such knowledge can help inform effective integration of insecticides and biological control in IPM systems. Three insecticides generally regarded as being compatible with natural enemies (abamectin, spinosad and indoxacarb) and one compound regarded as harmful to natural enemies (lambda-cyhalothrin) were examined. A comparative measure of the intrinsic toxicity of fresh deposits of insecticides on Chinese cabbage leaf discs was determined for both pest and parasitoids species after exposure to insecticide for 24 h and 120 h, and after 24 h exposure to insecticide plus 96 h on untreated leaf discs. Differences in the susceptibility of pests and parasitoids to different insecticides were marked for P. xylostella and C. vestalis, LC₅₀ values being significantly lower for the pest species. Such differences were not observed for M. persicae and A. colemani. There was a direct relationship between dose, exposure time and toxicity for all insecticides tested. All insecticides tested showed lower toxicity to both parasitoids compared with P. xylostella, which suggests that for this pest species side-effects on parasitoids can be minimised through IPM practices that reduce exposure time to such non-target organisms.     

20种热带植物乙醇提取物对小菜蛾产卵驱避和拒食作用

测定20种热带植物提取物对小菜蛾实验种群的产卵驱避和拒食作用。结果表明：含羞草、腰果、菠萝蜜、油梨、人心果、飞机草6种提取物有较好的拒食活性,其选择性和非选择性拒食率均达40％以上;在选择性试验中,菠萝蜜、含羞草、腰果3种提取物有较好的产卵驱避作用,干扰作用控制指数均低于0.4;在非选择性试验中,菠萝蜜、含羞草、人心果、腰果4种提取物有较好的产卵驱避作用,干扰作用控制指数均低于0.02。     

Biological study of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep: Plutellidae) and it's solitary endoparasitoid, Cotesia vestalis (Haliday) (Hym. Braconidae) under laboratory conditions

Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep: Plutellidae), is a destructive pest of brassicaceous crops in the world. Cotesia vestalis (Haliday) is one of most important biological control agents of P. xylostella in the world and Iran. Both of P. xylostella and C. vestalis biology were carried out in laboratory condition. Results showed that development time of immature stages of P. xylostella including egg, Instar I, Instar II, Instar III, Instar IV, prepupa, pupa were 2.39 +/- 0.17, 2.18 +/- 0.17, 2.06 +/- 0.28, 2.14 +/- 0.14, 2.54 +/- 0.12, 0.40 +/- 0.12 and 4.23 +/- 0.23 days, respectively. Longevity of female and male were 28.26 +/- 0.05 and 30.22 +/- 0.05 days. By dissecting the parasitized larvae, the egg incubation period of C. vestalis was recorded 1.73 +/- 0.06 days. In long-term oviposition trials, females laid eggs on P. xylostella larvae for up to 10 days. Larval development of the parasitoid in host only required 6.47 days: the first instar larva required 3.25 +/- 0.047 days; the second instar larva needed 2.78 +/- 0.1 days and the third instar larvae exited the host and pupated in, 0.4 +/- 0.07 days. Prepupal and pupal period of wasp were 1.9 +/- 0.06 and 2.13 +/- 0.09 day, respectively. Unmated female and male longevity of wasp were 16.83 +/- 0.37, 16.25 +/- 0.17 and sex ratio is male-biased. When a mixed group and isolated of instars were presented for parasitoid, the 2nd and 3rd instar larvae were so preferred and the 4th instar was less attractive for selection. In choice experiment, the percentage parasitism of 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars was 78.58, 69.94 and 4.36%, respectively. The rapid oviposition rate, short life duration and high percentage parasitism increases parasitoid potential for suppression of host population. Present results suggest that C. vestalis has considerable potential as a biological control agent for P. xylostella.     

甘蓝型油菜主要农艺和产量性状的杂种优势及其分离世代的分析

利用1个细胞质雄性不育恢复系垦C1为父本,与2个不同来源的保持系配置杂交种F1,并构建了F2和F2∶3家系,对重要农艺和产量性状的杂种优势及其在分离世代的分离情况进行分析。对2个群体杂交种F1两年的杂种优势分析结果表明,单株产量、单株角果总数、一次分枝角果数等具有显著的正向杂种优势。在单株产量的3个构成因素中,单株角果总数杂种优势最强,而且不同群体、不同年份结果一致;每角粒数、千粒重的优势较小,而且不同群体、不同年份结果一致。对F2和F2∶3家系杂种优势的分析结果表明,重要农艺和产量性状如单株产量、小区产量、单株角果总数、一次分枝角果数等比杂种F1杂种优势显著降低,出现严重的分离现象。另一方面,各重要农艺性状的杂种优势同样存在丰富的变异,最大值与最小值间相差显著。在分离群体中还出现了超优亲现象,这为育种选择提供了丰富的遗传变异材料。     

Monitoring resistance of field populations of diamondback moth Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) to five insecticides in South China: A ten-year case study

Diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.) is a cosmopolitan pest of crucifers and it is particularly notorious for its resistance to commonly used insecticides. To provide a basis for future resistance management strategies, this study evaluated the resistance status of this pest to five insecticides, namely abamectin, β-cypermethrin, fipronil, monosultap and phoxim, in South China from 1999 to 2009 with 4-6 populations tested each year. Laboratory bioassays using a standard leaf-dip method were conducted on 3rd instar larvae which were the progeny of field collected insects. LC₅₀ values were estimated by probit analysis and resistance factors were calculated by comparing the field populations with a fully insecticide-susceptible lab population. The results showed that the diamondback moth populations generally had low resistance to abamectin from 1999 to 2005, but that resistance increased significantly during 2007-2009 with resistance factors as high as 122.4. Resistance factors for β-cypermethrin in 35 populations tested were high to very high in all 10 years with values ranging from 32.2 to 683.6. Resistance to fipronil had a progressive increase and increased markedly from 2007 to 2009 with one resistance factor of 56.1. Resistance to monosultap was low in 2004, but increased progressively from 2007 to 2009 with one resistance factor of 129.1. Resistance to phoxim was low to moderate from 2004 to 2008, but was moderate and high in 2009 with resistance factors ranging from 58.7 to 129.1. These results indicate that resistance of diamondback moth populations to most commonly used insecticides in South China has increased and is now generally high.     

Efficacy of endophytic and applied Metarhizium anisopliae (Metch.) Sorokin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) against larvae of Plutella xylostella L. (Yponomeutidae: Lepidoptera) infesting Brassica napus plants

The internal colonization of Brassica napus plants by Metarhizium anisopliae was demonstrated and the endophytic and direct effects of the fungus against Plutella xylostella larvae were assessed. Internal colonization of the plant by the fungus was shown by re-isolating the fungus from leaves, petioles and stems of the plant that were not the initial site of inoculation. Results indicated that significant differences (at P = 0.05) were obtained in mean % successful re-isolation of the fungus from leaves, petioles and stems at 2, 3 and 4 weeks after inoculation. To assess the endophytic effect of the fungus, larvae of P. xylostella were introduced onto plant leaves distant from the initial site of inoculation with the fungus (one leaf per plant). Results indicated that significant differences (at P = 0.05) were obtained in mean % mortality of larvae that were introduced at 2, 3 and 4 weeks after inoculation compared to the non-inoculated control. Similar significant results were obtained when the direct effect of the fungus against the larvae was assessed. In conclusion, this research provides evidence for the first time of the endophytic action of M. anisopliae against P. xylostella larvae and the ability of the fungus to colonize the internal tissues of B. napus plants.     

初花期干旱对甘蓝型油菜生理和农艺性状的影响

初花期是油菜生殖生长的关键时期。为研究干旱对这一时期油菜的影响,在人工控水条件下(当土壤含水量为田间持水量的45%~50%时计为干旱胁迫开始,处理持续10d,然后复水;CK正常灌水,保持田间持水量在80%~85%),利用4个具有不同耐旱性的甘蓝型油菜品种浔油8号、阳光2009、浙油50和华油杂13号,研究生理特性、农艺性状和产量的变化。结果表明,在干旱胁迫10d后,耐旱性品种(浔油8号和阳光2009)的叶片SPAD值、可溶性蛋白质、MDA含量变幅不大,可溶性糖含量小幅下降,CAT酶活性小幅增加,游离脯氨酸含量显著增加(其中浔油8号和阳光2009分别比对照增加了4.1倍和2.9倍)。相比之下,敏感性品种(浙油50和华油杂13号)的叶片SPAD值、可溶性蛋白质和可溶性糖含量均显著减少,MDA含量显著增加,CAT酶活性变幅不大,游离脯氨酸含量显著增加,但增幅小于耐旱品种。初花期干旱影响油菜的主要农艺性状和产量,表现为敏感性品种的株高、一次分枝数、相对分枝高、主花序长、主花序角果数、角果长、单株角果数、角果粒数和单株产量均显著下降,而且降幅明显大于耐旱性品种。     

Leaf effects of wild species ofSolanum and interspecific hybrids on growth and behaviour of the potato tuber moth,Phthorimaea operculella Zeller

Summary Four introductions ofSolanum berthaultii wild species and sevenS. tuberosumxS. berthaultii hybrids were evaluated by antibiosis and antixenosis laboratory tests with potato tuber moth. Some morphological and chemical traits related to the trichomes were analysed. Two clones of the wild speciesS. sparsipilum and five ofS. pinnatisectum, characterised by high tuber resistance, were tested for leaf resistance, both by antibiosis and antixenosis assays. The genotypes with high density of trichomes A and with high exudate PPO activity, showed a moderate negative effect on pupal weight and fecundity in the antibiosis tests. Trichomes B exudate showed a strong repulsive effect on oviposition of adult in the antixenosis tests. TheS. pinnatisectum clones revealed a good leaf resistance level, whereas theS. sparsipilum clones showed lower levels of antibiosis and antixenosis.     

空间条件对没菜诱变效果的研究——突变类型的观察与筛选

利用返回式地球卫星搭载甘蓝型油菜种子的试验表明,空间条件对油菜种子具有诱导性状变异的作用,许多由空间条件诱导的性状变异能够传递给后代。通过对变异后代进行田间筛选,获得早熟、丰产、黄色种皮等突变类型,为油菜品种改良提供了丰富的遗传变异基础材料。     

施用PL-2对油菜产量及主要性状的影响

在油菜抽薹初期叶面喷施生长调节剂PL-2 1 500mL/hm2,可使植株矮化25.2cm,各叶节间长度趋于均衡,防倒效果明显.薹茎下部表皮开裂减少,有利于预防菌丝侵染,增强抗病能力,菌核病发病率比对照减少30.3个百分点.PL-2有利于改善油菜植株冠层结构,提高光合效率,菜籽产量比未喷PL-2对照增产9.23%～13.28%,达显著水平.