Effects of Artemisia annua L. (Asteracea) on nutritional physiology and enzyme activities of elm leaf beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola Mull. (Coleoptera: Chrysomellidae)

Methanolic extract of Artemisia annua L., a weed collected around paddy fields in north of Iran, was investigated for its toxic effects on: feeding, growth, fecundity, fertility including the biochemical characteristics of elm leaf beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola Mull. The toxicity tests indicate that insecticidal effect was 2.4-fold higher in 3rd instar larvae than in adults. The LC₅₀ was 48% and 43.77% of a methanolic leaf extract at 24 and 48 h, respectively. The feeding deterrence was highest at 10% concentration and lowest at 0.625% for 3rd instar larvae and adults during the first 24 h and decreased thereafter. Larval duration significantly increased at higher concentrations. Larval treatment with 10% methanolic extract resulted in deformed adults (adultoids) with drastic changes in gross morphology of female reproductive system. Food digestion and assimilation significantly decreased in adults. Larval duration and adult fecundity and fertility were also significantly reduced. Twenty-four hours after treating 3rd instar larva with the extract the levels of glucose, protein, urea, uric acid, α-amylase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase significantly changed. However, at 48 h the extract lost its potency. The extract did not effect the level of cholesterol in treated larva. These results indicate that Artemisia annua L. extract contains inhibitors of key metabolic pathways that may be useful in future control of the elm leaf beetle.     

Pyrethroid resistance and esterase activity in three strains of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)

Microplate assay technique for estimation of esterase activity in a single insect was used in combination with dose mortality bioassays to detect pyrethroid resistance in three strains of Helicoverpa armigera and to study the frequency of pyrethroid resistant individuals within the population of the same strain at two larval stages, third and fifth instar. The third and fifth instar larvae of the field strains i.e., Nagpur strain and Delhi strain that displayed high degree of resistance towards deltamethrin, had higher esterase activity compared to a susceptible laboratory strain. The frequency distribution of individuals with elevated esterase activity above 1.00 absorbance unit was correlated with the resistance level of the strains. The frequency of resistant individuals in the third instar larvae of Nagpur strain and Delhi strain were 29% and 23%, respectively compared to 4% in the susceptible strain. The resistant individuals in the resistant strains have markedly increased in the fifth instar larvae with a frequency distribution of 63% and 90% in Delhi strain and Nagpur strain, respectively, while only 14% of individuals was found to have elevated esterase activity in the susceptible strain. The results demonstrated the role of esterase in pyrethroid resistance in H. armigera. Microplate assay proved to be a rapid and reliable biochemical technique for monitoring of pyrethroid resistance in H. armigera.     

Insecticidal action of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) against the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae

The effects of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) on development, fecundity, and mortality of the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), were determined. Also determined were the effects of PHA on the activity of gut enzymes involved in sugar and phosphorus metabolism (α- and β-glucosidase and alkaline and acid phosphatase) and on the feeding behavior of adult apterae.When added to a liquid diet, PHA increased the pre-reproductive period, decreased fecundity, and increased mortality of S. avenae. PHA also increased the developmental time and reduced the intrinsic rate of natural increase. The aphids fed on sucrose-agarose gels with higher concentrations of PHA lectin exhibited no phloem-feeding behavior. The number of the gel penetrations was reduced and duration of the pathways was increased by higher concentrations of PHA. In addition, activities of α-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase in homogenates of adult aphids were reduced. The results indicate that PHA has potential in a biotechnological approach to insect management.     

昆虫病原线虫对小地老虎的致病力测定及防治效果

为探讨应用昆虫病原线虫防治小地老虎技术的可行性,采用培养皿滤纸法比较9个品系的昆虫病原线虫对小地老虎幼虫的致病力,同时通过盆栽试验验证了斯氏线虫属小卷蛾斯氏线虫Steinernema carpocapsae NC116品系、芫菁夜蛾斯氏线虫S.feltiae SF-SN品系和异小杆线虫属嗜菌异小杆线虫Heterorhabditis bacteriphora H06品系的保苗效果和防治效果,并测定了苦参碱与NC116品系混用对小地老虎3龄幼虫的联合作用效果。结果表明,NC116品系对小地老虎3龄幼虫致病力最高,其对3龄、4龄和5龄的LD50分别为2.4、7.5、和31.2条/头,表明随小地老虎幼虫龄期递增,其致病力下降。盆栽玉米苗上分别施用线虫100~200条/头时,对玉米保苗效果及对小地老虎3龄幼虫的控制效果依次为NC116H06SF-SN。0.8 mg/L苦参碱和NC116品系混用后,可使小地老虎3龄幼虫死亡率提高109.89%,二者表现增效作用。     

Biological and biochemical responses of Biomphalaria alexandrina to some extracts of the plants Solanum siniacum and Artemisia judaica L.

The molluscicidal activity of cold water, boiled water, methanol, ethanol, acetone and chloroform extracts of Solanum siniacum and Artemisia judaica L. plants against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails was carried out. The tests revealed plant’s ethanol extract was more toxic to the snails than the other tested extracts. Therefore, it was tested against snails’ fecundity (M_x), reproduction rate (R₀) and their infection with Schistosoma mansoni miracidia. In addition, biochemical parameters and the activities of some enzymes in tissues of snails treated with the two tested plants were determined. As well, glucose concentration in snails’ hemolymph was evaluated. Exposure of B. alexandrina snails to plant’s ethanol extract led to a significant reduction in their survival and snails’ fecundity, reproduction rate. In addition, it caused a considerable reduction in the infectivity of S. mansoni miracidia to the snails. Also, it caused a reduction in number of cercariae per snail during the patent period and in the period of cercarial shedding. The results revealed that the glucose concentration in hemolymph and Lactate level in soft tissues of treated snails were increased (P < 0.001) while glycogen, total protein, the lipid content and the pyruvate level in snail’s tissues decreased (P < 0.001). The activities of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), pyruvatekinase (PK) and cytochrome oxidase (CY) enzymes in homogenate of snail’s tissues were reduced (P < 0.001) in response to treatment with the two tested plants while protease (PR) activity increased (P < 0.001). It is concluded that the application of LC₂₅ of ethanol extract of S. siniacum and A. judaica L. may be helpful in snail control as it interferes with the snails’ biology and physiology.     

多杀菌素亚致死浓度对小菜蛾解毒酶系活力的影响

采用多杀菌素亚致死浓度,以浸叶法分别处理小菜蛾Plutella xylostella (L.)敏感种群(SS)和亚致死选育种群 的3龄幼虫,分别测定饲喂处理6、12、24、48和72 h后小菜蛾体内羧酸酯酶(CarE)、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶(GST) 和多功能氧化酶(MFOs)的活性,分析了酶活性的变化动态。结果表明,SS种群小菜蛾CarE的活性在不同时间段波动较大,经多杀菌素处理后,开始时段比活力增加,随着处理时间的延长,比活力逐渐被抑制,Sub-SS种群的GarE活力高于SS种群;多杀菌素对GST具有明显的诱导作用,亚致死浓度处理后GSTs比活力呈上升趋势,且具有一定的时间效应;对细胞色素P450酶系的O-脱甲基酶活性具有明显的抑制作用,多杀菌素亚致死浓度连续处理5代后,该酶活性更低。     

Sublethal effects of larval treatment with deltamethrin on moth sex pheromone communication system of the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis

The first, third, and fifth instar larvae of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), were treated with a lethal dose 30% of deltamethrin to determine its sublethal effects on chemical communication of the adult survivors. The capability of all males surviving deltamethrin to contact the pheromone source in a wind tunnel was significantly reduced, but those treated as the first and third instars also exhibited lower percentages of `orientation,' `up-wind flight,' and `approaching' behaviors than the control males. Female moths from the deltamethrin treatment exhibited similar calling periodicity and percentages to the control moths during 10-h scotophase. However, approximately 20% of the females that survived the pyrethroid in the first and third instars contained significantly higher amounts of sex pheromone and wider coefficients of variation of the ratio of E12-tetradecenyl acetate to its Z isomer in those female survivors. There was no significant difference in the pheromone titers and coefficients of variation in control females and the females treated in the fifth instars. The present study indicates that the Asian corn borer may possess a compensation system by which the males that survived treatment at larval stage present a lower response to the pheromone, while the female survivors produce and release more pheromone.     

Biochemical and histological effects of gibberellic acid on Locusta migratoria migratoria fifth instar larvae

Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of gibberellic acid (GA₃), a plant growth regulator, on Locusta migratoria migratoria fifth instar larvae. Newly emerged larvae were exposed to various concentrations of GA₃ administered by topical application or by forced ingestion. Results showed that treated insects exhibited toxic symptoms with a dose-dependent mortality. GA₃ toxicity was also demonstrated by perturbation of the moult processes. In fact, we noted that treated insects present exuviations difficulties due to the impossibility to reject the old integuments causing mortality in the 5th instar larvae. Histological study of proventriculus revealed alterations in the epithelial cells and absence of apolysis phenomenon. Data also showed that GA₃ induced significant quantitative variation of haemolymph metabolites. These changes result in a significant decrease in the total concentration of proteins and carbohydrates and an increase in the total concentration of haemolymph lipids.     

Biological activity of the essential oil from the leaves of Piper sarmentosum Roxb. (Piperaceae) and its chemical constituents on Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Hispidae)

The results showed that the essential oil from Piper sarmentosum has strong antifeedant and toxicity effects on Brontispa longissima. The best antifeedant and contact toxicity effects were observed in the 1st-2nd instar larvae. The essential oil also displayed a notable fumigation effect on the eggs and pupae of B. longissima. It took the control-treated insects 43.34 d to complete one generation, while the insects treated with 2000 mg/L essential oil needed 73.58 d. The essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and 41 components were identified. Myristicin (65.22%) and trans-caryophyllene (13.89%) were the major components. Myristicin exhibited strong antifeedant and contact toxicity effects on both the 3rd instar larvae and the imagoes of B. longissima, when it showed a significant fumigation effect on the eggs and pupae of B. longissima. Another P. sarmentosum essential oil and myristicin all showed a strong inhibiting effect on the growth and development of B. longissima along with the activity of AChE, CarE, GSTs and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in B. longissima larvae.     

亚致死浓度氯虫苯甲酰胺对小菜蛾药剂敏感度和解毒酶活性的影响

采用叶片药膜法,使用亚致死浓度(LC10、LC25)的氯虫苯甲酰胺对小菜蛾Plutella xylostella(L.)3龄幼虫连续处理5代后,试虫对氯虫苯甲酰胺的敏感度分别比敏感品系下降了57.3% 和67.7%,同时对多杀菌素的敏感度也分别下降了60.2% 和51.5%,但对毒死蜱和高效氯氰菊酯的敏感度变化不明显。采用该浓度的氯虫苯甲酰胺分别处理小菜蛾3龄幼虫24、48和72 h,可诱导其羧酸酯酶(CarE)比活力上升,但对细胞色素P450 O-脱乙基酶(ECOD)、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶(GSTs)和芳基酰胺酶(AA)有明显的抑制作用;连续处理5代后,小菜蛾CarE和ECOD的比活力显著高于对照组,分别为对照组的1.16、1.40倍和1.65、1.56倍,但GSTs和AA的比活力则分别比对照下降了11.0%、27.5%和43.6%、52.5%。结果表明,小菜蛾对氯虫苯甲酰胺产生抗性的风险较高;羧酸酯酶和多功能氧化酶可能与小菜蛾对氯虫苯甲酰胺的敏感度下降有关。     

寄生Q型烟粉虱的丽蚜小蜂生长发育特性

为了阐明丽蚜小蜂Encarsia formosa对Q型烟粉虱的寄生特性及寄主植物携带病毒对其寄生的影响,采用微虫笼饲养法研究了寄生Q型烟粉虱的丽蚜小蜂生物学特性。结果显示,丽蚜小蜂寄生Q型烟粉虱3龄若虫时,其生长发育显著优于寄生Q型烟粉虱2龄若虫。丽蚜小蜂在感染黄化曲叶病毒（TYLCV）番茄和健康番茄上寄生Q型烟粉虱（分别为VW和NVW）3龄若虫时,其生长发育特性发生了明显变化。丽蚜小蜂以VW若虫为寄主时的寿命为10.25 d,显著长于寄生NVW的丽蚜小蜂寿命（5.90 d）;对VW和NVW后代3龄若虫的寄生率分别为23.81%和17.62%,致死率分别为38.95%和26.52%,差异均显著;而丽蚜小蜂的羽化率和发育历期不存在显著差异。说明丽蚜小蜂寄生Q型烟粉虱3龄若虫时更适宜其生长发育,寄主植物番茄携带TYLCV显著提高丽蚜小蜂对烟粉虱的寄生效果。     

Chiral β-arylalkyl-1H-1,2,4-triazoles as demethylase inhibitors: Biological evaluation and its stereoselective interaction with sterol 14α-demethylase from Penicillium digitatum

A series of chiral β-arylalkyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives were prepared and both their in vitro antifungal activities against Penicillium digitatum and binding activity toward CYP51 protein of P. digitatum (PdCYP51) were tested. In general, the in vitro inhibitory activities of R- and S-enantiomers were in good agreement with the corresponding binding activities in cultured cells. Furthermore, the preliminary molecular docking modeling of representative compounds are described to provide more insight into their stereoselective interaction, as well as further rationalize the observations of the activities of chiral azoles as demethylase inhibitors for defense against postharvest pathogens.     

Studies on the mechanisms responsible for variable toxicity of azinphosmethyl to various larval instars of the tufted apple budmoth, Platynota idaeusalis

The susceptibility of tufted apple budmoth larvae, Platynota idaeusalis, to azinphosmethyl decreases with each successive instar. A comparison between fifth and third instars showed that the fifth instars have a higher level of glutathione S-transferase activity per milligram of protein, a lower content of cytochrome P-450 per milligram of protein, and absorb a lesser percentage of and LD₀₁ dose than the third instar. Results of metabolism were consistent with these findings. In addition to these factors, the fifth instar larvae may have a threshold mechanism for eliminating penetrated azinphosmethyl from the body, unchanged. This allows the fifth instar larval population to withstand increasingly higher doses of azinphosmethyl without a proportional increase in mortality.     

注射大肠杆菌后草地贪夜蛾高龄幼虫的免疫应激反应

为采用生物技术防控草地贪夜蛾Spodoptera frugiperda的扩散为害,对草地贪夜蛾5龄和6龄幼虫注射浓度为1×109CFU/mL的大肠杆菌Escherichia coli菌液,并以注射等量磷酸盐缓冲液(phosphate buffer solution,PBS)和未做任何处理(CK)为对照,24 h后测定幼虫体重、集结数和酚氧化酶(phenoloxidase,PO)活性。结果显示,注射大肠杆菌菌液24 h后,草地贪夜蛾5龄和6龄幼虫体重均受到抑制,其体重分别为0.170 g和0.411 g,均显著低于CK的0.181 g和0.484 g;注射大肠杆菌菌液24 h后,草地贪夜蛾5龄和6龄幼虫集结数分别为135.0、338.4个索引集结数(the indexed nodules,INs),前者极显著低于后者,且均显著高于CK和PBS处理,分别为0.4、10.2个INs和0.3、10.9个INs;注射大肠杆菌菌液24 h后,草地贪夜蛾5龄幼虫PO活性为0.156 ABS·min-1·mg-1,显著高于CK和PBS处理,分别为0.046 ABS·min-1·mg-1和0.066 ABS·min-1·mg-1,但草地贪夜蛾6龄幼虫的PO活性为0.050 ABS·min-1·mg-1,显著低于CK和PBS处理,分别为0.066 ABS·min-1·mg-1和0.069 ABS·min-1·mg-1,且草地贪夜蛾5龄幼虫的PO活性显著高于6龄幼虫的PO活性。表明细菌侵染后草地贪夜蛾不同高龄幼虫的免疫应激反应存在差异,而这种差异可能受幼虫生长发育及细胞免疫和体液免疫功能之间权衡现象的影响。     

Toxic effects of novel organophosphorus insecticide (RPR-V) on certain biochemical parameters of euryhaline fish, Oreochromis mossambicus

The euryhaline fish, Oreochromis mossambicus was exposed to sub-lethal concentration (0.017 mg L⁻¹) of a novel phosphorothionate, 2-butenoic acid-3-(diethoxy phosphinothionyl) ethyl ester (RPR-V) for 30 days and allowed to recover for 7 days. Important biomarker enzymes were assayed in plasma, brain, gill, liver, kidney, and muscle during exposure tenures of day-3, -7, -15, -30, and also at 7 days (withdrawal) after stopping treatment. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities of brain, gill, and muscle were strongly inhibited by 67, 75, and 66%, respectively, on day-30. Exposure (time) dependent increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), acid phosphatase (AcP), and alkaline phosphatase (AkP), activities in plasma and kidney; AcP and AkP activities in gill were noticed. However, significant decrease in ALAT, ASAT, AcP, and AkP activities in liver was observed. The depletion of glycogen was observed in liver, brain, and gill tissues, an indication of typical stress related response of the fish with pesticide. A significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in gill and brain was observed and decreased in liver and muscle, indicating tissue damage and muscular harm. Depletion of glutathione (GSH) was observed in the above tissues, there by enhancing the lipid peroxidation resulting in cell damage. The induction in hepatic glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels indicates the protection against the toxicity of xenobiotic-induced lipid peroxidation. There was a significant recovery in all the above biochemical parameters, in all the tissues of fish after a recovery period of 7 days. These results revealed that RPR-V affects the intermediary metabolism of O. mossambicus and the increase of biomarker enzymes in plasma, might be due to the necrosis of liver.     

Biological and biochemical parameters of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails exposed to the plants Datura stramonium and Sesbania sesban as water suspensions of their dry powder

Four plant species, as a dry powder of their leaves, were tested against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni. The bioassay tests revealed the plants Datura stramonium and Sesbania sesban to be more toxic to the snails than the other two ones. Therefore, they were tested against snails’ fecundity (M_x), reproduction rate (R_o) and their infection with S. mansoni miracidia. In addition, total protein concentration and the activities of the transaminases (AsT and AlT) and phosphatases (AcP and AkP) enzymes in hemolymph and tissues of snails treated with these plants were determined. As well, glucose concentration in snails’ hemolymph was evaluated.Exposure of snails for 4 weeks to LC₁₀ and LC₂₅ of the plants D. stramonium and S. sesban dry powder markly suppressed their M_x and R_o. The reduction rates of R_o for snails exposed to LC₂₅ of these plants were 62.1% and 76.4%, respectively. As well, a considerable reduction in the infection rates of snails exposed to these plants either during, pre- or post-miracidial exposure was recorded. Thus, infection rates of snails treated during miracidial exposure with LC₁₀ of D. stramonium and S. sesban were 41.7% and 52.2%, respectively, compared to 92.6% for control group (P < 0.01). These plants, also, reduced the duration of cercarial shedding and cercarial production/snail. So, snails exposed to LC₂₅ of these plants shed 372.8 and 223.2 cercariae/snail, respectively, compared to 766.3 cercariae/infected control snail (P < 0.01).The results, also, revealed that glucose and total protein concentrations in hemolymph of snails treated with LC₁₀ and LC₂₅ of these plants were decreased, meanwhile, the activities of the enzymes AsT, AlT, AcP and AkP were elevated (P < 0.01). However, the activity of AcP in tissues of treated snails was decreased compared to that of control ones. It is concluded that LC₂₅ of the plants D. stramonium and S. sesban negatively interferes with biological and physiological activities of B. alexandrina snails, consequently it could be effective in interrupting and minimizing the transmission of S. mansoni.     

不同基质传代白僵菌对桑天牛幼虫的侵染力与寄主血淋巴酚氧化酶活性的关系

以诱集自土壤中、对桑天牛Apriona germari幼虫具有较高致病性的球孢白僵菌Beauveria bassiana Bb00为出发菌株R0,经反复接种桑天牛幼虫分别获得菌株R1、R2、R3和R4,而通过反复在普通查氏培养基上传代分别获得菌株M1、M2、M3和M4。分别用R0、R2、R4和M2、M4接种桑天牛幼虫,发现在普通培养基上传代会导致菌株致病力降低,而通过桑天牛幼虫传代培养可提高菌株的致病力。桑天牛幼虫感染白僵菌后,其免疫互作使酚氧化酶活性先迅速上升,随后因菌株的适应性增强而开始下降。用菌株M2、M4接种桑天牛幼虫后,其血淋巴酚氧化酶活性比接种R2和R4的高。各菌株引起的桑天牛幼虫酚氧化酶活性出现高峰值的时间与其LT50值具有一定的相关性,反映了各菌株不同的侵染速度;同时各菌株引起的酚氧化酶活性高峰值也与其LC50值高度相关。说明桑天牛幼虫血淋巴中酚氧化酶活性与不同菌株对桑天牛幼虫的毒力具有一定的相关性,同时酚氧化酶活性也可作为反映菌株毒力的一个重要参考指标。     

One-tenth dose of LC50 of 4-tert-butylphenol causes endocrine disruption and metabolic changes in Cyprinus carpio

Of the huge annual worldwide production (500,000 MT in 1997) of alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEs) that are widely used as nonionic surfactants and anti-oxidants in variety of products, 60% ends up in water bodies. They undergo biodegradation to form octyl-, butyl-, and nonyl-phenols. This experiment evaluated effects of 4-tert-butyl phenol (4-TBP) in Cyprinus carpio, a projected candidate species in sewage fed fisheries. The 96th h LC₅₀ of 4-TBP was found to be 6.9 mg/L. Fishes were treated with 1/10th (0.69 mg/L), 1/5th (1.38 mg/L), and 1/3rd (2.3 mg/L) dose of LC₅₀. Whereas there was significant (P < 0.01) decrease in alkaline phosphatase [EC 3.1.3.1] and aspartate aminotransferase [EC 2.6.1.1] activity; alanine aminotranferase [EC 2.6.1.2] and acid phosphatase [3.1.3.2] (except decrease at 1/10th dose of LC₅₀) activity, vitellogenin production in muscle and hepatic- and reno-somatic indices were increased compared to control. With all the dose levels tested, testicular-somatic index (testis size) was reduced (P < 0.01) and histo-architectural changes in testicular and liver tissue were found even in group given 1/3rd dose of LC₅₀.     

三种不同类型杀虫剂对家蚕的慢性毒性试验及评价方法初探

为了解农药对家蚕的慢性毒性影响,探索建立我国农药对家蚕的慢性毒性试验及评价方法体系,以3种不同类型的代表性杀虫剂高效氯氟氰菊酯、甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐和氟铃脲为代表药剂,针对家蚕进行了给药阶段、给药剂量及评价指标的系统研究。结果表明:慢性毒性试验中的给药阶段以2~3龄期为宜;给药剂量可为其急性毒性96 h-LC50值的1/50、1/100、1/200、1/400和1/800;主要评价指标应为结茧率。