Inhibition of ecdysis in Oncopeltus fasciatus by 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazones

[1-(2-Pyridinyl)ethylidene]hydrazide of 1-pyrrolidinecarbothioic acid (AI3-63967) and seven similar thiosemicarbazones applied topically to Oncopeltus fasciatus were toxic or prevented ecdysis in fifth instars without the appearance of supernumerary nymphs. Treatments with AI3-63967 did not affect weight gain of the nymphs but delayed by 2 days the rise in hemolymph ecdysteroids and reduced their maximal titer by ca. 40%. Restoration of the ecdysteroid titer by injections of makisterone A or 20-hydroxyecdysone did not prevent the molting aberrations. Treated fourth instars exhibited incomplete ecdysis followed by death and treated adults died within 9 days post-treatment. Apparently, this group of thiosemicarbazones acts by a mechanism different from that of juvenile hormone mimics or chitin synthesis inhibitors.     

Imidazole derivative KK-42 reduces ecdysteroid titers and interferes with reproductive processes in adult females of Tenebrio molitor

KK-42, an imidazole derivative considered as potent inhibitor of ecdysteroid biosynthesis, was tested on adult females of Tenebrio molitor. The compound was applied topically (0.1, 1, 5, and 10 μg/insect) on 0- or 2-day-old adult females or added to the culture medium (1 and 10 μM) of ovaries. To test the effect of KK-42 on the reproduction capacity, ovaries were explanted from 2- and 4-day-old females corresponding, respectively, to follicles at the beginning and the end of vitellogenesis. KK-42 treatment reduced the fecundity and the longevity of females, and in addition, it delayed oviposition and affected growth and development of oocytes as evidenced by measurements of the ovarian weight, the number of oocytes per ovaries, and the size of the basal follicle. Hence, the effects were stronger in newly emerged females compared to 2-day-old females. Interestingly, RH-0345, an ecdysteroid agonist, could partly restore the effects on reproductive events induced by KK-42. In a second series of experiments using an enzyme immunoassay to measure ecdysteroid titers, KK-42 reduced the amounts of ecdysteroids in ovaries after application on newly emerged adult females. In 2-day-old females, it caused a significant effect with the highest doses. In addition, the compound significantly reduced the amounts of ecdysteroid released into the culture medium by ovaries explanted from 2- or 4-day-old females. The results are discussed in relation to the mode of action of KK-42 on reproduction.     

Effect of pyriproxyfen on developing stages and embryogenesis of California red scale (CRS), Aonidiella aurantii

During the past decade, the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen has been the most used insecticide for controlling the California red scale (CRS), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), an important pest in citrus groves worldwide. The aim of the present research was to develop bioassays for determining the effect of pyriproxyfen on developing stages and embryogenesis of CRS that can serve as baselines for monitoring resistance. Pyriproxyfen was very effective against first- and second-instar nymphs of a susceptible strain of CRS; 0.1 and 0.2 mg AI L(-1), resulting in 80 and 100% mortality of first-instar nymphs, and in 62.5 and 91.7% mortality of second-instar nymphs respectively. According to probit analysis, the LC(50) and LC(90) values of pyriproxyfen for first-instar nymphs were 0.03 and 0.15 mg AI L(-1), and for second-instar nymphs they were 0.05 and 0.25 mg AI L(-1) respectively. Pyriproxyfen was quite effective on first-instar nymphs of a CRS field strain originating from a citrus grove where two successive applications of the compound had been applied. Mortality rates were 86 and 100% at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4 mg AI L(-1) respectively. Pyriproxyfen suppressed embryogenesis when CRS females were treated with pyriproxyfen. Young CRS females treated with 1.0 and 5.0 mg AI L(-1) pyriproxyfen produced 6.6 N(1)/F and 2.4 N(1)/F as compared with 10.9 N(1)/F in untreated control.     

Juvenile hormone analogs: In vitro metabolism in relation to biological activity in blow flies and flesh flies

Six juvenile hormone analogs of the alkyl 3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoate type were compared as substrates for esterases and oxidases prepared from homogenates of the flesh fly (Sarcophaga bullata) and blow fly (Phormia regina). The esterase system was able to hydrolyze all of the analogs except the isopropyl ester, known commercially as methoprene or ZR-515. This result was consistent with the biological activity of the analogs, methoprene being more effective in preventing pupal-adult ecdysis. The esterases were present in all life stages in both species with the adult (abdomens) containing the highest titers. According to their reaction with paraoxon, the enzymes are classified as C-type esterases. Microsomal oxidases prepared from adult abdomens metabolized all of the juvenile hormone analogs.     

Effects of gibberellic acid on ovarian biochemical composition and ecdysteroid amounts in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera,Acrididae)

Migratory locusts represent the most important crop pests in Africa and Asia. Because environmental damages are associated with the use of synthetic insecticides in locust and grasshopper control, new environmentally acceptable approaches are becoming increasingly important. The effects of gibberellic acid (GA₃), a plant growth regulator, was investigated by topical application and ingestion on the reproductive physiology and ecdysteroids production of the migratory locust Locusta migratoria at concentrations of 125, 625, 3125, 4125, 5125 and 6125 μg/mL. The treatment applied to adult females during the pre-ovipositional phase provokes a significant adverse influence on their reproductive potential. Indeed, GA₃ significantly reduced both fecundity and fertility. Gibberellic acid also caused disturbances in the incorporation of the hemolymph metabolites (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids) in the oocyte resulting in a significant reduction in their concentrations in the ovaries. Ecdysteroid production was measured by an enzymo-immunoassay. GA₃, administered by ingestion to the adult females, significantly reduced the ecdysteroid titers in ovaries and freshly laid eggs.     

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     

The toxicity of diflubenzuron to Oxya japonica (Willemse) and its effect on moulting

A laboratory evaluation of the acute toxicity of diflubenzuron against the final stage of Oxya japonica nymphs showed that it was more effective in preventing the development of the nymphs into the adults when applied topically, than when injected. Histological studies revealed that treated nymphs that subsequently died, before or during ecdysis, suffered from severe endocuticular lesions. Comparable abnormalities and disruption of endocuticular deposition and growth were also seen in nymphs that were treated topically with diflubenzuron at 50 or 200 μg a.i. per insect, although these nymphs appeared normal externally.     

Spatial and temporal distribution of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in citrus and impact on Homalodisca coagulata populations

Titers of two systemic neonicotinoid insecticides in citrus trees were measured in conjunction with conventional evaluations of their impact on glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca coagulata (Say); GWSS) populations. Xylem fluid samples were collected at regular intervals and from multiple locations within field-grown citrus trees to determine imidacloprid and thiamethoxam concentrations using commercial ELISA kits. Uptake profiles varied considerably with peak mean titers of imidacloprid occurring 6-8 weeks after application compared with 2 weeks for thiamethoxam. The persistence of each compound also varied as near-peak levels of imidacloprid were sustained for another 6-10 weeks before gradually declining. In contrast, thiamethoxam titers declined more rapidly after the initial peak, possibly reflecting an application rate only one-quarter of that used for imidacloprid. Within-tree distributions were more similar for the two compounds, with no significant effect due to height of the sample (upper or lower half) or to the quadrant location within the tree, with the exception of one quadrant in the thiamethoxam-treated trees. Substantial reductions in GWSS nymphs and adults were observed in imidacloprid-treated trees during the 2001 trial and were sustained for 4-5 months after treatment. Treatment effects on nymphs were not as well pronounced in the 2002 trial, when overall GWSS infestations were much reduced from the previous year. However, consistently lower adult infestations were still observed in 2002 for both treatments compared with untreated trees. Information on the spatial and temporal profiles in citrus trees was obtained for both compounds to complement field impact data and improve understanding of their pest management potential.     

Potential of imidacloprid to control four species of psocids (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) infesting stored grain

The effectiveness of the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid was evaluated against four psocid pests of stored grain. This research was undertaken because of the growing importance of psocids in stored grain and the need to identify methods for their control. The mortality and reproduction of adults of Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel, L. entomophila (Enderlein), L. decolor (Pearman) and L. paeta Pearman in wheat treated with imidacloprid were determined. There were five application rates (0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 mg AI kg(-1) grain) and an untreated control. There were significant effects of application rate on both adult mortality and reproduction for all four species, but the effect of imidacloprid was sometimes more pronounced on reproduction. Imidacloprid was most effective against L. bostrychophila, with 100% adult mortality after 7 d at 5 mg AI kg(-1), 14 d at 2 mg AI kg(-1) and 28 d at 0.5 and 1 mg AI kg(-1). No live progeny were produced at 2 mg AI kg(-1). For L. decolor, there was 100% adult mortality after 28 d at 10 mg AI kg(-1) and no live progeny were produced at 2 mg AI kg(-1). For L. entomophila, there was 100% adult mortality after 14 d at 10 mg AI kg(-1) and 28 d at 2 and 5 mg AI kg(-1). No live progeny were produced at 10 mg AI kg(-1). At 10 mg AI kg(-1) there was 100% mortality of L. paeta adults after 28 d exposure and no live progeny developed. Because reproduction at some application rates occurred only in the first 14 d of exposure, it is concluded that the application rate leading to population extinction was 1 mg AI kg(-1) for L. bostrychophila, 2 mg AI kg(-1) for L. decolor and L. entomophila and 5 mg AI kg(-1) for L. paeta. This study shows that imidacloprid has potential as a grain protectant to control all four Liposcelis species in stored grain.     

Ecdysone metabolism by soluble enzymes from three species of diptera and its inhibition by the insect growth regulator TH-6040

Homogenates of larvae, pupae, and adults of house flies (Musca domestica L.), flesh flies (Sarcophaga bullata Parker), and blow flies (Phormia regina (Meigen)) have been examined for enzymes which convert α- and β-ecdysone to apolar products. Most of the activity was found in the soluble fraction from house flies and flesh flies but none of the blow fly fractions was active. Two enzymes seem to be involved in the ecdysone metabolism, one requiring NADPH and the other functioning without this cofactor. The product of the latter enzyme is thought to be the 3-dehydro-ecdysone. This product is further converted to the 3α-hydroxy isomer of ecdysone by the NADPH-requiring enzyme. On feeding the insect growth regulator TH-6040 (1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)-urea) to larvae at dietary levels ranging from 0.3 to 10 ppm, the activity of the enzyme producing the 3-dehydro product is reduced by 20 to 82%. It is suggested that the growth regulator exerts its effect on pupal-adult ecdysis through its inhibition of ecdysone metabolism.     

Effects of a formulation of neem extract on six species of cockroaches (Orthoptera: Blaberidae,Blattidae and Blattellidae)

Margosine-0®, a commercial preparation of neem seed extract, was tested for its effects as a toxicant, growth inhibitor, or repellent against six species of cockroaches —Blatta orientalis L.,Blattella germanica (L.),Byrsotria fumigata Guérin-Méneville,Gromphadorhina portentosa (Schaum),Periplaneta americana (L.), andSupella longipalpa (F.) (Orthoptera: Blaberidae, Blattidae, and Blattel-lidae). Last-instar nymphs of these species fed Lab-Chow® pellets impregnated with neem extract at a rate of 0.5 ml/pellet showed increased mortality and retarded development. All lst-instar nymphs ofB, orientalis, B. germanica andS. longipalpa died after consuming treated Lab-Chow pellets. Topical application of 2 μl of Margosine-0 to the abdomens of last-instarB. orientalis nymphs, as well as injection of 0.5 μl, resulted in reduction of growth and increased mortality. Placing lst-instarB. orientalis nymphs on a surface treated with the neem extract had no notable effect. In a choice test,P. americana adults immediately preferred the pellets treated with 0.5 ml of neem extract, but pint cardboard cartons treated with 1.5 ml extract repelled them.     

5-取代苯甲酰基脲-3-哒嗪酮衍生物的合成及昆虫生长调节活性

哒嗪酮是一类具有良好生物活性的杂环,为进一步发现具有昆虫生长调节活性的新型化合物,依据前期研究成果,在3(2H)-哒嗪酮的5位上引入苯甲酰基脲活性基团,设计合成了17个5-取代苯甲酰基脲-3(2H)-哒嗪酮衍生物,并通过两种方法制备得到了目标化合物,结构均通过1H NMR、IR和元素分析确证。初步生物活性研究结果表明,部分化合物如 6a、BPU-4 在200 mg/L时对3龄蝗蝻Locusta migratoria manilensis Linne(Meyen)有较好的生物活性,使蝗蝻因不能正常蜕皮变态而死亡,表现出明显的昆虫生长调节剂(IGRs)类化合物的作用特征。     

Seasonal and biological interactions between the parasitoid, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aenasius arizonensis</Emphasis> (Girault) and its host, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phenacoccus solenopsis</Emphasis> Tinsley on cotton

Aenasius arizonensis (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an important solitary endoparasitoid of mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Studies on seasonal and biological interactions between host and parasitoid are important to optimize the mass production and field release of high-quality females. We investigated the influence of different crop seasons viz., pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon and host stages viz., three nymphal instars (1st, 2nd and 3rd) and adult stage of P. solenopsis on the development, longevity, fecundity and sex ratio of its parasitoid, A. arizonensis. A. arizonensis female parasitized all life stages of its host except the 1st instar nymphs. Only males emerged from parasitized 2nd instar nymphs, while the sex ratio in the later host instars was strongly female-biased. The adult host stage was most suitable for A. arizonensis in terms of shorter development time, while the 3rd instar nymphal stage was most suitable with respect to higher fecundity, proportion of adults emerged and more females in the progeny. Among different seasons, post-monsoon season (September–October) with temperature (25 to 29 °C) and relative humidity (68 to 73%) was most suitable for the overall fitness of the parasitoid. The findings of this study have implications in designing mass rearing of this parasitoid and devising an effective biological control strategy for P. solenopsis on cotton.     

中国六省区荔枝蝽体内细菌组成及多样性分析

为探明荔枝蝽Tessaratoma papillosa体内细菌的群落组成及特点，自福建省、广东省、广西壮族自治区、海南省、云南省和台湾省采集荔枝蝽成虫或若虫30个样本，采用Illumina HiSeq高通量测序方法对其体内细菌的16S rRNA V3+V4保守区进行测序分析。结果显示，6省区荔枝蝽成虫及海南省1龄若虫的优势菌为变形菌门γ-变形菌纲肠杆菌目泛菌属Pantoea；福建省、广东省和广西壮族自治区1龄若虫的优势菌为放线菌门放线菌纲链霉菌目链霉菌属Streptomyces。6省区荔枝蝽成虫之间细菌多样性差异不显著，成虫体内优势菌群均为肠杆菌；但6省区1龄若虫之间细菌组成及其占比差异显著，其中福建省、广东省和广西壮族自治区1龄若虫体内优势菌群为链霉菌，海南省1龄若虫体内优势菌群为肠杆菌。表明荔枝蝽成虫和若虫体内共生细菌多样性差异明显，荔枝蝽成虫体内优势菌为肠杆菌，而多数1龄若虫体内优势菌为链霉菌。     

Effect of azadirachtin applied systemically through roots of plants on the mortality,development and fecundity of the cabbage aphid (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brevicoryne brassicae</Emphasis>)

The effect of low concentrations of azadirachtin applied systemically through root tissues of rape plants (Brassica napus subsp.napus) on the mortality, period of development, longevity and fecundity of the cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) was studied. The concentrations of azadirachtin A tested were: 0.25, 0.05, 0.005, 0.0005 and 0.00005 mg ml⁻¹. The mortality of cabbage aphid nymphs, particularly during the period of ecdysis, increased significantly with increasing concentrations. Azadirachtin had no effect on the length of the development period of the respective immature stages of cabbage aphids. The average longevity of the cabbage aphids decreased with increasing azadirachtin concentration and time spent feeding. The fecundity of aphids decreased after the application of azadirachtin. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting May 6, 2004.     

Effects of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone analog, on development of the mealworm, Tenebrio molitor

Pyriproxyfen, an analog of the juvenile hormone (JH) in insects, has been evaluated in vivo and in vitro on an important stored product pest, the mealworm Tenebrio molitor. On newly ecdysed pupae, this insect growth regulator (IGR) was applied topically (at 0.10 and 0.20 μg/insect). Enzyme immunoassay measurements showed a decrease of the ecdysteroid titer in the hemolymph of treated specimens. In addition, the treatment induced an increase of the protein concentration in the hemolymph, however, there was no significant effect on the protein band pattern. Using in vitro pupal integument explant cultures, pyriproxyfen (at 1 and 10 μM in the medium) caused a significant inhibition of ecdysteroid amounts and of the thickness of new cuticle secreted. These new results are discussed in relation to the physiology of this IGR with a JH action.     

Lethal and sub-lethal effects of a novel sulfoximine insecticide,sulfoxaflor, against Asian citrus psyllid and its primary parasitoid under laboratory and field conditions

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the most important international pest of citrus because it transmits the bacteria that cause huanglongbing (HLB). HLB limits citrus production globally. We evaluated the toxicity of sulfoxalor against D. citri and its parasitoid, Tamarixia radiata Waterston. Sulfoxaflor was as toxic as imidacloprid to adult D. citri. The LC₅₀ values for sulfoxaflor and imidacloprid were 8.17 and 5.7 µg AI mL^?1, respectively. The LC₅₀ of sulfoxaflor for T. radiata adults was 3.3 times greater than for D. citri adults. Treatment with sulfoxaflor resulted in reduced oviposition, development of nymphs, and emergence of adult D. citri on plants, as compared with controls. The lowest concentration that reduced adult emergence was 0.6 µg AI mL^?1. There was reduced feeding by D. citri adults on leaves treated with sulfoxaflor. The residual toxicity of sulfoxaflor was equivalent to imidacloprid. Under field conditions, formulated sulfoxaflor reduced populations of D. citri compared with untreated controls. Sulfoxaflor is a novel mode of action and is an effective tool for D. citri management.     

益蝽对亚洲玉米螟幼虫的捕食行为及捕食功能反应

益蝽Picromerus lewisi（Scott）是一种重要的捕食性天敌昆虫,本文研究了其对亚洲玉米螟Ostrinia furnacalis（Guenée）的捕食作用,为亚洲玉米螟的生物防治及益蝽的生防作用开发提供科学依据。本研究在室内（27±1）℃、光周期16L：8D条件下,采用圆盘法测定了益蝽2、3、4和5龄若虫及雌、雄成虫对亚洲玉米螟2和3龄幼虫的捕食作用与搜寻效应,利用HollingⅡ方程对捕食测定数据进行模拟,建立了益蝽对亚洲玉米螟幼虫的捕食功能反应模型。结果表明：益蝽2、3、4和5龄若虫及雌、雄成虫对亚洲玉米螟2和3龄幼虫均具有捕食作用,其捕食功能反应属于Holling II型,搜寻效应均随猎物密度的增加而降低。益蝽5龄若虫对亚洲玉米螟2龄幼虫的控害效能最强,为252.900,瞬时攻击率为1.012,实际日最大捕食量为26.40头/d;益蝽雌成虫对亚洲玉米螟3龄幼虫的控害效能最强,为202.900,瞬时攻击率为0.812,实际日最大捕食量为14.60头/d。益蝽雄成虫与益蝽5龄若虫和雌成虫之间各指数无显著性差异。综合以上结果,益蝽5龄若虫和成虫对亚洲玉米螟幼虫具有较强的捕食作用,具有良好的生防潜力。     

Hepatic microsomal oxidative metabolism of pesticides and other xenobiotics in pregnant CD1 mice

Pregnancy-related changes in oxidative metabolism of several xenobiotics including pesticides were examined in the hepatic microsomes of CD₁ mice. The effect of pregnancy on hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450-catalyzed substrate oxidation was found to be dependent upon the type of reaction examined. Not all substrates undergoing the same reaction showed identical changes during pregnancy. Those enzyme activities which exhibited a decline in specific activity during pregnancy generally exhibited no change in total hepatic capacity. Enzymes posting no change in specific activity throughout gestation generally showed large increases in total hepatic activity. Phorate S-oxidation was catalyzed by both microsomal flavin-containing monooxygenase (MFMO) and cytochrome P-450. Moreover, there was no pregnancy-related change in either MFMO or total enzymatic (MFMO plus cytochrome P-450) phorate S-oxidation.