Toxic effects of neem-based insecticides on Pieris brassicae (Linn.)

Four neem-based insecticides, Neemix^® (0.25% EC @ 20 mg azadirachtin/liter), Ecozin^® (3% EC @ 20 mg azadirachtin/liter), Agroneem^® (0.15% EC @ 4.8 mg azadirachtin/liter) and Neem oil (0.25% EC azadirachtin @ 20 mg azadirachtin/liter) and a non-commercial neem leaf powder, were evaluated for oviposition deterrence, antifeedant effect to larvae and toxicity to eggs and larvae of Pieris brassicae (Linn.) on cabbage leaves in the laboratory. The concentrations tested were with in the ranges of recommended field rates. Oviposition deterrence in no-choice, two-choice and six-choice assays, was observed for all the treatments. They exhibited significant (P < 0.01) oviposition deterrence on P. brassicae when compared with a non-treated control. Cabbage leaves treated with the neem-based insecticides were used as an egg-laying substrate. Numbers of eggs oviposited by P. brassicae adults on treated cabbage leaves were significantly lower then those treated with water, but no significant differences were detected among the neem insecticides. They also deterred feeding by Pieris larvae and exhibited significant antifeedant effects. Larvae of P. brassicae on treated leaves stopped feeding and dropped from the leaf, resulting in no or minimal damage. Direct contact with neem-based insecticides decreased the survival of eggs. Survival of larvae fed for 9 days on leaves treated with neem-based insecticides was reduced to 51%, 49%, 48%, 24% and 18% in the Neem oil, Neemix, Agroneem, Ecozin and neem leaf powder treatments, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present investigations that neem-based insecticides had oviposition deterrence, antifeedant and toxic effect to P. brassicae.     

Dormant season foliar sprays of broad-spectrum insecticides: An effective component of integrated management for Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in citrus orchards

Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a global pest of citrus and vector of Candidatus Liberibacter, a bacteria that causes huanglongbing or greening, a devastating disease of citrus. Mature citrus trees are dormant in winter and produce most new shoots in spring, followed by sporadic canopy growth in summer and fall. Young shoots are required for oviposition and nymphal development, but adults can survive and overwinter on hardened leaves. Surviving adults reproduce in spring shoots and their progeny are probably responsible for a large portion of disease spread as they disperse to search for food. Therefore, foliar sprays of broad-spectrum insecticides applied to mature trees in winter were evaluated in a commercial citrus orchard as tactic to reduce pest populations and insecticide use in spring and summer when beneficial insects are most active. A single spray of chlorpyrifos (2.8 kg a.i. ha⁻¹) in January 2007 reduced adult psyllids an average of 10-fold over six months compared to untreated trees. The following year, differences with the untreated control averaged 15-fold for over five months following a single spray of chlorpyrifos, fenpropathrin (0.34 kg a.i. ha⁻¹), or oxamyl (1.12 kg a.i. ha⁻¹) applied in January. Spiders, lacewings and ladybeetles were equally abundant during the growing season in both treated and untreated trees both years (P = 0.05). Thus foliar sprays of broad-spectrum insecticides before spring growth suppressed D. citri for five to six months, with no detectible impact on key natural enemies. This tactic has been widely adopted to control the psyllid in Florida, in some cases area-wide. Additional sprays during the growing season should be based on scouting and targeted at adults before anticipated new flush.     

Haplotypes of the Potato Psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, on the Wild Host Plant, Solanum dulcamara, in the Pacific Northwestern United States

‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) is a bacterium that infects solanaceous crops and causes plant decline and yield losses, especially in potato and tomato. Lso is transmitted to these hosts by the potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli Sulc) vector. B. cockerelli host plants are not limited to crop plants, but also include many wild, solanaceous weeds. These wild hosts could potentially impact overwintering and breeding of the psyllids and serve as reservoirs for Lso. In the Pacific Northwestern United States, B. cockerelli was recently reported to overwinter on bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara L.). The present study utilized high resolution melting analysis of the B. cockerelli mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene to assess the psyllid populations occurring on S. dulcamara during the summer and winter months in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. This technique has previously been used to analyze the cytochrome c oxidase I gene of B. cockerelli, and has identified four psyllid haplotypes. Lso infection was also determined for the psyllids collected from S. dulcamara. During both the summer and the winter months in the Pacific Northwest, the Northwestern psyllid haplotype was the predominant population found living on S. dulcamara. However, low levels of the Western psyllid population were also present in Washington and Oregon during the same period. No overwintering psyllids tested were Lso-infected, suggesting that these populations do not pose an imminent threat of Lso transmission to newly emerging potatoes and other solanaceous crops in the region, unless a source of Lso becomes available.     

Mosquitocidal activity of two Bacillus bacterial endotoxins combined with plant oils and conventional insecticides

The full whole culture (FWC), containing parasporal protein toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis israelinsis (Bti) and Bacillus sphaericus 2362 (Bs), either singly or in combination with plant oils and commercial insecticides, was tested against larval and adult stages of Culex pipiens mosquitoes under controlled laboratory conditions. In terms of LC₅₀ values recorded after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, the bacterial toxins showed high potency towards both larvae and adults of mosquitoes in a dose-dependent manner. Generally, the Bti toxin seemed to be more potent than the Bs toxin. For example, the Bti toxin showed a 24 h LC₅₀ of 8.2 ppm against mosquito larvae compared to 13.6 ppm for the Bs toxin. In the adult bioassay, the obtained 24 h LC₅₀ values were 0.064 and 0.085 mg/cm², respectively for the two bacterial toxins. The bacterial toxins mixed with plant oils or insecticides at equitoxic doses (e.g., LC₂₅ values) mostly showed potentiation effects, either against larvae or adults of the tested insect. Among a total of 14 paired mixtures, only the joint action estimated for the mixture of malathion + Bti or Bs was accounted as additively. Combining Bti or Bs endotoxins at LC₀ with different plant oils and insecticides at LC₅₀ concentration levels each, has resulted in considerable synergism against either larvae or adults. In the case of larval bioassays, the maximum synergistic factor (SF) obtained (ca. 2.0) was entitled to the mixture of Bti + spinosad. In the adult bioassays, the mixtures containing Curcuma longa or Melia azedarach oil extracts with Bti or Bs toxins achieved a SF accounted to 2.0. The results of the present study may be considered as an additional contribution to the area of joint toxicity of biocidal agents combining bacterial toxins, plant oils and traditional insecticides. The reached findings may encourage future research to elucidate its performance under practical field conditions.     

Repellency of selected Psidium guajava cultivars to the Asian citrus psyllid,Diaphorina citri

Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most devastating disease of citrus worldwide. It is caused by bacteria of the genus ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ and transmitted by two psyllid species, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri, and the African citrus psyllid Trioza erytreae. Considerable research has been conducted toward developing and implementing HLB and ACP management strategies. With respect to ACP control, of interest is that reports indicate guava, Psidium guajava, can be repellent to ACP. We conducted research to further evaluate repellency of guava to ACP. In one set of experiments, guava oil from five Brazilian guava cultivars (‘J3’, ‘Pedro Sato’, ‘Século XXI’, ‘Thailand’ and ‘Paluma’) was extracted from leaves (immature and mature) by hydro-distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and evaluated for psyllid repellency. In a second set of experiments, repellency of guava leaves to ACP was investigated using leaves (immature and mature) from two guava cultivars in Florida, ‘Pink’ and ‘Thai White’. In each set of experiments, repellency was evaluated by releasing ACP adults into a cage with two large vials, one containing a young flush shoot (= immature leaves) of Murraya exotica (a favored host plant of the psyllid, the flush of which is highly attractive to ACP) and one with M. exotica flush and the test material of interest (guava oil, immature guava leaf or mature guava leaf). The adults were free to move throughout the cage and into the vials, and the number of psyllids in each vial was counted after 24 h. The results showed that all guava materials tested had at least some repellency to ACP. Mature leaves tended to have a greater repellent effect than immature leaves. Each of the five oils exhibited repellency. A report in the literature suggested that sulfur compounds associated with guava may be responsible for ACP repellency. Interestingly, the five guava oil extracts we studied were repellent to ACP but none contained any sulfur compounds. Identification of the constituents responsible for repellency could lead to new ACP management tactics.     

Insecticidal and repellent activity of selected essential oils against of the pollen beetle, Meligethes aeneus (Fabricius) adults

The essential oils from 9 aromatic plants were tested on repellency and mortality of Meligethes aeneus adults. All the tested essential oils caused high mortality of M. aeneus adults in the tarsal tests. The lethal doses after 6 h exposure were ranged between 197 and 1508 μg cm⁻². Essential oils obtained from Carum carvi and Thymus vulgaris were most efficient where LD₅₀ was estimated as 197 and 250 μg cm⁻², respectively.Repellency declined in all the essential oils as a function of time. The longest persistence time was determined for essences obtained from C. carvi and T. vulgaris where significantly the highest repellent index of 65.6% and 63.8%, respectively, was determined. Repellent index lower than 15% was determined for the remaining essential oils.     

Variation in Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) Oviposition,Survival, and Development on Solanum bulbocastanum Germplasm

The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, is a key pest of potato and important vector of the pathogen that causes zebra chip disease. Control of zebra chip relies entirely on the use of insecticides to reduce populations of this vector. The development of potato varieties resistant to B. cockerelli would contribute to cost-effective control of this insect. Wild potato germplasm are key sources for desirable traits including pest resistance to develop new potato cultivars. Our objective was to screen Solanum bulbocastanum germplasm for resistance to B. cockerelli. The combined use of choice and no-choice assays demonstrated considerable variability among S. bulbocastanum populations in their susceptibility to psyllids. At least six S. bulbocastanum populations exhibited resistance to B. cockerelli: PI 243512, PI 243513, PI 255518, PI 275194, PI 275197, and PI 283096. The documentation of the variability among S. bulbocastanum germplasm populations in their susceptibility to B. cockerelli can aid the development of potato cultivars that are naturally resistant to the potato psyllid.     

Insecticide-induced enhancement of flight capacity of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

The brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is a long-distance migratory insect pest in temperate eastern Asia and a typical recurrent pest induced by pesticides. We investigated the effect of sublethal concentrations of insecticides on the flight capacity on this species. An automated flight-mill system was used to assess the flight capacity of adults reared on untreated and insecticide-treated plants. In most instances, the flight duration of adult females exposed to high concentrations of imidacloprid, triazophos or deltamethrin was significantly greater than that of untreated controls. Compared to the controls, the flight duration of females increased by 140% (from 103 to 245.9 min), 119% (from 103 to 226 min) and 78% (from 103 to 183.3 min) with 10 ppm imidacloprid, 40 ppm triazophos and 3 ppm deltamethrin, respectively, yet no significant difference in the flight duration of males was found between the insecticide treatments and the controls. The high concentrations of the three insecticides significantly enhanced the flight speed and the flight distance of both males and females, with the exception of the flight speed of adult males treated with deltamethrin. For example, the flight speed of adult females and males treated with 10 ppm imidacloprid, 40 ppm triazophos and 6 ppm deltamethrin increased by 75% (from 0.39 to 0.68 km/h), 154% (from 0.39 to 0.98 km/h) and 124% (from 0.39 to 0.87 km/h) for females and by 141% (from 0.32 to 0.77 km/h), 73% (from 0.32 to 0.55 km/h) and 48% (from 0.32 to 0.47 km/h) for males, respectively, compared to the controls. In addition, the percentages of individuals treated with imidacloprid and triazophos flying for over 60 min doubled compared to the control. These findings are relevant for understanding the migration and outbreak patterns of N. lugens.     

Potential of extracts of the tropical plant Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del. (Balanitaceae) to control the mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)

The effects of extracts of different parts of the perennial tropical plant Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del., including various solvent extracts of roots, methanol extracts from leaves, fruits, flowers and roots, partially purified saponins obtained from its roots and a standard saponin were studied on the life cycle (adult longevity, number of eggs, crawlers, adults, weight of adults and % wax content) of a laboratory-reared parthenogenic line of the mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae). Extracts derived from various parts of B. aegyptiaca (leaves, fruits, flowers, and roots in methanol) affected the life cycle of M. hirsutus with a methanol root extract being the most effective at a concentration of 500 μg ml⁻¹. Partially purified saponin of B. aegyptiaca and the commercial bark saponin extract (Sigma) from Quillaja saponaria at a concentration of 500 μg ml⁻¹ were effective in reducing the longevity of M. hirsutus. Significant reductions in oviposition by M. hirsutus were found for all the extracts at a concentration of 500 μg ml⁻¹. Extracts also affected the number of emerging crawlers, number of adults as well as the weight and wax content of emerging adults. These studies suggest that B. aegyptiaca plant extracts and saponins can be useful botanical insecticides for the protection of crops from mealy bugs.     

Resistance of Selected Potato Genotypes to the Potato Psyllid (Hemiptera: Triozidae)

The characterization of resistance of selected potato, Solanum tuberosum L., breeding clones to the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) was investigated. Antixenosis was assessed in choice tests in which a single plant of each genotype was placed inside a rearing cage, where 60 female psyllid adults were released and the number of adults and eggs on each genotype was counted 24 h later. Antibiosis was evaluated in no-choice tests in which adults (five males and five females) were confined in a cage fixed to the upper side of leaves. After 4 h of exposure, adults were removed and the number of eggs counted. The developmental time and survival of offspring were recorded until all insects became adults. All the resistant genotypes showed strong antibiotic effects to B. cockerelli. These results show promise for incorporation into an IPM program against B. cockerelli.     

Field assessment of novaluron for sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), management in Louisiana sugarcane

On-farm field experiments were conducted in 2004 and 2007 to assess the suitability of novaluron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, for sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), management in Louisiana sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids). Aerial insecticide applications reproducing commercial production practices were made when D. saccharalis infestation levels exceeded a recommended action threshold. In addition to decreased D. saccharalis infestations, 6.3 – 14.5-fold reductions in end of season injury, expressed as the percentage of bored sugarcane internodes, were observed in plots treated with novaluron. D. saccharalis control in novaluron plots was equivalent to (P > 0.05) or better (P < 0.05) than that achieved with tebufenozide, an ecdysone agonist that has been extensively used for over a decade on sugarcane. With a numerical trend of a 3.1-fold decrease in percent bored internodes, the pyrethroid gamma-cyhalothrin seemed less effective than the biorational insecticides in protecting sugarcane against D. saccharalis. Using continuous pitfall trap sampling, no measurable (P > 0.05) decreases in predaceous and non-predaceous soil-dwelling non-target arthropods were associated with insecticides. However, numerical trends for decreases in immature crickets associated with novaluron and gamma-cyhalothrin were recorded in 2007. Our data suggest that novaluron will fit well in Louisiana sugarcane integrated pest management.     

Repellent effects of five monoterpenoid odours against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) in Calabar, Nigeria

Secondary plant compounds are recognised as important components of plant defence system against herbivores and pathogens. Five monoterpenoids, (R)-linalool, 1,8-cineole, (S)-2-heptyl acetate, (S)-2-heptanol and citral, which are natural components of the essential oils of Aframomum melegueta (K. Schum) and Zingiber officinale (Roscoe), were tested at the ratios in which they occur naturally for repellent activity against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) in a 4-way olfactometer. The results showed the repellent properties of the compounds as both beetles spent less time in the olfactometer arm containing the test stimuli. (R)-linalool and (S)-2-heptanol were stronger repellent compounds than the others. Linalool showed good repellent activity against T. castaneum (P = 0.001) as the insect spent 1.22 min in the test arm compared to the control arms (2.78 min), and R. dominica (P = 0.001) with 0.89 min in the test arm compared to 2.87 min in the control arms. With (S)-2-heptanol, T. castaneum spent 1.23 min in the test arm compared to 2.83 min in the control arms. R. dominica spent 1.61 min in the test arm and 2.69 min in the control arms. For the number of entries or visits made, while both insects were significantly repelled (P < 0.05) by the linalool-treated arm than the control, only R. dominica was repelled by the (S)-2-heptanol-treated arm (P = 0.038) compared to the control arms. The results indicate that A. melegueta and Z. officinale essential oils and their components could be suitable as safer repellents or fumigants against T. castaneum and R. dominica.     

Lethal and sublethal effects of buprofezin and imidacloprid on Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), has become a major threat to agriculture worldwide. The development of insecticide resistance in B. tabaci has necessitated the exploration of new management tactics. The toxicity of imidacloprid and buprofezin to various life stages of B. tabaci was determined in the laboratory. Also, the sublethal effects of both insecticides were studied on demographic and biological parameters of B. tabaci. Both insecticides were very toxic against first stage larvae of the pest with LC₅₀ values of 1.0 and 19.3 ppm for buprofezin and imidacloprid, respectively. Toxicities decreased between successive stages (LC₅₀ values ranging from 1.0 to 2854.0 ppm). The LC₅₀ values of imidacloprid for adult males, females and eggs were 11.8, 71.6 and 151.0 ppm, respectively. Buprofezin had no significant effect on adults and eggs. The sublethal concentration of imidacloprid had no significant effect on demographic and biological parameters of B. tabaci but the maximal value for the mean generation time (T) (18.8 day) was observed in imidacloprid treatment. Buprofezin significantly decreased stable population and biological parameters of B. tabaci except it did not decrease the rate of population increase or the sex ratio of offspring.     

Behavioral responses of adult potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae), to potato germplasm and transmission of Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous

The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is a major pest of potatoes that can cause yield loss by direct feeding on crop plants and by transmitting a bacterial pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous (a.k.a. Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum) associated with zebra chip disease of the crop. In recent years, there have been no studies regarding resistance of potato to the potato psyllid or the bacterial pathogen that the psyllid transmits. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of potato germplasm on adult potato psyllid behavior and transmission of Ca. L. psyllaurous. A total of twenty-two potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) breeding clones and varieties were examined. Plant genotype significantly affected the occurrence and duration of psyllid probing, the duration of psyllid cleaning, resting and the amount of time psyllids spent off the potato leaflet as well as transmission of Ca. L. psyllaurous. For the potato genotypes in which there were significant decreases in transmission compared to controls, there was often an unclear relationship between the occurrences and duration of behaviors and subsequent bacterial transmission. We discuss the implications of our results for an integrated pest management program for the potato psyllid and Ca. L. psyllaurous control on potatoes.     

Economic Impacts of Zebra Chip in Idaho,Oregon, and Washington

Zebra Chip disease vectored by the potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (?ulc) was first reported in Idaho and the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington in 2011. Since then growers have incurred significant costs for managing the disease. Thus, we conducted an expert opinion survey to estimate expenditure on insecticides dedicated to controlling potato psyllids in the largest potato producing regions of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Results highlight a total of about 9 million US dollars spent on active ingredients targeted at psyllid control. When application costs are added to the cost of insecticides, expenditures total about 11 million US dollars.     

Assessment of nematicidal properties and phytochemical screening of neem seed formulations using Radopholus similis, parasitic nematode of plantain in Cameroon

Phytoparasitic nematodes of banana and plantain make one of the major constraints to sustainable banana and plantain production. The burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis, common in Cameroon is of particular importance where most smallholder farmers are unaware of this “hidden enemy”. In intensive plantain plantations, nematicides are often used as a primary means of control. Despite their efficacy, chemical pesticides are harmful to the environment and human health. The objective of this study was to assess the nematicidal properties of four neem seed formulations (raw neem seed powder (NSP); organic, watery and essential oil extracts) and to determine the phytochemical properties of these extracts. Alkaloids, saponins, triterpens and steroids were found in all three extracts, tannins in the organic and essential oils extracts and phenols only in the essential oils extract. Using five different concentrations of each of the three extracts as well as NSP, the nematicidal properties of all four formulations was confirmed. The NSP killed 100% of all nematodes at the lowest concentration tested, 10 μg ml⁻¹, after 48 h. The in vivo test using two plantain varieties, Essong and Big Ebanga showed that all neem seed formulations increased plant growth and reduced nematode populations significantly when compared with the control. Since NSP seems to perform as well or even better than the extracts, it could provide farmers with a simple, low cost alternative for the control of banana and plantain nematodes.     

Effects of crude seed extracts of Annona atemoya and Annona squamosa L. against the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni in the laboratory and greenhouse

Antifeedant, growth inhibitory and toxic effects of crude seed extracts of Annona squamosa and Annona atemoya from Fazenda Viveiro Bona, Parasisópolis – Minas Gerais, Brazil, were evaluated against the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using different bioassays. Crude methanolic seed extracts deterred feeding of third instar T. ni larvae in a leaf disc choice bioassay. A. squamosa was ∼10 times more active as a feeding deterrent than A. atemoya (DC₅₀ = 2.3 mg/ml vs. 20.1 mg/ml). A. squamosa was ∼three times more active as a growth inhibitor than A. atemoya (EC₅₀ = 38.0 ppm vs. 117.0 ppm). Methanolic seed extracts of A. squamosa and A. atemoya were toxic to third instar T. ni larvae both through topical and oral application. A. squamosa was more toxic through feeding (LC₅₀ = 167.5 ppm vs. 382.4 ppm) whereas, A. atemoya exerted greater toxicity via topical application (LC₅₀ = 301.3 μg/larva vs. 197.7 μg/larva). Both A. squamosa and A. atemoya extracts reduced leaf area consumption and larval growth in a greenhouse experiment. Our results indicate that both A. squamosa and A. atemoya have potential for development as botanical insecticides, especially for local use in Brazil.     

14种植物精油对茶尺蠖行为的影响

为获得能够应用于茶园茶尺蠖Ectropis obliqua“推—拉”策略的行为调节剂,在室内测定了茶尺蠖成虫对14种植物精油的趋性反应,及植物精油对茶尺蠖雌虫产卵行为的干扰作用,并采用叶碟法测定了植物精油对茶尺蠖幼虫的拒食作用。结果表明,罗勒、迷迭香、肉桂、茴香及天竺葵5种植物精油对茶尺蠖成虫表现出一定的驱避活性,并且迷迭香油和天竺葵油还能显著干扰雌虫的产卵活动。在3个浓度处理下,茴香、罗勒和藿香植物精油对茶尺蠖3龄幼虫表现出显著的拒食活性。随着精油处理浓度的升高,茶尺蠖幼虫的拒食率升高,生长率随之下降。试验结果证明迷迭香、罗勒、茴香及天竺葵等植物精油对茶尺蠖具有显著的行为调控功能,具备作为茶尺蠖防控剂开发的潜力,值得进一步研究。     

Effects of plant essential oils on immature and adult sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci biotype B

Effects of essential oils derived from garden thyme, Thymus vulgaris L., patchouli, Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth., and lemon-scent gum, Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K. D. Hill & L. A. S. Johnson, on mortality of eggs, first-instar nymphs, and pupae, and on adult oviposition, of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B were determined under laboratory conditions. Three concentrations of essential oils, 0.125%, 0.25% and 0.5% (v/v), were applied in contact toxicity experiments. In separate experiments, 0.5% essential oil treatment was tested for repellency. Greater mortality was observed with increasing dose of essential oils. No phytotoxicity was observed on plants treated with these essential oils. First-instar nymphs were more sensitive to essential oil treatments, compared with eggs and pupae. The greatest effect was found with essential oil extracted from T. vulgaris, which reduced the survival rate of B. tabaci by 73.4%, 79.0% and 58.2% after treatment of eggs, nymphs and pupae, respectively, as compared with controls. In no-choice tests, the cumulative survival rates of B. tabaci females treated with T. vulgaris, P. cablin and C. citriodora were 46.4%, 38.8% and 26.8% lower, respectively, as compared with controls. In choice tests, the mean numbers of eggs laid on P. cablin, T. vulgaris and C. citriodora oil-treated plants were 74.5%, 59.0% and 48.0% fewer, respectively, than on control plants. Based on this study, essential oil derived from T. vulgaris possessed the greatest contact toxicity, while P. cablin oil exerted the strongest repellency to B. tabaci. Hence, these two oils could be used as effective and environmentally sustainable bio-insecticides for the control of B. tabaci.     

Insecticide-induced increase in the protein content of male accessory glands and its effect on the fecundity of females in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

The brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is a classical resurgent rice pest induced by insecticides. The past focus on resurgence mechanisms has been on the stimulation of the reproduction of adult females induced by insecticides. To date, the role that males play as a resurgence of N. lugens has not been investigated. The present study examined changes in protein levels in both male accessory glands and female ovaries induced by the insecticides triazophos and deltamethrin as well as the stimulating effect of treated males on the fecundity of adult females via mating following foliar sprays of the insecticides. For adults that had been exposed as nymphs to treated rice plants, the protein content in both the male accessory glands and in the female ovaries of N. lugens were significantly affected by male mating status, insecticide and insecticide concentration. There was a higher protein content in male accessory glands when males were exposed to triazophos as third instars compared to fifth instars, and there was a higher protein content before mating compared to after mating. In addition, the protein levels in male accessory glands after mating for individuals exposed to high doses of the two insecticides as 3rd and 5th instars were significantly lower than untreated control except for exposed to triazophos as 3rd instar, indicating that treated males transferred more male accessory gland protein to adult females via mating. The protein content was also affected by different combinations of treated mating pairs. Adult males (♂_t) developed from third instar nymphs treated with triazophos stimulated the fecundity of the female significantly via mating (♂_t × ♀_ck) with untreated females (♀_ck) (control females), increasing the reproductive rate by 43.5% as compared to the mating (♂_ck × ♀_ck) of untreated males and females. Also, the fecundity of the females after the mating (♂_t × ♀_t) of treated males and females was significantly higher than that after the mating (♂_ck × ♀_t) of untreated males with treated females. These findings indicated that the reproductive effects of insecticide on males can be transferred to females via mating. The present findings provide valuable information for understanding the potential role that males play in the pesticide-induced resurgence of N. lugens.