Comparative laboratory evaluation of the acute and chronic toxicology of diflubenzuron,hexaflumuron and teflubenzuron against II instar desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The acute and chronic toxicities of three benzoylphenyl ureas, diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron and teflubenzuron were assessed under laboratory conditions against two-day-old second (II) instar Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria (ForskÅl) nymphs. Following exposure by ingestion of a single precise dose applied to short pieces of spring barley, nymphs were monitored for two moults until the fourth (IV) instar. Analysis of acute response data gave three significantly different LD₅₀ statistics (P < 0·05), 68·0, 26·6 and 0·71 μg per nymph respectively for diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron and teflubenzuron. The probit regression slopes also differed significantly, indicating distinct tolerance distributions for the three compounds, the narrowest response being to diflubenzuron and the widest range of response being to teflubenzuron. The timing of death was found to vary between the compounds; most nymphs died during the first moult following treatment with either hexaflumuron or teflubenzuron. However, the majority of nymphs that died after exposure to diflubenzuron did so after completing the first moult after treatment, but before the second. The mean development times of nymphs during the II and especially third (III) instars were significantly longer (P < 0·05) than those of the controls following exposure to diflubenzuron and hexaflumuron. Teflubenzuron had no significant effect (P < 0·05) on the duration of the II instar. The potential of the three compounds to control S. gregaria populations in the field is discussed with particular reference to the timing and nature of acute and chronic responses.     

The Anglesey lakes,Wales, UK—A conservation resource

1. The environment of the island of Anglesey, North Wales, UK, is described and related to the ecology of the lake systems present. 2. Estimates are given of the number and types of lakes present on the island. Sixteen biological Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) have standing water as a recognized habitat feature and their reasons for receiving a conservation designation are discussed. 3. Brief reviews are given of the lacustrine flora, invertebrates, fish and aquatic bird populations of Anglesey and their importance in assessing the conservation value of a site. 4. These reviews are followed by detailed accounts of the current ecology of three of the island's lake systems—Llyn Coron, Llyn Dinam and Llyn Penrhyn—which occur within biological Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Original data are presented on their physical and chemical characteristics, diatom assemblages, macrophyte communities, littoral and open water zooplankton communities and macroinvertebrate assemblages. 5. Artificial enrichment, the introduction of alien species, the legacy of metal mining operations and recreational pressures are identified as the main threats to lake conservation on Anglesey. 6. The Anglesey Wetland Strategy, an informal operational level liaison procedure, is described. Using this mechanism, broad targets and indicative strategies are highlighted by the partner organizations active in wetland conservation on the island, and opportunities for collaboration are developed.     

Thermal performance curves based on field movements reveal context-dependence of thermal traits in a desert ectotherm

Landscape Ecology - Thermal traits likely mediate organismal responses to changing thermal environments. As temperatures increase, predicting species responses will depend on understanding how...     

Role of basidiomycete fungi in the grapevine trunk disease esca

Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and wood-rotting basidiomycete fungi, namely Fomitiporia spp., are known esca pathogens. However, the effect of their mixed infections and the sequence of infection on disease development is unclear. To determine the effects of single and co-inoculations on symptoms, potted Vitis vinifera ‘Crimson Seedless’ was inoculated with P. chlamydospora either alone or in combination with one of four basidiomycetes: Coprinellus radians, Fomitiporia langloisii, F. polymorpha and the novel species Tropicoporus texanus. Basidiomycetes were isolated from vines with foliar symptoms of esca in California and Texas. In sequential co-inoculations, the effects of different sequences of infection (P. chlamydospora first, basidiomycete 6 months later; and vice versa) were tested, compared to simultaneous co-inoculations. Plants inoculated with P. chlamydospora either alone or in combination with a basidiomycete (in any sequence) did not differ significantly in the length of black-streaking lesions. In plants inoculated only with a basidiomycete, the appearance of large brown lesions, coupled with the absence of this wood symptom from control plants, suggests that C. radians, F. langloisii and T. texanus are pathogenic. Foliar symptoms resembling those of esca in the field (marginal and/or interveinal scorching, combined with red and/or yellow discoloration) were statistically more frequent among plants inoculated with F. polymorpha or T. texanus, either simultaneously or following P. chlamydospora, compared to single inoculations. Sequential co-inoculations of a basidiomycete before or after P. chlamydospora were associated with similar lesion lengths, suggesting that basidiomycetes may not require infection by P. chlamydospora in order to extensively colonize the wood.     

Foliar lifespan,phenology and seasonal dynamics of the invasive shrub Schinus terebinthifolia

Schinus terebinthifolia is a dioecious tree native to South America that has become an invasive weed in Florida, southern California, southern Arizona, Texas and Hawaii and has been naturalised in over 20 countries. Biological control is considered a viable long-term control option for S. terebinthifolia because release from natural enemies appears to be at least partly responsible for its success in Florida. We examined leaf phenology of S. terebinthifolia over a period of 15 months at five sites in central and southern Florida to provide information that may help in predicting the impacts of potential biocontrol agents for this weed. We documented leaf lifespan, the seasonality of leaf development and abscission and the survivorship of leaves that emerged during either spring, summer or autumn. Average leaf lifespan was >4.5 months at all sites, and leaf phenology followed the seasons closely. Although S. terebinthifolia possesses leaves throughout the year, leaf production was greatest from April to September, and most leaves were abscised in February and March. Spring- and summer-emerging leaves were also longer-lived than leaves produced during autumn. These results suggest that leaves of S. terebinthifolia would be most vulnerable to herbivory during the spring and summer months when newly growing leaf tissue is most plentiful. Biocontrol agents capable of damaging these tissues during spring/summer might be an effective means of controlling this invasive weed.