Asymmetric intraguild predation of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on a native Coccinellidae guild

Abstract Harmonia axyridis is an exotic species that can cause serious impacts on native biodiversity in areas where it is introduced to act as a biological control agent. This predator is often involved with intraguild predation, in most cases with aphids predators. Here, we report the results of experiments designed to understand the outcome of the invasion of H. axyridis on native coccinellid aphidophagous guilds using intraguild predation as a theoretical framework. Tests were conducted to determine the interactions between 1st and 4th instars larvae and H. axyridis adults, with Cycloneda sanguinea, Cycloneda pulchella, Eriopis connexa and Hippodamia convergens larvae, as well as eggs predation rate. Two treatments were used: absence and presence of food, Cinara atlantica. The results showed that 1st and 4th instars larvae and H. axyridis adults are able to prey on larvae and eggs of four Coccinellidae species analyzed, and also their own eggs, showing that this exotic species is a dominant predator in this guild of aphidophagous coccinellids. Adding to these results, studies are recommended, especially the monitoring of these species in the field in the long run, reporting their abundance and diversity as well as their behavior and impact within aphidophagous guilds, especially in Coccinellidae species.

Determination of acute median lethal concentration and sublethal effects on AChE activity of Gymnotus carapo (Teleostei: Gymnotidae) exposed to trichlorfon / Determinação da concentração letal média e efeitos subletais da atividade AchE de Gymnotus carapo (Teleostei: Gymnotidae) exposto ao triclorfon

Trichlorfon (TRF) is a pesticide widely used in aquaculture to control fish ectoparasites. This pesticide is an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, an essential enzyme for termination of nerve impulses. High rates of TRF use generate risks to the environment and human health. In the environment, pesticides can affect the local fauna and generate an ecological breakdown. There are several studies performed with fish production; however, gaps are created for native fish with other commercial values. The tuvira (Gymnotus carapo) is a fish native to Brazilian fauna and has great commercial importance in sport fishing. The present study aimed to determine the lethal concentration of trichlorfon (Masoten) in Gymnotus carapo and its sublethal effects on the enzyme AChE. In this study, the acute toxicity (the concentrations to kill 50% of the fish LC50) of TRF in tuviras (Gymnotus carapo) and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in liver and muscle tissue of tuviras submitted to sublethal concentrations were evaluated. For the acute assay, concentrations of 0.0, 5.0, 7.5, 15, 22.5, 30, 37.5 and 45 mg L-1 were used for a period of 96 h. After the acute exposure period, a LC50 of 6.38 mg L-1 was determined. In the sublethal assay, concentrations of 0.0, 0.238, 0.438 and 0.638 mg L-1 were used, based on 10% of the LC50, over a period of 14 days. Two collections were performed: one at seven days and the other at the end (day 14). Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase in the liver was only shown (p < 0.05) for the treatment with 0.638 mg L-1 after 14 days of exposure. At seven days, muscle activity showed a significant difference only for the treatments 0.438 and 0.638 mg L-1, compared with the treatment 0.238 mg L-1 and control. At 14 days of exposure, only the treatment 0.638 mg L-1 showed significant differences in relation to the other groups, thus showing that enzyme recovery had occurred. The value found in the acute test allowed the conclusion that TRF presents moderately toxic characteristics to Gymnotus carapo. The toxicity parameter values calculated in the present study assisted in estimation of maximum allowable limits in bodies of water when combined with test data from other non-target organisms.(AU)

O triclorfon (TRC) é um pesticida muito utilizado na aquicultura para o controle de ectoparasitos de peixes. Este pesticida é um inibidor da acetilcolinesterase, uma enzima essencial para a finalização de impulsos nervosos. As altas concentrações utilizadas de TRC geram riscos ao meio ambiente e à saúde humana. No ambiente, os pesticidas podem afetar a fauna local e gerar um colapso ecológico. Existem vários estudos com peixes de produção, no entanto, há lacunas para peixes nativos com outros valores comerciais. A tuvira (Gymnotus carapo) é um peixe nativo da fauna brasileira e possui grande importância comercial na pesca esportiva. O presente trabalho, delineado para determinar a concentração letal de triclorfon (Masoten) em Gymnotus carapo e seus efeitos subletais na enzima AChE, avaliou a toxicidade aguda (concentrações para matar 50% dos peixes CL50) do TRC em tuviras (Gymnotus carapo) e a inibição da acetilcolinesterase no fígado e tecido muscular de tuviras. Para o ensaio agudo, foram utilizadas concentrações de 0,0, 5,0, 7,5, 15, 22,5, 30, 37,5 e 45 mg L-1por um período de 96 horas. Após o período de exposição aguda, foi determinado uma CL50 de 6,38 mg L-1. No ensaio subletal, foram utilizadas concentrações de 0,0, 0,238, 0,438 e 0,638 mg L-1, com base em 10% do CL50, durante um período de catorze dias. Foram realizadas duas colheitas: uma aos sete dias e a outra ao final (décimo quarto dia). A inibição da acetilcolinesterase no fígado foi demonstrada apenas (p <0,05) para o tratamento com 0,638 mg L-1 após catorze dias de exposição. Aos sete dias, a atividade muscular mostrou diferença significativa apenas para os tratamentos 0,438 e 0,638 mg L-1, em comparação com o tratamento 0,238 mg L-1 e controle. Aos catorze dias de exposição, apenas o tratamento 0,638 mg L-1 apresentou diferenças significativas em relação aos demais grupos, demonstrando a recuperação enzimática. O valor encontrado no teste agudo permitiu concluir que o TRC apresenta características moderadamente tóxicas para Gymnotus carapo. Os valores dos parâmetros de toxicidade calculados no presente estudo permitiram o estabelecimento da estimativa dos limites máximos permitidos em corpos d'água quando combinados com dados de testes de outros organismos não-alvo.(AU)

Phytophagous mites on genetically modified maize with Bacillus thuringiensis genes / Ácaros fitófagos em milho geneticamente modificado com genes de Bacillus thuringiensis

ABSTRACT: The study of non-target organisms such as mites, can provide information about the possible effects of transgenic maize cultivars on the arthropod community. This study aimed to evaluate the abundance of phytophagous mites in the area of Bt maize and evaluate the instantaneous population growth rate, and food preference of phytophagous mites on Bt maize. We registered the species occurrence and the number of adult mite individuals on four maize cultivars, one non-Bt 30F35, and three containing the proteins Cry1Ab (30F35 Yg), Cry1F (30F35 Hx) and Vip3a (Impacto Viptera). Cry proteins disrupt the midgut epithelium of insect pests. The food preference and instantaneous population growth rate (ri) were evaluated using the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae as model. The species Catarhinus tricholaenae and Aceria zeala were recorded. The Bt maize cultivars did not significantly affect the average number of C. tricholaenae and A. zeala mites compared to conventional cultivar. The population growth rates of T. urticae were similar for the different maize cultivars. T. urticae showed no preference between the leaf of Bt or conventional cultivars. Bt maize did not affect the abundance of species in phytophagous mite.

RESUMO: O estudo de organismos não-alvo, tais como ácaros, pode fornecer informações sobre os possíveis efeitos de cultivares de milho transgênico na comunidade de artrópodos. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a abundância de ácaros fitófagos na área de milho Bt e avaliar a taxa de crescimento populacional instantânea e preferência alimentar de ácaros fitófagos em milho Bt. Registramos a ocorrência de espécies e número de indivíduos adultos de ácaros em quatro cultivares de milho, um não-Bt 30F35, e três contendo a proteína Cry1Ab (30F35 Yg), Cry1F (30F35 Hx) e VIP3A (Impacto Viptera). A preferência alimentar e taxa instantânea de crescimento populacional foram avaliadas utilizando fêmeas adultas do ácaro-rajado Tetranychus urticae. As espécies Catarhinus tricholaenae e Aceria zeala foram registradas. As cultivares de milho Bt não afetaram significativamente o número médio de ácaros C. tricholaenae e A. zeala em relação ao cultivar convencional. As taxas de crescimento populacional de T. urticae foram similares para os diferentes cultivares. T. urticae não mostrou preferência entre a folha de milho Bt ou cultivares convencionais. Sugere-se, então, que o milho Bt não afeta a abundância de espécies, preferência alimentar e taxa de crescimento de ácaros fitófagos.

Mosquito larvicidal potential of four common medicinal plants of India.

Background & objectives: Mosquitoes transmit serious human health diseases, causing millions of deaths every year. Plants may be sources of alternative mosquito control agents. The present study was carried out to assess the role of larvicidal activities of the crude extracts of four plants viz. Alternanthera sessilis L. (Amaranthaceae), Trema orientalis L. (Cannabaceae), Gardenia carinata Smith. (Rubiaceae) and Ruellia tuberosa L. (Acanthaceae) against Culex quinquefasciatus Say in laboratory bioassay. Methods: Selective concentrations (0.5, 1 and 1.5%) of crude extract of all four plant leaves were tested against Ist to IVth instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus. Log probit analysis (at 95% confidence level) revealed the LC50 values. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical analyses of crude extracts were also done. The lethal concentrations (%) of crude extracts at 24 h against IIIrd instar larvae were also studied on non-target organisms. Result: In a 72 h bioassay experiment with crude extract, the highest mortality was recorded in 1.5 per cent extract. A. sessilis showed the highest mortality (76.7 %) at 1.5 per cent crude extract against IInd instar larvae having LC50 value of 0.35 per cent, followed by R. tuberosa (LC50 =1.84%), G. carinata (LC50 = 2.11) and T. orientalis (LC50 = 2.95%). The regression equation showed a dose-dependent mortality, as the rate of mortality (Y) was positively correlated with the concentration (X). Phytochemical analysis of the crude extract showed the presence of many bioactive phytochemicals such as steroids, alkaloids, terpenes, saponins, etc. No changes in the swimming behaviour and survivality of non-target organism were noticed at the studied concentrations. Interpretation & conclusions: Crude extract of the four selected plants showed larvicidal activity against Cx. quinquefasciatus. The extracts at the studied concentrations did not produce any harmful effect on non-target organisms.

Biologia e comportamento do percevejo predador, Orius insidiosus (SAY, 1832) (Hemiptera: anthocoridae) em milho Bt e não Bt / Biological and behavioral aspects of of predator, Orius insidiosus (SAY, 1832) in Bt and non-Bt maize

Orius insidiosus é um percevejo predador associado à cultura do milho no Brasil. No entanto, poucos estudos relacionam sua biologia e comportamento sobre as pragas-alvo e o efeito indireto do milho Bt através de sua presa O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar aspectos biológicos de O. insidiosus alimentado com ovos de Spodoptera frugiperda e o efeito da alimentação dessa presa em milho Bt, expressando a proteína Cry1A(b), nos seus aspectos biológicos e comportamentais. Os ensaios foram conduzidos em câmara climatizada a 25 ± 1 ºC de temperatura, 12 horas de fotoperíodo e 60 ± 10% de umidade relativa. Ovos de O. insidiosus foram retirados da criação de pesquisa mantida em laboratório e ninfas de primeiro ínstar foram isoladas e mantidas de acordo com o tratamento. Para os ensaios com larvas de S. frugiperda que se alimentaram em milho Bt, utilizaram-se plantas nos estádios vegetativos entre V5 e V8. As variáveis avaliadas foram: a sobrevivência de ninfas, 48 h após a emergência e ninfas do 4º e 5º instares; o período de desenvolvimento das ninfas do 4º e 5º ínstares e a não preferência para alimentação entre lavas de S. frugiperda alimentadas em milho Bt e não Bt. O predador completou a fase ninfal em 11,94 dias apenas com alimentação de ovos de S. frugiperda. O primeiro ínstar apresentou sobrevivência menor do que aos demais avaliados. A alimentação de ninfas de O. insidiosus com larvas de S. frugiperda alimentadas em milho Bt e não Bt não afetou significativamente o desenvolvimento nem a sobrevivência do predador, que apresentou uma maior preferência para as larvas que se alimentaram em milho Bt, provavelmente devido ao tamanho reduzidos dessas larvas.

Orius insidiosus is a predator frequently associated with maize crop in Brazil. However there are few studies comparing its biology and behavior on the target pest as well as the Bt maize indirect effect by its pray. Thus, the present study was to evaluate the biological aspects of O. insidiosus feeding on eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda and the effect of the prey feeding on Bt maize expressing Cry1A(b) protein, on its predation ability and development. The experiments were conducted in a climatic chamber at 25 ± 1 oC and photophase of 12 h and 60 ± 10% RH. O. insidiosus eggs were obtained from a laboratory colony and the first instar nymphs were isolated and submitted to the experiment treatments. Larvae of S. frugiperda were fed on leaf of Bt maize on V5 to V8 vegetative growth stages. There were evaluated: nymphal survival after 48 h of hatching and nymphs at 4th and 5th instars. Also the nymphs development period at 4th and 5th instars and non-preference for feeding on S. frugiperda fed on Bt and Non-Bt maize were evaluated. The predator feeding only on eggs of S. frugiperda completed the nymphal stage in 11.94 days. The first instar had lower survival than the others. The development and survival of O. insidiosus nymphs were not affected when they were fed of FAW larvae fed on Bt and Non-Bt maize and the predator preferred to feed on larvae from Bt-maize, probably because they were smaller.

Evaluation of target specific larvicidal activity of the leaf extract of Typhonium trilobatum against Culex quinquefasciatus Say

Objective: To investigate the target specific larvicidal potential of an edible herb Typhonium trilobatum (T. trilobatum) (L.) Schott against mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus) Say. Methods: Different concentrations of crude and methanol extract of T. trilobatum mature leaves were treated against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. LC50 concentration of crude extract on mosquito 3rd instar larvae was tested on Chironomus circumdatus and Diplonychus annulatum larvae. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed in search of plant’s secondary metabolites. Results:100%mortality of 1st instar mosquito larvae was recorded at 0.4%concentration after 72 h of exposure of crude extract. At 72 h 0.5%concentration produced 100%, 89.99%and 79.99%mortality of 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae respectively. 50 ppm methanol extract showed 73.67%mortality of 3rd instar mosquito larvae at 72 h. 400 ppm concentration was responsible for 100%mortality in 24 h. Application of LC50 concentration (of 3rd instar mosquito larva) against non target organisms like C. circumdatus and D. annulatum larvae produced no significant mortality among them. Secondary metabolites like terpenoids and free glycoside bound anthraquinones were found. Conclusions:This experimental study was a pioneer attempt to establish T. trilobatum as a valuable resource of effective target specific mosquito larvicide.

Safety of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. to Gallus domesticus L.

Beauveria bassiana, an important insect pathogen was used to evaluate its effect on the feeding, behavior, histology of the digestory system and anatomy of Gallus domesticus. The fungus (strain Unioeste 4) was administrated orally treated with chicken food. Chicken feces were collected, and the birds observed for 28 days. Also, were evaluated the weight of the birds, as well as any sign of intoxication or pathological modification. Tissue samples were withdrawn to test lesions with the optic microscope. There was 100 percent of survival of the birds, and no behavior alteration or external lesion was found. The test group presented the highest weight gain (1383.9±54.4g). Viable conidia were observed in the feces until 24 h after feeding the fungus, indicating that there was no germination inside the digestory system. No tissue lesion was observed, providing overwhelming evidence for the safety of B. bassiana to non-target organism G. domesticus.

Beauveria bassiana é um importe entomopatógeno, sendo avaliado seu efeito sobre a alimentação, comportamento e histologia do sistema digestório de Gallus domesticus. O fungo (isolado Unioeste 4) foi administrado oralmente às aves, misturado à ração. Estas foram observadas por 28 dias e as fezes coletadas diariamente para análise. Também foi avaliado o peso das aves, bem como sinais de intoxicação ou modificação patológica. Amostras teciduais foram retiradas para verificar lesões com o microscópico óptico. Houve sobrevivência de 100 por cento das aves avaliadas e nenhuma alteração comportamental ou lesão externa durante o experimento. O grupo teste apresentou o maior ganho de peso (1383,9±54,4g), sendo mais acentuado a partir da segunda semana. Observou-se a presença de conídios viáveis nas fezes somente até 24 horas após a ingestão do fungo, indicando que não houve germinação nas aves. Nenhuma lesão tecidual foi verificada, de forma que B. bassiana mostrou-se seguro para o organismo não-alvo G. domesticus.

Cladocers, Copepods and Rotifers in rice-fish culture handled with metsulfuron-methyl and azimsulfuron herbicides and carbofuran insecticide / Cladocera, Copepoda e Rotifera em rizipiscicultura tratada com os herbicidas metsulfuron-metílico e azimsulfuron e o inseticida carbofuran

This study determined the effects of metsulfuron-methyl, azimsulfuron and carbofuran in communities: Cladocers, Copepods and Rotifers that are present in irrigated rice farming with the rice-fish system. The field experiment was conducted in the 2004/05 growing season with eight treatments. The fish species were: Cyprinus carpio, Ctenopharyngodon idella and Aristichthys nobilis, introduced seven days after treatments were applied. Water samples were collected 17 days before and 1st, 3rd, 10th, 18th, 31th, 51th, and 75th days after the agrochemicals were applied for identification and evaluation of the zooplankton. The results indicated that the herbicides did not affect the zooplankton community studied and carbofuran insecticide application provoked negative effects in Cladocers. Copepods and Rotifers were slightly affected by carbofuran.

O presente estudo determinou o efeito de metsulfuron-metílico, azimsulfuron e carbofuran nas comunidades: Cladocera, Copepoda e Rotifera presentes em lavouras de arroz irrigado com o sistema de rizipiscicultura. O experimento foi conduzido durante a safra agrícola 2004/05 com oito tratamentos. As espécies de peixes utilizadas foram: Cyprinus carpio, Ctenopharyngodon idella e Aristichthys nobilis, introduzidas sete dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos. Amostras de água foram coletadas 17 dias antes e no(s) 1°, 3°, 10°, 18°, 31°, 51° e 75° dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos para a identificação e a avaliação de zooplâncton. Os resultados indicam que os herbicidas estudados não afetaram a comunidade zooplanctônica e a aplicação do inseticida carbofuran provocou efeitos negativos em Cladocera. Copepoda e Rotifera foram pouco afetados pelo carbofuran.