Ocular surface manifestations of ophthalmia nodosa from caterpillar setae

Objective@#To report three consecutive cases of ophthalmia nodosa due to caterpillar hair (setae). @*Methods@#This is a brief report.@*Results@#Three cases of ocular surface injury with history of contact with caterpillar setae are reported. The first case is that of a child with right upper lid swelling, papillary conjunctivitis, and setae embedded in the upper palpebral conjunctiva causing multiple distinct linear abrasions on the cornea. The second patient was an adult male who had setae embedded in the corneal stroma, palpebral conjunctiva, and bulbar conjunctiva, resulting in corneal epithelial defect and a conjunctival granuloma. The last was an adult male who had a subconjunctival hemorrhage due to setae penetration. All were managed with setae removal, topical antibiotic and steroid eyedrops, and other symptomatic treatment strategies as needed.@*Conclusion@#Clinical features of ophthalmia nodosa vary depending on the site of setae penetration. Meticulous setae removal is key to successful management in addition to inflammation control and infection prophylaxis.

Phenotypic plasticity in adults of Anticarsia gemmatalis exposed to sub-doses of Bt-based bioinsecticide / Plasticidade fenotípica morfométrica em adultos de Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner, 1818 expostos a subdoses de Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, 1911

Anticarsia gemmatalis Hünber, 1818 is one of the main defoliating species in the soybean crop. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, 1915, is a bacterium used in the biological control of this pest species. Resistant populations and their sublethal effects caused by the use of the bacteria have already been reported; however, there are no studies on phenotypic plasticity in adulthood exposed to Bt-based bioinsecticide sub-doses. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometry of A. gemmatalis adults under laboratory conditions submitted to the Bt-based bioinsecticide Dipel® over the three generations. The body segments mensuread were width, length, and area of the anterior and posterior wings, the weight of the integument, chest, abdomen, wings, and the whole adult of males and females. Among the treatments, LC5 in the first generation and LC10 in the second generation were those with lower thresholds in relation to the weight of the chest and abdomen, considering the proportions of the body smaller than the females. The female's weight adulthood was reduced by 10% about males, and, only in the first generation. Males have larger body size and more pronounced phenotypic plasticity than females. Here, we demonstrate the first study assessing the phenotypic plasticity of A. gemmatalis adults.

Anticarsia gemmatalis Hünber, 1818 é uma das principais espécies desfolhadoras da cultura da soja. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, 1915, é uma bactéria utilizada no controle biológico dessa espécie de praga. Populações resistentes e seus efeitos subletais causados pelo uso da bactéria já foram relatados, no entanto, não há estudos sobre a plasticidade fenotípica na idade adulta exposta a subdoses de bioinseticida à base de Bt. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a morfometria de adultos de A. gemmatalis em condições de laboratório submetidos ao bioinseticida Dipel® ao longo de três gerações. Os segmentos corporais mensuráveis eram largura, comprimento e área das asas anterior e posterior, o peso do tegumento, tórax, abdômen, asas e todo o adulto de machos e fêmeas. Dentre os tratamentos, CL5 na primeira geração e CL10 na segunda geração foram aqueles com limiares mais baixos em relação ao peso do tórax e abdômen, considerando as proporções do corpo menores que as do sexo feminino. O peso da fêmea na idade adulta foi reduzido em 10% em relação aos machos e, apenas na primeira geração. Os machos têm tamanho corporal maior e plasticidade fenotípica mais pronunciada do que as fêmeas. Este estudo demonstra o primeiro estudo avaliando a plasticidade fenotípica de adultos de A. gemmatalis.

Phenotypic plasticity in adults of Anticarsia gemmatalis exposed to sub-doses of Bt-based bioinsecticide

Abstract Anticarsia gemmatalis Hünber, 1818 is one of the main defoliating species in the soybean crop. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, 1915, is a bacterium used in the biological control of this pest species. Resistant populations and their sublethal effects caused by the use of the bacteria have already been reported; however, there are no studies on phenotypic plasticity in adulthood exposed to Bt-based bioinsecticide sub-doses. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometry of A. gemmatalis adults under laboratory conditions submitted to the Bt-based bioinsecticide Dipel® over the three generations. The body segments mensuread were width, length, and area of the anterior and posterior wings, the weight of the integument, chest, abdomen, wings, and the whole adult of males and females. Among the treatments, LC5 in the first generation and LC10 in the second generation were those with lower thresholds in relation to the weight of the chest and abdomen, considering the proportions of the body smaller than the females. The females weight adulthood was reduced by 10% about males, and, only in the first generation. Males have larger body size and more pronounced phenotypic plasticity than females. Here, we demonstrate the first study assessing the phenotypic plasticity of A. gemmatalis adults.

Resumo Anticarsia gemmatalis Hünber, 1818 é uma das principais espécies desfolhadoras da cultura da soja. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, 1915, é uma bactéria utilizada no controle biológico dessa espécie de praga. Populações resistentes e seus efeitos subletais causados pelo uso da bactéria já foram relatados, no entanto, não há estudos sobre a plasticidade fenotípica na idade adulta exposta a subdoses de bioinseticida à base de Bt. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a morfometria de adultos de A. gemmatalis em condições de laboratório submetidos ao bioinseticida Dipel® ao longo de três gerações. Os segmentos corporais mensuráveis eram largura, comprimento e área das asas anterior e posterior, o peso do tegumento, tórax, abdômen, asas e todo o adulto de machos e fêmeas. Dentre os tratamentos, CL5 na primeira geração e CL10 na segunda geração foram aqueles com limiares mais baixos em relação ao peso do tórax e abdômen, considerando as proporções do corpo menores que as do sexo feminino. O peso da fêmea na idade adulta foi reduzido em 10% em relação aos machos e, apenas na primeira geração. Os machos têm tamanho corporal maior e plasticidade fenotípica mais pronunciada do que as fêmeas. Este estudo demonstra o primeiro estudo avaliando a plasticidade fenotípica de adultos de A. gemmatalis.

Efficacy of Bio-pesticides and Newer Insecticides against Major Insect Pests of Cauliflower

A field trail Comprising of nine insecticides conducted at farmer’s field in endemic area of pests on cauliflower in Siwan district of Bihar during 2018-19. Data revealed that Indoxacarb 14.5 SC @1.0 ml/L of water was found to be most effective insecticides on major pests of cauliflower i.e. leaf webber (41.06% reduction), tobacco caterpillar (48.91% reduction), Diamond Back Moth (64.40% reduction) and aphid (69.96% reduction) over farmer’s practices (chlorpyriphas 20 EC @ 1.5 ml/L of water) i.e. 24.67% 27.86%, 32.47% and 34.81% reduction of leaf webber, tobacco caterpillar, Diamond Back Moth and aphid, respectively. Similarly, significantly highest yield (144.26 q/ha) produced cauliflower in treatment of Indoxacarb 14.5 SC. However, Cost-benefit analysis revealed that highest cost-benefit ratio of 1:11.15 in treatment of Cartap hydrochloride 50 SP @ 1.0gm/L of water followed by Thiodicarb 75 WP @ 1.0g/L (1:9.39), Indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 1.0 ml/L (1: 7.96), Emamectin benzoate 5 WSG @ 0.25 gm/L (1:7.22), Novaluran 10 EC @ 1.0 ml/L (1:6.48), Spinosad 45 SC @0.33 ml/L (1:6.34), Avemectin 1.9 EC @ 0.5 ml/L (1:5.57), Azadirachtin 0.15% @ 4 ml/L ( 1:4.10) and farmer’s practices (1:3.10), respectively.

Biopotency and toxicity of diverse group of insecticides under laboratory condition against sunflower defoliator Spilarctia obliqua (Walker)

The biopotency and toxicity of two groups, conventional and newer insecticides [eight commercial insecticides] were determined against Bihar or Common hairy caterpillar (BHC) Spilarctia obliqua (Walker). Experiment carried out in the laboratory by exposing BHC larvae to insecticides. Biopotency was measured at different time intervals from 12-72 h after insecticidal application showed that all of the insecticides outperformed the control. At 48 h after imposing, the highest mortality percentage (100) was observed on spinetoram 11.7 SC and chlorfenapyr 10 SC, which are comparable to cyantranaliprole 10.26 OD, followed by chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, ?-cyhalothrin 5 EC and chlorpyriphos 20 EC, with the lowest mortality percentage observed on tolfenpyrad 15 EC (66.67 %). In chlorantraniliprole, cyantranaliprole, spinetoram, tolfenpyrad, fipronil, chlorfenapyr, ?-cyhalothrin and chlorpyriphos, respectively, the toxicity level of insecticides was calculated based on median lethal concentration (LC50) values of 0.36, 0.48, 0.52, 0.50, 0.69, 0.98, 1.43 and 3.82 ppm. The overall conclusion of this trial was that spinetoram 11.7 SC and chlorfenapyr10 SC are the best chemicals for controlling the early stages of BHC larvae. In comparison to traditional insecticides, new insecticides have the highest level of toxicity

Insecticides action of neonicotinoids group in fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) control on bean leaves (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Among several factors that impact the bean culture productivity there are pest insects, which affect the plant since seeding until postharvest, causing loss in the culture yield. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) stands out among the main pests of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of insecticides of the neonicotinoid group in the control of the fall armyworm in the bean crop, comparing dinotefuran, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid performance. Experimental design was composed of blocks entirely randomized, with 9 treatments and 10 replicates. Three caterpillars, at the stage of second instar, were used in each experiment, focusing on the ingestion of leaves containing the treatments. Evaluations were realized in the intervals of 1, 3, 6 and 8 days after every application, counting the number of caterpillars alive in the Petri's dish, attributing visual notes on bean leaves, according to the foliar area affected (consumed). The dinotefuran treatment with the highest dose presented superior efficiency at 80% in the first evaluation. The thiamethoxam treatment with the lowest dose, in the latest analyses, showed efficient superior at 90%. The major doses of all treatments presented efficiency higher than 80% in the last evaluations, being efficient in the S. frugiperda control.

Mixture compatibility of Anticarsia gemmatalis nucleopolyhedrovirus (AgMNPV) with pesticides used in soybean / Compatibilidade da mistura de nucleopoliedrovírus de Anticarsia gemmatalis baculovírus (AgMNPV) com agrotóxicos utilizados na soja

Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner: 1818) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is one of the main pests that affect soybean crops, causing defoliation. In the vegetative stages, defoliation occurs together with weeds, and in the reproductive stages with pathogens. In this sense, to maintain plant health, it is necessary to carry out the combined use of pesticides. Thus, this research determined the compatibility of the entomopathogenic virus AgMNPV with the main herbicides and fungicides used in soy at different times of the mixture. The artificial diet was immersed in the solutions of the pesticides and their mixtures and supplied to A. gemmatalis caterpillars, immediately and after one and two hours of mixing. The evaluation was performed by quantifying the number of dead caterpillars by mixing the AgMNPV virus with herbicides and fungicides, even after two hours of mixing if compatible. The observed scenarios showed a compatibility of the virus with the herbicides and fungicides, with mortality rates between 70 to 99% for A. gemmatalis.

Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner: 1818) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) é uma das principais pragas que acometem a cultura da soja, causando desfolha. Nos estágios vegetativos a desfolha ocorre juntamente com ervas daninhas, e no reprodutivo com patógenos. Nesse sentido, para manter a fitossanidade, é necessário realizar a utilização combinada de pesticidas. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar a compatibilidade do vírus entomopatogênico AgMNPV com os principais herbicidas e fungicidas utilizados na soja em diferentes tempos de mistura. A dieta artificial foi imersa nas soluções dos pesticidas e suas misturas e fornecida às lagartas de A. gemmatalis, imediatamente e após uma e duas horas de mistura. A avaliação foi realizada quantificando o número de lagartas mortas. A mistura do vírus AgMNPV com herbicidas e fungicidas, mesmo após duas horas de mistura se mostrou compatível. Os cenários observados mostram a compatibilidade do vírus com os herbicidas e fungicidas, com percentuais de mortalidade entre 70 a 99% para A. gemmatalis.

Insecticidal Activity of Lavandula dentata L. Essential Oil on Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner, 1818)

Abstract Anticarsia gemmatalis, commonly known as soybean caterpillar, causes important economic losses in soybean crops. Synthetic pesticides are the standard practice to control this insect. However, the indiscriminate use of these substances has increased the resistance of this pest. Thus, it is necessary to search for different control alternatives that are also more environmentally friendly. The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical composition of Lavandula dentata L. essential oil (EO) and its activity on A. gemmatalis. The major compounds of essential oil were 1,8-cineole (31.5 wt.%), camphor (16.6 wt.%), and fenchone (15.9 wt.%). Bioassays were performed with third-instar caterpillars. EO concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0% v/v were diluted in Tween-80® 0.5% v/v and incorporated into the artificial diet given to caterpillars. Water, Tween-80® 0.5% v/v, and novaluron 0.075% w/v were added as negative and positive controls. For the aversion tests, soybean leaf discs were immersed in solutions with 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0% v/v of EO, plus a negative control (water), and offered to caterpillars. In the bioassay, 100% mortality was observed from the concentration 0.6% v/v of the essential oil of L. dentata in 24 h; without statistical difference from 0.4 and 0.5% v/v. There was no important change in mortality between 24 and 72 h. In the aversion test, all EO treatments caused deterrence of caterpillars when compared to control, but without difference between EO concentrations. It was observed that L. dentata EO can be used as an alternative in the control of A. gemmatalis.

Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): first report of parasitism in Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) / Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): primeiro relato de parasitismo em Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.

A adaptação de espécies nativas de lepidópteros a plantios de eucalipto reduz a produtividade dessa cultura no Brasil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é praga-secundária, frequentemente, relatada em plantios de eucalipto com surtos populacionais e danos econômicos. Métodos de controle biológico, dessa praga, podem incluir o uso do endoparasitoide exótico de pupas Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) relatado como eficiente para o controle de lepidópteros-pragas. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi foi avaliado em condições controladas (25 ± 1º C, 60 ± 20% umidade e 12h fotoperíodo). Cada lagarta ou pupa de O. vesulia foi colocada individualmente em tubos de fundo chato com 10 e 15 fêmeas de T. howardi por 48h, respectivamente e, após esse período, os parasitoides foram removidos, as lagartas alimentadas e as pupas mantidas até a emergência do parasitoide ou formação de pupas ou de adultos dessa praga. As lagartas de quarto ínstar de O. vesulia, após o período de parasitismo, foram mantidas em potes com folhas de Eucalyptus urophylla trocadas, diariamente, até o fim do experimento. Um total de 40% das lagartas de O. vesulia morreu antes da fase de pré-pupa, 40% atingiram o estágio de pupa e morreram devido à má formação ou problemas e 20% originaram mariposas, porém nenhum parasitoide adulto emergiu das lagartas. Todas as pupas de O. vesulia foram parasitadas e tiveram emergência de parasitoides. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi mostra o potencial desse inimigo natural para o manejo integrado desse desfolhador em cultivos de eucalipto.

Study on biology of tea bunch caterpillar Andraca bipunctata on alternative host plant Eurya acuminata of Meghalaya

Aim: The present study was carried out to study the biology of tea caterpillar Andraca bipunctata on Eurya acuminata as an alternate host which will be useful for tea growers of Meghalaya and nearby area to monitor the incidence and timely management of this pest on alternative host itself.Methodology: Insect population was collected from Umiam, Ri-Bhoi district situated in the mid altitude hills (Khasi hills) of Meghalaya. Six locations were selected randomly within the locality for the collection of eggs, larval instars and pupae from the host plant. Host plant was identified at Agro-forestry Division, ICAR-Research Complex for NEH, Umiam. Observations on all the biological parameters were recorded under laboratory conditions and analysed accordingly. Results: In present study, an alternative host of A. bipunctata was found in mid-altitude hills of Meghalaya state during survey which was identified as Eurya acuminatea. The insect was able to easily survive and complete its whole life cycle on this host plant, E. acuminata. Interpretation: E. acuminate acted as an alternative host and safe reservoir site for all the stages of A. bipunctata and thereby this host plant helps to survive the pest during unfavorable condition in main host (tea plantation). A. bipunctata is able to multiply their population on E. acuminata and get ready to damage on the main host for successive years.

Diolcogaster choi sp. nov. from Brazil, a new gregarious microgastrine parasitoid wasp (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) reared from Hypercompe cunigunda (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in Brazil

Abstract A new species of Diolcogaster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is described and illustrated. Additionally, its position within the recently published key to New World species of the xanthaspis species-group (to which the described Diolcogaster belongs) is provided. The gregarious larval parasitoid Diolcogaster choi sp. nov. was collected in Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil. This natural enemy was recovered from a caterpillar of Hypercompe cunigunda (Stoll, 1781) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) that was feeding on plant of passionflower, Passiflora edulis Sims (Passifloraceae). The fauna of the xanthaspis group in the New World now includes five species, including the new species from Brazil described in this paper. Diolcogaster choi sp. nov. differs anatomically, and is morphologically diagnosed, from all other known member of the xanthaspis group of the genus Diolcogaster, to which it belongs. The species also differs in recorded host, and its DNA barcode appears to be distinctive among described Diolcogaster.

First report and damage description of Calodesma collaris (Drury, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) caterpillars on Aechmea winkleri Reitz, 1975 (Bromeliaceae)

Abstract We report for the first time the occurrence of Calodesma collaris (Drury, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) caterpillars on Aechmea winkleri Reitz, 1975 (Bromeliaceae) and describe the damage it causes on these plants. The consumption of leaf tissue, accumulation of excrements and inhibition of inflorescence emission caused by larvae of C. collaris can result in plants of A. winkleri that are not suitable for ornamental or landscaping purposes.

Antibiosis in soybean genotypes to Spodoptera cosmioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract The occurrence of the black caterpillar Spodoptera cosmioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has been increasing in soybean crops in Brazil leading to yield losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate antibiosis in soybean genotypes to S. cosmioides. The following parameters were evaluated: duration, viability and larval weight; duration and viability of the pre-pupal; duration, weight and viability of pupa; total cycle and sex ratio. The design was completely randomized with 18 treatments (genotypes) and 30 replicates. The genotypes PI 227687, PI227682, IAC 100 and BRS 7270 IPRO showed significant levels of antibiosis against S. cosmioides. These results will be useful for soybean producer or in breeding programs focusing on host plant resistance.

Bioactivity of Schinus molle L. and Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi. Essential Oils on Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner 1818)

Abstract Anticarsia gemmatalis is one of the main pests of the soybean crop, being controlled mainly with agrochemicals. The environmental and health risks, as well as the development of resistance by the pests, has led to the search for alternative control measures, aiming to use more eco-friendly procedures. The objective of this research was to evaluate the chemical composition and the bioactivity of Schinus molle and Schinus terebinthifolia essential oils (EOs) on A. gemmatalis. The major compound in both EOs was α-pinene (60.04 wt.% for S. molle and 38.49 wt.% for S. terebinthifolia). Bioassays were carried out with third instar larvae, with five replicates and each replicate with ten larvae, totaling 50 larvae per treatment. The oils were incorporated in the artificial diet (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% v/v). The controls were: water, Tween-80® 0.5% v/v, and novaluron 0.075% v/v. According to the Probit method, the S. terebinthifolia EO presented a LC50 of 1.74% v/v (1.58-1.97% v/v); it was not possible to determine the LC50 for the S. molle EO. The mortality percentage after 24 and 48 h was 52% and 30% at 2.0% v/v for S. terebinthifolia and S. molle oil, respectively. After 72 h, the mortality rate for S. molle EO have not changed; for S. terebinthifolia EO it increased to 70%; the larvae treated with the chemical control (synthetic insecticide) had a mortality of 100%.

Characterization of a Chrysodeixis includens nucleopolyhedrovirus Isolate from Brazilian Cerrado and Assessment of its Co-Infection with Anticarsia gemmatalis multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus

Abstract Chrysodeixis includens has become the major Lepidopteran pest of soybean crops, especially in the Brazilian Cerrado (savanna) region. A native isolate of Chrysodeixis includens nucleopolyhedrovirus (ChinNPV) from this region, Buritis, MG, was assessed for its biological and molecular features. In addition, in vitro co-infection with Anticarsia gemmatalis multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AgMNPV), another virus of an important soybean pest, was tested. The ChinNPV-Buritis isolate presented an average LC50 of 7,750 occlusion bodies (OBs)/ml of diet in C. includens larvae. Analysis of restriction endonuclease profiles of viral DNA revealed similarities with previously described ChinNPV isolates IE, IF, and IG from Brazil, although the presence of submolar bands indicates genetic heterogeneity. Optical microscopy analysis in conjunction with quantitative PCR (qPCR) demonstrated in vitro infection of this isolate in IPLB-SF-21AE, Sf9, and BTI-Tn-5B1-4 cell lines, but the amount of ChinNPV tends to decrease through serial passages. The qPCR method developed in this study successfully detected both AgMNPV and ChinNPV from cell culture and from infected larvae. The cell line Tn-5B1-4 is indicated for future development of in vitro production and co-infection studies.

Consumption and use of soybean by the caterpillar Helicoverpa armigera / Consumo e utilização de soja pela lagarta Helicoverpa armigera

ABSTRACT: A deep insight into the population dynamics of a pest can be achieved by being acquainted with its nutritional ecology, which further assists in understanding the damage potential and decisions to control mainly in diversified production systems such as those in Brazil. The present r research aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary regimens, comprising combinations of acessible organs of soybean plants, at different stages of development, consumption, and utilization of food by the 4th, 5th, and 6thlarvae instar of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lep.: Noctuidae). For this purpose, the vegetative and reproductive organs of soybean were brought together in three feeding regimes, followed by making it available to caterpillars. After evaluations, it was found that under laboratory conditions, the development of H. armigera 4th to 6th instar caterpillars was better when they werepurely fed on leaves than on combinations of vegetative and reproductive parts, such as fresh leaves + old leaves + pods at the beginning of grain development, and old leaves + pods at the beginning of grain development +pods with well-developed grain.

RESUMO: O conhecimento sobre a ecologia nutricional de uma praga pode auxiliar na compreensão da sua dinâmica populacional, na definição do potencial de danos e nas decisões para controle, principalmente, em sistemas de produção diversificados como os existentes no Brasil. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de regimes alimentares, constituídos por combinações de órgãos disponíveis nas plantas de soja, em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento, no consumo e no aproveitamento do alimento pelas lagartas de 4º, 5º e 6º instares de Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lep.: Noctuidae). Órgãos vegetativos e reprodutivos da soja foram combinados em três regimes alimentares e fornecidos à lagartas. Os resultados demonstram que, em condições de laboratório, na cultura da soja o desenvolvimento de lagartas do 4º ao 6º instar de H. armigera foi melhor quando se alimentaram com folhas do que com folhas novas + folhas velhas + legumes no início do desenvolvimento do grão e folhas velhas + legumes no início do desenvolvimento do grão + legumes com o grão bem desenvolvido.

Association between molecular markers and behavioral phenotypes in the immatures of a butterfly

Abstract Newly hatched caterpillars of the butterfly Heliconius erato phyllis routinely cannibalize eggs. In a manifestation of kin recognition they cannibalize sibling eggs less frequently than unrelated eggs. Previous work has estimated the heritability of kin recognition in H. erato phyllis to lie between 14 and 48%. It has furthermore been shown that the inheritance of kin recognition is compatible with a quantitative model with a threshold. Here we present the results of a preliminary study, in which we tested for associations between behavioral kin recognition phenotypes and AFLP and SSR markers. We implemented two experimental approaches: (1) a cannibalism test using sibling eggs only, which allowed for only two behavioral outcomes (cannibal and non-cannibal), and (2) a cannibalism test using two sibling eggs and one unrelated egg, which allowed four outcomes [cannibal who does not recognize siblings, cannibal who recognizes siblings, "super-cannibal" (cannibal of both eggs), and "super non-cannibal" (does not cannibalize eggs at all)]. Single-marker analyses were performed using χ2 tests and logistic regression with null markers as covariates. Results of the χ2 tests identified 72 associations for experimental design 1 and 73 associations for design 2. Logistic regression analysis of the markers found to be significant in the χ2 test resulted in 20 associations for design 1 and 11 associations for design 2. Experiment 2 identified markers that were more frequently present or absent in cannibals who recognize siblings and super non-cannibals; i.e. in both phenotypes capable of kin recognition.

Elbella luteizona (Mabille, 1877) (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae: Pyrginae) in Brazilian Cerrado: larval morphology, diet, and shelter architecture

Abstract This study examined temporal variation in the abundance of immature stages of Elbella luteizona (Hesperiidae) and describes the morphology and behavior of the larvae on their host plants, Byrsonima coccolobifolia and Myrsine guianensis. Five hundred sixty-eight 10 m diameter plots were searched for caterpillars in the Brazilian Cerrado over a period of one year. We inspected 5968 host plants, and found 31 eggs and 262 larvae on 244 plants. Similar numbers of immatures were found in both species of host plants. The abundance of immature stages varied monthly and was significantly higher in the dry season on both host plants, which may be due to the low density of natural enemies during that time. E. luteizona is univoltine, and larvae present relatively little morphological variation. However, during development, substantial changes occur in the architecture of leaf shelters that caterpillars construct. In addition, E. luteizona larvae develop very slowly, taking more than 300 days to complete metamorphosis.

Biological Activity of Piper aduncum extracts on Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

ABSTRACT Piper aduncum found naturally in the Amazon and southeastern Brazil, is known for its secondary metabolites that have activity on insects. Anticarsia gemmatalis and Spodoptera frugiperda are among the major insect pests associated with agricultural production. This research evaluated the biological activity of hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts of P. aduncum leaves on mortality and duration of larval and pupal periods, as well as weight, width, and length of A. gemmatalis and S. frugiperda pupae. The mortality of A. gemmatalis larvae in trials with P. aduncum extracts were 93.3% (hexane) and 90% (ethyl acetate), estimating LC50 of 6.35 and 5.79 mg/mL, respectively. Mortality in S. frugiperda submitted to the hexane extract ranged from 3.33% to 96.66% (LC50 of 8.22 mg/mL). The ethanol extract induced low mortality (3.33% to 23.33%). The P. aduncum extracts did not affect the development of S. frugiperda pupae. In A. gemmatalis differences in weight and length occurred. The chemical characterization was by GC-MS, which revealed that the major constituent in the hexane extract of P. aduncum was apiol (90.7%). P. aduncum extracts are important and promising components to manage A. gemmatalis and S. frugiperda, which cause extensive production losses.

Efeitos pós-ingestivos de flavonóides no epitélio do intestino médio de larvas de Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner 1818) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) / Post-ingestive effects of flavonoids in the midgut epithelium of Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner 1818) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) larvae

An alternative control to soybean caterpillar has been the use of insect resistant plants that present phenolic flavonoids. The midgut is the main access pathway of food and chemical substances ingested. The present study examined morphological alterations in the midgut epithelium of the soybean caterpillar, after the ingestion of soybean genotypes containing the flavonoids rutin and genistin. The caterpillars and genotypes (BRS 257 - control, BR 16, Dowling, PI 229358, IAC 100 and PI 227687) were obtained from the insect rearing facility at the Embrapa Soja. The midguts were collected, fixed in Karnovsky, processed and analyzed under a light microscope. All treatments caused alterations in the midgut epithelial cells. These alterations in the columnar cells were more assiduous than the on other cell types, showing an increase of cytoplasmic protrusions and vacuoles. The goblet cells showed few changes for all genotypes tested, while the regenerative cells presented alterations mainly for the Dowling and PI 227687 treatments. The peritrophic membrane was absent for genotypes IAC100 and PI 227687. We conclude that the Dowling and PI 227687 genotypes were effective and promoted great morphological alterations in the midgut of the soybean caterpillars, being able to be very effective for the control of this plague.

Um controle alternativo para a lagarta da soja tem sido o uso de plantas resistentes a insetos que contém flavonoides fenólicos. O intestino médio é a principal via de acesso do alimento e substâncias químicas ingeridas. O presente estudo examinou as alterações morfológicas no epitélio do intestino médio da lagarta da soja, após a ingestão de genótipos de soja contendo os flavonoides rutina e genistina. As lagartas e os genótipos (BRS 257 - controle, BR 16, Dowling, PI 229358, IAC 100 e PI 227687) foram obtidos do laboratório de criação de insetos da Embrapa Soja. Os intestinos médios foram coletados, fixados em Karnovsky, processados e analisados ao microscópio de luz. Todos os tratamentos causaram alterações nas células epiteliais do intestino médio. As alterações foram mais assíduas nas células colunares do que nos demais tipos celulares. Essas apresentaram grande quantidade de protrusões citoplasmáticas e de vacúolos. As células caliciformes apresentaram poucas alterações para todos os genótipos testados, enquanto as células regenerativas apresentaram alterações principalmente nos tratamentos Dowling e PI 227687. A membrana peritrófica estava ausente para os genótipos IAC100 e PI 227687. Conclui-se que os genótipos Dowling e PI 227687 foram bastante efetivos e promoveram grandes alterações morfológicas no intestino médio das lagartas da soja, podendo ser bastante eficaz para o controle desta praga.