Artificial Diets With Different Protein Levels for Rearing Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a pest of great economic importance which can feed on more than 300 plant species. As it is polyphagous, its host plants may have variable physical and chemical constitutions. This may influence larval development, as protein and carbohydrate levels are important factors for adequate biological development. The aim of this study was to evaluate insect developmental parameters as well as to compare the food consumption of S. frugiperda larvae reared using diets with different protein levels under laboratory conditions. Three artificial diet formulations were used: one typically used for routine laboratory rearing, based on bean, wheat germ and brewer's yeast (D1); one containing half the original amount of protein (D2), and the other with twice the original amount of protein (D3). The relative consumption rate (RCR), relative growth rate (RGR), and efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) for S. frugiperda fourth instar larvae varied among diets. The protein present in the diet influenced the duration of larval and pupal periods and pupal weight, but did not affect larval survival, fecundity and longevity of adults. The different protein levels in the diets did not negatively influence population growth, so these three diet variations can be used for mass rearing in the laboratory. However, the influence of these diets on successive generations of the insect remains untested.

Artificial Corn-Based Diet for Rearing Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) is considered a key pest of maize. However, the artificial diets used for rearing this insect in the laboratory do not contain corn. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biology and to compare the food consumption by S. frugiperda, as well as the food preference of the larvae in the standard diet and the corn-based diet. Three of the following diets were evaluated: a standard diet based on beans (D1), a diet with corn flour as substitute for wheat germ (D2), and a diet replacing beans with green corn (D3). The biological parameters evaluated were period and survival of larvae and pupae; weight of male and female pupae; sex ratio; fecundity; egg incubation period; and adult longevity. The nutritional indices were determined and the biological data obtained were used to determine the parameters of fertility life tables; we also performed a multiple-choice test (feeding test). Larval development of S. frugiperda occurred in all three diets, although without oviposition by females developed from larval fed on D2. There was no difference among the diets in relation to the fertility life table parameters. The diet D2 resulted in better ingestion, digestion, assimilation, and conversion of food, but was associated with a metabolic cost to assimilate the food. Using a multiple-choice test, we observed that the larvae preferred diet D2. Based on our results, the most adequate diets for rearing S. frugiperda in the laboratory are D1 and D3.

Selection of prey to improve biological parameters of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in laboratory conditions / Seleção de presas para melhorar parâmetros biológicos do predador Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) em condições de laboratório

Abstract Mass production of predatory stinkbugs in the laboratory is prioritized to release them into the field as part of IPM programs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the best prey for rearing the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) among five different species of insect (three of Lepidoptera, one of Coleoptera, and one of Diptera). Second-instar P. nigrispinus nymphs were conditioned in transparent 1000-mL plastic pots, adults were placed in Petri dishes for mating, and both stages were maintained under controlled conditions (25 ± 1°C, 12 hours of photophase, 70 ± 10% RH). Nymphs and adults of P. nigrispinus consumed more Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae than the other tested prey. The consumption of fly larvae was 1.5 larvae/day/nymph and adults 1.7 larvae/day/adult. However, the number of eggs per female was less when the predator consumed M. domestica larvae (407.8 eggs/female) and most when consumed the Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae (797.7 eggs/female). Furthermore, the percentage of hatched eggs was greater when the predator females consumed D. saccharalis larvae (90.0%). D. saccharalis larvae is the best prey to rearing P. nigrispinus.(AU)

Resumo A produção massal de percevejos predadores no laboratório é priorizada para liberá-los no campo, como parte de programas de MIP. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a melhor presa para a criação do predador Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) entre cinco espécies diferentes de insetos (três de Lepidoptera, uma de Coleoptera e uma de Diptera). Ninfas de segundo ínstar de P. nigrispinus foram acondicionadas em recipientes plásticos transparentes de 1000 ml, adultos foram colocados em placas de Petri para o acasalamento e, ambos os estágios foram mantidos sob condições controladas (25 ± 1°C, fotofase de 12 horas e 70 ± 10% UR). Ninfas e adultos de P. nigrispinus consumiram mais larvas de Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae) do que as outras presas testadas. O consumo de larvas de mosca foi de 1,5 larvas/dia/ninfa e adultos 1,7 larvas/dia/adulto. No entanto, o número de ovos por fêmea foi menor quando o predador consumiu larvas de M. domestica (407,8 ovos/fêmea) e maior quando consumiu larvas de Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) (797,7 ovos/fêmea). Além disso, a percentagem de eclosão de ninfas foi maior quando as fêmeas do predador consumiram larvas de D. saccharalis larvas (90,0%). Larvas de D. saccharalis é a melhor presa para a criação de P. nigrispinus.(AU)

Selection of prey to improve biological parameters of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in laboratory conditions / Seleção de presas para melhorar parâmetros biológicos do predador Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) em condições de laboratório

Abstract Mass production of predatory stinkbugs in the laboratory is prioritized to release them into the field as part of IPM programs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the best prey for rearing the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) among five different species of insect (three of Lepidoptera, one of Coleoptera, and one of Diptera). Second-instar P. nigrispinus nymphs were conditioned in transparent 1000-mL plastic pots, adults were placed in Petri dishes for mating, and both stages were maintained under controlled conditions (25 ± 1°C, 12 hours of photophase, 70 ± 10% RH). Nymphs and adults of P. nigrispinus consumed more Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae than the other tested prey. The consumption of fly larvae was 1.5 larvae/day/nymph and adults 1.7 larvae/day/adult. However, the number of eggs per female was less when the predator consumed M. domestica larvae (407.8 eggs/female) and most when consumed the Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae (797.7 eggs/female). Furthermore, the percentage of hatched eggs was greater when the predator females consumed D. saccharalis larvae (90.0%). D. saccharalis larvae is the best prey to rearing P. nigrispinus.

Resumo A produção massal de percevejos predadores no laboratório é priorizada para liberá-los no campo, como parte de programas de MIP. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a melhor presa para a criação do predador Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) entre cinco espécies diferentes de insetos (três de Lepidoptera, uma de Coleoptera e uma de Diptera). Ninfas de segundo ínstar de P. nigrispinus foram acondicionadas em recipientes plásticos transparentes de 1000 ml, adultos foram colocados em placas de Petri para o acasalamento e, ambos os estágios foram mantidos sob condições controladas (25 ± 1°C, fotofase de 12 horas e 70 ± 10% UR). Ninfas e adultos de P. nigrispinus consumiram mais larvas de Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae) do que as outras presas testadas. O consumo de larvas de mosca foi de 1,5 larvas/dia/ninfa e adultos 1,7 larvas/dia/adulto. No entanto, o número de ovos por fêmea foi menor quando o predador consumiu larvas de M. domestica (407,8 ovos/fêmea) e maior quando consumiu larvas de Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) (797,7 ovos/fêmea). Além disso, a percentagem de eclosão de ninfas foi maior quando as fêmeas do predador consumiram larvas de D. saccharalis larvas (90,0%). Larvas de D. saccharalis é a melhor presa para a criação de P. nigrispinus.

Selection of prey to improve biological parameters of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in laboratory conditions

Abstract Mass production of predatory stinkbugs in the laboratory is prioritized to release them into the field as part of IPM programs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the best prey for rearing the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) among five different species of insect (three of Lepidoptera, one of Coleoptera, and one of Diptera). Second-instar P. nigrispinus nymphs were conditioned in transparent 1000-mL plastic pots, adults were placed in Petri dishes for mating, and both stages were maintained under controlled conditions (25 ± 1°C, 12 hours of photophase, 70 ± 10% RH). Nymphs and adults of P. nigrispinus consumed more Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae than the other tested prey. The consumption of fly larvae was 1.5 larvae/day/nymph and adults 1.7 larvae/day/adult. However, the number of eggs per female was less when the predator consumed M. domestica larvae (407.8 eggs/female) and most when consumed the Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae (797.7 eggs/female). Furthermore, the percentage of hatched eggs was greater when the predator females consumed D. saccharalis larvae (90.0%). D. saccharalis larvae is the best prey to rearing P. nigrispinus.

Resumo A produção massal de percevejos predadores no laboratório é priorizada para liberá-los no campo, como parte de programas de MIP. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a melhor presa para a criação do predador Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) entre cinco espécies diferentes de insetos (três de Lepidoptera, uma de Coleoptera e uma de Diptera). Ninfas de segundo ínstar de P. nigrispinus foram acondicionadas em recipientes plásticos transparentes de 1000 ml, adultos foram colocados em placas de Petri para o acasalamento e, ambos os estágios foram mantidos sob condições controladas (25 ± 1°C, fotofase de 12 horas e 70 ± 10% UR). Ninfas e adultos de P. nigrispinus consumiram mais larvas de Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae) do que as outras presas testadas. O consumo de larvas de mosca foi de 1,5 larvas/dia/ninfa e adultos 1,7 larvas/dia/adulto. No entanto, o número de ovos por fêmea foi menor quando o predador consumiu larvas de M. domestica (407,8 ovos/fêmea) e maior quando consumiu larvas de Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) (797,7 ovos/fêmea). Além disso, a percentagem de eclosão de ninfas foi maior quando as fêmeas do predador consumiram larvas de D. saccharalis larvas (90,0%). Larvas de D. saccharalis é a melhor presa para a criação de P. nigrispinus.

Development of a New Container for Storage and Release of the Parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

In Brazil, the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) has been used as a biological control agent against Diatraea saccharalis (F.) since 1976, because of its effectiveness in reducing populations of this pest. Three million plastic cups are used annually to release C. flavipes, which remain in the environment. This study aimed to develop fully biodegradable packaging, so that releases occur without damaging the environment. The biological characteristics of C. flavipes were studied for five generations in the packaging developed (biodegradable boxes) and in the packaging currently used (non-biodegradable plastic cups and biodegradable cups), as were the costs. The results demonstrated the feasibility of using completely biodegradable and inexpensive packaging for the rearing, transport, and release of adult C. flavipes in the field.

Bionomic data and larval density of Scarabaeidae (Pleurosticti) in sugarcane in the central region of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Bionomic data and larval density of Scarabaeidae (Pleurosticti) in sugarcane in the central region of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Phytophagous larvae of Scarabaeidae cause damage to diverse crops. Information on these pests is scarce; therefore, the objective of this study was to determine biological aspects and larval density of species occurring in an area of sugarcane. The studies were developed in Sidrolândia from April 2009 to March 2010. Scarab beetle larvae were collected in sugarcane roots every fifteen days, taken to the laboratory and reared to obtain the adults and determine biological parameters. A total of 2,656 larvae were collected, being 162 Liogenys fuscus, 120 Cyclocephala verticalis, 37 Cyclocephala forsteri, and 2337 Anomonyx sp. In January, 53.65 larvae m-2 were obtained, and the most abundant species was Anomonyx sp, representing 87.99 percent of the total larvae collected. From November to March, the greatest densities of Anomonyx were observed in the field. The adults of this species occurred from May to September, and egg laying from September to November. Eggs measured 1.1 x 1.7 mm, and incubation period last 15.4 days. First instar larvae were observed mainly in October; second instar larvae from November to April; and third instar from January to July. Pupae were observed from May to August. The most abundant scarab beetle, Anomonyx sp. in roots of sugarcane presents one generation per year in Sidrolândia, MS.

Dados bionômicos e densidade larval de Scarabaeidae (Pleurosticti) em cultura de cana-de-açúcar na região central de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Larvas fitófagas de Scarabaeidae causam danos em diversas culturas. Entretanto as informações sobre essas pragas são bastante escassas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar aspectos morfológicos, biológicos e densidade larval de escarabeídeos em área de cana-de-açúcar. Os estudos foram desenvolvidos em Sidrolândia, MS, de abril de 2009 a março de 2010. As larvas presentes nas raízes de cana-de-açúcar foram coletadas quinzenalmente, levadas para o laboratório e criadas até a obtenção de adultos e avaliação de parâmetros biológicos. Foram coletadas 2.656 larvas, sendo 162 de Liogenys fuscus, 120 de Cyclocephala verticalis, 37 de Cyclocephala forsteri e 2337 Anomonyx sp. Em janeiro, foram registradas 53,65 larvas m-2, sendo Anomonyx sp. a espécie mais abundante, representando 87,99 por cento do total. De novembro a março, foram observadas as maiores densidades de Anomonyx no campo. Os adultos foram observados de maio a setembro. A postura ocorreu de setembro a novembro. Os ovos mediram 1,1x 1,7 mm, com período de incubação de 15,4 dias. As larvas de primeiro ínstar foram observadas em outubro, as de segundo ínstar de novembro a abril e as de terceiro de janeiro a julho. As pupas ocorreram de maio a agosto. A espécie de Scarabaeidae mais abundante na cana-de-açúcar é Anomonyx sp., que apresenta uma geração por ano.

Resistência de genótipos de batata a Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller)

The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) is today one of the most important pests in potato. The use of resistant varieties to control this insect is a interesting technique, but it is necessary more researches about it. Resistance of potato genotypes to this pest was investigated under laboratory conditions by evaluating the effect of leaves and tubers on insect biology. Potato and tomato leaves were also compared in relation to suitability of insect development. Tests were carried out with the following genotypes: clones NYL 235-4 and N 140-201 (both with type A glandular trichomes on leaves), cultivars Aracy, Apuã and Itararé. The tomato cultivar Santa Clara was also included. Insects were reared on leaflets and tubers of each genotype in order to evaluate larval and pupal development time, larval and pupal survival and pupal weight. Insect development was not affected by leaves of potato genotypes, even when glandular trichomes were present. However, tomato leaves increased larval development time and reduced pupal weight when compared to potato leaves. In tests with tubers, NYL 235-4 showed resistance to potato tuber moth with a reduction in larval survival and an increase in larval development time. N 140-201 tubers also increased larval development time when compared to the cultivars Aracy, Apuã and Itararé.

A traça Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) é considerada atualmente uma das principais pragas da batata. O uso de resistência varietal para controle desse inseto é uma alternativa promissora, mas que ainda precisa ser melhor pesquisada. A resistência de genótipos de batata à traça foi avaliada, em condições de laboratório, analisando-se o efeito de folhas e tubérculos sobre a biologia do inseto. Comparou-se também o desenvolvimento da traça em folhas de batata e tomate. Os experimentos foram conduzidos com os clones de batata NYL 235-4 e N 140-201 (ambos com tricomas glandulares tipo A nas folhas), as cultivares Aracy, Apuã e Itararé e a cultivar de tomate Santa Clara. Os insetos foram criados em folíolos e tubérculos dos genótipos, avaliando-se a duração e a viabilidade das fases larval e pupal e o peso de pupas. O desenvolvimento do inseto não foi afetado nas folhas dos genótipos de batata, mesmo nos materiais com tricomas glandulares. Entretanto, em folhas de tomate houve aumento do período larval e diminuição do peso de pupas, sendo este substrato menos favorável ao desenvolvimento da traça quando comparado às folhas de batata. Em testes com tubérculos, o clone NYL 235-4 apresentou resistência a P. operculella, provocando redução significativa na viabilidade larval e alongamento desta fase. O clone N 140-201 afetou o desenvolvimento do inseto de forma menos pronunciada, alongando a fase larval.

Resistência de genótipos de batata a Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller)

The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) is today one of the most important pests in potato. The use of resistant varieties to control this insect is a interesting technique, but it is necessary more researches about it. Resistance of potato genotypes to this pest was investigated under laboratory conditions by evaluating the effect of leaves and tubers on insect biology. Potato and tomato leaves were also compared in relation to suitability of insect development. Tests were carried out with the following genotypes: clones NYL 235-4 and N 140-201 (both with type A glandular trichomes on leaves), cultivars Aracy, Apuã and Itararé. The tomato cultivar Santa Clara was also included. Insects were reared on leaflets and tubers of each genotype in order to evaluate larval and pupal development time, larval and pupal survival and pupal weight. Insect development was not affected by leaves of potato genotypes, even when glandular trichomes were present. However, tomato leaves increased larval development time and reduced pupal weight when compared to potato leaves. In tests with tubers, NYL 235-4 showed resistance to potato tuber moth with a reduction in larval survival and an increase in larval development time. N 140-201 tubers also increased larval development time when compared to the cultivars Aracy, Apuã and Itararé.

A traça Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) é considerada atualmente uma das principais pragas da batata. O uso de resistência varietal para controle desse inseto é uma alternativa promissora, mas que ainda precisa ser melhor pesquisada. A resistência de genótipos de batata à traça foi avaliada, em condições de laboratório, analisando-se o efeito de folhas e tubérculos sobre a biologia do inseto. Comparou-se também o desenvolvimento da traça em folhas de batata e tomate. Os experimentos foram conduzidos com os clones de batata NYL 235-4 e N 140-201 (ambos com tricomas glandulares tipo A nas folhas), as cultivares Aracy, Apuã e Itararé e a cultivar de tomate Santa Clara. Os insetos foram criados em folíolos e tubérculos dos genótipos, avaliando-se a duração e a viabilidade das fases larval e pupal e o peso de pupas. O desenvolvimento do inseto não foi afetado nas folhas dos genótipos de batata, mesmo nos materiais com tricomas glandulares. Entretanto, em folhas de tomate houve aumento do período larval e diminuição do peso de pupas, sendo este substrato menos favorável ao desenvolvimento da traça quando comparado às folhas de batata. Em testes com tubérculos, o clone NYL 235-4 apresentou resistência a P. operculella, provocando redução significativa na viabilidade larval e alongamento desta fase. O clone N 140-201 afetou o desenvolvimento do inseto de forma menos pronunciada, alongando a fase larval.