Diamondback Moth (diamondback + moth)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Life Sciences

Terms modified by Diamondback Moth

  • diamondback moth plutella xylostella

  • Selected Abstracts


    Comparative effects of deltamethrin and Neem kernel solution treatments on Diamondback moth and Cotesia plutellae (Hym., Braconidae) parasitoid populations in the Cotonou peri-urban area in Benin

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 3-4 2000
    A. E. Goudegnon
    A comparison between deltamethrin and Neem kernel solution treatments on Plutella xylostella (L.) populations was made in the Cotonou peri-urban area. Diamondback moth populations were 10 times larger in deltamethrin plots, than in Neem plots after treatment. The number of marketable cabbages from Neem-treated plots was 1.5 times greater than the number from deltamethrin-treated plots. There was no apparent effect of either treatments on Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov) populations, the only parasitoid of the pest that was present in the area. [source]


    Elevated CO2 and herbivory influence trait integration in Arabidopsis thaliana

    ECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 9 2004
    M. Gabriela Bidart-Bouzat
    Abstract We lack information on how elevated CO2, and its interaction with other factors like herbivory, affect levels and patterns of trait integration in plants. We experimentally tested the hypothesis that elevated CO2 disrupts and restructures functional associations among plant traits, in the selfing annual, Arabidopsis thaliana. We tested for these effects both in the presence and absence of herbivory by larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. Elevated CO2, both alone and combined with moth herbivory, modified integrated trait responses. In addition, integration under different environments was genotype-specific. These results imply that global changes in CO2 are likely to cause divergent evolutionary outcomes among populations of plants that differ in the initial structure of their quantitative genetic variation. [source]


    Could Bt transgenic crops have nutritionally favourable effects on resistant insects?

    ECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 3 2003
    Ali H. Sayyed
    Abstract We present an idea that larvae of some Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt,) resistant populations of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), may be able to use Cry1Ac toxin derived from Bt as a supplementary food protein. Bt transgenic crops could therefore have unanticipated nutritionally favourable effects, increasing the fitness of resistant populations. This idea is discussed in the context of the evolution of resistance to Bt transgenic crops. [source]


    Diadegma mollipla parasitizing Plutella xylostella: host instar preference and suitability

    ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 1 2008
    Robert S. Nofemela
    Abstract Oviposition decisions (i.e., host selection and sex allocation) of female parasitoids are expected to correspond with host quality, as their offspring fitness is dependent on the amount and quality of resources provided by a single host. The host size model assumes that host quality is a linear function of host size, with larger hosts believed to contain a greater quantity of resources, and thus be more profitable than smaller hosts. We tested this assertion in the laboratory on a solitary larval,pupal parasitoid Diadegma mollipla (Holmgren) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) developing on three instars (second,fourth) of one of its hosts, the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). In a no-choice test, parasitism levels and sex ratio (i.e., proportion of female progeny) were significantly high in hosts attacked in the second instar followed by third then fourth instars. However, the few parasitoids that completed a generation from the fourth instars did so significantly faster than conspecifics that started development in the other two instars. In direct observations, however, the parasitoids (i) randomly attacked the various host instars, (ii) spent a similar period examining the various host instars with their ovipositors, (iii) subdued all three host instars with about the same effort, and (iv) no statistical differences were observed in the attack rates on the three host instars. In a choice test, the females parasitized significantly more third instars followed by second then fourth instars. However, total parasitism in this experiment was 43% lower compared to parasitism of only second instars in the no-choice test. No significant differences were detected in progeny sex ratios. In both choice and no-choice tests, significantly more fourth instars died during the course of the experiments than second instars, while third instars were intermediate. The higher parasitism of third than second instars in the choice test indicates that the females perceived larger hosts as higher quality than smaller hosts, despite their lower suitability for larval development. [source]


    N-terminal tail of a viral histone H4 encoded in Cotesia plutellae bracovirus is essential to suppress gene expression of host histone H4

    INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
    W. Gad
    Abstract An endoparasitoid wasp, Cotesia plutellae, possesses a symbiotic bracovirus (CpBV), which facilitates parasitism of a specific host, such as larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. A viral histone H4 (CpBV-H4) has been found in the CpBV genome and its gene product plays a role in impairing the host insect cellular immune response. Based on its high similarity to histone H4 of P. xylostella apart from its extended N-terminal tail, it has been suspected to alter host gene expression. Histone subunits were purified from parasitized P. xylostella larvae and found to contain both host and viral H4s, confirming a previous report of a possible epigenetic mode of action. Moreover, this study showed that the host H4 levels in the parasitized larvae clearly decreased during the parasitization period, whereas CpBV-H4 levels maintained a significant level without significant changes. To understand the decrease of host H4 levels, transcription levels of host H4 were monitored by quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and showed a significant decrease in parasitized P. xylostella larvae, whereas no significant change of the mRNA level was detected in nonparasitized larvae. This transcriptional control of host H4 expression was also observed by inducing transient expression of CpBV-H4 in nonparasitized P. xylostella. Moreover, co-injection of CpBV-H4 and its specific double-stranded RNA recovered the host H4 expression level. To identify a functional domain of CpBV-H4 involved in the transcriptional control, the extended N-terminal tail of CpBV-H4 was removed by preparing a truncated viral H4 construct in an expression vector by deleting the N-terminal tail of 38 amino acid residues and inducing its expression in nonparasitized P. xylostella larvae. The truncated CpBV-H4 clearly lost its inhibitory effects on host H4 transcription. Moreover, the presence of CpBV-H4 affects the spreading of host haemocytes by an epigenetic effect, which is at least partly restored in larvae expressing the truncated version of CpBV-H4. This study suggests that the viral H4 encoded in CpBV can alter host gene expression with its extended N-terminal tail. [source]


    Novel genetic basis of field-evolved resistance to Bt toxins in Plutella xylostella

    INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
    S. W. Baxter
    Abstract Insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are widely used to control pest insects, but evolution of resistance threatens their continued efficacy. The most common type of Bt resistance (,Mode 1') is characterized by recessive inheritance, > 500-fold resistance to at least one Cry1A toxin, negligible cross-resistance to Cry1C, and reduced binding of Bt toxins to midgut membrane target sites. Mutations affecting a Cry1A-binding midgut cadherin protein are linked to laboratory-selected Mode 1 resistance in Heliothis virescens and Pectinophora gossypiella. Here we show that field-evolved Mode 1 resistance in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, has a different genetic basis, indicating that screening for resistance in the field should not be restricted to a previously proposed DNA-based search for cadherin mutations. [source]


    Characterization of an intestinal mucin from the peritrophic matrix of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella

    INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2003
    B. L. Sarauer
    Abstract The peritrophic matrix (PM) of Plutella xylostella larvae was found to contain twelve integral and eighteen loosely associated proteins. An antiserum against Mamestra configurata integral PM proteins cross-reacted with several P. xylostella PM proteins and was used to isolate a partial cDNA encoding an insect intestinal mucin (PxIIM). PxIIM was expressed primarily in the larval midgut. The deduced protein sequence of the partial cDNA contained three potentially glycosylated, mucin-like domains and six cysteine-rich chitin-binding domains (CBDs). An additional chitin-binding domain was proposed to reside at the amino terminus of the protein based on comparison with other IIM. The organization of mucin domains and CBDs exhibited features, including an internal triplet of regularly spaced CBDs and a carboxyl terminal CBD with two additional conserved cysteine residues, that were found to be common to other lepidopteran IIMs. [source]


    Effects of selected insecticides on Diadegma semiclausum (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Oomyzus sokolowskii (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), parasitoids of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

    INSECT SCIENCE, Issue 3 2005
    MUHAMMAD HASEEB
    Abstract Field doses of six selected insecticides were tested against the immature (pupae) and mature (adult) stages of Diadegma semiclausum (Hellén) and Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov), parasitoids of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). Effects of contact toxicity (direct spraying) of the six insecticides on emergence of parasitoids were found negligible on both species except permethrin which caused 37.5% mortality. All adults of both parasitoid species died 24 hours after exposure to chlorfenapyr, emamectin benzoate and permethrin. In contrast, the three insect growth regulators (IGRs), chlorfluazuron, flufenoxuron and teflubenzuron, were found harmless to both species, and adult mortality of both parasitoid species was 0,16.7%. However, parasitism by the females of both parasitoid species was severely impaired when the females were offered the three IGR diluted solutions for 24 hours. Effects of oral toxicities of the IGRs on longevity of both parasitoids after 12 hours exposure were found to be significantly different between males and females. Compatibility of tested insecticides with D. semiclausum and O. sokolowskii and integration of compatible insecticides with these parasitoids in integrated pest management programs of crucifers are discussed. [source]


    Floral resources impact longevity and oviposition rate of a parasitoid in the field

    JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2008
    Jana C. Lee
    Summary 1The use of floral resource subsidies to improve herbivore suppression by parasitoids requires certain trophic interactions and physiological changes to occur. While the longevity and fecundity of parasitoids are positively affected by nectar subsidies in laboratory studies, the impacts of floral subsidies on the fecundity and longevity of freely foraging parasitoids have not been studied. 2We studied the longevity and per capita fecundity of naturally occurring Diadegma insulare foraging in cabbage plots with and without borders of flowering buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum, as well as relationships between longevity, fecundity, sugar feeding and parasitism rates on larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. 3Relative longevity was estimated by counting broken setae on the fringe of the forewing. Floral borders increased the longevity of males and females in adjacent cabbage plots. 4The egg maturation rate of D. insulare was estimated by comparing egg loads of females collected early in the day with egg loads of females held without hosts in field cages throughout the day. Females in buckwheat cages matured 2·7 eggs per hour while females in control cages resorbed 0·27 eggs over the same time period. 5The fecundity of females collected in the afternoon was estimated by comparing their actual egg load to the estimated egg load in the absence of oviposition for females in a given plot. Females foraging in buckwheat plots had marginally fewer eggs remaining in their ovaries, and laid marginally more eggs than females in control plots. Females from both treatments carried 30,60 eggs by the afternoon and therefore were time-limited rather than egg-limited. 6Plots where a greater proportion of females had fed on sugar had longer-lived females. This suggests that feeding enhanced longevity of D. insulare. However, plots with longer-lived and more fecund females did not exhibit higher parasitism rates, although the power of these tests were low. [source]


    Occurrence of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) and its parasitoids in Ethiopia: influence of geographical region and agronomic traits

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 6-7 2006
    G. Ayalew
    Abstract:, Surveys were carried out in 2001 in brassica-producing areas of Ethiopia to determine the geographic distribution and severity of diamondback moth (DBM) and occurrence of indigenous parasitoids. Principal component analysis was used to analyse the importance of nine parameters , DBM density, parasitism by different parasitoid species (Oomyzus sokolowskii, Diadegma spp., Apanteles sp. and overall parasitism), cropping systems, pesticide use, frequency of pesticide application and altitude. A total of 194 brassica fields in 13 different areas were visited. Principal component analysis showed that the first two of the nine principal components (largely DBM density and pesticide use) accounted for 70% of the variation in the data set. Higher DBM numbers were associated with pesticide usage and higher overall parasitism with intercropping. Eight parasitoid species were recorded of which three species were important both in distribution and level of parasitism. These include Oomyzus sokolowskii (Hym., Eulophidae), Diadegma spp. (Hym., Ichneumonidae) and Apanteles sp. (Hym., Braconidae). Overall parasitism ranged from 3.6% to 79.5% with big differences between areas. Apanteles sp. and Diadegma spp. were largely confined to the south-western part of Ethiopia where insecticide use is minimal. Oomyzus sokolowskii is mainly distributed in areas of the Rift Valley and northern Ethiopia with relatively heavy insecticide use. This study indicated a huge impact of repeated insecticide treatment and agronomic practices on DBM severity and its parasitoids. [source]


    Control of Plutella xylostella using polymer-formulated Steinernema carpocapsae and Bacillus thuringiensis in cabbage fields

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2005
    S. Schroer
    Abstract:, Field trials evaluating the potential of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae and the feasibility to combine nematodes with Bacillus thuringiensis for sustainable control of the diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella were conducted in cabbage cultivated in the province Probolinggo, east Java and Indonesia. A single use of 0.5 million S. carpocapsae m,2 applied with a surfactant-polymer-formulation containing 0.3% xanthan and 0.3% Rimulgan® achieved a significant reduction of the insects per plant with >50% control after 7 days. Even 14 days after the application about 45% control was recorded and dead larvae containing nematodes were found. No significant effects were recorded when the formulation was compared with nematodes applied in water or with a surfactant alone. This was attributed to high humidity in the experimental area at the end of the rainy season and a microclimate in the cabbage heads favouring nematode survival. Weekly applications of B. thuringiensis (Turex®) or alternating applications of Turex® and the nematodes achieved >80% control. The application of both biological agents together every second week reached insignificant lower efficacy (70%). Nematodes can be used to substitute ineffective chemical insecticides and alterations with B. thuringiensis can prevent the further development of resistance against the bacterial control agent. [source]


    Host,parasitoid population density prediction using artificial neural networks: diamondback moth and its natural enemies

    AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
    Henri E. Z. Tonnang
    1An integrated pest management (IPM) system incorporating the introduction and field release of Diadegma semiclausum (Hellén), a parasitoid of diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella (L.), comprising the worst insect pest of the cabbage family, has been developed in Kenya to replace the pesticides-only approach. 2Mathematical modelling using differential equations has been used in theoretical studies of host,parasitoid systems. Although, this method helps in gaining an understanding of the system's dynamics, it is generally less accurate when used for prediction. The artificial neural network (ANN) approach was therefore chosen to aid prediction. 3The ANN methodology was applied to predict the population density of the DBM and D. semiclausum, its larval parasitoid. Two data sets, each from different release areas in the Kenya highlands, and both collected during a 3-year period after the release of the parasitoid, were used in the present study. Two ANN models were developed using these data. 4The ANN approach gave satisfactory results for DBM and for D. semiclausum. Sensitivity analysis suggested that pest populations may be naturally controlled by rainfall. 5The ANN provides a powerful tool for predicting host,parasitoid population densities and made few assumptions on the field data. The approach allowed the use of data collected at any appropriate scale of the system, bypassing the assumptions and uncertainties that could have occurred when parameters are imported from other systems. The methodology can be explored with respect to the development of tools for monitoring and forecasting the population densities of a pest and its natural enemies. In addition, the model can be used to evaluate the relative effectiveness of the natural enemies and to investigate augmentative biological control strategies. [source]


    Microsatellites reveal a lack of structure in Australian populations of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)

    MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
    N. M. ENDERSBY
    Abstract The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is renowned for developing resistance to insecticides and causing significant economic damage to Brassica vegetable crops throughout the world. Yet despite its economic importance, little is known about the population structure and movement patterns of this pest both at local and regional scales. In Australia, the movement patterns and insecticide resistance status of P. xylostella infesting canola, vegetables, forage brassicas and weeds have fundamental implications for the management of this pest. Here we use six polymorphic microsatellite loci to investigate population structure and gene flow in Australian populations of P. xylostella. Samples of P. xylostella from New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Kenya were also scored at these loci. We found no evidence of population structure within Australia, with most populations having low inbreeding coefficients and in Hardy,Weinberg equilibrium. In addition, a sample from the North Island of New Zealand was indistinguishable from the Australian samples. However, large genetic differences were found between the Australia/New Zealand samples and samples from Kenya, Malaysia and Indonesia. There was no relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance among Australian and New Zealand samples. Two of the loci were found to have null alleles, the frequency of which was increased in the populations outside the Australia/New Zealand region. We discuss these results with reference to insecticide resistance management strategies for P. xylostella in Australia. [source]


    The role of pre- and post- alighting detection mechanisms in the responses to patch size by specialist herbivores

    OIKOS, Issue 3 2005
    Tibor Bukovinszky
    Experimental data on the relationship between plant patch size and population density of herbivores within fields often deviates from predictions of the theory of island biogeography and the resource concentration hypothesis. Here we argue that basic features of foraging behaviour can explain different responses of specialist herbivores to habitat heterogeneity. In a combination of field and simulation studies, we applied basic knowledge on the foraging strategies of three specialist herbivores: the cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae), the cabbage butterfly (Pieris rapae L.) and the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.), to explain differences in their responses to small scale fragmentation of their habitat. In our field study, populations of the three species responded to different sizes of host plant patches (9 plants and 100 plants) in different ways. Densities of winged cabbage aphids were independent of patch size. Egg-densities of the cabbage butterfly were higher in small than in large patches. Densities of diamondback moth adults were higher in large patches than in small patches. When patches in a background of barley were compared with those in grass, densities of the cabbage aphid and the diamondback moth were reduced, but not cabbage butterfly densities. To explore the role of foraging behaviour of herbivores on their response to patch size, a spatially explicit individual-based simulation framework was used. The sensory abilities of the insects to detect and respond to contact, olfactory or visual cues were varied. Species with a post-alighting host recognition behaviour (cabbage aphid) could only use contact cues from host plants encountered after landing. In contrast, species capable with a pre-alighting recognition behaviour, based on visual (cabbage butterfly) or olfactory (diamondback moth) cues, were able to recognise a preferred host plant whilst in flight. These three searching modalities were studied by varying the in flight detection abilities, the displacement speed and the arrestment response to host plants by individuals. Simulated patch size , density relationships were similar to those observed in the field. The importance of pre- and post- alighting detection in the responses of herbivores to spatial heterogeneity of the habitat is discussed. [source]


    Insecticidal action of mammalian galectin-1 against diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)

    PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 8 2009
    Shiang Jiuun Chen
    Abstract BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that mammalian galectin-1 (GAL1) could interact with chitosan or chitin, one component of the peritrophic membrane (PM). This finding suggests that the PM could be a target of GAL1, which prompted the authors to explore the effect of GAL1 on larval growth and its potential mechanism. RESULTS: The development of Plutella xylostella (L.) larvae was significantly disturbed after they were fed recombinant GAL1. The histochemical structure and immunostaining pattern suggested that GAL1 treatment resulted in dose- and time-dependent disruption of the microvilli and abnormalities in these epithelial cells. Ultrastructural studies showed that the PM was not present in the midgut of GAL1-treated insects; instead, numerous bacteria were found in the lumen area. These results indicate that the protective function of the PM was disrupted by GAL1 treatment. Moreover, in vitro data showed that GAL1 interacts with chitosan/chitin in a dose-dependent manner, and also specifically binds to the PM in vitro. CONCLUSION: In view of the fact that the carbohydrate recognition domain of GAL1 recognises the structural motif N -acetyl lactosamine (Gal , 1,4 GlcNAc), which is similar to that of chitin (,-1,4 N -acetyl- D -glucosamine), it is proposed that the insecticidal mechanism of GAL1 involves direct binding with chitin to interfere with the structure of the PM. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


    Lack of cross-resistance to indoxacarb in insecticide-resistant Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae)

    PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 1 2007
    Simon J Yu
    Abstract Two field strains of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith), collected from corn in north Florida showed high resistance to carbaryl (626- and 1159-fold) and moderate resistance to parathion-methyl (30- and 39-fold) as compared with a laboratory susceptible strain. A field strain of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) collected from cabbage in north Florida and selected for 20 generations with permethrin showed high resistance to permethrin (987-fold) as compared with a susceptible strain. However, in all instances, no cross-resistance to indoxacarb, a novel oxidiazine insecticide, was observed in these two species. Biochemical studies revealed that, in S. frugiperda, activities of detoxification enzymes (microsomal oxidase, glutathione S -transferase and general esterase) were significantly higher in the field strains than in the susceptible strain, indicating that these detoxification enzymes were not actively involved in the resistance to indoxacarb. The lack of cross-resistance between indoxacarb and permethrin in P. xylostella further supports the notion that the mode of action of these insecticides on the insect sodium channel is different. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


    Synergism and stability of acetamiprid resistance in a laboratory colony of Plutella xylostella

    PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 8 2005
    Kodwo D Ninsin
    Abstract The involvement of metabolic enzymes in the resistance of a laboratory colony of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L), to the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid was determined with the synergists piperonyl butoxide (PBO), which suppresses the activity of cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases, and S,S,S -tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF), an inhibitor of esterases, using the leaf-dipping method. Both PBO and DEF enhanced the insecticidal activity of acetamiprid significantly in the resistant P xylostella strain but not in a reference strain, suggesting that cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases and esterases play an important role in the resistance of P xylostella to acetamiprid. The resistant P xylostella strain was also reared without further exposure to acetamiprid to determine the stability of resistance. Maintaining the resistant strain for seven generations in the absence of selection pressure resulted in a drop in resistance ratio from 110 to 2.42, indicating that acetamiprid resistance in P xylostella is not stable. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


    Acetamiprid resistance and cross-resistance in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella

    PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 9 2004
    Kodwo D Ninsin
    Abstract A 110-fold acetamiprid-resistant Plutella xylostella (L) strain was established after four selection experiments (in five generations) on a 9.5-fold resistant colony in the laboratory. The resistant strain did not show cross-resistance to chlorfluazuron or Bacillus thuringiensis subsp kurstaki Berliner, but displayed low resistance to cartap and phenthoate. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


    Cross-resistance and inheritance of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry1Ac in diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L) from lowland Malaysia

    PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 5 2001
    Ali H Sayyed
    Abstract A field population of Plutella xylostella from Malaysia (SERD4) was divided into five sub-populations and four were selected (G2,G5) with the Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal crystal (Cry) toxins Cry1Ac, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ca and Cry1Da. Bioassay at G6 gave resistance ratios of 88, 5, 2 and 3 for Cry1Ac, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ca and Cry1Da respectively compared with the unselected sub-population (UNSEL-SERD4). The Cry1Ac-selected population showed little cross-resistance to Cry1Ab, Cry1Ca and Cry1Da, (3-, 2- and 3-fold compared with UNSEL-SERD4), whereas the Cry1Ab-SEL sub-population showed marked cross-resistance to Cry1Ac (40-fold), much greater than Cry1Ab itself. In contrast, the Cry1Ca- and Cry1Da-SEL sub-populations showed little if any cross-resistance to Cry1Ac and Cry1Ab. The mode of inheritance of resistance to Cry1Ac was examined in Cry1Ac-selected SERD4 by standard reciprocal crosses and back-crosses using a laboratory insecticide-susceptible population (ROTH). Logit regression analysis of F1 reciprocal crosses indicated that resistance to Cry1Ac was inherited as an incompletely dominant trait. At the highest dose of Cry1Ac tested, resistance was recessive, while at the lowest dose it was almost completely dominant. The F2 progeny from a back-cross of F1 progeny with ROTH were tested with a concentration of Cry1Ac that would kill 100% of ROTH. The mortality ranged between 50 and 95% in seven families of back-cross progeny, which indicated that more than one allele on separate loci were responsible for resistance to Cry1Ac. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


    cDNA cloning and induction of tyrosine hydroxylase gene from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella

    ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2010
    Se Hui Hwang
    Abstract We cloned a full-length tyrosine hydroxylase cDNA from the integument of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. In the phylogenetic tree, tyrosine hydroxylase (PxTH) clustered with the other lepidopteran THs. Serine residues in the PxTH sequence, namely Ser24, Ser31, Ser35, Ser53, and Ser65, were predicted to be the target sites for phosphorylation based on PROSITE analysis. In particular, Ser35 of PxTH is highly conserved across a broad phylogenetic range of animal taxa including rat and human. Western blot analysis using both PxTH-Ab1 and PxTH-Ab2 polyclonal antibodies verified the expression of PxTH in all life cycle stages of P. xylostella, namely the larval, pupal, and adult stages. To examine the possible immune function of PxTH in P. xylostella, PxTH gene expression was investigated by RT-PCR and western blotting analysis after challenging P. xylostella with bacteria. PxTH expression was elevated 1,h post-infection and was continued till 12,h of post-infection relative to control larvae injected with sterile water. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


    Molecular cloning, genomic structure, and genetic mapping of two Rdl -orthologous genes of GABA receptors in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella

    ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2010
    Guorui Yuan
    Abstract The Resistance to dieldrin (Rdl) gene encodes a subunit of the insect , -aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor. Cyclodiene resistance in many insects is associated with replacement of a single amino acid (alanine at position 302) with either a serine or a glycine in the Rdl gene. Two Rdl -orthologous genes of GABA receptors (PxGABAR,1 and PxGABAR,2) were cloned and sequenced from a susceptible strain (Roth) of Plutella xylostella. PxGABAR,1 and PxGABAR,2 showed 84% and 77% identity with the Rdl gene of Drosophila melanogaster at an amino acid level, respectively. The coding regions of PxGABAR,1 and PxGABAR,2 both comprise ten exons, with two alternative RNA-splicing forms in exon 3 of both genes. At the orthologous position of alanine-302 in D. melanogaster Rdl, PxGABAR,1 has a conserved alanine at position 282. PxGABAR,2 has a serine instead of an alanine at the equivalent position. With two informative DNA markers, both PxGABAR,1 and PxGABAR,2 were mapped onto the Z chromosome of P. xylostella. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


    Changes in hemocytes of Plutella xylostella after parasitism by Diadegma semiclausum

    ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2009
    Fang Huang
    Abstract We examined the changes of hemocytes in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), due to parasitism by the endoparasitoid Diadegma semiclausum (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Necrosis of prohemocytes in different stages was observed while cell death was absent in the mature hemocytes in the parasitized larvae, which was related to the declined total hemocyte count per microliter (THC). THC in the host hemolymph declined sharply by 12,h post-parasitization and then remained at a low level. When hemocytes of the parasitized larvae were cultured in vitro, encapsulation ability was suppressed coincidently with the inhibited spreading ability; however, such effects were transient. Simultaneously, activation of the prophenoloxidae from the hemocytes was inhibited. Unlike the results of previous studies, the decrease in hemocytes, which was due to the necrosis of the prohemocytes instead of the mature hemocytes in our study, was not responsible for the impaired encapsulation. Our studies suggest that parasitism by D. semiclausum have some effects on hematopoietic regulation and on hemocyte immune reaction of P. xylostella larvae. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


    Two homologous parasitism-specific proteins encoded in Cotesia plutellae bracovirus and their expression profiles in parasitized Plutella xylostella

    ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2008
    Sunyoung Lee
    Abstract A wasp, Cotesia plutellae, parasitizes the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, and interrupts host physiology for wasp survival and development. Identification of parasitism-specific factors would be helpful to understand the host,parasitoid interaction. This study focused on identification of a 15-kDa protein found only in plasma of the parasitized P. xylostella. Degenerate primers were designed after N-terminal amino acid sequencing of the parasitism-specific protein and used to clone the corresponding gene from the parasitized P. xylostella by a nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Two homologous genes were cloned and identified as "CpBV15," and "CpBV15,," respectively, due to the identical size (158 amino acid residues) of the predicted open reading frames, in which they shared amino acid sequences in both terminal regions, but varied in internal sequences. Southern hybridization analysis indicated that both genes were located on C. plutellae bracovirus genome. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR revealed that both genes were mostly expressed at the late parasitization period, which was further confirmed by an immunoblotting assay using CpBV15 antibody. A recombinant CpBV15 protein was produced from Sf9 cells via a baculovirus expression system. The purified CpBV15 protein could enter hemocytes of P. xylostella and were localized in the cytosol. Along with the sequence similarities of CpBV15s with eukaryotic initiation factors, their putative biological role has been discussed in terms of the host translation inhibitory factor. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 67:157,171, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    cDNA characterization and expression analysis of two arylphorin-like hexameric protein genes from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)

    ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2007
    Muhammad Ashfaq
    Abstract We cloned and characterized two hexameric storage protein genes, PxAry1 and PxAry2, from Plutella xylostella and investigated the expression pattern in different developmental stages and in response to treatment by a juvenile hormone (JH) analog. The complete coding sequences of PxAry1 and PxAry2 are comprised of 2,097 and 2,094 bp with 699 and 698 amino acid residues, respectively. Signal peptides of 16 amino acids are predicted at the N-termini. According to both the phylogenetic analysis and amino acid composition (>16% aromatic amino acids), PxAry1 and PxAry2 belong to the arylphorin-like protein genes. Analysis using Northern hybridization and RT-PCR showed varying levels of genes expression in the developmental stages with a small difference between sexes. Expression of both genes in fourth instar larvae was suppressed after treatment with a JH-analog. Southern hybridization revealed the presence of multiple arylphorin genes in the genome. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 64:175,185, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Cloning and nucleotide sequencing of three heat shock protein genes (hsp90, hsc70, and hsp19.5) from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) and their expression in relation to developmental stage and temperature

    ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2006
    Shoji Sonoda
    Abstract Heat shock protein genes, hsp90, hsc70, and hsp19.5, were cloned and sequenced from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) by RT-PCR and RACE method. The cDNA sequence analysis of hsp90 and hsp19.5 revealed open reading frames (ORFs) of 2,151 and 522 bp in length, which encode proteins with calculated molecular weights of 82.4 and 19.5 kDa, respectively. Analysis of cDNA from hsc70 revealed an ORF of 1,878 bp coding a protein with a calculated molecular weight of 69.3 kDa. Furthermore, the analysis of genomic DNA from hsc70 confirmed the presence of introns while no introns were apparent in hsp90 and hsp19.5. Southern blot analysis suggested the presence of multiple copies of each gene family in the DBM genome. Detectable expression of hsp19.5 was observed at the pupal stage while expression of hsp90 and hsc70 was detected at both pupal and adult stages. At adult stage, females showed a higher expression of hsp90 and hsc70 than males. An increased expression was observed in all three genes after exposure to a high temperature in both sexes. These results suggest that in addition to a heat shock response, these HSP genes might be involved in other functions during the course of development in DBM. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 62:80,90, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Biochemical mechanisms of insecticide resistance in the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidopterata: Yponomeutidae), in the Sydney region, Australia

    AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
    Vincent Y Eziah
    Abstract Following the detection of resistant diamondback moth (DBM) populations to synthetic pyrethroid, organophosphorus and indoxacarb insecticides in the Sydney Basin, a study of the major biochemical mechanisms was conducted to determine the type of resistance in these populations. The activity of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases increased two- to sixfold when compared with the susceptible strain. Up to a 1.9-fold increase in esterase activity in resistant strains compared with the susceptible strain was observed. In vitro inhibition studies showed that profenofos, methamidophos and chlorpyrifos strongly inhibited the esterases while permethrin and esfenvalerate resulted in less than 30% inhibition. Qualitative analysis of the esterases using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed four bands in both the susceptible and resistant individuals with more intense staining in the resistant individuals. The development of these bands was inhibited by methamidophos and chlorpyrifos pretreatment of the protein extract while permethrin and esfenvalerate did not exhibit this effect. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was significantly higher in two field populations compared with the remaining populations. Overall, the study showed that the mechanisms of insecticide resistance in the DBM populations in the area studied were due to cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, esterase and GSTs, and possibly other non-metabolic mechanisms that were not investigated in the present study. [source]


    Susceptibility of four field populations of the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) to six insecticides in the Sydney region, New South Wales, Australia

    AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
    Vincent Y Eziah
    Abstract Concerns about the failure of insecticides to control the diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella in the Sydney region of New South Wales, Australia, necessitated the current investigation to establish the susceptibility of four field populations of the DBM to six insecticides. These include two each of organophosphates (OPs), and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides as well as two new products with different modes of action, spinosad and indoxacarb, currently recommended for DBM control in the region. Topical application of the insecticides to the third-instar larvae showed high resistance to pyrethroids (permethrin and esfenvalerate) of 35.0- to 490.0-fold. Resistance to the OPs (methamidophos and chlorpyrifos) and indoxacarb ranged from 12.1- to 36.2-fold and from 11.4- to 34.6-fold, respectively. However, the field populations were susceptible to spinosad (resistance factors only two- to threefold compared with the susceptible strain). A 2 h pre-treatment of the esfenvalerate-resistant strain with the synergists piperonyl butoxide and diethyl maleate increased the toxicity of esfenvalerate by 30.0- and 1.9-fold, respectively, suggesting the involvement of esterases and/or monooxygenases as the key mechanism(s) of insecticide resistance with glutathione S-transferases playing a minor role. [source]


    Diamondback moth females oviposit more on plants infested by non-parasitised than by parasitised conspecifics

    ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 5 2008
    YASUYUKI CHOH
    Abstract 1.,When offered a choice, female diamondback moths (Plutella xylostella) oviposited more eggs on plants with non-parasitised conspecific larvae than on plants with parasitised larvae. 2.,The leaf area consumed by parasitised larvae was significantly lower than that by non-parasitised larvae. However, this quantitative difference in larval damage did not explain the female's ability to discriminate between plants with parasitised and non-parasitised larvae, as females showed an equal oviposition preference for plants infested by higher or lower densities of non-parasitised larvae. 3.,Pupal weight and duration of the larval stage of P. xylostella were independent of whether larvae were reared on plants that were previously infested by either non-parasitised or parasitised larvae. 4.,The larval parasitoid Cotesia vestalis did not distinguish between plants infested by non-parasitised larvae and plants infested by larvae that had already been parasitised by conspecific wasps. 5.,Based on these data, it can be concluded that the moth oviposition preference for plants infested by non-parasitised conspecifics relative to plants infested by parasitised conspecifics was not explained by plant quality or by the attractiveness of plants towards wasps. It is hypothesised that one of the reasons for this preference is avoidance of plants where a relatively high risk of parasitism is expected due to the emergence of parasitoids from the parasitised host larvae. [source]