INSECT SCIENCE, Issue 2 2002
XUE Ming
Abstract, The selective toxicity of six kinds of insecticides, including imidacloprid, imidacloprid + synergist (SV1), fenvalerate, endosulfan, methomyl and dimethoate, between the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae Sulzer) and two species of ladybirds (Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus and Propylaea japonica Thunbery), was investigated in the laboratory. The reults showed that both imidacloprid WP and imidacloprid + synergist (SVl) EC possessed the highest toxicity to the aphids. Between C. septempunctata and M. persicae and between P. japonica and M. persicae, the selective toxicity ratios (STRs) of imidacloprid WP, imidacloprid+ synergist (SV1) EC and endosulfan EC were 37.6 and 13.0, 9.84 and 7.75, 54.0 and 7.28 respectively. All of them showed rather high selective toxicity. The STRs of fenvalerate EC, dimethoate EC and methomyl EC were all very low, ranging from 0.02 to 0.21, indicating their low degree of safety to the two species of ladybids. The results demomarated that imidacloprid WP and imidacloprid + SVl EC not only had rather high toxicity to the aphids, but also reduced strikingly the reproduction rate and fecundity of the survival aphids. Insecticides can induce the relative fitness of insects decrease. Among the six insecticides tested with M. persicae, the following were insecticides and the order of induction was: imidacloprid + SV1 imidacloprid endosulfan methomyl fenvalerate > dimethoate. [source]

THE ROLE OF BACTERIAL SYMBIONTS IN AMINO ACID COMPOSITION OF BLACK BEAN APHIDS

INSECT SCIENCE, Issue 3 2003
Xue-xia Miao
Abstract To evaluate the role of bacterial symbionts (Buchnera spp.) in the black bean aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch), the aphids were treated with the antibiotic, rifampicin, to eliminate their intracellular symbiotic bacteria. Analysis of protein and amino acid concentration in 7-day-old of aposymbiotic aphids showed that the total protein content per mg fresh weight was significantly reduced by 29%, but free amino acid titers were increased by 17%. The ratio of the essential amino acids was in general only around 20% essential amino acids in phloem sap of broad bean, whereas it was 44% and 37% in symbiotic and aposymbiotic aphids, respectively, suggesting that the composition of the free amino acids was unbalanced. For example, the essential amino acid, threonine represented 21.6% of essential amino acids in symbiotic aphids, but it was only 16.7% in aposymbiotic aphids. Likewise, two nonessential amino acids, tyrosine and serine, represented 8.9% and 5.6% of total amino acids in symbiontic aphids, respectively, but they enhanced to 21.1% and 13.6% in aposymbiotic aphids. It seems likely that the elevated free amino acid concentration in aposymbiotic aphids was caused by the limited protein anabolism as the result of the unbalanced amino acid composition. [source]

Impact of a parasitoid on the bacterial symbiosis of its aphid host

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 1 2003
Conrad Cloutier
Abstract Embryo production in aphids is absolutely dependent on the function of symbiotic bacteria, mainly Buchnera, and the growth and development of koinobiont parasitoids in aphids requires the diversion of nutrients from aphid embryo production to the parasitoid. The implication that the bacterial symbiosis may be promoted in parasitized aphids to support the growing parasitoid was explored by analysis of the number and biomass of mycetocytes, and the aphid cells bearing Buchnera, in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Hemiptera: Aphididae) parasitized by the wasp Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Aphids hosting a young larval parasitoid bore more mycetocytes of greater total biomass, and embryos of lower biomass than unparasitized aphids. Furthermore, one of the three aphid clones tested, which limited teratocyte growth (giant cells of parasitoid origin having a trophic role), bore smaller mycetocytes and larger embryos, than one or both of the two aphid clones with greater susceptibility to the parasitoid. These data suggest that susceptibility of the aphid- Buchnera symbiosis to parasitoid-mediated manipulation may, directly or indirectly, contribute to aphid susceptibility to parasitoid exploitation. [source]

Host plant changes produced by the aphid Sipha flava: consequences for aphid feeding behaviour and growth

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 2 2002
W.L. Gonzáles
Abstract Induced plant responses may affect the behaviour and growth of the attacking herbivore insect. The aphid Sipha flava (Forbes) produces reddish spots on the infested leaf of its host plant Sorghum halepense (L.). In order to assess the consequences on the aphid of this presumptive induced plant response, we studied the feeding behaviour and growth of S. flava on previously infested and non-infested leaves of S. halepense. Considering that the reddish pigment could play a defensive role, its effect on aphid survival was determined in artificial diets. In addition, changes in the histology of the leaf and the chemical nature of the induced pigment were also studied. Aphids devoted a significantly shorter total time to non-penetration activities in infested than in non-infested leaves. Time before the first phloem ingestion tended to be shorter in infested leaves. The mean relative growth rate of S. flava nymphs was significantly higher on infested than on non-infested leaves. Survival of aphids on diet containing the reddish extract was not significantly different from that on the control diet. Infestation of S. halepense by S. flava produced a reddish coloration in the leaf, which was identified as an anthocyanin by UV-visible spectrometry. Light microscopy showed that only mesophyll cells of previously infested plants presented swelled, dispersed, and heterogeneously stained chloroplasts with a higher accumulation of starch granules, no grana arranged in stacks, and reduction in the amount of inner membranes (thylakoids), relatively to chloroplasts of non-infested leaves. Scanning electron micrographs of leaf surface revealed reduced presence of crystalline epicuticular waxes of epidermal cells in infested leaves as compared to non-infested ones. The main conclusion is that the attack of S. flava to S. halepense leaves induced plant susceptibility where aphid feeding behaviour and growth were both enhanced on previously infested leaves. [source]

Electronically monitored cowpea aphid feeding behavior on resistant and susceptible lupins

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 3 2001
Geoffrey W. Zehnder
Abstract The feeding behavior of cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Homoptera: Aphididae) was examined on seedlings of narrow leafed lupin, Lupinus angustifolius L., and yellow lupin, L. luteus L., using electronic monitoring of insect feeding behavior (EMIF). Aphid feeding behavior was first compared between resistant (cv. Kalya) and susceptible (cv. Tallerack) varieties of narrow-leafed lupin. Aphids spent significantly more time in non- penetration and stylet pathway activities, and significantly less time in the sieve element phase on Kalya than on Tallerack, suggesting that feeding deterrence is an important component of aphid resistance in Kalya. Aphid feeding on a susceptible yellow lupin variety (cv. Wodjil) was then compared with that on two resistant lines, one (Teo) with high and the other (94D024-1) with low seed alkaloid content. There were no consistent differences in aphid feeding behavior between Wodjil and Teo. Total, mean and percentage sieve element phase times were significantly lower, and total and percentage times in non-phloem phase were greater on 94D024-1 than on Wodjil, suggesting the possibility of phloem-based deterrence in 94D024-1. [source]

Studies on the morphometry of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae)

ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2007
Potshangbam Bijaya DEVI
Abstract Aphids are one of the most important groups of phytophagous insects because of their polyphenism, host alternation, heteroecious behavior and reproductive habits. Laboratory culture of the aphid Myzus persicae on the host plant Brassica pekinensis Hubner was maintained seasonally for biometrical studies. The metric analysis revealed gradual developmental changes from the first instar nymph to the adult stage in size, shape, and a number of characters. The transitional changes were sufficiently distinct to allow differentiation of each of the life stages irrespective of the season. A key to the nymphal stages of the pest is provided. [source]

Dynamics of genome evolution in facultative symbionts of aphids

ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 8 2010
Patrick H. Degnan
Summary Aphids are sap-feeding insects that host a range of bacterial endosymbionts including the obligate, nutritional mutualist Buchnera plus several bacteria that are not required for host survival. Among the latter, ,Candidatus Regiella insecticola' and ,Candidatus Hamiltonella defensa' are found in pea aphids and other hosts and have been shown to protect aphids from natural enemies. We have sequenced almost the entire genome of R. insecticola (2.07 Mbp) and compared it with the recently published genome of H. defensa (2.11 Mbp). Despite being sister species the two genomes are highly rearranged and the genomes only have ,55% of genes in common. The functions encoded by the shared genes imply that the bacteria have similar metabolic capabilities, including only two essential amino acid biosynthetic pathways and active uptake mechanisms for the remaining eight, and similar capacities for host cell toxicity and invasion (type 3 secretion systems and RTX toxins). These observations, combined with high sequence divergence of orthologues, strongly suggest an ancient divergence after establishment of a symbiotic lifestyle. The divergence in gene sets and in genome architecture implies a history of rampant recombination and gene inactivation and the ongoing integration of mobile DNA (insertion sequence elements, prophage and plasmids). [source]

Environmental change and the phenology of European aphids

GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 8 2007
RICHARD HARRINGTON
Abstract Aphids, because of their short generation time and low developmental threshold temperatures, are an insect group expected to respond particularly strongly to environmental changes. Forty years of standardized, daily data on the abundance of flying aphids have been brought together from countries throughout Europe, through the EU Thematic Network ,EXAMINE'. Relationships between phenology, represented by date of first appearance in a year in a suction trap, of 29 aphid species and environmental data have been quantified using the residual maximum likelihood (REML) methodology. These relationships have been used with climate change scenario data to suggest plausible changes in aphid phenology. In general, the date of first record of aphid species in suction traps is expected to advance, the rate of advance varying with location and species, but averaging 8 days over the next 50 years. Strong relationships between aphid phenology and environmental variables have been found for many species, but they are notably weaker in species living all year on trees. Canonical variate analysis and principal coordinate analysis were used to determine ordinations of the 29 species on the basis of the presence/absence of explanatory variables in the REML models. There was strong discrimination between species with different life cycle strategies and between species feeding on herbs and trees, suggesting the possible value of trait-based groupings in predicting responses to environmental changes. [source]

Neuropeptide and neurohormone precursors in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum

INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 2010
J. Huybrechts
Abstract Aphids respond to environmental changes by developing alternative phenotypes with differing reproductive modes. Parthenogenetic reproduction occurs in spring and summer, whereas decreasing day lengths in autumn provoke the production of sexual forms. Changing environmental signals are relayed by brain neuroendocrine signals to the ovarioles. We combined bioinformatic analyses with brain peptidomics and cDNA analyses to establish a catalogue of pea aphid neuropeptides and neurohormones. 42 genes encoding neuropeptides and neurohormones were identified, of which several were supported by expressed sequence tags and/or peptide mass analyses. Interesting features of the pea aphid peptidome are the absence of genes coding for corazonin, vasopressin and sulfakinin and the presence of 10 different genes coding insulin related peptides, one of which appears to be very abundantly expressed. [source]

Evidence for predominant clones in a cyclically parthenogenetic organism provided by combined demographic and genetic analyses

MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 12 2000
L. Haack
Abstract Aphids are particularly interesting models in the study of genetic and demographic components of plant adaptation because of their breeding system which combines parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction (i.e. cyclical parthenogenesis), and the frequent emergence of host-adapted races reported in this group. In this paper, patterns of host adaptation were assessed on local populations of the aphid Sitobion avenae by following their demographic and genetic structure in a maize field for two consecutive years. The existence of putative generalist (polyphagous) or specialized (host-adapted) genotypes was also investigated by comparing the genotypic distribution of this aphid on maize and other cultivated host plants, using five microsatellite loci. Although population dynamics revealed strong variation in aphid abundance during the colonization period on maize, two genotypes identified at seven additional microsatellite loci were predominant and exhibited stable frequencies over cropping season and between years. Based on present and earlier studies, these two prevalent genotypes were shown to survive on different host plants other than maize, to colonize large geographical zones and to persist parthenogenetically for several years. All these data strongly suggest that these two genotypes are asexual generalist clones that could have been favoured by agricultural practices encountered in western Europe. Besides these two clones, a continual replacement of rare genotypes was observed on maize in both years. Hypotheses involving selection via aphid,plant interactions and natural enemies were proposed for explaining the disappearance of these genotypes on maize. [source]

Plant-derived compounds and extracts with potential as aphid repellents

ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
S.E. Halbert
Abstract We devised a method for screening various substances for possible aphid repellency. Corn leaf aphids (Rhopalosiphum maidis) were released in an arena and allowed to select paired green tiles coated with petroleum jelly alone or petroleum jelly containing 1% of the substance being tested. Aphids adhering to tiles were counted 24 h later. If significantly fewer aphids landed on treated tiles, the substance was considered to have potential for repelling aphids. Fifty-five substances were tested. Most showed no activity, but several including ,-citronellol, farnesol, geraniol, linalool, oils distilled from several species of Artemisia and Achillea millefolia (yarrow) oil showed some promise. [source]

A New Subfamily of Aphids (Hemiptera, Aphidomorpha) from the Early Cretaceous Lebanese Amber with a Description of the Oldest Apterous Morphs

ACTA GEOLOGICA SINICA (ENGLISH EDITION), Issue 4 2010
Piotr WEGIEREK
Abstract: Aphids are marked by their high polymorphism, but species reported from the Early Cretaceous are known only from alate morphs. The discovery of an apterous adult morph in Lebanese amber and a larva of the same species are very important for the understanding of both the morphological and biological evolution of this insect group at the very early stage of development. Gondvanoaphis estephani new subfamily, new genus and species of the recent aphids family Thelaxidae is described. The characters of the new genus in respect to other genera placed in Thelaxidae are reviewed. The palaeoecological and palaeogeographical data concerning Gondvanoaphis new genus are also discussed. [source]

Landscape composition influences patterns of native and exotic lady beetle abundance

DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 4 2009
M. M. Gardiner
Abstract Aim, Coccinellid beetles are important predators that contribute to pest suppression in agricultural landscapes. Since the introduction of the exotic coccinellids Coccinella septempunctata L. and Harmonia axyridis Pallas into the USA, several studies have reported a decline of native Coccinellidae in agroecosystems. We aimed to investigate the influence of landscape composition on native and exotic coccinellid abundance within soybean fields. Location, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Methods, As part of a 2-year study (2005,06) on the biological control of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, we examined coccinellid communities in 33 soybean fields using yellow sticky card traps. Landscape heterogeneity and composition were measured at multiple spatial scales ranging 1,3.5 km from focal soybean fields where coccinellid sampling took place. Results, Exotic species made up 90% of the total coccinellid community in Michigan soybean fields followed by Wisconsin (84%), Minnesota (66%) and Iowa (57%). Harmonia axyridis was the dominant exotic coccinellid in all states comprising 45,62% of the total coccinellid community, followed by C. septempunctata (13,30%). Two additional exotic species, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) and Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (L.) were also found in the region. Overall, the most abundant native coccinellid was Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville; however, its abundance varied across the region, comprising 0% (Michigan) to 28% (Iowa) of the total coccinellid community. Landscape structure significantly influenced the composition of coccinellid communities in soybean agroecosystems. We found that native coccinellids were most abundant in low-diversity landscapes with an abundance of grassland habitat while exotic coccinellids were associated with the abundance of forested habitats. Main conclusion, We propose that grassland dominated landscapes with low structural diversity and low amounts of forested habitat may be resistant to exotic coccinellid build-up, particularly H. axyridis and therefore represent landscape-scale refuges for native coccinellid biodiversity. [source]

The fundamental and realized niche of the Monterey Pine aphid, Essigella californica (Essig) (Hemiptera: Aphididae): implications for managing softwood plantations in Australia

DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 4 2004
Trudi N. Wharton
ABSTRACT Essigella californica is a pine aphid native to western North America. In Australia, E. californica is considered an invasive pest that has the potential to cause severe economic loss to the Australian forestry industry. Two CLIMEX models were developed to predict the Australian and global distribution of E. californica under current climate conditions based upon the aphid's known North American distribution. The first model (model I) was fitted using the reasonably contiguous set of location records in North America that constituted the known range of E. californica, and excluded consideration of a single (reliable) location record of the aphid in southern Florida. The second model (model II) was fitted using all known records in North America. Model I indicated that the aphid would be climatically restricted to the temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climatic regions of Australia. In northern Australia it would be limited by hot, wet conditions, while in more central areas of Australia it is limited by hot, dry conditions. Model II is more consistent with the current Australian distribution of E. californica. The contrast in geographical range and climatic conditions encompassed between the two models appears to represent the difference between the realized niche (model I) and fundamental niche (model II) of E. californica. The difference may represent the strength of biotic factors such as host limitation, competition and parasitism in limiting geographical spread in the native range. This paper provides a risk map for E. californica colonization in Australia and globally. E. californica is likely to remain a feature of the Australian pine plantations, and any feasibility studies into establishing coniferous plantations in lower rainfall areas should consider the likely impact of E. californica. [source]

Impact of warming and timing of snow melt on soil microarthropod assemblages associated with Dryas- dominated plant communities on Svalbard

ECOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2006
Rebecca Dollery
Open Top Chambers (OTCs) were used to measure impacts of predicted global warming on the structure of the invertebrate community of a Dryas octopetala heath in West Spitsbergen. Results from the OTC experiment were compared with natural variation in invertebrate community structure along a snowmelt transect through similar vegetation up the adjacent hillside. Changes along this transect represent the natural response of the invertebrate community to progressively longer and potentially warmer and drier growing seasons. Using MANOVA, ANOVA, Linear Discriminant Analysis and ,2 tests, significant differences in community composition were found between OTCs and controls and among stations along the transect. Numbers of cryptostigmatic and predatory mites tended to be higher in the warmer OTC treatment but numbers of the aphid Acyrthosiphon svalbardicum, hymenopterous parasitoids, Symphyta larvae, and weevils were higher in control plots. Most Collembola, including Hypogastrura tullbergi, Lepidocyrtus lignorum and Isotoma anglicana, followed a similar trend to the aphid, but Folsomia bisetosa was more abundant in the OTC treatment. Trends along the transect showed clear parallels with the OTC experiment. However, mite species, particularly Diapterobates notatus, tended to increase in numbers under warming, with several species collectively increasing at the earlier exposed transect stations. Overall, the results suggest that the composition and structure of Arctic invertebrate communities associated with Dryas will change significantly under global warming. [source]

Oviposition preferences of Maculinea alcon as influenced by aphid (Aphis gentianae) and fungal (Puccinia gentianae) infestation of larval host plants

ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
ERVIN ÁRNYAS
Abstract 1.,The influence of infestation of the larval host plant Gentiana cruciata on the egg-laying preferences of the xerophilous ecotype of Alcon Blue butterfly (Maculinea alcon) was studied in a semi-dry grassland area (Aggtelek Karst Region, Northern Hungary). 2.,We examined whether oviposition patterns of females differed when G. cruciata stems were uninfested compared with when they were infested by an aphid (Aphis gentianae) or a rust (Puccinia gentianae) species. 3.,Females laid more than 90% of their eggs on fertile, uninfested G. cruciata stems, although these stems comprised only , 50% of the total stems available. Stems infested by aphids were similar to uninfested ones in properties that had a strong correlation with egg numbers, and yet there were significantly fewer eggs on infested stems than on intact ones. 4.,Females never laid eggs on parts of Gentiana stems infested by aphids, and the presence of Lasius paralienus ants, which have a mutualistic interaction with Aphis gentianae, did not increase the repulsive effect of aphids. Infection of Gentiana by Puccinia did not influence the egg-laying behaviour of females, even though the flowers and buds of infested stems exhibited a delayed development. 5.,Aphid infestation can influence butterfly oviposition patterns through both direct and indirect effects. The presence of aphids directly excluded oviposition, but our data also indicated the possibility of an indirect effect of aphid infestation. Stems that had no aphids at the last egg counting, but were infested prior to it, had significantly fewer eggs than those that were never infested. [source]

Effects of nitrogen deposition on the interaction between an aphid and its host plant

ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
CARALYN B. ZEHNDER
Abstract 1.,Anthropogenic increases in nitrogen deposition are impacting terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. While some of the direct ecosystem-level effects of nitrogen deposition are understood, the effects of nitrogen deposition on plant,insect interactions and on herbivore population dynamics have received less attention. 2.,Nitrogen deposition will potentially influence both plant resource availability and herbivore population growth. If increases in herbivore population growth outstrip increases in resource availability, then increases in the strength of density dependence expressed within the herbivore population would be predicted. Alternatively, if plant resources respond more vigorously to nitrogen deposition than do herbivore populations, a decline in the strength of density dependence would be expected. No change in the strength of density dependence acting upon the herbivore population would suggest equivalent responses by herbivores and plants. 3.,A density manipulation experiment was performed to examine the effect of nitrogen deposition on the interaction between a host plant, Asclepias tuberosa, and its herbivore, Aphis nerii. Aphid maximum per capita growth rate (Rmax), carrying capacity (K), and the strength of density dependence were measured under three nitrogen deposition treatments. The effect of nitrogen deposition on the relationship among these three measures of insect population dynamics was explored. 4.,Simulated nitrogen deposition increased aphid per capita population growth, plant foliar nitrogen concentrations, and plant biomass. Nitrogen deposition caused Rmax and K to increase proportionally, leading to no overall change in the strength of density dependence. In this system, potential changes in the negative feedback processes operating on herbivore populations following nitrogen deposition appear to be buffered by concomitant changes in resource availability. [source]

Seasonal variation in the migration strategies of the green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea species complex

ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2006
JASON W. CHAPMAN
Abstract 1. Insect migration strategies are generally poorly understood due to the propensity for high-altitude flight of many insect species, and the technical difficulties associated with observing these movements. While some progress has been made in the study of the migration of important insect pests, the migration strategies of insect natural enemies are often unknown. 2. Suction trapping, radar monitoring, and high-altitude aerial netting were used to characterise the seasonal migrations in the U.K. of an assemblage of aphid predators: three green lacewings in the Chrysoperla carnea species complex. 3. Chrysoperla carnea sens. str. was found to be very abundant at high altitudes during their summer migration, and some individuals were capable of migrating distances of , 300 km during their pre-ovipositional period. In contrast, high-altitude flights were absent in the autumn migration period, probably due to a behavioural adaptation that increases the probability that migrants will encounter their over-wintering sites. The other two species in the complex, C. lucasina and C. pallida, were much rarer, making up , 3% of the total airborne populations throughout the study period. 4. The summer migration of C. carnea sens. str. was not directly temporally associated with the summer migration of its cereal aphid prey, but lagged behind by about 4 weeks. There was also no evidence of spatial association between aphid and lacewing populations. 5. The results show that to understand the population ecology of highly mobile insect species, it is necessary to characterise fully all aspects of their migration behaviour, including the role of high-altitude flights. [source]

The significance of overlapping plant range to a putative adaptive trade-off in the black bean aphid Aphis fabae Scop

ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2004
C. R. Tosh
Abstract., 1. This study continues to explore the analysis of a putative adaptive trade-off in the utilisation of host plants Vicia faba and Tropaeolum majus by the aphid, Aphis fabae. These plants are utilised exclusively by the subspecies Aphis fabae fabae and A. f. mordwilkoi respectively, and this plant-use system has been studied previously as a potential source of disruptive selection. 2. Here the potential of these two host plants to generate disruptive selection is considered given common utilisation of the abundant host plant, Rumex obtusifolius, by both subspecies. 3. The life history of subspecific clones is quantified in the laboratory on V. faba, T. majus, and R. obtusifolius at various temperatures and used to parameterise a temperature-driven simulation model of aphid population development. 4. Accuracy of the model is tested using a field experiment, and fitness of clones on specific and common host is simulated using temperature data from a number of English sites. 5. The model gives a close quantitative fit to field data and makes the following predictions: performance of A. f. fabae is higher on the specific host than the common host under all tested thermal regimes; and performance of A. f. mordwilkoi is superior on the specific host in warm years but inferior in cold years. 6. Given the great abundance of R. obtusifolius relative to T. majus, the model predicts that the plant utilisation system has little potential to consistently promote hybrid dysfunction. This adds further weight to the assertion that the plant utilisation system studied can offer little insight into the evolutionary processes involved in subspecific differentiation and probably contains a host plant/host plants acquired after the evolution of reproductive barriers. [source]

Cold tolerance in obligate and cyclical parthenogens of the peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae

ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2004
Christoph Vorburger
Abstract., 1. Many aphids form mixed populations of cyclical and obligate parthenogens. This is puzzling, because all else being equal, obligate parthenogens should outcompete cyclical parthenogens due to the two-fold cost of sex. Yet cyclical parthenogens produce frost-resistant, diapausing eggs in autumn, while obligate parthenogens spend the winter as active stages. Frost resistance thus represents a short-term advantage to sexual reproduction mediated by winter temperatures, which may promote this coexistence. 2. Because obligate parthenogens overwinter as active stages, there may be selection for increased cold tolerance compared to cyclical parthenogens. This has the potential to gradually erode the advantage of sexually producing eggs. 3. Four obligately and four cyclically parthenogenetic lines of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were collected from each of two areas differing in winter severity, and their survival after exposure to a severe experimental frost (14 h at ,9 °C), as well as their reproductive performance at a low (10 °C) and a high (20 °C) temperature were compared. 4. There was significant variation among lines in survival after the experimental frost, but this variation was neither related to their reproductive mode, nor to their area of origin. Similarly, neither reproductive mode nor origin had a significant effect on reproductive performance, independent of temperature. The average slope of the response to variation in temperature was also similar for both reproductive modes, despite the fact that slopes differed significantly among lines. 5. Within the limits of extrapolating from laboratory experiments, it is concluded that in M. persicae, the active stages of obligate parthenogens are not better adapted to cold temperatures than those of cyclical parthenogens. [source]

Biodiversity and biocontrol: emergent impacts of a multi-enemy assemblage on pest suppression and crop yield in an agroecosystem

ECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 9 2003
Bradley J. Cardinale
Abstract The suppression of agricultural pests has often been proposed as an important service of natural enemy diversity, but few experiments have tested this assertion. In this study we present empirical evidence that increasing the richness of a particular guild of natural enemies can reduce the density of a widespread group of herbivorous pests and, in turn, increase the yield of an economically important crop. We performed an experiment in large field enclosures where we manipulated the presence/absence of three of the most important natural enemies (the coccinellid beetle Harmonia axyridis, the damsel bug Nabis sp., and the parasitic wasp Aphidius ervi) of pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) that feed on alfalfa (Medicago sativa). When all three enemy species were together, the population density of the pea aphid was suppressed more than could be predicted from the summed impact of each enemy species alone. As crop yield was negatively related to pea aphid density, there was a concomitant non-additive increase in the production of alfalfa in enclosures containing the more diverse enemy guild. This trophic cascade appeared to be influenced by an indirect interaction involving a second herbivore inhabiting the system , the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora. Data suggest that high relative densities of cowpea aphids inhibited parasitism of pea aphids by the specialist parasitoid, A. ervi. Therefore, when natural enemies were together and densities of cowpea aphids were reduced by generalist predators, parasitism of pea aphids increased. This interaction modification is similar to other types of indirect interactions among enemy species (e.g. predator,predator facilitation) that can enhance the suppression of agricultural pests. Results of our study, and those of others performed in agroecosystems, complement the broader debate over how biodiversity influences ecosystem functioning by specifically focusing on systems that produce goods of immediate relevance to human society. [source]

Temperature checks the Red Queen?

ECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2003
Resistance, virulence in a fluctuating environment
Abstract Numerous studies have revealed genetic variation in resistance and susceptibility in host,parasite interactions and therefore the potential for frequency-dependent selection (Red Queen dynamics). Few studies, if any, have considered the abiotic environment as a mediating factor in these interactions. Using the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and its fungal pathogen, Erynia neoaphidis, as a model host,parasite system, we demonstrate how temperature can mediate the expression of genotypic variation for susceptibility and virulence. Whilst previous studies have revealed among-clone variation in aphid resistance to this pathogen, we show that resistance rankings derived from assessments at one temperature, are not conserved across differing temperature regimes. We suggest that variation in environmental temperature, through its nonlinear impact on parasite virulence and host defence, may contribute to the general lack of evidence for frequency-dependent selection in field systems. [source]

Life history of the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi, on transgenic and non-transformed wheat challenged with Wheat streak mosaic virus

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 1 2009
Edgardo S. Jiménez-Martínez
Abstract The life history of the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), was studied via laboratory assays on Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV)-infected and non-infected transgenic and non-transformed wheat [Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae)]. Although R. padi is not a WSMV vector, it is known to colonize WSMV-infected wheat plants. Two transgenic soft white winter wheat genotypes, 366-D03 and 366-D8, that express the WSMV coat protein gene, and the WSMV-susceptible non-transformed cultivar Daws were tested. All genotypes showed disease symptoms when infected with WSMV. Whereas plant height was significantly reduced on virus-infected compared to non-infected plants of all genotypes, virus-infected transgenic plants exhibited lower virus titer and lower disease rating scores than Daws. No significant effects of WSMV infection or genotypes were observed on the length of R. padi nymphal development period, nor on their pre-, and post-reproductive periods. Rhopalosiphum padi reproductive period was significantly longer on Daws infected with WSMV than on non-infected plants of this cultivar. In contrast, there were no significant differences in length of R. padi reproductive period between virus-infected and non-infected transgenic plants within a genotype. Rhopalosiphum padi daily fecundity was significantly lower and adult longevity significantly longer on virus-infected than on non-infected plants of all genotypes. Total aphid fecundity and intrinsic rate of increase were not significantly different among treatments. The percentage of winged aphids that developed was greater on WSMV-infected compared to non-infected plants within a genotype. Results indicate that both virus infection status of plants and wheat genotype influence the life history of R. padi. [source]

Role of prey,host plant associations on Harmonia axyridis and Episyrphus balteatus reproduction and predatory efficiency

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 1 2008
Ammar Alhmedi
Abstract In order to predict possible locations of Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Episyrphus balteatus DeGeer (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the field, we studied their oviposition and prey preferences in relation to several host plant,prey associations under laboratory conditions. Oviposition preference of H. axyridis and E. balteatus females was determined for three aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae),host plant associations: Microlophium carnosum Buckton on stinging nettle [Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae)], Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris on green pea [Pisum sativum L. (Fabaceae)], and Sitobion avenae F. on wheat [Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae)]. Prey preference of H. axyridis and E. balteatus larvae was determined with the aphids M. carnosum, A. pisum, and S. avenae. Harmonia axyridis females showed a strong oviposition preference for the stinging nettle,M. carnosum association. The preferred association for ovipostion by E. balteatus was pea-hosting A. pisum, on which fecundity was also highest. Feeding behaviour was less restricted in H. axyridis, in which the preferred preys were M. carnosum and S. avenae. A lower specificity of predation was observed in E. balteatus larvae with respect to A. pisum. These laboratory experiments may help us to understand the spatial distribution of H. axyridis and E. balteatus in the field. [source]

Impact of chemical elicitor applications on greenhouse tomato plants and population growth of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 3 2006
Anthony J. Boughton
Abstract Recent advances in the understanding of plant signaling pathways have opened the way for using elicitor-induced plant resistance as a tactic for protecting plants against arthropod pests. Four common elicitors of induced responses in tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (Solanaceae), were evaluated with regard to phytotoxicity, induction of plant defensive proteins, and effects on population growth and fecundity of a common pest, the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae). Ethephon and methyl jasmonate (MJ) treatments caused varying degrees of phytotoxicity. Ethephon caused pronounced changes in plant growth form and severe, dose-dependent negative impacts on plant growth and flowering. Effects with MJ were milder, but still caused temporary inhibition of development, leading to smaller plants and delayed flowering. The commercial elicitors benzothiadiazole (BTH) and harpin did not cause detectable phytotoxicity. The highest doses of ethephon and MJ significantly increased leaf peroxidase (POD) levels but only MJ treatments significantly increased polyphenol oxidase (PPO) levels. BTH and harpin had no detectable effects on POD and PPO. Populations of green peach aphids grew significantly more slowly on plants treated with BTH or MJ than on control plants or plants treated with harpin or ethephon. Slowed aphid population growth on BTH-treated plants was due to significant reductions in aphid fecundity, although this was independent of changes in time to onset of reproduction or time to death. Aphid fecundity was also reduced on MJ-treated plants relative to controls, but this difference was not statistically significant, suggesting that other mechanisms are involved in slowing aphid population growth on MJ-treated plants. Growth of aphid populations on plants treated with a MJ,BTH mixture was reduced almost as much as with treatments of MJ alone, suggesting that antagonism between JA-dependant and SA-dependent plant signaling pathways is only mild with regard to induced defenses against aphids. [source]

Does mother really know best?

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 3 2005
Oviposition preference reduces reproductive performance in the generalist parasitoid Aphidius ervi
Abstract The reproductive success of female parasitoids is dependent on their ability to accurately assess the suitability of a host for larval development. For generalist parasitoids, which utilize a broad range of species and instars as hosts, a set of assessment criteria determines whether a host is accepted or rejected. The suitability of a host, however, can only be imperfectly assessed by the female parasitoid, which can result in the selection of lesser quality hosts for oviposition. In this study we explored the disparity between host quality and host preference using the generalist koinobiotic parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) and the host Aulacorthum solani (Harris) (Homoptera: Aphididae), the foxglove aphid. The second instar hosts produced the highest level of reproductive success, while third and fourth instars resulted in a substantially reduced reproductive performance. When given a choice of host instars, parasitoids preferred the older hosts for oviposition disregarding their reduced suitability for larval development. Results are discussed in context of mechanisms involved in A. ervi host selection and biases in the criteria used to assess hosts that may arise when parasitoids transfer host species between generations. [source]

Impact of a parasitoid on the bacterial symbiosis of its aphid host

Overwintering of the sycamore aphid, Drepanosiphum platanoidis

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 2-3 2002
F.A. Wade
Abstract Spatial and temporal aspects of overwintering in the holocyclic sycamore aphid Drepanosiphum platanoidis (Schrank) (Homoptera: Callaphididae) were investigated. Eggs of D. platanoidis were principally laid on trunks and branches of Acer pseudoplatanus L., at considerable distances from the buds. Trunks with rough bark, followed by branches with moderate roughness supported more overwintering eggs than the relatively exposed smooth surfaces of twigs and terminal buds. Eggs were aggregated on rough bark. Aspect had no effect on the number of eggs laid. Experimental manipulations varying ovipara densities showed intra-specific competition among oviparae for optimal oviposition sites. Overwintering egg mortality was a function of time, with the greatest mortality rate occurring in late winter. Egg mortality varied from 80.4% to 76.9% on trunks and 83.0% to 65.9% on branches in 1996 and 1997. [source]

Host plant changes produced by the aphid Sipha flava: consequences for aphid feeding behaviour and growth

Analysis by DC,EPG of the resistance to Bemisia tabaci on an Mi -tomato line

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 3 2001
Y.X. Jiang
Abstract The tomato Mi gene confers resistance to nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., and to the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas). Previous greenhouse choice assays with Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) showed that tomato commercial varieties carrying this gene had significantly lower values of host suitability and whitefly reproduction than varieties lacking Mi. This indicated that Mi, or another gene in its region, could regulate partial resistance. In order to characterise this resistance, probing and feeding behaviour of Bemisia tabaci B-biotype was studied with DC Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) technique on the near-isogenic tomato lines Moneymaker (without Mi) and Motelle (carrying Mi). Significant differences (P < 0.05) between tomato lines were found in EPG parameters related to epidermis and/or mesophyll tissues. On Motelle, a lower percentage of whiteflies achieved phloem phase and they made more probes before attaining first phloem phase, had a higher ratio (number of probes before first phloem phase)/(total number of probes), had a longer total duration of non-probing time, and a longer time before making the first intracellular puncture and before making the first phloem phase. In contrast, most of the parameters related to phloem phase were found not to differ significantly between these near-isogenic lines. The behavioural data strongly suggest that the partial resistance in the variety Motelle is due to factors in the epidermis and/or mesophyll that inhibit the whiteflies from reaching phloem sieve elements. However, once the stylets reach a sieve element, whitefly behaviour did not differ between the two varieties. Thus, phloem sap of the two varieties appears to be equally acceptable to the whiteflies. Further studies are necessary to provide a better understanding of these mechanisms of resistance to whiteflies in tomatoes. [source]