The prevalence of Solenopsis invicta is associated with habitat diversity,with a preference for various habitats ranked in the following order:ponds,wastelands,green belts,roads,parks,farmlands,and villages.Consequent...The prevalence of Solenopsis invicta is associated with habitat diversity,with a preference for various habitats ranked in the following order:ponds,wastelands,green belts,roads,parks,farmlands,and villages.Consequently,management strategies should be tailored to each habitat.There are two occurrence peaks of S.invicta throughout the year,specifically from March to April and from September to October.It is essential to emphasize prevention and control measures during the active periods of S.invicta.To enhance the effectiveness of these measures,supplementary control should be implemented within 10-15 d following the initial prevention and control efforts.Furthermore,the efficacy of prevention and control is notably higher on the second to third day immediately following rainfall.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various agents in controlling S.invicta.A comparative analysis was conducted on the efficacy of three different brands of agents against S.invicta.The findings indicated that a concentration of 0.08%-0.10%indoxacarb exhibited a comparable extermination effect on S.invicta worker ants.However,agents with larger particle sizes demonstrated a reduced efficacy in exterminating S.invicta nests.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to study on the effect of hosts on development and reproduction of mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley). [Method] Observation was conducted on developmental durations and fecundity of Ph...[Objective] The aim was to study on the effect of hosts on development and reproduction of mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley). [Method] Observation was conducted on developmental durations and fecundity of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley fed on Gossypium spp., Nicotiana tabacum, Solanum tuberosum L and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. [Result] There were differences among all durations, generation durations and fecundities of the mealybug adult females. Specifically, the generation durations on cotton (Gossypium spp.), tobacco( Nicotiana tabacum), potato (Solanum tuberosum L) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis were 30.2, 28.2, 37.3, and 27.7 d, and the fecundities per female were 626.0, 417.2, 552.5, and 183.2 ind., respectively. [Conclusion] The mealybug would have strong pontential in population growth when fed on cotton, tobacco and potato.展开更多
The globally invasive cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley,has recently invaded several Chinese regions,and continues to expand its range.This mealybug is a polyphagous insect pest,with at least 200 host pla...The globally invasive cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley,has recently invaded several Chinese regions,and continues to expand its range.This mealybug is a polyphagous insect pest,with at least 200 host plants from 63 families,including cotton,food crops,fruits,ornamental plants,tobacco,and vegetables.Here,we describe the first finding of P.solenopsis in Shandong Province,and investigate the abundances of its natural enemies(predator Coccinella septempunctata L.and parasitoid Aenasius bambawalei Hayat).All three species were detected from ornamental and weed species in Linyi,Shandong,in September 2018,and were positively identified using DNA barcoding.BLAST analysis revealed significant identity(99.38-100%) between sequences of P.solenopsis obtained in this study and those published in the past.This invasive pest represents a major potential threat to agri-horticulture in Shandong,which is a key province of China for production and export of many vegetables,flowers,fruits,and other crops.This mealybug species has a wide range of potential distribution in Shandong and is easily dispersed with agricultural and horticultural transport products.Further monitoring and management strategies are required to limit the spread of this pest species.展开更多
The red imported fire ant(RIFA, Solenopsis invicta), a notorious invasive insect, has received considerable attention owing to its impacts on native biodiversity, agriculture, and human health. Under global warming,...The red imported fire ant(RIFA, Solenopsis invicta), a notorious invasive insect, has received considerable attention owing to its impacts on native biodiversity, agriculture, and human health. Under global warming, the inhabitable area of the RIFA may be enlarged. However, few studies have focused on the potential range expansion of the RIFA in East Asia. Using a process-based physiological model, we simulated the potential range of the RIFA in China based on gridded temperature datasets for the current(2004–2012) and future(2090–2100) climates under Representative Concentration Pathway(RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. It was found that the southeastern part of China(below 32°N) is suitable for RIFA proliferation. The present distribution area of the RIFA corresponds well with the potential range simulated by the model. In the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 warming scenarios, the inhabitable area of the RIFA along the northern boundary would on average extend 101.3±85.7(mean±SD) and 701.2±156.9 km, respectively, by the end of the 21 st century. Therefore, future climate change would significantly affect the inhabitable area of the RIFA. Our results provide the basis for local quarantine officials to curtail accidental introductions of this insect, especially in the certain and possible infestation zones.展开更多
Mealybugs, such as Phenacoccus solenopsis, are highly sexually dimorphic. Winged adult males present such remarkable morphological differences from females that, to the untrained eye, conspecific adults of both sexes ...Mealybugs, such as Phenacoccus solenopsis, are highly sexually dimorphic. Winged adult males present such remarkable morphological differences from females that, to the untrained eye, conspecific adults of both sexes of P. solenopsis may be considered as two different insect species. A method to investigate sex-dimorphic mechanisms is by evaluating gene expression using RT-qPCR. However, the accuracy and consistency of this technique depend on the reference gene(s) selected. In this study, we analyzed the expression of 10 candidate reference genes in male and female P. solenopsis at different development stages, using common algorithms including the ?Ct method, NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper, and a web-based analysis tool, RefFinder. The results showed that EF1-β, RP-L32 and RP-18 S were selected as the most stable genes by both the ?Ct method and NormFinder; TUB-α was the most stable gene identified by BestKeeper; and RP-L40 and RP-L32 were the most stable genes ranked by geNorm. RefFinder, a comprehensive analysis software, ranked the ten genes and determined EF1-β and RP-L32 as the most suitable reference genes for the various developmental stages in male and female P. solenopsis. Furthermore, the two most suitable reference genes were validated by examining expression of the juvenile hormone acid O-methytransferase(JHAMT) gene. Results of the validation portion of the study showed that JHAMT expression was sex-biased towards males and exhibited a dynamic and classic expression pattern among the P. solenopsis developmental stages. The results can help further our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphic development in P. solenopsis.展开更多
The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is a global major invasive pest, and has caused significant economic, social and environmental impacts since its invasion to mainland of China in 2004. To date, chemica...The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is a global major invasive pest, and has caused significant economic, social and environmental impacts since its invasion to mainland of China in 2004. To date, chemical control has been the most effective measure. However, the long-term use of chemicals would lead to an unexpected rebound. To understand the risks and explore the mechanisms of detoxification or induction to insecticides in S. invicta, the O-demethylase activity and expression of cytochrome P450 genes of workers and queens, and the effects of chlorpyrifos and fipronil exposure in workers were investigated. Biochemical assays showed the O-demethylase activity of cytochrome P450 was significantly higher in workers than in queens (1.66-fold), and was significantly induced in workers exposed to chlorpyrifos and fipronil, reaching a maximum (3.00- and 1.95-fold) at 48 h and then decreasing dramatically compared to controls (exposed to acetone counter- part). The relative expression levels of 12 cytochrome P450 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in workers were significantly higher than in queens (from 2.3- to 36.4-fold). Multiple cytochrome P450 genes (except 9E4) were co-up-regulated (from 1.5- to 2.86-fold) in workers exposed to fipronil. These results indicated that the increased O-demethylase activity may result from the increased transcription levels of cytochrome P450 related to detoxification of insecticides in S. invicta. It appears that cytochrome P450 plays an important role in enhanced metabolic detoxification of insecticides. At the same time, it also provides the theoretical basis for resistance management and rational usage of insecticides to control S. invicta.展开更多
Venom plays several important roles in the life of the fire ant,Solenopsis invicta Buren.Laboratory rearing significantly affected the toxin component of S.invicta.However,the molecular mechanism of the change of veno...Venom plays several important roles in the life of the fire ant,Solenopsis invicta Buren.Laboratory rearing significantly affected the toxin component of S.invicta.However,the molecular mechanism of the change of venomous components when kept in the laboratory is unclear.In this study,RNA sequencing technique(RNA-Seq)was performed to explore differentially expressed genes in the venom gland of S.invicta at 0,10,and 60 days after laboratory rearing.The RNA-Seq results showed that the expression of a large number of genes changed.The DEGs were involved in multiple pathways,including proteolysis,serine-type endopeptidase,and allergen.Furthermore,RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR data revealed that the expression of some genes related to proteolysis and allergen significantly decreased.Thus,our data generated new data relating to toxin-component and the transcriptome dynamics in the venom gland of S.invicta during laboratory rearing.展开更多
The field control effects of different concentrations of indoxacarb baits,fipronil baits and chlorfenapyr baits on Solenopsis invicta was evaluated. The results showed that at 21 post administration,the control effect...The field control effects of different concentrations of indoxacarb baits,fipronil baits and chlorfenapyr baits on Solenopsis invicta was evaluated. The results showed that at 21 post administration,the control effects of 0. 04% indoxacarb on nests and worker ants reached 100%; the control effect of 0. 02% and0. 06% indoxacarb on active nests and worker ants were 87. 50% and 100%,respectively; 0. 000 25% and 0. 000 5% fipronil and 0. 05% chlorfenapyr also had significant control effects on active nests and worker ants. At 30 d post administration,the decline rates of ant colony grade treated by 0. 04% and 0. 06% indoxacarb,0. 000 25% fipronil and 0. 05% chlorfenapyr were 100%,100%,91. 44% and 98. 11%,respectively,and the comprehensive control effect reached 97. 18%.展开更多
Solenopsis sp. is an important invader on upland arthropod of Eastern India. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of this insect as potential biocontrol agent against some major pests of rice. The ant populat...Solenopsis sp. is an important invader on upland arthropod of Eastern India. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of this insect as potential biocontrol agent against some major pests of rice. The ant populations were sampled before and during appearance of hibernating larva and pupa of rice yellow stem borer (YSB) Scirpophaga incertulas (Walk.) inside the rice plant. Species richness and diversity of other ant species were also assessed from YSB protected field with insecticides and the crop grown under natural biological control. The maximum value of Barger-Parker index (d = 0.245) indicated that fire ant constituted 24.55% of the total population. Besides, in natural as in agricultural ecosystems, interference between fire ants and mealy bug as well as aphids was also recorded in different altitudes of the Eastern Himalayas and found that the incidence of fire ants Solenopsis sp. decreased the abundance of borer pests, but in contrast it increased the hopper pests in the same ecological niche.展开更多
The green peach aphid, Myzuspersicae (Sulzer), is a major insect pest of many agronomic and horticultural crops and is distributed worldwide. Aphid management is often based on application of insecticides. However, th...The green peach aphid, Myzuspersicae (Sulzer), is a major insect pest of many agronomic and horticultural crops and is distributed worldwide. Aphid management is often based on application of insecticides. However, the aphid is now resistant to many of these and much interest has recently developed in identification of novel alternative insecticides. Venom isolated from the red imported fire ant, Solenopsisinvicta Buren, is composed of two groups of alkaloids, piperidines and piperideines, and has shown activity against many organisms including fungi, bacteria, mites and several insects. Prior to the study reported herein, no information on the venom’s activity to Myzuspersicae has been reported. Both of the alkaloids were active against M.persicae. The 24 h LC50 values were116.6 and 91.5 ppm for the piperideine and piperidine extracts, respectively. Based on overlap of the 95% fiducial limits the LC50 values for the two alkaloids did not significantly differ. At the high dosages, mortality occurred in as few as four hours and all treated aphids were dead by six hours. Little additional mortality was detected in the 48-hobservation. Both piperideine and piperidine extracts isolated from red imported fire ant venom possess sufficient activity to cause death of green peach aphids and at high dosages, death occurs rapidly. In the search for new replacements to synthetic insecticides, these extracts may offer a novel but potentially successful alternative.展开更多
Based on the biological characteristics of Solenopsis invicta and the structural characteristics of its ant nest,a fast and efficient closed treatment device was developed.Compared with the simple chemical treatment c...Based on the biological characteristics of Solenopsis invicta and the structural characteristics of its ant nest,a fast and efficient closed treatment device was developed.Compared with the simple chemical treatment commonly used at present,the developed treatment device(the ant nest control cover)is a fast and efficient method to exterminate S.invicta in 7 d,featured by short course,quick results and good effect.展开更多
Natural enemy insects are important factors in regulating plant invasion. The interactions between multiple insect species resulting from invasive plants remain poorly understood despite their potential. We observed n...Natural enemy insects are important factors in regulating plant invasion. The interactions between multiple insect species resulting from invasive plants remain poorly understood despite their potential. We observed notorious invasive plants Eupatorium adenophorum Sprengel were competedly fed by Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Dorylus orientalis Westwood (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) beside the scientific research base of Kunming University. It was first observed that D. orientalis was eating the epidermis, cortex, phloem and other root and stem tissues of E. adenophorum in soil. Two months later, it was observed that S. invicta ate the epidermis, cortex, phloem and other aboveground stem tissues of E. adenophorum. S. invicta attacked D. orientalis and displaced their living space by causing the later dead, injured, or even disabled. This phenomenon suggested that local herbivorous insects have adapted to E. adenophorum well, which will intensify the naturalization process of E. adenophorum in local habitats. In a homogeneous garden planting experiment of E. adenophorum conducted at the experimental base of Kunming University, the biomass of the introduced (China) populations of E. adenophorum was lower than that of the native (Mexico) populations, although there was no statistically significant difference. These results indicate a possible positive correlation between the increase in natural enemy pressure and the decrease in fitness of E. adenophorum.展开更多
Management of imported fire ant species has evolved since their accidental introduction into the United States and currently uses integrated pest management concepts to design, implement, and evaluate suppression prog...Management of imported fire ant species has evolved since their accidental introduction into the United States and currently uses integrated pest management concepts to design, implement, and evaluate suppression programs. Although eradication is the management goal in certain isolated infestation sites, localized goals vary dramatically in larger infestations where reinvasion of treated areas is likely. These goals are influenced by regulatory policies, medical liabilities, ecological impact, and/or economic considerations. Tactics employed in fire ant management programs presented here include cultural and biological control options along with judicious use of site-specific insecticide products. In addition, program design considerations that include management goal(s), action level(s), ant form (monogyne or polygyne), presence ofnontarget ant species, size of treatment area, seasonality, implementation cost, and environmental impact are also presented. Optimally, elegant IPM programs are target specific, threshold driven, environmentally friendly and cost-effective.展开更多
DNA methylation is accomplished in animals by 2 classes of enzymes known as DNA methyltransferases, DNMT3 and DNMT 1, which perform de novo methylation and maintenance methylation, respectively. Several studies of hym...DNA methylation is accomplished in animals by 2 classes of enzymes known as DNA methyltransferases, DNMT3 and DNMT 1, which perform de novo methylation and maintenance methylation, respectively. Several studies of hymenopteran eusocial insects suggest that DNA methylation is capable of influencing developmental plasticity. However, fundamental questions remain about the patterning of DNA methylation during the course of insect development. In this study, we performed quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) on transcripts from the single-copy orthologs of DNMT1 and DNMT3 in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. In particular, we assessed the expression of S. invicta Dnmtl and Dnmt3 mRNA during 7 stages of worker development, among behaviorally distinct adults, and among male and female gonads. Dnmt3 was most highly expressed during embryonic development, whereas Dnmtl was similarly expressed throughout the course of develop- ment. Moreover, Dnmtl and Dnmt3 were highly expressed in testes and ovaries. Neither Dnmt was significantly differentially expressed among heads of behaviorally distinct adult castes. Our results support the hypothesis that extensive patterning of DNA methylation occurs during gametogenesis and embryogenesis in the insect order Hymenoptera.展开更多
The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, is a serious and invasive pest. At present, genetic resources for studying P. solenopsis are limited, and this negatively affects genetic research on the organism a...The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, is a serious and invasive pest. At present, genetic resources for studying P. solenopsis are limited, and this negatively affects genetic research on the organism and, consequently, translational work to improve management of this pest. In the present study, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were analyzed from a normalized complementary DNA library of/?. solenopsis. In addition, EST-derived microsatellite loci (also known as simple sequence repeats or SSRs) were isolated and characterized. A total of 1107 high-quality ESTs were acquired from the library. Clustering and assembly analysis resulted in 785 unigenes, which were classified functionally into 23 categories according to the Gene Ontology database. Seven EST-based SSR markers were developed in this study and are expected to be useful in characterizing how this invasive species was introduced, as well as providing insights into its genetic microevolution.展开更多
Supercolonies of the red fire ant Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) develop in disturbed environments and likely alter the ant community in the native range of the species. For example, in French Guiana only 8 ant speci...Supercolonies of the red fire ant Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) develop in disturbed environments and likely alter the ant community in the native range of the species. For example, in French Guiana only 8 ant species were repeatedly noted as nesting in close vicinity to its mounds. Here, we verified if a shared set of biological, ecological, and behavioral traits might explain how these 8 species are able to nest in the presence of S. saevissima. We did not find this to be the case. We did find, however, that all of them are able to live in disturbed habitats. It is likely that over the course of evolution each of these species acquired the capacity to live syntopically with S. saevissima through its own set of traits, where colony size (4 species develop large colonies), cuticular compounds which do not trigger aggressiveness (6 species) and submissive behaviors (4 species) complement each other.展开更多
One of the most invasive species worldwide, Solenopsis invicta Buren, has been described in China since 2003. Recent studies have suggested that China populations are the result of introductions from the USA; however,...One of the most invasive species worldwide, Solenopsis invicta Buren, has been described in China since 2003. Recent studies have suggested that China populations are the result of introductions from the USA; however, detailed molecular studies need to be performed in order to understand the expansion and potential multiple introductions from other countries into China. As there were populations of red imported fire ant, S. invicta in different areas and with different methods of introduction, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase Ⅰ gene was used as a marker from 12 populations in four cities in Fujian Province, China, to determine the relationship of invasion among these populations. The three most common haplotypes previously describe in invasive populations of S. invicta: H5, H22 and H36, were found in Fujian. However, frequencies in each city were different. For instance, three populations from Longyan city which invaded with waste plastics, shared haplotype H5. Populations from Xiamen city and Jinjiang city which dispersed with nursery stock, sward and scrap leather, shared haplotype H22. The population from Nanyan village of Xinluo district, Longyan city, bore haplotype H36. Mitochondrial data reveals that the invasion history of S. invicta in Fujian Province is complex, including multiple invasions probably from other provinces within China. Security measures to prevent S. invicta spreading within China are as important as from overseas.展开更多
The insect gustatory system participates in identifying potential food sources and avoiding toxic compounds.During this process,gustatory receptors(GRs)recognize feeding stimulant and deterrent compounds.However,the G...The insect gustatory system participates in identifying potential food sources and avoiding toxic compounds.During this process,gustatory receptors(GRs)recognize feeding stimulant and deterrent compounds.However,the GRs involved in recognizing stimulant and deterrent compounds in the red imported fire ant,Solenopsis invicta,remain unknown.Therefore,we conducted a study on the genes SinvGR1,SinvGR32b,and SinvGR28a to investigate the roles of GRs in detecting feeding stimulant and deterrent compounds.In this current study,we found that sucrose and fructose are feeding stimulants and the bitter compound quinine is a feeding deterrent.The fire ant workers showed significant behavior changes to avoid the bitter taste in feeding stimulant compounds.Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results from developmental stages showed that the SinvGR1,SinvGR32b,and SinvGR28a genes were highly expressed in fire ant workers.Tissue-specific expression profiles indicated that SinvGR1,SinvGR32b,and SinvGR28a were specifically expressed in the antennae and foreleg tarsi of workers,whereas SinvGR32b gene transcripts were also highly accumulated in the male antennae.Furthermore,the silencing of SinvGRI or SinvGR32b alone and the co-silencing of both genes disrupted worker stimulation and feeding on sucrose and fructose.The results also showed that SinvGR28a is required for avoiding quinine,as workers with knockdown of the SinvGR28a gene failed to avoid and fed on quinine.This study first identified stimulant and deterrent compounds of fire ant workers and then the GRs involved in the taste recognition of these compounds.This study could provide potential target gustatory genes for the control of the fire ant.展开更多
The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of eradicating the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, in the hot, humid and rainy conditions of northern Taiwan. Thirteen hectares of the Shihmen ...The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of eradicating the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, in the hot, humid and rainy conditions of northern Taiwan. Thirteen hectares of the Shihmen Reservoir have been infected with these ants, with a total of 1 578 mounds. Pyriproxyfen was applied at a rate of 2 kg/hectare each season, for a total of four seasons. Surveys using visual examination, bait traps, as well as the population index method showed that the brood, the reproductive ants, and the worker ants within the nests were all significantly reduced 1 month after the first application of pyriproxyfen. Four months after the initial application there were no more brood or reproductive ants. After 8 months there were no longer any active mounds left, and 12 months later there were no more worker ants. After monitoring for 1 more year, it was ascertained that the red imported fire ants were eradicated. The percentages of decrease after 2, 4 and 6 months of treatment were 57.4%, 80.5%, and 98.2%, respectively.展开更多
基金Supported by 2024 Red Imported Fire Ant Prevention and Control Project of Huizhou City.
文摘The prevalence of Solenopsis invicta is associated with habitat diversity,with a preference for various habitats ranked in the following order:ponds,wastelands,green belts,roads,parks,farmlands,and villages.Consequently,management strategies should be tailored to each habitat.There are two occurrence peaks of S.invicta throughout the year,specifically from March to April and from September to October.It is essential to emphasize prevention and control measures during the active periods of S.invicta.To enhance the effectiveness of these measures,supplementary control should be implemented within 10-15 d following the initial prevention and control efforts.Furthermore,the efficacy of prevention and control is notably higher on the second to third day immediately following rainfall.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various agents in controlling S.invicta.A comparative analysis was conducted on the efficacy of three different brands of agents against S.invicta.The findings indicated that a concentration of 0.08%-0.10%indoxacarb exhibited a comparable extermination effect on S.invicta worker ants.However,agents with larger particle sizes demonstrated a reduced efficacy in exterminating S.invicta nests.
基金Supported by National Science Foundation of China(31171855)Special R&D Fund for Plant Epidemic Prevention and Quarantine in Guangdong Province(Yuenongji201190)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to study on the effect of hosts on development and reproduction of mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley). [Method] Observation was conducted on developmental durations and fecundity of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley fed on Gossypium spp., Nicotiana tabacum, Solanum tuberosum L and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. [Result] There were differences among all durations, generation durations and fecundities of the mealybug adult females. Specifically, the generation durations on cotton (Gossypium spp.), tobacco( Nicotiana tabacum), potato (Solanum tuberosum L) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis were 30.2, 28.2, 37.3, and 27.7 d, and the fecundities per female were 626.0, 417.2, 552.5, and 183.2 ind., respectively. [Conclusion] The mealybug would have strong pontential in population growth when fed on cotton, tobacco and potato.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFC1200600 and 2016YFC1201200)the Science and Technology Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(caascx-2017-2022-IAS)
文摘The globally invasive cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley,has recently invaded several Chinese regions,and continues to expand its range.This mealybug is a polyphagous insect pest,with at least 200 host plants from 63 families,including cotton,food crops,fruits,ornamental plants,tobacco,and vegetables.Here,we describe the first finding of P.solenopsis in Shandong Province,and investigate the abundances of its natural enemies(predator Coccinella septempunctata L.and parasitoid Aenasius bambawalei Hayat).All three species were detected from ornamental and weed species in Linyi,Shandong,in September 2018,and were positively identified using DNA barcoding.BLAST analysis revealed significant identity(99.38-100%) between sequences of P.solenopsis obtained in this study and those published in the past.This invasive pest represents a major potential threat to agri-horticulture in Shandong,which is a key province of China for production and export of many vegetables,flowers,fruits,and other crops.This mealybug species has a wide range of potential distribution in Shandong and is easily dispersed with agricultural and horticultural transport products.Further monitoring and management strategies are required to limit the spread of this pest species.
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2016YFC1201302
文摘The red imported fire ant(RIFA, Solenopsis invicta), a notorious invasive insect, has received considerable attention owing to its impacts on native biodiversity, agriculture, and human health. Under global warming, the inhabitable area of the RIFA may be enlarged. However, few studies have focused on the potential range expansion of the RIFA in East Asia. Using a process-based physiological model, we simulated the potential range of the RIFA in China based on gridded temperature datasets for the current(2004–2012) and future(2090–2100) climates under Representative Concentration Pathway(RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. It was found that the southeastern part of China(below 32°N) is suitable for RIFA proliferation. The present distribution area of the RIFA corresponds well with the potential range simulated by the model. In the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 warming scenarios, the inhabitable area of the RIFA along the northern boundary would on average extend 101.3±85.7(mean±SD) and 701.2±156.9 km, respectively, by the end of the 21 st century. Therefore, future climate change would significantly affect the inhabitable area of the RIFA. Our results provide the basis for local quarantine officials to curtail accidental introductions of this insect, especially in the certain and possible infestation zones.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31270580)the Key Research and Development Program of Zhejiang Province,China(2018C02036)+1 种基金the Key Technologies R&D Program of China during the 12th Five-Year Plan period(2012BAD19B06)the Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest of China(201103026)
文摘Mealybugs, such as Phenacoccus solenopsis, are highly sexually dimorphic. Winged adult males present such remarkable morphological differences from females that, to the untrained eye, conspecific adults of both sexes of P. solenopsis may be considered as two different insect species. A method to investigate sex-dimorphic mechanisms is by evaluating gene expression using RT-qPCR. However, the accuracy and consistency of this technique depend on the reference gene(s) selected. In this study, we analyzed the expression of 10 candidate reference genes in male and female P. solenopsis at different development stages, using common algorithms including the ?Ct method, NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper, and a web-based analysis tool, RefFinder. The results showed that EF1-β, RP-L32 and RP-18 S were selected as the most stable genes by both the ?Ct method and NormFinder; TUB-α was the most stable gene identified by BestKeeper; and RP-L40 and RP-L32 were the most stable genes ranked by geNorm. RefFinder, a comprehensive analysis software, ranked the ten genes and determined EF1-β and RP-L32 as the most suitable reference genes for the various developmental stages in male and female P. solenopsis. Furthermore, the two most suitable reference genes were validated by examining expression of the juvenile hormone acid O-methytransferase(JHAMT) gene. Results of the validation portion of the study showed that JHAMT expression was sex-biased towards males and exhibited a dynamic and classic expression pattern among the P. solenopsis developmental stages. The results can help further our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphic development in P. solenopsis.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31071712) for the financial support given to the present research work
文摘The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is a global major invasive pest, and has caused significant economic, social and environmental impacts since its invasion to mainland of China in 2004. To date, chemical control has been the most effective measure. However, the long-term use of chemicals would lead to an unexpected rebound. To understand the risks and explore the mechanisms of detoxification or induction to insecticides in S. invicta, the O-demethylase activity and expression of cytochrome P450 genes of workers and queens, and the effects of chlorpyrifos and fipronil exposure in workers were investigated. Biochemical assays showed the O-demethylase activity of cytochrome P450 was significantly higher in workers than in queens (1.66-fold), and was significantly induced in workers exposed to chlorpyrifos and fipronil, reaching a maximum (3.00- and 1.95-fold) at 48 h and then decreasing dramatically compared to controls (exposed to acetone counter- part). The relative expression levels of 12 cytochrome P450 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in workers were significantly higher than in queens (from 2.3- to 36.4-fold). Multiple cytochrome P450 genes (except 9E4) were co-up-regulated (from 1.5- to 2.86-fold) in workers exposed to fipronil. These results indicated that the increased O-demethylase activity may result from the increased transcription levels of cytochrome P450 related to detoxification of insecticides in S. invicta. It appears that cytochrome P450 plays an important role in enhanced metabolic detoxification of insecticides. At the same time, it also provides the theoretical basis for resistance management and rational usage of insecticides to control S. invicta.
基金This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board(IRB)Institutional of Plant Protection and Microbiology,Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences.The approval code is 2020AWE061801The approval date is June 19,2020.
文摘Venom plays several important roles in the life of the fire ant,Solenopsis invicta Buren.Laboratory rearing significantly affected the toxin component of S.invicta.However,the molecular mechanism of the change of venomous components when kept in the laboratory is unclear.In this study,RNA sequencing technique(RNA-Seq)was performed to explore differentially expressed genes in the venom gland of S.invicta at 0,10,and 60 days after laboratory rearing.The RNA-Seq results showed that the expression of a large number of genes changed.The DEGs were involved in multiple pathways,including proteolysis,serine-type endopeptidase,and allergen.Furthermore,RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR data revealed that the expression of some genes related to proteolysis and allergen significantly decreased.Thus,our data generated new data relating to toxin-component and the transcriptome dynamics in the venom gland of S.invicta during laboratory rearing.
基金Supported by Project of Liuzhou Science and Technology Bureau"Investigation and Prevention Countermeasures of Fire Ants in Liuzhou City"(2013J020101)
文摘The field control effects of different concentrations of indoxacarb baits,fipronil baits and chlorfenapyr baits on Solenopsis invicta was evaluated. The results showed that at 21 post administration,the control effects of 0. 04% indoxacarb on nests and worker ants reached 100%; the control effect of 0. 02% and0. 06% indoxacarb on active nests and worker ants were 87. 50% and 100%,respectively; 0. 000 25% and 0. 000 5% fipronil and 0. 05% chlorfenapyr also had significant control effects on active nests and worker ants. At 30 d post administration,the decline rates of ant colony grade treated by 0. 04% and 0. 06% indoxacarb,0. 000 25% fipronil and 0. 05% chlorfenapyr were 100%,100%,91. 44% and 98. 11%,respectively,and the comprehensive control effect reached 97. 18%.
文摘Solenopsis sp. is an important invader on upland arthropod of Eastern India. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of this insect as potential biocontrol agent against some major pests of rice. The ant populations were sampled before and during appearance of hibernating larva and pupa of rice yellow stem borer (YSB) Scirpophaga incertulas (Walk.) inside the rice plant. Species richness and diversity of other ant species were also assessed from YSB protected field with insecticides and the crop grown under natural biological control. The maximum value of Barger-Parker index (d = 0.245) indicated that fire ant constituted 24.55% of the total population. Besides, in natural as in agricultural ecosystems, interference between fire ants and mealy bug as well as aphids was also recorded in different altitudes of the Eastern Himalayas and found that the incidence of fire ants Solenopsis sp. decreased the abundance of borer pests, but in contrast it increased the hopper pests in the same ecological niche.
文摘The green peach aphid, Myzuspersicae (Sulzer), is a major insect pest of many agronomic and horticultural crops and is distributed worldwide. Aphid management is often based on application of insecticides. However, the aphid is now resistant to many of these and much interest has recently developed in identification of novel alternative insecticides. Venom isolated from the red imported fire ant, Solenopsisinvicta Buren, is composed of two groups of alkaloids, piperidines and piperideines, and has shown activity against many organisms including fungi, bacteria, mites and several insects. Prior to the study reported herein, no information on the venom’s activity to Myzuspersicae has been reported. Both of the alkaloids were active against M.persicae. The 24 h LC50 values were116.6 and 91.5 ppm for the piperideine and piperidine extracts, respectively. Based on overlap of the 95% fiducial limits the LC50 values for the two alkaloids did not significantly differ. At the high dosages, mortality occurred in as few as four hours and all treated aphids were dead by six hours. Little additional mortality was detected in the 48-hobservation. Both piperideine and piperidine extracts isolated from red imported fire ant venom possess sufficient activity to cause death of green peach aphids and at high dosages, death occurs rapidly. In the search for new replacements to synthetic insecticides, these extracts may offer a novel but potentially successful alternative.
基金Science and Technology Research Program of Xiamen Customs(2020XK08).
文摘Based on the biological characteristics of Solenopsis invicta and the structural characteristics of its ant nest,a fast and efficient closed treatment device was developed.Compared with the simple chemical treatment commonly used at present,the developed treatment device(the ant nest control cover)is a fast and efficient method to exterminate S.invicta in 7 d,featured by short course,quick results and good effect.
文摘Natural enemy insects are important factors in regulating plant invasion. The interactions between multiple insect species resulting from invasive plants remain poorly understood despite their potential. We observed notorious invasive plants Eupatorium adenophorum Sprengel were competedly fed by Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Dorylus orientalis Westwood (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) beside the scientific research base of Kunming University. It was first observed that D. orientalis was eating the epidermis, cortex, phloem and other root and stem tissues of E. adenophorum in soil. Two months later, it was observed that S. invicta ate the epidermis, cortex, phloem and other aboveground stem tissues of E. adenophorum. S. invicta attacked D. orientalis and displaced their living space by causing the later dead, injured, or even disabled. This phenomenon suggested that local herbivorous insects have adapted to E. adenophorum well, which will intensify the naturalization process of E. adenophorum in local habitats. In a homogeneous garden planting experiment of E. adenophorum conducted at the experimental base of Kunming University, the biomass of the introduced (China) populations of E. adenophorum was lower than that of the native (Mexico) populations, although there was no statistically significant difference. These results indicate a possible positive correlation between the increase in natural enemy pressure and the decrease in fitness of E. adenophorum.
文摘Management of imported fire ant species has evolved since their accidental introduction into the United States and currently uses integrated pest management concepts to design, implement, and evaluate suppression programs. Although eradication is the management goal in certain isolated infestation sites, localized goals vary dramatically in larger infestations where reinvasion of treated areas is likely. These goals are influenced by regulatory policies, medical liabilities, ecological impact, and/or economic considerations. Tactics employed in fire ant management programs presented here include cultural and biological control options along with judicious use of site-specific insecticide products. In addition, program design considerations that include management goal(s), action level(s), ant form (monogyne or polygyne), presence ofnontarget ant species, size of treatment area, seasonality, implementation cost, and environmental impact are also presented. Optimally, elegant IPM programs are target specific, threshold driven, environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
文摘DNA methylation is accomplished in animals by 2 classes of enzymes known as DNA methyltransferases, DNMT3 and DNMT 1, which perform de novo methylation and maintenance methylation, respectively. Several studies of hymenopteran eusocial insects suggest that DNA methylation is capable of influencing developmental plasticity. However, fundamental questions remain about the patterning of DNA methylation during the course of insect development. In this study, we performed quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) on transcripts from the single-copy orthologs of DNMT1 and DNMT3 in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. In particular, we assessed the expression of S. invicta Dnmtl and Dnmt3 mRNA during 7 stages of worker development, among behaviorally distinct adults, and among male and female gonads. Dnmt3 was most highly expressed during embryonic development, whereas Dnmtl was similarly expressed throughout the course of develop- ment. Moreover, Dnmtl and Dnmt3 were highly expressed in testes and ovaries. Neither Dnmt was significantly differentially expressed among heads of behaviorally distinct adult castes. Our results support the hypothesis that extensive patterning of DNA methylation occurs during gametogenesis and embryogenesis in the insect order Hymenoptera.
文摘The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, is a serious and invasive pest. At present, genetic resources for studying P. solenopsis are limited, and this negatively affects genetic research on the organism and, consequently, translational work to improve management of this pest. In the present study, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were analyzed from a normalized complementary DNA library of/?. solenopsis. In addition, EST-derived microsatellite loci (also known as simple sequence repeats or SSRs) were isolated and characterized. A total of 1107 high-quality ESTs were acquired from the library. Clustering and assembly analysis resulted in 785 unigenes, which were classified functionally into 23 categories according to the Gene Ontology database. Seven EST-based SSR markers were developed in this study and are expected to be useful in characterizing how this invasive species was introduced, as well as providing insights into its genetic microevolution.
文摘Supercolonies of the red fire ant Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) develop in disturbed environments and likely alter the ant community in the native range of the species. For example, in French Guiana only 8 ant species were repeatedly noted as nesting in close vicinity to its mounds. Here, we verified if a shared set of biological, ecological, and behavioral traits might explain how these 8 species are able to nest in the presence of S. saevissima. We did not find this to be the case. We did find, however, that all of them are able to live in disturbed habitats. It is likely that over the course of evolution each of these species acquired the capacity to live syntopically with S. saevissima through its own set of traits, where colony size (4 species develop large colonies), cuticular compounds which do not trigger aggressiveness (6 species) and submissive behaviors (4 species) complement each other.
文摘One of the most invasive species worldwide, Solenopsis invicta Buren, has been described in China since 2003. Recent studies have suggested that China populations are the result of introductions from the USA; however, detailed molecular studies need to be performed in order to understand the expansion and potential multiple introductions from other countries into China. As there were populations of red imported fire ant, S. invicta in different areas and with different methods of introduction, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase Ⅰ gene was used as a marker from 12 populations in four cities in Fujian Province, China, to determine the relationship of invasion among these populations. The three most common haplotypes previously describe in invasive populations of S. invicta: H5, H22 and H36, were found in Fujian. However, frequencies in each city were different. For instance, three populations from Longyan city which invaded with waste plastics, shared haplotype H5. Populations from Xiamen city and Jinjiang city which dispersed with nursery stock, sward and scrap leather, shared haplotype H22. The population from Nanyan village of Xinluo district, Longyan city, bore haplotype H36. Mitochondrial data reveals that the invasion history of S. invicta in Fujian Province is complex, including multiple invasions probably from other provinces within China. Security measures to prevent S. invicta spreading within China are as important as from overseas.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFD1000500)the Foundation of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences(R2023PY-JX010)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(2021A1515012445).
文摘The insect gustatory system participates in identifying potential food sources and avoiding toxic compounds.During this process,gustatory receptors(GRs)recognize feeding stimulant and deterrent compounds.However,the GRs involved in recognizing stimulant and deterrent compounds in the red imported fire ant,Solenopsis invicta,remain unknown.Therefore,we conducted a study on the genes SinvGR1,SinvGR32b,and SinvGR28a to investigate the roles of GRs in detecting feeding stimulant and deterrent compounds.In this current study,we found that sucrose and fructose are feeding stimulants and the bitter compound quinine is a feeding deterrent.The fire ant workers showed significant behavior changes to avoid the bitter taste in feeding stimulant compounds.Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results from developmental stages showed that the SinvGR1,SinvGR32b,and SinvGR28a genes were highly expressed in fire ant workers.Tissue-specific expression profiles indicated that SinvGR1,SinvGR32b,and SinvGR28a were specifically expressed in the antennae and foreleg tarsi of workers,whereas SinvGR32b gene transcripts were also highly accumulated in the male antennae.Furthermore,the silencing of SinvGRI or SinvGR32b alone and the co-silencing of both genes disrupted worker stimulation and feeding on sucrose and fructose.The results also showed that SinvGR28a is required for avoiding quinine,as workers with knockdown of the SinvGR28a gene failed to avoid and fed on quinine.This study first identified stimulant and deterrent compounds of fire ant workers and then the GRs involved in the taste recognition of these compounds.This study could provide potential target gustatory genes for the control of the fire ant.
文摘The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of eradicating the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, in the hot, humid and rainy conditions of northern Taiwan. Thirteen hectares of the Shihmen Reservoir have been infected with these ants, with a total of 1 578 mounds. Pyriproxyfen was applied at a rate of 2 kg/hectare each season, for a total of four seasons. Surveys using visual examination, bait traps, as well as the population index method showed that the brood, the reproductive ants, and the worker ants within the nests were all significantly reduced 1 month after the first application of pyriproxyfen. Four months after the initial application there were no more brood or reproductive ants. After 8 months there were no longer any active mounds left, and 12 months later there were no more worker ants. After monitoring for 1 more year, it was ascertained that the red imported fire ants were eradicated. The percentages of decrease after 2, 4 and 6 months of treatment were 57.4%, 80.5%, and 98.2%, respectively.