Nine species in the subgenus Zeugodacus Hendel were known to occur in Yunnan. We add seven more species to the fauna of Yunnan. Among them, one species, Bactrocera (Zeugodacus) vultus Hardy, 1973, is reported from Chi...Nine species in the subgenus Zeugodacus Hendel were known to occur in Yunnan. We add seven more species to the fauna of Yunnan. Among them, one species, Bactrocera (Zeugodacus) vultus Hardy, 1973, is reported from China for the first time. This species is redescribed in detail and its male genitalia are illustrated and described for the first time. A key to the species of the subgenus Zeugodacus from Yunnan is provided.展开更多
A new species of the genus Bactrocera Macquart, B. （Zeugodacus） baoshanensis, sp. nov., is described from Yunnan, China. The type specimen is deposited in the Institute of Beneficial Insects, Fujian Agriculture Fore...A new species of the genus Bactrocera Macquart, B. （Zeugodacus） baoshanensis, sp. nov., is described from Yunnan, China. The type specimen is deposited in the Institute of Beneficial Insects, Fujian Agriculture Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.展开更多
A new species, Bactrocera （Zeugodacus） gansuica Chen, Han et Zhou sp. nov., is discovered from China, and B （Z.） vultus （Hardy, 1973） is recorded for the first time in Laos. These two species are here described ...A new species, Bactrocera （Zeugodacus） gansuica Chen, Han et Zhou sp. nov., is discovered from China, and B （Z.） vultus （Hardy, 1973） is recorded for the first time in Laos. These two species are here described and illustrated.展开更多
Two new species of Ortalotrypeta Hendel,O.costamacula Chen&Wang,sp.nov.and O.straighta Chen&Wang,sp.nov.from Shannxi,China are described and illustrated,together with their adult habits and behaviors.The biolo...Two new species of Ortalotrypeta Hendel,O.costamacula Chen&Wang,sp.nov.and O.straighta Chen&Wang,sp.nov.from Shannxi,China are described and illustrated,together with their adult habits and behaviors.The biological observation of another three species,O.gansuica,O.trypetoides,and O.ziae,are also reported here.The biological reports are the first time for the tribe Ortalotrypetini,subfamily Tachiniscinae.An updated key to the genus Ortalotrypeta is provided.展开更多
Fruit fly species＇ responses to lures are critically important, especially when a single lure might be recommended for the purpose of trapping multiple fruit fly species in commercial fruit orchards. Fruit industries...Fruit fly species＇ responses to lures are critically important, especially when a single lure might be recommended for the purpose of trapping multiple fruit fly species in commercial fruit orchards. Fruit industries are facing threats from the recent invasion of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis （Hendel） into novel areas in South Africa. The objective of this study was to test the relative efficiency of 13 different trapping systems for fruit fly species in mango orchards in South Africa. Evaluation of the different monitoring systems was conducted during the 2013-2014 mango season in the Vhembe district municipality of Limpopo, South Africa. Four orchards, where Tommy Atkins was cultivated, were used to compare the efficacy of the trapping systems. Trapping data （N = 48 observation incidences per trapping system） were analyzed using a non-parametric ANOVA. Pronounced variation in species attractiveness across the trapping systems was found. The enriched ginger oil （EGO） PherolureTM captured 33.77% of all the Ceratitis spp., while the Invader-lureTM captured 36.47% of the total number of B. dorsalis trapped. Torula yeast pellets are not recommended for fruit fly trapping due to the relative low trap catch numbers and high non-target catches. These results are important and significant for on-farm monitoring strategies, as well as for invasion monitoring systems currently in place to detect the distribution ofB. dorsalis in South Africa.展开更多
This study assessing the infestation rate of fruit fly species on Solanum aethiopicum,Solanum lycopersicum,and Capsicum spp,using incubation method,was conducted in Agricultural entomology laboratory of Research Centr...This study assessing the infestation rate of fruit fly species on Solanum aethiopicum,Solanum lycopersicum,and Capsicum spp,using incubation method,was conducted in Agricultural entomology laboratory of Research Centre in Natural Sciences(CRSN)Lwiro,at Kabare in The South Kivu Province in eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.Five species of Tephritidae flies observed,i.e.Bactrocera dorsalis,B.latifrons,Dacus bivitatus,Ceratitis capitata,and Zeugodacus Cucurbitae.The highest infestation rate was observed on B.dorsalis and following C.capitata in those solanaceous chilli pepper(C.frutescens),eggplant(S.aethiopicum)and tomato(S.lycopersicum)than Z.cucurbitae,B.latifrons and D.bivittatus.However,the localities Kamakombe,Buhandahanda,Lwiro,Bishibiru have predominant in the majority of hosts in chilli pepper,eggplant and tomato.展开更多
Knowing how environmental conditions affect performance traits in pest insects is important to improve pest management strategies.It can be informative for monitoring,but also for control programs where insects are ma...Knowing how environmental conditions affect performance traits in pest insects is important to improve pest management strategies.It can be informative for monitoring,but also for control programs where insects are mass-reared,and field-released.Here,we investigated how adult thermal acclimation in sterile Bactrocera dorsalis affects dispersal and recapture rates in the field using a mark-release-recapture method.We also considered how current abiotic factors may affect recapture rates and interact with thermal history.We found that acclimation at 20 or 30℃ for 4 d prior to release reduced the number of recaptures in comparison with the 25℃ control group,but with no differences between groups in the willingness to disperse upon release.However,the deleterious effects of acclimation were only detectable in the first week following release,whereafter only the recent abiotic conditions explained recapture rates.In addition,we found that recent field conditions contributed more than thermal history to explain patterns of recaptures.The two most important variables affecting the number of recaptures were the maximum temperature and the average relative humidity experienced in the 24 h preceding trapping.Our results add to the handful of studies that have considered the effect of thermal acclimation on insect field performance,but notably lend support to the deleterious acclimation hypothesis among the various hypotheses that have been proposed.Finally,this study shows that there are specific abiotic conditions(cold/hot and dry)in which recaptures will be reduced,which may therefore bias estimates of wild population size.展开更多
Enriching the diets of sterile fruit flies with bacterial species prior to their release has been shown to improve their survival and sexual competitiveness.However,most of the bacteria associated with fruit flies are...Enriching the diets of sterile fruit flies with bacterial species prior to their release has been shown to improve their survival and sexual competitiveness.However,most of the bacteria associated with fruit flies are enterobacteria,and some species have been classified as opportunistic pathogens.On the other hand,in diets that include hydrolyzed yeast,the effect of bacteria has been counterproductive,which could be due to the protein content in the diet being too high.Therefore,our aim here was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus casei,interacting with different contents of hydrolyzed yeast in the diet,on the performance of Anastrepha obliqua adults.In sexual competitiveness tests,the highest proportion of matings was achieved by males fed on a standard diet(3:1 sugar:yeast)plus L.casei.However,the differences with the 3:1 sugar:yeast diet was not significant.In survival tests,the 3:1 diet,without L.casei,showed the highest survival.The group fed with sugar plus L.casei showed the lowest survival.Females fed the 3:1 diet showed the highest fecundity,followed by those fed the 3:1 diet plus L.casei.Enriching the standard 3:1 diet with L.casei did not lead to significant improvements in male sexual performance,survival of either sex,or fecundity,compared to flies fed the standard diet alone.However,given that Lactobacillus is harmless to both humans and flies,further research into its potential application in the sterile insect technique(SIT)is recommended.Future studies should explore alternative formulations,varying concentrations,and other species within the Lactobacillus genus that may exert more pronounced effects on the biological traits of this fruit fly.展开更多
Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann)is a cosmopolitan pest of economic importance.It is controlled by using the Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),which involves rearing and release of sterile males destined to mate with wild fem...Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann)is a cosmopolitan pest of economic importance.It is controlled by using the Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),which involves rearing and release of sterile males destined to mate with wild females,causing generation-to-generation suppression.Medflies are colonized by microorganisms,primarily the Enterobacteriaceae,with the genera Klebsiella and Enterobacter being the most common.Such microbiota contributes to host fitness.During the SIT,diet with antibiotics and irradiation for sterility of adults alter microbiota.We aimed to determine the role of Medfly microbiota on resistance to abiotic stress conditions,evaluating its function under:(i)starvation,(ii)elevated temperatures,and(iii)dry environments.These conditions simulate challenges Medfly may encounter after release,which differ from controlled rearing environments.We compared adult survival between symbiotic and aposymbiotic individuals,under starvation,two thermal regimes(25 and 30℃)or two humidity regimes(20%-25%and 80%-90%R.H.).Aposymbiotic individuals were obtained after providing them with water containing a mixture of antibiotics and methylparaben.Treatment with antimicrobials effectively reduced the gut microbiota.While starvation had no significant effect on survival,a higher proportion of aposymbiotic individuals died earlier at 30℃ and under dry humidity,with the effect being more pronounced after 48 h.Our results suggest that microbiota plays a role in adaptation of Medfly under environmental stress.We report for the presence of a culturable yeast in the digestive tract of C.capitata,Zygosaccharomyces rouxii.Providing a probiotic adult diet with bacteria and Z.rouxii prior to release could improve SIT outcomes under adverse conditions.展开更多
The tomato fruit fly Dacus punctatifrons is a pest of tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill in Cameroon. Oviposition behavior, developmental durations for the life stages, pupal and adult weights as well as adult longe...The tomato fruit fly Dacus punctatifrons is a pest of tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill in Cameroon. Oviposition behavior, developmental durations for the life stages, pupal and adult weights as well as adult longevities were investigated on tomato. The peak period of oviposition was recorded between the hours of 10：30-11：30 and 14：30-5：30. The number of eggs per clutch varied from 3-12. Although the development period was similar for both sexes, the pupal weights, adult weights as well as adult longevities were significantly different.展开更多
A new species of Celidodacus Hendel, C. parafenestratus Chen & Freidberg, sp. nov. from Democratic Republic of Congo, is described and illustrated. Redescriptions and illustrations of C. coloniarum and C. obnubilu...A new species of Celidodacus Hendel, C. parafenestratus Chen & Freidberg, sp. nov. from Democratic Republic of Congo, is described and illustrated. Redescriptions and illustrations of C. coloniarum and C. obnubilus are provided, of which C. coloniarum is first recorded from Kenya. A key to all species of the genus is revised.展开更多
The sterile insect technique(SIT)is a highly effective biologically-based method for the suppression of many insect pest populations.SIT efficacy could be improved by methods of male sterilization that avoid the use o...The sterile insect technique(SIT)is a highly effective biologically-based method for the suppression of many insect pest populations.SIT efficacy could be improved by methods of male sterilization that avoid the use of irradiation that can result in diminished fitness and mating competitiveness.Alternative sterilization methods include conditional disruption of genes for male fertility,or using their sperm-specific promoters to drive the expression of genes for lethal effectors.Testing has begun for the testis-specificβ2-tubulin gene,though additional male fertility genes are required for redundancy or replacement,and for species where theβ2-tubulin isoform does not exist or is not testis-specific.Here we had the goal of identifying and characterizing the sequence and transcriptional expression of two genes in the caribfly,Anastrepha suspensa,that are cognates of D.melanogaster spermatocyte-specific male fertility genes.In Drosophila,wampa encodes a coiled-coil dynein subunit required for axonemal assembly essential to microtubule-based sperm motility,while Prosα6T is a proteasome subunit gene required for spermatid individualization and nuclear maturation.In A.suspensa a cognate to wampa exhibited testis-specific transcript expression,which was minimal in both male and female body tissue.A Prosα6T cognate was not apparent in A.suspensa,but its constitutive isoform,Prosα6,expresses in male testes,but also in male and female body tissue.Thus,for A.suspensa,wampa remains a strong candidate gene for male sterility strategies for SIT including a direct target for gene-editing knockout and use of its promoter for testisspecific toxicity or cell death in conditional expression systems.展开更多
Globalization and climate change may be driving the spread of the quarantine fruit fly,Bactrocera carambolae,highlighting the need for ecofriendly control methods like the Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),which relies on...Globalization and climate change may be driving the spread of the quarantine fruit fly,Bactrocera carambolae,highlighting the need for ecofriendly control methods like the Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),which relies on releasing sterile males to reduce wild populations.However,developing effective strains through genetic manipulation of sex-determination genes remains challenging due to limited knowledge of this pathway in B.carambolae.In this study,the structures of three key orthologous genes-transformer(tra),transformer-2(tra-2),and doublesex(dsx)-were characterized and compared with those of other Bactrocera species.These genes were found to share conserved structures,following a bottom-up pattern from Bcardsx to Bcartra-2 and Bcartra,with intron retention observed in Bcartra as a structural variation.Developmental expression analysis revealed that the splicing patterns of Bcartra first appeared at 6 hours post oviposition(hpo),with sex-specific patterns established by 10 hpo.The expression profiles in B.carambolae were similar to those in the closely related species B.dorsalis,although gene expression occurred later in B.carambolae.RNAi knockdown of Bcartra resulted in nearly all phenotypic males,supporting the role of BcarTRA in controlling the sex-specific splicing of Bcartra itself and the downstream genes doublesex and fruitless.Additionally,in silico predictions of protein interactions(TRA^(F),TRA-2,and RBP1)and putative cis-regulatory elements on Bcartra pre-mRNA suggested specific binding events occur at these conserved sites.These findings contribute to the development of potential genetic tools for pest control and provide insights into the evolutionary relationships among these orthologous genes.展开更多
Bactrocera zonata is a highly invasive agricultural pest that causes extensive damage to fruit crops.The Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),a species-specific and environmentally friendly pest control method,significantly ...Bactrocera zonata is a highly invasive agricultural pest that causes extensive damage to fruit crops.The Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),a species-specific and environmentally friendly pest control method,significantly benefits from the availability of Genetic Sexing Strains(GSSs)that enable efficient mass production of males for sterile release.However,no GSS currently exists for B.zonata limiting SIT applications targeting this important invasive pest.Here,we report two key advancements toward GSS development in this species.First,we present a high-quality,chromosome-level genome assembly from male B.zonata,identifying two scaffolds derived from the Y chromosome,which represent potential targets for future male-specific genetic engineering.Second,we demonstrate the feasibility of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in B.zonata by generating stable,homozygous white-eye mutants through targeted disruption of the conserved white-eye gene.This visible,recessive phenotype serves as a proof-of-concept for developing selectable markers in this species.Together,these results provide foundational genomic and genetic tools to support the development of GSSs in B.zonata,advancing the potential for sustainable,genetics-based pest control strategies.展开更多
Sterile insect technique(SIT)has become a key component of efficient pest control.Fruit fly pests from the Drosophilidae and Tephritidae families pose a substantial and overwhelmingly increasing threat to the agricult...Sterile insect technique(SIT)has become a key component of efficient pest control.Fruit fly pests from the Drosophilidae and Tephritidae families pose a substantial and overwhelmingly increasing threat to the agricultural industry,aggravated by climate change and globalization among other contributors.In this review,we discuss the advances in genetic engineering aimed to improve the SIT-mediated fruit fly pest control.This includes SIT enhancement strategies such as novel genetic sexing strain and female lethality approaches.Self-pervasive X-shredding and X-poisoning sex distorters,alongside gene drive varieties are also reviewed.The self-limiting precision-guided SIT,which aims to tackle female removal and male fertility via CRISPR/Cas9,is additionally introduced.By using examples of existing genetic tools in the fruit fly pests of interest,as well as model species,we illustrate that the population control intensity may be modulated depending on strategy selection.展开更多
The sterile insect technique(SIT)is a pest control method that has been successful in controlling various species of fruit flies of economic importance worldwide.However,SIT procedures can affect the performance of ma...The sterile insect technique(SIT)is a pest control method that has been successful in controlling various species of fruit flies of economic importance worldwide.However,SIT procedures can affect the performance of mass-reared sterile fruit flies,compromising the SIT effectiveness.This review aims to identify and analyze the adverse effects associated with each step of the SIT.Special emphasis is placed on identifying critical points in the SIT process that compromise the quality and highlighting the stages that require greater optimization to improve the effectiveness of the technique.We reviewed the main scientific findings that document the impact of domestication,mass-rearing,irradiation,handling,and release on the biology,ecology,behavior,and genetic makeup of sterile males,and how they affect the performance of sterile males under natural conditions,and the effectiveness of the SIT.Although all stages of the Sterile Insect Technique(SIT)impose some degree of compromise on insect performance,domestication and mass-rearing have the most profoundly negative impact on the field performance of sterile fruit flies.As the initial and most influential stages,they largely determine the overall quality and competitiveness of released insects,exerting a stronger impact than any subsequent SIT component.展开更多
The frugivorous ＂true＂ fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni （Queensland fruit fly）, is presumed to have a nonresourced-based lek mating system. This is largely untested, and contrary data exists to suggest Bactrocera tryo...The frugivorous ＂true＂ fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni （Queensland fruit fly）, is presumed to have a nonresourced-based lek mating system. This is largely untested, and contrary data exists to suggest Bactrocera tryoni may have a resource-based mating system focused on fruiting host plants. We tested the mating system ofBactrocera tryoni, and its close sibling Bactrocera neohumeralis, in large field cages using laboratory reared flies. We used observational experiments that allowed us to determine if： （i） mating pairs were aggregated or nonaggregated; （ii） mating system was resource or nonresource based; （iii） flies utilized possible landmarks （tall trees over short） as mate-rendezvous sites; and （iv） males called females from male-dominated leks. We recorded nearly 250 Bactrocera tryoni mating pairs across all experiments, revealing that： （i） mating pairs were aggregated; （ii） mating nearly always occurred in tall trees over short; （iii） mating was nonresource based; and （iv） that males and females arrived at the mate-rendezvous site together with no evidence that males preceded females. Bactrocera neohumeralis copulations were much more infrequent （only 30 mating pairs in total）, but for those pairs there was a similar preference for tall trees and no evidence of a resource-based mating system. Some aspects of Bactrocera tryoni mating behavior align with theoretical expectations of a lekking system, but others do not. Until evidence for unequivocal female choice can be provided （as predicted under a true lek）, the mating system ofBactrocera tryoni is best described as a nonresource based, aggregation system for which we also have evidence that land-marking may be involved.展开更多
Methoprene （an analogue of juvenile hormone） application and feeding on a protein diet is known to enhance male melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett （Diptera： Tephritidae）, mating success. In this study, w...Methoprene （an analogue of juvenile hormone） application and feeding on a protein diet is known to enhance male melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett （Diptera： Tephritidae）, mating success. In this study, we investigated the effect of these treatments on male B. cucurbitae＇s ability to inhibit female remating. While 14-d-old females were fed on protein diet, 6-d-old males were exposed to one of the following treatments： （i） topical application of methoprene and fed on a protein diet; （ii） no methoprene but fed on a protein diet; （iii） methoprene and sugar-fed only; and （iv） sugar-fed, 14-d-old males acted as controls. Treatments had no effect on a male＇s ability to depress the female remating receptivity in comparison to the control. Females mated with protein-deprived males showed higher remating receptivity than females first mated with protein-fed males. Methoprene and protein diet interaction had a positive effect on male mating success during the first and second mating of females. Significantly more females first mated with sugar-fed males remated with protein-fed males and females first mated with methoprene treated and protein-fed males were more likely to remate with similarly treated males. Females mating latency （time to start mating） was significantly shorter with protein-fed males, and mating duration was significantly longer with protein-fed males compared with protein-deprived males. These results are discussed in the context of methoprene and/or dietary protein as prerelease treatment of sterile males in area-wide control of melon fly integrating the sterile insect technique （SIT）.展开更多
Good culturing methods play an important role in the study of insect behavior and its application to pest management. Here, we describe and validate a new method for rearing the parasitoid wasp, Diachasmirnorpha kraus...Good culturing methods play an important role in the study of insect behavior and its application to pest management. Here, we describe and validate a new method for rearing the parasitoid wasp, Diachasmirnorpha kraussii, which attacks some of the world＇s worst fruit fly pests and is an internationally used biological control agent. Our method differs from standard culturing approaches by presenting adult wasps with host- infested artificial media within a ＂culturing bag,＂ which mimics a natural （fruit） oviposition substrate. In laboratory trials using wild collected D. kraussii, the culturing bag method was compared to the use of host-infested nectarines, and a commonly used laboratory method of presenting host-infested artificial media within Petri dishes. The culturing bag method proved to be a significant improvement on both methods, combining the advantages of high host survival in artificial media with parasitism levels that were the equivalent to those recorded using host-infested fruits. In our field study, culturing bags infested with the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, and hung in a mixed peach and nectarine orchard proved to be effective ＂artificial fruits＂ attracting wild D. kraussii for oviposition. Significantly more adult wasps were reared from the culturing bags compared to field collected fruits. This was shown to be due to higher fruit fly larval density in the bags, as similar percentage parasitism rates were found between the culturing bags and ripe fruits. We discuss how this cheap, time-efficient method could be applied to collecting and monitoring wild D. kraussii populations in orchards, and assist in maintaining genetic variability in parasitoid laboratory cultures.展开更多
文摘Nine species in the subgenus Zeugodacus Hendel were known to occur in Yunnan. We add seven more species to the fauna of Yunnan. Among them, one species, Bactrocera (Zeugodacus) vultus Hardy, 1973, is reported from China for the first time. This species is redescribed in detail and its male genitalia are illustrated and described for the first time. A key to the species of the subgenus Zeugodacus from Yunnan is provided.
文摘A new species of the genus Bactrocera Macquart, B. （Zeugodacus） baoshanensis, sp. nov., is described from Yunnan, China. The type specimen is deposited in the Institute of Beneficial Insects, Fujian Agriculture Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30770267)Special Fund for Entry-Exit Inspections and Quarantine Scientific Research in the Public Interest (201210079)
文摘A new species, Bactrocera （Zeugodacus） gansuica Chen, Han et Zhou sp. nov., is discovered from China, and B （Z.） vultus （Hardy, 1973） is recorded for the first time in Laos. These two species are here described and illustrated.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31672325)National Key R&D Program of China(2017YFC1200602)+1 种基金Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA19050203)and the National Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(31625024).
文摘Two new species of Ortalotrypeta Hendel,O.costamacula Chen&Wang,sp.nov.and O.straighta Chen&Wang,sp.nov.from Shannxi,China are described and illustrated,together with their adult habits and behaviors.The biological observation of another three species,O.gansuica,O.trypetoides,and O.ziae,are also reported here.The biological reports are the first time for the tribe Ortalotrypetini,subfamily Tachiniscinae.An updated key to the genus Ortalotrypeta is provided.
文摘Fruit fly species＇ responses to lures are critically important, especially when a single lure might be recommended for the purpose of trapping multiple fruit fly species in commercial fruit orchards. Fruit industries are facing threats from the recent invasion of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis （Hendel） into novel areas in South Africa. The objective of this study was to test the relative efficiency of 13 different trapping systems for fruit fly species in mango orchards in South Africa. Evaluation of the different monitoring systems was conducted during the 2013-2014 mango season in the Vhembe district municipality of Limpopo, South Africa. Four orchards, where Tommy Atkins was cultivated, were used to compare the efficacy of the trapping systems. Trapping data （N = 48 observation incidences per trapping system） were analyzed using a non-parametric ANOVA. Pronounced variation in species attractiveness across the trapping systems was found. The enriched ginger oil （EGO） PherolureTM captured 33.77% of all the Ceratitis spp., while the Invader-lureTM captured 36.47% of the total number of B. dorsalis trapped. Torula yeast pellets are not recommended for fruit fly trapping due to the relative low trap catch numbers and high non-target catches. These results are important and significant for on-farm monitoring strategies, as well as for invasion monitoring systems currently in place to detect the distribution ofB. dorsalis in South Africa.
文摘This study assessing the infestation rate of fruit fly species on Solanum aethiopicum,Solanum lycopersicum,and Capsicum spp,using incubation method,was conducted in Agricultural entomology laboratory of Research Centre in Natural Sciences(CRSN)Lwiro,at Kabare in The South Kivu Province in eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.Five species of Tephritidae flies observed,i.e.Bactrocera dorsalis,B.latifrons,Dacus bivitatus,Ceratitis capitata,and Zeugodacus Cucurbitae.The highest infestation rate was observed on B.dorsalis and following C.capitata in those solanaceous chilli pepper(C.frutescens),eggplant(S.aethiopicum)and tomato(S.lycopersicum)than Z.cucurbitae,B.latifrons and D.bivittatus.However,the localities Kamakombe,Buhandahanda,Lwiro,Bishibiru have predominant in the majority of hosts in chilli pepper,eggplant and tomato.
基金funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under agreement No 818184(FF-IPM)Citrus Research International for provided pupae used to establish the cultures。
文摘Knowing how environmental conditions affect performance traits in pest insects is important to improve pest management strategies.It can be informative for monitoring,but also for control programs where insects are mass-reared,and field-released.Here,we investigated how adult thermal acclimation in sterile Bactrocera dorsalis affects dispersal and recapture rates in the field using a mark-release-recapture method.We also considered how current abiotic factors may affect recapture rates and interact with thermal history.We found that acclimation at 20 or 30℃ for 4 d prior to release reduced the number of recaptures in comparison with the 25℃ control group,but with no differences between groups in the willingness to disperse upon release.However,the deleterious effects of acclimation were only detectable in the first week following release,whereafter only the recent abiotic conditions explained recapture rates.In addition,we found that recent field conditions contributed more than thermal history to explain patterns of recaptures.The two most important variables affecting the number of recaptures were the maximum temperature and the average relative humidity experienced in the 24 h preceding trapping.Our results add to the handful of studies that have considered the effect of thermal acclimation on insect field performance,but notably lend support to the deleterious acclimation hypothesis among the various hypotheses that have been proposed.Finally,this study shows that there are specific abiotic conditions(cold/hot and dry)in which recaptures will be reduced,which may therefore bias estimates of wild population size.
基金To the Consejo Nacional de Humanidades,Ciencia y Tecnologia(CONAHCYT)for the scholarship awarded to DO(830505)To the Moscafrut facility of the Programa Nacional de Moscas de la Fruta(SENASICA)for providing the biological material.This work was supported by project"Mass-rearing colony management for SIT application in Anastrepha fruit flies"funded by the International Atomic Agency through contract 22676.
文摘Enriching the diets of sterile fruit flies with bacterial species prior to their release has been shown to improve their survival and sexual competitiveness.However,most of the bacteria associated with fruit flies are enterobacteria,and some species have been classified as opportunistic pathogens.On the other hand,in diets that include hydrolyzed yeast,the effect of bacteria has been counterproductive,which could be due to the protein content in the diet being too high.Therefore,our aim here was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus casei,interacting with different contents of hydrolyzed yeast in the diet,on the performance of Anastrepha obliqua adults.In sexual competitiveness tests,the highest proportion of matings was achieved by males fed on a standard diet(3:1 sugar:yeast)plus L.casei.However,the differences with the 3:1 sugar:yeast diet was not significant.In survival tests,the 3:1 diet,without L.casei,showed the highest survival.The group fed with sugar plus L.casei showed the lowest survival.Females fed the 3:1 diet showed the highest fecundity,followed by those fed the 3:1 diet plus L.casei.Enriching the standard 3:1 diet with L.casei did not lead to significant improvements in male sexual performance,survival of either sex,or fecundity,compared to flies fed the standard diet alone.However,given that Lactobacillus is harmless to both humans and flies,further research into its potential application in the sterile insect technique(SIT)is recommended.Future studies should explore alternative formulations,varying concentrations,and other species within the Lactobacillus genus that may exert more pronounced effects on the biological traits of this fruit fly.
基金Fund for Scientific and Technological Research of Argentina(FONCyT PICT 2018 number 03521).
文摘Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann)is a cosmopolitan pest of economic importance.It is controlled by using the Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),which involves rearing and release of sterile males destined to mate with wild females,causing generation-to-generation suppression.Medflies are colonized by microorganisms,primarily the Enterobacteriaceae,with the genera Klebsiella and Enterobacter being the most common.Such microbiota contributes to host fitness.During the SIT,diet with antibiotics and irradiation for sterility of adults alter microbiota.We aimed to determine the role of Medfly microbiota on resistance to abiotic stress conditions,evaluating its function under:(i)starvation,(ii)elevated temperatures,and(iii)dry environments.These conditions simulate challenges Medfly may encounter after release,which differ from controlled rearing environments.We compared adult survival between symbiotic and aposymbiotic individuals,under starvation,two thermal regimes(25 and 30℃)or two humidity regimes(20%-25%and 80%-90%R.H.).Aposymbiotic individuals were obtained after providing them with water containing a mixture of antibiotics and methylparaben.Treatment with antimicrobials effectively reduced the gut microbiota.While starvation had no significant effect on survival,a higher proportion of aposymbiotic individuals died earlier at 30℃ and under dry humidity,with the effect being more pronounced after 48 h.Our results suggest that microbiota plays a role in adaptation of Medfly under environmental stress.We report for the presence of a culturable yeast in the digestive tract of C.capitata,Zygosaccharomyces rouxii.Providing a probiotic adult diet with bacteria and Z.rouxii prior to release could improve SIT outcomes under adverse conditions.
文摘The tomato fruit fly Dacus punctatifrons is a pest of tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill in Cameroon. Oviposition behavior, developmental durations for the life stages, pupal and adult weights as well as adult longevities were investigated on tomato. The peak period of oviposition was recorded between the hours of 10：30-11：30 and 14：30-5：30. The number of eggs per clutch varied from 3-12. Although the development period was similar for both sexes, the pupal weights, adult weights as well as adult longevities were significantly different.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China(2017YFC1200602)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31672325)+1 种基金Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA19050203)the National Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(31625024)
文摘A new species of Celidodacus Hendel, C. parafenestratus Chen & Freidberg, sp. nov. from Democratic Republic of Congo, is described and illustrated. Redescriptions and illustrations of C. coloniarum and C. obnubilus are provided, of which C. coloniarum is first recorded from Kenya. A key to all species of the genus is revised.
基金supported by the Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program,grant no.2020-33522-32271,from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
文摘The sterile insect technique(SIT)is a highly effective biologically-based method for the suppression of many insect pest populations.SIT efficacy could be improved by methods of male sterilization that avoid the use of irradiation that can result in diminished fitness and mating competitiveness.Alternative sterilization methods include conditional disruption of genes for male fertility,or using their sperm-specific promoters to drive the expression of genes for lethal effectors.Testing has begun for the testis-specificβ2-tubulin gene,though additional male fertility genes are required for redundancy or replacement,and for species where theβ2-tubulin isoform does not exist or is not testis-specific.Here we had the goal of identifying and characterizing the sequence and transcriptional expression of two genes in the caribfly,Anastrepha suspensa,that are cognates of D.melanogaster spermatocyte-specific male fertility genes.In Drosophila,wampa encodes a coiled-coil dynein subunit required for axonemal assembly essential to microtubule-based sperm motility,while Prosα6T is a proteasome subunit gene required for spermatid individualization and nuclear maturation.In A.suspensa a cognate to wampa exhibited testis-specific transcript expression,which was minimal in both male and female body tissue.A Prosα6T cognate was not apparent in A.suspensa,but its constitutive isoform,Prosα6,expresses in male testes,but also in male and female body tissue.Thus,for A.suspensa,wampa remains a strong candidate gene for male sterility strategies for SIT including a direct target for gene-editing knockout and use of its promoter for testisspecific toxicity or cell death in conditional expression systems.
基金supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency research contract no.23360 as part of the Coordinated Research Project D44003,“Generic approach for the development of genetic sexing strains for SIT applications,”to N.Aketarawong and K.LaohakieatAdditionally,this research project was supported by a research assistant grant to N.Aketarawong and partial funding to N.Aketarawong and K.Laohakieat from the Faculty of Science,Mahidol University.
文摘Globalization and climate change may be driving the spread of the quarantine fruit fly,Bactrocera carambolae,highlighting the need for ecofriendly control methods like the Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),which relies on releasing sterile males to reduce wild populations.However,developing effective strains through genetic manipulation of sex-determination genes remains challenging due to limited knowledge of this pathway in B.carambolae.In this study,the structures of three key orthologous genes-transformer(tra),transformer-2(tra-2),and doublesex(dsx)-were characterized and compared with those of other Bactrocera species.These genes were found to share conserved structures,following a bottom-up pattern from Bcardsx to Bcartra-2 and Bcartra,with intron retention observed in Bcartra as a structural variation.Developmental expression analysis revealed that the splicing patterns of Bcartra first appeared at 6 hours post oviposition(hpo),with sex-specific patterns established by 10 hpo.The expression profiles in B.carambolae were similar to those in the closely related species B.dorsalis,although gene expression occurred later in B.carambolae.RNAi knockdown of Bcartra resulted in nearly all phenotypic males,supporting the role of BcarTRA in controlling the sex-specific splicing of Bcartra itself and the downstream genes doublesex and fruitless.Additionally,in silico predictions of protein interactions(TRA^(F),TRA-2,and RBP1)and putative cis-regulatory elements on Bcartra pre-mRNA suggested specific binding events occur at these conserved sites.These findings contribute to the development of potential genetic tools for pest control and provide insights into the evolutionary relationships among these orthologous genes.
基金Funding was provided by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Program(REACTgrant agreement number 101059523 to PAP,GP and KM)the US-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund(BARD-grant agreement number IS-5590-23 to PAP,GP,AH)+3 种基金the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Zelman Cowen Academic Initiatives(ZCAI Joint Project 2021 number 0456 to PAP and SWB)Initial support was generously provided in the form of an International Fellowship to FK from the Research Fund for International Cooperation,Robert H.Smith Faculty of Agriculture,Food and Environment,HUJI and HUJI startup funds to PAP.Genome sequencing was financially supported by the Insect Pest Control Subprogramme of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture,the German Research Foundation through the Middle East Cooperation project 491548882(PAP)the Canada Foundation for Innovation grants 40104 and 35444(to Ioannis Ragousis)Publication cost for this study was provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency as part of the Coordinated Research Project“Generic approach for the development of genetic sexing strains for SIT applications”。
文摘Bactrocera zonata is a highly invasive agricultural pest that causes extensive damage to fruit crops.The Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),a species-specific and environmentally friendly pest control method,significantly benefits from the availability of Genetic Sexing Strains(GSSs)that enable efficient mass production of males for sterile release.However,no GSS currently exists for B.zonata limiting SIT applications targeting this important invasive pest.Here,we report two key advancements toward GSS development in this species.First,we present a high-quality,chromosome-level genome assembly from male B.zonata,identifying two scaffolds derived from the Y chromosome,which represent potential targets for future male-specific genetic engineering.Second,we demonstrate the feasibility of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in B.zonata by generating stable,homozygous white-eye mutants through targeted disruption of the conserved white-eye gene.This visible,recessive phenotype serves as a proof-of-concept for developing selectable markers in this species.Together,these results provide foundational genomic and genetic tools to support the development of GSSs in B.zonata,advancing the potential for sustainable,genetics-based pest control strategies.
基金Funding for this research was provided by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme REACT(Grant agreement 101059523).
文摘Sterile insect technique(SIT)has become a key component of efficient pest control.Fruit fly pests from the Drosophilidae and Tephritidae families pose a substantial and overwhelmingly increasing threat to the agricultural industry,aggravated by climate change and globalization among other contributors.In this review,we discuss the advances in genetic engineering aimed to improve the SIT-mediated fruit fly pest control.This includes SIT enhancement strategies such as novel genetic sexing strain and female lethality approaches.Self-pervasive X-shredding and X-poisoning sex distorters,alongside gene drive varieties are also reviewed.The self-limiting precision-guided SIT,which aims to tackle female removal and male fertility via CRISPR/Cas9,is additionally introduced.By using examples of existing genetic tools in the fruit fly pests of interest,as well as model species,we illustrate that the population control intensity may be modulated depending on strategy selection.
基金Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO)and International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA)program for funding this project under CRP D42017 and CRP D40045.
文摘The sterile insect technique(SIT)is a pest control method that has been successful in controlling various species of fruit flies of economic importance worldwide.However,SIT procedures can affect the performance of mass-reared sterile fruit flies,compromising the SIT effectiveness.This review aims to identify and analyze the adverse effects associated with each step of the SIT.Special emphasis is placed on identifying critical points in the SIT process that compromise the quality and highlighting the stages that require greater optimization to improve the effectiveness of the technique.We reviewed the main scientific findings that document the impact of domestication,mass-rearing,irradiation,handling,and release on the biology,ecology,behavior,and genetic makeup of sterile males,and how they affect the performance of sterile males under natural conditions,and the effectiveness of the SIT.Although all stages of the Sterile Insect Technique(SIT)impose some degree of compromise on insect performance,domestication and mass-rearing have the most profoundly negative impact on the field performance of sterile fruit flies.As the initial and most influential stages,they largely determine the overall quality and competitiveness of released insects,exerting a stronger impact than any subsequent SIT component.
文摘The frugivorous ＂true＂ fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni （Queensland fruit fly）, is presumed to have a nonresourced-based lek mating system. This is largely untested, and contrary data exists to suggest Bactrocera tryoni may have a resource-based mating system focused on fruiting host plants. We tested the mating system ofBactrocera tryoni, and its close sibling Bactrocera neohumeralis, in large field cages using laboratory reared flies. We used observational experiments that allowed us to determine if： （i） mating pairs were aggregated or nonaggregated; （ii） mating system was resource or nonresource based; （iii） flies utilized possible landmarks （tall trees over short） as mate-rendezvous sites; and （iv） males called females from male-dominated leks. We recorded nearly 250 Bactrocera tryoni mating pairs across all experiments, revealing that： （i） mating pairs were aggregated; （ii） mating nearly always occurred in tall trees over short; （iii） mating was nonresource based; and （iv） that males and females arrived at the mate-rendezvous site together with no evidence that males preceded females. Bactrocera neohumeralis copulations were much more infrequent （only 30 mating pairs in total）, but for those pairs there was a similar preference for tall trees and no evidence of a resource-based mating system. Some aspects of Bactrocera tryoni mating behavior align with theoretical expectations of a lekking system, but others do not. Until evidence for unequivocal female choice can be provided （as predicted under a true lek）, the mating system ofBactrocera tryoni is best described as a nonresource based, aggregation system for which we also have evidence that land-marking may be involved.
文摘Methoprene （an analogue of juvenile hormone） application and feeding on a protein diet is known to enhance male melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett （Diptera： Tephritidae）, mating success. In this study, we investigated the effect of these treatments on male B. cucurbitae＇s ability to inhibit female remating. While 14-d-old females were fed on protein diet, 6-d-old males were exposed to one of the following treatments： （i） topical application of methoprene and fed on a protein diet; （ii） no methoprene but fed on a protein diet; （iii） methoprene and sugar-fed only; and （iv） sugar-fed, 14-d-old males acted as controls. Treatments had no effect on a male＇s ability to depress the female remating receptivity in comparison to the control. Females mated with protein-deprived males showed higher remating receptivity than females first mated with protein-fed males. Methoprene and protein diet interaction had a positive effect on male mating success during the first and second mating of females. Significantly more females first mated with sugar-fed males remated with protein-fed males and females first mated with methoprene treated and protein-fed males were more likely to remate with similarly treated males. Females mating latency （time to start mating） was significantly shorter with protein-fed males, and mating duration was significantly longer with protein-fed males compared with protein-deprived males. These results are discussed in the context of methoprene and/or dietary protein as prerelease treatment of sterile males in area-wide control of melon fly integrating the sterile insect technique （SIT）.
文摘Good culturing methods play an important role in the study of insect behavior and its application to pest management. Here, we describe and validate a new method for rearing the parasitoid wasp, Diachasmirnorpha kraussii, which attacks some of the world＇s worst fruit fly pests and is an internationally used biological control agent. Our method differs from standard culturing approaches by presenting adult wasps with host- infested artificial media within a ＂culturing bag,＂ which mimics a natural （fruit） oviposition substrate. In laboratory trials using wild collected D. kraussii, the culturing bag method was compared to the use of host-infested nectarines, and a commonly used laboratory method of presenting host-infested artificial media within Petri dishes. The culturing bag method proved to be a significant improvement on both methods, combining the advantages of high host survival in artificial media with parasitism levels that were the equivalent to those recorded using host-infested fruits. In our field study, culturing bags infested with the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, and hung in a mixed peach and nectarine orchard proved to be effective ＂artificial fruits＂ attracting wild D. kraussii for oviposition. Significantly more adult wasps were reared from the culturing bags compared to field collected fruits. This was shown to be due to higher fruit fly larval density in the bags, as similar percentage parasitism rates were found between the culturing bags and ripe fruits. We discuss how this cheap, time-efficient method could be applied to collecting and monitoring wild D. kraussii populations in orchards, and assist in maintaining genetic variability in parasitoid laboratory cultures.
